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India: Women's Expedition

12 Days | Get a glimpse into the lives of Indian women on this adventure through colourful Rajasthan

5 out of 5 based on 36 reviews submitted.
Women's Expedition
From
CHF  1,043
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Journey between the cities, villages and desert of Rajasthan and gain unique insight into the lives of Indian women. With an all-women group and local female leader, this 12-day Women’s Expedition will immerse you in the culture and history of the region, as seen through the eyes of the women who live here. Starting in energetic Delhi, travel in the female-only carriage on the metro, then head out to the Thar Desert to meet local women and enjoy a traditional Kalbeliya dance performance. In the village of Chandelao Garh, visit a project empowering female artisans, and join an inspiring rickshaw tour of Jaipur with a female guide from the Pink City Rickshaw Co. This is India like you’ve never seen it before.

Trip overview

Map of India: Women's Expedition including India
Start
Delhi, India
Finish
Delhi, India
Theme
Women's Expedition
Destinations
India
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HHSL
This trip generates 46.56 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Get to know northern India through the lives of the women who live there as you explore with a female leader, ride in women-only carriages on the metro and meet inspiring local women throughout your journey.
  • Head to the rural desert village of Chandelao Garh, where a local project provides female artisans with employment and education while preserving traditional craft practices. Check out their handicrafts and hear their stories.
  • Take a jeep safari into the Thar Desert and enjoy an exclusive Kalbeliya dance performed by local women at a desert camp. Enjoy some quality one-on-one time with the dancers while the gentlemen prepare dinner.
  • Visit a local woman's home and select a saree and 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.
  • See the highlights of Jaipur and get to know your female driver on a tour with the eco-friendly Pink City Rickshaw Company, a non-profit providing employment and economic independence to women from low-income households.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life. Donations help them to nurture ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives that inspire coastal restoration, sustainable fishing practices and waste-management.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves some long train journeys and an overnight train, but entertaining chaiwalas, 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.
  • While beautiful and atmospheric, our Thar Desert camp is very simple, with cots set up under the stars and with very basic bathroom facilities. More details can be found on Day 3 of the itinerary.
  • Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, heat can be extreme. In winter months, some travellers have been surprised at the cool of the evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
  • We visit several temples on this trip, which require a level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is 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.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of India: Women's Expedition including India

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 5 dinners

Transport

Auto rickshaw, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Shuttle bus

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Camping with basic facilities (1 night), Heritage Property (6 nights)

Activities
  • Delhi - Welcome dinner
  • Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
  • Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
  • Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
  • Thar Desert - Kalbeliya Dance Performance
  • Thar Desert - Jeep Safari
  • Jaisalmer - City Tour
  • Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort
  • Jodhpur - Sadar Bazaar
  • Jodhpur - City Walk
  • Chandelao Garh - Village Walk
  • Chandelao Garh - Sundar Rang Crafts Centre Visit
  • Nimaj - Leader-led village walk
  • Nimaj - Henna painting
  • Nimaj - Dance performance
  • Nimaj - Rangoli making
  • Chandelao Garh - Morning Yoga
  • Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Jaipur - Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir
  • Jaipur - Amber Fort
  • Jaipur - City tour with The Pink City Rickshaw Company
  • Jaipur - Home-cooking Class
  • Agra - Saree lesson
  • Agra - Taj Mahal
  • Agra - Agra Fort Visit
  • Delhi - Dilli Haat INA Visit
Add on activities
  • Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
  • Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
  • Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
  • Jaipur - City Palace - INR800
  • Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
  • Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Overnight Train) and Day 3 (Camping) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Hot air balloon flights are operated by Sky Waltz in Jaipur. Flights operate mornings from September to April 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.

3. Please provide your full name exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 36 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Kelli · Traveled October 2023
Cannot recommend this tour highly enough. From the stunning scenery, the bonds formed over card games on the long train journeys, to learning about our standout leader Varsha and her beautiful country and being immersed into the culture with open arms from everyone we met along the way - thank you India!
Review submitted 11 Nov 2023

Gwenyth · Traveled October 2023
I thoroughly recommend the Women's Expedition to any woman. It is a good way of experiencing a few things you wouldn't find included on a regular tour eg dressing in a sari for the afternoon to visit the Taj Mahal. Special.
Review submitted 11 Nov 2023

Georgia · Traveled October 2023
I loved every day of this trip. The accomodation, inclusions, and food were all excellent. Our guide Varsha was excellent: approachable and informative at all times. The group had a 50 year age range, but I feel like we really bonded. Don't hesitate in booking this trip-you won't regret it.
Review submitted 09 Nov 2023

Pamela · Traveled October 2023
The women’s expedition is a fantastic way to go deep in a small part of India, taking in a number of incredibly beautiful cities and villages and gaining insight into women’s lives in both historical and modern India. Our guide Varsha made it all come alive, generously sharing her knowledge and personal experience with warmth and good humor. It was fantastic to travel with women of all ages and from four different countries, and to meet so many warm and gracious Indian people on the trains, as our local guides, and as our hosts at our hotels, in the desert, and at the cooking demonstration. A magical experience from start to finish.
Review submitted 12 Nov 2023

Susanna · Traveled October 2023
It was an amazing experience; A dip in the indian culture that've stimulate my curiosity and at the same time let me to relax, enjoying my vacation.
Review submitted 06 Nov 2023
India: Women's Expedition
From
CHF  1,043