༄ Booking & Travel Information

• Airport transfers
• Hotel and lodging for the no of nights as specified in the itinerary – single supplement, with breakfast (check out the list of our preferred hotel providers here)
• Domestic/ international flights as specified in the itinerary, including standard baggage allowance (varies by airline)
• All group transportation by private vehicle
• All team (camping) gear
• All porterage/ horses/ yaks/ donkeys to carry group and personal gear
• All necessary entrance fees, camping charges, climbing and trekking permits
• Goal Zero Solar charging for electronics
• Weather updates and forecasting
• Access to satellite phone on expeditions in Nepal and Tibet (we will recharge to you actual phone calls and e-mail costs)
• Pre expedition support and gear advice by email/ phone
  

• Meals while not on expedition (i.e. in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Leh, Lhasa)
• Trip/ medical/ rescue insurance
• Visas
• International flights
• Personal Sherpa
• Oxygen (unless specified in the itinerary)
• Personal equipment
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Laundry, tipping and other items of personal nature
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature (laundry, bar bills, etc.). We recommend $100-$150 per person thrown into the tips pool for the crew.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:                 

Note: Himalaya Alpine Guides highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all programs. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Himalaya Alpine Guides must adhere to a stringent refund policy. Specific program cancellation and refund policies may supercede those enumerated below.

•                  Deposits are non-refundable.

•                  All Expedition balances are due 90 days prior to arrival date unless otherwise specified.

•                  Full refunds, less deposit fees, will be provided 90-days prior to arrival date.

•                  No refunds will be provided 89-days prior to arrival date.

•                  Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the program.

•                  All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-day period, as stated above.

•                  Specific refund policies apply to our 7000m and 8000m expeditions. See trip website for policies.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE:

We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. We require rescue insurance. Himalaya Alpine Guides suggests Travelex for trip insurance. Global Rescue are our suggested rescue insurers. Please see your briefing packet for more information on both plans or get in touch with any other questions.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:

Trip participants are responsible for their own well-being.  You should arrive at the start of a trip with a positive attitude, a willingness to participate in a group organized trip, and be physically prepared. Participants joining a trek, course or mountaineering expedition may be required to obtain a physician’s release prior to departure. Trip members are responsible for: knowing all pre-departure information, preparing proper equipment and clothing, conforming to basic standards of personal hygiene (to minimize the risk of traveler’s diseases) and acting in a considerate manner toward all group members and with respect for each country’s customs.   

CONDITIONS OF CLIMBING EXPEDITIONS, COURSES AND TREKS:

Safety is our number one priority.  We are committed to helping climbers maximize their potential enjoyment without compromising safety.

Himalaya Alpine Guides, its owners, agents, employees, officers, directors, associates, affiliated companies and subcontractors (herein after collectively referred to as “HAG”), hereby give notice that they act only as agents for hotels, transportation companies, land operators and suppliers of travel services. HAG assumes no responsibility or liability in connection with the operation or service of any aircraft, motor vehicle, other conveyance, inn, lodge or hotel which may be used wholly, or in part, for services to Himalaya Alpine Guides and its clients. HAG, its operators, airlines and agents will not be responsible for any act, error, omission, nor for any injury, loss accident, delay, inconvenience, irregularity or damage which may be occasioned by any cause whatsoever. This includes acts of nature, civil disturbance, government restrictions or failure of any means of conveyance to adhere to published schedule.

HAG reserves the right to change the price of, cancel or withdraw any trek, course or expedition for any reason whatsoever prior to departure. After departure, HAG reserves the right to alter or omit any part of the itinerary, to substitute hotels or leaders, to change any means of conveyance without notice and without allowance of refund, with liability for increased costs (if any) borne by the trek, course or expedition members. HAG reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a trek, course or expedition member at any time.

I understand, and am aware, that during the trek, climb, course or expedition in which I am currently participating, or will participate in, under the arrangements of HAG, certain risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to: altitude; steep or treacherous terrain; inclement weather; avalanches, rock fall and other natural occurrences; misuse, failure or loss of equipment; shortage of food or water supply; the hazards of traveling in politically unstable areas; the dangers of civil disturbances and war; the forces of nature; acts or omissions of HAG; travel by boat, automobile, train, ship, aircraft or other means of conveyance; and accident or illness in remote places without access to medical facilities, transportation, or means of rapid evacuation and assistance.

I certify that I am familiar with the dangers, hazards and risks incident to trekking and mountain climbing expeditions/courses as listed above. And I accept and clearly understand that these hazards and risks may result in personal injuries to myself and others, including paralysis and death, and hereby expressly assume all of the above risks including, the risks of acts or omissions of HAG, and do hereby expressly agree to hold HAG harmless and defend them against any and all liability.

