TERMS AND CONDITIONS

HOTEL CHECK IN & CHECK OUT TIME:

Check in time	Check out timeNo. but, accompan
13:00 or 14:00	11:00 or 12:00
Early check-in or late check-out time is subject to availability and with additional charge. Let us know beforehand check in & check out time you expect for proper arrangement.

NOTE ON TRANSPORTATION:

Our price based on the group arrives at one time (one flight). In case, clients arrive on different flight times, and need different airport transfer, extra transfer will be charged. We apply the same for departure date.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Our price of the tour is not included travel insurance. We highly recommend you purchase health/travel insurance for your trip to India.

PAYMENT:

BrahmaND Tour are paid by the payer (enter OUR no SHARE in the bank transfer).

Cancellations:
Any cancellations should be made in writing. Cancellation fees will not be charged for any bookings as less than 30 days or more prior to the arrival of clients unless there any charges or prepayments are due according to the policies of hotels airlines, cruises’ and other contractor’s BrahmaND Tour. If cancellation is made after full payment has been made, we will hold is a full

credit to be used for further bookings (less any charges levied by hotels, carriers and other contractors of BrahmaND Tour.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to arrival: no charge.
• Cancellations made from 15 to 30 days prior to arrival: 20% of total tour cost
• Late cancellations made from 07 to 14 days prior to arrival: 50% of total tour cost
• Late cancellations made less than 7 days or no show: 100% of total tour cost

Special conditions: Depending on airlines, hotels and cruises’ cancellation policies, the above conditions

NOTES

TOURIST VISA:

Please make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity from the entry date. Also please check whether you need an entry visa to India countries before starting your trip. Please consult with us if you are not sure.

VACCINATIONS:

Before traveling, it is advisable to consult the competent ASL or your doctor about the need for vaccinations or prophylaxis. In general, subject to medical advice, vaccinations are recommended against: diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, typhus, tuberculosis, polio and tetanus and, especially for those traveling during the hot season (May to September) and stays in rural areas, meningitis and Japanese encephalitis.
link of the World Health Ministry http://www.searo.who.int/india/topics/en

Bank Details
Account Name	Brahmand Tour & Travels
Account No	919020001412788
Account Type	Current
Bank	Axis Bank
IFSC Code	UTIB0003053
Swift Code	AXISINBB366

Bank Details
Account Name	Brahmand Tour
Account No	4748002100001162
Account Type	Current
Bank	PNB
IFSC Code	PUNB0474800
Swift Code	PUNBINBBCHA

Frequently asked question

When is it the best time for riding/driving to Himalaya?

June to mid October is the best time for motor-biking to this terrain when the entire snow mountain passes gets cleared, making it possible to drive/ride on it.

How difficult is this Ride/Drive?

Two aspects are difficult of this trip, namely topography & AMS (acute mountain sickness).

• Topography, it is quite modest while when it comes to temperature, it is a bit difficult during few stages since it becomes cold.
• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the symptoms of AMS are typically felt by most people when they arrive at a new altitude, but the symptoms are usually self-limiting (e.g. 1st days at high altitude). The most common symptoms include a headache, gastrointestinal upset, feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and sleep disruption.

How cold can it get during visit Himalaya?

During the day, the temperature soar between 10 – 15 degree Celsius while at the night it drop below 8 – 0 subject to terrain.

How long are we Ride/Drive each day?

On an average, we will ride/drive 5-6 hours each day with stoppage of lunch/photography and necessarily Pee-Pee stoppage.

Who will be leading the group?

The group will be escorted by a professional road captain/route expert who is certified in the course of first-aid pertaining to wilderness.

How many participant you take usually in these groups?

We take maximum 18 – 20 riders in each group for easy ground handling/personal attention.

Is it safe for girls to come for this Ride?

Why not! This is a fixed departure hence anybody male/female can join, we create a friendly atmosphere to make everyone feel comfortable/supportive to each other. Accompanying cruises are chosen very carefully to manage everything in proper behavior.

What are the things we are required to carry?

Once your participation confirmed with us will share the detailed list of essential over the email that you need to carry along with you.

