Dharamsala Information

Introduction

Dharamsala became the new home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile in 1960 when the prime minister of India granted the land to exiled Tibetans. It has now become a center for Tibetan activity with numerous organizations, monasteries and nunneries, schools, and over 8,000 resident Tibetans.

Although the central government offices are closer to Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, slightly higher in elevation and nestled on the ridges of the foothills of the Himalayas, is the true hub of Tibetan life. Numerous hotels and restaurants cater to the lively tourist industry, and a host of organisations and groups find their headquarters in this former British hillstation. Most volunteers coming to work in Dharamsala will most likely find themselves in or around McLeod Ganj.

General Information

We highly recommend picking up a guidebook for India, the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide both providing excellent information about traveling to India, getting around once you're here, and even specific information about Dharamsala and neighboring sites. The guides also include information on visas, immunization shots, what to bring, health tips and more.

One of the best ways to get a feeling what its like volunteering with us is to look at the Volunteer Stories section to see what previous volunteers have done to support the Tibetan community in exile.

Travel to Mcleod Ganj and Dharamsala

McLeod Ganj is located approximately 10 kilometers away from Dharamsala and is accessible by frequent buses and taxis.

Travel by Bus: From Delhi, the easiest way to get directly to McLeod Ganj is by overnight bus. We recommend using a bus service that operates from the Tibetan Colony in Delhi so you will be delivered directly to McLeod Ganj. Other government-owned buses usually stop at Dharamsala, and another local bus must be taken to McLeod Ganj (about a half-hour ride). Ask about our Reception and Orientation service to take all the hassle out of your travel!

Travel by Plane: There is an airport about 18 kilometers from lower Dharamsala connecting to Delhi, Kullu, and Shimla. Indian Airlines operates a service from Delhi about 3 times a week.

Travel by Train: From Delhi, you can take a 12-hour train to Pathankot and either catch a 4-hour bus to Dharamsala. Then a local bus can be taken for the half-hour journey to McLeod Ganj.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation in McLeod Ganj, with dorm rooms starting at 50 rupees (US$1) per night and doubles with attached bathroom from 300 rupees per night. For longer-term lodging, rooms can be found with cooking facilities and range from 3000-6000 rupees (US$60-$120) per month. Villages near Jogibara Road, below McLeod Ganj, and around Bhagsu Road offer quieter accommodation out of town.

Expenses

Most organizations will not be able to compensate volunteers in any way, but there are some that will be able to offer room and board. This information should be listed with the information about particular opportunities. Visitors will be happy to hear that it is extremely inexpensive to live in India (by Western standards), and if one is thrifty, you can get by on as little as US$120 for both food and lodging each month (more typical budgets running about US$300 each month).

There are a number of restaurants and cafes in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj serving Indian, Tibetan, Western/Continental, and even Japanese, Korean and Thai food. From roadside stalls selling samosas and momos for 10 rupees to upscale resturants where you can splash out on a quality three course meal, you can easily find something to suit both taste and budget. There are a number of inexpensive cafes and resturants where you can get a filling meal for under 100 rupees, from momos and chowmein to ravioli and tofu burgers.

What To Bring

As mentioned before, volunteers should bring clothing for all types of weather. In the summer months, from April to June, be sure to bring suncream, sunglasses ans sunhat as the heat can get extremely strong. From July to September heavy duty waterproofs are essential - a good raincoat, waterproof shoes/boots and an umbrella are essentail to keep you dry from the monsoon rain. From October to March it can get very cold so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes. Most types of clothing can be bought in the many clothes stores and trekking shops in McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala but it's better to have what you need with you as soon as you arrive. Don't forget extra amounts of prescription medication, as you might not find it readily available in the area. Many staple items are easily and cheaply bought for longer-term stays, such as pots and pans, dishware, and other household items. Many organizations request that if you have a portable computer, to please bring it with you as their resources are limited.

Money and Currency

ATM and Bank Cards: An ATM has just been installed in McLeod Ganj with the Bank of India. However, some international ATM cards have been reported to be rejected by the ATM. It is adviseable to bring alternate methods for procuring cash - such as credit cards and traveller's checks.

The Bank of Baroda in Dharamsala will give cash advances at a nominal 2% service charge, but you need to call a day in advance to gain authorisation (ph: 21375). There are many cash advance places in McLeod Ganj that charge a steeper 5% service charge.

Travellers Cheques and Cash:

Can be exchanged for Indian rupees at many places in McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala.

Cultural Activities & Entertainment

Being the centre of the Tibetan community in exile, Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj offers the best opportunities to explore Tibetan culture and religion outside of Tibet. As well as major cultural centres such as the main Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Tibet Museum and Tibetan Library of Works and Archives, there are many smaller cultural centres and institutions where you can experience Tibetan art, music, dance, and religious life. Courses in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, Tibetan language, cookery, music and more can be found across the two towns. There are a wealth of Tibetan restaurants, shops selling traditional handicrafts, bookshops stocking books, CDs and DVDs on all aspects of Tibetan culture and religion, and cinemas which show Tibetan films and documentaries.

You can also find many courses, lessons and workshops on diverse topics such as yoga, meditation, reiki, Hindi language, Tibetan cooking, traditional Indian musical instruments, and many more advertised around the town. There are cinemas which show both Indian and Western films, pool halls, internet cafes, and many other places to relax after a hard day's volunteering!

Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj are situated in the midst of some spectacular scenery; craggy mountain peaks, green hills, monkey-filled forests, waterfalls and streams are all nearby. There are many opportunities for walking and exploring the countryside, whether you prefer a gentle afternoon stroll through the greenery or a full on hike up the side of a mountain.

For more information about McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala, please see the weblinks page

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