North India: Roof of the World High School Summer Program

Name: North India: Roof of the World High School Summer Program
Brand: Where There Be Dragons
SKU: 217824
Rating: 9 (1 reviews)

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About

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.

The North India course is a window into diverse Himalayan cultures and landscapes, as the region adapts to both challenging environmental and political climates.

Highlights

Multi-day high-altitude treks over rough terrain and high passes (trekking peaks and passes are non-technical).
Examine issues of resource management and witness innovative responses to climate change, tourism, health, and globalization.
Spend time on a campus with Ladakhi youth helping to facilitate their English classes, and participate in the daily campus work hour tending their fields, caring for livestock, and working on building projects.
Introduction to Buddhist philosophy and visits to monasteries across Ladakh.
3-5 days of homestays in a Ladakhi village, and one homestay trek

New: Fall and Spring Domestic Gap Semesters

We are excited to announce two North American Gap Semesters - the Rio Grande Semester: Stories of Culture, Identity, & Environment Along the Southern Border and the Colorado River Basin Semester: Sustainable Relationships with Land and Water in the Western United States.

Learn More

Scholarship Alert!

US residents ages 14-25 are eligible to apply for our USA Gap Year Fairs Scholarship, due Apr 15th. The winner can apply the funds towards this organization's programs.

Questions & Answers

Is there a set date for this trip? Or can we go at any point?

Hey Christopher! I am glad you are interested in this program. This course begins on June 28th and ends on July 28th. Students must be able to commit to the entire 4 weeks of the course. Let me know if you have any other questions! You can call our office at 303.413.0822 or email info@wheretherebedragons.com Best, Dragons Admin

By Where There Be Dragons on March 26, 2019

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This was my second Where There Be Dragons summer course in the Himalaya--and I was far from disappointed. Having previously spent a summer in Nepal, I thought the two trips may be too similar, and feared being bored on the trip. This was not the case, as both courses were uniquely led and approached from vastly different angles.

Similar to every Dragons instructor I've met, my three instructors were a dynamic force to be reckoned with, and offered unconditional support, prompted intellectual/physical challenges, and had an astute ability to gauge safety of the group throughout our month in North India.

If you are a student looking to immerse yourself in a new culture, spend time exploring the most breathtaking landscape, familiarize yourself with Tibetan Buddhism, gain outdoor skills (camping/mountaineering/trekking), experience living with a family in a country thousands of miles from home, or simply embark on an amazing adventure, I couldn't recommend this course more.

Full disclosure: This course is trekking-intensive, which should not be overlooked by prospective students. Though this was a major draw to me, some found it challenging--but all got through with smiles! :)

Read my full story

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program as I was intent on returning to the Himalayas. I was on another Dragons course in Nepal the summer before, and wanted a trekking-intensive experience, which was the focus of this course. Additionally, I wanted to explore Tibetan Buddhism in another area, which this course gave me a chance to do!

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Dragons staff assisted me with nearly everything! I just had to pack for myself, obviously, and obtain an Indian e-Visa, which was an easy and self-explanatory process. All students are given a packing list and are put in direct contact with office staff, past alumni, and a forum with their instructors so they (or their parents) can have any questions answered promptly.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

This is a trekking-intensive course! Get ready to be uncomfortable and mentally/physically challenged, but expect to emerge stronger in all aspects.

Enter the course with NO expectations or preconceived ideas of what your experience will be like. Be open-minded, flexible, curious...and bring a journal!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The flexible and unique aspect of Dragons courses does not allow for me to accurately answer this question.

Student’s interest and input are of high value in each Dragons course, so a week on my course may not at all resemble a week on the same course the summer after.

This is a strength of Dragons programs, and a unique component linked to the organization's commitment to small groups, local instructors, and a flexible itinerary.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

This was not my first time travelling abroad or trekking in the Himalayas, but I did reach the highest altitude I've ever been at by foot during my course. This was probably scariest to me for possible health risks, but I overcame this slight fear quickly as I was wholly confident in my instructors' attention to safety.

After completing two courses requiring you to live out of a backpack, what are three essential items you think everyone should bring?

Two to three more pairs of underwear than you think you'll need. Trust me, you might get super sweaty, a friend might lose a pair, you might be too lazy to wash your clothes one day, or a pair may float away down the river as you lose grip while washing....oops!
If you're super into photography like I am, make sure to bring extra batteries and/or extra memory cards.
Bring photos from home to share memories with your group/instructors, or to share with your homestay family! Sweet memories are made this way.

Location

Location:

India

Currency:

Indian Rupee

Weather:

Jan-Mar

59 F / 50 F

Apr-Jun

104 F / 90 F

Jul-Sep

100 F / 86 F

Oct-Dec

93 F / 82 F

Airports:

Indira Gandhi International Airport

( DEL )

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

( BOM )

Kempegowda International Airport

( BLR )

India is well known for the rapid growth that they have been experiencing. The economic growth and substantial changes to the infrastructure have made it possible for many cities to grow as travel destinations. Exploring India is inexpensive but rich in culture with big ticket attractions like the Taj Mahal to the taken-for-granted geography of the mountains, deserts, and beaches.

About Where There Be Dragons

Dragons has offered immersive and responsible Gap Year and Summer Abroad programs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the USA for nearly 30 years. Engaging as travelers, not tourists, programs give students the rare opportunity to genuinely experience the places they travel and meaningfully connect across cultures. Each small-group program is...

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North India: Roof of the World High School Summer Program

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