Volunteer travel–The latest trend

India Untravelled combines an unrushed fortnight in the spectacular mountain desertscape of Spiti with the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the communities that live there. In a trip that’s meant to be an introduction to volunteer travel, join a skilled team in the hands-on construction of a solar bath and in setting up a solar water geyser or a greenhouse in Kaza over a period of 7-8 days involving physical work where you contribute your skills and learn new ones. Other attractions include visits to Spiti’s historic monasteries, hiking through snow leopard territory, riding mountain bikes (or yaks!) over rugged trails, and staying in a Spitian home and enjoying local food (Rs 38,000 per person; indiauntravelled.com).