Before you start the trek you will visit essential part of Ladakh and heart of Zanskar by road which once was accessible only for the trekkers and will help you to 

Acclimatize.  In spite of well acclimatization, this trek remain difficult due to its high elevation and steep pass to cross. There will be chilled mountain river to cross, we advise to take sneakers to cross and to take the walking stick.

A part of trek will lead in valley of Zanskar and the second part is completely alpine zone with pasture land. The highest point of trek is 5450m, and by road is 5332m.

Accommodation is based on 3-star category in cities of Delhi- A class in Leh (equivalent to 3*). Neat and clean local standards of hotels in Kargil and Manali, Two men spacious tents while trekking, 

Indian and partly Tibetan (Ladakhi) vegetarian meals is served, non veg. is subject to availability in rural. Indian recipes are bit on spicy side, breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel, during the trek our professional cook will prepare the non- spicy meals which tourist (Western or Asian) adopt easily. 

 Please understand that during the trek lunch is packed, but while driving local you will have opportunity to savor the local recipes at road side restaurant. Which are simple but provide the fresh meals.

When meals are not included, on average, a mid-range meal will cost you between 8 to12 USD (and Euros) in a mid-range restaurant. We strongly advise you to avoid the deep-fried street food, even if these dishes may appear appetizing. Already peeled fruits should avoid as well.

2-1: Water: 

Bottle water in city and in restaurants will be at your charge, while trekking our team will provide boil cold water, it’s not enough for the day hence you will take from the spring or streams and has to purify by your own.  For example by “chlorine tablets” (pastilles Micropur)

Exchange rate is vary from time to time; you need to verify the latest.

Facilities to get cash exchange is available on arrival at airport in Delhi, Leh, Manali and in some hotels, private money exchanger in town are available as well. You can withdraw from the ATM as well. There are certain shop where you can pay by credit card those wish to buy the souvenir.

Vehicle will be deputed as per the group size to the number of persons in group. Type of vehicle will be Scorpio, Zylo, Innova or minibus for the group. All vehicle will be air-conditioned, except in hilly area air-condition of any vehicle cannot be regularly used due to steep uphill drive, so you have to co-operate with. 

4-1: Baggage weight in local flight: You will take local flight between Delhi to Leh. Baggage weight is authorized 15 kgs. On check in bags and 7 kg. in cabin (can be change without prior information’s) Exceeding the authorized weight will cost 300 to 500 rs per kilo and has to be paid by clients directly. Those who refuse to pay the excess baggage will be not allow to check in or in case he or she insist and got the boarding pass, will have lot of issue in security check as there can be unauthorized items, even complete the security check but will definitely not allow to board the flight or will be de-board the flight.
All extra cost occurred due to such mess will be on client charge, also he she will be responsible to disturb the holiday schedule of the whole group and all the cost of the tours / trek will be borne by him / her only. Himalayan Frontiers will be not have any responsibilities and control and right to argue on the airline policies. 

4-2: Road:

 Road around Leh, when descending from Leh toward starting point of the trek at Padum and from the end of the trek to Delhi is in good condition, except some portions are being widen or may found damaged by seasonal monsoon.

Most of the road journey take place in high altitude desert area but in exceptional case unusual rain may knock the door or high melting rates of glacier which can overflow the local rivulets and can cause the damage of road.

 You can be blocked for hours, you may miss the places expected to visit or will visit the unexpected places, to regulate the situation the team at the spot will do the best possible at the moment. Road in India are being widen at so many states, So please don’t compare the driving time as estimated in cities or in developed nation.  

4-3:  Another important factor:  

Is  that you will be travelling and trekking in the mountainous regions, most of the mountain streams are glacier linked, due to the high melting rate of glacier can raise the water level and even in sunny day road can be damaged or bridge can be washed away.  Occasional rain can be the cause of damaging the road or destabilize the scheduled itinerary.

Due to wide range of temperature and climate conditions, it is advisable to bring appropriate clothing. For protection against cold a layered clothing is better than a few thick ones, so choose your cloths accordingly. Cloths should be preferable be made from natural materials which allow the body to breath better. You will be offending people if you walk around in skimpy or tight fitting clothes. Although there are normally opportunities to wear shorts, it is strictly forbidden to be with short in any religious places as monasteries and temples. We would advise women to wear shirts or loose trousers, men should not wear singlet. Make sure that your clothing should be packed in poly bag inside the back pack / duffle bag etc.

