Golden Triangle & Kashmir Horizons - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Please Note: Only 1 piece of luggage that weighs up to 15kgs will be permitted on our internal flights in India. For any extra weight the airline may charge an additional fee at the time of check-in.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  Inoculations may be required for India. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. The tour operator reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk.

• Are there any specific itinerary notes?

  Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 14, 2025 or March 4, 2026 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travelers.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a tour operator tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting small rural communities or visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites as this may restrict your entry. India is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential. NB: WE STRESS THAT IT CAN BE VERY COLD IN THE HILLS DURING THE MONTHS FROM DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY.

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. If you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  It is customary in India to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $4-5 USD per person per day. Also at the end of each trip, if you felt your tour operator CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $8-10 USD per person, per day can be used.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Delhi - Half Day Culinary Tour of Delhi; Jaipur - Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) (202INR per person), Jaipur Cooking Class with A Local Family, Movie at Raj Mandir (200-400INR per person), Jaipur Cycle Tour (35 per person), Jantar Mantar Visit (202INR per person), Jaipur Balloon Ride; Srinagar - Dachigam National Park.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include walking Delhi’s historic streets, marveling at the Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s palaces, drifting on Dal Lake aboard a traditional houseboat, hiking the Lidder Valley in Pahalgam, crossing high passes to reach Lamayuru and exploring ancient monasteries, sleeping under the stars at Dhula village camp and connecting with local communities, and taking in sweeping Himalayan views on scenic drives through Ladakh.

• What types of transportation will be used on this trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicle, plane, boat, jeep, and walking. TRAIN: The tour operator uses a combination of AC 2 tier, AC 3 tier and sleeper class for overnight journeys, and AC Chair car or second class seats for day journeys. Expect delays, especially in winter. ROAD: Travel by road can be challenging due to varying road conditions and driving styles in India and Nepal.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect a variety of simple hotels/guest houses (twin-share) for 12 nights, a camp site for 1 night, and a house boat for 1 night. These accommodations may vary in terms of service, efficiency, and cleanliness compared to Western standards. Power cuts can be regular, and it's recommended to lock your room door.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 dinner.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. The exploitation of prostitutes is also completely contrary to our philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

• What is included in the tour?

  Included are: Women With Wheels Transfer (Indira Gandhi International Airport), City Walk (Delhi), Anoothi Block Printing Experience (Jaipur), Meet Your CEO and Group Welcome Moment, Overnight at the Lamayuru Monastery. Guided Old & New Delhi tours including Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Agra Fort and I’timad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) visit. Jaipur sightseeing including Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Block printing workshop in Jaipur. Domestic flight from Delhi to Srinagar. Panoramic walk to Shankaracharya Hill. Guided visit to Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens (Nishat, Shalimar, Chashm-e-Shahi). Houseboat stay & shikara ride on Dal Lake. Guided Lidder Valley trek. Short guided hike in Sonmarg + Jeep ride to Zero Point. Scenic drive through Zozila Pass & Kargil. Visit to Drass War Memorial, Mulbekh Monastery, and Kargil Gompa. Evening walk through Lamayuru’s moonlike landscapes. Leh town orientation tour. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the tour operator Local Representative (if one is listed) or our local office. If you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information. Emergency contact numbers for the tour operator South Asia Manager and global Sales teams are provided in your pre-departure information.

• What general safety and security measures should I be aware of on my trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing luggage. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety concerns and will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities. While cities are generally safe during the day, consider staying in groups and taking taxis at night. Avoid protests and demonstrations. Participate in water-based activities only with a guide.

• What is Planeterra and how does the tour operator support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses that support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides in specific locations.

• What should I know about the general travel experience in India?

  In India, English is widely spoken and transportation and infrastructure are good, but please remember that this is India—expect the unexpected! If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour, and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience will be greatly enhanced.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize there are specific concerns. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to use tools like Equaldex to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often, you can refer to www.xe.com for daily rates. As of May 2023, the exchange rate for INDIA was 1 USD = 81.76 INR (Indian Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.