International travelers to the Indian Himalayas usually fly into the gateway city of Delhi. The flights arrive around midnight, and the domestic flights to Leh or other areas leave in the morning, so most travelers stay at least one night in a Delhi hotel. If you are making your own arrangements in Delhi, it is advisable to hire a taxi to your hotel at the prepaid taxi stand in the arrival hall.
Visas
An Indian visa is required and must be obtained from an Indian Consulate,
preferably in your home country prior to travel. In the USA this can be accomplished
through the mail by downloading a visa form and instructions from www.indianembassy.org.
Permits
In Ladakh, special permits are only required for restricted areas like the
Nubra Valley and for summiting certain peaks. We will arrange for these permits
as part of our trip package.
For Sikkim travelers, an innerline permit is required to enter the state
and can be obtained free of charge in Siliguri after landing at the Bagdogra
Airport. A passport size photo is required. For trekking in Sikkim, an additional
trekking permit is required and must be applied for in advance or your trip.
We will assist in obtaining these permits as part of our trip package.
Money
The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee. Travelers can change
money at the airport or at the banks and official money exchanges in Delhi
and other cities. These exchangers will readily accept cash. American Express
travelers checks are usually accepted, but other brands of travelers checks
are harder to exchange. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses. ATM
machines are beginning to make their appearance, but they are not widespread.
Accommodations
A wide price range of hotels is available in Delhi, but generally, the better
ones are expensive (as in most big cities). Lodging in Leh is much more reasonable
and can range from guest houses to Class A hotels. Most hotels in Leh have
meal plans that are included with the cost of the room. We will gladly arrange
accommodations to suit your budget.
Telephones and E-mail
India’s telephone system works well. The traveler can make local and international calls from one of the many STD/ISD facilities. The country code for India is 91. The city code for Delhi 011 and for Leh is 01982. Internet service is widely available.
Time
India is 10 hours and 30 minutes ahead of New York (5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT).
Electricity
Voltage is 220 at 50 cycles AC. The central electricity in Leh usually is only available after dark. Many establishments have their own generators as a backup. Electricity is usually not available in the rest of Ladakh.
Flight schedule from Delhi to Leh
Flight Timetable Delhi (DEL) to Leh (IXL) |
||||||
Airlines |
Flight No |
Origin |
Dep. Time |
Destination |
Arr. Time |
Days |
Jet Air |
9W 609 |
Delhi |
5:45 A.M. |
Leh (IXL) |
6:55 A.M. |
Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun |
Jet Air |
9W 1609 |
Delhi |
6:30 A.M. |
Leh (IXL) |
7:45 A.M. |
Daily |
Kingfisher Red |
IT-3341 |
Delhi |
6:20 A.M. |
Leh (IXL) |
7:40 A.M. |
Daily |
Indian Airlines |
IC-445 |
Delhi |
5:45 A.M. |
Leh (IXL) |
7:00 A.M. |
Mon/Wed/Fri |
Flight Schedule from Leh to Delhi |
||||||
Flight Timetable Leh (IXL) to Delhi (DEL) |
||||||
Airlines |
Flight No |
Origin |
Dep. Time |
Destination |
Arr. Time |
Days |
Jet Air |
9W610 |
Leh |
7:35 A.M. |
Delhi |
8:50 A.M. |
Daily except Sat |
Jet Air |
9W1610 |
Leh |
8:25 A.M. |
Delhi |
9:40 A.M. |
Daily |
Kingfisher Red |
IT-3342 |
Leh |
8:10 A.M. |
Delhi |
9:30 A.M. |
Daily |
Indian Airlines |
IC-446 |
Leh |
10.30 A.M. |
Delhi |
11.45 A.M. |
Wednesday |
Indian Airlines |
IC-446 |
Leh |
11.00 A.M. |
Delhi |
12.15 A.M. |
Mon / Fri |
The flight schedules given above are for the summer months, kindly check the airlines website for latest schedule and times. We take no responsibility for change in timing and schedules of the same.
Baggage Allowance :
Kingfisher Red, and Jet Airlines allows one cabin bag and 20 kilos of checked in baggage, Indian Airlines allows 30kilos on Economy class. Business class passengers are allowed additional 10kgs of check-in baggage.
Tourists can only enter Bhutan through Paro if flying in, or Phuentsholing if arriving by road. The only approved airline is Bhutan's own Druk Air. An example of the flight schedule is given below. Check their website: www.drukair.com.bt for the most up to date schedule. To arrive by road, the closest airport is Bagdogra.
