Travel with us.

Our goal of accommodation is cleanliness, comfort and authenticity. While always aiming for quality and a great night’s sleep, we prefer an authentic experience of local hospitality to large chain hotels. In big cities we may stay in hotels of international standard, while during remote tours we might find ourselves sleeping in a small family-run guesthouse or a home-stay. Often it is these simple warm-hearted places that give us the best memories of real Indian hospitality!

Accommodation is usually arranged on shared twin room basis, with an attached bathroom. All meals are included, mainly a tasty selection of Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

During our treks, we sleep in good quality dome tents. The tents are made for professional expeditions on extreme weather conditions and are highly weatherproof. Comfortable thick foam mattresses are provided. All luggage is carried either by mules, horses, yaks or porters. Trekkers only carry their day packs. And as food is one of the most important things during treks, we also make sure to have a really good and experienced chef!

On spiritual tours, staying at ashrams or monasteries can be a very deep and inspiring experience. Being surrounded by spiritual energy, meeting fellow sadhaks (seekers) and participating in the practices of the ashram can be an unforgettable and life changing gift. However, we must remember that ashram accommodation may be very simple, and there may be a strict code of conduct to follow!

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Traveling in the great giant Indian subcontinent can sometimes be intense – however, we are doing our best to make it easy, effortless and enjoyable!

When distances are long, domestic flights are there – if you want to add or replace places too far away, plane can get you there in no time.

We often use overnight sleeper trains. This means First or 2A class 4-bed sleeper compartment. First class compartment has closing doors (Western style), 2A class curtains for privacy. Sometimes, if availability is poor, we may resort to 3A class with 6 beds. All are generally clean, quiet and air-conditioned, and come with clean bedding.

On the Indian roads we generally use Toyota Innova or Qualis cars or a 12-17 seater Tempo Traveler minibus, depending on the size of the group. All are comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned.

Clic here to know what to take with you for you trip

What to take

  • Light, comfortable clothes. India is a warm country (often 30+ c), although during winter months in the North and all year around at high altitudes it can get chilly too. In the Indian culture, very tight or revealing clothes for ladies are not appropriate – Capri pants with a short sleeves tunic is fine in most places!
  • Personal toiletries (you can buy most things in India, but e.g. tampons might be hard to find)
  • Sandals
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Chain and lock, or a bicycle lock – for securing our luggage at night trains 😉
  • Personal medicines
  • Ear plugs
  • Mosquito repellant
  • medicines for travel sickness, sleeping pills/valeriana for jet lag (if needed)

(if trekking, check for high altitude compatibility)

  • smecta/flagyl/probiotics/Imodium/oregano or cinnamon essential oils, recommended for intestinal health
  • photocopy of important travel documents

Treks

  • Sleeping bag, up to 0- -10 c (a tent and a comfortable foam mattress is provided. A pillow is not – some trekkers like to bring their own)
  • 1 big trekking bag, 1 day bag (25/30l)
  • Fleece jacket, thin down feather vest, GoreTex or similar – high altitude weather changes can be extreme, and hot sunny days can turn into chilly nights!
  • Rain coat/umbrella
  • Good long underwear
  • Good trekking shoes
  • Gloves, scarf, beanie
  • Light day trekking pants
  • T-shirts, socks etc (we can do some laundry in rivers during the trek)
  • Sun hat, sunscreen, good sunglasses (yes, that high altitude sun!)
  • Water purification tablets (Micropure forte or similar)
  • Headlamp + batteries
  • Organic, natural body + laundry wash soap (to help conserve clean drinkable waters as we are frequently washing in rivers)
  • “Camel bag” soft plastic drinking water bag with pipe is recommended, very handy!
  • Light towel
  • Snacks, energy bar, chocolate….

Ashrams

  • Respecting the thousands years old Indian culture is important when staying in traditional ashrams or monasteries, and this is especially true when it comes to dress! Open, revealing and clingy clothes should be avoided, also shorts and sleeveless tops on both genders. Most ashram residents may be wearing traditional Indian Salwar kameez or Kurta pyjama These are comfortable, respectful and not expensive to buy locally. Traditionally, many people may be wearing white though it is not required.
  • Sandals of thong style
  • Meditation cushion, yoga mat, etc
  • consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations
  • money is best brought in Euro cash – even if there are ATM machines in all larger towns
  • Internet/mobile connections are widely available in towns, less or not at all during treks
  • India is a great shopping country, so leave some space in your bags and don’t bring too much with you…..
  • and lastly, don’t forget to pack your passport and a valid visa! Indian tourist visa has to be applied well in advance at http://www.indianembassy.com/ It is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue (not from the date of entry).

India : When and Where ?

When? Where? For what?
July-September Ladakh Trekking, monastery tours, meditation
October-November North India Himalayas trekking, cultural + spiritual tours
December-January South India Cultural, spiritual, beach
February-March North India Cultural, spiritual
April-May    Himalayas Trekking (hot season on plains)

 

 

This table is for the most ideal weather conditions only – outside these seasons traveling is still very much possible. Please enquire!