One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad of charms, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, we are pleased that India formed The Responsible Tourism Society of India in 2008, at the behest of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, the founding members of Ecotourism Society of India. This society work closely with the central and state government bodies responsible for sustainable tourism and a network of like-minded regional / state players across the country to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities at the national and state level. When setting up trips, we select countries which are making headway in sustainable tourism.

We develop and host sustainable adventures to help support local communities and give you the chance to have a more meaningful travel experience. This trek to the foothills of the Himalaya has been created in line with our Travelife Partner award in sustainable tourism. 

On booking the Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas, you’ll receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app.

You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on the Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance.

We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the destinations that we visit in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure. We’re here to help you with any questions, no matter how big or small, and it’s not often that you’re able to speak directly with the owners of the business who have so much passion for travelling in India.

On joining this trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book to Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is the main airport in Delhi, that includes free airport transfers for the group in India. You’re welcome to book these flights directly with the airline or you can book them through our Flight Agent who is ATOL & ABTA at a direct cost (there is no mark up on these flights from Adventurous Ewe). 

Flights are not included in your package to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport in the UK and Australia, use your frequent flyer points or extend your stay in India if you wish. 

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into India. For the most up to date info, please visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. 

Your passport must also:

• be machine-readable
• have 2 blank pages for your visa.

To avoid possible problems at immigration, make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 180 days at the time of entry into India.

Travellers from the UK, US, CA and EU normally need a visa to enter India. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/india
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/india
• UK: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

You will be applying for an E-Tourist Visa – there are 3 options

1). 30-day E-Tourist Visa. This is a double-entry visa and is valid for entry within 30 days from the date of issue. You can only apply for this type of visa within 30 days of travel.

2). 1-year E-Tourist Visa. This is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. You can apply for this type of visa within 180 days of travel.

3). 5-year E-Tourist Visa. This is a multiple entry visa and is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.You can apply for this type of visa within 180 days of travel.

When completing your online visa application, please read the instructions carefully, check the documentation required, including the quite detailed digital photograph instructions, go through the Sample e-Visa Application form provided to familiarise yourself with the various sections of information you will need to provide.

Please note: If you travel on an e-Tourist Visa, your passport will be stamped and your biometric data (fingerprinting and retinal scan) may be processed on arrival in India.

You must make your application a minimum of 4 days before your arrival in India. You must also remember to print a copy of the e-Tourist Visa and take it with you to India for processing on arrival. Filling out the application form Note: most of the questions have ‘required fields’ (denoted by a red asterisk). This means that you will not be allowed to submit the form without filling in these fields. If the question is not applicable to you, please type ‘NA’ into these fields. On the fourth page of the application, where you are asked to state ‘Places to be visited’, please write ‘Delhi’. On the same page you will also be asked for a ‘Reference Name in India’, Adventurous Ewe will provide you with these details once booked. And for ‘Reference Name in Home Country’ please use Adventurous Ewe.

We do try keep our info up to date but be advised visa requirements and charges are subject to change. Please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html for the most up-to-date info.

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and pandemic travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine for a quote.

You must send your Travel Insurance Policy to Adventurous Ewe prior to departure.

GLOBAL RESCUE MEMBERSHIP

For peace of mind whilst trekking in the mountains, Global Rescue provides short term membership giving access to travel, security, medical advisory and evacuation services up to $US500,000.  They’re a specialised field rescue company, and assist from the point of illness or injury by getting you to the closest and most appropriate medical facilities to get stabilised. Once fit to fly if you require additional inpatient treatment Global Rescue will further evacuate and repatriate to your home hospital on record. These services are all covered through their upfront membership fee with no claims process.  For more info, please click here. 

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

You will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of a polio vaccination may also be required by some travellers. Please confirm all requirements and recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.

Additionally, dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is a known risk in India. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

SEVERE ALLERGIES

If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.

The Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something amazing. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

SUPPORT

You will be accompanied by a local Trip Guide for the whole duration of your trip. During your trekking days you will be accompanied by a local Mountain Guide/s. For groups over 10 people you will also be accompanied by a UK/Australian Mountain Leader. All our Guides are Remote First Aid trained and have extensive experience in leading teams in this region. They will be ultimately responsible for your safety on this trip.There will be radio or phone contact between Adventurous Ewe Mountain Leader, Local Guides & crew and the Office Base in Delhi during your trek. 

