Trekking

Though many credit Colonel Jimmy Roberts of pioneering trekking in the Himalayas it is said that a priest is supposed to have encouraged it in Darjeeling. Jesuit Rev.Fr Macdonald is attributed to have initiated trekking in the Darjeeling Hills almost 80 years ago when he trekked the along beautiful ridges to enjoy the bounties of nature. The trek we offer enables us to discover the passion of the Himalayan region some of which is unmarred by humans. They are a journey to self discovery – a passage to the personal Shangri-la. The stunning views, the exotic flora and fauna and the culture make trekking a rewarding holiday. This trek does not require any previous experience. Anyone with sound health and mind, and love for nature can go on this trek. Though treks require negotiating steep climbs and descents you can set up your own pace and need not wear yourself out. This program has been tailor made taking into consideration all these aspects. 

Responsible Tourism

The ecology of the Himalayas is very fragile. Responsible and sustainable tourism has always been our main thrust and mantra so that the environment and its resources- natural or cultural – always remain intact for the future generations to savor. We strongly advise that all non-biodegradable items such as can, bottles, batteries, plastics etc to be brought back to Darjeeling for proper disposition. We discourage the use of bottled mineral water to control the plastic waste. Since water is essential while traveling at such high altitudes we advise our clients to carry sturdy water bottles so that they can fill them up with hot water that is treated with water purifiers. As a part of our responsible tourism drive we use local guides and locally owned hotels (wherever possible) so that the people can earn income from direct employment or through the distribution of work responsibility. We are always adding new destinations and in the process working with local communities to forge a partnership to ensure change for the local people as well as visitors.  Our tour programs are designed to work closely with the people and the environment of the destination so that the visitors can feel it to be an integral part of their holiday experience. We offer different tours and treks which provide an insight at the treasures that the region has to offer. This trip is tailor-made to give you have a deeper understanding of the local culture and heritage. You can spend some days in a place and be among the “real” local people and enjoy a genuine cross cultural experience rather than “on the surface experience”. We have set some environmental codes that it adheres to strictly to ensure the preservation of our fragile ecology. We burn or bury all biodegradable rubbish properly and clients are discouraged to buy mineral water to control the plastic bottle waste. Instead we provide boiled and filtered water to our clients throughout the trek. We discourage the clients to buy any animal products. We make an effort to use hotels/ lodges that pursue good environmental practices. We strive to provide our clients with key information like dress codes, local language and customs regarding the destinations. Orientation programs to educate our trekking support crew on environmental conservation and its importance are undertaken periodically. This trip has been designed in a way that it can be done by any age group without any prior experience in adventure. 

Group size

The size of the group could vary from 2 - 16 people. Though we can manage larger groups due to group dynamics we only operate groups up to 16 people. We have limited number of people in all our departures to ensure personalized service. We try and make sure that the need of each and every client is attended to and he/she feels comfortable and can enjoy the amazing culture, landscape and people better and have a great holiday. 

Access

Darjeeling Kalimpong and Sikkim is connected to the rest of the country by air, train and road. 

BY AIR – Major airlines operate direct flights from Calcutta and Delhi to Bagdogra airport which is 2 hours drive from Darjeeling and Kalimpong and 3 and half hours from Gangtok. 

A regular helicopter service operated between Sikkim and Bagdogra. 

BY TRAIN – New Jalpaiguri, 2 hours from Darjeeling and Kalimpong and 3 and half hours from Gangtok, is connected to the major cities of India. Several trains operate between the major cities of India and New Jalpaiguri. 

BY ROAD – Siliguri, the major hub in the plains is well connected to the rest of India by road. It is a 2 hour scenic drive through tea gardens and forests to Darjeeling and Kalimpong and 3 and half hours to Gangtok. 

Documentation

An Indian Visa is required to visit Darjeeling. It can be obtained in the Indian Embassy or in the consulates. You will need to acquire a permit for this trek. We will acquire it before we commence the trek. To visit Sikkim a special permit called the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required. The Inner Line Permit can be obtained while acquiring the Indian Visa at the Indian Embassy or Consulate or upon arrival at Siliguri, Darjeeling and Rangpo. Two passport size photos are needed for acquiring the ILP. 