6-1: Sleeping Bags:
For this trek you required a warm and comfortable sleeping bag (- 10  to  - 15 ° C.) should be brought matching to your size at your convenience, You can consult us in this regards before departure

During this trip you will be visiting highly revered Buddhist monasteries, where in morning and evening daily ritual is practiced. if you will have occasion to participate such events, you are requested to be silent, respect the rule and regulations and  subject to the permission granted by monks you can join them silently when chanting the mantras in full devotion and in deep emotion.

There will be not any foreign mobile telephonic connectivity in Indian Himalaya. Only local sim works in Ladakh- Zanskar.  You can use your whatsApp where Wi-fi facilities are available. In city of Manali and Delhi you can have roaming facilities if you activate your sim in advance. 

Mobile satellite phones are strictly forbidden in Ladakh due to security reasons. Ladakh is one of the most militarized regions in India due to its geographical proximity with China and Pakistan. If you own a mobile satellite phone, you must keep it at home, don’t bring it with you to Ladakh.  If found guilty can be lead to the jurisdiction process or deported or imprisonment. 

You will be accompany by a professional English- Hindi speaking or language guide (subject to availability on additional cost) who be assisted by local escort. Drivers and guide will be there to taking care of you while travelling. 

During the trekking, trekking crew with guide, cook, assistant cook and pony man will be there to serve you at their best. They are chosen for their experience of mountains, knowledge of the outdoors, local culture and ability to communicate with foreign clients. 

Generally, vary to different season, when enter in Ladakh - Zanskar which remain almost rain free part of India due to its arid climate, how ever since few years Ladakh has noticed the rain due to climatic change. 

Lahoul is semi desert area may face partly monsoon rain during the months of July – Aug. it may appear earlier and can last till end of Sep.

Summer from Mai to August minimum can be recorded10 to 15°C and maximum can raise till is 30°C -35°C due to its high-altitude deserted terrain.

In Sep. Temperature descend few degrees compare to summer and occasionally in higher regions of Ladakh you can notice the fresh snow.

Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable, as more you are prepared the more you enjoy the trips. For such trekking trips required good physic. 

As we gain altitude slowly, so we get acclimatize naturally. And for the vast majority the slow ascent to height will produce minimum effects. The most important attribute for any adventure travel trip is positive attitude.

Many metropolitan cities is India are not that much conservative, but still in certain part of cities and in rural it is better to dress conservatively, One should not try to attract attention towards themselves due to their dressing style, while entering to religious site one should take off shoes, don’t dress short and half sleeves and are required to cover the head. Mobile is required to be in silent mode, hugging and kissing will shock the people hence restricted in public, To be respected, respect always local people and their culture.

Best method to get better acclimatization to climb higher and sleep lower, Avoid rapid ascend and walk slowly. 

Don’t drink alcohol, don’t take sleeping pills and avoid smoking. 

Drink at least 3-4 litters of liquid a day. 

Don’t exhaust by carrying heavy packs, Back pack should be 10-12 kg for normal trekkers.  Respect the daily ascend of 300m-500 mtrs a over 3000m. If you have minor symptoms, better to not proceed higher. And should take aspirin tablets. But If the symptoms start worsening than prepare the immediate descend. One should keep in mind that the member should be not left behind unattended.

Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your adventurous and culture holidays, which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip.

It is strongly advise that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges: 

This trek take place in higher regions varies from 3500 mtrs.to 5450m. Route is mostly moderate and strenuous, when ascending the passes more physical efforts is required due to uphill climb and altitude gaining.

Although trekkers require good physical fitness preparation and previous experience of higher altitude trek above 4000m. We also strongly recommend you to consult your personal doctor before booking this trek to avoid any circumstances due to any hidden ailment.

Itinerary / hotels are sub to change in case of strike, civil war threaten, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed.

In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience and co-operate with the situation, while travelling to rural and isolated area replacing vehicle can take time due to lack of communication or distance to pass the message with the other vehicle those who are driving toward the nearest town or the place from where one can have telephone facilities. Or from where one can be connected by Mobile phone. Also you can be transferred by the other type of vehicle whatever is available at the moment as of local bus till you will be not having the proper mode of transport.

