Tour Dates:

7th April, 2023 - 21st April 2023
30th June 2023 - 14th July 2023

Transformative Expeditions For University Students

 

Embark on this 19-day odyssey in Northern India, where university students like you unlock their potential through regenerative travel. Dive into transformative experiences as you immerse in a community development project, infuse Indian culture, and conquer adventurous escapades. It’s not just a tour—it’s an expedition brimming with challenges and boundless inspiration!

Let us plan your trip!

What's Included

18 nights in hotels, hostels, guest houses & village homestays.

18 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 6 dinners

All domestic transport & transfers

31 included

Read more
Local & international expedition leaders

Your Expedition Highlights

Your Community Project

Pauri Garhwal: Women Empowerment Project

Nestled amidst the serene Himalayan foothills, Pauri Garhwal exudes tranquillity. Yet, economic challenges haunt its vibrant women, spurring migration and social imbalance. Novoto teams up with local heroes — Uttarakhand Tourism Board, NGOs, village governing bodies and community leaders—to rewrite this narrative. Together, we craft a project fueling entrepreneurship and job creation, injecting zest into Pauri Garhwal’s laid-back charm and empowering the women there.

Project Parameters

  1. Women & Youth Empowerment 

  2. Tourism Infrastructure 

  3. Entrepreneurship 

  4. Local Skill Development

  5. Job Creation

  6. Climate Action

  7. Education

  8. Growth in Tourism Influx

Your Community Project

Pauri Garhwal: Women Empowerment Project

Nestled amidst the serene Himalayan foothills, Pauri Garhwal exudes tranquillity. Yet, economic challenges haunt its vibrant women, spurring migration and social imbalance. Novoto teams up with local heroes — Uttarakhand Tourism Board, NGOs, village governing bodies and community leaders—to rewrite this narrative. Together, we craft a project fueling entrepreneurship and job creation, injecting zest into Pauri Garhwal’s laid-back charm and empowering the women there.

Project Parameter

1 Women & Youth Empowerment

2 Tourism Infrastructure

3 Entrepreneurship

4 Local Skill Development

5 Job Creation

6 Climate Action

7 Education

8 Growth in Tourism Influx

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Delhi

Namaste! Welcome to vibrant New Delhi! Get ready for an adventure like no other. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before meeting your expedition team for a lively “Meet Your Crew” session. Fuel up with a special welcome dinner, then embark on a thrilling night walking tour and Crew Bonding Night Out in Hauz Khas village. Let the journey begin!

Day 2 - Delhi

Embrace the dawn with a vibrant rickshaw journey through the storied streets of Old Delhi, delving into its vibrant history and dynamic culture. Explore Delhi’s iconic landmarks, from the majestic India Gate to the towering Qutub Minar, all accessible via the efficient Delhi Metro. Conclude your enriching day with a lively excursion to Connaught Place, immersing yourself in the city’s pulsating energy.

Day 3 - Tordi Garh

Today, head to the captivating odyssey of Tordi Garh village, nestled in the heartland of Rajasthan! Discover rustic charm amidst verdant fields, delve into rural Indian life’s heartbeat, and contrast it with bustling Delhi’s pulse. In the evening, join locals for a mesmerising cultural extravaganza, and savour delectable home-cooked feasts – all while fostering global understanding as future leaders.

Day 4 - Pushkar

Embark on a journey to Pushkar, a timeless oasis nestled in the desert, where ancient Indian culture thrives. Meander through historic streets adorned with quaint shops and cafes, amidst hundreds of temples. Discover the sacred Brahma Temple, a unique marvel honouring the creator god. Then, behold the enchanting Pushkar Lake, offering awe-inspiring vistas, before embarking on a captivating desert camel safari to witness a mesmerising sunset.

Day 5 - Jaipur

Rise up early for a sunrise hike up Savitri Temple, before heading to Jaipur, also known as the Pink City of India. Participate in an interactive session with teachers and pupils at a local school, before a talk by a local expert to understand the transformative power of tourism in Rajasthan. You will learn about India’s public education system and the impact of grassroots tourism and traditional crafts on women’s livelihoods. Today is all about human connections.

Days 6- Jaipur

Start with a morning bicycle tour of Pink City, topped with belly blessing street food and visiting local bazaars. Stop at iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. Later, continue your exploration with stops at landmarks such Jal Mahal and intriguing stepwells. You can opt for a guided tour of the City Palace and Amer Fort. Cap off your day with an overnight train to Amritsar, the ultimate Indian journey. 

Day 7- Amritsar

 

Today, you will enter Punjab, your third India state on this expedition. Arrive in symbolic Amritsar and immerse yourself in the heart of the Sikh faith at the legendary Golden Temple. Experience the incredible langar, feeding over 100,000 visitors daily.  You will also visit historic sites like Jallinwalah Bagh, a place central to India’s colonial legacy, before a high energy India-Pakistan Wagah Border ceremony.

Day 8 - Amritsar:

Experience the charm of a Punjabi village today! Learn about the unique agricultural techniques used by local farmers. Learn how Punjab became the agro-powerhouse of India during a case study session. For lunch, comfort your taste buds with mouthwatering Punjabi dishes like butter chicken, sarson da saag, and naan and Lasi, prepared by your hosts. In the evening, board your overnight bus to Manali. 

