Dalai lama trek

DALAI LAMA TREK, INDIA

DALAI LAMA TREK
INDIA

Up high on Dalai Lama trek

Classic view from Upper Dharamshala. The whole area is built on hills.

Valley floor, Dalai Lama trek

Valley floor of the very green and lush terrain of lower Himalchal Pradesh.

Paragliding

This area (specifically Bir) is a world-class paragliding location.

This Trip

  • 10 days/5 days trekking
  • Max altitude 3800m
  • Min group size – 2
  • 4 nights hotel
  • 5 nights tented trek
  • All meals/water on trek
  • Domestic flight

Land Only Price from £1850

This Challenge trip/challenge is available as a Charity Challenge. Click here to see the charity fundraising options.

This Challenge trip/challenge is available
as a Charity Challenge.
Click for the charity fundraising options.

Dalai Lama Trek – A Journey Into Himachal Pradesh

Our Dalai Lama trek is a moderately challenging 5-day Himalayan camping trek, centered on the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is considered the home of so many exiled Tibetans. The state of Himachal Pradesh is India’s most northern and famous for some of the most beautiful handcrafts India has to offer.

  • Visit the Dalai Lama Monastery
  • Experience the wonderful calming nature of the Buddhist culture
  • Trek through the remote Bara Bhangal village – an experience back in time
  • Extend to visit Taj Mahal, Dehli, Shimla, Amistar, the Golden Triangle and so much more…

This Dalai Lama trek experience begins in Delhi. On arrival, we have 2 half-day drives north into the State of Himachal Pradesh (overnight hotel en route) before arriving at Bir. The Dalai Lama trek itself meanders its way through the Himalayan forested foot hills with spectacular views. With low sleeping altitudes, there are no altitude sickness-related issues (max trekking altitude is approx 3700m (~12,100 feet)). The whole areas is covered in forests, mainly pine, oak and rhododendron. In late spring, you can expect the flora to erupt with colour. Trekking through rural villages, it is a delight to see how these communities live.

Some time is spent exploring Dharamshala, so much to see from the Dalai Lama Monastery to the numerous traditional markets.

A domestic flight gets you back to Delhi for your flight home or you can pre-arrange some additional time in India. India extension ideas.

Dalai Lama Trek, Brief Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Delhi (morning), 250km drive (~ 4-5 hr drive) to overnight hotel stop
Day 2. Continue to drive to Bir (260km, ~ 6 hr drive). Settle in, orientation, introduction to the team
Day 3. Drive Bir – Barot (2 – 3 hrs), acclimatisation walk, overnight camp
Day 4. Barot – Luhardi – trek to Fungi Mata Temple
Day 5. Trek to Chherna Camp
Day 6. Trek to ‘Altitude point’ (3800m), and then to Kohar Camp
Day 7. Trek to Nalotha Village
Day 8. Trek to Rajgundha, vehicle pick up to Bir, overnight hotel
Day 9. Drive to Dharamshala (90 mins), explore the town, overnight hotel
Day 10. Domestic flight to Dehli, depart for the UK

Dalai Lama Trek, Full Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Delhi, 250km drive (~ 4-5 hrs) to overnight hotel stop (Chandigarh)
This half-day drive is to lessen the otherwise very long single-day drive to Bir. It is possible to arrive a day earlier and stay in Delhi overnight after the flight from the UK.

Day 2. Chandigarh – Bir (260 km, ~ 6 hr drive)
This drive is along the ‘grand trunk road’ entering the rising Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. We’ll check in to the hotel and meet the rest of the trekking team and also have a briefing if required on the next day’s activity. Depending on time, you may be invited to join your guide for a short acclimatisation walk around Bir, including some potential last-minute shopping!

The village of Bir is noted for its ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation. It is one of the world’s most well-known high-quality paragliding locations. Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa.

