Himalaya courses offer students the unique opportunity to encounter a different culture while learning wilderness skills. Photo: Craig Lenske

NOLS India Facts Year Founded: 1991 Operating Season: April-June, September-November Location: Conway, WA and Ranikhet, India In-town Staff: 10-Conway, 2-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 also the setting for some of NOLS’ most culturally-oriented courses. 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 in India is in the mountain town of Ranikhet in the state of Uttaranchal, a peaceful rural haven with spectacular views of the Himalayas where you’ll get acclimatized before heading for the high country. In the distance, you’ll see Nanda Devi, a 7,816-meter world famous peak that will be your companion during your stay.

India courses begin in onway, Washington at NOLS Pacific Northwest. Here you’ll have an orientation meeting, get all the gear you need for the course and meet one of your instructors who will travel with you to India. Once abroad, you will get a complete introduction to the languages, myths, cultures and wild beauty of this country. At least one Indian NOLS staff member accompanies each course, and you’ll benefit from this person’s extensive knowledge of the region and its human and natural history.

As you travel through rural India and hike from village to village, you’ll get an introduction to this country unlike any other outdoor program. You’ll hike through subtropical forests and high alpine meadows and maybe even observe Himalayan black bears or the elusive snow leopard. In your travels, you’ll attain heights you never thought possible and visit lush valleys in between.