This is a Tea House trek, i.e we don’t camp inside Singalila National Park but stay in Homestay/Lodge available on the trail. As you should expect on amountain trail, these are basic accommodation run by the local Nepali/Tibetan families.

In budget/fixed group departure, inclusions rooms are dormitory bed type with triple/quad sharing. Male and female trekkers are given separate rooms. Beds and blankets are neat and clean. Toilets may not be attached to the room or common in nature and without a tap running water facility.

There is also Standard tour inclusions where we upgrade the rooms with attached toilet and running water facility. Although this is ONLY possible for private/customized tours. Rooms will be better than the usual basic type.

Note that there is no electric heater or any kind of heating source in these basic lodges. Keep adequate warming layers as per your comfort.

Sandakphu temperature and weather data:

Remember that Sandakphu is at 11950ft of altitude and on windy Singalila ridge. Expect cool to cold conditions along with some dampness. You may get freezing temperature even in summers.

Note:

• Minimum temperature can likely occur late night to early in the morning between 2 am to 5 am. Similarly maximum may attain during midday/noon.
• The temperatures are measured outside. Inside room expect 10° to 12°warmer than outside.
• Wind chill can significantly impact the real feel and feels like temperature can be 5° lower than the actual. Similarly a bright sunny day will feel warmer.
• As you will be trekking mostly between 8am to 3 pm during day, expect warm to cool conditions depending upon the month you are trekking.

(Kindly note: For Fixed Departure groups, transportation is not included. However, we can arrange upon request. Kindly confirm during booking confirmation).

Our fixed departures are published time to time with our itinerary details. Check with us to confirm with the availability (Contact us). Note that this tour are of economy/budget inclusions type. Rooms are shared by 3-4 person or of dormitory type. Toilet may not be attached, rather common ones. Male and female trekkers will get separate room(s). Meals are mostly vegetarian with occasional eggs. Once your booking is done, your tour is guaranteed.

Please note: there will be additional cost for transportation if transportation is requested.

We also arrange Private/Customised trekking for smaller groups of 2 persons or more. There are many advantages of this type than a usual fixed group departures, albeit with a price premium.

You can choose your preferred dates and desired level of services. This is usually a Standard category inclusions than that of the group departure treks. Accommodation can be on twin sharing basis or a family room with kids (based on availability. Check with us). These are usually upgraded rooms with attach toilets. In this category, we can arrange veg and non veg. On a private customized trek, there will be none other than your members and trekking guide(s). We also support transportation by car from airport pickup and drop with any other bookings that you need. Also, it is possible to change the itinerary by adding days or shortening the itinerary. The trek fee will depend on number of persons and level of service inclusions.

This region in eastern Himalaya is different than Western Himalaya states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. There are differences in religious practices which reflect in local culture and thus in the people behaviour. Majority, Buddhism is followed in Nepal and Tibetan ethnicity. People are friendly, helping and smiling. Tough your major meals may consist standardized Indian meals (rice, Roti, Dal vegetables etc.) but expect mixed of local noodles soup, momo, chowmein in lunch or snacks.

As this trail is inside the Indian state of West Bengal, so the permit procedures are easier and there is no restrictions as opposed to neighbouring northeastern state of India

• The entry permit to Singalila National Park is processed from Maneybhanjung with the strength of your passport and valid Indian Visa. You need to show your documents at Fronteir Check post, Maneybhanjung. Though the trekking trail frequently enters into Nepal, but you don’t need Nepal visa for this trek. Carry 2 photocopies of your passport and Indian Visa along with the original. Few copies of your recent passport size photos can be handy to keep with it. Once you meet our representative/guide at Maneybhanjung, he will facilitate the process.
• We charge 4500 per person additional + 5% Gst in our fixed departures this levy for the entire durations of the trek we collect due to two reasons:
• Higher per day ticket/entrance fee for Singalila National Park (it’s actually double each day).
• Higher guiding charges as prescribed by the local guide Association.

• Accommodations during the whole trekking itinerary in a homestay/lodge on sharing basis. These are simple and basic accommodations but neat and clean. Rooms are dormitory type having 3-4 sharing. Toilets may not be attach with the room or can be common in nature. Male and female are accommodated separate rooms.
• All meals mentioned as per itinerary during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek (including occasional eggs), breakfast, lunch (en route), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.
• Permits
• Entrance fees on Nepal side at Sandakphu.
• Basis first-Aid and medicine kit.
• Local guides.

X 5% Gst applicable as per govt. rule.

X International flights

X Accommodation at Siliguri on day 0 and on day last.

