Volunteering in Himachal Pradesh

Volunteering in Himachal Pradesh

Volunteering in Himachal Pradesh, you will find yourself in Palampur, right at the heart of the Kangra Valley, at an altitude of 1200 metres. This area is known for its abundance of water, and rice fields and tea plantations dominate the mountainous scenery. Palampur is most commonly known due to its world-famous teas – it’s no accident that this city is known as the Indian tea capital!

If you would like to explore the impressive local landscape whilst volunteering in Himachal Pradesh, the numerous striking yet exhausting hiking trails around Palampur will give you an unforgettable nature experience in the Kangra Valley. Culture-lovers will drool over the many historical temples and fortresses in the area. And why not take an excursion over to the famous city of Dharamshala, to see where the Dalai Lama lives?

Volunteering in Himachal Pradesh

Orientation and Accommodation

Before you begin volunteering in Himachal Pradesh, your stay in India will begin in New Delhi. When you arrive at the airport, you will be picked up by a staff member of our Indian partner organisation. You will spend one night in the vibrant capital city of India before you head to Jaipur, known at the “Pink City”, and capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Here, all volunteers will be introduced to India through a 4-day orientation, learning about the history, culture, and social life of India.

You will learn your first words in Hindi, receive useful tips about volunteering in Himachal Pradesh, and explore the city, including a visit to the Amber Fort and, if possible, an elephant ride. During the orientation you will stay with an English-speaking host family, where you will have the opportunity to learn about Indian family life first-hand.Then you will head to Palampur, at the foot of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, where you will begin volunteering in Himachal Pradesh. Here, you will live together with other volunteers from around the world in a friendly volunteer house near the city.

Workshops & Excursions

Aside from volunteering in Himachal Pradesh, you should take advantage of the workshops on offer (yoga and Indian cooking), in order to gain insight into the Indian way of life. Through a trekking tour in the Himalayan Mountains, including an overnight stay, you will have the chance to discover this exciting region.

Volunteering in Himachal Pradesh: Overview

• Activities: Depends on the project.
• Free Time: At least 2 days a week, usually at the weekend.
• Specifics: Your exact project placement will be decided on location. If you state a preference, we will do our best to take it into account. But please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a specific project.
• Duration: 4, 8, or 12 weeks.
• Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to accept applications much earlier.
• Starting Dates: Once a month at the following dates: 5 July, 2. & 30 Aug., 27 Sept.,  25 Oct., 22 Nov., 20 Dec. 2010
• Practical Experience: Not necessary, but an advantage.
• Other: Note that volunteering in Himachal Pradesh you'll be entering an entirely different culture - patience, flexibility, initiative and travel experience are essential. Women need to dress in traditional Indian clothing - during the first days you will equip yourself appropriately.