Experiential Journeys
We are going to India!
November 17 - 28, 2025
During our time in the Indian Himalayas, we will experience the hidden gems of Uttarakhand, near the Tibetan border. We’ll immerse ourselves in authentic Himalayan culture through culinary adventures, stargazing by streams, treks across breathtaking trails, and visits to local villages. We’ll engage with local communities by learning traditional crafts, dining in villager’s 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.
This year we’re doing things a little differently with our Experiential Journey. For the first time, we are opening the EJ to future RISE Flagship Program students. Join Flagship Program alumni for an incredible experience, and enroll in the Flagship Program when you get home! We’re offering a special discount for the Flagship program to Experiential Journey participants. To learn more about the Flagship Program check out this webpage or email students@risetravelinstitute.org for more info.
What is an Experiential Journey?
The RISE Experiential Journey is an opportunity for our students to experience what they learned in the Flagship program in practice with real-world examples. 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 community strives to improve.
Who is it for?
Participation in the RISE Experiential Journey requires completion of the Flagship program. This is an opportunity for Flagship students and alumni to experience real-world examples of concepts covered during the program. For those who have yet to participate in the Flagship, the Experiential Journey provides an introduction to RISE and the Flagship program. Priority will be given to students who complete capstone projects. Eligible participants can bring a
family member or friend.
Where do we go?
Locations are selected based on how well its tourism offerings align with the RISE Flagship Program.
How often do they run and for how long?
Most Experiential Journeys will be between 10-14 days.
We run our Experiential Journeys once a year.
Examples of activities
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Sustainable community development and empowerment projects such as:
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Indigenous-led tourism activities
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Women empowerment projects in rural areas
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Ethical interaction with animals and wildlife
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Regenerative conservation projects
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Sightseeing historic and culturally important sites
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Adventure and cultural activities such as:
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Cooking classes
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Traditional craft workshops
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Hiking, trekking and boating
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Community homestays
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Our commitment to sustainability and anti-oppression
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​Small group travel makes it easier to reduce environmental impact and support local restaurants, hotels, and other vendors
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We strive to achieve carbon neutrality in all of our travel and activities
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We aim to cut out the middleman by working directly with local and indigenous guides and service providers to ensure that money goes directly to the local economy
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We only partner with value-aligned organizations and businesses
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We tie the purpose of each activity back to our educational program
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All Experiential Journey participants will take a place-based course before departure to provide context for the trip and to ensure a more enriching experience
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We come together as a group for daily reflection to consider sustainability and anti-oppression in the local community
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We are committed to measuring and being transparent about the social and environmental impact of all of our Experiential Journeys
Travel Scholarships
A limited amount of need-based travel scholarships will be available to eligible participants.