Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Come and explore the heart of Ladakh, a rugged and remote region ringed by the Himalaya and home to Tantric Buddhists, medieval traditions and tiny oasis towns. Trek through glorious snow-strewn landscapes, stop to explore monasteries and old forts and meet the locals on village homestays. Virtually cut off from the rest of the world, challenging and charming Ladakh is sure to delight even the most seasoned traveller.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Free spirited adventures. Short Breaks are small group adventures that offer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel while removing some of the hassles of travelling on your own. With plenty of opportunity to have a real life experience or two along the way these trips are a great add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination.
Namaste! Welcome to India.
On arrival at Leh airport you are met and transferred to the your guesthouse, (transfers cannot be arranged on arrival, please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure).
At 3505 meters above sea level - Leh is very popular with travelers, with a back drop of the Himalayas and amazingly clear blue skies you will have time to relax today and adjust to the altitude.
On day 2 we take it slowly, taking care for the altitude for a guided walking tour of Leh town, including a visit to Leh Palace, Victory Peak, and the old quarter. After lunch, visit the gift shop and headquarters of a LEDeG, a conservation organization working to preserve the environment and Ladakhi traditional ways of life.
Meals included: breakfast day 2
Overnight: The Mahay Palace Hotel, or similar
The Mahay Palace Hotel is located in Tukcha area of Leh town approximately 10
minutes from the Market. Mahay Palace provides a peaceful location with a view of
the surrounding mountains. You will have feeling of staying in a village while being in Leh town. The hotel has a restaurant attached and rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
After breakfast we head west towards Likir (approx. 2 hours). Enroute we visit the Basgo's beautifully restored Chamba Gompa - a highlight of the Indus Valley.
Arriving in Likir in time for lunch we will check into our guesthouse before walking to the near by Monastery.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Lukhil Hotel or similar
Our hotel in Likir is owned by the local Ladakhi Carpenter and painter who has decorated the hotel with traditional Ladakh wood carvings and paintings. The hotel has a restaurant attached and rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
On day 4 after breakfast we will start our trek (approx. 4-5 hours walking) with our final destination being Yangthang - a small local village.
We will cross several passes along the way including Phobe La (3550 meters) and Charatse La (3650 meters). Arriving mid afternoon we can relax at our homestay.
Day 5 we have only a 2 to 3 hour walk over the Sermanchan La pass (3750m) before reaching Hemis Shukpachan by mid afternoon. We will have the afternoon free to explore the village - or perhaps you might want to relax at our friendly homestay where we will be spending the night.
Day 6, our last day of the trek - we will be walking approximately 3 to 4 hours today, but the hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views of the valleys and mountains.
Arriving in Temisgan late in the afternoon, we will visit a ruined fort and small monastery along the way - we will spend the night in our homestay.
Please note: whilst trekking all our luggage will be carried by pony.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Overnight: Local Homestays
Our local home stays will be basic - but you will be provided a clean, comfortable room (with candle or solar light), furnished in Ladakhi style. Our food will be traditional Ladakhi meals, cooked hygienically using eco-friendly methods. There will be clean solar-boiled spring water to drink, a clean traditional dry-composting toilet
but best of all the opportunity to enjoy the rhythm of life in a village where farming and livestock herding has been the way of life for centuries.
In the morning we give our legs a rest use our chartered jeep to take us to Lamayuru (approx. 1.5 hours), famous for the legendary stories about disappearing lakes.
We take time to visit the local Lamayuru Gompa before checking in to our local guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Niranjana Guest House
Niranjana Hotel is located adjacent to Lamayuru monastery. This basic but comfortable guest house belongs to the monastery and has a view out over the village. Its location makes it easy to visit the monastery for morning Puja and a restaurant is attached to the hotel. Twin share rooms with shared bathrooms.
We'll return to Leh via the Alchi monastery - considered the crowning glory of Indo-Tibetian art in Ladakh - definitely worth the visit.
On day 9 you have a full day of sightseeing with a guide and driver around the monasteries and Palaces surrounding Leh.
Day 10 is at your leisure in Leh and a chance to buy some special souvenirs or final sightseeing! Please note that your hotel check-out time is 12 noon unless you negotiate late check-out directly with the hotel if necessary. A local guide transfers you to the airport for your departure flight (please advise flight departure details at time of booking).
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: The Mahay Palace Hotel or similar
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
The trip may include a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are generally well interspersed, communication with the outside world is usually ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
Depending on the trip, activities may include longer walks over uneven surfaces or adventure activities like flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which could be unfavourable. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
For the trek on this trip the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. The climb is pretty strenuous as we walk through hilly terrain with our day packs and the temperature is often hot and muggy changing to freezing cold at the top of the passes. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic activities in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included
activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Roundtrip airport transfers
English Speaking guide through out the tour
Walking tour including Leh Palace, Victory Peak, old quarter - Leh
Visit Chamba Gompa - enroute to Likir
3 day trek, including visits to local monasteries and ruins along the way - Himalayan Trek
Homestays and meals - Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan and Temisgam
Lamayuru Gompa - Lamayuru
Visit Alchi monastery - enroute to Leh
Shey Palace - Leh
Hemis monastery - Leh
Stok Palace Museum - Leh
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
Ayurvedic Massage, various locations - INR850
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest INR 20. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest INR100 per day for local guides.
Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a porter in addition to your leader. We suggest INR50 per day for porters.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of INR 100 per day is generally appropriate.
Local transport: For a city tour we suggest INR 50 per day.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline INR 50 - INR 150 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Please note that heat and humidity during summer (Apr-Jun) in India can be particularly oppressive with temperatures reaching 45 degrees C/113 degrees F. Conversely winter in the north of India (Nov-Jan) is extremely cold and snow can restrict our ability to operate the trekking component of this trip.
