GENERAL INFORMATION
Based on our vast experience in the Indian outdoors these are a few useful suggestions

Best time to visit:
The best period for tour and trek is from March to December except monsoon (July & August). Most of the trekking routes are closed after November due to heavy snowfall at high passes.

Permit and Passport:
Foreign nationals need to obtain Inner Line permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim which is issued by all Indian Missions abroad, Tourism offices, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Kolkatta and Sikkim Tourist Office, Siliguri on the basis of an Indian visa. This permit can be arranged by us in advance and we need following for this purpose : photocopies of passport and Indian visa, 03 copies of passport photos

Equipments:
The following list only mentions the essential elements. You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal articles you will need during the trek.
A small backpack (about 40 l. It will contain what you will need during a trekking day and carried by you), a kit-bag with padlock (or a big backpack. It will contain the 12 kg personal belongings, which will be carried by horses or porters. We advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag with a plastic bag), a good sleeping bag, a sweater, a fleece jacket and a waterproof jacket (preferably Gore-Tex), good trousers as well as a waterproof trousers (preferably Gore-Tex), gloves and cap, hiking shoes, sunglasses and sun cream, a walking stick (optional), a frontal lamp or an electric torch. A foam mattress is provided, but if you have a self-inflating mattress, bring it: you will feel more comfortable

Accommodation:
Trekking:
During the treks you will sleep in 2 person tents. You will be accompanied by a guide and a cook will prepare your meals. Your equipment, camping gear and food will generally be carried by horses or porters. Complete camping equipment is provided.
Safaris and tours:
You will mostly sleep in comfortable hotels and sometimes in bungalows or 2 persons tents

Credit Cards:
Credit Cards are accepted in only metro cities. You must change your money in Ruppess before starting your tour & trek.

On Jeep Safari:
Never leave your vehicle except in designated areas. Keep noise levels to a minimum and encourage others to do so. Use this time to keep your eyes and ears open, soaking in all the charm and character of the areas. Take permission before you click a photograph of anyone. Don't take photo if they ask for money.

Summits and treks:
Depending on the level of difficulty and height of trek please pack carefully and accordingly. Before any trip we will provide a complete checklist of useful items you must carry. Equipment, tents etc are all provided by us and on request we can also organize high altitude clothing so you may travel lighter. All treks are fully escorted.

Responsible tourism:
As resources are limited, please use as little water and power as possible. Do not leave litter lying around and carry all rubbish away with you. Apart from defacing the scenery it can also cause injury or poison the local fauna of the area. Put all campfires out thoroughly. Common sense and courtesy should prevail in all your actions.

First Aid and Medical Treatment:
Always seek expert advice when in doubt. It is sensible to carry with you a small first aid kit with essentials like anti septic cream, bandages, insect repellent, paracetemol etc. All our guides are trained in first aid and carry their own kits. All camps also keep first aid kits with managers having done their first aid courses.

Laundry:
Most hotels and lodges offer laundry service, which is usually the same day service and cheap. However clothes will be vigorously washed and so it might be better for you to wash delicate items yourself.

Cameras:
There is a small charge for still cameras at all wildlife sanctuaries, and a larger one for video cameras. Colour films are widely available but please check expiry date, storage conditions etc before buying. More specialized supplies should be brought with you and as you will be driving on dusty trails inside the parks, lens cleaning materials are invaluable.

Money:
The Indian Rupee is the only currency accepted in India. A mixture of cash and travelers cheque provides the best degree of security and flexibility. US Dollars and Pound Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange with American express, Thomas Cook and Visa being the most accepted travelers cheque. All your valuables, passports etc can be left at your lodge or hotel for safekeeping.