Planning A Trip Through The Himachal
I narrowed it down to several main areas in Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Dharamsala(Dharmasala)/McLeod Ganj, Manali, a three-day easy trek, Kullu and Kangra Valleys. Starting and ending in New Delhi. With the days spent flying halfway around the world, this came out to a four-week trip.
Next step...what tour operator to use. I asked two different operators (we've used both before) to cost it out and see what came up. India is not a country that ex-Marine and I feel comfortable traveling around by ourselves. Safety is not the issue...it's the hassle-factor...let someone else handle the problems with our input.
Tomas, at Footloose Travel, had the best price for the same itinerary. Our Ladakh trip with Footloose last year was excellent and we felt comfortable with his contacts and "hand-offs" in India.
Air? Air is always a major part of travel costs. We economized slightly by flying United from Chicago to Singapore and then using miles to get free tickets on Singapore Airlines from Singapore to New Delhi. But there are so many alternatives to choose from. American Airlines and Delta just started flying to India from the U.S. Air India also flies from the U.S. All other large airlines fly from Europe and Asia. Check out some of these companies for the lowest fares.
British Airways
KLM
Travelocity SAVES You 20% or MORE on Air Fares
Lowest International airfares Economy Travel
Travel Insurance? Never travel without it. Other do...we don't. Your vacation a year to save for a second to ruin Purchase Travel insurance through Travel Guard Travel insurance starting at $30
Health? Malaria pills again. Our drug of choice is Lariam, (Mefloquine is the generic). (We prefer the once-a-week Lariam to the once-a-day Malarone - but it's your decision). I always check the Centers for Disease Ccontrol updates to see what they suggest.
Clothing? It was going to be hot. Lightweight clothing, shorts, some longer pants, sun hat, etc. No fancy clothes required.
Visa? You must have an Indian visa. Available at your nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. There is one in Chicago and you can get a visa issued in the same day. We just found out that you can apply for a 10-year visa which saves a LOT of money. That is something we never knew until this year, after we paid for a single-entry visa. Learn something new every day!
Our Tour? Shimla, Dharmsala, Manali and a three-day trek. Staying at some beautiful resorts (Heritage hotels, a 5***** in Shimla), and a three-day trek in the Kullu Valley. With the exception of full-board on trek, only breakfast was included everywhere else. Also included: an English-speaking guide throughout, 4-WD vehicle with driver, all entrance fees, etc.
With all that settled, visas in passports, ready to go...
Cheap Flights from Airfares Basement
