Aquaterra Adventures™ runs numerous expeditions to isolated, remote areas of India, mostly in the Himalayan regions, in north-west, north and eastern India, spanning the entire Indian Himalaya. During these trips, guests come into contact with highly impoverished, rural communities that, for a multitude of reasons, remain disconnected and underdeveloped. The Aquaterra Charity Trust (ACT) aims to facilitate a means for us, at Aquaterra Adventures™, our guests, and friends, to understand the myriad issues that plague Himalayan populations, and to give back to the communities that enrich the simple culture of the people of the Himalaya. It allows for you, to make a positive difference in the lives of those in less fortunate positions, in a sustainable, culturally sensitive and responsible manner.

Individuals/organizations are encouraged to state their preference of community they would like to see their donations at work in, or they may allow the ACT to determine the most pressing need their gift may be used towards. Projects are determined based on community needs, assessed by observation, our experience in working in these remote regions, and holding discussions with the community in consideration, as well as with local, or regional organizations concurrently working in the area.

A portion of Aquaterra Adventures™ profits, is also ploughed back each year to assist in causes that need urgent attention.

ACT began by voluntarily and informally helping and supporting a primary school which runs till Grade 3, in the remote village of Nyerak, deep in the heart of the Zanskar canyon. The children there, do not have access to notebooks, stationary, reading material, toys, and sometimes, even teachers. ACT has been able to sponsor education for older kids moving out of the village, in pursuit of higher education.

On Aug 5, 2010, Ladakh was hit on Terrible Thursday, when it was least expected. In the dead of the night, stealthy in its approach, torrential rains brought havoc that affected 25000 people all over Ladakh, and the whole of the western Himalaya. It brought valleys 250 kms apart, to a complete standstill. The same weather front that devastated Pakistan and its 14million affected, chose the quiet Trans Himalaya, for precision bombardment that has rendered hundreds homeless, several dead and many who will have to begin life afresh.

ACT is helping a few Ladakhi children with their education, boarding and lodging in schools in Ladakh.

Meanwhile, in the region of Garhwal, a 22 year old boy , Gajendra, fell off a tree, and was paralysed waist down for nearly 2 years. One of our guides met him at his house on a hike, and all Gajendra could ask was for poison to end his life. A joint effort by donors, Kim Hartlin and a generous donation from MakeMyTrip.com, helped Gajendra move to hospital, to get his pressure sores operated. He is now at the Indian Spinal Injuries Center at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. He is looking at a new life, and hopefully, in 3-4 months, he could begin a new life, albeit on a wheelchair, but full of hope.