India Travel Information

Trip Information’s

India has much to offer in this vast country a melting pot of all religions, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Sikh, Christens and Buddhist around higher Himalaya region.

India North & East Himalaya leads you to fabulous exotic destinations with tour of famous old Delhi areas steeped with ancient history and cultures this trip in India includes tour of world famous and beautiful Taj Mahal one of the 7^th wonders which is in Agra city a mere distance from Delhi.

All trips includes arrival and departure point in Delhi which is the most accessible port for the trek and tour of North India around the high fascinating Ladakh, our trip extends to North East towards the high hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim area, where it leads you into enchanting rhododendron, pines and magnolia forest with high eastern Himalayan peaks, enriched with ancient traditions and culture, one of the last Himalayan Shangri-La and around the Queen of the Hills in Darjeeling.

For eastern India Himalaya treks and tour, we have based to and from Kathmandu, which is an ideal destination, as it is the closest international airport linking with eastern Indian state of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

Travel in North Eastern India some area are restricted by the Government of India where visitors can enter in a group wise with proper travel agencies of state of India, where Trexmount Ventures have counterpart agents on each Indian state to make your travel at ease and hassle free.

To support your travel in the area chosen we have listed some suggestions and information which will provide you with sustainable help and idea.

For Trekking and Travel which involves some High altitude.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
Depending upon the zone of trekking, AMS might occur is not acclimatized well while trekking in the high Himalayan region, usually the symptom of AMs can be felt above 3,000m with thin air, lack of oxygen from low air pressure. The Rapid Ascend, dehydration and Hypothermia are the cause of the symptom. We have rated three different level of the Altitude Sickness;

The initial symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness starts with headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue / tiredness, Loss of appetite, disturbance in sleep which is mild a symptoms that will make like hangover / not feeling well.  You don’t need to worry much this will take time to heal after a good acclamatsation, this can be avoided after slow ascend or resting into the same elevation.

HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema:
This second level of the sickness may get water in the lungs with the symptoms of increasing Headache, wish to vomiting or vomiting, diarrhea, Dizziness’, Breathing hard, severe cough (dry or Productive), increasing tiredness/weakness, high pulse, Fatigue while walking, Blueness of the face, Lips, Fingers nails which means inability to circulate the Oxygen into the blood. If these symptoms occur, you shouldn’t ascend higher, take medicine & rest/stay into the same altitude for extra night, if it does not improves, you need to descend into lower elevation.

HACE – High Altitude Cerebral Edema
The final level is a extreme stage of altitude sickness with the symptoms of worsening headache & Vomiting, mental confusion, swelling hand & face, walking like drunk, irritable, unconsciousness or coma. If these serious symptoms appear, you need to get into the hospital as soon as possible either by other possible arrangements.

All the decision is made by the victims and by leader or guide for
evacuation by any means of quick transportation or by helicopter where available.

01:               Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise. 

02:               If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, descend into the lower.

It is always the best to prevent and to stay healthy. 
A proper acclimatization before heading higher elevation, not to make Rapid Ascent; not to walk faster and drink plenty of fluid like water.

Listen your body & Let them more comfortable & rest more than usual. 

Avoid alcohol, Narcotic Drugs, sleeping pills and smoking. 
Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc. 

Do not carry heavy packs, 10 – 12 Kilograms is ok. 

Climb higher sleep lower.
Above 3000m, a 300m ascent a day if possible and walk with someone.

Treatment:

The main healer and treatment is Descent, Descent, Descent is the best way of recovering, however there are few medicine which is helpful when suffering; Oxygen, Diamox (Acetomolide) for AMS 125 mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated, Nafedipine for HAPE, Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE, Hyperbolic Bag – Gamow Bag

Important:
Go up slowly with taking your own pace, Don’t let your body in the cold, Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter, Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day), Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Clothing accessories:
Depending upon the season of travel and trip chosen as per altitude, Ladakh, Sikkim and Darjeeling a small state of India with varied temperature range from subtropical, alpine to arctic climates in the higher Himalaya Mountains above 4,000 meters.

In addition on booking with Trexmount Ventures we will provide you with much information as per the season of travel around these North and East Indian states.

From October till March, warm clothes such as thermal underwear are required. April till September, light clothes for the day and a warm jacket or a sweater is must for the evenings.

