Local Costs

	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.

Important Information

Travel Insurance

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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Visa Requirements

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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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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Vaccinations & Protection

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.

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Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. You may wish to immunise against Meningitis.

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Know before you go

We 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/

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Preparing for your tour

Preparing for your Tour

Please be sure to study our Additional Information, which gives specific recommendations on luggage, clothing, and footwear. Because of the higher altitude, temperatures can drop below freezing at night, so make allowance for warmer clothing accordingly. Weather can also change rapidly in the mountains and good quality rainwear is essential. Skintight clothing, too brief shorts or leggings can offend local sensibilities.

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Walking Grades and Fitness

Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated Moderate.

Moderate: Involves some longer walks at low altitudes. (4-6 hrs/day, below 3000m). Some previous hillwalking experience is beneficial, but walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life. Tours may contain optional strenuous days, and we would advise that you tone up your fitness before you travel.

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Altitude: On Trek

The altitude of Everest region makes this trip more suitable for the serious walker with previous experience of hill-walking. We have included time for acclimatisation and extreme cases of altitude sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety the tour leader’s decision is final.

Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches, i.e. 3600m.

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Gradient Chart

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Climate

There is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon, which lasts from June-Sept. At altitude, temperatures can become quite cool at night and may drop below freezing between December and February so warm clothing is necessary. Around the mountains of India’s northwestern territories the temperatures during our operating period can be somewhere between the mid to high teens centigrade during the day and during the spring months, rain can be expected anytime.

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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.

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Packing for your tour

To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you. 

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Luggage

Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company

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Luggage: On Trek

Airline allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Trek allowance: 22lbs/10kgs.Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage/Trek Kit Bag: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used whilst on trek for clothing and sleeping bag; carried by porters or pack animals. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. The Trek kit bag needs to be strong enough to cope with rough handling; we recommend exarmy kit bags (without a metal frame), which can be obtained quite cheaply or a nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top. Rucksacks without a frame may be suitable. We advise that you line your kitbag with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.

Holdall: This piece of baggage will become the receptacle for anything you will not need whilst on trek in the mountains and will be stored in Darjeeling. Items you will need whilst on trek should be repacked into your Trek Kit bag and your daysac/rucksack. Advice on how and what to pack will be given at the trek briefing in Kolkata, but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home. When doing your initial packing, please bear in mind the airline weight limit for hold luggage (normally 20kg).

Daysac/Rucksack: During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac, which is carried by yourself, should therefore be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film with you during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunchtime. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.

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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek

 Walking Boots: Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc. do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Gore- Tex or leather boots and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor pursuits’ shop that can offer advice, and resist the temptation to buy ‘fashion’ footwear that gives little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing, which will be irreplaceable.

Lightweight shoes or trainers Useful in the evenings and when travelling.

Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, ladies should cover up with trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable as they can cause offence to local people. Jeans are not recommended, as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Down Jacket After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.

Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid the condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.

Gloves Especially useful in the mountains, in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermals or similar types are most suitable.

Socks It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.

Thick Sweater/fleece jacket A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.

Track Suit Comfortable in the huts and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.

Thin Shirt/T-Shirt

Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest

Warm Hat

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Equipment

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the Explore 'General Information Booklet' for guidance for day-to-day but use the following checklist and notes to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.

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Equipment Provided: On Trek

Note that foam sleeping mattresses will be provided locally.

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Personal Equipment: On Trek

Sleeping Bag: As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 4-season (temperature –10°C to –5°C). As most treks pass through a variety of climatic conditions, a long side zip is a good idea. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean.

Water Bottle: Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. The trekking staff provide sterilised water each day with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You will also find it useful to have Chlorine Dioxide.

Plastic Bags: If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through on the trek. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb: A small torch is essential for finding things at night, going to the loo in the dark etc. Petzl head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size). Please also be sure that you take any used batteries home with you to dispose of properly.

Sunglasses/Snow Goggles: A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Toiletries: Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, small towel, small nailbrush and toilet rolls! ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up on the trek, so bring a pack of those (nonperfumed to avoid rashes!). A ‘J’ cloth is a good alternative for a flannel. No showers. Buckets of hot water sometimes available at a small charge.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve: Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit: Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but you should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet.

Trekking Poles: Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.

Whistle: To attract attention in an emergency.

Boot Cleaning Kit

Spare Laces

Chlorine Dioxide for water purification.

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General Information

Trip Summary

This remarkable journey combines the magical vistas that unfold before us as we trek the Singalila Ridge, with the culture and picturesque settings of the Bangla Hills and Sikkim. Our adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kolkata, (formerly Calcutta), an eclectic mix of colonial grandeur and the bustling mayhem so evocative of the Indian subcontinent. After a tour of the city we take a train north and drive into the lush landscapes of the hill stations around Darjeeling, our gateway to the delights of the coming few days. From here we move on to the dramatic landscapes of the Singalila Ridge, one of the region’s classic trekking routes, taking us high above the valleys to gaze across a panorama that boasts four of the world’s highest mountains, including the iconic profiles of Everest and Kachenjunga. We spend the next 6 days trekking through this breathtaking landscape. The second part of our journey sees us transferring to the once independent Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim. During our time here we will hopefully have the opportunity to meet some of the fascinating array of people that inhabit these remote regions, as well as visit some of the important religious sites, such as the monasteries of Rumtek and Dzong- Dog-Phairi.

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Country info

Area: 3,288,000 sq. km.

Population: 1 Billion.

Language: Hindi, English.

Religion: Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist.

Local time: GMT + 5.5.

Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and D plugs.

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Electric Supply & Plugs

For 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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Maps & Books

Recommended Maps: Bartholomew, Nelles and GeoCentre all do regional maps of India.

Recommended Books: Alexander Frater: Following the Monsoon, Footprint guide to India, Paul Scott: The Raj Quartet, AL Basham: The Wonder that was India, William Dalrymple: The Age of Kali, S. Das: Sikkim: A Travellers Guide, David Lang: Sikkim Himalaya: Travels in the Cloud Kingdom, George Kotturan: The Himalayan Gateway.

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