


Lingshed Area Hostel, Leh - New project for 2007/8
The Lingshed Hostel in Leh
provides home from home care for children aged between 5 - 15 years old who
come to Leh from the remote Lingshed area of Zanskar. To reach Leh, the
children have to trek for over a week, crossing several high mountain passes
and in winter the journey is particularly hazardous as they have to trek along
the frozen Zanskar River with temperatures as low as -30 degrees celsius.
The hostel is a relatively
new venture set up by a local monk and is barely able to support the 33
children it cares for which includes all aspects of health, welfare and
liasing with local state schools for education. It is in urgent need of both capital investment and
assistance with maintenance for the immediate and long-term future.
Phase 1 of the JT support, in conjunction with KE Adventure Travel, has been to donate $4000 (November 07) to enable the Hostel in Leh to remain open for the coming winter. Phase 2, in the spring of 2008, will be to provide funds (provisional estimates are for $30,000) to provide the installation of a water bore and pump, solar panel units and converter, upgrade of electrics and to build a separate washing block with toilets and additional sleeping rooms - with shelving, storage and dividers in the existing rooms.