What food will be served during stay at various places?

Indian, Continental, Chinese & Tibetan vegetarian food will be served during the stay, Non-vegetarian food to be served on demand only at some of specific places only.

Will any doctor be a part of the group?

No. but, accompanying escort of the group is certified in first-aid pertaining to wilderness. We carry sufficient first-aid kits & required medicines related to this terrain. However we recommend that carry some medicines along with you specially if anything suggested by your physician.

Guiding Principle for India

Climate:-

Being a tropical country India has huge temperature variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from November -March. The really hot weather lies between March to June when it’s dry, dusty & unpleasant. And Monsoon season stretch between June – October in most of the regions.

In the south & Coastal areas day time temperatures even in the cool months can be in be the mid-20s centigrade, though the nights are at cooler. In central India, and hilly areas in the southern part of the country, night temperatures can drop to under 10°C in winter. In the north, winter temperatures can approach 0°C even in the plains, and of course it drops below freezing in the Himalayan region.

Currency:

Note denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2000 rupees.
In India no restrictions applies on importation of foreign currency provided a Declaration Form is completed upon arrival. Import and export of Rupee is, however, prohibited and may not be spent in Duty Free Shops. Receipts for all currency must be kept, as it may be reconverted upon departure.

Most of the hotels, restaurants and some shopkeepers accept credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, Visa and Master card and will usually display signage to that effect.

Language:

As India is a hub of many religions and culture so there is no single language spoken among its length & breadth. However as per the survey done in 2001 there are 1635 rationalized mother tongues, 234 identifiable mother tongues and 22 major languages in India. Due to which The Constitution of India does not give any language the status of national language. For the convenience of people, the Constitution of India has recognized 22 languages as the official languages of India. These are known as Scheduled Languages.

Hindi & English are widely spoken languages in India with accents variations depending upon region to region. Although we always prefer that our clients are paired with guides who can speak their language.

Cuisines:

The traditional food of India has been widely appreciated for its taste and spices. The cooking style varies from region to region having its own specialties. Indian cuisine is known for its large assortment of dishes. Most dishes with a gravy are normally called curries but are prepared with a different masala (a combination of spices) like coriander, cumin, garlic, onions ginger, turmeric, chillies, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves cinnamon, bay leaves, saffron etc.

Bengali Food: Bengali food is appreciated for its fabulous use of panchphoron, a term used to refer to the five essential spices- mustard, fenugreek seed, cumin seed, aniseed, and black cumin seed.

Gujarati Food: Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian and has a high nutritional value. And each dish has an absolutely different cooking style.

Mughlai Cuisine: Its one of the popular cuisines, Mughlai cuisine consists of the dishes that were prepared in kitchens of the royal Mughal Emperors.

Punjabi Food: Punjab cuisine has wide variety of mouth-watering vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes. The spice content ranges from pleasant to high. Punjabi food is usually appreciated by all communities.

Rajasthani Food: The cuisine of Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian and offers a fabulous variety of mouthwatering dishes. The spice content is quite high in comparison to other Indian cuisines. Rajasthanis use ghee for cooking most of the dishes. Rajasthani food is well known for its spicy curries and delicious sweets.

South Indian Cuisine: It consists very light, low calorie appetizing dishes. The traditional food of South India is based on rice. The cuisine is famous for its wonderful mixing of rice and lentils to prepare yummy dosas, vadas, idlis and uttapams.

In India traditional meal is served in large metal plate called a ‘Thali’ with some small bowls to keep the gravy dishes. Indian meal is generally served with wheat-based bread or with rice.

In most parts of the country people do not drink alcohol with a meal. More likely people loves to have a glass of salty or sweet or spiced buttermilk, a soft drink, or water. Nowadays, in metro cities you can find specialized food joints of international cuisines.

Passport & Visa :

Valid passport is required from every other nationals to enter India with valid Visa from Indian Embassy. Citizens of Bhutan and Nepal, who do not require a visa & Nationals of Maldives do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Persons of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians who possess either an OCI or a PIO card, which are the equivalent of a long India visa.

