13 Days | Get a glimpse into the lives of Indian women on this adventure through colourful Rajasthan
Journey between the cities, villages and desert of Rajasthan and gain a unique insight into the lives of Indian women. With an all-women group and local female leader, this 13-day 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 in jeeps 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 from a new perspective!
Trip overview
- Start
- Delhi, India
- Finish
- Delhi, India
- Theme
- Women's Expeditions
- 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
- 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 jeeps 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 men 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 for 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.
- This trip involves some long train journeys including one overnight train but entertaining chaiwalas, food vendors and conversations with local travellers make these unforgettable experiences. For your security, we recommend you take a lock for your hand luggage on the trains.
- While beautiful and atmospheric, our Thar Desert camp is very simple, with cots set up under the stars and very basic bathroom facilities. More details can be found on Day 5 of the itinerary.
- Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in India. In the summer months, the heat can be extreme. In winter, some travellers have been surprised by the cool evenings. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.
- You’ll 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 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
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 15 February 2025
Inclusions
2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Auto rickshaw, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Train, Private vehicle, Shuttle bus
Hotel (9 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night), Heritage Property (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
- Delhi - Welcome dinner
- Delhi - Dilli Haat INA Visit
- Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
- Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
- Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
- Bikaner - Junagarh Fort
- Thar Desert - Kalbeliya Dance Performance
- Thar Desert - Jeep Adventure
- Jaisalmer - City Tour
- Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort
- Jodhpur - Sadar Bazaar
- Jodhpur - City Walk
- Chandelao Garh - Village Walk
- Chandelao Garh - Sundar Rang Crafts Centre Visit
- Chandelao Garh - Rangoli making
- Chandelao Garh - Henna painting
- Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jaipur - Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir
- Chandelao Garh - Morning Yoga
- Jaipur - Amber Fort
- Jaipur - City tour with The Pink City Rickshaw Company
- Jaipur - Home-cooking Class
- Agra - Saree lesson
- Agra - Taj Mahal
- Delhi - Humayun's Tomb - INR600
- Delhi - Qutub Minar - INR600
- Delhi - Red Fort - INR600
- Jaipur - City Palace - INR1000
- Jaipur - Jantar Mantar Observatory - INR200
- Jaipur - Balloon Safari - USD280
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Overnight Train on Day 2, and Day 5 (Desert 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.
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.
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