India Expeditions & School trips


About school trips to India

This is an incredible country with so much to do and see, and school trips to India offer pupils an explosion of colours, tastes and smells.

Pupils on school trips to India benefit from immersion into a culture like no other on the planet. They have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and holiness of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the holiest Sikh gurdwara on earth and the site of countless religious pilgrimages, and try their hand at bartering in the bustling markets of New Delhi.

The landscape of India is astonishingly beautiful. From the tropical rainforests in the northeast to the plains of the Himalayas, the country present a varied geography with endangered species that will fascinate students of environmental science and biology students alike.

The unique relationships that Gapforce has built in India over the years has resulted in many privileged experiences, including the chance to work closely with Tibetan refugees and provide them with housing, which earned us the personal thanks of the Dalai Lama.

Suitable for: Geography School Trips, Outdoor Education School Trips, World Religion School Trips

Support we offer on school trips to India

We support schools embarking on trips to India in a variety of ways, including:

  • Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
  • A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
  • One point of contact for planning and preparation
  • A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
  • A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group

For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to India with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.

Day 1

Fly to New Delhi

Take an overnight flight from the UK to New Delhi.

Day 2

Welcome to India

On Arrival in New Delhi, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader and transferred to your accommodation for a welcome orientation & safety briefing.
After lunch, you will have an afternoon of sightseeing in Delhi, including India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat (Gandhi's cremation) and Himayun Tomb.

Day 3

AGRA & TAJ MAHAL

After breakfast, we will travel to Agra (5 hours drive), check into your hotel and have lunch.
In the afternoon, we visit the infamous Taj Mahal, an incredible marble mausoleum and recently included as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You will have penty of time to explore and enjoy the stunning sunset.

Day 4

Agra Fort & Delhi

This morning, you will visit the red sandstone Agra Fort with its impressive courtyards and 20-meter-high double walls.
After lunch, we will return to Delhi and, subject to how the group is feeling, do some further sightseeing in Delhi or explore the local area.

Day 5

Travel to Dharamsala

After breakfast, we head to New Delhi airport for a short flight up to the mountains!
We’ll check into our accommodation in Mcleod Ganj and after lunch, enjoy an orientation walk and introduction to the project work that lies ahead.

Day 6

McLeod Gang Orientation

This morning you will visit our project partner, Tibet Charity, for an introductory briefing on the project work at the Tibetan Open School, nursing outreach and animal clinic.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Tibet Museum and the Dalai Lama’s temple to learn more about the Tibetan community in exile and Buddhism.

Day 7

Volunteer & Begin Trek

This morning you will be introduced to your students at the Open School where newly arrived Tibetan refugees come to learn English in order to find employment in exile in India
After lunch, you will travel have a kit check and travel to the trek location.

Day 8

Trekking

Today you will begin a two-day trek through the stunning mountains in the area.
There are a number of trekking options open to the group with varying levels of difficulty. Subject to the group’s ability your Expedition Leader will choose a suitable trek - get ready for some breath-taking scenery!

Day 9

Trekking

This morning you will continue with your trek arriving at the finishing point in the early afternoon.
After a hearty lunch, you will return to Mcleod Ganj in the late afternoon ready to continue with your volunteering at the Tibet Charity the next morning.

Day 10

Volunteering

This morning you will meet with your Tibetan students again to continue with their English classes.
There will also be an opportunity for smaller groups to accompany the charity’s nurses, visiting the elderly in their homes and helping the nurses with medical and pastoral checks.

Day 11

Volunteering

This morning you will meet with your Tibetan students again to continue with their English classes.
There will also be an opportunity for smaller groups to accompany the charity’s nurses, visiting the elderly in their homes and helping the nurses with medical and pastoral checks.

Day 12

Volunteering

Your final day of volunteering will be a sad occasion as you say goodbye to your students and the staff from the Tibet Charity.
Additional afternoon activities include further opportunities to learn about Buddhism as well as more charitable work and to understand the situation of the Tibetan people in exile in India.

Day 13

Amritsar

After breakfast we will take a transfer to the city of Amritsar, home to the impressive Golden Temple.
In the afternoon, you will have a chance to explore the temple, an incredible place and the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism.

Day 14

Return to New Delhi

This morning you will have a chance to visit the huge market in Amritsar, an experience in itself and also a great place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
In the afternoon, transfer to Amritsar airport for flight back to New Delhi to check into your accommodation and enjoy a farewell meal.

Day 15

Travel back to UK

After breakfast, you will be transferred back to New Delhi airport for return flights home.
Arrive back into the UK that evening

Whats included poster

Gapforce India Expedition Leader

Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce India Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.

We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 4-month India Expedition Leader Training which includes:

  • Mountain Leader Training
  • RGS Off-site safety management
  • RLSS Water Safety
  • QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
  • Rescue Training
  • Wilderness Medical Training
  • Advanced Survival Training
  • Expedition Planning
  • Incident Management