India, officially Known as ‘Republic of India’ (in Hindi known as Bharat or Hindustan), is the seventh largest and second most populous country in the world. India is vast and has a huge population of 1 billion. India is bordered on the north by Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan; on the east by Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and the Bay of Bengal; on the south by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar (which separates it from India) and the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Arabian Sea and Pakistan. At one point, ‘Lands End’ at Kanyakumari, three seas meet – the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. India is divided into 26 states and 6 union territories, and has 17 major languages with 844 dialects, making this country and its people culturally diverse. Religion plays an important role in the life of the country, and is one of the few countries in the world which have such an ancient and diverse culture. Their arts and crafts are world renowned with sport being one of their favorite past times, and cricket still acting as one of the most popular activities.
Travel in India includes sightseeing, sounds, and scenery of India are unique and amazing with grandiose temples, lush paddy fields and stunning beaches. In the north, Shrub-land and desert create a sublime backdrop and a visit to the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Delhi /Agra/ Jaipur/Delhi) will take your breathe away. India is one of the most popular travel destination for historical sightseeing tour, Ladakh Zanskar tour, Delhi Tajmahal tour, Manali trekking, Nubra valley trekking etc. Travel in India is life time journeys for Nature and culture lovers. Sikkim, Darjeeling, Gangtok called the ‘Queen of Hills’ of the India. In a limited period of time you can visit most places of interest, the scenic beauty, the flora & fauna and the people and the rich cultural heritage of the this lost Himalayan Kingdom. Autumn & Spring is best time visit in India.India is a land of varied culture, people and landscapes with hundreds of fairs and festivals all through the year. The country is so vast that it is often referred as an continent than a country.
Q: Do I need a special permit to visit Sikkim, Darjeeling and North East India ?
A: Sikkim is still a restricted area and one still requires a special inner line permit to enter Sikkim along with your Indian visa. You only require a valid Indian visa to visit Darjeeling, Assam and Meghalaya, whereas a special inner line permit is required to visit Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur. Foreigners are still not permitted to enter Nagaland and Tripura. You may obtain the Sikkim permit from the Indian missions at your respective countries and have it endorsed on your Indian visa informing them that you will be travelling to Sikkim or on your arrival to Siliguri which is about 10 minutes drive from the nearest airport Bagdogra. If you are still unable to get your permit to enter Sikkim for any reason, you may get a temporary two days permit at the Sikkim-Bengal border (Rangpo) and extend it at Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. We shall however provide you with all the necessary assistance on your arrival to Bagdogra. You will require to have a passport size photo.
Q: Do I need a trekking permit and do I need to be in a group ?
A: Yes. If you are planning to go trekking in Sikkim, then you will require to have a trekking permit. The Government of Sikkim also requires you to be in a group of minimum four people and travelling through a recognized agency of Sikkim and will issue permits to such groups only. We can however arrange for a group of two also but under special cases only. You will also require a separate passport size photo for your trekking permit.
Q: How do I pay for my trip ?
A: We have made our payment plan as simple as possible and have done away with deposits. To confirm your participation you are required to deposit 50% of the land cost by bank transfer 30 days before commencement of the trip into our account in favor of “Yala Adventure” or by credit card also.We will send the bank details on the time of trip confirmation. The balance is to be paid on your arrival to Sikkim/Nepal/Darjeeling in USD cash/Travelers cheques (American Express).
Q: What do I need to bring to go trekking ?
A: You will require a good sleeping bag, a warm jacket, a raincoat, a water bottle, few pair of cotton socks, a pair of long underwear and a good pair of hiking boot. And finally you should have a strong spirit of adventure and a healthy attitude towards a new culture and environment.
Q: What is the best time of the year to visit ?
A: The best period to visit is between February – May and from October – December.
Q: What kind of food is there to eat on treks ?
A: Our cooks are trained to provide a choice of local dishes and western cuisine. Each meal consists of a minimum of five items. In the morning you are provided tea or coffee served in your tents. Hot water in bowls to wash your face. Breakfast consist of oatmeal with milk and sugar, local Tibetan bread/toasts with eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled) boiled potatoes. Lunch: Rice, noodles, bread and plenty of fresh organic vegetables. Dinner: Spring rolls, vegetables, rice, noodles, fruits. Our cooks culinary skill has found mention in such reputed travel magazine like “Outside” of USA. We always provide safe boiled water or Sikkim tea to fill in your personal bottles before you start your trek. You are advised to drink only water and tea served to you by our staff.