All tourists must travel with a prepaid and preplanned itinerary through a Bhutanese tour operator. A minimum daily tariff of US$200 per day per person for groups of three or more is required. This drops to US$ 165 in the low season of July and August. The tariff genrally covers all your expenses for accomodations, food (except drinks), tour guides, transportation and tour activities, whether trekking or staying in hotels.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Bhutan. It must be arranged by an approved Bhutanese tour operator in advance of your trip. The visa will only be approved after you have paid for your trip. The visa will then be stamped in your passport upon arrival in Bhutan.
Permits
Permits are required everywhere outside of Paro and Thimphu Valleys. Your tour operator wil get the permits for your trip. These must be shown at poilce checkpoints at major road junctions.
Money
The official currency in Bhutan is the ngultrum, Nu. The Indian Rupee is usually accepted also, as the currency is equivalent in value to the ngultrum. Travelers can change
money at the airport or at the banks and and larger hotels. Well known brands of travelers checks are usually accepted, but a !% fee is charged. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses. ATMs are not available for tourists.
Accommodations
The hotels and meals are included in the daily tariff and will be arranged in advance by your tour operator. There are a number of premium hotels around the country that will cost more than the daily tariff allows.
Telephones and E-mail
Bhutan's telephone system works well. The traveler can make local and international calls from one of the many STD/ISD facilities. The country code for Bhutan is 975. The city code for Thimphu is 02 and for Paro is 08. Mobile phones are in widespread use and sim cards can be purchased for compatible phones. Internet service is widely available.
Time
Bhutan is 11 hours ahead of New York (6 hours ahead of GMT).
Electricity
Voltage is 220 at 50 cycles AC. Electricity is widely available in the cities and towns.
Druk Air schedule 25 Oct – 31 Jan 2010 
DAY |
FLIGHT.NO |
SECTOR |
DEP |
ARR |
MON |
KB204 |
PARO-DELHI |
0745 |
0945 |
KB205 |
DELHI-PARO |
1025 |
1310 |
|
KB125 |
BANGKOK-KOLKATA |
0710 |
0815 |
|
KB126 |
PARO-DHAKA |
1145 |
1245 |
|
TUE |
*KB210 |
PARO-KOLKATA |
0720 |
0800 |
*KB211 |
KOLKATA-PARO |
0950 |
1130 |
|
*KB400 |
PARO-KATHMANDU |
1220 |
1315 |
|
*KB401 |
KATHMANDU-PARO |
1355 |
1510 |
|
KB123 |
BANGKOK-GAYA |
0650 |
0835 |
|
KB130 |
PARO-BAGDOGRA |
1135 |
1130 |
|
WED |
KB204 |
PARO-DELHI |
0745 |
0945 |
KB205 |
DELHI-PARO |
1025 |
1310 |
|
KB131 |
BANGKOK-BAGDOGRA |
0650 |
0835 |
|
KB122 |
PARO-GAYA |
1110 |
1155 |
|
THU |
KB210 |
PARO-KOLKATA |
0830 |
0910 |
KB211 |
KOLKATA-PARO |
0950 |
1130 |
|
KB400 |
PARO-KATHMANDU |
1220 |
1315 |
|
KB401 |
KATHMANDU-PARO |
1355 |
1510 |
|
KB123 |
BANGKOK-GAYA |
0650 |
0835 |
|
KB126 |
PARO-DAC |
1145 |
1245 |
|
FRI |
KB127 |
BANGKOK-DAC |
0710 |
0840 |
KB128 |
PARO-BANGKOK |
1115 |
1515 |
|
KB204 |
PARO-DELHI |
0745 |
0945 |
|
KB205 |
DELHI-PARO |
1025 |
1310 |
|
SAT |
KB210 |
PARO-KOLKATA |
0720 |
0800 |
KB211 |
KOLKATA-PARO |
0950 |
1130 |
|
KB400 |
PARO-KATHMANDU |
1220 |
1315 |
|
KB401 |
KATHMANDU-PARO |
1355 |
1510 |
|
KB129 |
BANGKOK-PARO |
0710 |
0910 |
|
KB130 |
PARO-BAGDOGRA |
1135 |
1130 |
|
SUN |
KB131 |
BANGKOK-BAGDOGRA |
0710 |
0855 |
KB122 |
PARO-GAYA |
1130 |
1215 |
*KB210/211 on day 2 valid until 31 Dec 2009
*KB400/401 on day 2 valid until 31 Dec 2009
All flights between Bangkok and Paro stop either in Calcutta, Gaya in India or Dacca, Bangladesh. Most flights between Paro and Delhi stop in Kathmandu. The number of seats for Calcutta, Kathmandu, Dhaka and Gaya are limited because Druk Air gives preference to the originating sectors.
