DENTAL & VISION CLINICS
The dZi Foundation, in conjunction with the Himalayan Dental Relief Project (HDRP), provides much needed dental care to children in Northern India. By bringing professional dentists and hygienists to this region, and supporting them with non-medical volunteers, we are able to provide dental exams, fillings and extractions for hundreds of school-aged children in the region. Likewise, the vision clinics provide complimentary eye exams and screenings for hundreds of children in the area and offers medical treatment and custom lens glasses when needed.
It is through the efforts of our non-medical volunteers (i.e. working long days at our clinics, in a one-on-one capacity with the children that we are serving), that enables us to provide this unprecedented dental and vision care to the region. Plus, for those volunteers who would like to do additional clinic work, we offer remote clinics on the heels of the main Leh clinic.
REMOTE CLINIC LOCATIONS
SPRING 2009: Domkhar
Located slightly northwest of Leh, Domkhar is in a beautiful valley with spectacular flowers and fruit trees that will be freshly blooming when we arrive. Clinics will be held at the Government High School. This location will be more rugged than other remote destinations. Be sure to bring your: sleeping bag, therma-rest, headlamp, light jacket for evenings, rain jacket, and sunglasses.
FALL 2009: Nubra Valley
Located 4-5 hours north of Leh. The drive takes you over Khardung La Pass (18,380ft) - offering spectacular views of the Leh and Nubra regions. The clinics will be held in the village of Sumoor, and we will see students from the Lamdom Model School and the local government primary school.
PROPOSED ITINERARY
One of our main goals for 2009 is to coordinate all volunteers with our in-country needs, which coincide with our dental and vision clinics. Because the primary goal of our foundation is to provide services to people in need, we are only able to accommodate volunteers whose travel schedules can match our actual clinic dates.
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SPRING 09 : LEH, LADAKH, INDIA (19 days: Main Leh Clinic plus Option A or B)
Main Leh Clinic
May 17
Volunteers arrive in Delhi
May 18 Morning flight to Leh, acclimatization day
May 19
Clinic briefing
May 20 - 22
Clinics
May 23
Day off to tour monasteries
May 24 - 26
Clinics
Option A: Remote Clinic
May 27 Pack for Remote
May 28 Travel to Remote
May 29 - Jun 1 Clinic
Jun 2 Travel to Leh
Jun 3 Leh to Delhi
Jun 4 Delhi home (tour the Taj Majal if you like)
Option B: Trekkers
May 27 - Jun 1 6-day Marka Valley Trek
Jun 2 Leh to Delhi
Jun 3 Delhi home (tour the Taj Majal if you like)
FALL 09: LEH, LADAKH, INDIA (19 days: Main Leh Clinic plus Option A or B)
Main Leh Clinic
Sept 21 Volunteers arrive in Delhi
Sept 22 Morning flight to Leh, acclimatization day
Sept 23 Clinic briefing
Sept 24 - 26 Clinics
Sept 27 Day off to tour monasteries
Sept 28 – 30 Clinics
Option A: Remote Clinic
Oct 2 Travel to Remote
Oct 3 - 5 Clinic
Oct 6 Travel to Leh
Oct 7 Leh to Delhi
Oct 8 Delhi home (tour the Taj Majal if you like)
Option B: Trekkers
Oct 1 – Oct 6 6-day Marka Valley Trek
Oct 7 Leh to Delhi
Oct 8 Delhi home (tour the Taj Majal if you like)
Sikkim, India or Kathmandu, Nepal
Please note, anyone looking to travel to Sikkim or Kathmandu independently, feel free to contact us and we will provide you with a list of recommended lodging, tour guides and a complimentary one-day tour with one of our in-country staff to visit our projects in these areas.
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PROJECTED COSTS (based on above itinerary)
We are grateful to anyone who can make the time and commitment to travel with us to Northern India, and we strive to provide you with a once in a life-time trip. Our goal is to create a turn-key travel package for you with the most cost-effective options, which includes a dedicated dZi Volunteer Coordinator traveling with you.
The following are cost estimates and are subject to change, but should provide a solid framework for the expenses associated with this trip. In an effort to be completely transparent regarding costs associated with this trip, each portion is itemized for full disclosure to our participants. Please note the dZi will fully manage all aspects of the in-country travel arrangements, in conjunction with our on-the-ground personnel, unless otherwise noted below:
As an example, if you travel with us to Leh on a 19-day trip your expenses would include:
International Airfare: US / Delhi roundtrip: ~ $1,500 per person*
You will book your flights directly, however, we work with an amazing international travel agent who we will refer you to.
Delhi transfer costs plus hotel ~$200
Total per person assuming dbl occupancy
In-country Airfare: Delhi / Leh roundtrip: ~$450 (booked by dZi Office)
In-country costs: $1,040 per person (reflects a cost of $65/day, based on double occupancy)
This pricing includes all in-country meals, lodging, transportation, touring, trekking costs in and around Leh. The only costs it does NOT include: laundry, telephone/internet, medical attention or any other personal expenditure.
dZi Foundation portion: $1,275 per person (reflects a cost of $75 per day)
While the dZi is a service-orientated foundation, we are fortunate to be able to take volunteers with us on some of our projects. This fee covers all dZi related pre-trip organization and bookings, in-country support and coordination, project leadership, management and administration. Although you may have provided generous donations previously that have supported these and many other programs, this portion is not transferable nor may it be applied against any current or future pledged commitments. (This portion is tax deductible)
Emergency Travel / Flight Evacuation Insurance: ~$200
This is mandatory coverage, and we can refer you to companies who provide this coverage.
Recommended Personal Cash / ATM Expenditures:
Since all your lodging, travel and food will be prepaid, you do not need a significant amount of cash. It will really be up to the individual’s preference, however, please note you will need a $100 tip for the trekking staff (should you participate).
Approximate Total: $4,665*
Plus, we can arrange for you to see the Taj Majal on the way home ($300 to $750 depending on the level of accommodation you would like).
So please note that these fees include us overseeing all aspects of your trip and planning to ensure a streamlined process, and the only in-country costs aren’t included are your meals in Delhi and personal expenditures (i.e. phone/internet, laundry, shopping, etc.). Plus, you will be responsible for visa/passport fees and immunizations prior to travel. We will walk you through the trip planning, arrangements, travel, and in-country facilitation, and although it is not included in this original presentation, complete documentation on packing, Visa/Passport instructions, health consideration, Immunizations, personal health forms, release forms, cultural and historical information will all be forwarded to you.
* Prices subject to change.
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IN SUMMARY
If you are interested in traveling with us, please contact me and let me know. We have limited space based on our actual clinic volunteer needs and they will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. And thank you in advance for recognizing we aren't able to accommodate travel plans that don't overlay with our actual clinic needs.
If you are a dentist, hygienist or ophthalmologist please let me know and I will forward your information to the appropriate contact regarding providing your services and what we can offer in exchange.
Thank you in advance for your interest and I look forward to hearing back from you. We promise you the trip of a lifetime!
Warmest regards,
Sue McEvoy
Volunteer Manager
sue@dzifoundation.org
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