Currency

The currency in India is the Indian Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 paisa (p). Bills are available in 10, 20, 50,100 and 500 denominations. Travellers’ Cheques can be changed at banks in the cities but not necessarily elsewhere, although some hotels and travel agents are licensed to change money. US dollars in cash are not widely accepted so it is prudent to change your money into rupees before embarking on a trip. Your guide will be able to advise on where to change money. You will need your passport when you change money.  Credit cards are accepted in hotels and shops catering to tourists. Credit cards are also useful as an emergency source of cash as there are a lot of automated teller machines in the major cities and towns and the major cities from where money can withdrawn. You may well be approached by people offering black market currency exchange – this is of course illegal, and hard currency gained in this way often contributes to criminal activities.

What to Take

Clothing and Footwear

Warm down jacket for the cold

Warm clothes

Spare clothing - several thinner layers are better than one thick layer

The weather in Darjeeling/ Sikkim can vary significantly, and the best advice is to take clothing that will layer to cover all eventualities. It may easily be cold in the evenings and when walking at higher altitudes.

Walking boots - well worn-in, with good ankle support and strong ridged soles with good tread

Trekking boots

Windproof/waterproof trousers and jacket with hood, good rain gear

Sun protection: sunglasses with UV protection

Loop-pile socks - one thick and one thin pair reduces the risk of blisters

Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts

Sun hat

Comfortable clothes - for evenings and comfortable shoes for sightseeing

A small rucksack - a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains

Balaclava/ warm Cap

Scarf/ mask

Windbreakers/ Jacket

Down Sleeping bag

Flashlight 

Sturdy water bottle 

Moisturizing lotion

Full length Thermarest pad  

Large duffel bag

Lip balm

Sunscreen

Hydration bladder with drinking tube 

Pocket knife. Small Swiss-army type 

Water purification tablets 

Toiletry kit 

Nylon stuff sacks. For food and gear storage large Ziplocs are useful also 

Towel

Hand wipes 

Favorite snack food

Paperback books, cards, Walkman, etc. 

Camera

Fanny pack or wallet for travel documents, money & passport 

Medical Kit

We provide a first aid kit with medication for altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration, pain killers, and medication for dysentery, diarrhea, bandages, water purifier, antiseptic creams, throat lozenges, eye drops, antibiotics, nasal sprays, and pain relievers in tubes or spray but it is advisable to carry some medication on you without taking too much room in your baggage.  

However we recommend the clients to carry the following items:

Asprin or Panadol - for pain or fever

Antihistamine - useful as a decongestant for colds, allergies, to ease the itch from insect bites and stings or to help prevent motion sickness

Antibiotics-useful if you are traveling well off the beaten track but they must be prescribed

Kaolin preparation (Pepto-Bismol), Imodium or Lomotil - for stomach upsets and to stop diarrhea and dehydration

Rehydration mixture - for treatment of severe diarrhea and dehydration

Antiseptic, Mercurochrome and Antibiotic powder or similar 'dry' spray-for cuts and grazes

