Cass Colman
Immerse yourself in the majestic Himalayas and experience rural Indian culture firsthand on the Himalaya Cultural Expedition. This 30-day adventure is more than just trekking through rugged mountains—it’s a deep dive into intercultural exchange and personal growth. You’ll explore regions that most travelers never see, learning from local communities, building leadership skills, and developing a global perspective that will stay with you for life.
This course offers a rare opportunity to combine outdoor adventure with cultural immersion, where the challenges of high-altitude travel intersect with the wisdom and traditions of rural India. If you’re ready to grow as a leader and global citizen while exploring one of the world’s most stunning landscapes, this is the course for you.
The Himalaya Cultural Expedition provides more than just the chance to climb peaks—it’s an opportunity to expand your worldview through meaningful interactions with local communities. Throughout the course, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the people, traditions, and landscapes that define this unique region.
By living with a host family and participating in their daily routines, you’ll experience life in rural India from an insider’s perspective. This experience will challenge your assumptions, broaden your understanding of culture, and help you develop the skills to navigate cross-cultural environments with confidence—qualities essential for both personal growth and professional success.
Photo credit: Nathan Silverglate
Your journey begins in the Kumaon and Eastern Garhwal Himalaya, regions known for their dramatic peaks, ancient trade routes, and remote villages. Over 21 days of backpacking, you’ll carry your gear through forests of oak, rhododendron, and maple, climb steep mountain passes, and explore trails once used to connect Tibet with India.
At elevations reaching 14,000 feet, you’ll work hard each day, learning to cook outdoors, read maps, and manage wilderness risks. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife—from Himalayan black bears to blue sheep—and interact with local villagers who rely on traditional agriculture for their livelihoods. These encounters will offer a window into a way of life far removed from the modern world, giving you a deeper understanding of how humans thrive in remote environments.
One of the most impactful parts of the course will be a seven-day cultural homestay in the village of Majkhali. Nestled at an elevation of 6,200 feet with views of the Greater Himalaya, this remote hamlet offers a unique setting for cross-cultural learning.
Paired with a fellow student, you’ll live with a local family, engaging in their daily routines—from tending to livestock to preparing traditional meals. Days will include language lessons in conversational Hindi, along with natural history and cultural studies led by your instructors. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice yoga theory and meditation, further enriching your understanding of India’s traditions.
This immersive experience will challenge your assumptions, deepen your cultural awareness, and teach you the value of respect, empathy, and adaptability in diverse environments.
Photo credit: Tali Stopeck
This expedition is designed to develop both technical and interpersonal skills that will serve you in any environment. Core learning areas include:
• Backpacking Skills: Navigate rugged terrain, cook outdoors, manage gear, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Cultural Competence: Build meaningful relationships with local communities and learn to communicate effectively in cross-cultural settings.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Take on leadership roles, solve problems under pressure, and learn to function effectively within a group.
• Risk Management: Assess hazards, make informed decisions, and manage the risks of yourself and your teammates.
Weather: The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, ranging from scorching heat to freezing temperatures. You’ll learn how to stay comfortable in these changing conditions, whether you’re hiking under a clear blue sky or navigating through rain and snow.
Physical and Mental Endurance: Carrying a 45-60 pound pack across steep, rocky terrain requires both physical strength and mental resilience. The challenges of high-altitude travel will push you to your limits, but they’ll also teach you how to persevere in difficult conditions.
Remoteness and Risk Management: Traveling in the Himalayas means being far from modern medical facilities and conveniences. You’ll learn to manage risks and make sound decisions as you traverse remote landscapes. This course emphasizes self-reliance and teamwork, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever challenges come your way.
As you gain competence in navigation, risk management, and leadership, your instructors will give you opportunities for independent student group travel. This part of the course allows you and your teammates to travel without direct supervision, practicing the skills you’ve developed throughout the expedition.
These independent travel days are a culmination of your learning, giving you the chance to lead, collaborate, and make decisions in real-world situations.
Graduates of the Himalaya Cultural Expedition become part of the global network of NOLS alumni—leaders, adventurers, and changemakers who apply what they’ve learned in the wilderness to create impact in their communities and careers. This course will not only teach you how to thrive in remote environments but also how to lead with empathy, adaptability, and confidence in any setting.
Photo credit: Karthik Maddineni
The Himalaya Cultural Expedition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore remote mountains, connect with local communities, and grow as a leader. This course will broaden your perspective, challenge your assumptions, and equip you with the skills to thrive in both wilderness and cross-cultural environments.
If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and experience a side of India that few people ever see, this is the expedition for you.
Photo credit: Richard Hsieh