FAQ on Sikkim Darjeeling Nepal

Sikkim Darjeeling Nepal Bhutan & Tibet, permit, best time to visit

Frequently asked questions on Sikkim Darjeeling Travel Information/Best Season to Visit, Trekking and Entering Sikkim Darjeeling and Nepal and other Information for Domestic and International Travellers.

HOW TO REACH SIKKIM & DARJEELING    

One can either fly in or travel by train. If one is flying in than Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Sikkim. If one is travelling by train then New Jalpaiguri Rail Station is the nearest to Gangtok and is 144 Km away. Bagdogra Airport is also approximately 144 Km from Gangtok, capital of  Sikkim. Darjeeling is 90 Km from Bagdogra Airport and 105 Km from New Jalpaiguri Rail Station Rail Station.

Bagdogra Airport is well connected by Air from New Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport and Kolkata. International Travellers can fly into New Delhi or Kolkata and then get a connecting flight to Bagdogra Airport. Domestic carriers like Spice jet, Indigo Airlines, Air India etc. operate number of Flights from New Delhi and Kolkata.

One can book all these flights online and make payments by using Credit / Debit Card. Farout Trek can also help you out by booking these Airline Tickets on request.

There is a Pre Paid Taxi Booth operated under the supervision of the West Bengal Police and Travelers can reserve Pre-Paid Taxis to Gangtok, Darjeeling or to any Parts of North Bengal and Sikkim. If one wants to avail the share Taxi or Government Bus/Private Bus than one has to travel 15 Km to the main town of Siliguri. Share Taxis and Buses are available from Siliguri to Different Parts of Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills.

Sikkim Transport Corporation runs regular Bus services from the Sikkim House in Siliguri to Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang and other smaller Towns in Sikkim.

West Bengal Transport Corporation also has Bus Services operating from Siliguri to Gangtok and Darjeeling Hills.

New Jalpaiguri Rail Station is also well connected by Train from all over India. One can Travel into New Jalpaiguri Rail Station from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore directly.

WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES FOR ENTERING SIKKIM & DARJEELING ?   

Foreign Nationals require a valid Indian Visa and an Inner Line Permit to visit Sikkim. One can apply for these visas online or visit the Indian High Consul or Indian Embassy in your respective countries. Tourist visa will be granted for a period of six months.

Citizens of Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Fiji, Gernamy, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Phillipines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukarine, USA, Vanautu, Vietnam can get a tourist visa on arrival at all International Airport In India viz, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Cochin, Goa, Hyderbad, Trivandrum and Mumbai. This visa will be valid for 30 days and should be used for travelling purposes. This visa cannot be renewed.

One will need an Inner Line Permit(ILP) over and above the Indian Visa to enter Sikkim. International Travellers travelling to sikkim can apply for the ILP at the time of applying for the visa. No fees will be charged for the ILP. ILP will be granted at the Bagdogra Airport on arrival or at the two entry points in Sikkim Bengal Border. Farout Trek will assist you in this matter.

A simple and a valid Indian Visa is what International Travellers need to enter Darjeeling. With this visa one can Trek to Singalila Ridge in the Singalila National Park in Darjeeling Hills or visit other parts of North Bengal. There are other formalities for entering the National Parks for Foreign Visitors, we at Farout Trek will take care of the rest.

WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES FOR ENTERING NEPAL ?   

Nepal Visa is readily available on arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or at the India – Nepal Border Crossings for a payment of US$30 per person. This Visa is valid for a period of six months and can be extended as per your need.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR TREKKING in SIKKIM, DARJEELING, NEPAL & BHUTAN HIMALAYAS ?

There are Two Seasons for Trekking in Himalayas.
March to May & September to December.
October to November is the best time for trekking in the Himalayas. This is because after the monsoons are over the skies are crystal clear and Mountain views can be seen almost 24X7 Days. March to May can be a little hazy but the multi colored Rhododendrons & Magnolias will compensate for the mountain views. Late afternoon showers are prevalent in the Himalayas during the Month of March to May.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN SIKKIM,DARJEELING,BHUTAN & NEPAL HIMALAYAS?

