Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about India & Nepal

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

Cancellation policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use.
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use.
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use.

Trip Notes

1. India is a country that is very different from anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. Pollution, poverty, and the crowds can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here, we have come to love this large and wonderfully different country, but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way.
2. In India, there are very different attitudes to timekeeping, public cleanliness, privacy, and service. Trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental, and power will often just vanish. Optimistic menus turn out to have only one dish available and everyone – everyone – will want to know your name. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a healthy sense of humor, we know that you – like all of us – will be captivated by what India has to offer.
3. If the weather is good, individuals should have the option of paying an extra fee to fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara instead of driving by bus. The cost is roughly $107 USD plus taxes and many people from last year’s group recommend paying the extra money so you save yourself a bumpy, slow ride and have more time to explore Kathmandu. You cannot book this before arriving in India. Just ask your tour leader about this option at the start of your trip, and they will make the arrangements. Each person can choose to take the group transfer to Kathmandu by bus or take the flight. Your tour leader will stay with the group taking the bus.
4. We upgraded accommodation on this program compared to the hotels our tour operator G Adventures typically uses on this itinerary. It costs a bit more, but our guests have been very happy with the change. We will still have an overnight train and the homestay, so not all of the accommodation has been upgraded.
5. Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations, the police may take you into custody.

Mental Preparation

Of all of GEEO’s programs, this is probably the one that causes the most culture shock. India and Nepal are thick with history, wonders, smells, colors, dirt, and bureaucracy the likes of which even experienced travelers have never encountered. It is amazing and at the same time overwhelming. You will see poverty. You will feel uncomfortable. You will probably get diarrhea. India takes some getting used to for most people, and the sooner you mentally adjust to the environment, the sooner you will be able to enjoy yourself.

Group Leader Description

All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides when we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Fitness Level

This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. The hardest element to deal with is the heat and humidity. We have been running this program over the summer for years, so while the weather isn’t ideal, it still gets great reviews.

Single Travelers

Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet.

Joining Instructions

Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note that check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. For no extra cost, you will be picked up at the airport by Women on Wheels, a non-profit organization that trains Indian women from underprivileged backgrounds to get their professional chauffeur’s license. Our tour operator then employs all female graduates to provide our travelers with safe and reliable transportation. We are proud to use our arrival transfers as a means of supporting local Indian women. Please note: if you are coming to Delhi before our trip begins and are staying at a different hotel than our starting hotel, we cannot provide you with this service.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. G Adventures Local Office (Delhi) G Adventures South Asia Manager, Rishab (Delhi, India) Emergency number: From outside of India: +91 99 7179 5447 From within Delhi: 99 7179 5447 From within India, but outside Delhi: 099 7179 5447 G Adventures Asia Office in Bangkok (If for some reason you can’t reach any of India emergency numbers) 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CST (GMT +7) Tel: +66 2 252 6642 If you are unable for any reason to contact their local office, they have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with their Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of their Operations department at the mobile number below. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 If your call is specifically concerning Airport Transfer complications please call our local transfer providers directly at: From outside India: +91 9278708888 From within Delhi: 9278708888 From outside Delhi: 09278708888

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and downstairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.

 Suggested Checklist

• Clothes for religious sites – knees and shoulders must be covered
• Small towel and swimwear
• Raincoat and/or umbrella
• Personal clothing for hot weather – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits, so you only have to do laundry once; covering shoulders is advisable
• Shorts – covering knees is advisable for women; some would say men too
• Long pants
• Sturdy walking shoes – closed toe is a good idea
• Sport sandals or flip-flops
• Daypack
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Watch or alarm clock
• Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
• Camera
• First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Silk sleep sack – very nice to have on the train
• Travel pillow
• Lock for all bags
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Money belt
• Water bottle
• Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags for wet clothing
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes
• Headscarf for women
• Light fleece top
• Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• EUR/USD cash
• Credit or debit card
• G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – these are sent 10-30 days before departure

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your group leader where the nearest laundromat is. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport.  Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Americans need to purchase a visa in advance for travel to India. The Visa costs $100. India has an E-visa system that makes the process quite easy. This means you do not have to send your passport to an embassy, but instead do all the paperwork online. You can apply for the visa a maximum of 120 days before your arrival in India and a minimum of 4 days before your arrival in India. Please go to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html and follow the instructions carefully. Please note: When applying for the visa, make sure you state the purpose of your trip is “tourism.” If you write “educational” or anything that makes you stand out as a non-tourist, they may confuse you for either a student needing a study visa or a teacher requiring a work visa. The visa permits double entry, so you can use the same visa if you need to come back to India from Nepal to catch your flight home. Please bring 1 passport photo for the Indian visa. For Nepal, you will get your visa at the border. You will need a valid passport and two passport-size photos. A single-entry 15-day tourist visa can be obtained by paying $25 USD and will require you to have at least one open page in your passport.

