7-Day Volunteering Itinerary in Leh, July 2023

1. Day 1: Visit to Namgyal Tsemo Monastery
   15 minutes (5.3 km) from Leh

   Start your day with a visit to Namgyal Tsemo Monastery. You can help the monks in their daily chores and learn about their culture. In the afternoon, visit the Shanti Stupa and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset. In the evening, stroll around the Leh market and try some local Tibetan cuisine.

2. Day 2: Visit to the Donkey Sanctuary
   30 minutes (12.2 km) from Leh

   Visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Leh and help the staff in taking care of the donkeys. In the afternoon, visit the Leh Palace and explore the ancient architecture and artifacts. In the evening, visit the Lala's Art Cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee and some live music.

3. Day 3: Visit to the WildLife SOS
   1 hour 15 minutes (50.8 km) from Leh

   Visit the WildLife SOS in Phyang and volunteer in the conservation of local wildlife. In the afternoon, visit the Hemis Monastery and explore the traditional architecture and paintings. In the evening, relax at the Gya Lhato Retreat and enjoy the scenic beauty.

4. Day 4: Visit to the Druk White Lotus School
   25 minutes (9.5 km) from Leh

   Visit the Druk White Lotus School and volunteer in teaching the local children. In the afternoon, visit the Stok Palace and Museum to learn about the history of the Ladakh region. In the evening, visit the Bon Appetit Restaurant and try some delicious European cuisine.

5. Day 5: Visit to the Ladakh Women's Alliance
   20 minutes (6.8 km) from Leh

   Visit the Ladakh Women's Alliance and help in empowering local women. In the afternoon, visit the Spituk Monastery and explore the ancient architecture and artifacts. In the evening, visit the Penguin Garden Restaurant and enjoy some authentic Chinese cuisine.

6. Day 6: Visit to the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre
   1 hour 40 minutes (18.5 km) from Leh

   Visit the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre and volunteer in the meditation center activities. In the afternoon, visit the Alchi Monastery and explore the traditional architecture and paintings. In the evening, visit the Summer Harvest Restaurant and try some delicious Indian cuisine.

7. Day 7: Visit to the Shey Palace and Gompa
   20 minutes (8.1 km) from Leh

   Visit the Shey Palace and Gompa and help in the conservation of the historical site. In the afternoon, visit the Thiksey Monastery and explore the ancient architecture and artifacts. In the evening, visit the Gesmo German Bakery and enjoy some freshly baked goods.

Recommendations

You can also consider going on a day trip to the Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty. You can also participate in a trekking or hiking activity to explore the nature of Ladakh. To maximize your fun, you can try the local festivals and cultural events that happen during July in Leh.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Namgyal Tsemo Monastery (3 hours, Free)
• Shanti Stupa (2 hours, Free)
• Donkey Sanctuary (4 hours, Free)
• Leh Palace (2 hours, INR 250)
• Hemis Monastery (3 hours, INR 150)
• Druk White Lotus School (4 hours, Free)
• Stok Palace and Museum (2 hours, INR 100)
• Ladakh Women's Alliance (4 hours, Free)
• Spituk Monastery (2 hours, INR 50)
• Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (4 hours, Free)
• Alchi Monastery (3 hours, INR 100)
• Shey Palace and Gompa (2 hours, INR 50)
• Thiksey Monastery (3 hours, INR 100)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 800