Butterflies and Bees in the Indian Himalayas

Anne Schepp | Monday, December 11, 2017

“Climate change from farm to Himalayan forest & other contrasts in India”

True teamwork and cultural awareness opportunities abound in a peaceful setting with amazing views of mountains, temples and manual industries.

Mr Lukasz Jankowski | Wednesday, November30, 2016

“great project”

I really recommend everyone to participate on Butterflies and Bees in the Indian Himalayas project. The view and surroundings were magnificent. Everyday morning we had a walk around our camp, additionally food was great. Recommend to everyone

Karen McCarthy | Monday, May23, 2016

“Up Close and Personal with Pollinators!”

Butterflies and Bees in the Indian Himalayas was my second EarthWatch expedition and I hope to return for more. It was a terrific experience that allowed me to feel immersed in the local culture as well as meaningful science research. The expedition far exceeded all expectations. Dr. Mehta and his team were terrific hosts and shared their knowledge and expertise with passion. I highly recommend this expedition!

Bernard Johnpulle | Friday, May 22, 2015

“One of the best expeditions”

My recent butterflies and bees expedition did go very well. Our seven member team got along well. Our hotel had the best view of the snow capped mountains. Every morning we wake up to the birds songs, and the stunning sun rise. Hotel staffs were very friendly. Food at the hotel was wonderful. Our two directors from India Pranam and Pradeep both are very knowledgable and very friendly. I would highly recommend this project to any one who is interested travelling abroad. I should also mention that the high light of the project was when we visited the villages. These villages are made out of hard wood and beautifully build. These homes should have been declared as heritage homes.People in the villages are very warm, happy and beautiful people.

Leslie Uppinghouse | Monday, May 18, 2015

“Amazing Expedition”

This was my first time volunteering for Earthwatch and to India. The India Earthwatch team helped guide me through the region and the deep cultural traditions and practices. I give that team credit for making this trip so worthwhile. The accommodations were fantastic and the food was the best Indian food I had ever had. I never felt like a tourist and I do feel that again the Indian Earthwatch teams special attention to detail help immerse me into both the culture and my surroundings.

I would encourage anyone who has had no experience with surveys to give this one a shot. The researchers at the GB Pant Institute are patient and take the time to work with you on methods and results. They were good with helping me to understand the purpose of the research and what my and my team mates involvement adds to the study. It's definitely a team effort and again this helped me to feel useful and included. I came away inspired by what I saw in the orchards and forests. This is a complex area for climate study. It has a wide variety of plant and animal species and is an area where natural resources are highly valued and cared for by the people who live there. We all can gain from their experience in how well they have tended their land. It is unique in that this is a region that has not been decimated by consumption. There is great care by the people of Kullu to not over stress what they have. Seeing this has given me a scalable sense of hope in a difficult time.

Amy Kvalseth | Saturday, May 16, 2015

“Become a "citizen-scientist" in India!”

The experience requires more that 1500 characters to review properly, but the highlight was the combination of scientific work with interaction with the villagers and experiencing the countryside. it was not a strenuous expedition with hiking, in fact, we were driven to the various sites,but it was an intense experience watching for, identifying, and counting certain pollinators; counting blossoms, buds and leaves on specified parts of apple tree branches; and identifying and counting plants on a forest floor. Identification of pollinators and flora was a joint effort as we learned in the field.

Accommodations were adequate with fabulous views, but cold in April, as rooms were not heated, except for a small space heater. Food was good Indian food, with an occasional nod to Western tastes with fish, French fries, or pizza.

The scientists, who accompanied us in the field, and the Earthwatch representative, with very accommodating. All were more than ready to educate and to answer all questions, including detailed ones on flora and pollinators posed to the scientists and ones on Indian culture and customs that the Earthwatch representative enthusiastically answered.

Flexibility is required as travel from Delhi to the Kullu Valley is weather and flight dependent, but for us, the change in plans that involved a lengthy drive and an extra overnight before reaching our goal only added to our experience of India. Obtaining the visa: frustrating, but well worth it! Try it!