Question 1

Do I need previous trekking experience to book a trek?

Accepted Answer

Not always. We run beginner-friendly options and will recommend a route based on your fitness level. Our multi-day treks, like the 7-day Sandakphu–Phalut traverse, are moderate: you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking on uneven mountain trails for around 5–8 hours on most days.

Question 2

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

For moderate treks such as Sandakphu–Phalut, expect around 5–8 hours of walking on most days over uneven trails, with a high point of 3,636 m at Sandakphu. Regular walking, stair climbing or light cardio for a few weeks beforehand makes a big difference. The booking form asks about your fitness level so our guides can prepare for your group.

Question 3

Can I customise my itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can request custom dates, route adjustments and private group planning. Share your travel style, budget and dates and we'll put together a personalised itinerary with local experts.

Question 4

When is the best time to visit?

Accepted Answer

Spring (March to May) brings clear skies, blooming rhododendrons and pleasant days. Autumn (September to November) is known for stable weather and crisp mountain visibility. Monsoon months can mean slippery trails and low visibility, and winter treks are beautiful but need proper cold-weather preparation.

Question 5

How do I reach the starting point?

Accepted Answer

The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Shared jeeps and private cabs run from Siliguri, Bagdogra and NJP. For the Sandakphu–Phalut trek the group reports at 7:00 AM in Siliguri and leaves at 7:15 AM sharp on Day 1, so we recommend arriving in Siliguri or Darjeeling the day before.

Question 6

What permits and documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

Carry a valid government photo ID for each trekker, plus passport and visa details for foreign nationals. Our team coordinates forest and route permits for treks like Sandakphu–Phalut, and sharing traveller details at least 48 hours before departure helps us process them faster. Keep originals with you on the trek, with printed and digital copies as backup.

Question 7

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Pack layers: moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, a waterproof shell and quick-dry trek pants, plus grippy trekking shoes, extra socks, gloves and a cap. Add a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit. Suitcases and trolleys can't be carried on the trail.

Question 8

How do I book, and which payment methods can I use?

Accepted Answer

Pick a trek and departure date, add your traveller and emergency contact details, accept the terms and pay online through our secure PayU checkout using UPI, cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay) or net banking. You'll see a booking reference as soon as payment is confirmed, and we email you a confirmation. Our team then follows up with full trip details.

Question 9

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

For the Sandakphu–Phalut trek: cancel 30+ days before departure for an 80% refund, 15–29 days for a 50% refund, and less than 15 days or a no-show gets no refund, in each case after applicable non-refundable charges. Date changes may be possible subject to availability. Refund terms can differ by trip, so please check the full policy before you book.

Question 10

Can I book for a group?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can book for your whole group in one booking and add each participant's details during checkout. We keep departures small, with a maximum of 10 people on the Sandakphu–Phalut trek (8–10 is ideal), so the experience stays personal.

Question 11

What if my payment fails or money is deducted?

Accepted Answer

If money is deducted but your booking isn't confirmed, it is refunded automatically within a few days. If you don't see the refund, contact us with your transaction ID and we'll look into it right away.

Question 12

What food and accommodation are included?

Accepted Answer

On the Sandakphu–Phalut trek you stay six nights in simple, clean, locally run mountain accommodation; it isn't luxury. Meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7, along with tea and snacks as operationally planned. Meals during the pickup and drop-off journeys aren't included.

Question 13

What is not included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Travel to and from Siliguri, personal NJP/Bagdogra transfers, personal trekking gear and clothing, personal medication, travel or trek insurance, evacuation costs, porter/offloading, alcohol and personal expenses. Anything not listed under the inclusions isn't covered either.

Question 14

Can someone carry my backpack?

Accepted Answer

On the Sandakphu–Phalut trek you can add the optional offloading service, which carries your backpack from Rimbick to Rammam. It's charged per backpack (the current price is shown when you book), with a recommended weight limit of 10–12 kg. It's subject to advance booking and availability, and suitcases or trolleys aren't allowed.

Question 15

Who leads the treks?

Accepted Answer

Every trek is led by a local trekking guide, with an assistant guide where required. Our team also handles route and permit coordination, basic first-aid support, emergency coordination and village logistics, so you can focus on the walk.

Question 16

What happens in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Safety comes first. Route, timing or activity plans may be adjusted based on local conditions, and clear Himalayan views can't be guaranteed. If we have to cancel or alter a departure because of a closure, severe weather, unsafe trail conditions or a local emergency, we'll offer an alternative departure or a refund after genuinely non-refundable third-party costs.

Question 17

Is travel insurance required?

Accepted Answer

Travel or trek insurance isn't included in the price, and neither are evacuation costs. We strongly recommend insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation before you travel.

Question 18

How high does the trek go, and what about altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

The Sandakphu–Phalut trek reaches 3,636 m at Sandakphu. The booking form asks about past altitude sickness and medical conditions so your guides can plan for your group. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and tell your guide straight away if you feel a headache, nausea or dizziness.

Question 19

Is it safe for solo travellers and women travelling alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, solo travellers, including women travelling alone, are welcome. Groups are small and led by local guides, we collect an emergency contact for every traveller before the trek, and our team coordinates support on the ground if anything comes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning & Travel

Booking & Payments

On the Trek

Safety & Weather

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