World Adventure Itinerary

Day 1
Reach Dharamshala Airport (Gaggal Airport, DHM) and transfer to Palampur; accommodation in Guest House with full boarding.

 

Day 2
In the morning, you will be taken to the site of your volunteering assignment, a kindergarten in Palampur. In the afternoon, you get a city orientation in Palampur.

 

Day 3
Volunteering at the Kindergarten.

 

Day 4
In the morning, volunteering in kindergarten. In the afternoon, visit a tea plantation and tea factory . The tea plantation produces good quality black and green teas. Between March and November, between 2000 and 3000 kg tea leaves are picked daily; July and August is the peak harvest season. During the other months, the plants must be maintained, and numerous tropical fruits are grown.

 

Days 5-6
Volunteering at the Kindergarten.

 

Days 7-9
Hike in the Dhauladhar Mountains for 3 days/2 nights. First, we drive to a scenic hill (about 2000 meters above sea level). From there we walk with a local chef, a guide and porters for about 5-6 hours uphill. On the way, there is a break while we prepare food with local dishes such as rice with Lungdu, Malsa and chapati.

 

We finally reach a "Tribal Village", which we explore and sleep in simple houses in the village. Catering is always provided. The people belong to the tribe Gaddi, and have their own language. Many live a semi-nomadic life as shepherds. In the summer, they go with their flocks to higher altitudes and during winters, they spend in the villages in the valley.

 

On the second day, we walk for about 5-6 hours uphill and stay at another mountain village. On the third day, we reach a summit of the mountain range about 3500 to 4000 meters above sea level and then go back down to about 2000 meters, where we will be picked up and driven back to Palampur.

 

The walk can be done by anyone with average physical fitness. It is not strenuous mountain climbing, but a normal mountain hike. Depending on the wishes of the group, different routes and peaks of different levels can be selected. 

 

In Palampur, we check-in in the afternoon at Kayakalp Centre. The Kayakalp Centre is a spa and wellness center, located just outside of Palampur, surrounded by a large park-like grounds.

 

Day 10
At Kayakalp Centre, the next day early in the morning you participate in Yoga and get an Ayurvedic Massage in the day (included in price). Ayurvedic vegetarian meals are included. You can do Yoga again in the afternoon.

 

In the morning, we leave the Kayakalp Centre and go to Dharamshala . There we first visit McLeod Ganj , the district in which a large number of exiled Tibetans have settled. Attractions in addition to several temples, are the St. George church and the market with Tibetan souvenirs. In the late afternoon, we reach the Chrysalid camp where we stay in spacious tents with full boarding.

 

Day 12
Throughout the day we spend in the neighborhood of Chrysalid Camps . It is beautifully situated on a hill opposite Dharamshala, overlooking the town and the valley. Outdoor sports activities can be conducted at an additional cost: rock climbing, paragliding, rappelling, Tyrolean traverse or mountain bike tour (activities will be notified a week in advance). Those who prefer to relax can simply make a small guided walk (no additional cost) in the vicinity of the camp, from where you can get beautiful views of the valley. All meals are provided at the camp.

 

Day 13
From Chrysalid camp, we visit the Tibetan Cultural Center "Norbulingka Institute".

 

Full boarding is provided at the Camp.

 

Day 14
Return from Dharamshala to the airport.