International Spiti Gold Solar Project 2013

The Indian Himalaya in Himachal Pradesh.
June 2013
Duration: 18 days
Route: Delhi - Manali Spiti Manali Delhi
Maximum Altitude: 5000 mts.
Key features: 
Volunteering on projects mitigating the impacts of climate change, Homestays, weekend excursions


During this journey you will be assisting the local community in construction of a solar bath. The volunteers will participate in the actual construction of the solar bath and the set up of a solar water geyser (Evacuated Tube Condenser) and will be assisted by a dedicated team of a qualified mason and representative from Ecosphere. The activity will entail physical work. The construction period will be 7 to 8 days. The trip is intermixed with work and pleasure. During this trip you will also be visiting some of the highest villages in the world, going on a high-altitude trek, visiting some ancient monasteries dating back to over a 1000 years and take a yak safari and mountain bike if interested. Traditional homestays further enrich the experience by giving one an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home.


Significance of this Tour
The construction of a solar bath is of great significance in this region as great amounts of fuelwood, coal and wood is burnt for heating water which contributes to CO2 and black carbon emissions. The latter having far more damaging affects on the melting of glaciers and snow on a local level. Through the set up of a solar bath which includes both a passive solar structure as well as a solar water heating system, we enable the people to cut down on emissions (especially reducing black carbon) as well as enable them to have better hygiene through regular availability of hot water. 


Costs and more...
This is conducted in association with Ecosphere, and the cost for Indian Nationals is Rs. 36.000.00 thousand (from Delhi to Delhi). Foreign Nationals pay $ 750.00 (form Delhi to Delhi)
Costs including taxes for a group of 15 persons
-  All accommodation starting Day 2 to Day 15
-  Meals starting Day 4 dinner to Day 14 dinner
-  All bus/ jeep transfers Day 1 (with bus to Manali) to Day 15 (bus to Delhi)
-  Project support
-  Support staff on days required
Excludes: 
Mineral water and beverages (other than those provided), Monastery Fees, Tips, Insurance  and expenses arising out of unforeseen circumstances 


Please Note:-
a) This is a carbon neutral trip. It is Ecosphere’s endeavour to generate minimum emissions on this journey and whatever emissions that we do generate are calculated and offset through investments in our in-house renewable energy projects within the region. These include construction of passive solar houses, green houses and investing in other sustainable renewable energy alternatives such as solar water heating systems, solar cookers, solar lighting, etc. 
b) A different kind of holiday - Ecosphere is a social enterprise and your travel with Ecosphere will contribute to the development and conservation of the region. Insights into the local development and conservation issues and a peep into Ecosphere’s initiatives 


Please email us at sd@ebd.in for early bird discount and more help!

Follow your Tennis passion!


We are pleased to offer an opportunity to talented & aspiring Tennis Players to participate in the 1 or 2 weeks Tennis Training Programme as offered by the - Bruguera Tennis Academy at Barcelona – Spain, which is Internationally Acclaimed for the many champions it produces & is duly recognized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF)

The Bruguera Tennis Academy Top Team run by Luis and Sergi Bruguera, is a high performance tennis centre specializing in the development of young tennis players. It was founded in October 1986 with an aim to develop players at various levels to bring them to an international level and to give them a complete and thorough teaching experience as well developing the player as an individual.

The Academy runs its programme through the year & provides the players with all the facilities and equipment necessary without having to leave the centre, all within 12kms from  Barcelona in the beautiful natural surroundings of its countryside.

Individual players are welcome, however it is recommended that participants travel in groups of 2 or more. 

Please email us at sd@ebd.in   We will respond ASAP!

Outdoor Development Programme

Tomorrow’s successful citizens need to possess the adaptability to cope with a rapidly changing world of work and the responsibility to be an effective member of a community.

Challenging outdoor experiences promote the development of communication, problem solving and decision making skills which have currency across a range of occupations. They encourage a positive "opting in" and "can do" attitude. Young people’s horizons are broadened, new challenges come to be relished rather than shunned, and perseverance and determination are reinforced. Values and attitudes developed in a context of shared endeavour help to form a sound basis for responsible citizenship.

It brings to mind what a renowned personality is known to have said “Don't tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled."

Below please find an e-mailer for our Outdoor Development Programme for you to consider as an option during your Dussera or any other School Holidays.

Email us at sd@ebd.in

We will help you find out more!


Youth Leadership Week (YLW) Sept- Oct 2012


In association with PYDS Dehradun and ICNL Kolkata


The event is being conducted for The Gold Award Holders Society, the alumni of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, all are most welcome to sign up.  For more www.gahs.in The Society is primarily an alumni body and welcomes non-members/ volunteers to work with us for Training and Youth Empowerment.



The day plan:
27th Sept 2012 - arrival day, reach Purkal in Dehradun by 7.00 PM positively
28th - Workshop day- Youth Leadership today
29th - Training for the Adventurous Project
30th - Journey to Kalyani camp at the base of Dodhital in Garhawal Himalaya
1st  - Trek to Camp
2nd - Day at Dodhital
3rd - Descent to road head
4th - Return Journey to Dehradun and closing ceremony at Purkal, celebration evening
5th Oct - Departure day, starting 5.00 am


Gold Award Holders and Award Participants  pay Rs. 10,000.00 each. 
Non-members/ Volunteers pay Rs. 12,000.00 each. 
We can even help you register for doing the IAYP Programme in India.
For more call Devanjali on +91 9811133430


Details for making payments:
Name of Bank          : State Bank of India
Address of the Bank : Asian Games Village Complex, Hauz Khas, 118 Shahpur Jat, New Delhi - 110 016, India
Bank Account Name :  Gold Award Holders' Society
Bank Account No      : 31130205363
Bank IFSC Code      : SBIN0007407