Your driver will accompany you throughout the trip and will be able to communicate in English. His command of English may be limited and he is unlikely to be as fluent as your local guides who conduct your sightseeing tours. The drivers have been trained to drive at a leisurely pace for passenger comfort and they are exceptionally good at negotiating Indian roads.
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partners. This tour is not escorted by an Intrepid leader. All the information given in this itinerary is intended as a guide only. Intrepid Travel or their agent cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur due to local conditions or circumstances beyond their control. This includes festivals and public holidays that may effect the itinerary. NO REFUND IS AVAILABLE ON ANY UNUSED PART OF THIS ITINERARY.
Guesthouses (7 nts), homestays (3 nts)Please note that Triple rooms booked at the advertised rates may have one bed as a foldout bed.
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $190 for meals not included.
3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Jeep, walking
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
The Mahay Palace Hotel
Upper Tukcha Road
Leh
Ladakh
194101
India
The Mahay Palace Hotel is located in Tukcha area of Leh town approximately 10
minutes from the Market. Mahay Palace provides a peaceful location with a view of
the surrounding mountains. You will have feeling of staying in a village while being in Leh town. The hotel has a restaurant attached and rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
An arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary arrival transfer per booking even if clients are arriving at different times. Our local representative will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call the local operator (phone numbers provided on your voucher).
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your Short Break Adventure as scheduled, please contact the telephone number listed in the 'Joining Point' section of the Trip notes.
Pre Booked arrival transfers may be available in your region, please ask your agent at the time of booking. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to your hotel. Note. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to commence your Short Break Adventure is at your own expense.
The Mahay Palace Hotel
Upper Tukcha Road
Leh
Ladakh
194101
India
The Mahay Palace Hotel is located in Tukcha area of Leh town approximately 10
minutes from the Market. Mahay Palace provides a peaceful location with a view of
the surrounding mountains. You will have feeling of staying in a village while being in Leh town. The hotel has a restaurant attached and rooms have ensuite bathrooms.
A complimentary departure transfer is included on the last day of this trip. Please advise your flight details at least 14 days prior to your trip. If you plan to leave later, this departure transfer can only be offered in conjunction with post-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary departure transfer per booking even if clients are departing at different times.
Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
India: All foreign nationals, including children, require a visa to enter India. There is no visa on arrival in India- Visas MUST be obtained in advance. Indian visas cannot be obtained in Nepal. Tourist visas are available in Single and Multiple Entries.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the available safe alternatives where recommended by your group leader.
In India and Kathmandu, many hotels and restaurants have reverse osmosis, Aquaguard or Bisleri water dispensers that provide safe drinking water which you may use to refill water bottles. To be doubly confident, you may wish to add water purification tablets to your water.
Whilst trekking, boiled or safe water is available some of the time, however you will also need to carry a water purification method. Options include:
- purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
- 2% tincture of iodine, available from pharmacies, used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes - longer in very cold weather.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Tampons can be difficult to buy in India
Sleeping bag or sleeping sheet (please note you are provided with a blanket and quilt from the homestay but we advise bringing your own sleeping bag and sheet with you)
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card but be wary of high fees imposed by banks. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes. This applies to your Local Payment as well as everyday spending money. Where USD is required, we recommend that you arrive with your local payment money already exchanged.
India: The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). There are many ATM machines (which accept both Visa and MasterCard) throughout India, though mainly limited to major cities. For traveller's cheques, the easiest to change are Thomas Cook or American Express in USD currency. Cash should be in US dollars. Black markets no longer exist in India. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops and restaurants but only in the bigger cities.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics.
Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Self Assessment Form is required.
Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy areas. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport, including keeping an eye on any luggage that is put underneath the seats or on overhead racks. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities differ from those in the western world and not all the accommodation which we use on this trip has fire exits, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware on the roads and even small streets and alleyways. Vehicles find their ways into impossibly small passages leaving no room for both you and the traffic. Traffic can be very noisy and horns are used to signal turning, overtaking and to announce going through intersections.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
Travelling in India and Nepal whilst the Holi festival (a lunar festival but generally held in March every year) is on can at times be dangerous - a lot of locals participate in consumption of intoxicating substances. The day has been associated with physical violence and danger. Your guides will advise you on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you in high risk situation.
Travelling during the Hindu festival Diwali (a lunar festival but generally held between mid October to mid November every year) can be dangerous. During this time there are many displays of fireworks in the streets. It can be very noisy for several days and there is also a lot of pollution caused by the fireworks. As there are no restrictions on buying fireworks in India there are often injuries caused by people exploding them inappropriately. During this festival your guide may be required to alter your itinerary to avoid any dangerous areas to avoid putting you at risk.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
Our sponsored project is Deepalaya. Deepalaya started in 1979 to help children who would otherwise work and live on the railway platforms, bus stations and commercial complexes of Delhi. They establish education centres, provide hostel care and counselling, community health initiatives and a range of other projects to care for working children, street children, girls with no education, "differently-abled" children and run away children.
The final sponsored project in India is GOONJ. GOONJ is a unique initiative to provide clothes and other basic needs to millions of people - on the roads, in the remote areas, across the country.
All Intrepid travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of
travelling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with Intrepid may involve risks (and rewards)
above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that
I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that
I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the
standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical
facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of
the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I
have read and understood the Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am
undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions
I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel.
I release Intrepid Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to
the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography, Intrepid hold an annual Intrepid Photography Competition.
There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
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