Himalayan Explorer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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