India: Women's Expedition
12 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Jaisalmer , Thar Desert, Jodphur, Jodhpur, Chandelao Garh, Nimaj, Jaipur, Agra
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHSL
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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 12-day women’s 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 like you’ve never seen before.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi. Your women’s expedition will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. Meet your local leader and fellow female travellers and find out what to expect over the course of your adventure. After, get to know your group and enjoy your first taste of India’s famous cuisine over an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Included Activities:
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 2: Jaisalmer
Location: Jaisalmer
Accommodation: Hotel
It's an early start this morning as we board a 4:30am train to Jaisalmer. Make friends with entertaining chaiwalas (tea vendors), food vendors and enjoy conversations with the locals to pass the time and make this an unforgettable experience. There’s no food cart on the train, but your local leader will recommend the best snacks for you to buy before you board the train, so you won’t be left hungry.
We'll arrive in Jaisalmer late this evening and check in to our hotel for a good nights rest.
Day 3: Thar Desert
Location: Thar Desert
Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)
Meals Included: dinner
After breakfast jump into Jeeps and head towards the Thar Desert. The Thar Desert covers 200,000 square km, so while you won’t get to see it all, you will spend the day exploring the rolling sand hills before arriving at your desert camp. Here, you’ll meet some local men and women – the men will head off to prepare a traditional Rajasthani dinner, giving you a chance to get to know the women. They will also put on a Kalbeliya dance performance – a traditional female dance where women in long skirts replicate the movements of a serpent as a representation of the snake charmer’s role in traditional Rajasthani society.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 4: Jodphur
Location: Jodphur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll drive back to Jaisalmer in your jeep. From here, you’ll have a chance to check in to your hotel and freshen up before heading out on a walking tour with your leader to get to know this storied desert city. The citadel was built by Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati Rajput in 1156 AD, and with a history that’s been carefully recorded by the bards of Rajasthan since the 12th century, it’s not hard to imagine what life here once looked like. Strung between the former trade routes of the Great Thar Desert, your leader will share stories of Jaisalmer’s prosperous past. Return to your hotel and transfer to the train station to board the train to Jodhpur, arriving in the evening.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Jodhpur
Location: Jodhpur
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning after breakfast, head straight to the striking Mehrangarh Fort that towers over the city. Enjoy a guided tour as you explore some of the ornately decorated palaces and visit one of Rajasthan’s most interesting museums to learn about battles past. From here, you’ll go to the Sadar Bazaar in the Old City for a guided market tour and the opportunity to taste local delicacies like lassi and dal baati – both classics of Indian cuisine for a good reason (they’re delicious!). You may like to spend the rest of the evening exploring the Old City, and your local leader will be able to recommend great places for dinner.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 6: Chandelao Garh
Location: Chandelao Garh
Accommodation: Heritage Property
Meals Included: dinner
Say goodbye to Jodhpur and drive to the village of Chandelao Garh. Get your bearings during a walk through the village, then visit Sunder Rang – a project that employs local artisans, mostly women, while keeping traditional craft practices alive. Meaning ‘beautiful colours’, the vibrant pieces crafted by the women at Sunder Rang stand in contrast to the surrounding desert landscapes. More than 30 women are currently employed by Sunder Rang, with an hour of their workdays dedicated to their education. Meet the ladies who work here, browse the beautiful pieces they’ve created and learn about the project’s impact on their lives, their families and the wider village. This evening, take some time to explore Chandelao Garh further or relax at your heritage property accommodation.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 7: Nimaj
Location: Nimaj
Accommodation: Heritage Property
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Limber up and start your day with a yoga session at your accommodation, then drive by private vehicle to Nimaj – a small town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. After a traditional welcome by the local women, your leader will take you on a guided walk around the village, where you’ll have an opportunity to have a chat with some of the locals and get a sense of small-town Indian life. This evening, take part in a very special women’s-only celebration. Join the local women for a night of festivities – learn about the art of rangoli, where colourful patterns are made with various materials, join your hosts for traditional henna painting, and watch a lively dance show.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
-