X Transportation from NJP/Bagdogra to base camp. Either you may arrange on your own or we will arrange the transportation on request. Note that the Tata sumo charges to base camp and from trek end point Srikhola/Sepi will be shared amongst fellow trekkers. The car can accommodate comfortably 6 person. Even 8 person on proper sitting.

X We assume that you will carry your personal rucksack/backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your rucksack/backpack, and carry it by a horse or personal porter then you need to spend additional charges. Charges are 1500 per day. Let us know this during your booking with us.

X Any travel insurances.

X Visa

X Still/video camera charges inside the Singalila National Park.

X Additional fee of Rs.4500 +5% govt. tax for Non Indian/Foreign nationals. This is to counter higher National Park permit fee and guiding charges.

X Anything which is not mentioned in the “Inclusion” or personal in nature.

We assume that you have read and understood our “terms and conditions” before booking with The Exotic Odyssey with your trek/tour.

All bookings are handled by The Exotic odyssey. In order to confirm the tour booking,

• A deposit of 50% of the total amount of the booking must be paid either by bank transfer or credit card within 7 days of the issuance of the booking confirmation. If the payment is not received within this time, the booking may be cancelled without notice.
• The remaining outstanding 50% balance is to be paid 30 days prior the departure of the tour by bank transfer or credit card payment.
• A delay in the payment of the balance may result in the cancellation of the booking and the company is not responsible for any charges incurred.

• 25% of the total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 30 days before the start of the trip.
• 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made between 15-30 days before the start of the trip.
• No refund i.e., 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees if cancellations are made 0-15 days before the start of the trip.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such circumstances, the operator will try their best to provide an alternative feasible. However, a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
• All cancellations are strictly subjected to the cancellation policies mentioned on the website.

As this is a trek route, about choosing the right warm clothing, shoes, rucksack and a waterproof. Contact us for further queries. Below is a list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks). Always try to avoid unnecessary toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountains. Pack light that you are comfortable during trekking.

Rain/snowfall is common and varies from one trek to another in different seasons. Always wrap your clothing/non waterproof stuff inside waterproof bags. Plastics are not encourage. Try carry proper waterproof bags or plastic wrappers that you carry along during your travel and not one that you discard after one use. Use additional waterproofing even if you have a rain cover for your backpack.

For selection of personal gear/equipment and how to pack, read the articles carefully before buying an item check:

• 1- Sleeping Bag: The Exotic Odyssey will provide you during trek if required. Bring your personal one if you have one for higher altitude.
• 1-Sleeping/carry mattress (foam/rubber): The Exotic Odyssey will provide if required.
• 1-Micro spikes/Anti slip grip and Gaiters: the Exotic Odyssey will provide if required.
• 1-Rucksack/Back Pack: A must item. Between 40-50L. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and will cause discomfort.
• 1-Rucksack cover (Waterproof): MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc.
• 1-Day Pack/Knap sack: MUST, when you offload your rucksack/main luggage. Always carry items in your daypack which you may require during your walk. E.g. Don’t offload water bottle(s), any dry food, wind/water proof, gloves, caps, personal medicine kit.
• 1-Trekking shoe/boots: A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs: a) A stick rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip) b) Ankle support (medium or high ankle). c) Waterproof membrane (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
• 3 to 4 T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking): A must item and as per your need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry fit type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made by synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirt are not advised and avoid especially when you walk.
• 1-Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth): A Must item. Warm fleece jacket/synthetic fill (some refer as hollow fill) jacket/Down feather jacket. While hiking, you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite.
• 1- Windproof jacket/wind cheater (outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snowfall: A must Item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised. Use this along with base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer layer to protect from wind chill while hiking or at campsite.
• 1 pair Thermal wear (base layer once you reach campsite): Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
• 2 pair Trek pant: A must item. Can be track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/cargo or convertible kind. One Dry fit/Quick dry fit track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is best. For altitude above 5000m/16400ft, you should use wind proof trek pants.
• 1- Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Water proofing is a must during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter. This can be achieved by any of the following – A) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality. B) A poncho/Raincoat.
• 1-Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey cap: A must item for protection from cold and sunburn. Preferably made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
• 1- Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana: For protection from Sun while you hike.
• Under garments/Inner wear (as per need):
• 3-4 pair Hiking socks: Use full length socks (don’t use tennis socks). 100% cotton socks are not recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woole material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
• 1- pair Woolen Gloves: A must item.
• 1 pair Waterproof gloves: Use especially on high altitude trek where snow and ice is encountered.
• 1 pair Camp sandal: Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
• 1 pair/single Walking Sticks/Trekking poles/Ski poles: Nice to have. Reduces the pressure on knees and give balance especially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
• 1 pair Knee cap: Makes a difference if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
• 1 Water bottle/Hydrant pack: 1 two litre or 2 one litre is good.
• 1 Sunglass: This is a must for high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400(UV A&B) protection. Trekkers using spectacles can order custom make powered sunglasses.
• 1 Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries: A must. Recommended Head torch as this keeps your both hands free to grip.
• 1 Sunscreen lotion: At least 30-40SPF
• 1 Chap Stick/cold and moisturizing cream: As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
• 1 Soap/soap strip: Carry small pocket size soap, or soap strip.
• 1 Hand sanitizer: Small bottle.
• 1 tissue roll: This is a must item.
• 1 Towel: Medium size.
• 1 anti fungal powder: Optional. This helps the socks and trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry small container.
• 1 Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek. Carry spare batteries/Power banks.
• Kit of Dry food items: Must carry some dry fruits, energy bars/protein bars/and Glocon d/tang/Getorade.
• Kit – Personal First-Aid and Personal Medicine Kit (Mandatory): Optional. Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Bandaid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin.
• Personal Medicine Kit (Mandatory):This is a simple guide libe and a doctor’s consultant is recommended: A) General medicines comprising of headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volin gel/spary). B) Anti diarrrhoearal. C) Antibiotics- choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections- carry a course of each. D) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc. but Do Not take Codeine based painkillers). E) Anti inflammatory ( Nurofen/diclofenac sodium). F) Diamox – This helps in acclimatization ( a proper dosage is a must if taken. Drink lots of water as this is a direutic drug.
• 1 Lunch box: Must item apart from Sandakphu trek. You need not to carry plate/bowl/mug/spoon/ from home. We will provide these as required during meals. You must carry a lunch tiffin box (compartmentalized or in all in one) to keep the pack lunch item we will provide when required on treks.