The other recommended items are: personal medical first aid kit, water purification tablets (though mineral water can be bought), toilet & tissue papers, flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, sleeping bag, dust mask, sun hat, sun glasses and sun block cream.

India is a large country, our main destinations are focused on the North Eastern Indian Himalaya states, like Ladakh, Sikkim and Darjeeling.
In Ladakh the weather is similar to Tibet located in a rain shadow, with much cold temperature above 3,000 meters at this altitude remains cool throughout the year, from October till March, warm clothes such as thermal underwear are required. April till September, light clothes for the day and a warm jacket or a sweater is must for the evenings.

The other recommended items are: personal medical first aid kit, water purification tablets (though mineral water can be bought), toilet & tissue papers, flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, sleeping bag, dust mask, sun hat, sun glasses and sun block cream.

Food and drinks:
Indian cuisine are varied one of the world best choice can be found from Northern, Southern, Eastern India, Chinese, Oriental to Continental meals.
It is always handy to carry dry food and biscuits or anything that can be brewed with hot water such as coffee and drinking chocolate.

Customs:
No prohibition on still and video cameras, tape recorders or radios as long as they are registered with custom officials and are of personal use.

Insurance Policy:
It is most advisable that clients should have full insurance against medical and personal accidents.

Booking formalities and visa:
Minimum 2 weeks required booking the trip from Delhi or Kathmandu in advance along with the deposit of your passport for visa process and a full payment of the tour should be done. From overseas, at least 4 weeks with all your personal and passport details are required with payment required as per the company’s rules and regulations.

Equipments & Packing: 
The main necessary and important that one needs to prepare with seasonal clothing and the trip selected in India varied climate as per seasons.

If you are doing trekking and going above 3000m you need warm clothing all year round.

Clothing list (especially for trekking) 

Head wear: 
Head wear is important to keep you warm and to save you from UV as well as above 3,000 meters the UV is strong due to thin air hat or cap will be great as protections; Woolen cap for morning and night time. 

Body wear (this all required on your duration of Holiday): 

T-shirts, Short Pants, Trousers: Light weight & Heavy weight for cold temperature above 3500m, Wind and water Proof trousers are also suitable for trekking, Track-suit useful for trekking, Lightweight long sleeved shirt (this will save from sunburn as well), Thermal underwear useful for cold at night, Down / Duvet jacket which is essential for trekking above 3000 m, Gloves, water and wind proof wear or Poncho, snow gaiters for Trekkers above 4000m. 

Foot wear: 
For normal tours and sightseeing a runners and sports shoes is the best, as this involves short walks and climbing on steps also.

For Trekking it obvious that you need a good comfortable walking boots if possible water proof (wax polish to be carried on other leather boots and shoes against wet areas and snow) with warm woolen shocks and for leisure walk soft cotton socks.

Equipments:
Daypack: A small rucksack as day to carry your necessary and valuable items; camera, water bottle, money, passport, towel, toiletries items, water proof for the walk and Sleeping Bags and walking poles as options.

Personal:
Camera and batteries, spare passport photos, water bottle, money belt, Torch / Flash Lights, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Ipods, Books, Wet Ones, Detergents to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

Note: 
If you are wearing glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are few on route trekking traveling remote areas.

If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Vaccinations:
Your doctor might suggest you while traveling in Asia or any 3^rd world countries, as in India vaccinations are not compulsory unless coming from a yellow fever infected region but we do recommend you are covered for: *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB* a Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas.

For traveling in the countryside and remote areas, immune globulin is also recommended to combat hepatitis A. We advise you to bring along a supply of antibiotics, an anti-diarrhea agent, and any other prescription drugs required by your current medical conditions.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your GP or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst traveling into Asia.

Note:
Please don’t forget check up with your Doctor & get advice whether your health permit or not to go into the region.

We also recommend:
A dental check-up prior to traveling, you know your blood group in case of emergency and to send your medical / dietary lists.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your Travel Agent at the time of your booking

Medical Supplies:

In every trip we do provide with essential comprehensive medical kits however you may carry your own medical kits as per your doctor’s recommendations.

List of some recommended items:

Band Aids / Bandages, laxatives, upset stomach remedy, anti-diarrhea remedy, Panadol /Aspirin, rehydration remedy, antiseptic cream/powder, sterile.

