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.  

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.

Carbon Literacy & Climate Justice Workshop

Embedded within our Experiential Journey to India, this workshop combines an e-learning component with immersive, on-the-ground learning. Participants will engage directly with local communities to understand the real-world impacts of climate change and hear powerful stories of resilience and adaptation. Upon completion, you will earn a Carbon Literacy Certificate, awarded by the Carbon Literacy Project.

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.   

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. 

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. 

At sunrise we begin our journey, by private vehicle, to Devprayag, where the Alknanda and Bhagirathi rivers unite to form the sacred Ganges.

Upon arrival we'll settle into our hotel with stunning views of the river, then visit the holy confluence of the 2 rivers, a site of deep spiritual significance.

An evening tea ceremony will provide an excellent opportunity to continue getting to know each other and learn more about what's in store for our Experiential Journey.

After breakfast, wind through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes towards isolated mountain villages.

Upon arrival at our Himalayan farm retreat we'll be greated by the local community with traditional music and a welcoming ceremony.

In the afternoon we set off on a peaceful walk through the village, visiting an ancient Himalayan temple.

We'll start our day with yoga and a wholesome breakfast to fuel our day.

The morning is yours to relax in the retreat's tranquility or explore the surrounding area on a self-guided hike.

In the afternoon travel to Gopeshwar, where Gopinath Temple stands as an architectural marvel. A temple representative will share its centuries-old legends before a traditional lunch.

Heading into Gopeshwar's lively market, we'll have an opportunity to select our own handcrafted kurtas so we can embrace local traditions.

In the evening, we'll have tea and time for reflection and discussion back at our retreat.

This morning we'll take a short drive to Mandal, a picturesque spot to launch our hike to Anasuya temple. A 5km (about 3 miles) trek through beautiful forest leads us to a centuries-old goddess shrine and historic village encircled by forest.

For lunch we'll be hosted by the two remaining families who call Anasuya home.

After lunch we'll take a shorter trek to Atrimuni cave and waterfall, home to a sacred shrine.

After another morning yoga session we'll hike along the river to the untouchable tribal villages. Here, we meet and learn from artisans who are working to preserve and revive local handicraft heritage.

For lunch we'll continue our journey to a secret homestay camp and learn from the young couple running the camp.

After hiking back to our retreat we'll enjoy a tea ceremony and evening reflection.

After yoga and breakfast we head to Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary and embark on a 4km (about 2.5 miles) hike through lush forests to an ancient temple. The temple is a peaceful place that only locals know about. Here we will gather wood and cook lunch together with our local hosts.

On our last day in the heart of the Himalayas we will learn some ancient rituals.

We start the day with forest bathing and then stop at the river to practice a traditional method of washing our hair with native tree bark.

For lunch our host will teach us to cook some traditional local recipes, using ingredients we've foraged.

In the evening we'll have the opportunity to learn regional dance from our hosts, and enjoy a great dinner.

This morning we say goodbye to our hosts and set off on a scenic drive to Rishikesh. The journey promises beautiful landscapes and cultural stops along the way.

When we arrive we'll take a walk along the river to witness Ganga aarti, a spiritual Hindu ritual performed daily at sunset on the banks of the Ganges River.

We begin the day with a peaceful yoga session, embracing a final morning of tranquility by the Ganges before a nourishing breakfast.

After a morning of reflection we head to a famous ashram.

On our way back to Delhi we'll make a few scenic stops to admire the breathtaking scenery.

In Delhi we'll enjoy a final dinner, where we'll reflect on our Experiential Journey before saying goodbye tomorrow.

Check out of the hotel before 11:00 AM tomorrow for your onward travels.

Start the day with a drive from Delhi to Agra, the City of Mughals.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and marvel at the architecture and rich history.

Next, wander through Agra Fort, a magnificent and storied walled city.

For lunch, enjoy the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine.

On the way back to Delhi, stop at a peaceful less-visited spot offering stunning panoramic views of the Taj Mahal.

Back in Delhi have dinner and head to bed, before departing in the morning.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 AM tomorrow morning for your onward travels.