Volunteer Tibet

Susan London · Feb 24th, 2009, 10:04

Hi! I am planning to spend July and August in northern India. The first part of my trip will be in Himachal Pradesh working for Volunteer Tibet. I am hoping to connect with folks who've volunteered there and can tell me a bit about the experience. I'll be there for about a month and then travel to some other intriguing places in the northern part of the country. If you've been to Dharamsala or Mcleod Ganj, I'd like to hear what it's like there. Thank you.

Heaven.Riders · Feb 27th, 2009, 01:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan London

Hi! I am planning to spend July and August in northern India. The first part of my trip will be in Himachal Pradesh working for Volunteer Tibet. I am hoping to connect with folks who've volunteered there and can tell me a bit about the experience. I'll be there for about a month and then travel to some other intriguing places in the northern part of the country. If you've been to Dharamsala or Mcleod Ganj, I'd like to hear what it's like there. Thank you.

Whats exactly you want to know.... Tibetean culture or scope of charity u can do there ?

city of joy · Feb 27th, 2009, 01:13

hi Heaven.Riders
could you please let me know about the volunteering scenario in Tibet.. in details please....
thanks...

Susan London · Feb 27th, 2009, 09:03

I am wondering, more than anything, about political safety. Dharmasala seems awfully close to Pakistan. Also, will my osteoarthritic knees be able to stand the hills. I am quite active - regular gym exercise, snowshoer, xc ski every now and then, hiker, biker, but hoping the hillsides in town won't be too much for these knees to bear. I am hoping to get in some hiking on the Himalayan foothills while in Dharmasala. I've been reading Lonely Planet's guide to India, so I have some information about the Himachal Pradesh area. Have you worked with Volunteer Tibet before? I'm planning to stay for a few weeks at a nunnery/monastery and then for a few weeks with a family while there teaching English before traveling east to visit some other places. I'm not sure what the accomodations will be be at either place. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks heaps! Love to hear any stories you may have.

Marius · Feb 27th, 2009, 10:11

Though Dharamsala may look close to Pakistan on a map, it is worlds away. No worries, there. As for terrain, I am assuming that you will be up in McLeod Ganj, also known as Upper Dharamsala, which is where all the Tibetans are. It is basically the top of a mountain, and everywhere you go is a steep walk up, or a steep walk down! Good exercise, though maybe not so good for bad knees. My knees are not the greatest, and I frequently wore neoprene knee supports, which helped. I just came across this blog, which may interest you. It's called "My thoughts and activities in Dharamsala". http://dharamsalalight.blogspot.com/

life_is_journey · Feb 28th, 2009, 08:57

hi susan welcome to india. well do ot worry about the distance of pakisthan from dharmshala. its a very peaceful and well protected area.so no sign of fear there. well i am impressed by your plans for social work.well you must visit dharmshala in summers .and there are mnay other places down in himachal as well as in uttarakhand to visit.
you can get acoomodation in dharmshala easily and its not cost much.
cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan London

I am wondering, more than anything, about political safety. Dharmasala seems awfully close to Pakistan. Also, will my osteoarthritic knees be able to stand the hills. I am quite active - regular gym exercise, snowshoer, xc ski every now and then, hiker, biker, but hoping the hillsides in town won't be too much for these knees to bear. I am hoping to get in some hiking on the Himalayan foothills while in Dharmasala. I've been reading Lonely Planet's guide to India, so I have some information about the Himachal Pradesh area. Have you worked with Volunteer Tibet before? I'm planning to stay for a few weeks at a nunnery/monastery and then for a few weeks with a family while there teaching English before traveling east to visit some other places. I'm not sure what the accomodations will be be at either place. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks heaps! Love to hear any stories you may have.

Susan London · Feb 28th, 2009, 09:49

both of the last two posts made references to tom robbins' work! bravo! your posts are encouraging, so i thank you for that.

how much and often does it rain in july and august? i spent a summer in thailand and the monsoon did not begin until august with any intensity. it rained very hard every couple of days but since the elevation is much lower there, flooding was only a problem in the mountains.

what are the conditions like in macleod ganj/dharamsala at that time. due to my "knee" issues, i wear hiking boots most of the time. are the hilly roads paved/slippery? i want to make sure i'll be able to fully enjoy the experience.

has anyone stayed in a nunnery/monastery in the area? i'm wondering about the accomodations there. in thailand, my family had western toilets but no running water. my school had squat toilets.

thanks again for the great replies. your words have me back on the optimistic side of this venture.