Currency:
The official currency in India is Rupee, The most commonly use symbol for Rupee is INR or Rs. One Rupee is made up of 100 Paisa a smaller unit. 
There are coins for denominations of one, two, five and ten rupees and bank notes in denominations of 1,2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency or travelers checks brought into India.

Money Exchange: 
Reserve Bank of India (National Bank) does set the exchange rate and listed into daily news paper. There are many money changer counters and Banks in the cities at where you can change your cash money. When you are changing money officially, you need to show your passport and get receipt with your identity.  The Hotels do change the money however they do have lower rate.

There are various ATM Machines in main cities and towns like Delhi, Leh, Darjeeling and in Sikkim in few places and so on. Where you can get cash (only Inidan Rupee) on both Visa and Master Card’s 24 hours a day. Usually you can draw Maximum 30,000 Indian Rupees a day from your Card.

Accommodations: 
In India most places have tourist standard facilities depending upon the choices, as we have put a lot of effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour.

It will always be clean and hygienic, comfortable and of a very high standard. Accommodation for Ladakh, Darjeeling and Sikkim trips is in a combination of good standard tourist class hotels and Guest Houses in the Treks operated by the local people, which offer Twin Sharing accommodations, please be prepared for the common Bathrooms.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable.

Travel / Medical Insurance: 
Travel / Medical insurance a compulsory in all Trexmount Ventures trips, all clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. Please Note you should check that your insurance policy is adequate for Trekking & Tours in India.

Tipping & Bargaining: 
Tipping in India is not compulsory but it is a way of traditions, this might be expected by the guides, porters and Tour Driver, any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted at the end of the tour. Bargaining is kind of culture, especially in markets when hiring the local transport, buying the Jewelries and clothing.

Arriving in India & Transfers: 
Before you depart for India please send us your flight details so that we can arrange a complementary transport from the airport to the hotel in Delhi or Kathmandu for North eastern area of Darjeeling / Sikkim, where our staff and representative will have a sign board with “Trexmount Ventures “, please look for it when reaching outside the main terminal, please note our phone numbers if incase of flight delay and change in time & Schedule or if you don’t see our Sign Board on your arrival in case of emergency:
Please notify on these + 977- 1- 4701237, 4701238, 4701239 or Cell: 9851058054

Please be aware of hawkers at the airport who will try to carry your bags for you and direct you to specific guesthouses.  Please carry your own luggage and “don’t give any money who ever ask for it”. Luggage

Standard commercial airline baggage restrictions apply. Usually this is 20 kg for economy passengers and one piece of carry-on luggage. It is advisable to check with your airline before traveling.

Travel Tip: 
You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Visa Procedure:

You can either processed tourist visas from any Indian Embassy, please note that; Once the visa is issued, it will not be amended, re validated and visa fees will not be refunded.

Around other Indian cities a simple tourist visa are accepted, whereas traveling to Ladakh, Darjeeling and Sikkim where it touches the border of other nations, these area are restricted and one has to apply for special entry permit maximum of 30 days.

Personal cheques, credit cards are not accepted for visa fees so visitors need to have US$ Cash, the exact amount of US$ Cash for Visa Fee is more sufficient. Visitors who wanted to get tourist visa at arrival are not entertained and special permits are required for Leh, Ladakh, Darjeeling (Panitenki) also for Sikkim.

For Ladakh:
Special entry permit is required which is done and obtained through our counterpart agents in Delhi for Ladakh travel on showing exact itinerary days date of entry and exit.

Sikkim / Darjeeling:
Sikkim / Darjeeling, strict in its policy of arrivals for foreigners, unlike other states (except states like Arunachal Pradesh and other states with International borders) in India. Sikkim and Darjeeling has its north-eastern borders touching China and Nepal also a major military base for India.

If you are a foreign national visiting Sikkim and Darjeeling, please make sure that you have a “Inner line permit” to enter Sikkim which will be done by  Trexmount Ventures through our counterpart local agents in Darjeeling / Sikkim.

These permits are issued on arrival on the land borders of Darjeeling or Sikkim most popular is Panitneki (just across Nepal eastern border) and at Rangpoo Check Post. Foreign visitors are expected to have these either on their visa itself that reads -‘permitted to enter Darjeeling and Sikkim areas.
Or alternately visitors can have these stamped on the border check posts, which is relatively hassle free and can be obtained in a few minutes time.

