We realize that India can initially be a quite a shock and the Tibetan culture may be challenging to become accustomed to, so we offer different services to help smooth your arrival and travel in India and orientate you to the Tibetan community here in Dharamsala. We offer 2 primary options for volunteers, and additional services to further enhance their volunteering experience.
Reception only Donation $150 USD
Orientation Only Donation $110 USD
Reception and Orientation Donation $250 USD
RECEPTION AND ORIENTATION (DONATION $250 USD)
Our Reception Service helps volunteers with their arrival in New Delhi and their onward travel here to Dharamsala. It is highly recommended for people that have never traveled in India or a developing country, especially if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning. Unfortunately, Delhi airport has a fair number of scam artists and unsuspecting tourists regularly fall prey to their schemes. Many well-seasoned travelers have signed up for this service also, knowing the value of having waiting trusted transport from the airport.
We offer a smooth transfer from your arrival at Delhi International Airport to Dharamsala.
The package is in three parts
A- Transfer Delhi-Mcleod Ganj;
B- Orientation in McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala;
C- Accommodation Assistance;
A – Delhi Airport Reception and Transportation to Mcleod Ganj
Meeting on arrival in Delhi Airport;
Taxi transfer to Majnu Ka Tilla; *
One night hotel stay in Majnu Ka Tilla; *
Map of the area showing restaurants, money exchange, and internet;
Bus ticket to Mcleod Ganj; *
* Costs for these services are covered in the package, including airport parking and entrance fees.
B – Orientation in Dharamsala
For those who have visited India before or are already traveling here, this package includes all the important information you will need about volunteering and offers an introduction to Tibetan culture. Our coordinator will meet with you to discuss cultural awareness and sensitivity. We will inform you about specific subtleties of Tibetan communication and culture to help you be most effective and welcome in your volunteer position. We will also share previous volunteers' experiences to help you understand what to expect from Tibetan organizations and what they expect from you.
Volunteer Opportunity;
Volunteer placement reserved and waiting;
Personal introduction to Tibetan organization;
Background information and specifics about your organization;
Orientation Package containing:
Maps and listings
Tips from previous volunteers
An Insider's Guide to the best places to eat, shop, and meet other volunteers
Walking Tour:
Local Historical and Cultural sites;
Restaurants, shops, exchange bureau;
Tibetan organizations;
Volunteering and Cultural Orientation:
Personal meeting to discuss cultural awareness and sensitivity;
What to expect from Tibetan organizations and what they expect from you;
Insights from previous volunteer experiences;
Events and Courses:
Open invitation to attend Volunteer events, trips, and dinners;
Tips on places for meditation, philosophy, yoga, cooking, language and more!;
C – Accommodation Assistance
Full assistance with arranging long-stay accommodation such as special rooms with kitchen facilities and long term stays offering discounted rates.
Please Note:
Our Reception and Orientation services are designed to provide all the necessary assistance needed for safely arriving here in Mcleod Ganj and being prepared with the cultural awareness and sensitivity for interacting in this unique culture. If you have not already visited Mcleod Ganj or had personal experience within a Tibetan community, we highly recommend signing up for at least the Orientation service to be properly prepared for volunteering here. If you do not wish to opt for either of these services, we will still try to assist you in locating a volunteer opportunity, but we will be unable to guarantee its availability or reserve the placement.
Please look on the Lha website for further information on both of these services at apply for Vonuteer
If you are interested in choosing one of our services, but are financially unable to afford them, please let us know. We provide potential volunteers with fundraising suggestions and other ways to raise financial support from friends and family. In special circumstances, we also offer full or partial financial assistance; please contact us for more information.
Thank you again for your interest in volunteering for the Tibetan community, please let us know how we can assist you in your volunteer efforts.
