Get a glimpse into the lives of Indian women on this adventure through colourful Rajasthan.
Join us on our first female-only, female-led expedition through the deserts, bazaars and forts of Rajasthan. Travel by in the female-only carriage of the Delhi Metro to explore coloruful Old Delhi before spending a night dancing under the stars on a desert safari. Learn about the struggles of underprivileged women from cities and villages, many of whom are dealing with the cultural challenges of being divorced or widowed. Listen to inspirational stories of acid attack survivors and how they are facing the world in the most beautiful ways. You’ll also have the chance to take part in Gangaur Festival, a women’s-only celebration where local women will invite you into their homes and their lives.
In the charming rural town of Nimaj, celebrate Gangaur Festival, a female-only festival celebrated in Rajasthan with post-fast feasting and traditional arts and crafts. Join the local women for Rangoli making, henna painting and a dance show.
Take a jeep safari into the Thar Desert where you'll enjoy an exclusive Kalbeliya dance performed by local women at our desert camp. After the performance enjoy some quality one on one time with the dancers while the gentlemen prepare dinner.
Savour a home cooked meal at the family home of one of our amazing Delhi female staff members. Get to know her family, your leader, and each other over delicious home cooked food.
Visit a local woman's home and select a stunning saree and complimentary accessories to wear on your visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world inspired by the extraordinary love of an exceptional woman.
Support a cafe run solely by female acid attack survivors and hear the heart breaking, yet overwhelmingly inspirational stories of perseverance and strength.
Visit Sambhali Boutique, an outlet for clothes, accessories and handicraft items produced by the women in the Sambhali Graduates’ Sewing Centre which focuses on the development and empowerment of women and girls in Rajasthan, many of whom have come from abusive marriages or difficult family situations.
See the highlights of Jaipur on an environment friendly e-rickshaw ride while getting to know your female driver. The Pink City Rickshaw Company is a not for profit organisation that provides new employment opportunities and economic independence to women from low income households in Jaipur.
This trip involves some long train journeys and an overnight train, but entertaining chaiwalas (tea vendors), food vendors and conversations with local travellers make these unforgettable experiences. For your own security, we recommend you take a lock for your hand luggage on the overnight train.
Please be aware that there are no structured toilet or shower facilities the night we are camping in the desert. Please bring along water, face wipes, hand sanitizer or other essentials you feel you may need.
It’s important to prepare for hot sticky temperatures during the day and cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this disparity in weather, plus they look great too.
We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
In extreme cases, long drives or overnight trains can be delayed and occasionally cancelled due to heavy fog, but alternative arrangements will be made. Please see the transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details.
While we would love to open up these unique experiences to all our travellers regardless of gender, it’s simply not yet possible to do so while operating in a socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner. If you're interested in travelling to India on a similar itinerary, check out some of other itineraries or consider booking a private group tour.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our India: Women's Expedition trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A single supplement is available on this trip and is valid for all nights on tour with the exception of the desert camp and overnight train.
2. Due to the special nature of this trip coinciding with Gangaur Festival some celebratory activities relating to the festival will occur on different days depending on which departure date you are travelling on. See itinerary for more details.
3. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate mornings from September to June and morning and evening from September to March. Morning flights depart around sunrise and evening flights late afternoon and last 60 mins. Return transfers, tea and coffee plus light refreshments and a certificate of flight are included in the cost. You can register your interest and pay your tour leader at your joining meeting on day 1 of your trip. Payment must be made by cash in either INR/AUD/USD/GBP only and is USD$260pp (subject to change). Flights are subject to ticket availability and weather conditions. Tickets are fully refundable in case of poor weather.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information