16-1:  Mules:  Ponies of Mules are the major part of the trek, once reached at the camp site, they are left for grazing till next morning in nearest pasture, sometime close to the camp and can be very far, all depend on the availabilities of graze at each destination. During that period, they can be scared by predators (Snow wolf / Snow leopard) and can ran away miles and miles which can take lot of time to trace them. You may lose few hours, day or more or may obliged to change the itinerary if failed to trace them. Such incident happens rarely but one should be aware about such uncertainty. If we came be face such circumstances, we have no other choice left than accept rather than arguing. However, pony men and the team will do best to find the solution keeping in mind the present situation. They will collectively find the best solution and everyone has to abide by this even has to change the itinerary, there is possibility to change the trek to the over land trip by respecting the budget paid for the initial trip. Any extra expenses appear has to borne by the clients and to be paid on the spot to the local service provider who gave hand in such critical situation. No compensation, no refund will be made as such incident remain out of control to anyone.

The Company cannot be made liable for the consequences of weather condition, flight or train cancellations, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, and political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance. The company reserves the right to use alternate transport, or vary the itinerary if breakdown, sickness or any other force major. Any additional that result, such as extra hotel accommodation, flight or road transport will be on your charge and must be paid directly at the spot. 

Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your adventurous holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip.

It is strongly advised that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges: 

When visiting the public or religious sites, please ensure that you will respect local rules, customs, and cultural norms. Avoid causing offense to the local population by entering temples or sacred places with shoes, dressing tight-fitting or overly revealing attire. If you expect to be respected one has to give first than expecting

The Himalayas have a very fragile environment and it is our special concern and Endeavour to protect and preserve the existing ecology. We are also sensitive to local cultures and traditions and make special efforts to sensitize all our clients on this matter.

Take a spacious day bag having capacity to pack the things for day use as of water bottles, camera, sun cream or medicine pack those needed etc.

20-1: Travel bag:
Take a flexible travel bag type of duffle bag. You will pack this bag with the things you don’t need during the day. While traveling the baggage will be loaded on the roof or in the back of the vehicles, hence the day use essential should be packed in day sac or day bag. 

20-2: Transport of the luggage: 

While travelling your bags will be on the roof or on the back of the vehicle. While trekking your main bag will be transported by Mule or horses, All you need to carry is your day pack which contain your items of day use with pack lunch, water bottle , camera  etc. and some additional items if need to carry in case of bad weather. We remind your attention that your main bag should not exceed 15 kg and all your belonging should be well packed in plastic bag to avoid getting wet or avoid dust to entering in the bag if not closed properly.

 Think of to bring rough and tough bag to avoid tearing and scratching in rock while passing by narrow path and when crossing the caravan from opposite side. To calm the damage of the bag weather it happen in vehicle or with horse / mule, we advise you to take the appropriate insurance whereas pony man (men) and company will be not liable for such unpredictable loss.

Preparation of relief of sun burn, Lip salve, Anti septic cream, Antihistamine cream (for relief of insect bites), Anti diarrhea (flagyl or any other), Anti headach (diamox, aspirin, paracitamol, zimalgin), Anti vomiting (avomin), For stomachach (baralgan,trigan or other diagnose) Dettol, washproof dettol plaster, Bandage and cotton, Balm, Anti cramp spray, Pills to purify the water, Scissor and knife are must in the medical kit. 

According to your physical condition you are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit. Apart from that HIMALAYAN FRONTIERS also provides an additional medical kit including oxygen cylinder and Diamox with each group. Special precaution is taken to pack some medicine to deal with Prevention from Altitude sickness.  

21-1: Personal medical kit:

 You are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit according to your physical condition before departure from your country. For trips in mountains HIMALAYAN FRONTIER also provides an additional medical kit with oxygen cylinder with each group where seems deem necessary.

India is ranked in zone 2 on the risks scale (maximum of 3) above all during the Monsoon (from June to September). To travel in zone 2 requests an anti-paludal treatment, which will be a part of the topics to consult with your doctor before your departure.  Kindly take into account that all the mosquitos are not vectors and sting only during the night, and think to bring a mosquito repellent.  

23-1: Vaccination:

No vaccine is mandatory. However, you have to be up-to-date for classical vaccines. The typhoid, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are strongly advised. Hepatitis A passes on water and hepatitis B transmits by sexual relations or saliva.