Day 3. Drive Bir – Barot (1800m) – Acclimatisation walk (2 – 3 hr drive)
A shortish drive to the village of Barot. You will camp here tonight ready for tomorrow’s trek. There is an acclimatisation walk to get your legs moving! BLD

Day 4. Barot – Luhardi – Fungi Mata Temple (2134m) (5 – 6 hrs trek)
Today’s trek is virtually all, some of it steep. It initially goes through a pine forest before opening out affording great views of the open valley behind you. This is a steady day, take your time. BLD

Day 5. Fungi Mata – Chherna camp (2800m)(6 hrs)
Our Dalai Lama trek route continues to climb, crossing a few ridges, and traversing all of the time. The terrain is similar, green meadows and pine with lots of flora on offer depending on the time of year. You may begin to feel the cool air once the sun goes down, at 2800m, it’s twice as high as anything in the UK. With no ambient light (except the campfire!), this is a good place to stargaze. BLD

Day 6. Chherna Camp – Altitude Point (3800m) – Kohar Camp (1850m) (7 – 8 hrs)
An excellent day’s trekking ahead, and one of two distinct halves. It’s a good 1000m ascent to the highest point on this trek (3800m, Altitude Point) having spent most of the morning trekking along a glorious ridgeline. Once you’re there, you’ll have lunch whilst enjoying the magnificent 360° view from the high Himalayas to the north to the Plains of the south.
The second half is very much descending, all the way down to 1850m. Many find the downhill worse than the ups! You’ll need the leg rest after today, and welcome the waiting tea and snacks as well as that comforting campfire at Kohar Camp. BLD

Day 7. Kohar Camp – Nalotha Village Camp (5 – 6 hrs)
A very different type of trek today, a lower altitude brings in the villages and paddy fields too. There will be any number of short stops to see the experience the local culture; their dwellings, temples, and just how they live in what can be a challenging environment. BLD

Day 8. Nalotha Village Camp – Rajgundha (2440m) – Billing (2310m) – Bir (Trek and Driving time 7 hours)
A good final day’s trekking through a mix of forests, mountain streams, and paddy fields. The switch-back route gives you some great views up and down this valley. A vehicle will be waiting for you when you finish this Dalai Lama trek, and whisk you away to Bir, via Billing. You’ll check in to the hotel, time to rest, wash up and relax. BLD

Day 9. Bir – Dharamshala (drive 50 km, 90 mins)
Straight after breakfast, we depart for Dharamshala, the home of Dalai Lama and his famous monasteries. On route, we will stop over at Baijnath Shiva temple, Norbulinka Institute, and visit the in-house art and craftwork (all optional), followed by a Tibetan lunch. We continue to Dharamshala to check into the hotel. There is still plenty of time to explore Dharamshala, including the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj & the traditional markets. Later, we will celebrate a successful Dala Lama trek with an enjoyable dinner. BD

Day 10. Domestic flight to Delhi, depart for the UK
We will transfer to Gaggal airport (~40 min drive) for the domestic flight to Delhi (1-hr flight). You can then connect to your appropriate international flight to the UK. B

Extensions. From the end of Day 9, you are free to embark on any number of optional extensions. You can organise this yourself or we can assist you. Whatever you do, it should be pre-arranged as it may affect your transport arrangements back to Delhi.

Examples:

What the price includes

  • Pick up at Delhi airport on arrival*
  • All land transport necessary to complete the itinerary
  • Domestic flight Gaggal – Delhi (one-way)
  • 3/4 star hotel accommodation in Bir and Dharamshala, twin share, B&B + dinner basis
  • All camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bag and sleeping mat**
  • All meals on trek
  • Full support team: cook, porters, horses
  • All camping fees
  • Services of an English speaking professional licensed guide (trained medic)
  • First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, gamow bag

*This will be a coordinated pick-up. Any potential additional costs will be made clear when you book as it will depend on when you arrive.
**Sleeping bags are suitable for this terrain, and freshly laundered. Please pre-order if you wish to use one. Take your own liner, or if you prefer, your own sleeping bag.

What the price does not include

  • International flights
  • Tourist visa
  • Staff tips (advice can be given if required)
  • Personal spending
  • Personal travel insurance
Group DatesLand Only Book
20 - 29 Apr 2025£1785
Book
4 - 13 May 2025£1785
Book
1 - 10 Jun 2025£1785
Book
15 - 24 Jun 2025£1785
Book
29 Jun - 8 Jul 2025£1785
Book
13 - 22 Jul 2025£1785
Book
21 - 30 Sep 2025£1785
Book
5 - 14 Oct 2025£1785
Book

Deposit – £250

Single Room Option – £190. This fee is for 4/5 nights in the hotel/guesthouse and a tent to yourself throughout the trek.

LAND ONLY

We do not offer or sell international flights. We can assist you with advice on the best, most reliable flights for this destination based on our extensive experience of such matters. Our services will commence when we collect you at the destination airport and finish when we drop you back there unless otherwise agreed.