Marius · Feb 28th, 2009, 10:20

From the very informative Dharamsala guide:http://www.tibet.com/dasaguide.html

"ANNUAL RAINFALL
Varies between 290 and 380cm. Monsoon season is July to September...It rains ceaselessly in July, August and September."

The roads are all paved. To get to some of the monasteries requires walking on trails (actually they are mostly stairs, since it's all mountain side) that might get a tad dicey, depending on where you are staying. Have not stayed at a monastery or nunnery, but have had friends who have. The plumbing runs the gamut, though they all do have plumbing. Toilets can be of both squat and western varieties.

It is one of the most incredible places on Earth, in my opinion. I think you will have a wonderful, enriching time there. Go!

Susan London · Mar 1st, 2009, 07:21

what do you mean by "runs the gamut?" and how mean are the mosquitoes? do you use mosquito netting or spray. i realize that this probably sounds silly, but I'm trying to get a handle on life there before I go.

So, does it stop raining long enough to get any hiking in? One of my dreams is to spend some time hiking the foothills of the Himalaya's. What kind of raingear is best to bring?

Thanks for your help.

Marius · Mar 2nd, 2009, 04:10

Runs the gamut=cold water always available, hot water can be hit or miss, toilets are usually the squat type. Potable water is a no for foreigner stomaches. I can't stress enough being careful what you drink. Bring a water filter, or elses plan on buying a LOT of bottled water (which do not get recycled). I used a Katadyn Exstream XR. It is a water bottle with a built-in filter that gets rid of everything nasty put into it. Pricey, but it works really well. I drank water out of many a questionable tap, with zero problems. It is made primarily for backpackers and for making drinkable water from any source.

I have not been during the summer, though mosquitoes are not reported to be a big problem. No cases of malaria reported there. As for rain gear, don't skimp! Can't go wrong with Gore-tex.

Susan London · Mar 2nd, 2009, 09:39

Thank you for the good information and your ideas. I do have a Katadyn bottle but will check to make sure it's the correct model. so, does it rain all day, every day? I'm looking for some close up pics of Macleod Gung to help me determine if my 59 year old osteoarthritic knees can handle the terrain. Your help has been invaluable in giving me hope that this trip will work for me.

Marius · Mar 3rd, 2009, 21:00

You are most welcome. I truly hope that you go. I think you will.
It will probably rain every day, but not all day. Since it is so high, you are literally in the clouds, so there is a constant surealness to it.
Good waterproof boots with good tread will be a big help. Might want to consider lightweight, collapsible hiking poles to ease up pressure on the knees.
Here are a few pics.
"High" is looking across the valley to H.H. the Dalai Lama's compound. Note the Himalayan peak up in the clouds in the top right.
"Blur" is a street level shot, and is how you will probably feel for the first few days there!
"UpDown" gives you an idea of what many of the streets are like.

Susan London · Mar 5th, 2009, 10:05

Thank you. Each picture is affirming. I will take notes on any information you may send me and start making my lists. I've emailed VolunteerTibet a couple of times with questions, but haven't heard back from them. I'm not sure if they're waiting for arrival date before answering questions or if the account is down.

Speaking of which, how connected is Dharmamsals? Lonely Planet reports that there is internet access. I am considering bringing a laptop to stay connected with my home and family.

Also wondering about wearing footwear indoors. I am supposed to wear something on my feet at all times and know that in temples and going into houses one removes shoes. Are there any alternatives/exceptions to this?

Thanks for any help you may willing to share. I am starting to see the Himalayas in my waking moments.

Marius · Mar 5th, 2009, 10:27

Hi Susan,

Internet cafes are everywhere, and the cost is very reasonable (can't remember what the cost was, exactly, just that it was reasonable!). Not sure what kind of connections you would be able to get with your laptop.

As for shoes, they are pretty much a no-no in the places you mentioned. When I went to temples and had heavy gear with me and/or it was it was very cold, I would wear a pair of insanely thick hiking socks over my regular ones (bought a pair one size larger than what I normally wear). This extra cushioning really made a difference in support and comfort. If you're worried about traction, you could run a couple lines of puffy fabric paint on the soles to make them more like "slipper socks".

