- What should I pack? Once you have confirmed your booking, we will send out a detailed pre-departure information pack covering all sorts of practical information which includes a suggested packing list.
- What immunisations/ specific medicines should I bring? We strongly recommend that you visit your local doctor or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to current medical advice, however, it is important to note that Ladakh is a high altitude area and acetazolamide (commonly known as 'Diamox') should be considered to assist with any acclimatisation symptoms.
- Do I need to get a visa for my trip? A VISA is required for all foreigners travelling in India. It is best to get visas sorted out as far in advance as possible – the processing time in some cases can be quite long. More information can be found here: http://www.vfs-in-au.net/tourist.html
- How far in advance do I need to book? We do our best to plan everything for you as quickly as possible, but be aware that the tourist season in Ladakh is limited and accommodation/ transport provision does fill up. We suggest that you let us know as far in advance of your booking so we can be sure that your trip runs smoothly.
- When is the final payment due? We request 50% advance payment in order to secure all the bookings. The balance payment for you package will be due on or before the day you arrive to Leh. Last minute bookings require payment up front before confirmation.
- Does Ladakh Travel Co. assist with flight bookings? Yes! We can offer discount domestic flights for groups of seven or more passengers and we can also put you in touch with a great agent to help with your international bookings.
- Does Ladakh Travel Co. reward loyalty? Of course! Repeat customers for Ladakh Travel Co. receive a 10% discount on their bookings and for those who just want to refer their friends, the friends will receive a 5% discount on their total booking fee.
- How do I get to the start of the tour? Our service manages your entire holiday from the moment you arrive in Delhi. We arrange airport transfers, hotel accommodation and sightseeing in Delhi before your adventure begins.
- How much luggage can I take? As a general rule, we suggest you pack light but bring all the essentials. Leave some space in your luggage – you’ll no doubt want to bring home some souvenirs from the places we visit and be aware, the domestic flights between Leh and Delhi usually only allow up to 15kg per person for check-in luggage. Avoid extra fees by sticking to this amount.
- Can you arrange trips to other parts of India? Of course! As a general rule, we only offer tours to places we have personally visited whereby we can vouch for the vendors and service first hand... but we have traveled (and continue to travel!) a lot and we have established reputable partners in many other states of India whom we feel confidant can deliver the same kind of service that we would expect in out home state. Contact our staff to see what we can arrange.
- How fit or what age do I need to be? Ladakh is a remote area and medical facilities are limited and not always up to western standards. Our cultural, spiritual and custom-made tours can be designed to suit most ages and levels of basic fitness but it is important to consider that there will be bumpy roads, dust, delays and unfamiliar customs which could all create additional demands. Also important to note is that sometimes you may have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that extra pair of shoes!
- Are the adventure based tours difficult? On all holidays some kind of physical preparation is useful and a flexible open-minded approach is essential. A higher level of fitness is required for adventure tours because exercising at high altitude is always more difficult than back home. If you're unsure about the fitness levels of your group, feel free to contact us and we can advise on what would be best for you.
- Are there any long travelling days? Travelling by land between different parts of a country or region is sometimes a highlight of a trip, with interesting communities and spectacular landscapes encountered en route. There are some days where we travel long distances, our trips are organised to make travelling as convenient and efficient as possible.
- Will I be able to do any laundry? Yes. A laundry service is offered at most of the accommodation we use so there will always be a laundry service nearby.
- How can I be contacted whilst travelling? Internet cafés and wifi in the hotels are common in Leh although they are somewhat unreliable due to frequent power cuts. Please be aware that there will be times during your tour when you will not have access to email or phone and advise any relevant personnel back home. Note: It is almost impossible for foreigners to get a SIM card in Ladakh, and therefore we suggest you rely on things like Skype, Whatsapp, Viber, WeChat, Line or giving your friends/ family the contact numbers of Lynne or Sandup for any emergency contact.
- I’m a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, is that a problem? No problem at all! India caters for vegetarianism better than many countries in the world... the only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform your local guide.
- What is the best way to take money with me? A combination of cash (which can easily be exchanged), an ATM card and perhaps a credit card (as back-up) is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however they are difficult to exchange in remote areas. Remember to check in with your bank before using your cards overseas as it's always better to be safe than sorry!
- Do I need to tip the local guide/driver? Your escorts work hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your leaders for his or her service, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour. Tipping is usually around $1 USDper person, per day.
- Can I bring gifts for people? If you want to give things to local people we suggest bringing things that are useful like clothing, blankets, pens or school books (not lollies). The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.