✓ Choose your preferred airline, flight route, seat class, and departure timings/airport to suit you.
✓ Low airfares and deal – you choose when you book your flights.
✓ This trip is a ‘package’, and therefore the Package Travel Regulations 2018 apply.
✓ Financial protection (International Passenger Protection (IPP)) against our insolvency.

Our tailor made prices start from the same as the group price

Three simple words that offer you total holiday flexibility – without any catch!

Start from scratch or combine:
You can build your trip, your way and choose where you want to go when you want to go, and what you want to do. And we love creating these unique adventures for you, at a price which will easily compete with group-based adventures – but you get exactly what you want!

Choose your own dates or alter one of our itineraries:
As most of our trips are guaranteed with just 2 people, absolutely fine. And you can choose whether to open this up as a group or keep it to yourselves.

Extend one of our group adventures:
No problem and no fees for doing so, as long as you let us know you are considering this when you book, even if you’re not definite or sure how long.

We will happily provide options and guaranteed costings to any tailor-made adventure before you make any commitment.

Dalai Lama Trek
A Journey Into
Himachal Pradesh

Our Dalai Lama trek is a moderately challenging 5-day Himalayan camping trek, centered on the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is considered the home of so many exiled Tibetans. The state of Himachal Pradesh is India’s most northern and famous for some of the most beautiful handcrafts India has to offer.

  • Visit the Dalai Lama Monastery
  • Experience the wonderful calming nature of the Buddhist culture
  • Trek through the remote Bara Bhangal village – an experience back in time
  • Extend to visit Taj Mahal, Dehli, Shimla, Amistar, the Golden Triangle and so much more…

This Dalai Lama trek experience begins in Delhi. On arrival, we have 2 half-day drives north into the State of Himachal Pradesh (overnight hotel en route) before arriving at Bir. The Dalai Lama trek itself meanders its way through the Himalayan forested foot hills with spectacular views. With low sleeping altitudes, there are no altitude sickness-related issues (max trekking altitude is approx 3700m (~12,100 feet)). The whole areas is covered in forests, mainly pine, oak and rhododendron. In late spring, you can expect the flora to erupt with colour. Trekking through rural villages, it is a delight to see how these communities live.

Some time is spent exploring Dharamshala, so much to see from the Dalai Lama Monastery to the numerous traditional markets.

A domestic flight gets you back to Delhi for your flight home or you can pre-arrange some additional time in India. India extension ideas.

Dalai Lama trek

Itinerary

Dalai Lama Trek, Brief Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Delhi (morning), 250km drive (~ 4-5 hr drive) to overnight hotel stop
Day 2. Continue to drive to Bir (260km, ~ 6 hr drive). Settle in, orientation, introduction to the team
Day 3. Drive Bir – Barot (2 – 3 hrs), acclimatisation walk, overnight camp
Day 4. Barot – Luhardi – trek to Fungi Mata Temple
Day 5. Trek to Chherna Camp
Day 6. Trek to ‘Altitude point’ (3800m), and then to Kohar Camp
Day 7. Trek to Nalotha Village
Day 8. Trek to Rajgundha, vehicle pick up to Bir, overnight hotel
Day 9. Drive to Dharamshala (90 mins), explore the town, overnight hotel
Day 10. Domestic flight to Dehli, depart for the UK

Dalai Lama Trek, Full Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Delhi, 250km drive (~ 4-5 hrs) to overnight hotel stop (Chandigarh)
This half-day drive is to lessen the otherwise very long single-day drive to Bir. It is possible to arrive a day earlier and stay in Delhi overnight after the flight from the UK.

Day 2. Chandigarh – Bir (260 km, ~ 6 hr drive)
This drive is along the ‘grand trunk road’ entering the rising Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. We’ll check in to the hotel and meet the rest of the trekking team and also have a briefing if required on the next day’s activity. Depending on time, you may be invited to join your guide for a short acclimatisation walk around Bir, including some potential last-minute shopping!

The village of Bir is noted for its ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation. It is one of the world’s most well-known high-quality paragliding locations. Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa.