.

Day 9 - Manali

Today you will arrive in Manali.  Tucked in Himachal Pradesh, another Indian state, you will experience the breathtaking Himalayas first hand from here. The day is free for you to explore this quaint mountain town independently. Your home for tonight is an adventure camp in the midst of a stunning landscape. Savour a cosy bonfire with delectable Himachali cuisine.

Day 10- Manali

Embark on a soul-stirring day trip to Rohtang Pass. Marvel at snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls en route. Experience the thrill of traversing through breathtaking landscapes, culminating in a memorable encounter with nature’s grandeur at Rohtang Pass. In the evening, board your overnight bus to Rishikesh. 

Day 11- Rishikesh

Step into holy Rishikesh, the Yoga capital of the world. Located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, It is here where the Beatles travelled to take part in a meditation course. Head for a walking tour of the town uncovering hidden gems and dip into the holy Ganges to refresh. You can opt to do yoga with an expert.  

Day 12-15 - Pauri Garhwal

Today you will make your way to Pauri Garhwal, where for the next four days, we unite with Uttarakhand Tourism, NGOs, village governing bodies, and community leaders to participate in a Women Empowerment project. Your mission will span the realms of entrepreneurship, job creation, conservation, healthcare, and education, fostering enduring social development. Simultaneously, you will immerse youself in professional growth through team-building exercises, leadership workshops, communication enhancement sessions, critical thinking exercises, and project management training. This immersive experience imparts lasting skills and champions the spirit of regenerative tourism—an inclusive approach that mutually elevates both participants and the local community. As the journey unfolds, we find ourselves residing in a village homestay, a gateway to authentic cultural immersion, forging meaningful connections with your host family. 

Day 16- Haridwar

Today marks the completion of your expedition project. Make your way to Haridwar and ​​witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, followed by a leisurely stroll along the ghats, absorbing the divine atmosphere. Lear how this site is one of the holiest in Hinduism. In the evening hop on for an overnight bus destined for the bucklest worthy Agra

Day 17- Agra

Welcome to Agra! Your arrival here marks the sixth Indian state on your expedition as you enter Uttar Pradesh. Prepare to be dazzled as you explore the lively Mughal bazaars and marble workshops, where local artisans showcase their incredible craftsmanship. You will visit Sheroes Cafe, a beacon of resilience run by acid attack survivors. Listen to their awe-inspiring tales over a cup of chai, a true testament to the indomitable spirit of these champions! 

Day 18- Agra

This is the moment you all have been waiting for. Catch the Taj Mahal at sunrise first rays illuminate its intricate carvings and latticework with a detailed guided tour. Totally Instagram worthy! Later, take a train back to Delhi. The night of your expedition, end it with a banger of a night!

Day 19- Exit Delhi

Depart from Delhi, cherishing the profound experiences and lasting connections from your expedition. Until our next encounter, may the memories of this enriching journey serve as inspiration for your future endeavours.

Let us plan your trip!

How do I join this expedition?

Apply for the expedition
Once selected confirm you spot with a £200 DEPOSIT
Attend the pre-departure information session
Look forward to your transformative journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this expedition for me?

This expedition is strictly meant for university students who want to travel during their term break. To join the tour, you need to be matriculated as a student at a university.

2. Are flights included in my trip?

International flights booked for arrival/ departure have not been included in our travel fee. It must be purchased separately. However, in case of any inquiries, you can contact us. Your arrival airport is Chileka International Airport in Blantyre while your departure airport is Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.

3. What should I do about my visa?

You will be required to obtain either an Malawi E-Visa (you can check your eligibility here – https://www.visahq.co.uk/) either online or on arrival.

4. Who will be in my expedition team?

You will be traveling with fellow university students from various universities from different countries.

5. What is the weather like in Malawi in August?

August beckons adventurers to Malawi, boasting ideal weather conditions for exploration. Within our selected destinations, anticipate average temperatures ranging from 12.0°C to 25.0°C. While occasional extremes may dip to 5°C or soar to 30°C, past observations reveal a delightful climate for your expedition.

6. How do I contact my family in case of an emergency during the expedition?

No need to worry! We will have our on-ground team for your assistance.

7. Can I join a trip late, or extend my stay?

As much as we would LOVE you to join us, it will be difficult for us to accommodate you in an already on-going trip. Good news? You are more than welcome to extend your stay, but the expenses for the same have to be taken by you.

8. Does Novoto provide me travel insurance?

Unfortunately, no. We leave that to your discretion to book travel insurance of your choice.

9.How much cash should I carry?

 This expedition is designed to be budget-friendly. You need to budget for 10 lunches and 12 dinners not in the inclusions. Meals typically range from £5 to £15 each. All planned activities are covered, but if you opt for extras, budget around £150. Souvenir shopping is at your discretion. In total, plan to carry £600 for personal expenses. Rest assured, there are accessible ATMs in India for emergencies.

10.What do I gain from this expedition?

This expedition is tailored for university students seeking a fulfilling summer. Gain essential professional and interpersonal skills, alongside global awareness, while making a meaningful difference in the communities you visit.

Get In Touch

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Scroll to Top