In consideration of the services furnished me, and to be furnished me as a member of this trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition, I hereby release HAG and all the members of the trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition from any and all damages, injuries, losses, or any cause of action which may result in me, my legal representatives or others purporting to exercise statutory or other rights arising out of, or in connection with this expedition. And I hereby assume each and every damage incident to my participation, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless HAG and all members of the trek, course and/or expedition against any sums which they, or any of them may be subject to pay in consequence of any claim or demand by or through me, or resulting from my being a member of this trek, course and/or mountaineering expedition.

We recommend and utilize the services of Global Rescue for Himalaya rescue insurance, a worldwide medical evacuation service. Himalaya Alpine Guides Rescue Insurance.

It is not compulsory to use Global Rescue to join a Himalaya Alpine Guides trip. You do need to check that your insurance covers helicopter evacuation for high altitude though (most do not).  Many companies that used to provide this stopped their service in 2012 due to the high abuse of the service in Nepal’s Everest region.  Many mountaineering and alpine clubs offer helicopter rescue insurance, shop around, and see what you can find. But do know that Global Rescue’s service is excellent, and reasonably priced.

Many mountaineering clubs and organization offer rescue insurance for their members. Do check in your countries alpine club for Himalaya rescue insurance.  Do let us know what you find as well, as we’d like to add more links to this page for trekkers and climbers coming to the Himalaya. Himalaya Rescue insurance is an important part of good prior planning for a trek or climb, from dog bites to slips and falls; accidents do happen and it’s best to be prepared.

You need a visa in advance to enter India, details here: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/.

The following countries are allowed a single entry, 30 day visa-on-arrival: Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Phillipines, Laos, Myanmar.  However, we recommend that all those who travel with us to obtain their visa in advance before travelling to India.  The visa-on-arrival was only begun in 2012.

If you are a citizen of the United States and are currently residing there, we highly recommend using Travisa Outsourcing to obtain your visa.

If you are a citizen of the UK, here is the pertinent information for you: http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/.

Leh travel

Let’s break down the process here:

Our favorite websites for online flight bookings are expedia.com and kayak.com as they compare a number of airlines. These aggregate websites don’t provide all the airlines that run international flights, but at the end of the day the convenience and their how to order ambien with no prescription customer service is useful in the event that you need to make changes to your reservation.

Search for flights from the closest international airport near your home to Leh, Ladakh, India (Kushok Bakula Rinpoche regional airport).  Delhi is the only international terminal that flies to Leh (IXL).

Prefix for Leh : IXL.

Be sure to book your flights from origin all the way to Leh (IXL)  Why?  Because if there is a delay or other unmentionable, the airline is not liable to get you to Leh (IXL).  Be sure to book your flights from origin all the way to Leh (IXL).  This helps with potential baggage issues as well.

All flights leaving from Delhi – Leh depart from 5-9 am in the morning, so as you research different flight options, keep this in mind.  Many flights arrive internationally to Delhi in the late evening, so it’s possible to stay in the airport with only a few hours transfer time before your Leh (IXL) flight.  There is a hotel within Indira Gandhi International airport (Delhi): Eaton Smart Hotel, and there are nice recliners in many of the waiting rooms for your regional flight from terminal 3, if you don’t need a hotel. Avoid changing money in the airport as it’s a very poor exchange rate. Either change money outside of the airport in Delhi or once you arrive in Leh.

When you arrive in Leh, we will be there to pick you up at the airport with a sign with your name on it.  Do be sure and share your flight arrival details with us so we can make the proper arrangements.

It is possible to travel overland from Delhi to Leh, but we don’t recommend it unless you have some free time to work with.  From Delhi, you would take a 12 hour bus journey to Manali, and then on from there by jeep.  This journey in marathon-style would take you about 48 hours, leaving on the night bus from Delhi – Manali, and arriving around 9 in the morning the following day, and then catching an evening jeep from Manali and arriving in Delhi the next night.  It is possible for delays all along the route due to landslides, and vehicle breakdowns.  It is worth it to do it once.

We find that people respond much better to flying into Leh, as you aren’t crossing three 5000 meter passes on approach (which really can get you feeling quite rough).  The overland trip to Leh is beautiful, but perhaps better to do after your trek, once you are well acclimatized and in-the-groove of Ladakh life.

It is also possible to approach/leave Leh via Srinagar, and this is a wild journey as well.  Contact us for options.  We highly recommend flying to Leh when first arriving for your trek/climb.

Stopover in Delhi

We like using Hotel Cottage Yes Please in Paharganj, as it does the job.  You’ll need to book at least three weeks in advance for this hotel, as it stays full due to its excellent staff.  All of them are switched on and know what’s going on, can help and answer questions for you. The rooms are average but everything actually works (including A/C), and they have WI-FI hotel wide (which also actually works!).

