Mountain villages provide opportunities to try out your newly acquired Hindi language skills. Photo: David Anderson

NOLS India Facts Year Founded: 1991 Operating Season: March-June, September-November Location: Conway, WA and Ranikhet, India In-town Staff: 10-Conway, 5-Ranikhet Skills offered: Backpacking, Mountaineering, Whitewater rafting, WAFA

Dev Bhoomi, called "The Abode of the Gods," is a land steeped in culture, history, and mythology. It is the setting for some of NOLS’ most advanced cultural adventures. You will explore the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India–places of staggering beauty, high ranges, and ancient civilizations as you walk some of the oldest trade routes between India and Tibet alongside the birthplace of the sacred Ganga River.

Our base in the mountain town of Ranikhet in the state of Uttarakhand, a peaceful rural haven with spectacular views of the Himalayas is where you will acclimatize before heading for the high country.

All our courses have at least one Indian NOLS field instructor,whos extensive knowledge of the region and its human and natural history will be a highlight of your experience. Your introduction to the languages, myths, cultures, and wild beauty of this country will be complete.

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 to achieve as a NOLS student.

Ravi Kumar, director of NOLS India, summarizes some of the experiences NOLS India students can expect on their courses.