Continued...Mountain Cultures Semester: Destination India

Bio-regionally, Sikkim is the exact opposite of Ladakh. Sikkim boasts a dramatic change in altitude (300 to 8500 meters) and lush green hillsides while Ladakh offers a high arid landscape. These two places provide an excellent contrast in Himalayan ecosystems. Both areas are predominantly Buddhist; however, due to the contrasting landscapes, people have very different daily practices in their agricultural way of life. Students are able to see and experience how the land shapes the lives of the local people.

Before traveling to these majestic locales, Mountain Cultures Semester begins with 5 weeks of intensive preparation in Vermont. During this time, students read a variety of books, novels, and journal articles and view films on Himalayan culture. They are engaged in discussions on the impacts of eco-tourism and the mountaineering industry, the history and philosophies of Buddhism, and the effects of both globalization and environmental degradation on rural villages and people. Along with traditional academics, each student learns and practices safe backcountry travel by studying the dynamics of different snow packs, identifying backcountry hazards, and trekking as a group in the mountains of northeastern Vermont and New Hampshire. Along with their readings and discussions, a field trip to the Buddhist retreat center, Karma Choling, in Barnet, Vermont, gives students a better understanding of Buddhist culture. The MCS reading list includes Ancient Futures by Helena Nordberg Hodges, The Climb by the late great mountaineer Anatoli Boukreev, Siddartha by Herman Hesse, Annapurna by Maurice Herzog, and Rhythms of a Himalayan Village by Hugh Downs. Students also view films such as, Ghandi, Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet, Paradise with Side Effects, and Ancient Futures. All of these resources provide students with a closer look at Himalayan life and the political, economic, social, and environmental struggles that people face in the regions they will trek through.

The Mountain Cultures Semester departs for India on March 8, 2007. This year, nine students and four faculty/staff members will travel to India. Be sure to check our website for updates from the students.

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