India

Himalayan Explorer

Q: Is Himalayan Explorer Right for My Child?

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.

Q: How Do Flights, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice. What is the refund policy? View terms & conditions

Q: What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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

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What Does a 16-Day Program Include?

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

Depart for India

Arrive at the hub airport where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to India. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight to India.

Welcome to India!

Arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi 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.

Explore Delhi

Venture into the streets of Delhi for a cultural scavenger hunt. After discovering Hindu gods and goddesses and testing your language skills, head to a restaurant for some delicious Punjabi food and a discussion about your scavenger hunt experience. After lunch, spend the afternoon touring the city. Learn about Gandhi at a museum in the same building where his life ended, explore Sikh religion at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, and take in the famous India Gate and parliament.

Travel to Agra

Board a train for the two-hour journey to Agra. Explore Red fort in evening UNESCO World Heritage site to explore this historic fortification at sunset. Roam the well-protected walls of the palace and see the secret caves that were used by former royalty to escape when the palace came under attack hundreds of years ago and visit Mehtab garden with views of the iconic Taj Mahal from behind and visit a marble factory where descendants of the artisans who built the historic landmark still work. Spend the night before exploring the city and Taj Mahal the following day.

Experience the Taj Mahal

Wake for breakfast before heading into the city for a visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was completed in 1643. The ivory mausoleum is the final resting place of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Learn about the intricate marble work and architecture from a local guide and take time to explore the compound. Board a van for a four- to six-hour ride to the town of Amer in Jaipur, the Pink City that serves as the capital of India’s Rajasthan state.

Amer Fort and the City Palace

Start your day with exploring Amer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. Explore the fort before moving on to Jaipur’s City Palace, home to the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and the Jaipur royal family. Enjoy dinner with your group before an evening activity in the city.

Explore Jaipur

Rise for a day of shopping in Jaipur’s markets to explore the bazaar’s for traditional Indian crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Visit a historic theatre for an introduction to the famed Bollywood film industry. After lunch you’ll load up into the vehicles and depart for the lower Bhote Koshi river. Arrive at the river and settle into the river camp where you’ll be spending the evening tonight. Have dinner and relax with your group as you enjoy the evening.

Fly to Nepal

Transfer to Nepal, where you’ll spend the duration of your trip. Arrive into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu and explore this famous city. Kathmandu is the intersection of many Buddhist and Hindu cultures, not to mention other global influences. Head to Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site to see the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom is located. Conclude your day with a visit to Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, nicknamed for the holy monkeys that live there.

Rafting on the Trishuli River

Depart for a whitewater rafting adventure on the Trishuli River. Get a safety and skills briefing from our rafting partner company and set out on your rafts down the river. Pass through Snell’s Nose, Monkey Rapids, and Teen Devi Rapids, experiencing the isolated nature of beautiful Nepal. Camp in the wilderness overnight, relax, and share stories before another big day out on the river.

Rafting and Drive to Pokhara

Head back onto the river for your next run through more exhilarating rapids: Monsoon, Upset, and Coffee Pot. Run the river’s path to lower elevations and head for shore, shaking off your sea legs and taking in the beautiful scenery. Dry off and pack up for the three-hour road trip to Pokhara, Nepal’s second largest city where you’ll see ancient lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and majestic views of the Himalayas. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.

Trek to the Australian Camp

Trek about five hours to the Australian Camp at Dhampus Village and explore the nearby communities where global climbers come to start their treks. Spend the night at base camp and get a glimpse of extreme athletes and climbers getting ready for their adventures.

Finish hike, Back to Pokhara

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas’ Annapurna Range. Start your journey back to Pokhara. After lunch, explore the market or get a massage after your trek. Enjoy the mountain town for another night before heading back to the city in the morning.

Pokhara Activities

Spend the day participating in activities that include a boat ride and short hike, shopping in town, or zip lining and bungee jumping (add-on activities).

Return to Kathmandu

Start your day with an early breakfast before an eight-hour van ride back to Kathmandu, watching the mountains unfold until they open into the city nestled in the shadow of Everest. Explore the city sights and learn how the country responded to the 2015 earthquake. 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.

Namaste, India and Nepal!

After your last hearty Nepalese breakfast, your Program Leaders will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your flight to Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, where you’ll connect for your flight home. Say goodbye to your new friends and reflect on your adventure.

Return Home

Arrive at the hub airport in the morning for your connecting flight or ride home.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

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

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

India

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

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's supervising my child?

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Is Himalayan Explorer Right for My Child?

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.

Why Does Rustic Pathways Go to India?

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, Meals, and Logistics Work?

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

What’s Included in This Rustic Pathways Program?

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 2026

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