Calamine lotion-to ease irritation from bites and stings

Bandages and band-aids- for minor injuries and wounds

Scissors, Tweezers and a Thermometer

Throat Lozenges 

Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

Antacid tablets

Health

Prevention is always the best cure. So taking care in what you eat or drink is the best bet. Travelling in India does not involve major health risks providing simple precautions are observed. Drink only bottled water or boiled, filtered and treated water. Reputable brands of bottled water or soft drinks are generally fine. Take care with fruit juice, particularly if water may have been added. Do not take ice; be wary of uncooked food including salads, fruit juice and ice-cream; remember that milk is usually unpasteurised; do not bathe in freshwater rivers and lakes, and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene – wash your hands frequently and clean your teeth with bottled water.  Please remember to pay attention to sensible hygiene at all times and to follow any advice given by your guide – it is essential in avoiding illness.  Despite these precautions, the change of climate, water and diet may still cause some minor stomach upset, and you should obtain a suitable drug such as Immodium or Lomotil from your pharmacist to take with you.  If you can, obtain suppositories, as they are obviously easier to use if you are feeling or being sick.  Remember however that these drugs provide relief from the symptoms but don’t cure the problem and should not be used if you are dehydrated – the main treatment is to drink plenty of fluids: weak black tea with a little sugar and diluted fizzy drinks left to go flat are recommended. You should also take a rehydration solution such as Dioralyte in case of severe problems, and don’t eat rich or spicy food as you recover.  Previous guests have recommended taking a hot water bottle (an aluminium water bottle can serve a dual purpose such as this), which can be a great comfort to an upset stomach.  Thoroughly cooked food is the safest bet but not if it has been left to cool. Stomach upsets are the most likely travel health problem but the majority of these upsets are relatively minor. Wash your hands frequently as it's quite easy to contaminate your own food. You should clean your teeth with purified water rather than straight from the tap. Avoid climatic extremes. Keep out of the sun when it is hot, dress warmly when it is cold. Avoid potential diseases by dressing sensibly. You can get worm infections through bare feet. Try to avoid insect bites by covering bare skin when insects are around, by screening windows or by using insect repellents.

Altitude Sickness

Sometimes travelers face health hazards mainly due to the high altitude. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region and can affect a traveler is various ways irrespective of their age, gender or health fitness. Even if you are in perfect health and peak fitness, you can still develop AMS. Previous experience of high places, pre-ascent training and good physical shape do not prevent the onset of altitude sickness - it can strike anyone of any age. Our body normally time to be acclimated to the high altitude. The body undergoes a number of physiological changes some of which are increased pulse and respiratory rate. Others appear slowly over a period of weeks like the change in acid base balance and production of extra red blood cells. These changes and the effect of intense sunlight, strenuous walks and dehydration may cause some mild or vague symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, sleeplessness, breathlessness. The condition is caused by lower than normal levels of oxygen being absorbed. If the sickness is acute, you can become confused, irrational and mentally unbalanced. The best way to counter it is prevention. You should not exert yourself or walk too fast. Drinking plenty of liquid, eating well and watching for warning sign is highly advised. Aside from following your guide's advice, you can try to eat a diet that is high in carbohydrates to build up glycogen in the muscles, avoid unnecessary vigorous activity in addition to the trek or climb and do not ascend faster than you need. Keep physical activity to the minimum and take regular doses of diamox as directed by your physician. If the symptoms do not recede then do not hesitate to talk with our staff. Our trekking teams carry a Gamow bag (a portable compression chamber) to be used in severe cases. If you have a history of respiratory and heart problem please consult your physician before embarking on this trip. But based on our years of experience, with proper preparation and time taken to acclimatize, severe cases are relatively rare. Though we will ensure that you are safe and at worst will suffer only the mildest of symptoms it is best to listen to your body; no-one knows it better than you! 

Safety 

We have been successfully organizing treks since the inception of the company. Safety is number one priority for us. This itinerary has been meticulously planned and designed with years of experience and know - how. Thorough planning, good logistical coordination and support of experienced staff ensure that our clients enjoy the trip to the utmost. Our support staff is also well equipped with communication devices so that they can get help should a situation an emergency situation arise. 

Immunisations

Immunisations currently recommended for India are those for Hepatitis A and Typhoid.  Typhoid may be given in two separate injections so you will need to consult your doctor in plenty of time.  A vaccination is available for cholera but most doctors no longer consider this worth giving as it has a low success rate and tourists are unlikely to become infected if basic hygiene is observed. Ensure also that you apply insect repellent liberally and do not expose bare skin to mosquitoes after dusk.  Meningitis is a risk in certain areas of Nepal at certain times of year and you should consult your doctor as to whether immunisation is necessary. You should also ensure that your Tetanus and Polio injections are up-to-date.  The situation with regard to vaccinations and health precautions is subject to change, and you should consult your doctor for advice as early as possible.

