Dharamshala
Theme: Renovation / Tibetan Culture / Waste Management
Camp Code: FSL–WC–200,203,206, 210,211
Dharamshala holds a very significant position as the second (winter) capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is also the abode of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the capital of the Tibetan government-in-exile, with a considerable Tibetan settlement. It is one of the most beautiful, scenic places in the world, set in the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks of Dhauladhar Mountains, where heaven meets earth.
The Camp : To have a safe environment in the school, you will help to construct a safety wall where the land is sloping, so the children can play without fear of danger. You will work on the renovation of classroom walls, to give children a colourful learning atmosphere. You can also bring basic education to the local schoolchildren with creative methods. Due to the influx of tourists, there is a huge amount of waste generation, which is harmful to the environment. Create awareness for the protection of the environment and solid waste management in the local community. You will visit various Tibetan cultural Institutes and Tibetan Children’s Village to learn about the Tibetan migrants. A 2/3/4- day trek around the mountains of Dharamshala and Triund, with spectacular views is optional.
Activities: Weeks 1 & 2
- Share your ideas and promote eco-friendly practices
- Help to renovate school buildings and also paint walls
- help to build a retaining wall and playground extension
- Unleash your creativity with educational drawings (murals)
- Teach basic English to children
- Save the environment, help clean up Bhagsu waterfalls and river
- Create awareness in the community and for tourists on responsible tourism, health and hygiene
- Protect the landscape – plant trees
- Participate in Yoga classes with professional instructor (only in Wk 1)
Leisure activities:Tibet has maintained a unique culture, religion and language for centuries. After the Chinese invasion in 1950, the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s political and religious leader sought and was given asylum in India, along with thousands of Tibetan refugees. Today, there is a thriving settlement in Dharamshala, which is called Tibet-in-exile.
To learn about Tibetan culture and religion, there are many places of interest at Dharamshala. Tsuglagkhang, Mcleodganj the residence of the Dalai Lama is a must- visit, as are the Tibet Museum, Dalai Lama temple, Tibetan Parliament House, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, War Memorial and Kangra Art Museum. The Tibetan Children’s Village, a charitable organisation, caters to children who are in the greatest need among the refugees. For the last 5 decades, it has run solely on the generosity of its well-wishers.
At Gyuto and Namgyal Monasteries, you can interact with the Tibetan monks and get valuable insights into the peace-loving Buddhist philosophy. If you are in the right place at the right time, you could even be fortunate enough to meet His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama himself. Palampur, the Tea Capital of North India is famous for its beautiful tea gardens, which are a natural scenic sight. Tea lovers can pick up some handcrafted, fresh mountain teas here. Some of the teas available are Black Teas, White Teas, Oolong Teas, Green Teas and Tisanes.
Optional:
Trekking in the Himalayan mountains is a not-to-be-missed experience. If you wish, we will arrange a 2 or 4-day trekking activity around the mountains of Dharamshala and Triund. This will be in the 3rd week of the camp. The trekking cost will be as follows:
2 days – 3000 INR per Pax, for mininmum 5 Pax (1 night stay, 2 days) 2 days – 4000 INR per Pax, if less than 4 pax
3 days – 4500 INR per Pax, for mininmum 5 Pax (2 night, 3 days) 3 days – 5500 INR per Pax, if less than 4 pax
4 days – 6000 INR per Pax , for mininmum 5 Pax (3 night, 4 days) 4 days – 7000 INR per Pax, if less than 4 pax
Location: McLeod Ganj in Kangra district which is upper part of Dharamshala. Dharamshala is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, North India, 500 kms from Delhi
Transport:
§ Nearest airport – Delhi international airport/Dharamshala Airport
§ Nearest railway station – Pathankot
§ Bus from Delhi and other smaller cities of North India.
§ The meeting point is mentioned in the info sheet
Accommodation: At a rented guest house or hostel, with shared rooms
NINARWA 