Day 3. Drive Bir – Barot (1800m) – Acclimatisation walk (2 – 3 hr drive)
A shortish drive to the village of Barot. You will camp here tonight ready for tomorrow’s trek. There is an acclimatisation walk to get your legs moving! BLD

Day 4. Barot – Luhardi – Fungi Mata Temple (2134m) (5 – 6 hrs trek)
Today’s trek is virtually all, some of it steep. It initially goes through a pine forest before opening out affording great views of the open valley behind you. This is a steady day, take your time. BLD

Day 5. Fungi Mata – Chherna camp (2800m)(6 hrs)
Our Dalai Lama trek route continues to climb, crossing a few ridges, and traversing all of the time. The terrain is similar, green meadows and pine with lots of flora on offer depending on the time of year. You may begin to feel the cool air once the sun goes down, at 2800m, it’s twice as high as anything in the UK. With no ambient light (except the campfire!), this is a good place to stargaze. BLD

Day 6. Chherna Camp – Altitude Point (3800m) – Kohar Camp (1850m) (7 – 8 hrs)
An excellent day’s trekking ahead, and one of two distinct halves. It’s a good 1000m ascent to the highest point on this trek (3800m, Altitude Point) having spent most of the morning trekking along a glorious ridgeline. Once you’re there, you’ll have lunch whilst enjoying the magnificent 360° view from the high Himalayas to the north to the Plains of the south.
The second half is very much descending, all the way down to 1850m. Many find the downhill worse than the ups! You’ll need the leg rest after today, and welcome the waiting tea and snacks as well as that comforting campfire at Kohar Camp. BLD

Day 7. Kohar Camp – Nalotha Village Camp (5 – 6 hrs)
A very different type of trek today, a lower altitude brings in the villages and paddy fields too. There will be any number of short stops to see the experience of the local culture; their dwellings, temples, and just how they live in what can be a challenging environment. BLD

Day 8. Nalotha Village Camp – Rajgundha (2440m) – Billing (2310m) – Bir (Trek and Driving time 7 hours)
A good final day’s trekking through a mix of forests, mountain streams, and paddy fields. The switch-back route gives you some great views up and down this valley. A vehicle will be waiting for you when you finish this Dalai Lama trek, and whisk you away to Bir, via Billing. You’ll check in to the hotel, time to rest, wash up and relax. BLD

Day 9. Bir – Dharamshala (drive 50 km, 90 mins)
Straight after breakfast, we depart for Dharamshala, the home of Dalai Lama and his famous monasteries. On route, we will stopover at Baijnath Shiva temple, Norbulinka Institute, and visit the in-house art and craftwork (all optional), followed by a Tibetan lunch. We continue to Dharamshala to check into the hotel. There is still plenty of time to explore Dharamshala, including the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj & the traditional markets. Later, we will celebrate a successful Dala Lama trek with an enjoyable dinner. BD

Day 10. Domestic flight to Delhi, depart for the UK
We will transfer to Gaggal airport (~40 min drive) for the domestic flight to Delhi (1-hr flight). You can then connect to your appropriate international flight to the UK. B

Extensions. From the end of Day 9, you are free to embark on any number of optional extensions. You can organise this yourself or we can assist you. Whatever you do, it should be pre-arranged as it may affect your transport arrangements back to Delhi.

Examples:

What the price includes

  • Pick up at Delhi airport on arrival*
  • All land transport necessary to complete the itinerary
  • Domestic flight Gaggal – Delhi (one-way)
  • 3/4 star hotel accommodation in Bir and Dharamshala, twin share, B&B + dinner basis
  • All camping equipment, including tents, sleeping bag,s and sleeping mat**
  • All meals on the trek
  • Full support team: cook, porters, horses
  • All camping fees
  • Services of an English speaking professional licensed guide (trained medic)
  • First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, Gamow bag

*This will be a coordinated pick-up. Any potential additional costs will be made clear when you book as it will depend on when you arrive.
**Sleeping bags are suitable for this terrain, and freshly laundered. Please pre-order if you wish to use one. Take your own liner, or if you prefer, your own sleeping bag.

What the price does not include

  • International flights
  • Tourist visa
  • Staff tips (advice can be given if required)
  • Personal spending
  • Personal travel insurance
Dharamshala, Dalai Lama trek

Dates & Prices

Group DatesLand Only Book
20 - 29 Apr 2025£1785
Book
4 - 13 May 2025£1785
Book
1 - 10 Jun 2025£1785
Book
15 - 24 Jun 2025£1785
Book
29 Jun - 8 Jul 2025£1785
Book
13 - 22 Jul 2025£1785
Book
21 - 30 Sep 2025£1785
Book
5 - 14 Oct 2025£1785
Book

Deposit – £250

Single Room Option – £190. This fee is for 4/5 nights in the hotel/guesthouse and a tent to yourself throughout the trek.

