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India

India: Himalayan Photo Expedition — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Explore the colors and scenes of India and “let the light in”! This unique program gives students the necessary coaching and assignments from professional photographers in their group. Students will improve their photo skills while immersing themselves in Indian culture. Learn from communities and local guides in India’s vibrant cities and traditional communities and visit some of the most iconic sites in North India.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 14-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to India!

Arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi Airport (DEL) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.
2

Discover Delhi

Set out for a tour of Delhi! Learn about Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in Old Delhi and Mahatma Gandhi, India’s “father,” in New Delhi. Explore the walls of the Red Fort, visit the cleansing waters of the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, and experience the juxtaposition of ancient and modern at the ruins in Hauz Khas. After a full day of exploration and photography, head back to the hotel for dinner and rest.
3

Journey to the Land of High Mountain Passes

Catch a flight to Leh, Ladakh – the Land of High Mountain Passes. This is an amazing flight path, so keep your eyes peeled as you fly directly over the Himalayas! Settle into your guesthouse and rest, as you have just arrived at high altitude so it is important to eat, hydrate, and relax as you acclimate. During this time, your program leaders will go over the trip itinerary and several photography lessons. Then head out into the city for a photo lesson and enjoy a stunning sunset from the Royal Palace. For dinner tonight, enjoy Ladakhi specialties like thukpa (noodle soup) and momos (dumplings) fresh from the kitchen.
4

Visit Ancient Monasteries

After a great breakfast and a warm cup of chai, head out into the city for your first real introduction to Ladakh. Visit several ancient monasteries that Ladakh is known for and complete photo assignments given by your program leaders. Return to the guesthouse for dinner and join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you will begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
5

Experience Village Life

Pass through the Indus River Valley onto Themisgam, where you will gain an understanding of the local culture through photo assignments and a group homestay experience. Along the way, stop at the famous monastery of Alchi and – if they are in season – sample some fresh apricots right off the trees.
6

Participate in a Photo Scavenger Hunt

Enjoy breakfast with your host family, then work on specific photography skills during a scavenger hunt. Visit a local school and maybe challenge the students to a game of volleyball. Make momos with your family in the evening, and talk with them to understand more about the incredible sustainability of the region.
7

Hike to Hemis

Say goodbye to your homestay family and hit the trails for a morning hike to Hemis, a very rural community with another famous monastery. Explore the village and learn about the local way of life from families who have made their home in the Hemis area for generations. Your photo assignment today may be portraits or capturing a day in the life of a Hemis resident. Spend tonight at another group homestay, where the family will cook Ladakhi dishes for dinner.
8

Return to Leh

After several days living without many Western amenities, head back to Leh, recharge your batteries, have a photo review, and share some laughs over a meal of momos and curries! Your leaders will give you a photo lesson and assignment, then spend the rest of the day preparing to head east to spend time with the semi-nomadic Changpa people.
9

Discover Chang Tang and Stay in Yurts

Head out from Leh to the wide alpine deserts of Chang Tang. The Changpa nomads are considered the first people to have lived in Ladakh and their lifestyle is similar to centuries ago as they live off the land. Gain a unique insight into their life as you spend the next two days living in yurts and experiencing their daily life.
10

Visit Lake Tso Moriri

Head out on an excursion to Lake Tso Moriri, an environmental and landscape photographer’s dream! Located in the Rupshu Valley, the crisp blue waters of the lake glisten juxtaposed against the Himalayan landscape. Spot herds of pashmina goats, along with foxes, marmots, and wild kiang. Tonight, head back to the Changpa community for another night in the yurt homestay.
11

Enjoy Your Last Day in the Himalayas

Say goodbye to your Changpa host family this morning, then enjoy one last drive through the mountains, back to Leh. On this last day in the Himalayas, you’ll have the chance to shop for any last gifts, then top the day off by watching the sunset over the mountains. Enjoy a delicious Ladakhi meal and head to bed for a good rest before your early morning flight.
12

Visit The Taj Mahal

After a flight and bus ride to Agra, visit India’s most famous landmark: the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s 17th-century architectural marvel. Use your sharpened photography skills to capture the Taj in all its beauty. Spend the night in Agra doing a photo review of the day.
13

Shop at Delhi Markets

Return to Delhi for your last full day in India. Shop at one of Delhi’s markets to find last souvenirs to bring home, then catch a Bollywood movie before heading back to your hotel for a final photo review, closing ceremony, and a delicious meal to celebrate your great adventure through India! At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
14

Namaste, India!

On your last day in India, use your bargaining skills to shop for any last souvenirs before heading to a resort in South Delhi to relax in a pool and enjoy a final dinner. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 14 calendar days / 13 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

India

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
India offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not Included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

India Asia Photography
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