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LADAKH HERITAGE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

October 2 – October 9, 2021


A unique opportunity to experience Ladakh like never before. A 7-days intense program of
experience & learning, under Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), Leh. Ladakh
Heritage Internship Program is designed especially for individuals passionate about working
at the grassroots level. No particular qualification required.
- Work on restoring the heritage of Ladakh
- On field experience of working & living with village community
- Exploring local culture, art & heritage
- Learn from experts & specialists
A chance to accustom ourselves to the beautiful ways of the village life in Ladakh and live it
for an entire week.


ITINERARY


Day 1: Arrival at Leh
October 2, 2021


Arrive at Leh Airport (Leh) situated at 3500m altitude, transfer to your hotel.
Rest and allow yourself to acclimatise the whole day.
Introduction Session in the evening – introducing the participants, discussing the itinerary,
expectation setting; followed by dinner.
(On the first day of the tour we will settle and acclimatize ourselves in the wide expanses of
this beautiful place. You will be free to spend the day, as you wish. You can also explore the
local market. However, we highly recommend you to take good rest and prep for the week
ahead.)


Day 2: Leave for Village Wanla
October 3, 2021


Visit Spituk Monastery
Visit Alchi Monastery
Drive to Wanla (approx. 120 kms from Leh)
Heritage Talk by Dr Sonam Wangchok
(Taking the blessings and good vibes from the Spituk Monastery & exploring the ancient wall
paintings of Alchi Monastery, we initiate our journey to Village Wanla. The second day, we
drive down to the very serene hamlet of Tarchit in Village Wanla, which will be our home for
the upcoming days. Enjoy your ride as we drive by the River Indus, through the mighty
Himalayan range.)


Day 3: Start with Restoration of Stupa
October 4, 2021


De-consecration Ceremony
Workshop on Stupa Restoration

Working with Village Community to restore the stupa
Evening Session
(Experiencing local rituals as the Monks de-consecrate the sacred stupa for restoration
purpose. Post the ceremonial event, our expert masons will explain 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.)


Day 4: Session with Local Entrepreneur
October 5, 2021


Visit the Wanla Gompa, a 1000 years old monastery
Post Breakfast, session with Stanzin Dorje (local entrepreneur, who introduced mushroom
cultivation in Ladakh)
Post Lunch, resume the Restoration work
(Let’s explore the village a bit and know the local people, their stories and initiatives as we
continue working on the Stupa.)


Day 5: Lamayuru & Exploring the Local Village Arts
October 6, 2021


Post breakfast, we leave for Lamayuru
Session with Local carpenter & visit to Carpenter’s Workshop
Post Lunch, resume the Restoration work
(Day 6, we explore the Moonscape and Monastery of Lamayuru and return to the village for
a session with the local carpenter. Wanla is famous for its unique carpentry and you get to
interact with one of the most skilled carpenters, and learn from them before resuming the
restoration work.)


Day 6: Complete the Restoration Work
October 7, 2021

As it is the last day for us to complete the restoration of the stupa, we dedicate the whole day,
helping the community with the work.


Day 7: Leave for Leh
October 8, 2021


Consecration of the Stupa
Leave for Leh
(Before leaving for Leh, we experience the most beautiful ceremony where life is put back to
the Stupa. Each of the participants are honoured by the village community for their help in
the local style. On your return to Leh, feel free to enjoy the local market of Leh, explore local
cafes and shop for your loved ones before heading back home, the following day.)


No. of Seats – Only 6 | First come first serve basis
Cost of the whole trip – 45,000/-


You have to book your flight now if you wish to join this Photo Tour, as the prices of flight
tickets will increase at the end.


TOUR INCLUSIONS


Leh to Leh Travel
Accommodation on sharing basis
Meal Plan (Leh) – Breakfast & Dinner
Meal Plan (Wanla) – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transfers
Heritage Talk & Sessions

TOUR EXCLUSIONS


Flight Tickets
Lunch at leh
Any kind of Insurance
Tickets & Pass
Beverages, telephone calls, items of a personal nature, and personal services.
Anything not included in ‘Tour inclusions’

Cancellation
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.

Mentor – Dr Sonam Wangchok


President, International Association for Ladakh Studies (IALS)
Founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF)
Holding eminent Positions in Sri Lankan Association of Buddhist Studies (SLABS), INTACH,
University of Ladakh, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), etc.
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, HCHF, Heritage Restoration,
Revival of dying festivals & arts and extending support to local artisans and communities.

 

Co- Mentor – Roohani Sawhney

Executive Officer, HCHF
Author, The Last Avatar Book
Author & Illustrator, My Little Book on Andaman & Nicobar Islands (INTACH HECS)
A passionate researcher and author, exploring culture & traditional values of local
Communities of Ladakh.

About Wanla


A traditional village, situated about 120 kms away from Leh city towards Kargil district.
Wanla has been well recognised for its traditional style of carpentry and for folk singing. It
has produced eminent singers like Morup Namgyal (Padma Shree Awardee). The Wanla
Monastery which is about 1000 years old is a magnificent piece of art and culture. The serene
village is away from the city hustle and provides to be a peaceful abode.


FAQs
a) No major qualification required to be a part of this internship program. An individual
passionate about exploring the village life and open to village experiences is welcomed.
b) Anyone can join, we always have girls travelling with us too. We take utmost care about
their safety and comfort.
c) 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.
d) Meals provided in village would be simple home cooked food provided by the host
families.
e) Wanla is a secluded village, with minimum facilities available, please carry all the
essentials required for personal use.
f) 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
mindset to involve oneself in what so ever job comes across is essential.

For more information
Contact – ladakhphototours@gmail.com
Call us for Bookings – +91 9780637679
Website : https://www.ladakhphototours.com/
Instagram : https://instagram.com/ladakhphototours

Ladakh Photo Tours | Aman Chotani ©Copyright

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