Mandatory Equipments:

Tool Bag/Pouch	Bike-specific Spares	Foot pump or 12v DC Mini-Compressor*
Waterproof Zip Lock bags	GPS with batteries & charger*	Cell phone with charger
Camera with spare batteries & charger*	Microfiber cloth or Chamois Leather	Swiss Knife
Cigarette Lighter (windproof)	Jerry Cans for Fuel – 2 x 10Lts	Insulated travel flask
Helmet	Skull cap	Riding Goggles (UV/Polarized)
Riding Jacket with Thermal Liner	Armored Gloves	Waterproof
Riding Pants with Thermal Liner	Riding Boots	Sweatshirts
T-shirts	Jeans	Shorts/Track pants
Chappals/ Quick dry Floaters	Cotton Socks/Woolen Socks	Woolen Cap
Woolen Inner Gloves	Micro-fiber Wind cheater or lightweight Fleece jacket
Personal Hygiene- Vanity Kit, Sunscreen Lotion UVA/UVB – SPF50 or higher, Scissors, Washing Detergent soap or powder (small sachet) Water Bottles

First Aid Kit:

Nicardia (Nifedipine) – Only in case of emergencies if HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) is suspected	Okacet – Antihistamine (for allergies)	Paracetamol – Relief from pain/ache and fever
Brufen 400mg – Relief from mild to severe body pain	Voveran SR 100mg – Relief from severe pain	Coldact – Relief from Cold
Avomine – Relief from Dizziness, Motion Sickness and Vomiting	Digene – Relief from Flatulence, Indigestion, acidity (mild)	Zinetac 150mg – Acidity or gastric problems (only if severe)
Entroquinol – Relief from Loose motion (mild)	Streptsils Lozenges	Digital Thermometer
Latex Gloves	Scissors & Tweezers	Cotton wool
Crepe Bandage	Belladonna bandage sheets	J&J Band-Aid Fast Heal Wash-proof
Burnol – Antiseptic ointment (for Burns)	Betadine – Antiseptic Ointment for wounds and scratches	Candid B – Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial Ointment for topical application (esp. skin rashes)
spray for sprains and aches	Dettol Antiseptic Liquid	Vicks/ Inhaler
Lip guard

Riding Ethics:

India is such a place where you can enjoy ride on the laps of Himalayas as well as on plain highways (on charcoal roads as well as on sandy roads). However there are some rules to ride a bike happily and safely.

Do’s:-

BIS approved head gear should be worn while driving the bike

• Pillion riders must also be equipped with the similar quality helmet
• The headgear must be worn tightly
• Air pressure must be verified in the front as well as rear tires
• Lights of the motorbike must be normal and should not malfunction
• Indicators must be turned on while turning
• After the turn the indicators must be deactivated
• Brakes must be used in a proper manner
• A middle lane journey is suggested
• Vehicle should move at a certain distance from other bikes.

Don’ts:–

• Rising in a zigzag fashion is prohibited
• One must not overtake while driving on the left side of any vehicle plying on the road
• Brakes should not be applied suddenly because they might malfunction
• A bike is made to accommodate only 2 people and more than that.
• Talking over cell phone is a crime while riding
• Bus lane are used for heavy vehicles
• Minors are not allowed to ride
• Essential Things Need to be Carried:

Guiding Principle for Bhutan

Climate:-

The climate varies widely depending on elevation. Southern Bhutan is warmer compared to other parts of the Bhutan. The central valley viz Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Monger, Trashigang, Trongsa etc have a semi-tropical climate cool winter. You can be planned a trip to Bhutan throughout the year however the best months are March, April, May, September, October and November. There are several festivals taking place during these months. From mid November to mid March is winter in Bhutan at approx 15c in the daytime and falling below zero at night.

Currency:

Ngultrum symbol: Nu (at par with the Indian Rupees)
ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.

Language:

Dzonglha (National Language) English (widely spoken)

Time Zone:

Bhutan has one time zone for the entire country. It is six hours ahead of GMT and it is 30 minutes ahead of India.

