India is rich with age-old traditions and arts and is home to a fascinating tapestry of cultures and religions. Together they combine to create one of the most interesting classrooms you will ever find yourself in.  You’ll settle into two different regions of India and immerse yourself in the art of yoga, learn Ayurvedic massage, study Tibetan arts in the Himalayas, and discover a wide range of spices during Indian and Tibetan cooking classes.  You will leave India with a wide range of new skills and talents learned from Indians and Tibetans who have passed them down for generations.

THE WORLD IS YOUR CLASSROOM
You’ll split your time between local Indian and Tibetan communities and begin your learning adventure in Jaipur – the gateway to Rajasthan.  Jaipur is a truly unique city to call home during your study of yoga and massage.  You will be led through daily yoga courses and feel your body become rejuvenated during this time.  Depending on the number of interested students in your group, there may also be an opportunity to arrange a special yoga teacher certification course.  In the afternoons, you’ll take courses in the Indian form of Ayurvedic massage and learn how it can contribute to overall well being and good health.  In the evenings, you can explore Jaipur’s fascinating history through sights such as the Amber Fort, JantarMantar, or the HawaMahal with our local staff members, or you can choose to take a cooking class and learn the secrets of India’s fine cuisine.

TIBETAN CULTURE IN THE HIMALAYAS
You will then travel north to the Tibetan settlement of TashiJong in the Indian Himalayas. You’ll become immersed in this community through a Tibetan home stay in a village that is known for its mastery of a variety of traditional Tibetan skills and crafts.  A master thangkapainter will give you insight into the skills you will need to learn this unique Buddhist painting style, and a head monk at a monastic university will mentor you as you learn to meditate each morning.  You will also have the chance to visit a beautiful ceramics cooperative in the rural countryside and throw pottery with the Himalayan backdrop as your inspiration. You may also learn the art of wood-block printing as you print your own prayer flags and study the meaning behind their colors and designs.  Along with all of our excellent teachers who will introduce you to the many skills unique to this region, you’ll also have local staff who will show you a side of their community few outsiders have the chance to see!  Come join us on this incredible Gap Year learning adventure!

For more information on this program or our other extensive Gap Year programs, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com.