Travelers might find ‘Sikkim Permit’ to be filled with confusion when they are initially applying for it along with the visa, but applying this at the spot is easier. You’ll be required to go to the check post, show your passport, fill in a form on where you expect to visit for example Pelling, Yuksum, Gangtok, Kewzing etc) and then the authorities will issue you the permit. Permits can also be obtained and they are issued from all Indian missions, Tourism Office located in New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.

Initially Foreigners are issued a permit for initial period of 15 days duration on the spot without any delay once presented with valid photocopies of Passport and Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The extension of permits then is the jurisdiction of Foreigners Registration Office(FRO), Gangtok and Superintendent of Police of North, South and West Districts, again a fairly easy process.

Exception:
The only exception is to visit North Sikkim and Tsangu Lake – If you wish to visit North Sikkim or for those interested in going for trekking in the interior regions of the state, you also require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) OR Protected Area Permit(PAP) which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism  which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of 4 or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered travel agency.  If you’re making a day trip to Tsangu Lake then a special permit will need to be organised through the agent/vehicle that is driving you across to the place (relatively easy but you’ll need to give agents/drivers 24 hours notice period so they can organise this for you (minimal extra cost).

Important:
RAP and PAP is only issued to local travel agents affiliated to the local tourism board. Also ensure that you stamp your passport in all the check posts in Sikkim while travelling (the drivers are well versed with these check posts).

Requirement:
Valid Passport (with a validity of a minimum period of six months) duly completed Visa application form. Two PP size Photograph.
Visa fees easier to be paid in cash. Visa fees at arrival points in India: Visa for 15 days = $25, For 30 days = $40, For 90 days = $100.

Please also note that: Nationals of the following countries must apply for a tourist visa through Indian Embassies as they do not get visas on arrival.

Travel Document holders should apply for a tourist visa at Indian Embassy.

Entry validity: 
The validity of visa dates is counted from the date of arrival in India which is six months from the date of issue.

Visa Extension: 
A tourist visa can be extended from the Department of Immigration in India major cities for a total of 30 days. Over the course of a visa year, a tourist cannot stay in India or other state within India for more than the days obtained unless for special reasons to be stated.

Each Travelers / Clients Solely are Responsible for Obtaining all necessary Visa. Country entry regulations can be changed, Trexmount Ventures does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Passport: 
Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of your passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Voltage: 
Electricity in India is 230 volts AC, 50 cycles. We do have two pins & 3 pins power sockets, you better to have two Pin travel plug adepter which will be useful to charge your batteries.

Drug Policy: 
Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Water:  
You should not drink the water from the tap in India because of bacteria, you can either use water purification or buy the bottle of water. Now a day, some people are bringing their own water filter which is very impressive & useful.

Photography: 
Photography is important part of the holiday that carries the memory of holiday in the photos.  Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation.

Cancellation:
Incase of any cancellation of the tour prior to departure, a cancellation policy as per the company’s rules and regulation shall be applied.

Risk and Liability:
In India tours are run strictly through our counterpart respective local agents, we or our agents shall not be responsible for any changes or cancellation of the programs due to road blockade, cancellation of flight, sickness or accident, political unrest etc. Any extras cost thereof shall be borne by the clients.

Departure Tax: 
International Flight departure taxes are included in your flight ticket from India or in your own country. However if you are flying with in the country, there are some departure tax inclusive with air tickets.

Time Zone: India Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 5:30 Hours).

The year is divided into 4 different seasons in India – winter, spring, summer and autumn. The best period to visit the country for plant lovers is during spring when the flowers are in full bloom. The mountain slopes are covered with beautiful and colorful flowers. Spring season commences from early March and continues until late May.

Although the days are clear haze disturbs the mountain views. Late May, and the downpour begins. It continues till late August. Come September and the autumn season begins. It continues till late November. With temperate climate, clear blue skies and extraordinary mountain views it is the best season to visit the country. Winter begins in from mid October and continues till late mid March.

Contact details: 
Trexmount Ventures:
Ciltron Garden 495, Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal Phone: +977-1-4701238 | 4701239 |  Cell : +977-9851058054 | Fax : +977-1-4701237 Email :uniquepath@mail.com.np | Url : http://www.trexmount.com 

Note: 
This tour is operated by Trexmount Ventures. Information provided in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is offered in good faith by the company, based on the latest information available with update while in publication.