A Travel Guide for Volunteers

We've compiled some helpful information to give you some tips if you're coming from abroad.

What to Expect as a Volunteer: One of the best ways to get a feeling what its like volunteering with us is to read our website - familiarize yourself with projects and community services offered at Lha, watch the slideshow on our homepage or read the Lha blog describing what previous volunteers have done to support the Tibetan community in exile.

Coming from Abroad: If you haven't visited India before, it's best to get a guide book such as the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide to get a better idea of what the culture, climate, customs, and cost of living is. You can also find some pretty good information online at http://www.lonelyplanet.com, or

http://www.roughguide.com

The guides also include information on visas, immunization shots, what to bring, health tips and more.

Visas: You get a Visa before arriving in India, and these are easily accessible from your country’s Indian Embassy or mission.

Most people travel on the standard tourist visa.  A tourist visa is non-extendable and non-convertible.   Six-month multiple-entry tourist visas (valid from the date of issue) are granted to nationals of most countries regardless of how long you intend to stay.  Longer term tourist visas are available under certain conditions.

Please note that in December 2009, the rules changed with new regulations imposed on tourist visas.  You are now no longer allowed to reenter India for 2 months after a departure, regardless of one’s nationality, length of stay or the visa’s validity.  For more information, go to the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs:  Government of India.

There are additional restrictions on travelers from Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as certain Eastern European, African and Central Asian countries. Check any special conditions for your nationality with the Indian embassy in your country.

Getting Here: There is a major international airport in Delhi (about 12 hours by bus from Dharamsala).

The Tibetan colony, Manjuka tilla, one hour from Delhi international airport (taxi 350-500Rs) has affordable accommodation.

Mcleod Ganj and Dharamsala: Travel by Bus: From Delhi, the easiest way to get directly to Mcleod Ganj is by overnight bus. Many travel agencies in Delhi provide bus tickets for approximately 500 Indian rupees (US$12).

We recommend using a bus service that operates from the Tibetan Colony in Delhi so you will be delivered directly to Mcleod Ganj. Other government-owned buses usually stop at Dharamsala, and another local bus must be taken to Mcleod Ganj (about a half hour ride). Ask about our Reception and Orientation service to take all the hassle out of your travel!

Travel by Plane: There is an airport about ninety kilometers from Mcleod Ganj connecting to Delhi. Kingfisher Airlines operates a service from Delhi daily.

Travel by Train: From Delhi, you can take a 12-hour train to Pathankot and then a four-hour bus or three-hour taxi ride to Dharamsala. From there buses and taxis regularly shuttle people to McLeod Ganj. See if you need Travel Assistant.

What to Bring: Climate can vary substantially in this part of the world, so be prepared for all types of weather. Bring cotton wet-weather gear including raincoats, umbrellas during monsoon (July-Sept), thermals or warm clothes during the winter months (Nov-Feb) and cottons for Summer (April-June).  Be sure to bring a good pair of hiking boots or walking shoes to enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature of the Himalayan foothills.

Don't forget extra amounts of prescription medication, as you might not find it readily available in the area. Many staple items are easily and cheaply bought for longer-term stays, such as pots and pans, dishware, and other household items. Many organisations request that if you have a portable computer, to please bring it with you as their resources are limited.

Living Costs: You'll be happy to hear that the cost of living in this part of the world is dramatically cheaper than in western countries. In Dharamsala, you can live comfortably on as little as $200 US a month for lodging and meals (with more typical budgets running from $300-500)

Accommodation: There are a number of hotels that offer board and lodging for different budgets. All the high and medium budget hotels have bathrooms attached to rooms with running hot and cold water. Low budget hotels have communal bathrooms with running cold water. In these hotels one can order for hot water in buckets. Many of the hotels offer a wide range of rooms with different rents. See If you need Accommodation Assistance

Dorm rooms start at 120 rupees (US$3) per night. For longer-term lodging, rooms can be found with cooking facilities and range from 5000-10000 rupees (US$120-$220) per month. Villages near Jogibara Road, below McLeod Ganj, and around Bagsu Road offer quieter accommodation out of town.

Money and Currency: ATM and Bank Cards: An ATM has been installed in Mcleod Ganj with the State Bank of India and HDFC Bank. However, some international ATM cards have been reported to be rejected by the ATM. It is advisable to bring alternate methods for procuring cash - such as credit cards and traveler’s checks.

Travelers Cheques and Cash: Can be exchanged for Indian rupees at many places in Mcleod Ganj and Dharamsala.