LAND ONLY

We do not offer or sell international flights. We can assist you with advice on the best, most reliable flights for this destination based on our extensive experience in such matters. Our services will commence when we collect you at the destination airport and finish when we drop you back there unless otherwise agreed.

✓ Choose your preferred airline, flight route, seat class, and departure timings/airport to suit you.
✓ Low airfares and deals – you choose when you book your flights.
✓ This trip is a ‘package’, and therefore the Package Travel Regulations 2018 apply.
✓ Financial protection (International Passenger Protection (IPP)) against our insolvency.

Paragliding

Tailor-Made

Our tailor-made prices start from the same as the group price

Three simple words that offer you total holiday flexibility – without any catch!

Start from scratch or combine:
You can build your trip, your way and choose where you want to go when you want to go, and what you want to do. And we love creating these unique adventures for you, at a price which will easily compete with group-based adventures – but you get exactly what you want!

Choose your own dates or alter one of our itineraries:
As most of our trips are guaranteed with just 2 people, absolutely fine. And you can choose whether to open this up as a group or keep it to yourselves.

Extend one of our group adventures:
No problem and no fees for doing so, as long as you let us know you are considering this when you book, even if you’re not definite or sure how long.

We will happily provide options and guaranteed costings to any tailor-made adventure before you make any commitment.

Relevant Information About This Trip

Altitude

Max trek altitude – 3800m.
Sleeping altitudes are lower and
therefore no issues are expected

ENDLESS EXTENSION OPTIONS

Don’t waste that visa.
There are so many possibilities
to extend from more time in
Delhi to visiting the Taj Mahal.
Ask for details.

MIN GROUP SIZE 2

Customise your dates
Min 2 people and you can go!
That’s overall group size, not per booking

Relevant Information
About This Trip

Altitude

Max trek altitude – 3800m.
Sleeping altitudes are lower and
therefore no issues are expected

ENDLESS EXTENSION OPTIONS

Don’t waste that visa.
There are so many possibilities
to extend from more time in
Delhi to visiting the Taj Mahal.
Ask for details.

MIN GROUP SIZE 2

Customise your dates
Min 2 people and you can go!
That’s overall group size, not per booking

India Notes

Essential Notes – essential reading on clothing and equipment such as waterproofs, boots, daysack, sleeping bags, travel insurance, travel health, and high altitude (opens new tab).

General Notes – covers generic information on our adventures (opens new tab).

Not many countries in the world offer the diversity of India, in so many ways. From touring to cycling to low-level trekking, motorbiking, tuk-tuks,  and climbing the 6000m peaks of the Himalayas; it’s all there.

Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh offer some of the best trekking in the world, with remote, low, and high altitude treks. The landscapes are beautiful. Combine anything in India with a short excursion to the unmissable Taj Mahal and possibly Jaipur too, all very close to Delhi.

India mountains

Passport  – To enter India, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least 2 blank pages.

You will require a visa to enter India. How to apply for a tourist visa for India. The evisa is the simplest and quickest method.

For the most up-to-date passport validity and visa requirements, please visit the FCDO Travel Advice India webpage.

International Flights. We do not include or sell international flights. We can assist you with advice on the best flights based on our extensive experience of such matters in order to get you to, and from your destination based on your own travel plans.

London not convenient? – Other regional airport options are possible. We appreciate the potential inconvenience of London if you live some distance away. Whilst using regional airports may cost more, and in this case may involve one stop, that cost may be offset by the cost and time of travelling to London.

Domestic/Internal India Flights. India is a vast country and some itineraries either require or offer domestic flights. Specific itineraries will tell you whether these internal flights are included or not.

Ladakh. The Delhi – Leh flight takes about 90 mins and usually departs early in the morning due to the prevailing winds in Ladakh (they get stronger during the day). These flights can be a bottleneck during the summer months so you are advised to book these as early as you can.

If trekking in India, you will need a daysack and a trek holdall. See our article on holdalls and luggage.

Daysack – Recommended capacity is 35 litres. The daysack stays with you all of the time when trekking and is likely to contain:

  • waterproofs, fleece, duvet jacket, hat/gloves
  • water, snacks
  • sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • personal hygiene (toilet tissue, hand sanitiser)
  • camera
  • personal first aid kit

Trek Holdall – A holdall is a soft-skinned bag that will carry the remainder of your clothing/equipment, wash kit and sleeping bag. The Porters/pack animals do not walk alongside you during the day therefore when planning your packing, bear in mind that once your bag leaves you in the morning, you may not see it again until you reach camp at the end of the day.

