Location

Our Indian Volunteer Program is located in Dharamsala, in the Kangra Valley district of Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamsala is a famed tourist destination offering magnificent views of the snow covered Dhauladhar peaks, pine forests and tea gardens. Full of life yet also peaceful, Dharamsala offers the perfect destination for volunteering work in India. Not surprisingly, His Holiness the Dalai Lama holds residency in the area.

The region, despite its natural beauty, is cut off from main stream development and is in much need of developmental assistance in both materials and human form.

The rural communities iSPiiCE volunteering in India assist are set in the green valleys at the foothills of the Himalayas and the family background of the children are mixed, with many coming from farming communities in these areas.

Arriving in Himachal Pradesh is like stepping into another world. With its remarkable natural beauty, breathtaking scenery, serene natural environment and friendly, beautiful people; many wonderful and rewarding experiences and exciting adventures await and during your volunteering placement with iSPiiCE volunteering, we will ensure your involvement is both memorable and enjoyable.

Sightseeing and Cultural Activities

There are many opportunities for sightseeing and cultural activities in the area, and volunteers can make trips (either with fellow volunteers or escorted by iSPiiCE volunteer staff) to popular attractions, remarkably these include two world famous temples, Macleod Ganj Buddhist Temple/Monastary (also the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and Bhaghsunag Lord Shiva Hindu Temple. Kangra Fort in the area also attracts many visitors and is the largest fort in the Himalayas dating back to 1009 AD,most famous for its ancient stone paintings.

Very close to the iSPiiCE volunteer camp, is the Norbulingka Institute, preserving Tibeten art and culture. This is a fabulous spot to explore and relax for the afternoon and within its grounds are a magnificent and ornate temple, a cafe with outdoor seating, a serene Japanese garden, the Losel Doll Museum and a hand crafts shop. Staff at Norbulingka will also gladly give a tour of the Institute and you can watch monks as they practice ancient traditions such as Thangka painting, and Tibeten sculpture and woodwork.

A short distance away are the towns of Dharamsla and McLeod Ganj which are very popular tourist destinations and home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants and bars. Here you can spend an entire free day or evening and even meet with other travellers or volunteers in India.

Outside of the Dharamsala region volunteers can choose to make use of free weekends for extra travel in India and popular spots are Manali, Kullu valley, Malana, Rivalsar and Mandi; although these trips will not be included in the program fee, iSPiiCE volunteering staff will happily help with making travel and accommodation arrangements.