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General FAQ:
How much money will I spend while on an IntoIndia holiday?
Where can I exchange currency?
What do I need to bring?
How much do flights to India (Delhi) cost?
Do I need a visa?
What medical vaccinations will I need to travel to India?
Do I need personal holiday insurance?
What is the food like?
Is there a dress code for women in India?
What is the weather like?
Trekking FAQ:
Am I fit enough to go trekking?
When is the best time to go trekking?
How much gear can I bring and do I have to carry it myself?
Where will I be sleeping?
Rafting FAQ:
I have never been rafting before, can I go rafting?
I can't swim, can I go rafting?
I'm not very fit, can I go rafting?
Am I too young or too old to go rafting?
When is the best time to go rafting?
Is the water cold?
Where will I be sleeping while rafting?
How does the river grade or class system work?
Kayaking FAQ:
Do I need to bring my own kayak?
What type of kayak is best?
Will I have to carry much gear in my kayak?
My roll is not very reliable, is there a trip to suit me?
Can I walk around rapids?
General FAQ:
How much money will I spend while on an IntoIndia trip?
We cover all food, accommodation, transport costs, and there are no hidden charges. However you will need to bring extra cash for things like alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, souvenirs, gifts, and any other items of a personal nature. You will find that India generally is far cheaper than your home country for these items. To find out the current rate of exchange between your currency and the Indian Rupee (INR), check out www.xe.com.
Where can I exchange currency?
The Indian Rupee (INR) is not available outside the country so it's best to bring either traveller's cheques or a credit card. ATM's are widely available in large towns throughout the country and accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Euro (€), Sterling (£) and the US Dollar ($) are also widely accepted.
What do I need to bring?
We have a comprehensive list of all the gear that we provide and what you'll need to bring. When you book your trip with us, we'll send you a pre-departure email with all you need to know about what to bring. You'll find that you already have most of the necessary items. By following the recommended equipment list, you'll be warm on the river/trek and dry and comfortable in the evenings.
How much do flights to India (Delhi) cost?
The price of flights changes on a daily bases so please contact us and we can advise you on the best flight to get. We advise you to book as early as possible. At the moment flights are roughly priced at; UK: £500 return. Europe: €750 return.
Do I need a visa?
Visas are required for all visitors to India. Six-month multiple-entry tourist visas are issued to nationals of most countries, regardless of whether you intend to stay that long or not. Contact your country's Indian embassy to find out costs. Be advised that it can take up to two weeks to process a tourist visa application. Please contact us if you need additional assistance.
Your Embassy:
Australia
Canberra: www.hcindia-au.org
Melbourne: cgimelb.org/consular_main.html
Sydney: www.indianconsulatesydney.org
Canada
Ottawa: www.hciottawa.ca
Toronto: www.cgitoronto.ca
Vancouver: www.cgivancouver.com
France
Paris: www.amb-inde.fr
Germany
Berlin: www.indischebotschaft.de
Frankfurt: www.cgifrankfurt.de
Ireland
Dublin: www.indianembassy.ie
New Zealand
Wellington: www.hicomind.org.nz
South Africa
http://india.visahq.com/embassy/South-Africa/
Spain
Madrid: www.embajadaindia.com
United Kingdom
http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/
United States
Chicago: http://chicago.indianconsulate.com
Houston: www.cgihouston.org
New York: www.indiacgny.org
San Francisco: www.indiacgny.org
Washington: www.indianembassy.org
What medical vaccinations will I need to travel to India?
The WHO (World Health Organisation) recommends the following vaccinations before travelling to India (as well as being up to date with measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations):
Adult Diphtheria and Tetanus
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Polio
Typhoid
Varicella (if you have never had chicken pox)
Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required if you are arriving in India from a country in the yellow fever zone or have been in such a country within the six days prior to arriving in India. Consult with your GP or the Travel Health Organisation of your country.
Your travel-health website:
Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada: www.travelhealth.gc.ca
Ireland: www.tmb.ie
New Zealand: www.mfat.govt.nz/travel
South Africa: www.dfa.gov.za
UK: www.doh.gov.uk
USA: www.cdc.gov/travel
Do I need personal holiday insurance?
We require you to take out personal holiday insurance covering every activity listed on your itinerary. We require you to send us a copy for your Insurance policy before you commence your trip with us.
What is the food like?
India produces some of the best food you'll find anywhere on the planet. One of the main focuses of our trips is delicious, high-quality food. A cook travels with all expeditions to prepare nutritious, tasty food for breakfast lunch and dinner. Our menus can accommodate all dietary preferences and/or restrictions. Let us know during the booking process if you have any special dietary requirements or preferences.
Is there a dress code for women in India?
No. However India is generally a conservative country and dressing sensitively is advised. Avoid sleeveless tops, short shorts, miniskirts, skimpy, see-through or tight-fitting clothing. Baggy clothing that hides the contours of the body is the way to go and also much cooler. While on a river expedition normal swim wear is fine. It is only when we are travelling through villages or towns that we suggest wearing less revealing clothes. Non-revealing clothes are essential for both women and men when visiting sacred sites.
What is the weather like?
India's climate is commonly defined by three seasons - the hot, the wet (monsoon) and the cool. We cater our trips to the weather. While the monsoon is covering most of the country, our trips run in the far north in Ladakh and Spiti where it is not a factor. When the monsoon clears in September, we move down to the foothills to take advantage of the warmer weather. Our operation moves around with the seasons so that when you join us you get long sunny days with an average day time temperature of between 25°C and 35°C.
Trekking FAQ:
Am I fit enough to go trekking?
A reasonable level of fitness is required for trekking. There is no lower or upper age limit, and there are plenty of options available, ranging from very easy to very demanding. A trek will move at your pace and there are low altitude treks with short walk times available for those who want to take it slowly.
