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Gap Year Volunteer Programs in India

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Gap Year Program In India – 2025

  • Minimum Stay 4 Weeks: Extra week/weeks available if you want to extend the duration of the Volunteer program.
  • Availability: All year-round – Program starts every Sunday from Delhi at the time of your arrival in India.
  • Requirements: Age 17+, Open mind with flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
  • Program Type: Combine Volunteer & Travel Program & includes pick up & drop off from Delhi International airport.
  • Accommodation in Volunteer house with other volunteers.
  • Volunteering Certificate: Offered after Program completion & references (on request).

 

Apply Now! Submit your Application Form.

Gap Year Program in India

Our Gap year program in India is perfect for the participants who are looking for combine meaningful travel and quality volunteer experience in India for a short duration. (Minimum stay 4 weeks, volunteers can extend the program duration if they prefer). Program runs throughout the year and starts every Sunday from Delhi International airport at the time of your arrival in India. Program includes sightseeing of India’s best places, (Please check below mentioned itinerary) pick up & drop off from Delhi International airport, accommodation in volunteer house with other volunteers, hot running showers, wi-fi, with 3 meals everyday & much more. Our staff member will be with you throughout the whole program.

Program gives you the opportunity to work with community children, childcare program or with women empowerment program in Dharamsala, India. (Volunteers can choose volunteer programs according to their personal preference). Volunteers can teach basic English & computer skills (Typing, Microsoft Word, excel, writing skills, CV writing, job application, interviewing skills, Internet, grammar, vocabulary, email writing and etc.) Organize fun games for them that involve drawing, singing, dancing, and other creative educational activities. The program is perfect fit for everyone who is looking for combine Volunteer and travel program in India.

Please check below Itinerary what to expect?

Day 1 (Sunday – Arrival in India)

Here is a sample itinerary of what you might expect to see and do during these 4 weeks.

Pick up from Delhi International Airport at the time of your arrival in India by an iSpiice staff member displaying an iSpiice placard & transfer to a hotel in Delhi.

Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi after your long flight to India. (Hotel accommodation is included in price). Please note that you may be sharing your hotel room with a fellow volunteer of same gender (2 volunteer in one room). There is an additional fee for a private room which can be booked prior arrival to India. We usually request our volunteers to book an arrival flight to India on Sunday any time of the day.

(Pick up timings are available whole Sunday AM TO PM).

Day 2 (Monday – Delhi to Agra) 4 hours by AC Train or Cab

(Meals – NA)

After Breakfast, your coordinator will discuss your program itinerary with volunteers for the days to come.

Check out and get ready to witness Delhi including, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Parliament house, Mahatma Gandhi Museum & much more which must see tourist places of Capital City India. Later we will transfer you to Agra by AC train/AC Cab. Upon arrival at Agra, check in at the hotel arranged for you. Overnight stay at Agra.

Day3 (Tuesday – Agra to Jaipur) 4 hours by AC Train

Early Morning visit the world-famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan. The Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and famously known as the Monument of love.

After a memorable visit to Taj Mahal, back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we will transfer you to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at the Hotel and relax for the day.

(Meals – NA)
Day 4 (Wednesday - Jaipur)

(Meals- NA)

After breakfast visit to historic Amber Fort. Visit various palaces and monuments on the fort. Visit the charming Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds – Photo stop only), Jal Mahal (Palace of water) & colorful markets of Pick city. Check in at the Hotel and relax for the day.

Overnight stay at Jaipur.

Day 5 (Thursday - Jaipur to Delhi - Dharamsala) By overnight AC Sleeper Train

After breakfast proceed to Delhi by AC Train to travel further to a project site at Dharamsala with other volunteers by AC Sleeper Train.

(Meals – NA)
Day 6 (Friday - Dharamsala)

Rest & small orientation session.

(Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 & 8 (Saturday & Sunday - Dharamsala)

Explore local area and get prepare for Volunteer work.

(Meals- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 to Day 13 (Monday to Friday) Volunteering in Dharamsala

(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 14 to Day 15 (Saturday – Sunday) Trekking in Himalayas (2 days, 1 night)
  • Spend a two-day mountain trek (Triund) in Himalayas with iSpiice trekking guides. Depart Saturday morning in a vehicle arranged by iSpiice and travel to McLeod Ganj where the trek begins.
  • Trek comfortably for 5-6 hours, stopping for food and plenty of photos whilst passing donkeys and local shepherds along the way.
  • Once at the top enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, relax, watch the sunset, eat dinner and warm up by the fire before retiring to the guesthouse or tent.
  • Wake up and watch the sunrise early on Sunday morning.
  • Eat breakfast, pack up your belongings and begin the descent.
  • Arrive in McLeod Ganj for lunch at local restaurants and explore the area. (Not included in the cost).
  • Travel back to iSpiice Volunteer house. (Sunday Evening for Dinner) with iSpiice team member. Private vehicle will be provided by iSpiice.
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16 to Day 20 (Monday to Friday) Volunteering in Dharamsala

(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 21 & Day 22 (Saturday - Sunday) Free Weekend.

