INDIA Pascal Beauvais 82 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
Dev Bhoomi, called “The Abode of the Gods,” is a land steeped in culture, his<strong>to</strong>ry, and mythology. It is the setting for some of <strong>NOLS</strong>’ most culturally oriented c<strong>our</strong>ses. You will explore the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India—places of staggering beauty, high ranges, and ancient civilizations. The holy river Ganga (Ganges) is born in these mountains, and some of the trails here are the oldest trade routes between India and Tibet. Our base is in the mountain <strong>to</strong>wn of Ranikhet in the state of Uttarakhand, a peaceful rural haven with spectacular views of the Himalayas where you will acclimatize before heading for the high country. On <strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>ses, there is at least one Indian <strong>NOLS</strong> field instruc<strong>to</strong>r, and you’ll benefit from this person’s extensive knowledge of the region and its human and natural his<strong>to</strong>ry. You will get a complete introduction <strong>to</strong> the languages, myths, cultures, and wild beauty of this country. You’ll hike through subtropical forests and high alpine meadows, attaining heights you never thought possible—both in elevation and in what you are able <strong>to</strong> achieve as a <strong>NOLS</strong> student. INDIA Madhu Chikkaraju Madhu Chikkaraju Class time. What will it be <strong>to</strong>day —Hindi, leadership, meteorology, or first aid? The <strong>NOLS</strong> syllabus is packed. Ralam Valley With a his<strong>to</strong>ry of famed ascents and unmatched beauty it is easy <strong>to</strong> see why India is a popular <strong>NOLS</strong> location for learning mountaineering. Pindari Valley HIMALAYA BACKPACKING The Kumaon and Eastern Garhwal regions of the Indian Himalaya are rugged glacially carved ranges <strong>world</strong> famous as destinations for climbing and trekking. Long ago, these low-lying valleys provided traditional trade routes between India and Tibet. You’ll make y<strong>our</strong> way up high mountain passes, some reaching 15,000 feet above sea level, and travel through river valleys lush with foliage. You’ll visit teahouses and hike past fields that are still worked with water buffalo. You’ll accumulate backcountry skills and learn the core <strong>NOLS</strong> curriculum while experiencing the land and culture on a staggering scale. All the while, y<strong>our</strong> cultural studies and classes in conversational Hindi will aid in y<strong>our</strong> interactions with local villagers. You’ll go beyond the normal parameters of <strong>to</strong>urist treks and see an India that few foreigners ever encounter, deep in<strong>to</strong> the remote Himalayan wilderness. DETAILS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 23 • Duration: 35 days Tuition: $6,590 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum Dates: page 107 HIMALAYA MOUNTAINEERING The remote and spectacular Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand is the setting for this high-altitude mountaineering c<strong>our</strong>se. In these surroundings, you’ll learn how <strong>to</strong> carry out an international expedition, focusing on <strong>to</strong>pics such as expedition planning, cultural awareness, high altitude physiology, and mountaineering skills. Beginning y<strong>our</strong> trek in<strong>to</strong> the mountains at 5,500 feet, you’ll travel on trails through forests and small villages, interacting with the local people. Taking advantage of non-moving days <strong>to</strong> learn the technical skills necessary <strong>to</strong> move higher in an alpine environment, this c<strong>our</strong>se has the potential for camping as high as 18,000 feet. The breathtaking scenery, variety of terrain and travel, and tremendous opportunities for cultural interactions are what make this a once-in-alifetime experience. DETAILS Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 24 • Duration: 40 days Tuition: $7,095 Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques Dates: page 107 Facing page: Explore the amazing Himalaya and indulge y<strong>our</strong>self in big wilderness on a <strong>NOLS</strong> India c<strong>our</strong>se. Milam Valley 83