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. ATMs are also widely available that distribute the local currency, and this is what we recommend as your primary source of cash while traveling. Please make sure you bring at least $200 USD in cash as emergency money just in case you have trouble with the ATMs or lose your bank card. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Visa and MasterCard are useful for cash advances in an emergency situation. Please note: If you are carrying U.S. Dollars, they should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and printed recently.

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is an opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your tour leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Altogether these tips end up around $50 USD. Also, at the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. As a guideline, $20-$30 USD per person per week can be used.

Vaccinations

We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We often find the best prices for purchasing flights is 60 days before departure, but of course, this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You must wait until this trip is confirmed with the minimum number of required participants before you book your flights. Typically, we reach the minimum number needed at least 90 days before departure. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. You can find out whether this trip has been confirmed here. Please double-check our itinerary for the date on which you must arrive in Delhi by, which usually means departing the USA 1-2 calendar days prior. Please try to arrive by 6:00 p.m. Your trip ends in Kathmandu. You have a few options: You could book a multi-leg flight that arrives in Delhi at the start of your trip and returns from Kathmandu at the end. Or, for about $100, you can take a short flight from Kathmandu to Delhi. In that case, you buy a round trip from your home city to Delhi. I would look up both options and see which is cheaper.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. India and Nepal use 230V, 50 Hz C & D type plugs. The C has two circular prongs, the D has three circular prongs. The voltage in these countries is 230 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can’t handle the different voltage, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors. You must be especially careful if you are bringing a hairdryer, as they will almost certainly need a current converter.

Expectations

Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.

• We will be using upgraded hotels during this program. However, this is India so keep your expectations low as service level and amenities are often different than Western standards. The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised, but do not expect luxury.
• The same goes for transportation. We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days and nights of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. Transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
• You must be able to carry or roll your luggage easily, so do not over-pack.
• Many of our programs occur in locations where it is very hot during the day. Please make sure you have thoroughly read the itinerary and can handle the group activities, which sometimes include day hikes with your daypacks.
• We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
• Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.

Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Advice From Past Participants