Cuisines:

Bhutanese meals are characterized by the hot chilli pepper and cheese, put them together and you have the national favorite – Aema Datsi (literally chilli and cheese). This main dish has spun into numerous variation: Kewa Datsi (potato and cheese), Shamu Datsi (mushroom and cheese). These would be standard fare in most Bhutanese restaurant, but do tell them how hot, the is how much chilli you can take in your meal.

Some of the most popular Bhutanese dishes are:

• Momos: These Tibetan-style dumplings are stuffed with pork, beef or cabbages and cheese and are cooked during special occasions.
• Phaksha Paa: Pork cooked with spicy red chillis.
• Jasha Maru: Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes and other ingredients that is usually served with rice.
• Red Rice: The rice is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling. When cooked it is pale pink, soft and slightly sticky.

Passport & Visa:

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.
For more details visit http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa

Arrival by Land: (border towns of Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar)

Visa applications are cleared in advance, and a visa clearance doc will be forwarded to you two weeks prior to your arrival date. The visa clearance doc is required at the border Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.
On arrival at the border town Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar, the Actual visa is stamped on your passport.
Passport size photo is NOT required.
Finger prints and photos will be taken at the at border town Immigration Check Points at Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.

Please make sure to travel with the same passport on which the Bhutan visa was issued. We will not be held responsible if the passport on which the visa was issued does not match the passport used to travel to Bhutan. In such an event, you will fined a penalty by the airline if arriving by flight or by the immigration office if arriving by land at the border towns of Phuntsholing & Samdrup Jongkhar.

Other Country Visas:

Please make sure you have the necessary visas & documents required for other countries that you may transit through or visit before/after Bhutan.
***Immigration office is closed on every Saturday & Sunday and as per local Bhutanese holiday calendar.

Mandatory Equipments:

Waterproof Zip Lock bags
GPS with batteries & charger*
Cell phone with charger
Camera with spare batteries & charger*
Microfiber cloth or Chamois Leather
Insulated travel flask
Helmet
Skull cap
Riding Goggles (UV/Polarized)
Riding Jacket with Thermal Liner
Armored Gloves
Waterproof
Riding Pants with Thermal Liner
Riding Boots
Sweatshirts
T-shirts
Jeans
Shorts/Track pants
Chappals / Quick dry Floaters
Cotton Socks/Woolen Socks
Woolen Cap
Woolen Inner Gloves
Micro-fiber Wind cheater or lightweight Fleece jacket
Personal Hygiene- Vanity Kit, Sunscreen Lotion UVA/UVB – SPF50 or higher, Scissors, Washing Detergent soap or powder (small sachet)
Water Bottles

The Important Essentials to be carry during the expedition

NO SUITCASE OR BIG STROLLERS PLEASE. PACK YOUR BELONGINGS INTO 02 MEDIUM DUFFLE BAGS SO THAT IT GOES INTO THE BACKUP VEHICLE EASILY

*Full face helmet with cleat visor*: A good quality full face helmet with clear visor is the minimum a rider should have, as it will not only protect your head, but also your face in case of a fall and also protects the rider from cold winds while riding.

*UV Sunglasses*: UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging and this holds true for eyes as well. So having decent quality UV Sunglasses (Fastrack ones are available for as little as (Rs. 800) is quite essential.

*Riding Jacket*: Though not extremely essential, however good quality riding jacket will not only protect you in case of a fall, but also from the elements. Buying a mesh riding jacket with detachable waterproof and warm liner eg. Cramster Breezer/DSG Jackets will not only ensure that you can wear it while riding in Ladakh, but also for local rides in the summers of India. If you can’t buy a riding jacket, get a wind and water resistant insulated jacket (easily available at most camping stores) Leather jackets while offering decent protection, often let in air and don’t withstand rain all that well. If you are unable to find a water resistant jacket, get a normal one and a rain coat which is large enough to go over your jacket.

*Riding pants*: Once again, not extremely essential, but if you can buy one, it would not only protect you in case of a fall but also from the elements. Also it offers far superior protection than knee guards could ever hope to and at the same time, reduces the need to carry multiple jeans/pants. If not riding pants, then make sure you get a rain suit lower, it will not only protect you from rain/dirt, but also from the cold winds, which are responsible for most of the coldness.

