India expedition sample itineraries

INDIA-HIMALAYA & RAJASTHAN

Acclimatisation
There are several short day treks out of Manali that can be done to acclimatise before the main trekking phase. You could walk to Hadimba Temple, erected in 1553 and dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, this is one of the most important religious sites of the area.

Trekking
There are a wide range of treks available in the Himalaya through a wide range of diverse landscapes. The treks are fully supported with guides and ponies so you can fully enjoy the fantastic views of the Himalaya ranges.

Project
Teams carry out project work in local villages in Rajasthan. This usually takes the form of maintenance work in schools or communities, painting murals, fixing the buildings or general odd jobs with plenty of opportunity for interaction with local villagers and children.

R&R
Visit the famous Taj Mahal, pick up some bargains at the many markets in Delhi and explore the Rajasthani capital city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.

INDIA-HIMALAYA

Acclimatisation
There are several short day treks out of Manali that can be done to acclimatise before the main trekking phase. You could walk to Hadimba Temple, erected in 1553 and dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, this is one of the most important religious sites of the area.

Trekking
There are a wide range of treks available in the Himalaya. One option includes a 14 day trek from Manali, up to the lake of Chandratal (4800m) and finishing at the Baralarcha Pass (5100m). Another is the The Kaza Kafnu 12 day trek starting from the barren, dramatic Spiti valley and over a pass of 4900m, past Buddhist monasteries perched on rocks, ending up descending into lush Kafnu and onto Shimla.

Project
Teams carry out project work in local villages in the Kullu Valley. Usually in the form of maintenance work in schools, painting murals, fixing buildings or general odd jobs with plenty of opportunity for interaction with local villagers and children.

R&R
Visit the famous Taj Mahal, explore Old Delhi and pick up some bargains in the markets.

INDIA-UTTARANCHAL

Acclimatisation
Spend a few days acclimatising in one of the pretty hill stations in Uttaranchal where there are lots of good day treks on offer.

Trekking
There are great trekking options in both the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas which could include high passes, lakes, glaciers or you could even trek in the jungle near to Corbett National Park.

Project
There is a variety of project options on offer, from supporting projects in Delhi or working in more remote local villages in the mountains. Both give you the opportunity to experience first hand the local way of life.

R&R
India has lots of rest and relaxation options on offer. Teams may choose to explore the colourful Haridwar, try yoga in Rishikesh, visit the famous Taj Mahal or explore the cities of Delhi and Jaipur.

SOUTHERN INDIA & RAJASTHAN

Acclimatisation
Spend your first day or two in Kochi where you can explore the town on foot, by taxi, rickshaw or ferry. You can also watch the traditional huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets in action (these are still being used in Kerala).

Trekking
The main trek is through the Cardamom Hills in the area around Munnar. There is amazing biodiversity in this area and you can trek through tea plantations and wonderful green scenery down to a beautiful lake on the valley floor.

Project
During a long project phase you could have the opportunity to help construct a canteen, a bike shed or renovate a school. Enjoy getting to know the local children studying there with the chance to run a sports day or school activity for them.

R&R
Visit the famous Taj Mahal, pick up some bargains at the many markets in Delhi and explore the Rajasthani capital city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City.

SOUTH INDIA

Acclimatisation
Spend your first day or two in Kochi where you can explore the town on foot, by taxi, rickshaw or ferry. You can also watch the traditional huge, elegant Chinese fishing nets in action (these are still being used in Kerala).

Trekking
The main trek is through the Cardamom Hills in the area around Munnar. There is amazing biodiversity in this area and you can trek through tea plantations and wonderful green scenery down to a beautiful lake on the valley floor.

Project
During a long project phase you could have the opportunity to help construct a canteen, a bike shed or renovate a school. Enjoy getting to know the local children studying there with the chance to run a sports day or school activity for them.

R&R
Hire a houseboat and drift through the backwaters of Kerala watching the daily life of local villagers. Relaxing as you float through the Kuttanad waterways. Some teams are lucky enough to see the colourful boats practising or competing for the annual Snake Boat Race trophy.