Explore local area and get prepare for Volunteer work.

(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 23 to Day 26 (Monday to Thursday) Volunteering in Dharamsala

 

(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 27 & 28 ( Friday & Saturday )The Golden Temple Trip/5 hours by cab.
  • After Breakfast, we will transfer you to Amritsar, reaching Amritsar by lunchtime the city of the famous Golden Temple. Upon arrival at Amritsar, check in at the hotel arranged for you.
  • Explore the local market and drive to the Pakistan border to experience the famous Wagha border ceremony in the early evening.
  • Be wowed by the Golden Temple at night (the building, the lights, the prayers, the live music and of course the people). Visit the temple kitchens and food halls feeding thousands. Overnight stay at hotel.
  • Saturday morning after breakfast, we will transfer you to the train station in Amritsar from where you will be boarding an air-conditioned train to Delhi. Reaching Delhi by 06:00 pm. (Saturday)

We usually request our volunteers to book an arrival flight on Sunday to Delhi international airport any time of the day and book a departure flight any time on final Saturday after 08:00 pm.

Please share your arrival and departure information with us: info@volunteerindiaispiice.com

(Meals –NA)

Volunteer Requirements

  • Volunteers must be 17 years or older.
  • You must have an open mind for working in a new and different environment.
  • We don’t require you to have any specific qualifications or experience.
  • All you need is the desire to help, a willingness to learn, and the motivation to succeed. We believe that volunteering opportunities should be open to everyone.
  • You need to speak English of basic level.

Volunteer Role & Responsibilities

  • Teach the basics of English to the children and women, and create a playful environment by encouraging them to learn basic English, arts and crafts, grammar, Computer (Typing, Microsoft Word, Internet, email writing) etc.
  • Become a volunteer teacher and inspire kids in India.
  • Make a vital contribution to the education system in India and make a real difference in the lives of local people.
  • Improve the teaching standards by introducing fresh and exciting ideas.
  • Interact with the local community and get to know friendly Indian people.
  • Teaching children good hygiene and life skills.
  • Children are very welcoming and always happy to see volunteers from all over the globe and eager to learn.

Typical Schedule For Your Day

  • 08:00 AM – Breakfast at volunteer house.
  • 09:30 AM – Prepare for volunteer class.
  • 10:00 AM – Travel to work areas.
  • 10:30 AM – Volunteer work.
  • 12:30 PM – Return to volunteer house.
  • 01:00 PM – Lunch.
  • 02:00 PM – Travel to afternoon work area.
  • 04:30 PM – Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to volunteer house or do some shopping.
  • 07:00 PM – Dinner.

Volunteer House & Travel Pictures

→ Volunteer House is large, clean, comfortable and communal. We have western comforts (electricity, hot running showers, wi-fi, fans, filtered water for drinking and western toilets). You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. There is an additional fee of $200 per week for a private room which can be only booked prior arrival to volunteer house. Volunteers enjoy the shared environment of the Volunteer House – large bedrooms (separate male and female), bathrooms, large living areas for enjoying meals, relaxing and preparing lessons.

→ Three delicious, hygienic and healthy meals are provided each day at the iSpiice Volunteer House. Generally main meals will consist of traditional Indian food like vegetables, rice, Dal (lentils), roti (Indian bread), salad, Paratha, Jam, Butter, eggs, Porridge, Bread, Tea (chai) and filtered water is provided in the volunteer house.

→ There are small shops nearby to buy soft drinks, snack food, washing powder and basic toiletries. iSpiice cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies to particular foods.

What’s Included?

