About the program
On the banks of the Ganga, where the sound of temple bells and flowing water sets the rhythm of daily life, Rishikesh has long been a haven for healing through sound, movement, and creative expression. As a Culture Compass volunteer, you’ll work with local therapists and community groups to deliver music and art-based therapeutic sessions — supporting emotional wellbeing among children, elders, or recovery communities. This program blends real therapeutic practice with immersion in one of India’s most spiritually rich towns, offering practical experience in expressive healing alongside deep personal reflection by the sacred river.
To be paid directly to the host if application is confirmed.
7:00 AM – Optional morning yoga/meditation session by the Ganga
8:00 AM – Breakfast at the program accommodation
9:00 AM – Morning briefing: session goals and group assignments for the day
10:00 AM – Facilitate or assist a music/art therapy session with the community group
12:30 PM – Lunch break
1:30 PM – Debrief and documentation: notes on session outcomes and observations
2:30 PM – Preparation for the next session — planning activities, gathering materials
4:00 PM – Afternoon therapy session (varies by day — could be individual or group-based)
5:30 PM – Free time to explore Laxman Jhula, riverside cafés, or attend Ganga Aarti
7:30 PM – Group dinner, often followed by informal music circles or reflection time
Assist certified music and art therapists in planning and delivering therapeutic sessions.
Facilitate group activities using rhythm, sound, movement, or visual art techniques.
Support one-on-one or small-group expressive sessions under practitioner supervision.
Help prepare materials and instruments needed for therapy sessions.
Observe and document session outcomes to support ongoing therapeutic planning.
Assist in community outreach to identify individuals or groups who could benefit from sessions.
Maintain sensitivity, confidentiality, and emotional safety protocols throughout all sessions.
Contribute learnings and best practices to Culture Compass's therapeutic arts knowledge base.
- Hours per Day:
- 5 Hours
- Days per Week:
- 5 Days
- No. of Days Off:
- 2 Days
- Schedule Flexibility:
- Fixed
- Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula — iconic suspension bridges over the Ganga, perfect for evening walks
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat/Parmarth Niketan — a moving daily ritual by the riverbank
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) — a graffiti-covered former ashram, rich in music history
- Yoga and meditation classes — widely available for drop-in sessions across Tapovan
- Neer Garh Waterfall — a short trek away, popular for a refreshing break
- Local cafés along the Ganga — great spots for journaling, reflection, or informal music jams
- Evenings often feature open community music circles or informal art-sharing sessions
- Weekend option: white-water rafting on the Ganga or a day trip to nearby Devprayag
Upcoming Batches
Select Month
Available Slots
How to Join
Joining a program is simple. Every application follows a clear, step-by-step process designed to help match you with the right program.
If you're eligible after completing the program screening, you'll pay a ₹199 annual membership fee. Once the host accepts your application, simply pay the ₹300 confirmation fee within 48 hours to confirm your participation.
Experience Highlights
- Work alongside experienced music and art therapists in Rishikesh's active wellness community.
- Facilitate expressive healing sessions using sound, rhythm, and creative art techniques.
- Learn how traditional Indian sound practices (mantra, bhajans, instruments) integrate into modern therapy.
- Support therapeutic programs for children, elders, or individuals in recovery/rehabilitation settings.
- Gain hands-on facilitation experience in a real community and clinical-adjacent setting.
- Immerse yourself in Rishikesh's yoga, meditation, and riverside spiritual culture.
Connectivity
Railway Station: Haridwar Junction
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Bus Stand: Rishikesh ISBT Bus Stand
Location Map
Reviews & Ratings
Here's what your stay covers - from where you sleep to what's on your plate. The host provides these at no cost to you.
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Accommodation - Dormitory
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Bathroom - Shared Inside
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Meal - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Dietary Provisions - Veg, Non-Veg
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Equipment - Provided
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Local Transport - Not provided
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Pick Up and Drop - Not Available
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Personal travel
Here's what to expect in terms of staying connected useful to know if you need to check in with family or work remotely.
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Mobile Signal - Good - Selected Indian carriers. Calls and mobile data work reliably
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Wi-Fi - Available
The host welcomes solo women travelers.
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Female staff - Yes
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Separate accommodation - Yes
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Female coordinator - Yes
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Safe pickup - No
Who Should Apply?
Basic Requirements
These are the basics to check before applying - age, commitment, fitness, and language. Make sure you fit, so the experience fits you.
- Age
- 20 - 60 Years
- Commitment
- 7 Days
- Physical Fitness
- Low–Moderate
- Language
- English, Hindi
- Nationality
- Open for All
Skills
These skills are required for this program. You may be asked to provide proof of relevant knowledge or experience before you apply.
- Required Skill
- Wildlife monitoring
- Secondary Skill
- Birdwatching / ornithology
Top Qualities
- Adaptable and comfortable when plans change
- Comfortable with basic and simple living conditions
- Comfortable with early mornings and physical daily routines
- Comfortable with silence, solitude, and low stimulation
- Comfortable working with children
Health and Safety
What to know before you arrive - medical access, insurance, and anything specific to this location. Read this carefully.
- Vaccinations Recommended
- Not Provided
- Health Considerations
- No specific concerns
- Volunteer Insurance
- Not Covered
- Medical Facility
- AIIMS Rishikesh
- Safety Gear
- Not Applicable
- First Aid Onsite
- Available
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying
How do I apply to a program?
Complete the host's pre-screening questions to check your eligibility. If you qualify, you'll become a GDT Care member (one-time annual membership), and your application will be sent to the host after you've reviewed the programme details and applicable costs.