And if all you can think of now is Dharamsala, just wait until you've left it behind...

Marius

Susan London · Mar 6th, 2009, 10:01

Thank you for the ongoing great tips for travel to India. I know exactly what you mean about "wait until you leave," as it was a challenging transition when I returned to the States after spending two months in Thailand. I felt like I'd left my heart behind and had a pretty sad time of it for a good long while.

The idea of doubling up on socks is a good one. Any advice on airlines that might have decent prices? The cost for RT is about $1K. That will bring me to Delhi where the VT folks will meet me for an overnight in some town north of Delhi, then onward by bus to Dharamsala.

I've read that bus travel is long and arduous (as it was in Thailand), but I do know it's a great way to meet some folks along the way.

Feb 24th, 2009, 10:04	#1
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	Volunteer Tibet Hi! I am planning to spend July and August in northern India. The first part of my trip will be in Himachal Pradesh working for Volunteer Tibet. I am hoping to connect with folks who've volunteered there and can tell me a bit about the experience. I'll be there for about a month and then travel to some other intriguing places in the northern part of the country. If you've been to Dharamsala or Mcleod Ganj, I'd like to hear what it's like there. Thank you.

Feb 27th, 2009, 10:11	#5
Marius Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 45	Though Dharamsala may look close to Pakistan on a map, it is worlds away. No worries, there. As for terrain, I am assuming that you will be up in McLeod Ganj, also known as Upper Dharamsala, which is where all the Tibetans are. It is basically the top of a mountain, and everywhere you go is a steep walk up, or a steep walk down! Good exercise, though maybe not so good for bad knees. My knees are not the greatest, and I frequently wore neoprene knee supports, which helped. I just came across this blog, which may interest you. It's called "My thoughts and activities in Dharamsala". http://dharamsalalight.blogspot.com/ Last edited by Marius : Feb 27th, 2009 at 20:49.

Feb 28th, 2009, 09:49	#7
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	tom robbins both of the last two posts made references to tom robbins' work! bravo! your posts are encouraging, so i thank you for that. how much and often does it rain in july and august? i spent a summer in thailand and the monsoon did not begin until august with any intensity. it rained very hard every couple of days but since the elevation is much lower there, flooding was only a problem in the mountains. what are the conditions like in macleod ganj/dharamsala at that time. due to my "knee" issues, i wear hiking boots most of the time. are the hilly roads paved/slippery? i want to make sure i'll be able to fully enjoy the experience. has anyone stayed in a nunnery/monastery in the area? i'm wondering about the accomodations there. in thailand, my family had western toilets but no running water. my school had squat toilets. thanks again for the great replies. your words have me back on the optimistic side of this venture.

Feb 28th, 2009, 10:20	#8
Marius Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 45	From the very informative Dharamsala guide:http://www.tibet.com/dasaguide.html "ANNUAL RAINFALL Varies between 290 and 380cm. Monsoon season is July to September...It rains ceaselessly in July, August and September." The roads are all paved. To get to some of the monasteries requires walking on trails (actually they are mostly stairs, since it's all mountain side) that might get a tad dicey, depending on where you are staying. Have not stayed at a monastery or nunnery, but have had friends who have. The plumbing runs the gamut, though they all do have plumbing. Toilets can be of both squat and western varieties. It is one of the most incredible places on Earth, in my opinion. I think you will have a wonderful, enriching time there. Go! Last edited by Marius : Feb 28th, 2009 at 10:22. Reason: additions

Mar 1st, 2009, 07:21	#9
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	gamut what do you mean by "runs the gamut?" and how mean are the mosquitoes? do you use mosquito netting or spray. i realize that this probably sounds silly, but I'm trying to get a handle on life there before I go. So, does it stop raining long enough to get any hiking in? One of my dreams is to spend some time hiking the foothills of the Himalaya's. What kind of raingear is best to bring? Thanks for your help.

Feb 27th, 2009, 01:13	#3
city of joy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: india Posts: 52	hi Heaven.Riders could you please let me know about the volunteering scenario in Tibet.. in details please.... thanks...

