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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £25 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Indian Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$ or GBP.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Major cities only.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Major cities only.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | India | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Single entry visas are required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN citizens – other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Indian Visa: It is no longer possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Indian Embassy. You must either apply for a visa through your travel agent or through the Explore Visa Service. Alternatively, you can go through to VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk (the company who the Embassy has outsourced its visa service to) online, by post or at the centre after prior appointment. If you are applying through visa swift then please do not pay for your visa through the on line Indian application, please send your payment into Visa swift so that they can submit the payment to the Visa Centre when they take your passport.
You must hold a valid passport to enter India. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You may wish to immunise against meningitis.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThere is considerable variation between regions in the Indian subcontinent but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures around Delhi, between April – September are very hot, but cooled by the South-West monsoon which lasts from June – September. The monsoon does not cross Ladakh. Consequently the region is much drier than other parts of India. It experiences pleasantly warm summers, with day temperatures reaching 25-30°C, but nights are cool. Rain may be encountered on the drive to Manali and en route to Dharamsala and Amritsar although this is usually confined to a short sharp downpour once a day. There is even the possibility of some snow on the high road between Leh and Manali.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne medium size rucksack or holdall and a day sack for the day. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs max. Suitcases are not recommended.
There are strict restrictions on the flight from Delhi to Leh of 20kgs for check in bags and 8kgs for hand luggage.
Back to topBecause of the high altitude temperatures in Ladakh can drop dramatically at night, please make allowance for warmer clothing accordingly. It is essential to bring waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat, gloves and sun hat.
Back to topWe strongly recommend walking in good boots. Although all the walks are day walks and optional it is worth noting that trainers and tennis shoes simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots.
Back to topSunglasses, sun cream, water bottle (at least 1litre) and a torch. Swimwear is useful for the optional rafting.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topThe weather plays a major part in the itinerary, as in some areas roads can become blocked due to landslides and thus re-routing may be necessary. The mountain roads, especially the Leh to Manali highway, can be in bad state of repair, with journeys being lengthy and sometimes bumpy.
Due to the lack of available hotels in some areas, some of the accommodation on this tour is fairly basic. However you will be made most welcome by friendly staff and this in itself provides a better insight into the local people and culture.
There are some precipitous drops and hence this trip is not recommended to those who suffer from vertigo. The altitude reached makes this trip only suitable for those who do not suffer from heart trouble. The maximum height reached is 5328 metres (on the drive). Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are possible at this altitude, but rare, and you should consult your doctor if you have concerns in this regard.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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