Volunteer in McLeod and Ladakh (walk in volunteer)

Dear friends

I’m Mexican, currently living in the Middle East and will soon travel to India to volunteer for two months.

I’ve done my best to research online and through the Forums of India Mike to find all relevant information to volunteer in McLeod and Ladakh (one month in each place)Mid-May to Mid-July.

I wrote to various NGO’s in both locations and none of them have replied to me, but after reading many of your replies I’ve realized that this happens sometimes. So, I’ve made the decision to go by myself to Dharamshala as a “walk in” volunteer as I know there are various options once you arrive there, but I have a couple of questions:

1.- I have read that July is Monsoon season in Dharamshala and I will have to go back home by mid-July. Will I have problems leaving Dharamshala due to the rains?

2.- Any advice you have on vaccines that I should get before I leave? Yellow fever..any?

3.- Does anyone know if Leh takes “walk in” volunteers, just as Dharamsala? There is a lot of information from people that have volunteered in Dharamsala, but not Leh.

4.- I found this website VolunteerIndia and they seem to do a mix of spiritual retreat + volunteer programme but for a cost? USD 150 a week average. Has anyone ever used them? Are they reliable? Just to know...

I really appreciate your support!
Vanessa

Try SECMOL
http://www.secmol.org/

Ronak.

June-July is very very wet miserable time to visit D'sala. I'd suggest going to D'sala first May-June then Leh June to July.KK

Yeah monsoon season is quite wet, but McLeod Ganj is a small town, so the rain doesnt seem to hold you back from doing much, you'll just have to take an umbrella.
I know there is an ngo there that is in desperate need of help, Learning and Ideas for Tibet (L.I.T). Great place to help out and also learn about Tibet, especially cooking.
Check out their website www.learningandideasfortibet.org

Hi Karlisol,

I, too, am living in the Middle East (dubai to be specific) and am travelling to HP, India around mid-August, but Parvati and Kasol only, for about 2 months.
I, too was looking for some volunteering to do.
My friend went there last year. He said that the good ones that actually have some motive of doing te cause, need a pre-application. I don't how far this is true, though !
Nevertheless, he applied for " White Tiger Preservation " or something, but something to do White Tigers. He didn't pay anything for it.
Plus, any NGO or something of that sort, that provide spiritual experience (yoga,etc.) along with volunteering work ( which would be doing daily chores only, while you're enrolled with them ) charge you a lot.
I guess they keep the exchange rate in mind and don't really care how expensive it might turn out to be for the traveller.

At present, my friend is in NZ and am tryin to get in touch with him on hwo to enroll for this White Tiger volunteering.
He said it was real fun as we could stay wherever we want, but had to trek up their base everyday. So, trekking plus volunteering. Good Fun !
I'm tryin my best to get in touch with him.
Will let you know about it, if you're interested in this.

You're going there before me, so all the best for your trip.

Cheers !!
Sumeet