If for any reason you need to leave the group early, our local crew will assist you with your descent and will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. All costs incurred due to an early descent will need to be covered by yourself before departing the hotel, this is why we insist on suitable travel insurance cover.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel advice or the Australian Smart Traveller Advice for India for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

We also ask that you please ensure you use your alcohol-based hand sanitiser at all times to minimise the spread of any germs throughout your fellow flock of trekkers!

LOCAL GUIDES

You will be accompanied by a local Trip Guide for the whole duration of your trip. During your trekking days you will be accompanied by a local Mountain Guide/s. Our Local Guides are very experienced, knowledgeable and have the renowed warmth and hospitality. They are constantly self-driven to go above and beyond to ensure you will have an amazing experience. Mountain climbing for the local guides is more than just a career, it’s a passion which they are proud to share with others. Our Guides are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, well-being and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and supportive attitude. The Leaders/s have radio and mobile phone contact with base, the local office in Delhi and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

UK LEADER

You will have a UK or Australian Mountain Leader for groups over 8 people. Your UK or Australian Mountain Leader will have many years leading teams in remote areas. Our Leaders are carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience on your trek and with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Your Mountain Leader will also have Remote First Aid qualifications.

PORTERS WELFARE

We understand porters, and the whole mountain crew in general, are the heart and soul of our Dalai Lama trek and we believe that fair treatment of our crew on the mountain is not merely an industry requirement but the tenet of this trek. Ensuring our crew is well paid, insured and cared for is a priority for us. When we trek, the entire group ‑ you, the guides and porters alike ‑ are a team who share the same needs for safety and well-being in this mountain environment.

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size for the Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas to run is 6 people and the maximum group size is 12 people.

You are most welcome to join this trek as a group of friends, family, colleagues, a private group or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 8 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company. For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk 

This trip is graded as ‘Medium/Challenging’. The all round adventure is the ideal intro trip to India. Giving you the chance to experience one of the oldest civilisations in the world, the mosaic of multicultural experiences and standing in awe of the ivory-white marble mausoleum The Taj Mahal. Plus having the opportunity to explore the Himalayan foothills through remote rural villages set against the majestic backdrop of some of the world’s most impressive peaks. The trekking will be a challenge however it is achievable with training and preparation. We will provide you with a training guide and plenty of tips to help you prepare for this amazing experience. 

The highest point you will reach on your trek is 3000 metres, so you have the chance to experience the incredible mountainous landscapes but without having to trek to high altitude. 

You should prepare for some long days and early starts. You will be trekking for 5 days of between 6 – 8 hours per day. So the more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the trek and take in all that surrounds you.

Come prepared: India can be challenging, while the heat and bustle of some cities can be a little overwhelming. That said, the peaceful Himalaya’s will have you return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Please note, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for the conservation of many monuments in India, including the Taj Mahal, and very occasionally this may mean that work is taking place at sites visited on this trip. The ASI’s schedule is never published, so it is not possible to warn you when work will be taking place.

When you ascend above 2500 metres your body has to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow your body to adjust we have structured this trek so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms – headaches, tiredness, disturbed sleep, shortness of breath, cough, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitations and swelling of the hands and face.

Individuals acclimatise at different rates and we would expect the majority of the team to notice the effects of being at high altitude, and while most will only feel discomfort and headaches, it is not uncommon for a small number of people to need extra care which will be provided by our leaders and crew.

During your pre-trek briefing, altitude sickness will be discussed in more detail and advice on how to best cope with it. The most important thing is not to fear it, but to respect it. Know the signs & symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), be aware of how it affects the body and report any illness to your leader straight away. Our leaders and crew are there to help and are fully experienced with high altitude conditions and all the scenarios that trekking at these altitudes bring. You’re in good hands.

In most cases, AMS can be avoided following these guidelines:

• Drink around 3-5 litres each day to achieve suitable hydration levels. Try and avoid tea & coffee and definitely no alcohol
• Walk slowly, even when in the teahouses
• Keep warm, especially at night
• Eat well, even when you don’t feel like eating

A Trek Training Programme will be provided when you join this trip to help you with your preparations. We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and Strength & Movement Coast, Peter Lant. For more info, please visit our Training & Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

A full kit list and tips will be provided when you book this trip. You will also receive exclusive discount codes to use in independent specialist outdoor retailers, both online and in store. 

