Indian Rupee is the local currency for India (a hundred paisa equal one rupee). Rupee banknotes are in the denominations of 2000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1 Rupee. Cash can be obtained from the ATM's, which can be found in all towns and cities. All major credit, debit cards and foreign currencies are accepted at most of the cities and towns. You won't need to take a great deal of money on the trip—just enough for any souvenirs, you may buy, drinks, and any meals that are not covered in the cost of the trip. Anywhere from $300 to $500 should be enough, depending on how much shopping you like to do, plus an amount for any tips you may want to give the camp staff or trip leader (see the Gratuities section).
Cash: Take some of your money in small denominations cash. You can bring your own currency and exchange it in airports, hotels or in any money exchange counters.
Credit and Debit Cards: All major cards - Visa, Mastercard, Amex are widely accepted across the country and the Indian sub-continent. However these will not work at any place beyond the towns, e.g towns where roadheads are for treks, villages, where only local currency can be accepted.
Gratuities: It is customary in India to tip the camp staff. Trip members can contribute toward a group tip to be shared among the Sherpa guides, porters, cooks, and camp staff who have assisted you. We suggest each trip member tip about $50 to $80 towards the group tip, preferably in Indian rupees. This generally works out to be $5 to $6 per day per person. The guide will help you distribute this individually amongst the trek team. Trip members also usually tip the trip leader.
Typically, individual trip members tip the main guide $125 to $200, depending on the level of satisfaction. All tipping is, of course, at your own discretion and you are under no obligation to tip.
Accommodation options in India and across the sub-continent are plenty ranging from guest houses to traditional hotels and luxurious resorts. At Rimo we always endeavour to secure hotels that are of good character and standard. You can always change to a hotel that suits your budget and standard. Hotels, lodges in remote areas will not match the western standards and may not be the most comfortable because of its remoteness. You should be prepared to adhere to such conditions. While in the outdoors we do not compromise on our camping facilities and provide you with the best camping equipment that is available.
We provide spacious 3 person top of the line Mountain Hardware tents for sleeping. The ground sheets have been reinforced with rubberised flooring and 3 inch thick foam mattress with cover is provided for sleeping on. Kitchen tent, dining tent with table and chairs and toilet tents are provided. All you need to do is bring your personal equipment. If you are booked on a short camping holiday and do not have a sleeping bag, same can be taken on hire from our stores. For those coming out to climb a trekking peak, please ask us if you wish to hire any equipment from our stores.
Our in house tailoring unit makes sure that equipment is maintained and repaired after each trip.
On our trekking holiday your crew will comprise of a trip leader/guide, cook, kitchen helpers and Sherpas. Depending on the region you are trekking, luggage would be carried by pack animals / porters. And on all our climbing trips we will have experienced Climbing Sherpas.
Most of our trip leaders / guides are from the Himalayan belt and dedicated to protecting this fragile region. They are thoughtful, knowledgeable, caring & patient, and gifted with individual talent. They will ensure their best in making your holiday a huge success.
Our cooks have been described as fantastic, creating amazing gastronomical meals in the middle of nowhere! And our Sherpas are the best you can rely upon in the outdoors always with a cheerful smile. Our Entire Crew work have the greatest Team Spirit which is an integral part of making your trip a success.
Food can make all the difference to a good holiday!
Our meals are wholesome, nutritious and prepared hygienically by our cook team. We serve a combination of local and different cuisines. Meals are mainly vegetarian with fresh chicken / mutton towards the beginning of the trek and at the end. Special diets such as gluten free, lactose intolerance is catered to and you only need to inform us in advance if you have any food allergies too. Water is thoroughly boiled and served in camp at all meal times and it would be best to fill your bottles at dinner so that the water is cold till morning before you set out. It would be best to have 2 bottles.
Since November 2014 the E-Tourist Visa facility became available for international travelers. Known as ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) this facility is now available to citizens of 150 countries. Applicants of the eligible countries may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival with a window of 120 days. For example if you are applying on 1st September then applicant can select arrival date from 5th September to 2nd January.
The validity of E-Tourist Visa is 60 days from the date of arrival in India and double-entry entry is permitted. However it is a non-extendable and non-convertible visa. This visa is also not valid for travel to Restricted / Protected Areas, for which permits are applied separately.
International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.
This facility is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders.
Processing time is minimum of 3 working days post submissions of documents.
Visitors can take photos freely except in some restricted areas like airports, ports and military areas. Some museums, temples and shrines restrict photography to protect the sites and art-facts. At temples and religious places local customs must be observed strictly. Tourists have to pay a nominal fee for still / video camera at most of the sites across India and the sub-continent.