Day 8: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, hop back in your private vehicle and make the journey to Jaipur – the capital of the Rajasthan region. When you arrive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk around the city. Follow your leader down streets buzzing with camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles and explore bazaars bursting with colourful goods, including handcrafted textiles, folk art and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. After your walk, discover a beloved part of Indian culture as you head out for a screening of a Bollywood film. Visit the Raj Mandir Cinema – this Art Deco-style building is one of Jaipur’s most popular spots and has played host to many movie premiers.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 9: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: dinner
This morning, head into town for a memorable rickshaw ride with The Pink City Rickshaw Company – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. See the highlights of the city and get to know your amazing female driver as you zip through the streets. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Amber Fort – one of Jaipur’s most recognisable landmarks. The red sandstone and marble palace is set high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake, and there is plenty of history to learn about as well as picturesque sights. This evening, visit a local home in Jaipur, where you’ll be welcomed for an evening of fun and feasting. Chat with your hosts about their lives, learn about the meals they make at home then sit down for a truly tasty dinner.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 10: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you’ll make the trip to Agra on board a public bus. Your first stop will be a visit to the home of a local woman who will help you choose the perfect saree and show you how it's worn. She’ll also help you dress up with an armful of glittering bangles and a matching Bindi in the traditional style, ready for your sunset visit to India’s most iconic landmark – the Taj Mahal. Spend time wandering around the pristine grounds and watching the setting sun illuminate the stunning marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan in his favourite wife’s honour.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
Day 11: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: Hotel
Leave Agra behind and hop on a train bound for Delhi (approximately 4 hours). Back in the country’s capital, navigate the city’s metro system in the morning and discover Old Delhi on a walking tour. For some parts of the tour, you may ride the metro in a women’s only carriage, giving you a unique insight into how local women travel around Delhi. Hitch a traditional cycle rickshaw ride through a typical Indian traffic jam in the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest and largest mosque – Jama Masjid. Duck into a Sikh temple for a quiet escape from the city and observe the spiritual side of this bustling metropolis.
Late this afternoon pay a visit to the Dilli Haat market, where artisans from across the country are invited to showcase their wares for 15 days at a time, ensuring prices are fair and not subject to the inflation common in big cities. Visitors are exposed to the culture and crafts of various corners of India, all on display in one place. The market is also home to a tempting array of food stalls, so you may like to take your tastebuds on a trip with some momos from Sikkim, spicy chicken from Nagaland or kebabs from Jammu.
This evening, perhaps join your group for a final dinner in Delhi and take the chance to look back on all you have seen and done on your journey.
Included Activities:
-
-
-
-
Day 12: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Today is your final day in India. There are no included activities planned, so you’re welcome to check out of the hotel any time before midday. If you’re departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel until your flight. If you want to stay an extra couple of days in Delhi, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
-
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
-
Accommodation
Camping with basic facilities (1 night), Heritage Property (3 nights), Hotel (5 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
-
Delhi - Welcome dinner
-
Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
-
Delhi - Jama Masjid
-
Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
-
Thar Desert - Kalbeliya Dance Performance
-
Thar Desert - Jeep Safari
-
Jaisalmer - City Tour
-
Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort
Accommodation
ACCOMMODATION:Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, staying in local guesthouses and homestays. Some may have shared bathroom facilities with cold water only. We use a mixture of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.SHOWERS:Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.ROOM ISSUES:If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your tour leader right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.SLEEPER TRAINS IN INDIA:Sleeper trains are clean and air-conditioned (fan-cooled at times), a great way to travel long distances and still get maximum time in each place. Depending on the route, we travel 2AC or 3AC class as not all classes are available on all routes. Due to the complexity of the ticket purchasing system and high demand for tickets, we are unable to offer upgrades to other classes.Second Class or 2 Tier AC (2AC) carriages have 4 berths in the compartment section and 2 berths in the aisle bay and individual reading lights. Third