When is the best time to go trekking?
We run trekking trips all year round, so whenever suits you is the best time to go trekking. Our operation follows the seasons, availing of the best weather conditions in each different region. One has to view India as a continent and not just as a country, its size allows us to trek in perfect conditions twelve months of the year. Take a look at our existing trekking itineraries to find one that suits you. Alternately contact us and we can tailor a trip to suit you.
How much gear can I bring and do I have to carry it myself?
We will send you a comprehensive gear list at the time of booking. While trekking, all you'll need to carry is a small day sack with an extra layer, hat, camera, and water bottle. All the food, tents, kitchen equipment and your luggage will be carried by mules or yaks along the trail. We have a maximum baggage weight which varies from trip to trip but is usually 18kgs.
Where will I be sleeping?
While on the trek, you will be sleeping in four-season two-person tents. Even if you have never camped before you will soon find the experience of sleeping under the stars on the world's largest mountain range an exhilarating experience. If you do not wish to camp we can tailor some of our treks so you stay indoors in home-stays along the way. Contact us for more details.
Rafting FAQ:
I have never been rafting before, can I go rafting?
No experience required! Rafting is open to anyone and everyone, from the first-timer to the hardened river-runner. Your guide will instruct you on all that is required of you before you even get near a rapid. Before getting on the water, all clients are given a full safety and training brief. This will include how to hold and use your paddle. Safety procedures on what to do if you fall out of the raft or if the raft flips will also be covered in detail.
I can't swim, can I go rafting?
No problem. You will be supplied with a floatation device/life jacket which will keep you and your head out of the water should you happen to take a dip.
I'm not very fit, can I go rafting?
Rafting involves a reasonable level of fitness. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy rafting. However, we can take those who do not wish to paddle for whatever reason in oar-assisted rafts. This is where the guide use a large frame and oars to power the raft, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are unsure about your level of fitness, please contact us and we'll advice you on a suitable expedition.
Am I to young or too old to go rafting?
IntoIndia observes a lower age limit of twelve years old for any rafting over Grade II. There is no upper age limit and it really depends on you and what class white-water you want to run. For those wishing for a more relaxed trip we use oar-assisted rafts. This is where the guide use a large frame and oars to power the raft, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the ride. If you are unsure about which trip suits you best, please contact us for further information and advice.
When is the best time to go rafting?
We run rafting expeditions all year round, so whenever suits you is the best time to go rafting. Our operation follows the season around availing of the best weather conditions in each different region. One has to view India as a continent and not just as a country. Its size allows us to raft in perfect conditions twelve months of the year. Take a look at our existing river expeditions to find one to suit you. Alternately contact us and we can tailor a trip to suit you.
Is the water cold?
The water is draining from the Himalayas and is for the most part, glacial melt. This means that the water is cold. Although the water temperature is cold, the air temperature tends to be very warm, so you'll more than likely be jumping in for a dip to cool off! Should you require them, we will provide you with a wetsuit, wetsuit shoes and splash jacket all of which will keep you warm.
Where will I be sleeping while rafting?
We provide high quality four-season camping tents for your warmth and comfort on rafting expeditions. Even if you have never camped before you will soon find the experience of sleeping under the stars on an expansive white sanded beach, listening to the flow of the river rather soothing. If you would rather not camp, take a look at our Spiti River expedition with home-stays or contact us to discuss your accommodation needs.
How does the river class system work?
Rivers are graded for white-water rafting and kayaking from Class I to VI.
Class I:
Mainly flat water with occasional simple rapids with small low waves.
Class II:
Slightly steeper gradient brings more frequent rapids with moderate regular waves. Course very obvious.
Class III:
Rapids are numerous with fairly high irregular waves, broken water, eddies and boils. The river gradient is usually steeper again and inspection from the bank is sometimes needed.
Class IV:
Very Difficult, long extended stretches of rapid with high irregular waves, difficult broken water, eddies and often large holes. Course often difficult to recognise and usually requires bank inspection.
Class V:
Water features are similar to class 4 but much bigger and less predictable. The course is extremely difficult to find and running class five involves a serious risk. Class five is usually only kayaked as it is too dangerous for commercial rafting.
Class VI:
This is the extreme limit of river-running with a definite risk to life. It is widely considered unrunnable. If you are told you are running this level of white-water, your guide is lying!
Kayaking FAQ
Do I need to bring my own kayak?
We recommend you bring your own kayak, as you will feel more comfortable with a boat you have paddled before. On most expeditions you will be kayaking for over four hours a day so comfort is really important. However, you do not have to bring your own kayak, as we have a collection of playboats, creekboats and river runners available. Contact us for a complete list.
What type of kayak is best?
Depending on what particular trip you are planning to take with IntoIndia, we can advise you on whether a playboat, river runner or creekboat is best. As most trips are for multiple days, we usually recommend something with a bit of speed. Taking a large boat is not usually necessary as your gear will be carried in support rafts. Contact us for further advice.
Will I have to carry much gear in my kayak?
We run most trips with raft support, so this means that you don't have to worry about carrying your gear. The worst aspect of multi-day kayaking is carrying so much gear in your kayak. It makes you heavy and slow. With raft support we eliminate this problem, making the trip much more enjoyable for kayakers.
My roll is not very reliable, is there a trip to suit me?
This is not usually a problem. Due to the 'pool drop' nature of Indian rivers there is normally plenty of opportunity to recover after a swim. In most circumstances if you swim you will be in flat water within 50 meters. Some rivers however, are more continuous in nature and a reliable roll is more desirable. Please contact us and we can recommend a river suitable for you.
Can I walk around rapids?
Yes of course. On expeditions we get out to scout all major rapids. You will be shown the line by our guides and also given the opportunity to walk around if you like.
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