TOUR DETAILS-

• No. of Seats – Maximum 7 people | 
• First come first serve basis 
• Cost of the whole trip – 45,000/ INR- per person

The details of the seven days paid Internship/ tour plan (12 –19 May, 2023)

LADAKH HERITAGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: The most well-known features of Ladakh are its beautiful landscapes, clear skies, highest mountain passes, thrilling adventure activities, Buddhist and Muslim heritage sites, and festivals.

Apart from the above, the exotic rock art, scriptures and ancient stupas are characteristic to the region.

Ladakh’s landscape is dotted with reminders of its Buddhist tradition.

Buddhists in Ladakh revere stupas as sacred buildings, and many of them are thought to contain the corporeal remains of high Lamas or denote significant Buddhist sites.

The old stupas were neglected and began to deteriorate as a result of time-related elements and modernizations.

Building or restoring a stupa purifies ones’ karma, according to Buddhist texts, and is a powerful way to accrue merit for oneself and others, not just for this life but also for the next.

For the Web-Story of this Article “Click Here“.

Many of these stupas have been restored by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (www.heritage- himalaya.org).

Dr. Sonam Wangchok is the founder of Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and President, International Association for Ladakh Studies (IALS).

Holding eminent positions in several organizations as executive member, advisor and consultant.

An eminent scholar in Buddhist Cultural Studies, who has been working deeply in the field of heritage and culture of Ladakh and other Himalayan regions for more than a decade.

Dr. Wangchok is well-respected locally for his various initiatives such as the establishment of Rock Arts Unit (Ladakh), Heritage Himalaya Magazine, Heritage Restoration, Revival of dying festivals and arts and extending support to local artisans and communities.

Dr. Wangchok has curated special study experiential tours for those wanting to see a unique side of Ladakh, offered by few.

These tours are not just about seeing the locales in this Moonland, but also volunteering to support the restoration projects undertaken by wangchok’s NGO in the cultural inlands.

It is an opportunity to spend a few days with Dr. Wangchok and actually participate in the restoration and conservation activities under his guidance.

Designed especially for individuals passionate about cultural and natural heritage.

An internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to the field of cultural study or career interest.

An internship gives the participants the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills and wisdom from the experts and communities.

Major takeaways-

• Internship under Dr. Sonam Wangchok.
• Work on Stupa restoration -the heritage of Ladakh.
• On field experience of living and working with village community
• Exploring heritage and nature.
• Learn from experts and specialists
• One week stay amongst the local village families and experiencing the culture

ITINERARY (8 Nights)

Day 1: 12^th May.

• Arrive at Leh Airport (Leh) situated at 3500m altitude transfer to your Guest House.
• Rest and allow yourself to acclimatize the whole day.
• You will be free to spend the day, as you wish. You can also explore the local market.
• Introduction session in the evening – introducing the participants, discussing the itinerary, expectation setting;
• Followed by dinner.
• However, we highly recommend you to take good rest and prep for the week ahead.

Day 2: May 13^th.

Shara-traditional village, 70 kms from Leh citytowards Nyuma in Changthang. Shara has been well recognised for its traditional style of farming and agricultural activities.

The village has many heritage sites including ancient stupas, forts and temples.

• Leave for Village Shara village. (approx. 70 kms from Leh)
• Stay in a Homestay
• Heritage Talk by Dr Sonam Wangchok at the site.
• Experiencing local rituals as the Monks de-consecrate the sacred stupa for restoration purposes.
• Post the ceremonial event, our expert masons will explain to you the various processes involved in carrying forward the restoration work as we initiate the work.
• It is a unique experience, seeing the entire village get together to work on the stupa.
• Dinner at the homestay

Day 3: May 14^th.

• Start with Restoration of Stupa.
• Morning, visit the village temple,
• During the day, work with the village community to restore the ancient stupa.
• Evening session -Heritage Talk and Film Screening.

Day 4: May 15^th.

Sightseeing and Meeting with the Hermits.

• Visit Khaspang, a rare and living hermitage in the upper valley of Igloo village where some monks are still practicing tantric meditation.
• Post lunch visit Hemis monastery (One of the largest monasteries of Ladakh).
• The tour will be guided by Dr Sonam Wangchok.
• Evening leisure time in the village.

Day 5: May 16^th.

Short trek; Restoration Work

• Post breakfast, we leave for a short trek to see an old temple and the ruined fort in Shara village.
• Post lunch, resume the restoration work.
• Explore the village, meet the local people, and listen to their stories.

Day 6: may 17^th

• Sightseeing and audience with a Rinpoche
• Visit Thiksey Monastery, Shey
• Evening audience with a Rinpoche (Reincarnation of a high Lama)

Day 7: May 18^th

• Full day restoration work.
• Last day in the village so maximize your time helping the community with the work and learn from them.

Day 8: May 19^th.

• Leave for Leh
• Each of the participants are honored by the village community for their participation in the local style.
• Stay in a hotel.
• Enjoy the local market of Leh, explore local cafes and shop for your loved ones before heading back home, the following day.
• Dinner at hotel

Day 9: May 20^th

Leave for the Airport. Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS-

• Accommodation on sharing basis
• Meal Plan (Leh) – Breakfast and Dinner
• Meal Plan (Shara) – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Sightseeing
• Airport Pickup and Transfers
• Heritage Talk; Special Sessions
• Guide

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

• Flight Tickets
• Lunch at Leh
• Any kind of Insurance
• Tickets and Passes (if needed)
• Beverages, telephone calls, items of a personal nature, and personal services.
• Anything not included in ‘Tour inclusions’

CANCELLATIONS-

• For cancellations received up to 30 calendar days before the scheduled departure, a 20% cancellation fee will be charged.
• For cancellations received 15 -29 calendar days before the scheduled departure date a 60% cancellation fee will be charged.
• For cancellations received 7 -14 calendar days before the scheduled departure date a 80% cancellation fee will be charged.
• For cancellations received within 7 calendar days before the scheduled departure date a 100% cancellation fee will be charged.

FAQs:-

• No major qualification required to be a part of this internship program.
• An individual passionate about exploring village life and open to village experiences is welcomed.
• Anyone can join, we always have girls traveling with us too. We take utmost care about their safety and comfort.
• Village accommodation would include local homestay or stay with local families. Cleanliness and hygiene are well taken care off. Toilet facility might vary, sometimes the participants would require to use local toilets.
• Meals provided in the village would be simple home cooked food provided by the host families.
• Shara is a secluded village, with minimum facilities available, please carry all the essentials required for personal use.
• The restoration work involves working with local communities, the job role might vary according to individual interest and capabilities, best decided on the spot. But an open mind set to adapt oneself, will make the experience wholesome.
• You have to book your flight asap, as the prices of flight tickets will increase closer to date.

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