Responsible Travel

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 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.

This heritage tour is tailor-made to give you have a deeper understanding of the local culture and heritage. We visit various sites that are normally off the regular tourist map to generate more awareness regarding these places so that they are preserved for the coming generations to savour. We have designed this trip in the way that can be done by any age group without any prior experience in adventure. Anyone with and spirit of adventure to explore the exotic can enjoy the thrills of this trip. We encourage interaction between our clients and the locals through home or school visit, teaching local dance and dialects so that the clients have a better understanding of the countries they are visiting.  

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. 

Staff on the trip

Orientation programs to educate our support crew on environmental conservation and its importance are undertaken periodically. We provide opportunities for local people to earn income from direct employment or through the distribution of work responsibility. With years of experience, research and suggestions of experts and clients, this trip has been put together with utmost consideration of our clients' expectations, comfort and safety. All our staff is highly qualified in their field and we provide the best service and equipments for our clients' satisfaction, comfort and safety. Their knowledge on local culture and customs makes your trip an extra exciting. 

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 (only applicable to foreigners)

An Indian Visa is required to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim. It can be obtained in the Indian Embassy or in the consulates. 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).  Bills are available in 10, 20, 50,100,500 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. 

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

Windproof/waterproof trousers and jacket with hood, good rain gear: It is quite likely to rain at some point whilst you are out.

Sunglasses 

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

Lightweight survival bag

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

Windbreakers/ Jacket

Down Sleeping bag

Towel 

Torch 

Money belt; fold-up bag for souvenirs; camera and plenty of spare film; umbrella

Water bottle: with at least 1 litre capacity.

Moisturizing lotion

Insect repellent

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

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. 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.

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.  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. 

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.

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 the visit 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 period of the year to visit this area. 

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 Calcutta and 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.