In the Lower reaches or the foothills of the Himalayas March to April is very pleasant with an average Temperature of 18 Degrees Celsius. May-June will be hot with temperature hovering between 21 to 30Degrees Celsius. The Upper reaches of the Himalayas above 2000 m remain very pleasant during these summer months. Upper Himalayas i.e. 2700 m and above the Temperature remains below 7 Degrees Celsius at night and Day time Temperature remains between 10 Degrees Celsius to 18 Degrees Celsius. During October -December the Temperature will fall below freezing in the Upper Reaches of the Himalayas. While the foothills remain at 15-18 Degrees Celsius.

WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS IS REQUIRED FOR TREKKING IN Sikkim,Darjeeling ,Bhutan and Nepal Himalayas ?

One must be Physically fit to go on a Trekking Holiday in the Himalayas. We recommend that an individual should do some brisk walking for about an Hour or Two everyday for about Two to Three months prior to doing any Trekking activities in the Himalayas.The Fitness level also depends on the Altitude and the Trek Grade.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED FOR TREKKING?

Farout Trek provides all Camping Equipment i.e. sleeping Tents,sleeping mats,Toilet tent,Kitchen Tent,Dining Tent. Participants should bring with them Down Feather Sleeping Bags which can withstand a temperature of minus 15 Degrees Celsius. Sleeping Bags also depends on the altitude one is trekking too. Low altitude Treks can be done using sleeping Bags which can withstand minus 1 Degrees Celsius. Walking Poles are an option too. Bring with you a Day Pack to put your personal Items in them. The List is given below:

IN YOUR PACK

• Mid-weight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top
• Waterproof/breathable jacket or windproof shell
• Waterproof/breathable pants (optional)
• Extra pair of socks (optional)
• Wool or fleece hat
• Lightweight gloves
• Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
• Map
• Headlamp
• Extra food
• Water bottles and water treatment (drops, tablets, or filter)
• First-aid kit (with personal medicines)
• Toiletries and towel

COLD WEATHER ADDITIONS

• Down or synthetic insulated jacket
• Emergency shelter (bivy sack, tent, tarp)
• Sleeping bag
• Fleece pants
• Insulated gloves or mittens

SHOULD I BRING ALL TREKKING EQUIPMENT WITH ME OR CAN I FIND TREKKING EQUIPMENT IN Sikkim,Darjeeling & Nepal?

In Nepal All trekking equipment can be rented or bought. In Darjeeling and Gangtok the options of renting is very low. One can either rent or buy these items from Gangtok,Darjeeling,Kathmandu,Pokhara or Lukla-depending on where your trek is starting and stopping.

Note: It may be a good idea to bring your own hiking boots from home as the quality you find here may not be up to par with those you will find at home. And ofcourse boots take awhile to break in and get comfortable. So it is best to do this before starting your trek to avoid any discomfort.

CAN I JOIN A GROUP?

Yes. We have Group Departure Dates departing for various Treks in Sikkim,Darjeeling and Nepal Himalayas. We keep our groups under 8 people for a more personalized experience. With all of our group joining treks, you may either join a pre-existing trip or book your own with the possibility of other trekkers being added to your group before your departure date.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO ORGANISE MY OWN PERSONAL GROUP?

It is possible to organize your own trekking group.We can also organize private Treks for Individuals too.

HOW DOES THE BOOKING PROCESS WORK?

Booking online is simple. Just fill out the booking form and send it to us.You will have to deposit an Advance Amount of US$100 per Person to Book and Confirm your place in the trek.The Balance amount will need to paid in Cash on your arrival before the start of the Trek.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?

TREK & TOUR COST INCLUDES :

• Hotel accommodation – twin share including breakfasts.
• Twin share tent with mattress during camping/trekking.
• Fully organized trek services with guide, porters, camping equipment.
• All fixed three meals everyday during trekking/Camping.
• All road transport as per itinerary by car/jeep.
• Service of an English speaking guide.
• Entrance fees to monuments visited.
• All Trekking Permits for Darjeeling,Sikkim,Nepal & Bhutan.