Class or 3 Tier AC (3AC) has 6 berths in the compartment and 2 in the aisle bay. Both have curtains for privacy. There are no sinks or charging points in these classes. During the day, bunks are folded away and serve as seats. Toilet facilities are located at either end of the carriage. There is usually an Indian style squat toilet at one end and a western-style toilet at the other. You will need your own toilet paper or tissues and cleanliness will depend on the number of people using them.Beds are padded bunks, with sheets, pillow and blanket provided. Some people prefer to bring and use their own sleeping sheet. Your luggage travels with you on the train, so packing light will make your journey more comfortable.Many trains have a dining carriage or a food/snack cart that is brought through the carriages. There are also plenty of vendors selling tea, coffee, water and snacks during the journey, although the hygiene may not be up to standards you are used to at home.Please note you may be sharing with other members of your group or locals on a mixed gender basis. Tickets are booked on a real-name basis using your passport details. We book for all members of the group at the same time, but unfortunately, this is no guarantee that we will be accommodated all together on the train. Your leader will do their best to swap with other travellers to allow people who booked together to travel together, but please be aware that this is not always possible. We may at times ask male travellers to swap with solo female travellers for safety considerations.DESERT CAMPINGBedding, blankets and pillows are provided and we sleep on a camp style cot in the open air. Sleeping bags are recommended as it can get very cold at night. The camp is very simple with a windbreak, and set up against a sand dune. It’s a great experience to wake up under the stars in the desert. Simple vegetarian meals will be prepared by our local team for dinner and breakfast (included). Water and soft drinks are available for purchase. Toilets are a very basic long drop style. There is no shower and many travellers recommend bringing hand sanitizer, a small hand towel or some wet wipes (don't forget to carry them and any other rubbish out again).
Transport
TRANSPORT IN INDIA:Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.TRAVEL TIMES:Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.TRAINS:India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group's seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender.For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/AUTO RICKSHAWS:On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.FLIGHTS:Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
Included Activities
Delhi - Home-cooked dinnerDelhi - Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tourDelhi - Jama MasjidDelhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)Jaisalmer - Kalbeliya dance performanceJaisalmer - Thar Desert jeep safariJaisalmer - City tourJaisalmer - Belissima visitJaisalmer - Jaisalmer FortJodhpur - City walkJodhpur - Meherangarh FortJodhpur - Sadar BazaarJodhpur - Sambhali Trust visitNimaj - Village walkNimaj - Gangaur FestivalNimaj - Henna paintingNimaj - Dance performanceNimaj - Rangoli makingJaipur - Walking & market tourJaipur - Bollywood movie & cooking class in local homeJaipur - Gangaur FestivalJaipur - Amber FortJaipur - City tour with The Pink City Rickshaw CompanyAgra - Taj MahalAgra - Saree lessonAgra - Agra FortAgra - Sheroes Hangout Cafe (prices from)
Important Information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 (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.
Mode of Transport
TRANSPORT IN INDIA:Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. if you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.TRAVEL TIMES:Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.TRAINS:India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip will may to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.The Indian Railway system is one of the largest railway networks in the world and quite complex. Seat allocation is completely computerized on a centralized reservation system and we do not have control over seat allocations. Despite booking tickets months in advance of a departure your group's seats, or sleeping berths on overnight trains, maybe spread out within one carriage or multiple carriages of the same class. There’s a chance you’ll be sharing a compartment with local travelers of either gender.For a detailed look into the experience of travelling by overnight trains read more here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/india-trains-guide/AUTO RICKSHAWS:On this trip, we travel on the local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.FLIGHTS:Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
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. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Sunday - Thursday
Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Thursday - Monday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Thursday - Monday
Nov 20, 2025 - Dec 01, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 25, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 08, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 12, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 29, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 05, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Nov 22, 2026 - Dec 03, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Nov 29, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 07, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.