Bagage Allowance on Druk Air:
Druk Air allows one carry one cabin bag and 20 kilos (two pieces) of checked in bagage on Economy or Coach class. Business class passengers are allowed additional 10kgs of check-in.
Airport & Aircraft:
Paro Airport is located in a narrow valley at 2,235 meters (7,330 ft) above sea level, and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,900 meters (16,000 ft).
Other Ways of Getting to Bhutan
Other airports which are close to Bhutan are:
- Bagdogra Airport (code IXB), near Siliguri, WB, India: Several flights from Bagdogra fly to Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati. Bagdogra is around 3-4hrs drive from Phuentsholing.
- Guwahati airport (code GAU) in Assam, India: Several flights from Guwahati operate direct or via Bagdogra to Delhi and Kolkata. Guwahati airport is around 3-4 hrs drive from the the south eastern border town of Samdrup Jongkhar in eastern Bhutan.
- Bhadrapur airport (code BDP) located in Nepal, is just across the border with Siliguri or Bagdogra. It takes around 1hr from Bagdogra or around 5 hours from Phuntsholing. Provision around 2 hrs for immigration and customs on India/Nepal border Kakarbitta. Small aircraft carrier flies from here to Kathmandu daily. Much larger airport is located 2hrs further west in Biratnagar.
Train Stations - Railways near Bhutan
The only really practical train station is located near the town of Siliguri, WB, India. The station is called NJP or New Jalpaiguri. NJP is around 3 south of Darjeeling, around 4 hours south of Gangtok, around half hour from Bagdogra and around 4hrs from Phuentsholing. Trains run east towards Guwahati and further interior north east. Trains from Kolkata in the south take around 12hrs and usually there are overnight trains from or to go there. There are several trains though Varanasi or nearby station (Mughalserai) to Delhi, which take much longer. However due to stiff competition in the airfares, sometimes it is cheaper to travel by flight, than by train between Kolkata or Delhi to Bagdogra.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Nepal except for SAARC and Chinese nationals. SARC stands for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation Which represents Bangladesh, Bhutan, India. Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A visa can be obtained at a Royal Nepalese Embassy or consulate, or at the airport on arrival. Two copies of passport size photos are required for the visa.
Visa Fees are as follows:
| Single Entry | US$ 30 for 60 days |
| Multiple Entry | US$ 80 for 50 days |
| Visa extension fee | US$30 for 30 days |
| Re-entry Visa fee | US$ 30 for 30 days |
Children under 10 years of age are not required to pay a visa fee. A person who stays in Nepal for more than 15 days and wishes to re-enter within the same year (Jan-Dec), will get a free visa (NEW). Transit passengers will get a free visa for 72 hours (NEW).
About Trekking
Trekking in the remote Himalayas offers the adventuresome traveler the opportunity to experience high altitude hiking and camping in a pristine environment, while observing ancient cultures thriving without the modern conveniences that we find so necessary. After several days on the trail you will find that your stress and worries from back home are melting away as your mind opens up to take in all the new sights and sounds. The indescribable feelings of magnificence and grandeur that flow over you as you reach the prayer flags on the high mountain passes, and look out over far away vistas, make the breath-taking ascents all the more worthwhile. After the trek, you will usually feel a great sense of accomplishment, and a new perspective about your ability to overcome difficult situations.
Trekking in Ladakh is more up close and personal than the mainstream style of trekking practiced in other areas of the Himalayas in that the trekking crew is much smaller due to of the use of horses rather than porters to carry the gear. This style of trekking evolved from the ancient caravan tradition where animals where used to transport the goods and baggage. Your crew will be adequately staffed based on the size of your group. An English-speaking local guide will accompany you on the trail and in camp.
You will be hiking with only your small daypack on your back, while the crew takes care of the tents, food cooking equipment and your duffel bags. Most people find it challenging enough just to hike at these high altitudes without the burden of a fully loaded backpack.
