RISE Experiential Journey 2025

RT
RISE Travel Institute
  • Email address verified
4 reviews
Nov 17 - 28, 2025
Group size: 8 - 12
RISE Experiential Journey 2025
India

RISE Travel Institute
  • Email address verified
4 reviews

Nov 17 - 28, 2025
Group size: 8 - 12

About this trip

The RISE Experiential Journey is an opportunity for Flagship program graduates, and those interested in the program, to see concepts from the Flagship program put into practice in the real world. Experiential Journeys are curated with RISE's commitment to sustainability and anti-oppression in mind. Participants will be ethical and mindful visitors, and will learn about how the tourism industry in each destination strives to improve.  


Our Experiential Journey to India

 Join RISE Travel Institute on a transformative journey to the hidden gems of Uttarakhand in the Indian Himalayas, near the Tibetan border. Immerse yourself in authentic Himalayan culture through culinary adventures, stargazing by streams, treks across breathtaking trails, and visits to local villages. Engage with local communities by learning traditional crafts, dining in villagers’ homes, and experiencing their lifestyle.

This unique experience supports local development and environmental preservation, offering stays in an award-winning boutique farm retreat, a boutique spa, and serene off-grid forest cabins.  This year's Experiential Journey is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience regenerative, rural community tourism.

RISE Terms & Conditions

Inclusive Package Prices and Services: The services within RISE Travel Institute Experiential Journeys are presented as itinerary “packages”.  We do not break down the costs of the individual components of the package. All rates are calculated based on confidential contracted rates with our partners and include all taxes, valid for the services requested. Rates are based on the requested number of participants and given dates. The rates are based on current exchange rate and local taxes effective on the date the price quotation is created and are subject to change up until the deposit has been paid. Guidelines above are applicable to optional "Add on" excursions and tours as well. All services with our in-country partners/contractors have been confirmed and committed to. Cancellation of any segment/component of the confirmed itinerary package are non refundable and non transferable. 

Itineraries: Accommodation, transportation, arranged tours and other inclusions are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond the control of RISE Travel Institute or its partners/contractors. Every effort will be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. Should any of the service providers identified in the itinerary not be available for reasons beyond our control, we will do our best to arrange for an approved substitute. 

Exclusions: Package prices do not include: Travel and personal Insurance coverage, the cost of obtaining passports or entry visas, tourist taxes, excess baggage charges, hotel/cruise incidental expenses, room service, personal expenses, such as laundry, communication charges, optional activities, and gratuities.Unless specified, meals/beverages/sightseeing/ museum or attraction admissions are not included.Nor are international and internal airfares, and airport departure taxes, unless specified.Furthermore, vouchers or tickets issued are subject to all laws, conditions, and regulations imposed by local and governmental authorities in countries visited. Under no conditions will any liability, or excess of that dictated by law, be recognized.Additional activities not specifically included are the responsibility of the traveler, as are COVID-19/health related expenses, such as medical care, quarantine, rebooking fees, lodging, etc.BE SURE TO carefully review and abide by the COVID-19 testing requirements for entry to the host country and for returning home. Any and all costs incurred for failure to do so shall be paid by the traveler.If you are unable to meet your driver upon arrival, you will be responsible for your own transfer. 

Trip Insurance

  • Travel Insurance is required for every traveler.
  • Trip insurance is not included in the tour price. 
  • Rise Travel Institute is not an insurance advisor/ broker.

Passports and Visas: Check and confirm the requirements for entry based on the passport you hold. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary and valid travel documents required for travel, including a visa and passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after the return date of travel. All travelers should contact a consulate or the embassy of the destination country for applicable passport and visa requirements. Check and double check your travel documents and make sure all is in order prior to booking. 

Travel Advisories: It is the responsibility of the traveler to be informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings issued by their home country. For US Passport holders, please visit the U.S. Department of State travel website at www.travel.state.gov/, or phone 1-888-407-4747.  

Liability: RISE Travel Institute and/or its partners act only as agents for the traveler with respect to transportation, hotel and other tour arrangements. In that capacity, RISE Travel Institute and/or its agents neither assumes nor bears any responsibility or liability in connection with the services or the actions of any third-parties involved in providing services for the travelers.RISE Travel Institute and/or its agents act only as agents for the services described upon the express condition that they shall not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delays, or irregularity, which may be occasioned by reason of being engaged in carrying out the services described in the individual itinerary packages. In all cases wherein RISE Travel Institute and/or its partners are rendering services (i.e., providing vehicles or transportation, meals, guides, tickets, etc.) they are acting solely as an intermediary for the owners or contractors of those services. Neither the Management of RISE Travel Institute, nor any of its employees, contractors, volunteers, members, advisors, or travel advisor partners, shall be, or become, liable or responsible in any way for any loss, injury, damage, accident, inconvenience, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned either by reason of defect, through the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the tour, or as a direct or indirect result of acts of God, Force Majeure, weather conditions, dangers or conditions of the sea, fire, flood, wind, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of governments or other authorities, de jure or de facto, wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, riots, thefts, animals, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failures of transportation, or for failure of any transportation to arrive or depart on time, or for any causes beyond the control of RISE Travel Institute, or for any loss or damage resulting from improper passports, visas or other documents. RISE Travel Institute cannot accept responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes.  

PAYMENT OF THE ITINERARY DEPOSIT CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN 

Deposit and Payments: RISE Travel Institute partners with local, in-country tour operators/ contractors. Please reference your specific trip for the deposit and payment schedule.Our quotes are in US Dollar (USD), unless otherwise noted. 

