Volun-tourism Program

Tibet is a special travel destination and tourism is one of the biggest sources of income for the region. However, people question whether or not their tourist dollars help or hurt the Tibetan way of life and the environment. We believe it all has to start with education for both members of local communities and visitors. As a result, TVP started Conscious Journeys, a volun-tourism program that organizes cultural and educational trips to Tibet. In addition, TVP has developed training and educational materials and trained over 80 Tibetans (mostly tour guides) by organizing ecotourism workshops and trainings.

Tibetan Village Project is pleased to welcome you to Conscious Journeys that offers voluntourism programs consisting of Tibetan culture immersion, spiritual journeys, sustainable travel, and service projects in Tibet. Conscious Journeys, a mindful Tibetan volun-tourism program, is an effort by Tibetan Village Project to bring volunteer tourists into Tibet as a way of serving the Tibetan communities’ needs and enriching your travel experiences.

2010 Conscious Journeys Programs to Tibet

Spirit of Kham: If you are looking to explore the vastness of Tibet’s wild frontier and engage intimately with the land, people, and culture, then sign up for our Spirit of Kham trip today. TVP carefully designed this interactive program to offer a blend of experiences that help participants embody the richness of Tibetan life in celebration, landscape, and spirituality. This 17-day trip cost US $2,795 and was scheduled and run  from June 23rd to July 10th, 2010. Learn more

Medical Mission to Dapa: Join a compassionate group of volunteers from Medical Care International, a New York based non-profit organization, and travel to a remote Kham village to support the medical needs of a TVP clinic. The 16-day trip was held from July 25th to August 9th, 2010.

The Medical Mission to Dapa delivered crucial medical supplies; assessed the village’s fundamental medical needs; diagnose and treated patients; and organized basic healthcare education for local residents. This journey provides a unique balance of direct service and cultural immersion. Along with hands-on medical work, there will be numerous opportunities to interact with villagers, visit monasteries and historical sites, take stunning hikes under looming peaks, or soak in the local hot springs.Although medical experience is preferred, we welcome caring and compassionate volunteers who are interested in making a difference. Given the rugged terrain and high altitude, participants must be physically fit, able to handle altitude up to 12,000 ft, and afford to cover their own expenses.

Conscious Journeys invites you to learn more about our program by visiting www.consciousjourneys.org. or you could look at www.potalatravel.org ‘Tashi Delek’ (Greetings), and we look forward to welcoming you to embark on a Conscious Journey in the near future.