Vaccine against Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you travel in rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.  

Vaccine against yellow fever in only obligatory if you have travelled before in some countries of Africa and South America. 

If a trip is cancelled due to adverse weather, illness, an accident, a death, a natural disaster, or the political unrest, no refunds will be made, however we will take all necessary steps to modify the itinerary; Any additional expenses arise cause of this process, we may—if necessary—ask clients (partners) to contribute to the additional expenses occurred due to such unforeseen circumstances.  Nevertheless, we will bear any minor cost differences without bothering the customers. For more details, please consult the General Terms and Conditions on the website.

24-1: Refund policies: Those who cancel their trip, following the terms and conditions norms as per the time period we will refund the advance or full payment made to book the trip by deducting the applicable taxes as of GST, bank charges, file charges and other applicable taxes and charges. For foreign client’s differences of currency buying has to be borne as per the present exchange rates.

24-2: For foreign nation participants additional charges will be add on to buy the foreign currency, (hence buying the currency charges has to be borne by clients) bank transfer (wire transfer) charges and other administrative paperwork to be completed which is quite long exhausted process, we request you to understand and co-operate with. We will do our best possible to deal such cases respecting the present circumstances.

This is mandatory for all clients travelling on any tour/ trek / expedition or independent itinerary arranged by us. You are responsible for obtaining adequate insurance covering expenses of unexpected / unforeseen circumstances as mentioned in liability paragraph, such loss or damage of baggage, medical expenses, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance, helicopter (air or ground) rescue, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment of the itinerary.

An Individuals occupying a Dble (Twin) room for single occupancy will be automatically charged additionally as single room surcharge. This applies to groups with an odd number of participants (e.g., 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, etc.)

The custom of giving "small" tips to hotel porters is almost universal. Be sure to have some small change on hand: 50 INR per room for this service, 25 INR for solo travelers, and 100 to 200 INR per meal for restaurant waiters, depending on the size of the group. Tipping your tour drivers and guides is a different matter entirely and may be done in your national currency. The amount varies depending on the size of the group. It is nothing but is gesture of gratitude to your service

Use of any general satellite phones (Thuraya / Irridium or any others) is strictly prohibited / forbidden in India for the security reason, and also you will travelling close to Indo- Tibet border of Ladakh.  It is officially illegal and is an offence. 

Second:  Some new devices of mobile phone such as I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite like (type of Garmin in Reach) when you are out of reach to the  cell tower or line ,off sight radio communication. Such mobile phone /  I phone  which has facilities of auto connectivity to GPS  through satellite, we request to deactivate such services from your devices before leaving your home country and do not activate  it till you reach back home. 

Any individual found to be in possession of an unauthorized satellite phone in India or found using such services  which are forbidden by law, he / she will be liable to prosecute or can be imprisoned without any bail by Indian law and enforcement agencies.

We, The Himalayan Frontiers as your DMC will have no role and no right to intervene between the persons found guilty and the competitive authority. Matter will be directly under the supervision of the competitive authority of India.. 

Throughout the trip electricity will be available at every town / places but power cut can be noticed which is refilled by generators. You may need to recharge your mobile battery during the day as in vehicle there are limited distributors,  to facilitate the recharging the battery we recommend you to bring a high-capacity portable power bank to charge your mobile phones or camera battery if it happen to face such situation.

The voltage is 220V, and the outlets are almost the same as in Europe. In some locations, the power outlets feature wide sockets, so we advise you to bring an adapter.

Before any administrative procedures, please check that your passport is valid for more than 6 months after the date of return, be sure it has minimum 3 blank pages left in good condition.

To visit India you need Indian visa, E visa or ETV Visa is applied online and is more convenient and faster to obtain than classical visa, for classic visa you need to take appointment at VFS or send the documents by post which take more time than ETV. ETV can be obtain from one month to one year with options of multi entry. Following are the official website to apply the ETV:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

To apply for visa you will complete online visa application (form), upload the copy of passport that you are travelling with, Identity photo of particular size required of Indians standards -JPEG format, visa fee must be paid online by credit card. Once uploading of required documents is complete, you will get mail back with document of granted visa within 48 hours or earlier.  Once Visa granted mail received, you must print it and present it with your plane tickets when boarding and on arrival at the Indian immigration service.