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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you require permits?
Yes you do require permits and visas for a number of areas.
Ladakh: Indian visitors don't require permit for Leh; however, all foreigners are required to be registered at Drass, Rumtse and Sarchu if they are traveling by road. Those traveling by air get themselves registered at the airport. All visitors (Indians and foreigners) need a permit for travel in restricted areas like Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Pangong Lakes, Dhahanu and Nubra Valley. We obtain these for you.
Sikkim: Indians require Inner Line permit for the Chungthang, Lachung, Yumthang Valley, Yumesamdong, Lachen, Thangu, Chopta, Gurudongmar Lake, Tsongo Lake, Nathula Pass, Kupup and Menmecho Lake.
Foreigners: In addition to an Indian visa,
foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa. Foreigners are issued a permit for initial period of 15 days duration on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of Passport and Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available then and there. It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The extension of permits can be obtained from Foreigners Registration Office, Gangtok and Superintendent of Police of North, South and West Districts.
For those interested in going for trekking in the interior regions of the state require a Restricted Area Permit OR Protected Area Permit which is obtainable in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism which is available for certain specified area for groups consisting of 4 or more foreigners subject to the condition that the trekking program is arranged through a registered travel agency.
Bhutan:
All travelers to Bhutan must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. All visitors to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom. Those who have not had a visa approved will not be permitted to board their Druk Air flight to Bhutan. A two-week visa costs US$20 and is stamped in your passport at Paro Airport during the immigration process. All Visa applications must reach Bhutan at least 14 days prior to the tourist's intended arrival date. Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with the prepayment of your travel itinerary. Therefore visitors to Bhutan need to finalize their travel plans well in advance.
We will need all of the following details for visa:
Your full name (EXACTLY as it appears in your passport), Permanent address, Occupation, Nationality, Passport number, Date of issue and expiration of passport, Date and place of birth.
Tibet (Entry through Nepal):
All visitors require a visa which we procure for you.
Nepal: Indians do not need a visa for Nepal but must carry an ID like voter’s card or passport
Foreigners need a valid visa.
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What kind of warm clothing is required?
4-900 Ft.: Summers (May- September): The days are warm and one can get by in a T-shirt or light jacket. Early mornings and evenings being colder, light woolens from May to August are recommended. Winters (November- March): Please carry heavy woolens.
Over 9000 Ft.: Need to carry heavy woolens almost everywhere across Himalayas
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What is the condition of the roads?
Uttaranchal roads (specially Kumaon) are in good condition. The roads leading to Ladakh are a little rough and travelling in a qualis/ Scorpio is recommended. Travel to Tibet is a little rough. Road conditions in Sikkim and Bhutan are also good. For greater driving pleasure, vehicles with higher clearance should be preferred.
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What is the source of water?
Water available in most retreats/ hotels is filtered water. For people with more sensitive systems, it may be a good idea to use bottled water.
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What about high altitude travel?
Acute mountain sickness can occur to any one at an altitude above 10,000 ft. from the sea level. The most common symptoms of acute mountain sickness are headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, breathlessness, lassitude and lack of concentration. Since Leh Town is situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft. above sea level. It is advisable to take the following precautions, so as to acclimatize your body properly. If you are flying into high altitude region like Leh, take complete rest for the first 36 hours of your arrival at Leh. However, this period may vary with different people. Your body should get used to the lower oxygen levels. In case you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please consult a Doctor.
The best cure for altitude sickness is moving to a lower
altitude region.
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Is insurance needed?
You can buy insurance through the standard insurance companies. Please ensure that it includes air evacuation.
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What is the local currency?
Bhutan: Bhutanese currency is the ngultrum (Nu). The approximate exchange rate is Nu.45.00nu for one US dollar. The ngultrum is on par with the Indian Rupee (both the Nu and Indian Rupee can be used in Bhutan.
Nepal: Nepalese Rupiah (NPR) is the local currency. 1 INR is equivalent to 1.6 NPR.
Tibet: Yuan (CNY) 1 US dollar is equivalent to 8 CNY and 1 CNY is equivalent to 6 INR approximately.
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Is payment by credit card and traveler’s cheque acceptable?
All big hotels and shops in major cities accept credit cards but while travelling in the Himalayas, it is a good idea to depend on cash at most places. Don't plan to use your credit card in Bhutan and there are no ATMs in Bhutan.
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