P.S.: You may use and share common kit for toiletries and medicines if travelling in a group.

Important note:

If you need to offload your rucksack/back pack/main luggage to horse/porter, then you must carry a daypack/knapsack along with you while trekking. Do carry water bottle(s), dry food items, water/windproof, gloves, caps, personal medicine kit etc. in you daypack. Remember that you will leave your offloaded bag at one campsite and collect it back only in the next campsite. You will not have access to your main luggage during your walk/trek.

• The guest must carry photo identification like Passport, Voter ID Card or Driving License IN ORIGINAL at the point of check in at the hotel and for Inner line permits
• The Exotic Odyssey does NOT have any HIDDEN CHARGES.
• If someone asks for extra money during the journey, Please inform us. We will not be responsible if you pay the amount without our knowledge and consent.
• Booking will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment.
• There is no star category hotel available in all places. However, we provide the best possible option as per your tour category.
• Credit Cards / Traveler’s check are not freely accepted in many places.
• We advise you to check the temperature/weather of the places you are going to visit, and bring necessary clothes accordingly.
• Woollen clothes, Jacket, Raincoat/Umbrella etc. are advisable to carry according to weather conditions.
• Any extra breakfast for kids which is not mentioned has to be paid directly by guest as per the hotel policy.
• The normal check-in time for a hotel is 12 PM, and normal check-out time for a hotel is 11 AM. However, this is subjected to change as per the hotel policies. The timing of meals and/or inclusions of a certain hotel room are as per the hotel policies.
• Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule; cancellations of flight/trains, political disturbances, cause of natural phenomenon, other force majeure, etc. will not be accommodated in the cost.
• Consumption of alcohols and other intoxicants are at your own cost. We request you to be very minimal with such activities during your trip.
• The vehicle for sightseeing is available on an itinerary basis only, and will not be on disposal unless some cases of emergencies.
• Price will vary according to the number of people in the tour.
• The tour will be taking place through Eco-friendly, exotic local destinations. We kindly do not encourage littering the local sites and campsites.
• We encourage you to carry water bottle which can be refilled, so that we prevent uses of plastic water bottles which only increases the waste disposal.
• Kindly conduct courtesy and respect towards cultures and traditions at all the destinations you visit.
• We encourage you to always be a responsible traveler wherever you go.
• The Exotic Odyssey is not responsible for acts of God or force majeure events, sanitation problems, lack of medical care, weather conditions, strikes and other labor activities, acts of terrorism, acts of war (declared or undeclared), quarantines, embargoes, blockades, criminal activities or any other act or event beyond the direct control of The Exotic Odyssey; and, not responsible for the additional costs for stay and/or meal and/or other expenses incurred by the consequence of such unfortunate events.
• Thank you & wishing you happy holidays with The Exotic Odyssey.