Green House

Although Zanskar has always been considered relatively backward by modern standards, Peace Ling Centre values old local traditions and seeks to benefit people by preserving them.

Most of the region is in wilderness, with very few trees or other vegetation, even around the houses. Therefore, our priority is to make Zanskar green by planting trees. To do this, we plan to have a green house in which we will grow many kinds of trees, mountain flowers, and herbs. These will then be planted in various places in order to make the area a little greener.

The estimated cost   Rs 3,78,000 ($8,400)

Classroom and research centre

One of the aims of Peace Ling Centre is to develop Zanskar’s precious but limited natural resources. Situated at a high altitude, the region is extremely cold, particularly in winter and, despite being an environment where few trees and vegetation grow, the main occupation of local people is farming. Limited knowledge of modern agricultural methods however, means that they are not able to reap much from the land.

We consider education to be very important for development, and we therefore propose to build a classroom where invited experts can deliver workshops and training to local people, particularly youths, in order that they can become self-sufficient.

In addition, this facility can also be a place for visitors to learn about and research Zanskar’s culture, environment, customs and so forth.

Grand total = Rs 25,00,000 ($55,556)

Water supply

Establishing a reliable 24-hour water supply is most essential. Such a supply needs to be sufficient for drinking, cooking, laundry and gardening. We are therefore planning to connect a water pipe from a natural spring high up on the mountain about five kilometers to water tank, which will then service the entire Centre.

Estimated cost Rs. 1,000,000   ($ 22,222)

Buying a place in Leh, the capital of Ladakh

Although Ladakh is not a one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, around 400,000 tourists each year visit this unique high altitude region. We can imagine it becoming the most famous Himalayan holiday destination.

The capital of Ladakh is Leh, which has an airport, and is the departure point for all visiting the Ladakh regions, including Zanskar. In winter it provides the only access to the outside world, since the roads in and out of Leh are blocked by snow from November to April. Leh is surrounded by many heritage sites such as ancient monasteries, castles and villages, as well as the natural beauty of mountains and rivers.

Peace Ling Centre plans to buy a place in Leh and construct a house for the centre. It will provide hospitality in a safe and healthy environment for visitors who will proceed to Peace Ling. And as Zanskar is at an even higher altitude than Leh, it will also provide an opportunity for visitors to acclimatize for a couple of days before moving on. During the tourist season, it is very difficult to find accommodation in Leh, particularly for groups wishing to stay together in one hotel. Due to its importance as a key route connecting Zanskar to the outside world, Peace Ling House in Leh will function as an important point of contact for Peace Ling supporters as well as a residential cum branch office.

The estimated cost
Grand total Rs 1,5,00,000 ($33333.33)

Transport Vehicle (lorry carrier and a taxi)

A lorry carrier will be needed during the construction phase; a taxi will be needed to transport guests and visitors.

Peace Ling Centre is located at the top of a small hill, approximately half kilometer high. As it is presently difficult to deliver material to the site, improving road access about one kilometer from stongdey monastery base parking to entrance of peace ling center and parking is a priority. It is also essential to have convenient access in order to transport guests and visitors to the centre. In front of the office and main entrance we propose to have a little space for parking. We are trying to manage to have enough space to keep at least ten vehicles at a time.

 

The estimated cost

 

1. Road access = Rs 400,000 ($10,000)
2. Parking        = Rs 150,000 ($3,750)     

        Grand total   = Rs 550,000 ($13,750)

About the projected costs

Zanskar is situated in a very remote area and the material resources are extremely scarce. Constructing building require extensive expenditures, as virtually every requirement for the project will have to be procured from a great distance (about two days).

In order to construct Peace Ling Centre according to our plans, we discovered that it involved much more expense than we expected, and we are not entirely confident that our ambitions will be fully realized. However, through strength and endeavor, we think we can accumulate the adequate funds for this project.

This will be possible in following ways.

1) People to whom the Peace Ling Centre project appeals are encouraged to sponsor a whole section of the project or donate as much as they can.

2) Another opportunity to raise funds is through organizing an international tour to display different aspects of Ladakh culture such as sand mandala construction, monks’ “cham” dance, chanting etc.

3) People are invited to become active members of the center, by giving time and support to activities such as fund raising, promotion and telling other people about the centre.

4) You can become a financial sponsor of the centre by sending us a one-off donation or even better regular monthly donations.

5) Donate any amount to any part of project as the memorial for a deceased teacher, parent, children, friend or relative. We will register the name in our list of sponsors and include a mention in special prayers each month.