Travelling there – Depending on where you are travelling to (and therefore what’s going with you), and how you’re getting there (direct flight or transiting another airport), consider what luggage you use to get your belongings there. The airport baggage handling systems can be rough at times.

Storing Luggage in India – free and safe storage facilities are available in hotels so you can leave clothing behind whilst you trek.

If you are touring in India, and do not require a trek holdall, then take whatever luggage type suits you.

In general terms, unless stated otherwise, you will be met on arrival in India and transferred back to the departure airport at the end of the trip.

This will also apply when domestic flights form part of your itinerary.

The hotels we use in major cities such as Delhi will be of 4/5* standard depending on the location (city, town). The lower standard will only be used where we need to or there is no alternative. The average will be 4*.

Ladakh

In Leh, hotel/Guest houses are used and they will be of a good standard. The star ratings don’t really apply here as we would know them!

On trek, through the Markha Valley, we may use a combination of homestays and tents to provide a mixture of culture and comfort.

Single room option costs and conditions are stated on each trip webpage; they will vary. Please check if you are unsure. For example, it may be included for hotels but not on treks due to tent limitations.

Please refer to the itinerary for what meals are included.

Trekking, Ladakh – all meals are provided by the Camp Chef, whether you’re camping or using a homestay. This will include packed lunches. There are some small ‘parachute cafes’ along the route to buy snacks, but don’t rely on them.

Meals on all treks:

  • Breakfast – a simple meal consisting of eggs and toast or cereal or pancakes and a hot drink.
  • Lunches – packed, usually made at breakfast.
  • Snack – usually supplied on arrival at the night camp; tea/coffee and biscuits or similar.
  • Evening meal – 3 courses. Soup, main meal, and dessert.

Trekking, Himachal Pradesh – On the trek, a skilled camp chef will supply your meals. Don’t expect a lot of meat dishes to be available due to the problem of storage. Depending on the specific trek, any form of shops to buy additional snacks (such as energy bars) may not be available so you should be prepared to take your own.

Touring, or trips that include a significant No of hotel nights – as a minimum, breakfasts will be included and possibly evening meals too. Please check specific itineraries.

Water

You should only drink water that has been treated, ie bottled mineral water or water that has been treated (ie boiled).

On the trek, the water will be prepared for you (boiled).

When touring, you can buy as you go (it is inexpensive).

India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). You will not be able to obtain INR’s prior to arrival. We recommend that you work in INR’s in India. It is cheaper and the preferred currency, especially in the hills.

If you are trekking, we suggest that you take the majority of your money in cash as you will exchange the majority of it soon after you arrive in the country. Most treks depart the day after you arrive in-country (not in Ladakh) and once you leave for the trek, there are few if any opportunities to exchange.

ATM’s – If you prefer not to carry all of your money in cash en route to your destination, it is possible to withdraw money from ATM’s in cities, towns, and the airports. If you have more than one credit/debit card you can use, take it. It will provide flexibility should one not work for any reason.

Traveller’s cheques. While still valid, they are increasingly disappearing as a means of carrying funds. With the exception of major banks, you may find it very difficult to use them. The simple advice is to avoid them.

Exchange Shops – There is no shortage of money exchange shops on the city streets of India.

Spending money – This will depend hugely on what trip you are on and on your spending habits. Approximately £300 – £400 should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including meals not included in the itinerary. It is sometimes better to go with more and to bring it back than to find yourself short (if you work in cash).

Credit cards – We recommend that you carry a credit card with you at all times for emergency purposes (preferably a travel credit card.). They are acceptable in larger shops, restaurants, and hotels but maybe not in smaller shops in smaller villages.

Tipping – In India tipping is a way of saying ‘thank you’ for your services. Our advice is to budget approx £30 – £45 per trekker (local currency equivalent), placed into a ‘pot’ and split between the Guide and other support staff. It is better to nominate one person to give tips to individuals rather than to give it to the Guide to distribute; it is more personal that way.

Fitness is very subjective and India has a huge range of challenges.

It is not practical to offer specific training advice here due to the vast array of challenges and fitness levels of those reading this. Our simple rule of thumb for treks in India is that if you are able to trek for 5-6 hrs per day*, on two consecutive days, over undulating terrain carrying your daysack (fully loaded, around 6-7kg) then you should be perfectly capable of completing the vast majority of our treks in good order.

