Examine diverse Himalayan cultures, explore Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and trek amongst the the awe-inspiring mountains and communities of Ladakh.
plus airfare.
Stretching more than 1500 miles from Pakistan to China, the Himalayan Range boasts half of the world's tallest mountains.
Clinging to the far western flank of the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh is among the least populated, wildest and most remote regions within the Himalaya. Ladakh, or Little Tibet, is a land where jagged peaks and desolate windswept expanses have preserved cultural traditions while buttressing the Ladakhi people from the economic boom and rapid development occurring throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Our journey begins in Phyang, where we begin learning the basics of Ladakhi language, exploring the pastoral communities and acclimating to the 11,500 ft elevation. In Leh, we meet with local leaders at NGOs…
Clinging to the far western flank of the Tibetan plateau, Ladakh is among the least populated, wildest and most remote regions within the Himalaya. Ladakh, or Little Tibet, is a land where jagged peaks and desolate windswept expanses have preserved cultural traditions while buttressing the Ladakhi people from the economic boom and rapid development occurring throughout the Indian subcontinent.
Our journey begins in Phyang, where we begin learning the basics of Ladakhi language, exploring the pastoral communities and acclimating to the 11,500 ft elevation. In Leh, we meet with local leaders at NGOs and learn firsthand the challenges that families and local representatives face as they attempt to preserve traditional Ladakhi heritage. We become students of Tibetan Buddhist monks, representatives of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, Ladakh Ecological Development Group and other leaders and activists in order to better understand the local perspectives and realities.
We then travel deep into the glaciated valleys of the Ladakh Range by foot, passing through stark landscapes and tiny hamlets as we follow herders trails in the Sham Valley and Hemis National Park. The course includes two treks: a five-day village hike in which we stay with Ladakhi families, eat homemade meals and gain insight into the realities of life in the remote valleys, and a 7 – 9 day trek where we pitch tents find ourselves surrounded by some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks.
The North India course is designed to encourage students to push themselves in their exploration of this distant landscape, learn the basics of ecology of the Himalayas, and explore the Tibetan-influenced cultural and spiritual traditions of Ladakh. In addition to a Ladakhi village-stay students take part in collaborative social development projects focused on environmental and cultural preservation in the capital of Leh.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Introduction to Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and visits to monasteries across Ladakh.
Examine issues of resource management and witness innovative responses to climate change, tourism, health, and globalization.
Expand your knowledge of Ladakh's political and cultural history and the ecology of the Himalayas. Understand what makes this unique environment so fragile.
3-5 days of homestays in a Ladakhi village, and one homestay trek
Possibility to study mountain medicine and Tibetan arts.
Introduction to Ladakhi language.
Participate in community agriculture, tending barley fields, caring for livestock, and working on building projects.
Travel by bus, jeep, and on foot over rough high-altitude terrain.
1-2 weeks of high-altitude trekking over rough terrain and high passes (peaks and passes are non-technical, so no prior trekking experience is required).
Being in Ladakh I’ve learned an immeasurable amount about the successes and difficulties of living in a secluded community. I’ve learned how to be grateful and mindful as I perform menial activities, and I’ve gained immense knowledge surrounding a collection of religions and ways of life which are nestled here in the pocket between mainstream India, Nepal, and old Tibet. I really wish I could stay longer!
North India Summer Program
I loved staying at the homestays because of the simplicity to them. They taught me that I really do not need half the things I thought I needed to feel safe and comfortable.
Nadya A. North India Summer Program
Matt has grown so much: in his ability to connect to his higher and inner self, his ability to be present, and his intelligence and heart, I wish I could be 17 and be a part of Dragons. Thank you with all our heart.
Parents of Matthew F. North India Summer Program
Our instructors knew the perfect balance between independence and supervision. Whenever we found ourselves in a new environment, the instructors...made sure we were all able to accommodate our individual needs while also being safe and thoroughly informed.
Dillon C. North India Summer Program