What is the pre-screening, and why is it there?
Pre-screening is a short set of questions chosen by the host to check whether you meet the program's basic requirements. It helps match the right volunteers with the right opportunities, saving time for both you and the host.
What happens if I don't pass the screening?
You simply won't be able to apply to that particular program; but there are many others on GDT Care, and you're free to explore and apply to any that interest you. Passing screening is about fit for that specific program, nothing more.
What is the GDT Care annual membership?
The GDT Care annual membership is a one-time fee you pay after passing a program's pre-screening. It remains valid for one year, allowing you to apply to unlimited GDT Care programs without paying the membership fee again until renewal.
Why is there an annual membership?
The GDT Care annual membership helps build a trusted community of genuine, committed volunteers. It supports identity verification and gives hosts confidence that every applicant has completed GDT's membership and verification process.
What happens after I pay the program confirmation fee?
Once your confirmation payment is successful, your spot is secured and you and the host can contact each other directly. If the host requested identity documents during pre-screening, you'll need to share the agreed documents directly with them before your arrival.
Changing your mind, and cancellations
Can I withdraw my application?
Yes - you can withdraw at any stage. Do note that the membership and any confirmation fee already paid are non-refundable, but your membership stays active, so you can apply to other programmes for the rest of your membership year.
What if I change my mind after I've confirmed?
If you can no longer participate, notify both the host and traveler_support@greatdtour.com as soon as possible. Your program confirmation fee is non-refundable, and failing to inform us before the start date will be treated as a no-show, which may affect your profile credibility and future applications.
What if the host cancels the program?
If the host cancels a confirmed program, your program confirmation fee will be refunded. If the cancellation is due to circumstances beyond anyone's control (such as natural disasters or government restrictions), your confirmation fee will be credited towards a future program application.
What if my documents don't match after I'm confirmed?
If a host needs certain documents after confirmation and there's a genuine mismatch or something missing, the placement may be cancelled. In that case the confirmation fee isn't refunded - so it's worth making sure your details are accurate and ready.
Can I volunteer if I'm not an Indian national?
Yes. International volunteers are welcome to apply for eligible programs using their passport for identity verification. You're responsible for having the required visa, travel documents, and permissions, as Great D'Tour does not provide immigration advice.
What if something goes wrong during a programme?
If you need immediate assistance during your programme - such as a medical emergency, safety concern, or an issue on-site - contact your host first, as they are best placed to help you quickly. If you're unable to reach your host, can't locate them, or need support with an issue the host cannot resolve, contact the GDT Support team at traveler_support@greatdtour.com at the earliest.
Can I bring someone with me?
You can check whether guests are permitted in the Program Details section. If allowed, you may bring one guest by adding their details during the pre-screening. The host makes the final decision based on availability and may charge additional costs; if your guest is under 18, parental or guardian consent is required.
What does a fully funded program mean?
A fully funded program means the host does not charge a program fee and provides everything listed in the Inclusions section at no additional cost. If a donation or other expense is required, it will be mentioned in the Program Details and is paid directly to the host, not Great D'Tour.
Physical Demands & Suitability
Do I need prior experience to join this programme?
Every programme has its own eligibility requirements. Some opportunities are beginner-friendly, while others require specific skills or experience. Please review the Requirements section to make sure the programme is the right fit before applying.
How physically demanding is this programme?
The physical demands vary depending on the programme and activities involved. The Requirements section explains the expected fitness level, daily routine, and any physical considerations so you know what to expect before applying.
Is this programme suitable for me?
Every programme has different participation, physical, and environmental requirements. We recommend reviewing the Requirements and Health & Safety sections to determine whether the experience matches your abilities, comfort level, and expectations.
Food
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Many hosts try to accommodate dietary preferences where possible, but this depends on the programme. If you have specific dietary requirements, mention it in the pre-screening assessment.
Logistics
How do I reach the programme location?
The Location section provides the programme address, nearby transport hubs, and other travel information to help you plan your journey. Additional arrival instructions, if required, will be shared by the host before your arrival.
Will someone meet me on arrival?
Arrival assistance varies between programmes. If airport, railway station, or bus station pickup is available, it will be mentioned in the Location or Inclusions section of the listing.
Climate & Packing
What should I pack?
Packing requirements depend on the destination, weather, and programme activities. We recommend reviewing the Location and Health & Safety sections for destination and season specific guidance before travelling.
Volunteer Work
What kind of work will I be doing?
Your responsibilities, expected contribution, and the type of activities you'll support are explained in the Program section. We recommend reviewing it carefully before applying so you know what the programme involves.
Will I receive any training or orientation?
Once your participation is confirmed, the host may share program details before your arrival and provide an orientation when you join. Specialized skill programs expect you to have the required skills, while common skill programs may include basic training.
What does an Apprenticeship mean?
An Apprenticeship focuses on learning by working alongside experienced professionals. You'll gain practical, hands-on experience while contributing to the host's ongoing work and developing real-world skills.
What does Work Exchange mean?
A Work Exchange is an arrangement where you contribute your time and skills in exchange for benefits provided by the host, such as accommodation, meals, or other support. The exact inclusions vary by programme and are listed in the Inclusions section.
What does Operation Support mean?
Operation Support involves helping with the host's ongoing activities and clearly defined operational tasks. You'll contribute where support is needed to keep the programme running effectively.
What does Community Service mean?
Community Service focuses on creating a positive impact by supporting local communities, social initiatives, or public causes. Your contribution helps address community needs while providing a meaningful volunteering experience.
This is for testing volunteer side average rating.