1. What is the minimum tenure of my stay with the organization?
We encourage volunteers work with us for at least four weeks, although the duration is negotiable depending on the role you intend to take on in a particular project. Depending on the sets of skills you offer to bring into the organization, we welcome long-term volunteers who wish to stay on for at least six months or more. This however does not mean that we do not value people who may want to volunteer for only a week or so. But we feel it is not a realistic time frame for fruitful cooperation.
2. What about accomodation and food?
During the summers, the town offers a wide selection of guest-houses and restaurants across the budget spectrum to choose from. Among the lowest price band, you can choose to stay at the LEDeG Hostel also. To know more, click here.
3. Getting around locally?
Leh is a very small town with almost everything within a 5-10 minutes’ walking distance. For within the town limits, there are unfortunately no bus services. There is however a fairly decent number of local taxis available.
4. Work days & hours?
The office works Monday through Saturday from 10 am - 5pm in summers. We offer the volunteers a five-day work-week so that they can pack in a little travelling over the weekend. This is not true for student interns, as depending on the tasks they are working on, their supervising coordinator will assign them time schedules.
5. Carrying cash v/s credit cards?
Not many shops here accept cards (Debit or Credit). Cash is an easier option. There are ATM facilities of the State Bank of India, the Punjab National Bank and the J&K Bank. You can check on their websites if they will accept your card.
6. Staying connected in Ladakh
There are quite a few internet cafes and phone booths in town. If you are going to stay for longer and wish to own a local mobile connection (Airtel & BSNL) you will need an ID proof and 3-4 passport size photos.
7. What should I pack?
The Ladakhi weather is one of extremes. Both the diurnal and the seasonal ranges fluctuate wildly. So, it is advisable to pack for the coldest weather you can imagine. The idea is to layer up rather than stick to one single warm piece. Of course, if you are visiting in the summer, do pack in comfortable wear for a warm day.
Clothes - apart from the regular items
- A heavy jacket (down or polyfill)
- Some mid-layer pieces – a sweatshirt or a fleece jacket or a good sweater,
- At least two sets of thermal innerwear
- Good woollen caps, mittens and muffler
- Woollen socks for winters, cotton socks for summers
- Sturdy walking/trekking shoes
- Pair of slippers
- Towel
Toiletries – apart from the regular items
- Heavy-duty Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Tampons (you cannot find them here)
Miscellenaeus things you will need
- Identity card
- Torch or a headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat