Alpine Backpacking, River Navigation, Service, Urban, Whitewater Rafting, Base Camp
PRICE
$11,000
PROGRAM
Semester
AGES
18-25
LENGTH
55 Days
START LOCATION
Redmond, OR
END LOCATION
New Delhi, India
i
SEASON(S)
Fall
SKILLS
TECHNICAL
Basic First Aid
Basic Paddle Strokes
Campcraft
Food Preparation and Cooking
Knots
Leave No Trace Methods & Ethics
Map and Compass
Navigation
River Reading
Snow Travel
INTERPERSONAL
Character
Conflict Resolution
Leadership
Positive Risk Taking
Problem Solving
Resilience
Responsibility
Self Awareness
Self Confidence
Service
SHARE
Course Stories
“Oregon and India were both amazing locations and I experienced so many unforgettable moments in each place... This entire trip forced me to challenge myself in ways I had never thought about. I honestly thought I was going to struggle throughout the whole trip, but as time went by I realized that being asked to step out of my comfort zone was exhilarating. I learned to appreciate fear as something that is necessary to grow as a person and gain wonderful experiences throughout life. If I hadn’t pushed myself to experience Outward Bound, I would not be as willing to take on a challenge." – Dalia
This 55-day rafting and trekking course spans the globe – from Oregon to India - and combines beautiful environments and exhilarating activities for an unforgettable wilderness experience.
The Oregon to India Rafting and Trekking course is an extraordinary expedition combining beautiful environments and challenging activities in Oregon and India. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to escape your usual routine, explore stunning wilderness areas and enjoy yourself to the fullest. Your expedition begins on either the Salmon River in Idaho where you explore the renowned “River of No Return,” or the wild and scenic Deschutes River in Oregon. On the river you’ll build critical skills in rafting, teamwork, group dynamics and camp craft that you’ll implement while rafting in India. Transitioning to the first mountain section of your course, you will trade your wet shoes for hiking boots and explore diverse mountain habitats among the volcanoes of the Central Cascade mountain range. During this section, you put to use teamwork and camp craft skills learned on the river and learn basic mountaineering and backpacking skills. Once you’ve built your foundation for rafting and backpacking, you’ll travel to New Delhi, India. This international expedition connects to local culture and communities. You’ll trek in the Himalayan mountains and raft the Ganges River. The course ends in New Delhi, India, giving you the opportunity to extend your time in India and travel on your own if you choose. Wilderness travel can be challenging, but with appropriate pre-course preparation –using tools we provide—adults of various ages and body types can be successful. Arriving as physically fit as possible and excited for the opportunity for personal development will enhance your experience and allow you to take full advantage of the expedition.
NOTE: For the health and safety of students and staff in the COVID-19 pandemic, students may be required to travel to course start by private transportation. Please work directly with your Course Advisor for your course for the most up-to-date and regionally-focused travel options. All students and staff must provide a current negative COVID-19 viral test result before arrival to course and/or consent to having a COVID-19 test administered at course start. Outward Bound requires students and staff to follow COVID-19 protocols for 14 days prior to course start and while traveling including physical distancing, wearing a mask in public, and frequent and thorough handwashing. For complete “Health and Safety Practices for Outward Bound Expeditions,” click here.
This course starts within the next week. Please call us at 866-467-7651 to assess the possibility of applying for this course!
Most College Savings Plans, including the 529 College Savings Plan, may be used to attend an Outward Bound expedition, thanks to a partnership with Western State Colorado University. Anyone can register – you do not have to be a current Western State Colorado University student. Registration is easy! Click here to learn more.
Classic Courses
Do you ever want to unplug, step away from the daily grind to take on new challenges? Are you ready to conquer harder skills and remind your senses (or discover for the first time) what it’s like to crest a mountain peak, hear the echoes at the edge of a vast canyon or feel the rush of white water spray on your face? Take a break from your routine, radically change your surroundings and test your tenacity. Put some “firsts” in front of you and find moments of unexpected discovery along the way. Experience Outward Bound as an adult and prepare for an injection of adventure, awareness and adaptability that sticks with you long after you unpack your backpack.
Build skills, form connections: Meet like-minded peers and make connections as you work through priorities and adventures together, learn outdoor skills at the hands of expert Instructors, and earn every good night’s sleep.
Value strengths and strengthen values: Re-discover your inner strength, renew your natural leadership abilities and practice adapting to new environments. Tap in to your trust and compassion as you tackle obstacles with a support crew standing beside you.
Demonstrate mastery: As you awaken your wilderness skills and dig deep to rise to the physical and mental challenges, the bulk of the expedition’s leadership and decision-making responsibilities transfer from the Instructor to the crew. Work together to achieve team goals, solve problems and succeed both individually and together.
What you’ll learn: Watch, try and share more difficult outdoor skills that you’ll master on your expedition. Discover and then remind yourself that there’s more in you than you know. Having taken the risks, learned from and adapted to all sorts of new situations and environments, you’re ready for whatever life hands you going forward.
Return home with newly expanded wilderness abilities, an energized outlook, a rekindled allowance of empathy into situations and relationships and an eye toward the future.
Outward Bound is accredited with the American Gap Association and is the longest running program in this elite group dedicated to providing safe, meaningful and high-caliber educational experiences to students.
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Alice Burgess
Photo courtesy
of Alice Burgess
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Giles Cranston
Whitewater Rafting
Students travel on the river in four to six person paddle rafts, learning to “captain” (maneuver) their paddle raft team through Class II to IV rapids. After lessons in basic river travel and safety, students learn to read currents, anticipate obstacles, scout rapids and negotiate technical portions of the river. Students learn river hydrology, swimming in currents, paddle techniques, and expeditionary travel. On the rafting expedition, there may be the chance for short day hikes.
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Tony Vulcano
Mountaineering/Trekking
Mountaineering and trekking courses move through high mountain terrain and focus on preparation for a peak attempt that may require the use of ropes, technical equipment, and possibly rock climbing. During this section of the course, students start by learning backpacking skills including on and off trail travel, map and compass navigation and campsite selection. In India, students embrace the tradition of large expeditions using horses and support staff to move through the mountains, allowing participants to travel with light day packs and enjoy the surroundings without the burden of a heavy pack. Please note that peak attempts are dependent upon variables such as weather, group dynamic, and course outcomes.
Cultural Immersion and Town Days
During this course, “town days” provide opportunities to explore the area and take care of personal needs. In Oregon, the course will visit the town of Bend. In India, there is an urban navigation exercise in the town of Rishikesh, followed by the opportunity for students to explore the area in small groups. Rishikesh is known as “the gateway” to the Garhwal Himalayas and is the yoga capital of the world. In Rishikesh, the course attends the evening ritual observance of the Ganga. Students also have the opportunity to travel south from New Delhi to the town of Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India." It is one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a symbol of India’s rich history.
Service
Service to others and to our environment is a core value of Outward Bound and is integrated into each course. Groups follow Leave No Trace ethics as they engage in acts of service while leading and supporting fellow participants. Students see the impact of their actions firsthand , develop an appreciation of service, and transfer this desire to serve their communities back home.
Solo
In order for profound learning to take place, students must spend time reflecting on their experience, and Solo is that opportunity. The Solo experience provides an important break from the rigors of the expedition and gives students the opportunity to reflect on their Outward Bound experience. With sufficient food and equipment, students will set up camp at sites of their own, using the wilderness skills learned during the first portions of the course. The amount of time students spend on Solo is based on course length, weather, student condition, age and Instructor preference. Solo campsites are chosen to offer as much solitude as possible (yet be within emergency whistle-signaling distance of other group members). Most students spend their Solo time journaling, drawing, reflecting, thinking and resting as they process lessons of the course to focus on their goals for the future. Instructors check on each participant at regular intervals, as safety is always a top priority.
Outcomes
Outward Bound courses vary in length from 4 to 85 days. On shorter courses, participants will receive an introduction to leadership skills, strength of character and a desire to serve. On longer courses, the same outcomes and benefits are achieved with the opportunity to reach a more profound level of mastery, as there are more chances to develop technical skills, receive and implement feedback and further personal development. On the Oregon to India Rafting & Trekking course, students get to revisit rafting and mountaineering skills learned in Oregon during the international section of the trip.
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Karen Morse
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Photo courtesy
of Trevor Ellsworth
Course Area
Deschutes River, Oregon
The Deschutes River is part of the national Wild & Scenic Rivers System. The river flows north from the Oregon Cascades to the Columbia River and then on to the Pacific Ocean. The Lower Deschutes is a popular river for both whitewater rafting and fly fishing. The river is spring-fed, which results in an unusually constant water flow and cold water. Excellent geologic evidence is present all around this area. Courses generally travel anywhere from fifty to one hundred miles along the Lower Deschutes. The rapids on the Deschutes are rated up to class IV, but are mostly class II-III, and are excellent for learning paddling skills and teamwork. The group camps each night along the banks of the river. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and the Tenino nations.
Central Cascades, Oregon
Volcanoes dot the spine of the Cascade Mountains, rising over 10,000 feet above the forests, lakes and rivers of the surrounding region. These glaciated peaks run north and south and create perfect mountaineering objectives for this section of the course. The Central Cascade range is home to the Three Sisters, Broken Top, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson. Four 10,000 foot glaciated volcanoes are present in this region, with a total of nine major volcanoes in the area. One can find a unique blend of dry east side and wet west side weather conditions which allow diverse types of vegetation to flourish. The area has a complex geologic history that continues today. Active glaciers methodically carve away the mountains and the dramatic traces of avalanches that altered the landscape can be found throughout. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Yoncalla, Molalla, Kalapuya, Tenino and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs nations.
Kuari Pass Trek, Garhwal (Uttaranchal), India
The trek over the Kuari Pass was the route followed by Eric Shipton and Bil Tilman in 1934 on their way to the Rishi Gorge, and by other mountaineers in route to the peaks on the Indo-Tibetan border. Also known as the Curzon Trail, this trail was named after Lord Curzon, who was a keen trekker, and it is said that the path was specially improved so that he could do the trek. The crossing of the Kuari Pass is a fitting conclusion to a trek that takes in three lesser passes and crosses five major rivers - the Pindar, Kaliganga, Nandakini, Briehiganga and the Dhauliganga. This trek takes students over mountain passes, through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, fir and deodar, traversing bugayals - wide open meadows typical of the region which serve as high altitude summer grazing grounds - and numerous streams. Throughout the trek, students will experience truly spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Alakanda/Ganges River, India
Students will raft the Alaknanda River to its confluence with the Bhagirathi, and from there on to the Ganga River. Getting a feel of the grand river and its environs, students camp on sandy beaches, check out small villages and look for elusive bird and wildlife as they negotiate the challenges of some amazing Class III and Class IV whitewater.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
DAY 1
Course Start, welcome and introductions, duffle shuffle, course overview
DAY 2-9
Whitewater rafting: travel up to 100 miles on the beautiful Upper and Lower Deschutes River.
DAY 10
Prep for mountain section
DAY 11-17
Mountaineering: travel in mountain environment. Continue to learn and practice both technical and human skills with opportunity to climb one of the mountains in the course area.
DAY 18-21
Wilderness First Aid Course - Working with an instructor from the Wilderness Medical Training Center, learn basic wilderness first aid skills for remote environments.
DAY 22-28
Mountaineering and Solo: Longer courses have the opportunity for a 3 day/2 night Solo.
DAY 29
De-issue and clean mountain gear.
DAY 30
Town Day: Vvsit the town of Bend Oregon, opportunity to purchase any gear necessary for the remainder of the course.
DAY 31-32
Travel to India
DAY 33-36
Introductions to India, visit the Taj Mahal. Meet Outward Bound Himalaya staff and make preparations for trekking and river sections of course. Opportunity for exploration of Rishikesh.
DAY 37-40
Trekking section: meet support staff and familiarization of gear and systems that will be used during section. Travel through small villages with opportunities for cultural interactions with local villagers. Move through the foothills of the Himalaya towa
DAY 41-45
Cross the Kuari Pass and continue trekking through the Himalaya.
DAY 46
Travel to the Alaknanda River. De-issue mountain gear and the re-issuing of river gear.
DAY 47-51
River section: follow the Alaknanda River to the Ganges River, learning about cultural and natural history along the way.
DAY 52
De-issue of river gear, pack to travel back to Delhi.
DAY 53-55
Explore Old Delhi by rickshaw. Course closing and celebration. Course ends at the New Delhi airport.
Course Stories
“Oregon and India were both amazing locations and I experienced so many unforgettable moments in each place... This entire trip forced me to challenge myself in ways I had never thought about. I honestly thought I was going to struggle throughout the whole trip, but as time went by I realized that being asked to step out of my comfort zone was exhilarating. I learned to appreciate fear as something that is necessary to grow as a person and gain wonderful experiences throughout life. If I hadn’t pushed myself to experience Outward Bound, I would not be as willing to take on a challenge." – Dalia
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.