Thorn Tree travel forum

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There are always people who are willing to accept the offer of volunteers without charge. I find those to be more appealing than those which charge an arm and a leg to assist.

While in Dharamsala /McLeod Ganj, you can look at the local "Contact Magazine (I think the website is www.contact.org) or pop into the Khana Nirvana restaurant in Temple Road and ask upstairs.

I used to love staying at the Hotel Kailash, but unfortunately, this burnt down and the owner is still trying to rebuild. There is another place which is located behind this hotel (on the lower side - head to the right and down the path), that gets good reports (sorry - don't know the name, only where it's located).

And, there's also the Hotel Snow Lion, diagonally opposite McLoLo's restaurant (to the left of Temple Rd.)

You may find it beneficial to try booking ahead, at least to ensure that you have the first nights room available and from there, you can start looking for somewhere else to stay if the one you stay at is not to your liking.

Cheers
Zoltan

There is enough in the world to satisfy everyones need, but not enough to satisfy everyones greed.

[*Travel Photos of Bangladesh/India /Nepal /Singapore (and now some of home) - last updated 11/01/09*]
http://ulric.myphotoalbum.com

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Excellent advice from Zoltan. The hotel he is referring to is called Om Guest House.
The people who pay to volunteer are all on volunteering tours. You can set up your volunteer work for free once you arrive.
As Zoltan says go to Khana Nirvana Resturant. The best time to go is after 1:00pm. The manager, Samdup, can help you find suitable volunteer work as he runs a volunteer referral service free of charge. He is always up to date on where volunteers are needed most and where would be the best places for you to volunteer based on how much time you have.
It is peak tourist season in McLeod Ganj right now. Don't let the crowds put you off as this is the time when the locals make their living.
Have fun!