Apart from the physical element, trekking to high altitude will have an effect (often more than the physicality). Can you train for altitude?

You don’t need to be super fit but we recommend that you adopt a regular training regime in the lead-up to your trip as the fitter you are, the less fatigued you may be and therefore the more you will enjoy it. Treks here are all about slow burn endurance; nothing speedy! Train for what you are going to do – walk, and with a daysack on your back that weighs 6-7 kg. Gear it towards ascending.

It is equally important to train your body to walk with the clothing and equipment that you will be using on the trek.

For specific advice call Terry: 07725 943108

All of our treks in Ladakh, and most in Himachal Pradesh will ascend to high altitudes. You are strongly advised to read about what Acute Mountain Sickness is (AMS, aka altitude sickness), be aware of the effects, the symptoms, and what to do if you succumb. Please read our section on High Altitude in the Essential Notes section (opens another page).

If you would rather speak to us for advice, call Terry: 07725 943108

India is a warm/hot country and in general terms, that is what you will experience.

Tours and cycle trips can expect a warm/hot environment with air conditioning required in overnight hotels.

If you’re trekking, you can expect a moderately warm environment whilst the sun is up (approx 20 deg C) but as soon as it goes down, the temperature will drop quickly (down to single figures overnight and well below freezing at the higher altitudes). Shorts/trousers and a t-shirt will be the standard style of dress on a daily basis until you reach higher altitudes when something warmer will be needed. In the evenings you will require several layers of clothing.

As soon as you add higher altitudes (above 4000m), expect the temperatures to drop to below zero overnight.
If it rains, it will tend to pour down hard for a short period of time and then dry.

Weather forecast in Leh, Ladakh.

There is no guarantee of any specific weather pattern. Please take the appropriate clothing and equipment.

Advice for vaccines is constantly developing. Visit your GP and the following UK travel advice website for the most up-to-date advice (including malaria) and information on where you will be travelling to. Don’t forget to include ALL travel if it includes a wider itinerary.

Also see our ‘Travel Health’ section with the Essential Notes section (opens another page).

Depending on your trip, you are highly likely to be met at the airport.

Your Guide (english speaking) is likely to meet you at the hotel shortly after you arrive, providing any briefing you need and timings for the coming days. The more you engage with him, the more you’ll get out of him! The Guide will know where to get further support if required.

Other support on trek will consist of a Camp Chef and either porters or pack animal handlers, or both.

If you are cycling, you’ll also have a back up crew of a mechanic and driver.

For touring, it’s likely to be the Guide (who may be with you throughout your time in India) and a driver (you have numerous if your travel includes domestic flights and train travel).

Mobile Phones

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in India. Coverage on trek is varied due to the remoteness but the locals are equally reliant on mobile phone use and therefore will know where to get signals!

Local sims are cheap and easily obtainable.

Be very careful using mobile phones at high altitudes when the temperatures are very low overnight; they can freeze and destroy the phone!

Most hotels have free wifi.

Email

With a combination of some internet cafes in most cities and towns and the availability of wifi in cafes, fast food outlets, etc… the facilities are there to access email and other forms of data communication from mobile phones at no cost.

India has a 220v, 50 Hz supply. Normal 2-pin European continental adaptors will work. World Power Plug and Adaptors – check what works.

Extensions In India – infinite options

Taj Mahal, Dalai Lama extension

Agra – Taj Mahal and Red Fort

Experience the great Indian railways and connect down to Agra (driving is an alternative). Once in Agra, you can visit the Red Fort on the same day and the truly majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise (the following day).

After the Taj Mahal, you have time to travel back to Dehli to get your flight back to the UK, so this is just a 1-day extension.

Old Delhi

Delhi – 2 Nights

Cap off your trip with 2 additional nights (or 3 nights) in this bustling, and yet cosmopolitan city. Compare Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk) with the new modern Delhi. It’s a stark comparison and best done (in our view) from the seat of a tuk-tuk! Hire a driver who will only be too happy to whiz you around the city to show you the sites. It’s the quickest, most fun, and cheapest.

  • Combine 2 nights here with 1 night to see the Taj Mahal
  • Experience Chandri Chowk, India Gate, Red Fort, the markets

All of our holidays can be tailor-made for YOU and we make it simple. It’s so easy to do. 