CLIMATE

The best time to trek in the Indian Himalaya is either before or after the monsoon which lasts from June to September.

March/April – In the Himalayas, the temperatures in the day can vary; minimum is probably around 7c and maximum 28c, with an average of 22c. It is likely to drop below 0c in the evenings, however, so you should come fully prepared for cold nights. As a general rule it is t-shirt weather in the day and fleece & jacket weather at night. In Delhi it will be humid and around 28-30c, but remember to bring appropriate attire for visiting religious sites.

August/September – In the Himalayas, the average daytime temperature is 20c but this can vary. The rainy season is petering off but you may still experience some rain so good waterproofs are essential. In the evenings it will be cooler (approx 5c); however, you will have campfires and eat inside the dining tent.

October/November – In the Himalayas, the average daytime temperature is 15c but this can vary. There is little rain (average 7mm) at this time of year but you may well still experience some rain so waterproofs are optional. It is likely to drop below 0c in the evenings, and so you should come fully prepared for cold nights.

9 nights in hotels or lodges and two nights on a sleeper train. The hotels are a mixture of standard and comfortable hotels.The hunting lodge is positioned in a camping area, however you will be staying in the lodge. There is no camping on this trip in order to help support more local accommodation houses and provide you with a comfortable trekking experience.

Overnight train journey

The overnight sleeper train is an experience in itself. Typically bookings are made in two-tier rooms (four people to a compartment) or three-tier (six to a compartment) if two-tier is unavailable. There are many excellent trains in India but the standard is not in line with European or US standards. Seats are allocated when the tickets are issued, meaning we cannot guarantee the whole group is together in the same carriage; your leader will manage this as best as possible and will always check on you during the journey.

Indian trains are safe but we recommend you keep valuables with you at all times. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost) but you may wish to purchase your own food before the journey. While some trains have Western-style facilities, the majority of services are equipped with squat toilets.

Please note, trains are sometimes delayed for reasons beyond our control, but we endeavour to minimise the impact of these delays on the overall itinerary.

Single Supplements

If you prefer your own room, we offer a single supplement for the hotel nights in Delhi (subject to availability) and some other hotels. While in the lodges, single rooms cannot be guaranteed so these have not been included in the single supplement price paid in advance. 

11 x Breakfasts, 9 x Lunches, 9 x Dinners included.

You should allow the equivalent of US$24 per day for other meals. You can eat out very cheaply in India  but if you go to more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. In most towns there is a good choice between Indian, Chinese and Western food. If you are a vegetarian, India is probably one of the best destinations you can visit. Where meals are not included, the leader will encourage people to try certain restaurants and street food vendors. They can make recommendations that will boost small businesses and celebrate local specialties. In India, we can even see how some food and drinks, such as masala chai (tea), samosa (mashed potato snacks), jalebe (Indian doughnuts) and lassi (yoghurt drink), are made.

Tea and soft drinks are very cheap. A (large!) bottle of beer is approximately US$4.80.

Drinking water will be provided in large containers in our vehicle, so please bring a refillable water bottle with you, your complimentary Water-to-Go bottle is ideal. 

On day 2 of your trip, for lunch you will join a Mughlai cooking demonstration. Influenced by Central Asian and Islamic recipes, Mughlai cuisine is unique and fragrant. Meet a passionate cook who’ll teach you how to prepare classics such as malai ki sabzi (vegetables cooked with cream) and onion paratha (flatbread stuffed with onions and potato), depending on the season.

Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here. Adventurous Ewe trekkers will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle when departing on our Taj, Temples & Trails of the Indian Himalayas, and better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth. Please note that if the water freezes it will clog up the filter – in this event, defrost before use by sitting the filter in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Deposit: £295 per person on booking and non-refundable
Balance: £1705 per person is due no later than 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Total cost: £2000 per person

Monthly payment plan
A monthly payment plan can be arranged for this trip. Please contact us for more information or to set up your plan. Simply email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Book & Travel with Confidence
As well as carefully crafting amazing and meaningful adventures across the planet, we’ve made booking them as flexible, safe and as simple as possible. 

For the latest info regarding booking and travelling with Adventurous Ewe, please visit our website.

Fundraising
You’re welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.