India : Step AWAY - Rustic Pathways GAP

India is a wonderful world of untouched natural wonders and isolated cultures. You’ll travel to the fringes of the map as you take an expedition through the Himalayas to a nomadic Changpa village near India’s border with Tibet and explore hidden Hill Tribe villages in the northern jungles of Kerala. This is an adventure in some of Asia’s last best places! India’s welcoming people and diversity of religions make discovering these hidden corners of the country a truly incredible experience! As you step away from India’s beaten path, you’ll trek, raft, and explore places that only Rustic Pathways can help you find!

A HIGH HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE
After a day in Delhi exploring the local sights of Bangla Sahib, the Red Fort, or JamaMasjid, getting to know your group over freshly cooked Indian meals, and receiving an orientation about the cultures and adventure you’re about to experience, you’ll take an unforgettable flight into the 11,500-foot-high mountain town of Leh. This picturesque town is nestled in peaks that climb through the clouds to more than 20,000 feet in elevation! As you acclimatize for your upcoming trek, you’ll raft along glacier-fed rivers, ride bactrian camels through the desert, and travel over what is considered to be the highest motorable pass in the world! Once the group is geared up, you will set out on a trek tailored specifically to your group’s skill level and goals. It will take you through some of the world’s most pristine scenery, past well-preserved ancient Buddhist monasteries, and into welcoming Ladakhi mountain villages! Every morning will be a treat as you sip hot chai and look out over your immense backyard. Your trek will culminate with a visit to a nomadic village on the edges of Tsomoriri Lake, where you will learn about the pastoral way of life in this harsh region. After a challenging and memorable mountain trek, you’ll say goodbye to the Himalayas and head south to one of Asia’s best-kept secrets – the state of Kerala.

CAPTIVATING KERALA
One of Rustic Pathways’ favorite new destinations in India is the hidden gem of Kerala. In addition to visiting places that are only now beginning to be discovered by outsiders, your group will find some of the hidden treasures that are far beyond any tourist tracks. As you trek through the depths of verdant jungles, you will find yourself emerging into friendly villages for traditional fireside dinners and dancing. You’ll be able to put your packs away as you explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, keeping your eyes peeled for the elusive tigers and wild elephants that call this area their home. After a safari, you’ll climb a mountain and wander deep inside of it to discover the magic of the well-preserved Stone Age Edakkal cave paintings.

EXPLORE THE UNEXPLORED
After a month spent traveling far beyond where most foreigners wander, you’ll have seen a side of India that few get the chance to experience! You’ll discover the undiscovered and experience the awe of walking into villages that have seen few foreigners. Your trip will culminate in the bustling metropolis of Delhi, which will allow you and your group to celebrate with a mixed fare of Indian cuisines and see any last sights before continuing to your next Gap Year module or returning home to share your photos and adventures with friends and families.

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com.

DAY	LOCATION	B/L/D	DAILY ITINERARY
1	Delhi	N/A	Arrive at New Delhi's IGA International Airport between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight (12 a.m.).
2	Delhi	B/L	Orientation and sightseeing at places such as Jama Masjid, Bangla Sahib, Lal Qila, and others.
3	Leh, Ladakh	B/L	Fly to Leh. Acclimatize and light touring around Leh.
4	Leh, Ladakh	B/L	Monastery tour by private four-wheel-drive vehicle
5	Leh, Ladakh	B/L	Raft on the Indus and Zanskar rivers
6	Nubra Valley	B/L/D	Travel over the world's highest motorable pass and stay in a village home stay in the Nubra Valley.
7	Nubra Valley	B/L/D	Ride camels through the desert and visit an ancient monastery. Return to Leh by four-wheel-drive vehicle.
8	Leh, Ladakh	B	Gear up for the trek and enjoy a free day in Leh.
9	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek begins.
10	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
11	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
12	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
13	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
14	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
15	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
16	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
17	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek through the Himalayas.
18	Ladakh	B/L/D	Trek to village stay with Changpa nomads.
19	Leh, Ladakh	B	Travel back to Leh, final night in Leh.
20	Cochin	B/L	Fly to Kerala and take a walking tour of Cochin.
21	Valiyaparamba	B/L	Travel north for village trekking.
22	Valiyaparamba	B/L/D	Village trek.
23	Valiyaparamba	B/L/D	Village trek.
24	Valiyaparamba	B/L/D	Village trek.
25	Valiyaparamba	B/L/D	Village trek finishes.
26	Wayanad National Park	B/L	Explore Wayanad National Park and go on safari for elephants and tigers.
27	Wayanad National Park	B/L	Travel to Eddakal Caves.
28	Wayanad National Park	B/L	Explore Wayanad National Park and go on safari for elephants and tigers.
29	Kozhikode	B/L	Travel to Kozhikode and visit Hindu temples or quiet beaches.
30	Delhi	B	Fly back to Delhi. Markets and sightseeing.
31	Delhi	B/D	Final day in Delhi and final dinner. Happy Halloween!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.