Volunteer Summer Program - Palampur 2011

Volunteering India offers an exciting opportunity for the volunteers with a combination of volunteer programs and weekend excursions in beautiful Kangra Valley in Himalayan Mountain Range in North India. Escape the summer heat and join this amazing summer program.

Palampur enjoys a very tourist friendly climate throughout the year. The summers are mild with occasional showers unlike the hot summers in the plains.

The program is based in Palampur which based 550 Km North of New Delhi in the State of Himachal Pradesh. The city we are based in is known as Palampur in District Kangra at an elevation of 4500 Ft above sea level. The district of Kangra is very well known for its beautiful Tea gardens. Tourist Attractions specially Dharamshala which is just 30 Km east of Palampur. Dharamshala is the hometown of The Dalai Lama and provides immense tourist and learning opportunities. Palampur is also close to the start up points of very Interesting trekking routes through the Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges which are snow Cap Mountains with ample scenic sites. Palampur is blessed with natural water streams flowing from the mountains besides thick forest cover, culture, and tradition promoted by the tribal herdsmen the Gaddis and also by the urban population which does not exceed 30,000 in this small hill city. Our base camp is in Thakurdwara which is a small village 2 km from Palampur.

Duration : 3 weeks
Start date : 27th June 2011
Working hrs : 5hrs, 5days (Monday to Friday)

Volunteers will be given 5 hrs working for 5 days a week at various day care centers and schools where volunteers can teach as well as take care of small children in the age group of 2years to 5 years.

Day 1 : –Orientation Session- Welcome to India, introduction to the program in Palampur, safety issues, basic culture and history about India. Also learn about your program schedule and tour program to follow.

Day 2 : –Volunteer starts the work in field. Daily schedule will be as follows:-

• Morning Tea: - 8:00am
• Breakfast: - 9:00am
• Departure to work area: - 9.30am (preferably a day care center)
• Lunch - 1pm to 2pm
• Evening tea - 3:30pm
• Field work preparation - 4pm onwards.
• Dinner: - 7:30pm
• Internet - 8.30pm to 10pm (available at the accommodations)

Excursions (included in the Program Cost)

A) Trip to Manali:-The beautiful hill station of Manali lies in the Beas river valley and is one of the most popular tourist places in north India. Manali is located at a height of 6398ft and offers some spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range. Volunteers will go on this trip on the first weekend of the program A two day trip to Manali will be included in this package .

Details of program are as follows.

• Duration - 2days / 1 night.
• Starting date - Saturday morning.
• Distance - Palampur to Manali (204 km)
• Departure time - 6 am
• Day 1 - Palampur to Manali (night stay)
• Day 2
  • Manali sight seeing
  • Hadimba Devi Temple
  • Vashist Temple (Hot Water Spring)
  • Solang Nala (Winter Sport Location)
  • Local market trip (Manali)
  • Return journey to Palampur.

B) Trekking trip to Triund:

Two day trekking trip to Triund is included. Volunteers will go on this trip on the second weekend of the program. 

      Details of program are as follows.

• Duration - 2days / 1 night.
• Departure Time- Saturday 6 am
• Distance - Palampur to McLeodganj (50 km)
• Day 1
  • Palampur to Mcleodganj (by car)
  • Mcleodganj to Triund (2900metres) 9 km trek
  • Night stay at Triund.
• Day 2
  • Triund to laka Got (snowline 3350 meters)
  • Back to Triund and Mcleodganj
  • Mcleodganj to Palampur (by car)

c) Sightseeing Trip in Palampur:

Sightseeing includes local visits at art gallery, old Shiva temple, Buddhist monastery. 

      Details of program are as follows.

• Duration - 1 Day
• Starting Time - 9 am
• Places to Visit:
  • Baijnath Temple
  • Andreta Art Gallery
  • Visit to Tea garden and Tea factory
  • Neugal Café
  • Neugal River

Volunteers will be staying in the volunteer house during the program. During the weekend trips accommodation will be provided in hotels with all meals included. The volunteer house is located 4km from the city limit right in the scenic mountains to accommodate volunteers on a twin-sharing basis. All bed linens are provided and the house is fully equipped with all the comforts of home. The rooms are spacious with attached bathroom and basic amenities such as hot water, in house kitchen, Internet, and phone to make your stay as comfortable as possible. A local cook prepares delicious Indian food daily.

Program Cost for a single person – USD 845 per person
Program Cost for a person traveling with 2 – 4 people– USD 815 per person
Program Cost for a group of 5 or more people – USD 875 per person

Note : An Application Fee of only USD 150 / GBP 101 is required at the time of application. This would confirm your spot and would be refunded if we are not able to provide placement in India.