ENQUIRE NOW

Charity Fundraising Options

This section shows the fundraising options for those choosing to raise funds for a charity. The details for this challenge are as described above (itinerary, etc…).

Call 01529 488159, 07725 943108, or use this form to discuss.

Cost: £1850

Min group size – 2.

Funding MethodRegistration FeeFinal Balance Fundraising Target
Self Fund £250£1600No formal target
Flexi Fund £250£400£2400
Min Sponsorship £250Paid by charity£3200
Single Room Option -£190. This fee is for 4/5 nights in the hotel/guesthouse and a tent to yourself throughout the trek.

Below is a comprehensive explanation of the fundraising options.

Under this option, you pay the entire cost of your trip yourself, directly to Travel and Trek on the dates stated.
It is usually paid in 2 phases:

  • Registration fee paid on booking.
  • The final balance paid 8 weeks prior to departure.

In addition, you then raise as much as you can for your chosen charity. Those donations go directly to the charity, usually through an online donation website. There is no formal fundraising target (unless imposed by the charity) and no agreements to sign.

Flexi funding is the middle ground between self fund and full sponsorship. As the name implies, it is designed to be flexible – YOU decide on the figures to suit YOU.

You pay the Registration fee + a final balance, both from your own funds, both to directly to Travel and Trek on the stated dates.

In addition, you commit to fundraising a specific amount (the fundraising target) by the final balance due date. From that fundraising, the remaining fees for your trip will be paid to us by the charity.

Here’s an example of how flexible it is meant to be.

Important point (the 50% rule) – industry guidelines maintain that you should not use more than 50% of what you raise in donations to pay for your trip. Methods of this nature are designed to raise funds for the charity and therefore they should retain at least 50% of what you raise. Often cited as ‘the 50% rule‘.

Let’s take a trip that costs £1000. Keeping the figures simple, say you pay a Registration fee of £100 and decide to pay a final balance of £100, it leaves £800 to pay. Based on the 50% rule above, the fundraising target would be £1600 (£800 pays for your trip, £800 is retained by the charity).

The more you pay from your own pocket, the less the fundraising target will be:

Reg fee £100 + final balance of £100 (total paid £200) = £800 left to pay = fundraising target of £1600
Reg fee £100 + final balance of £200 (total paid £300) = £700 left to pay = fundraising target of £1400
Reg fee £100 + final balance of £300 (total paid £400) = £600 left to pay = fundraising target of £1200, you get the idea…

You should ideally set the figures from the outset but there is some flexibility within that too.

You will be asked to complete a Pledge Form with the charity. It sets out the fundraising target + the dates by which amounts need to be raised. Completion of the Pledge Form is a requirement of this method and is effectively an ‘agreement’ between you and the charity in that you are ‘pledging’ to raise the stated amount in return for them paying those fees.

Your fundraising target must be met, and paid to the charity by the stated date. This enables them to pay the remaining balance for your trip.

If you find yourself unable to meet the fundraising target by the agreed date, communicate with us and/or the charity. Do this at the earliest opportunity so that we can assist you. There are options to help.

Under this option, you pay the Registration fee directly to Travel and Trek on booking.

In addition, you commit to fundraising a specific amount (the fundraising target) within a specific timescale, for the charity. From that sponsorship, the remaining fees for your trip will be paid to us by the charity.

You will be asked to complete a Pledge Form with the charity. It sets out the fundraising target + the dates by which amounts need to be raised. Completion of the Pledge Form is a requirement of this method and is effectively an ‘agreement’ between you and the charity in that you are ‘pledging’ to raise the stated amount in return for them paying those fees.

Your fundraising target(s) must be met, and paid to the charity by the stated date(s). This enables them to pay the fees for your trip on time.

If you find yourself unable to meet the fundraising target by the agreed date, communicate with us and/or the charity. Do this at the earliest opportunity so that we can assist you. There are options to help.

LAND ONLY

We do not offer or sell international flights. We can assist you with advice on the best, most reliable flights for this destination based on our extensive experience in such matters. Our services will commence when we collect you at the destination airport and finish when we drop you back there unless otherwise agreed.

✓ Choose your preferred airline, flight route, seat class, and departure timings/airport to suit you.
✓ Low airfares and deals – you choose when you book your flights.
✓ This trip is a ‘package’, and therefore the Package Travel Regulations 2018 apply.
✓ Financial protection (International Passenger Protection (IPP)) against our insolvency.

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