Dates:
27th June – 17th July 2011

Volunteering Solutions offers an exciting opportunity for the volunteers with a combination of volunteer programs and weekend excursions in beautiful Kangra Valley in Himalayan Mountain Range in North India. Escape the summer heat and join this amazing summer program.

Palampur enjoys a very tourist friendly climate throughout the year. The summers are mild with occasional showers unlike the hot summers in the plains.
 
Program Location 
The program is based in Palampur which is located 550 Km North of New Delhi in the State of Himachal Pradesh.  Palampur is located  in District Kangra at an elevation of 4500 Ft above sea level. The area is very well known for its beautiful Tea gardens. Different tourist attractions  such as Dharamshala are located in close proximity to Palampur. Dharamshala is the hometown of The Dalai Lama and provides immense tourist and learning opportunities. Palampur is also close to the start up points of very Interesting trekking routes through the Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges which are snow Capped Mountains with ample scenic sites. Palampur is blessed with natural water streams flowing from the mountains besides thick forest cover, culture, and tradition promoted by  tribal herdsmen ,the Gaddis and also by the urban population which does not exceed 30,000 in this small hill city.

Volunteer Program Schedule
Duration : 3 weeks
Start date : 27th June 2011
Working hrs : 5hrs, 5days (Monday to Friday)
Weekends: Travel / Sightseeing included in Cost

Program detail 
Volunteers will be given 5 hrs working for 5 days a week at various day care centers and schools where volunteers can teach as well as take care of small children in the age group of 2years to 5 years.
 
26th June – Arrive in Palampur by taking a flight from Delhi to Dharamshala or by bus 
 
Day 1 : –Orientation Session- Welcome to India, introduction to the program in Palampur, safety issues, basic culture and history about India. Also learn about your program schedule and tour program to follow.

Day 2 : –Volunteer starts the work in field. Daily schedule will be as follows:-

Morning Tea: - 8:00am
Breakfast: - 9:00am
Departure to work area: - 9.30am (preferably a day care center)
Lunch - 1pm to 2pm
Evening tea - 3:30pm
Field work preparation - 4pm onwards.
Dinner: - 7:30pm
Internet - 8.30pm to 10pm (available at the accommodations)

Excursions (included in the Program Cost)

A) Trip to Manali:-The beautiful hill station of Manali lies in the Beas river valley and is one of the most popular tourist places in north India. Manali is located at a height of 6398ft and offers some spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range. Volunteers will go on this trip on the first weekend of the program.
Volunteers Group while trekking in Manali on weekend trip
 
A two day trip to Manali will be included in this package .Details of program are as follows. 
Duration - 2days / 1 night.
Starting date - Saturday morning.
Distance - Palampur to Manali (204 km)
Departure time - 6 am

Day 1 - Palampur to Manali (night stay)

Day 2
Manali sight seeing
Hadimba Devi Temple
Vashist Temple (Hot Water Spring)
Solang Nala (Winter Sport Location)
Local market trip (Manali)
Return journey to Palampur.
 

What are you Paying For ?
» 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
» Hotel accommodation during tours
» Transfers during tours
» Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
» Airport Pickup
» Orientation
» Food
» Accommodation
» Travel & Medical Insurance 

What's NOT Included ?
» All momument entry fee during tour
» Drinks during tour
» Airfare
» Visa and Visa extension fee
» Airport drop, airport taxes and local transportation
» Any personal expenses (You would need around $40 per week for your personal expenses)