DOES NOT INCLUDE :

• Sleeping bag, personal clothing/equipment.
• Lunches and dinners during hotel stays.
• Bottled or alcoholic drinks.
• Tips, client insurance, evacuation costs.
• Any expenses of personal nature.

HOW FAR DO YOU HAVE TO WALK EACH DAY WHILE TREKKING?

We customize our Treks whether in Sikkim,Darjeeling or Nepal taking in mind our Customers Need.
At an average we Trek about 9Km/5-6 hours a Day.

WHERE DO WE STAY?

Twin Share Accommodation is provided in lodges run by local families during Tea House Treks. These lodges have clean & Hygenic common washroom and Rest Room. Food will be served in the lodges of stay.
While on a camping trek,we provide all necessary equipment.Eg.Twin Share Water Proof tents,sleeping mattresses,dining tent,tables & chairs,lanterns & toilet tents.

WHERE DO WE EAT AND WHAT KIND OF FOOD IS AVAILABLE?

During Tea House Trekking in Singalila Ridge Trek in Darjeeling Hills and in Nepal Himalayas food will be provided in the Lodges of Stay and lunch will be provided in the Tea Houses available along the Trek Route.Food will be provided as per the menu.

During camping Treks food will be provided as given below.

MINIMUM MEAL ENTITLEMENT PER PERSON (On Camping trek ).

Breakfast.

• Tea/Coffee.
• Fruits.
• Cornflakes,Pancakes,Toast, butter and jam.
• Eggs.

lunch.

• Vegetable cutlet/ sandwich/boiled potato.
• Boiled eggs.
• Roti or naan/Macaroni/pasta etc with Vegetable Curry.
• Fruits.
• Tea / Coffee.
• Soup.

Evening Tea.

• Tea/ coffee.
• Biscuits.

Dinner.

• Soup.
• Rice.
• Noodles.
• Vegetable items.
• Tea/coffee.
• Hot Chocolate Drink.

WILL CLEAN DRINKING WATER BE AVAILABLE?

We provide Boiled drinking water for Consumption. One can purchase Bottled Mineral water during Tea House Treks.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN ARISE AT HIGH ALTITUDES? DOES FAROUT TREK RECOMMEND TAKING MEDICINE FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

Altitude Sickness is very serious and is not to be taken lightly. Our guides are all highly qualified in First Aid and recognizing early symptoms of Altitude Sickness. Symptoms include: dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhoea. If you are showing signs of Altitude Sickness, our guides will immediately take you to a lower altitude and make sure you have the proper medical attention you need. Our guides are fully equipped with all necessary medicines before heading out on the trail.

Note: Altitude Sickness is not to be confused with food borne illness, which can often be considered one in the same. Your guide will know the difference and treat you accordingly.

WHAT SORT OF EXPERIENCE DO YOUR GUIDES HAVE?

We have experienced Guides who have lived in the Himalayas all their lives. Trekking is their Passion and have years of experience Trekking in the Himalayas.

DO YOUR GUIDES SPEAK ENGLISH?

All our Guides speak English and Hindi.They may not be as proficient as an English Medium Educated but Yes all our Guides understand and speak English.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT ECO-TOURISM?

Farout Trek strongly beleive in Keeping our Himalayas Clean for future use. After more than 19 years of being in trekking industry we have seen the effect that tourism can have on the environment. We encourage & bring back all rubbish with us to our office so that we can recycle them. Farout Trek uses kerosene stoves for Cooking and do not encourage burning fire wood.

ANY MORE  QUESTIONS ?

If you have any more questions please contact us and we will be happy to help.

IF IN CASE I HAVE QUESTIONS OR I NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR MY TRIP HOW WILL BE ABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH  YOU ?

You can visit our contact page & write to us whenever you have any question or want additional information that you may need to prepare yourself for your Trip or you can call us : +91-9933975902.

WhatsApp Us: +91-9933975902

email us at :  info@farouttrek.com / farouttrek@gmail.com