  • Pick up at the time of your arrival in India from Delhi International airport & transfer to a pre-booked hotel which we have already booked for you. (Hotel accommodation included) Overnight stay at hotel in Delhi.
  • Delhi International Airport drop off at the end of program by an iSpiice project coordinator.
  • Visit the capital of India, Delhi city tour – Explore the charisma of the century-old forts and monuments. Visit the UNESCO’S World Heritage site – India Gate, Jama Masjid, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Parliament house, Mahatma Gandhi Museum & much more including entry tickets.
  • Visit the iconic Taj Mahal—India’s most stunning homage to love. Agra is most known for containing one of the seven wonders of the modern world – the Taj Mahal. This finest example of Mughal architecture attracts thousands of tourists and visitors, who admire its magnificence and beauty including entry tickets.
  • Visit Jaipur (Rajasthan) known as the pink city of India and admire the beauty of Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds – Photo stop only), Jal Mahal (Palace of water) & market visit of Pink city including entry tickets.
  • 2 days weekend trekking in Himalayas and visit the Mini -Tibet of India, McLeod Ganj.
  • Two days trip to Amritsar, visit world famous the Golden Temple & wagha border ceremony. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs, surrounded by pool of Nectar including entry tickets.
  • Accommodation in Volunteer House with 3 meals daily, electricity, hot running showers, wi-fi, fans, filtered water for drinking, western toilets & much more.
  • All accommodation during the placement including hotels while sightseeing.
  • Volunteering at stunning location of Himalayas at Dharamsala, 5 days (Monday to Friday) per week. Not surprisingly, His Holiness the Dalai Lama holds residency in the area. Volunteers can explore the different monasteries and Buddhist temples.
  • Material required for teaching, pens, pencils, colors, notebooks, workbooks & other teaching material.
  • All monuments entry tickets, camera charges, during sightseeing & experience of traveling by air-conditioned train in India.
  • All transportation during the trip with an experienced English-speaking iSpiice guide throughout tour.
  • Arrival and departure transfers.

Program Cost

We make every effort to keep costs low and at the same time offer you professional and comprehensive services for your volunteer abroad experience. Please compare our prices and services with other organizations and you will be surprised.

We welcome volunteers from all over the world. To convert the program fee in your currency please visit www.xe.com

 

Duration (Min – Stay 4 Weeks) US$ GBP AUD EURO
4 weeks $1800 £1420 $2800 €1700
Every extra Week $150 £125 $230 €150

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE: An application fee of $255 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment to confirm your spot. (A 5% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment) Volunteers in India generally find US$50 - US$60 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.

What’s Not Included?

  • Any personal expenses.
  • Flights.
  • Insurance.

Start Dates

Program starts on every Sunday of the year and pick up timings are available whole Sunday from Delhi International airport at the time of your arrival in India. We usually request our volunteers to book arrival flight on Sunday to Delhi international airport any time of the day and book a departure flight any time on final Saturday after 08:00 pm.

→Apply Now! Submit your Online Application Form!

  • January 05, 12, 19, 26
  • February02, 09, 16, 23
  • March02, 09, 16, 23, 30
  • April06, 13, 20, 27
  • May04, 11, 18, 25
  • June01, 08, 15, 22, 29
  • July06, 13, 20, 27
  • August03, 10, 17, 24, 31
  • September07, 14, 21, 28
  • October05, 12, 19, 26
  • November02, 09, 16, 23, 30
  • December07, 14, 21, 28

Volunteer Program Location

Currently, program available in Dharamsala location and iSpiice volunteer house is based one hour drive from Dharamsala. Dharamsala offers magnificent views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, pine forests and tea gardens. Full of life yet also peaceful, Dharamsala offers the perfect destination for volunteer work in India. Not surprisingly, His Holiness the Dalai Lama holds residency in the area. The region, despite its natural beauty, is cut off from mainstream development and is in need of developmental assistance in both materials and human form. The communities we assist are set in the green valleys at the foothills of the Himalayas and many of the children are from farming communities in the area.

Arriving in Dharamsala is like stepping into another world with its remarkable natural beauty, breathtaking scenery and friendly, beautiful people. Many wonderful and rewarding experiences and exciting adventures await and during your volunteering placement with us, we will ensure your involvement is both memorable and enjoyable.

Volunteer Review

My stay in India with ispiice has been incredible. I’ve always wanted to visit this amazing country and doing it through ispiice has enabled me to live one of the best experiences of my life. I have learned so much, lived great experiences, have met wonderful people and most importantly it has helped me discover a bit more of myself. The volunteer programs offered are very good, you feel you can really help out and give a bit of your time and knowledge to help others. For me being with the slum kids was definitely my favorite part, seeing them smile, taking care of them and feeling they needed you. Words can’t explain how amazing it is. ispiice provides very good food, a nice place to stay right next to the mountains, continuous support and safety, a good laugh with very nice people and specially they make you feel at home. Thank you for everything. Lots of love, Rocio.

Rocio, from Spain.
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