Cancellation: In case of cancellations, the following cancellation conditions will apply:

  • Administrative fees and any nonrefundable paid fees (e.g., nonrefundable deposits, airfare, broker fees, prepaid entrance fees, hotel deposits, etc.).
  • Penalties and fees imposed by our suppliers may be additional and, if imposed, will be deducted from the above refunds. 
  • Postponement or request to change your confirmed trip for another Experiential Journey may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees may apply.
  • Notifications of cancellation must be received by RISE Travel Institute in writing.
  • Cancellation costs will be calculated from the date RISE Travel Institute receives a written request for cancellation. 

Refunds: All refunds will be processed as quickly as possible. In the event refundable deposits have been paid for services, RISE Travel Institute will take all measures to assure the applicable funds are returned and refunded as quickly as possible.  

Traveler(s) Requirements: All travelers assume all risks associated with participating in a RISE Travel Institute Experiential Journey (EJ), which may include walking and/or climbing in difficult terrain with steep ascents and descents. On a RISE Travel Institute EJ you are likely to encounter uneven cobblestones, farmland, staircases without handrails, unpaved walkways, dirt roads, and stone steps. Some activities are not regulated by any industry safety standards and you assume all risks. You should come properly attired for any type of weather conditions that may occur. You are responsible for monitoring your own dietary restrictions and alcohol consumption. You are also encouraged to check with your health insurance provider to ensure that your coverage extends to international travel. All responsibility for all products and services purchased during a RISE Travel Institute Experiential Journey rests with you and the product or service vendor. The participant represents that neither he/she/they nor anyone traveling with him/her/them has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to themselves or other participants on the same itinerary.   

Experiential Journey Destination Partner

We are excited to partner with Fernweh Fair Travels for our 2025 Experiential Journey!


Fernweh Fair Travels is a women-led & run award-winning and internationally recognized youth & women empowerment project. Their approach centres on responsible travel practices that prioritize cultural preservation and environmental protection. 

What’s included

  • English speaking guide
  • 13 nights' accommodation
    Shared rooms.
  • Some meals
  • Entrance fees
  • Domestic transportation
  • RISE curriculum
    Discussion and reflection sessions related to the RISE Flagship program throughout our journey.
  • Cooking course
  • Guided mediations

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    To and from Delhi
  • Travel Insurance
    Required for participation.
  • Visas
    It's the traveler's responsibility to determin if any visas are needed for entry to India and obtain them.
  • Some meals
  • Tips
  • Drinks
    Drinks are not included during meals on day trips and tours.

Available Packages

Experiential Journey
Deposit:$800
Available until April 30, 2025

For RISE Flagship Program Alumni.

*Price includes participation in the Experiential Journey. 


Payment plan available.

$4,995
Deposit:$800
Experiential Journey + RISE Flagship
Deposit:$800
Available until April 30, 2025

For anyone interested in RISE Programs. Participate in the Experiential Journey AND enroll in the Flagship Program. 

*Price includes participation in the Experiential Journey + discounted tuition for the Flagship Program. (Original Flagship Tuition Fee: $950 | Discounted Tuition Fee: $650)


Instructions for enrolling in the Flagship Program will be provided after registration. 


Payment plan available. 

$5,645
Deposit:$800


Itinerary

Arrival
Arrive in Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to our hotel for the night. This evening we’ll enjoy dinner as a group and begin to get to know each other. 

Your Organizer


RT
RISE Travel Institute
4 reviews
We're a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to create a more just and equitable world through travel education. We envision a world where travelers practice and promote responsible, impactful, sustainable and ethical travel that uplifts global communities and protects natural ecosystems.

Reviews

I absolutely loved the trip with Rise and Etnica Travel! It was beyond my expectations and everything we experienced was beautiful well thought out and fantastic.
By Nicole M for RISE Experiential Journey Winter 2024 on Mar 07, 2024
My time in Yucatan with RISE and Etnica was absolutely magical. From start to finish, the trip overflowed with special moments that will stay with me forever. The highlights included feasting on freshly caught ceviche at the dreamy Isla Columpios, learning about the community-led tourism initiatives at Ek Balam, and immersing ourselves in the mangrove ecosystems of Rio Lagartos. But what truly made this experience so unforgettable was the RISE community. Sharing these moments with like-minded, thoughtful travelers created an extra layer of meaning and connection. Learning from one another as we explored the region's ecosystems and interacted with local communities was enriching. The care and respect that RISE travelers have for the places they visit was heartening to witness. I feel like I have a new group of friends who I deeply resonate with and feel connected to and I cannot be more grateful!
By Mira S for RISE Experiential Journey Winter 2024 on Feb 28, 2024
The best travel experience I've had. Blended the best of community travel while still remaining a guided all inclusive tours. I reflected with my partner afterwards that this would be the ideal way to travel every time we could.
By Zachary P for RISE Experiential Journey Summer 2022 on Sep 20, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the experience organized and led by RISE Travel Institute and Etnica. Vincie and Jodi made sure we had a great trip that enhanced everything we learned in the RISE Flagship course. Sofia came along as our group trip leader and was absolutely amazing, always on top of things and making sure everyone was taken care of and that we were learning and getting the most from our trip. Every activity, every accommodation, every meal was special and well-planned to support the local economy rather than big foreign corporations. They are actively working to support the indigenous people as they preserve their amazing culture and traditions. I can't say enough good about the phenomenal work they are doing. This is an example of a travel company that is doing GOOD, not causing harm. I wholeheartedly recommend both RISE and Etnica and would definitely travel with them again.
By Lily F for RISE Experiential Journey Summer 2022 on Aug 22, 2022