“I wish I had known not to be so anxious about this trip! I was worried I would be uncomfortable, and hungry (or sick) the entire time, however, that was completely not the case. Yes, it is hot and humid, but it is tolerable. Dress appropriately with extreme heat fabrics and you will be fine, stay hydrated and well-fed and you will be fine. The food was amazing and one of the highlights of the trip. In order to avoid Delhi Belly, etc., I made sure to eat lightly while my stomach adjusted to the new spices, etc., and I never got sick. I wish that I had brought a wider variety of clothes to wear since I ended up feeling sick of the same identical pairs of linen pants after a couple of weeks of wearing them! Also, laundry is available everywhere you stay more than one night, so keep that in mind while packing! Ladies, keep in mind humidity and dampness can mess with your pH balance if you know what I mean… Pack some Monistat! Most importantly have an open mind. Don’t expect to eat western or colonial food, don’t expect to blend right in with the locals (big group of Americans does attract attention), and don’t expect planes, trains, and automobiles to run flawlessly – but isn’t that all part of the adventure?” “There are a lot of things that people tell you that intimidate people from going to India. In the end, though, the people are friendly, the hotels are great (with an occasional cold shower or power outage, which should be expected), the food is excellent, the culture is rich, and the tour guide showed a great deal of care for the group and our safety and well being. I’m so glad I went on this trip!” “This trip is fast-paced, and you will have to wake up early on several mornings. It’s great because we see a lot, but know this isn’t exactly a relaxing vacation.” “If you are unhappy with your hotel room, don’t be shy: ask the hotel to change your room as sometimes there are big differences from one room to another.” “Pack light – laundry is readily available. Bring a hat. It’s ok to bring tank tops and shorts. You won’t be able to wear them all the time, but sometimes it’s good to have some options. Bring a swimsuit – the upgraded hotel pools are very nice. You will sweat. A lot. I mean more than you ever have in your life. Bring extra undergarments, because you will want to change after sweating through everything at the end of the day. The mosquitoes weren’t as big of a deal as I had previously thought but still wear bug spray. Some people struggled with the air quality, so be sure to have your inhaler with you if you use one. WiFi is available almost everywhere, but it can be slow, especially in India. Don’t expect to upload all your pictures while on the trip. Drink more water than you think you need. Choose to smile. And just enjoy the magic that is India and Nepal.” “Do NOT bring small U.S. bills to India, if you are bringing cash. A lot of the banks would only change $50 or $100 bills. The hotels would change money for you with NO charge and no crazy paperwork (as compared to money exchange places or banks). Do not bring Indian bills into Nepal bigger than 500 Indian rupees. The same would go in reverse for coming back to India. The airport would only take 1,000 Nepalese rupee notes. ATMs were plentiful and our tour leader was able to guide us to take out a certain amount if one was not available for a few days.” “Don’t worry about dressing to cover your shoulders and knees unless visiting a temple (our guide let us know ahead of time). We all wore knee-length shorts and skirts, short-sleeved shirts, basically what we wear at home.” “We recommend an extra day in Delhi at trip’s start to visit the National Museum, the Crafts Museum, and the Gandhi Smriti. Likewise, we added one extra day in Kathmandu. We hired a car and driver one day and went to the other two main cities in the valley, Bharatpur, and Patan. These were real highlights for us as was a stop at Paliputra on the way back to Kathmandu.” “I was concerned about being left to do things without my group members and/or guide. I was happy to always have company, whether shopping, touring, or eating. I think this would help ease people who are hesitant about visiting certain countries. “

Weather

We run this trip before and/or after the peak of the monsoon season (early to late July) in order to avoid the worst of it. It is hot and it will rain, but all of the trips we have run in the past at this time of year have for the most part gone smoothly weather-wise.

Overnight Train

From a recent traveler: “Arriving at the train station, you will most likely see hundreds of Indians crowded in front of the station. Once on the train, the sleeping quarters are very crowded. You need to make sure you are traveling with luggage that is easy to carry and store. Less is better. You will be provided with a blanket and sheet and pillow, but it is recommended that you bring along a travel sheet (like a sleeping bag, but just made of cotton or silk). It will make sleeping on the train more comfortable. There is no food or water on the train, so be certain to bring PLENTY of water and snacks. It is a 12-hour train ride and, after you leave the train, there is still quite a bit of travel until you will have an opportunity to eat a full meal. Although initially, the train may feel unsafe, once you get settled in, you will realize that everyone is just wanting to sleep and get to their destination. Don’t be surprised if you are in sleeping quarters with 6 people who are not in your group. They fill all the beds, which are arranged in bunk-bed style stacked 3 high, and they will have men and women sleeping in the same compartment.”

Poverty

From a recent traveler: “Even though you may be a seasoned traveler, you need to keep in mind that a trip to India is unlike most places in the world. Most people know that India is a poor country, but it can be a shock to all your senses when you arrive and experience poverty on a more intimate level. People, in massive numbers, are all over the place. You will see people sleeping on the street, and children are out begging almost every step of the way. Women need to be mindful as they navigate on foot. In the cities, men are not as respectful to women and will sometimes grab and grope. There are “women only” sections on trains, which should be used. As you navigate through the country on foot, tuck-tuck, bus, or train, you will often be accompanied by cows and goats and pigs, who use the streets to relieve themselves, along with humans. Garbage is everywhere. When you are walking, you might want to wear closed shoes because, along with garbage, you will most likely be walking through animal and human wastes.” A large percentage of Indians and Nepalese live below the poverty line. In India, you will be approached by many beggars. It can be intense, uncomfortable, and, of course, incredibly sad. As heartless as it sounds, our suggestion is you never give any money to beggars in India. It causes more harm than good. If you want to read up on the subject a bit more, take a look at this article: http://goindia.about.com/od/annoyancesinconveniences/p/indiabegging.htm