 

Physical Fitness

Since the above trip entails traveling at high altitude it is necessary that the client is in good health. Before you embark on any one of these trips it is advisable to be physically and mentally fit and prepared. Prepare your self by jogging or walking at least one hour daily for a minimum period of one month. A thorough health check up is strongly recommended before the trip.    

 

Medical Facilities

There are many pharmacies which sells medicines and some have a doctor’s clinic. Prescription is not a requirement for purchase of harmless drugs in India.

 

Insurance

All the clients are strongly advised to have personal travel insurance covering trip cancellations or interruptions due to natural disasters or medical reasons, insurance against emergency evacuation, medical and accident insurance.

Time Zones 

India is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

Drinking Water

While on trek we serve boiled and filtered clean bacteria free water everyday. 

Food on the trek

Our mobile kitchen crew serves Nepalese, Indian and Continental fare during camping treks. Bread, butter and jam with eggs are usually served for breakfast which is occasionally accompanied by muesli, granola and porridge. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and juice are served. The crew could surprise you with cakes, pies and pizza. 

Support Crew

The support comprises of a qualified tour leader, sirdar, sherpas and porters or pack animals. All our staff are locals who are experts in their field. They are well trained and experienced to handle clients' individual needs. Their knowledge on local culture and customs makes your trip an extra exciting. All our Tour Leaders have undergone leadership training and have had intensive courses on mountain medicine, first aid and are capable of handling emergency situations. They are deep understanding and knowledge of the mountain culture and are familiar with high altitude survival skills. Our support crew (except the porters) are usually sherpas who have been the backbone of the tourism industry in these parts and the team usually has years of experience between them and so our team is prepared for all eventualities in the mountains. The preservation of the fragile Eco system is of utmost importance to us and our support staff is made well aware of the significance of preserving the environment. We conduct regular orientation programs to educate our support crew regarding the importance of conservation of our environment. We take pride in the high quality of service we render – personalized, professional and above all enjoyable. Our crew with a keen sense of hospitality will make your holiday worthwhile. You will make friends with our tour leader during the trip and find adventure that you will re-live the rest of your life.

Best Season

It is best to visit this region in spring and autumn. Spring generally begins in March and ends in May. Though there is a slight haze the forests covered with a riot of scarlet coloured rhododendrons, primulas, daisies, white magnolias and a host of other beautiful plants making a trek an exhilarating experience. 

Mid September heralds the beginning of the autumn season. Mid September to mid November enjoys excellent climate coupled with deep blue sky and clear days making this period the best trekking period of the year. 

Trek equipment 

For camping treks we provide state of the art equipment that comprises of two men North Face Tents, Mess tent, Kitchen tent, Toilet tent, Shower tents, folding chairs, tables, cooking utensils, fuel (kerosene or LPG), all cooking appliances, mattresses, shower pumps, folding toilet seats and gamow bags in case of high altitude treks. 

Accommodation

We use the tourist class hotels with homely ambience available throughout the trip. They give you an insight into the local culture. The accommodation is based on full board basis throughout except Delhi.

Transportation

Driving is on the left in India but your vehicle may be a left-hand drive, meaning you alight into the traffic – please take care. Comfortable jeeps, vans or tourist coaches will be provided for all transportation depending on the size of the group. For groups up to 8 people we use Scorpio, Tavera, Toyota Qualis, Ford Endeavour and Toyota Innova. For bigger groups we use, Tata Tempo, regular and deluxe coaches depending upon the category of the group. 

Risk and Liability 

Our trips mean safety, reliability and the professional personnel to ensure your convenience at all times. However sometimes unforeseen circumstances like landslides, floods, bad weather, bad road condition, vehicle breakdown, delay in flights due to bad weather, local political situation could contribute to the change in the program. No claim of refund will be entertained including early return from the trip, or change in itinerary due to unavoidable situations like the above. All extra expenses (apart from the services offered as per the program) that occur in such cases would have to borne directly by the clients themselves.