Here are a number of questions that we are frequently asked. If you don't find your answer (or question) you ar looking for, just contact us- we're here to help.
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. Arrival and Departure Transfers would be arranged.
No, our tours do not include domestic airfares. These would be charged according to the day the flight is booked.
GROUPS: Both Arrival and Departure Transfers are included on most Himalayan Challenges group tours.
INDIVIDUALS: Arrival Transfers are included on most Himalayan Challenges group tours. Please check details for arrival information, specific to your tour. You must provide us with your flight number, arrival date and arrival time. Departure transfers can be arranged at additional cost from the finishing point hotel/camp.
We use a variety of hotels and a complete list of hotels will be provided on day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of an emergency, please have them call: 0091-94599-15421 or 0091-98160-09591
The accommodation level for most Himalayan Challenges tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, lodges, or guest houses. You’ll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodations can vary from region to region so please consider that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country. Most trips include camping, permanent tented camps depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Again once you have booked you will receive a more detailed itinerary of accommodations, specific to your tour.
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting and ending hotels. Please contact our office for price information.
Most of our trips do not have a mandatory single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another Himalayan Challenges traveler of the same sex. Some independent extensions do require a single supplement.
All Himalayan Challenges group tours provide a single supplement option service called “My own Room”, allowing solo travelers the option to request their own private room while on tour. The cost details vary by trip.
We keep our group sizes small so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our guides. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. You can expect upto 16 travelers on a trip but the average is 10.
To travel independently you must be atleast 18 years of age. There are no age limits on our tours.
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on your itinerary when you book with us; however in most cases we use a mix of public and private transportation.
We strongly recommend bringing a soft medium size duffle bag, or ruck sack. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains, as well as up and down hotel staircases.
We always recommend packing as light as possible; however specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are travelling. A detailed list is available in our Travel Information Link. However, you will also be sent a more elaborate list on request if you need one.
Yes. Please let the Himalayan Challenges office know at the time of booking or indicate this in the comments box when making your online booking.
When your deposit is made, and we confirm your booking, it is non-refundable. If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CHARGE INCURRED |
|---|---|
| 2 months before departure | Loss of deposit |
| 29 days to 2 months before departure | departure 30% of total trip cost |
| 10 to 28 days before departure | 60% of total trip cost |
| Less than 10 days before departure | 100% of total trip cost |
Thus we highly recommend taking out an all-inclusive insurance policy, so you know your investment is secure. For further information on cancellations please read our Booking Conditions.
As a sustainable company, we try to limit the amount of paper that we consume; therefore all documents are electronically sent directly to your email account. Please get in touch with our office if this is not possible.
Yes, an email will automatically be sent to you, advising to go ahead and book your international airfare, as your tour is guaranteed to depart.
All documentation is sent electronically by email. Shortly after we receive your payment we will send you your initial documents including a confirmation invoice and detailed trip notes. Final documents including vouchers will be sent by email no later than weeks prior to the departure.
You must be covered by a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which covers you for all the activities you intend to undertake. It must also cover you for helicopter rescue and for repatriation coverage. You will be required to show the proof of your insurance before you start the tour. Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended because once confirmed, cancellation of any services can result in full loss of money paid.
Tips are not included in the tour prices and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our “Travel Information” page includes the suggested tipping amounts.