A Typical Trekking Day
A typical trekking day starts with wake-up tea or coffee at your tent door. A pan of hot washing water soon follows. As you clean up and stow your personal gear in your duffel bag, the cook prepares a hearty breakfast. After that last cup of coffee or tea, it is time to start the morning activity, which is usually hiking to the next campsite. You shoulder your small daypack with your full water bottles and follow the guide out of camp and onto the trail. Meanwhile the crew washes the dishes, breaks down the camp, and loads the horses.
The days hike proceeds at a leisurely pace so there is plenty of time to rest, take pictures, or marvel in the many unique sights along the trail. About mid-day we stop in a pleasant place to eat the box lunches that were prepared by the cook that morning. The use of box lunches allows great flexibility in when and where we stop for the lunch break.
The length of the afternoon hike varies from day to day depending on the distance and difficulty of the trail between campsites. Generally we try to arrive at the next campsite by mid to late afternoon, so that you have time to explore around camp or rest and relax before dinner. On some treks there might be shorter days or even a rest day.
At some point along the trail the crew and the horses will pass us and head
to the next campsite to set everything up before our arrival. Tea will be
served in the dining tent in the late afternoon. Hot washing water will be
available or you may opt to take a refreshing dip in a nearby stream. A nourishing
dinner will be served in the early evening. Your water bottles can be filled
with freshly boiled water.
After dinner your guide will tell about the next days activities and answer
any questions. You are then free to continue in conversation, go outside
and gaze at the brilliant stars, or retire to your tent for a good nights
sleep.
Areas Outside of Ladakh
Trekking in areas outside of Ladakh usually involves the more traditional
style of trekking with large crews and the use of both pack animals and porters.
The typical trekking day as described above will be much the same.
What to Bring – A Checklist
Must Have Items:
____ Valid passport
____ Indian visa
____ Round trip airline tickets
____ Hiking boots
____ Duffel bag and day pack
____ Two extra passport photos (for permits)
____ Trip payment fees and personal expense money
____ Medical check-up, to include inoculations and prescription medicines
Clothing and Equipment
Because of the extreme weather conditions, and the rugged Ladakhi topography, it is very important that you have proper and appropriate clothing and equipment for your trip. You should begin well in advance of your trip to acquire and assemble all of the clothing and equipment listed below:
Clothing
____ down jacket
____ fleece jacket or warm sweater (wool)
____ outer rain and wind suit (top and pants)
____ brimmed hat
____ stocking cap
____ gloves
____ 2 large bandannas or scarf
____ 2 long skirts (for women if desired)
____ 3 pair long pants
____ 1 pair shorts
____ long underwear (polypro, top and bottom)
____ 2 long sleeve shirts
____ 4 T-shirts
____ 4 pair heavy socks
____ 5 pair liner socks
____ 4 or more sets underwear
____ bathing suit
____ hiking boots (medium to heavy weight, deep tread bottom, fully broken-in)
____ tennis shoes
____ river sandals or rubber river shoes (optional for stream crossings)
Equipment
____ duffel bag (suitable to hold all of your personal trekking gear)
____ day pack
____ sleeping bag (suitable to 0 degrees Fahrenheit)
____ 2 plastic quart water bottles (must withstand boiling water)
____ sunglasses (high quality to withstand intense UV and infrared light)
____ flashlight (with extra batteries)
____ headlamp (with extra batteries)
____ waterproof nylon stuff sacks (to organize gear and clothing)
____ small pocket knife
____ writing pens
____ toilet paper (at least three rolls)
____ sunscreen
____ extra locking duffel bag (to store clothes in hotel)
____ towel (quick drying)
____ toilet kit with soap, toothbrush & paste, shampoo, lip balm, other personal
toiletries
____ handi wipes (enough to last the entire trip)
____ small repair kit (tape, thread, extra boot laces, safety pins)
____ spare eyeglasses
____ mosquito repellent (for use in Delhi)
Optional equipment
____ camera, film
____ small sleeping pillow
____ paperback book
____ journal
____ small binoculars
____ hiking poles
Responsible Tourism
YAMA Adventures is committed to responsible tourism, through its policies and practices which permeate all aspects of its business. The company’s policies aim to ensure that Yama Adventures and its clients act in a way which is socially, environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit the local communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful and fragile places we visit.
Email: namgial@yamatreks.com and/or namgial@gmail.com
