Cook, Grow & Slow Down in the Himalayas
The experience
Welcome to our small café and organic farm, nestled in a peaceful high-altitude village in the Himalayas of Ladakh. We serve simple, wholesome farm-to-table meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which come directly from our own farm. Life here is slow, connected to nature, and rooted in the local community.
We're looking for a friendly, enthusiastic volunteer to help us in the café during busy hours.
What you offer
32 hours of help per week
Cooking:
Choose the menu, pick ingredients and cook delicious dishes.
Kitchen Hand:
Help prepare, finish and serve meals.
Bartending:
Make and serve drinks and help maintain the beverages inventory.
What you get
1 day off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Breakfast:
You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch:
You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner:
You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Discounts on Restaurants:
Get discounts at nearby restaurants.
Discounts on Drinks:
Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.
Free Laundry:
You can use our laundry room freely.
Language lessons:
Take free language classes at our place.
Use our equipped kitchen:
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Fast Internet Access:
High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Requirements
Intermediate English
Between 20 and 38 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
Our volunteer program is based on mutual respect, learning, and cultural exchange. In return for your time and help, you'll become part of our daily life in a small Himalayan village and experience a slower, more mindful way of living.
Your main role will be assisting in the café during busy hours. This may include basic food preparation, plating dishes, keeping the kitchen clean and organized, serving customers when needed, and helping with other day-to-day café tasks.
We generally ask volunteers to help for around 4–5 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, leaving you with plenty of time to relax, explore the surrounding mountains, hike, visit nearby monasteries, or simply enjoy village life. Your schedule may vary depending on how busy the café is, especially during the tourist season, but we'll always communicate it in advance.
We ask our volunteers to come with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and respect for our home, our team, and the local culture. You don't need previous café or kitchen experience—we're happy to teach you. What matters most is that you're dependable, enjoy working with others, and are happy to contribute with a positive attitude.
Activities & Shift
A typical day begins with a relaxed morning in the mountains. Depending on the café's schedule, you'll help during our busiest hours by:
- Assisting with basic food preparation.
- Plating and serving farm-to-table meals.
- Washing dishes and keeping the kitchen clean and organized.
- Helping with café setup and closing tasks.
- Restocking ingredients and maintaining a tidy workspace.
- Occasionally assisting with light farm or garden activities, depending on the season.
Every day is a little different, but we work together as a small team, creating a friendly, supportive environment where everyone contributes and learns from one another.
Rules
Be punctual and report for your scheduled shifts on time.
Communicate openly. If you're unwell, delayed, or unable to work, please let us know as early as possible.
Be willing to learn. No prior experience is required—we value curiosity, a positive attitude, and an eagerness to try new things.
Work as a team. Support one another, be respectful, and contribute to a friendly, cooperative environment.
Treat the café and accommodation with care. Help keep shared spaces clean and organized.
Respect local culture and village life. We encourage volunteers to be mindful of local customs, traditions, and the peaceful nature of our community.
Bring a positive attitude. Flexibility, kindness, and enthusiasm go a long way in a small team.