If you want a nicer place on the way home, we can recommend a few, contact us for options.  We can also offer you booking options for more luxurious hotels on the way in or out of Delhi.  We have drivers if you’d like to do sightseeing around Delhi, or make a trip to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal trip option can be a day trip, or an overnight.  Contact us for options.

Airlines that fly Delhi-Leh

Jet Airways

Our first choice, flies 6 days a week, except for Saturday for the time being. Flies out of terminal 3, check for gate number in terminal.

Jet Connect

The budget version of Jet Airways, without a meal (but the flight is only one hour and a few minutes on all Delhi-Leh flights, unless you find a flight connecting through Jammu).  Flies out of terminal 3 check for gate number in terminal.

Air India

Flies most of the military in and out of Leh. They are a fine option for your flight.  Flies out of terminal 3, check for gate number in terminal.

GoAir

The most budget option flying.  We’ve never used them, as they usually route through Jammu to Leh. Goair flies out of terminal 1D, check for gate number in terminal.

Travel tip: Try and book your seat on the left side (window) of the plane to avoid the bright sun on the right side, and giving you good views for looking over Ladakh. Flight time: 1 hour, ~10 minutes.

Manali Travel

Let’s break down the process here:

Our favorite websites for online flight bookings are expedia.com and kayak.com as they compare a number of airlines and give you the most competitive rates. These aggregate websites don’t provide all the airlines that run international flights, but at the end of the day the convenience and their customer service is useful in the event that you need to make changes to your reservation.

Search for flights from the closest international airport near your home to Kullu, Manali, India (Bhuntar Airport – KUU).  Delhi is the only international terminal that flies to Kullu (KUU).

Prefix for Manali : KUU

Be sure to book your flights from home all the way to Manali (KUU).  Why?  Because if there is a delay or other unmentionable, the airline is not liable to get you to Manali (KUU).  Be sure to book your flights from home all the way to Manali (KUU).  This helps with potential baggage issues as well.

All flights leaving from Delhi – Kullu (Manali) depart from 5-10 am in the morning, so as you research different flight options, keep this in mind.  Many flights arrive internationally to Delhi in the late evening, so it’s possible to stay in the airport with only a few hours transfer time before your Kullu (KUU) flight.  There is a hotel within Indira Gandhi International airport (Delhi): Eaton Smart Hotel, and there are nice recliners in many of the waiting rooms for your regional flight from terminal 3, if you don’t need a hotel.

When you arrive in Kullu (Manali), we will be there to pick you up at the airport with a sign with your name on it.  Do be sure and share your flight arrival details with us so we can make the proper arrangements. It is a 45 minute taxi ride to Manali.

It is possible to travel overland from Delhi to Manali, using the “deluxe” A/C buses that travel to and fro. We find that people respond much better to flying into Kullu (Manali).  The bus trip to Manali is 12-14 hours, and leaves folks feeling quite tired after an already long international flight.

Feel free to contact us for your travel options and any updates on travel.

Hotel in Delhi

We like using Hotel Cottage Yes Please in Paharganj, as it does the job.  You’ll need to book at least three weeks in advance for this hotel, as it stays full due to its excellent staff.  All of them are switched on and know what’s going on, can help and answer questions for you. The rooms are average but everything actually works (including A/C), and they have WI-FI hotel wide (the also actually works!).

If you want a nicer place on the way home, we can recommend a few, contact us for options. We should have a page up for this soon.

Airlines that fly Delhi-Manali

Air India

Currently, only Air India flies in and out of Kullu (Manali), we expect this to change soon.  Do contact us for the latest information on this.

Nepal is one of the easiest Himalayan countries (and in the world for that matter) to obtain your visa, where you can get your visa-upon-arrival.  Yep, that is correct.  You do not need to get a visa to Nepal in advance.  When you arrive at international airport in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), you can get the necessary visa there.  All you need to bring with you is one passport photo to staple to the visa application.  The following foreign currencies are accepted (Indian rupees aren’t), and you’ll need to pay the one time fee for the number of days you are getting your visa for: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen.  Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Nepal offers 15, 30, and 90 days multiple-entry visas.  The current fee structure is:

15 days – US$25 or equivalent in other currency (they will not accept Indian rupees)
30 days – US$40 or equivalent in other currency
90 days – US$100 or equivalent in other currency

check here for updates to the Nepal visa: www.immi.gov.np

Print out the visa application here visa-app-nepal, fill out the information, and staple your passport photo to it.  When you arrive in Kathmandu, this will save you half an hour waiting in line.

Be sure to bring:
Passport application and photo
Pen
Passport
Cash to pay for passport of your desired days length (15,30, 90 days).
Be sure to say, “Namaskar Dai” to the visa officer. Translation, “Hello, Good day, respected member of the Nepal community”.