Feb 27th, 2009, 09:03	#4
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	I am wondering, more than anything, about political safety. Dharmasala seems awfully close to Pakistan. Also, will my osteoarthritic knees be able to stand the hills. I am quite active - regular gym exercise, snowshoer, xc ski every now and then, hiker, biker, but hoping the hillsides in town won't be too much for these knees to bear. I am hoping to get in some hiking on the Himalayan foothills while in Dharmasala. I've been reading Lonely Planet's guide to India, so I have some information about the Himachal Pradesh area. Have you worked with Volunteer Tibet before? I'm planning to stay for a few weeks at a nunnery/monastery and then for a few weeks with a family while there teaching English before traveling east to visit some other places. I'm not sure what the accomodations will be be at either place. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks heaps! Love to hear any stories you may have.

Mar 2nd, 2009, 04:10	#10
Marius Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 45	Runs the gamut=cold water always available, hot water can be hit or miss, toilets are usually the squat type. Potable water is a no for foreigner stomaches. I can't stress enough being careful what you drink. Bring a water filter, or elses plan on buying a LOT of bottled water (which do not get recycled). I used a Katadyn Exstream XR. It is a water bottle with a built-in filter that gets rid of everything nasty put into it. Pricey, but it works really well. I drank water out of many a questionable tap, with zero problems. It is made primarily for backpackers and for making drinkable water from any source. I have not been during the summer, though mosquitoes are not reported to be a big problem. No cases of malaria reported there. As for rain gear, don't skimp! Can't go wrong with Gore-tex.

Mar 2nd, 2009, 09:39	#11
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	Thank you for the good information and your ideas. I do have a Katadyn bottle but will check to make sure it's the correct model. so, does it rain all day, every day? I'm looking for some close up pics of Macleod Gung to help me determine if my 59 year old osteoarthritic knees can handle the terrain. Your help has been invaluable in giving me hope that this trip will work for me.

Mar 3rd, 2009, 21:00	#12
Marius Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 45	You are most welcome. I truly hope that you go. I think you will. It will probably rain every day, but not all day. Since it is so high, you are literally in the clouds, so there is a constant surealness to it. Good waterproof boots with good tread will be a big help. Might want to consider lightweight, collapsible hiking poles to ease up pressure on the knees. Here are a few pics. "High" is looking across the valley to H.H. the Dalai Lama's compound. Note the Himalayan peak up in the clouds in the top right. "Blur" is a street level shot, and is how you will probably feel for the first few days there! "UpDown" gives you an idea of what many of the streets are like. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Marius : Mar 3rd, 2009 at 21:05. Reason: additional info

Mar 5th, 2009, 10:05	#13
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	Thank you. Each picture is affirming. I will take notes on any information you may send me and start making my lists. I've emailed VolunteerTibet a couple of times with questions, but haven't heard back from them. I'm not sure if they're waiting for arrival date before answering questions or if the account is down. Speaking of which, how connected is Dharmamsals? Lonely Planet reports that there is internet access. I am considering bringing a laptop to stay connected with my home and family. Also wondering about wearing footwear indoors. I am supposed to wear something on my feet at all times and know that in temples and going into houses one removes shoes. Are there any alternatives/exceptions to this? Thanks for any help you may willing to share. I am starting to see the Himalayas in my waking moments.

Mar 5th, 2009, 10:27	#14
Marius Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 45	Hi Susan, Internet cafes are everywhere, and the cost is very reasonable (can't remember what the cost was, exactly, just that it was reasonable!). Not sure what kind of connections you would be able to get with your laptop. As for shoes, they are pretty much a no-no in the places you mentioned. When I went to temples and had heavy gear with me and/or it was it was very cold, I would wear a pair of insanely thick hiking socks over my regular ones (bought a pair one size larger than what I normally wear). This extra cushioning really made a difference in support and comfort. If you're worried about traction, you could run a couple lines of puffy fabric paint on the soles to make them more like "slipper socks". And if all you can think of now is Dharamsala, just wait until you've left it behind... Marius

Mar 6th, 2009, 10:01	#15
Susan London Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 57	in my mind Thank you for the ongoing great tips for travel to India. I know exactly what you mean about "wait until you leave," as it was a challenging transition when I returned to the States after spending two months in Thailand. I felt like I'd left my heart behind and had a pretty sad time of it for a good long while. The idea of doubling up on socks is a good one. Any advice on airlines that might have decent prices? The cost for RT is about $1K. That will bring me to Delhi where the VT folks will meet me for an overnight in some town north of Delhi, then onward by bus to Dharamsala. I've read that bus travel is long and arduous (as it was in Thailand), but I do know it's a great way to meet some folks along the way.

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