• Get to know northern India through the lives of the women who live there as you explore with a female leader, ride in women-only carriages on the metro and meet inspiring local women throughout your journey.
• Head to the rural desert village of Chandelao Garh, where a local project provides female artisans with employment and education while preserving traditional craft practices. Check out their handicrafts and hear their stories.
• Take jeeps into the Thar Desert and enjoy an exclusive Kalbeliya dance performed by local women at a desert camp. Enjoy some quality one-on-one time with the dancers while the men prepare dinner.
• Visit a local woman's home and select a saree and accessories to wear on your visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world inspired by the extraordinary love for an exceptional woman.
• See the highlights of Jaipur and get to know your female driver on a tour with the eco-friendly Pink City Rickshaw Company – a non-profit providing employment and economic independence to women from low-income households.

• 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 ask to see the transport section of the Essential Trip Information for details.

Day 1 • Delhi

Day 2 • Delhi to Bikaner

Day 3 • Bikaner

Day 4 • Jaisalmer

Day 5 • Thar Desert

Day 6 • Jodhpur

Day 7 • Jodhpur

Day 8 • Chandelao Garh

Day 9 • Jaipur

Day 10 • Jaipur

Day 11 • Agra

Day 12 • Delhi

Day 13 • Delhi

We believe travel is for everyone. But in some countries, there are things mixed-gender groups just can’t do. What if, as a female traveller in Iran, you could head down to the beauty salon with your female leader and get your hair done? The hijab comes off and there’s a real chance to connect. Or you might prefer to learn how to make traditional Indian food at a home-cooking class in Jaipur, a country where in parts women still rarely get the opportunity to work.

Our Women’s Expeditions are all about breaking down barriers, fostering discussion and creating immersive local experiences for women that are ordinarily off limits on our regular group departures. They provide local women employment through locally-led experiences, while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses in our supply chain. 

Due to cultural restrictions, only women may travel on this tour. For other tours to India, please ask our travel experts.

If you or your group are looking for experiences that aren’t open to regular, mixed-gender tour groups, our Tailor-Made team is here to help. Whether it's with your friends, family or social club, we can customise almost every aspect of your perfect adventure.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Overnight Train on Day 2, and Day 5 (Desert 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.

Price is per adult, based on 2 sharing, and includes:

• 13 day India Women's Expedition tour
• Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
• Transport: Auto rickshaw, Bus, Car, Cycle rickshaw, Jeep, Metro, Train, Private vehicle, Shuttle bus
• Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night), Heritage Property (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities:

• Delhi - Welcome dinner
• Delhi - Dilli Haat INA Visit
• Delhi - Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple)
• Delhi - Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque
• Delhi - Leader-led Old Delhi walking & rickshaw tour
• Bikaner - Junagarh Fort
• Bikaner - Women’s Co-operative visit & tea
• Thar Desert - Kalbeliya Dance Performance
• Thar Desert - Jeep Adventure
• Jaisalmer - City Tour
• Jodhpur - Meherangarh Fort
• Jodhpur - Sadar Bazaar
• Jodhpur - City Walk
• Chandelao Garh - Village Walk
• Chandelao Garh - Sundar Rang Crafts Centre Visit
• Chandelao Garh - Rangoli making
• Chandelao Garh - Henna painting
• Jaipur - Leader-led orientation walk
• Jaipur - Bollywood movie at Raj Mandir
• Chandelao Garh - Morning Yoga
• Jaipur - Amber Fort
• Jaipur - City tour with The Pink City Rickshaw Company
• Jaipur - Home-cooking Class
• Agra - Saree lesson
• Agra - Taj Mahal
• Agra - Visit & Lunch at Sheroes Cafe

Please ask us about:

• Flights - we will source the best priced flights for your desired travel dates & departure airport
• Single rooms available with a supplement (where applicable)
• Travel insurance

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only locked in at time of booking. Itinerary may be subject to change.​​​​​​​ Due to cultural restrictions, only women may travel on this tour. For other tours to India, please ask our travel experts.

For more information please call us on 021 427 7094 or 01 696 5135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.