*Shoes*: While riding shoes is a great option and recommended. However if not available, then at least buy army boots or better yet, trekking boots with ankle protection eg. Forclaz 500, which offer protection from the element and also give somewhat protection to the feet in case of a fall. Do not wear sports shoe, as these offer little if any protection in case of a fall and will likely let in enough air and water to make your feet go numb. The best advice we advised go with Gumboots with thermal socks inside which saved us from everything while riding in water logging zone.

*Sunscreen lotion*: UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging to the skin, even during the harshest of winter, so don’t forget to carry a good quality sunscreen lotion eg. Lotus Herbal with rating of SPF30 or higher.

*Lip balm*: Dry and cold weather will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.

*Lip balm*: Dry and cold weather will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.

*Water*: Make sure you are drinking at least 4-5 ltrs of water each day to stay hydrated.

*Chocolates, biscuits and nuts*: Carrying couple of chocolates, a pack of biscuits and few hundred grams of almonds, raisins and cashews is a good idea, as these provide instant energy and easy snack and doesn’t take up too much space.

*Jeans/pants*: If you have a riding pant, carry 1 pair of jeans or pant. If you do not have a riding pant, carry at least two spare pairs.

*Shirts/t-shirts/sweatshirt*: carry at least 2-3 spare shirts/t-shirt along with a sweatshirt (if you have one).

*Sweater*: Sweater can not only be worn while riding to add another layer of insulation, but it can also be worn in the hotel or while out in the town. Of course you can skip it, if you have a good quality riding jacket with warm liner.

*Cap*: Buy a warm cap which you can wear while roaming at high altitude passes where cold winds can lead to headaches. A warm monkey cap will cost Rs. 150 or less and takes up little space and at the same time offers protection to head, forehead, ears and even neck.

*Lip balm*: Dry and cold weather will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.

*Underwear/vests*: Carry at least 4-5 pairs of underwear and inner vests.

*Socks*: Carry at least 5-6 pairs of socks, thick cotton ones if you have warm and insulated boots and couple of woollen ones if in case your shoes let in air.

*Handkerchief/towels*: carry at least 4-5 handkerchiefs, a small hand towel and also a large one if you aren’t comfortable using towels provided by the hotel.

*Slippers*: Not really essential, but it is a good idea to carry these for usage in hotel or while loitering around town on foot.

*Toilet paper or other toiletry*: It would be required during the high altitude zone stay.

*Driving License*: I think it goes without saying, carrying original motorcycle driving license is essential and legally required.

*Passport/Other Valid ID proof*: All riders will be required to carry their passports or other valid ID proof.

*List of important contacts*: Phones can run out of battery, go bad or can be lost. So make sure to carry a hardcopy containing phone numbers of essential contacts.

*Chargers for all the gadgets, cameras and mobile*: No need to explain this.

*Spare camera batteries*: Carry at least one spare set of batteries required by your camera, since in a cold environment, batteries can die quickly.

*Battery bank*: If you are an avid smart phone user and planning to log your route, then make sure you are carrying car charger or a power bank with at least 10,000mAH capacity to keep your mobile phone running throughout the day.

*3 socket Belkin power strip*: While it is a little large in size, 3 socket Belkin Power Strip will not only keep your gadgets protected from power surges, but will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously and at the same time, provide the crucial cable length to safely place your gadgets in rooms with idiotic power socket locations (sadly enough, many hotels have this).

*3 socket Belkin power strip*: While it is a little large in size, 3 socket Belkin Power Strip will not only keep your gadgets protected from power surges, but will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously and at the same time, provide the crucial cable length to safely place your gadgets in rooms with idiotic power socket locations (sadly enough, many hotels have this).

*Torch*: Not really needed if your mobile phone has one, but if in case it doesn’t, carry a small LED one.

*Money*: While my recommendation would be to carry enough cash, to avoid wasting time withdrawing cash, it may not be possible for everyone.

*Personal medication*: (2-3 bandages, eye drops, antiseptic, Imodium, NIFL Uril and aspirin, excellent to combat headaches associated with altitude)