Preparing for your trip

Checklist

In addition, if you booked flights with your package:

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

U.S. citizens must obtain a visa in advance to gain entry into India. If taking the optional Nepal extension, a visa for entry into Nepal is required and can be obtained upon entry or purchased in advance to avoid the long lines.

India Entry Requirements

Advice from our partner Sherpa

Nepal Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least six months after your date of return to the U.S. with one blank page. U.S. passport holders must also have a visa to enter Nepal. The necessary tourist visa will be issued upon arrival in Nepal upon payment of the Visa fee.  Applications can be completed inside the airport using self-service kiosk machines. However, as there are only a few kiosk machines, to avoid long queues, we recommend completing the application online, no earlier than 15 days prior to your arrival in Nepal. Full instructions will be provided in your final documents. (as of Sep. 1, 2022 the fee is $30 per person but is subject to change at any time.)

Advice from our partner Sherpa

General Requirements & Guidelines

• In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
• if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
• Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
• Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Tour Only Option

If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for arranging your own flights and transportation to the touring program start and end points, usually the first and last hotels listed in the itinerary. Please review the itinerary carefully, as some packages start and end in different cities, requiring "open jaw" flights. Also see airport transfers and what to do in case of arrival complications.

Flights & Tickets

If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Following are the toll free numbers of airlines used on this program:

Air Canada's (AC) toll-free number is 888-247-2262.

Emirates Airlines (EK) toll-free number is 800-777-3999.

Etihad Airways (EY) toll-free number is 877-690-0767.

Lufthansa (LH) toll-free number is 800-645-3880.

Singapore Airlines (SQ) toll-free number is 800-742-3333.

United Airlines (UA) toll-free number is 800-864-8331.

IMPORTANT! Emirates has a minimum check-in of 3 ½ hours prior to departure time. The check-in counter closes one hour prior to departure. Passengers arriving less than 1 hour prior to departure will not be accepted. Please don't risk losing your departure flight by arriving late at your international gateway.

Flight Schedule

If you selected flights with your package, you will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Connecting Flights

If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

Scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included with this package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will cheerfully escort you to your transfer vehicle and assist with your luggage. 

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

• You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
• Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
• Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: Many airlines now charge a fee for checked luggage. Often, these fees must be paid directly to the airline. We will let you know if the airline you are booked on charges a fee for checked luggage. If you are booked on an airline that charges a fee for checked luggage, we highly recommend that you prepay prior to departure. In general, our luggage allowance, per person, is one checked bag, one personal item such as a purse or camera bag, and one carry-on bag which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. Your tour includes domestic flights within your destination. The airlines used on these flights allow a maximum weight of 44 pounds for the checked bag. We recommend that you pack wisely and not over-pack.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking. On the extension to Nepal, the tour reaches high altitudes requiring that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops.

Customs & Culture: India is home to over a billion people, accommodating incredible cultural diversity between languages, geographic regions, religious traditions and social stratification. Their religious make-up is diverse, including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, but by far, the most widely practiced  religion is Hinduism. Be sensitive and respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to only use your right hand to eat or hand things to others. The left hand is considered unclean, as it is used for hygiene. Locals are very appreciative of tourists who show respect for their customs and culture.

Varanasi, rituals of Hindu pilgrims: Varanasi is regarded as the Indian spiritual capital. Every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit the city to participate in Hindu ceremonies of worship. Heavy black smoke rises from Harish Chandra and Manikarnika ghats. These are the burning ghats, where relatives bring their loved ones to be cremated. According to Hindu legend, those who are cremated in Varanasi will achieve enlightenment and be free of the cycle of death and rebirth. Strangers are welcomed to watch the cremation rituals and rejoice with the families that their loved one has entered Nirvana. Although the ceremony is very moving, it can be overwhelming. 

While watching the cremations is welcomed, photography is strictly prohibited, and if you try, don't be surprised if someone aggressively stops you. It is thought that photos may interrupt the soul entering Nirvana.

Game viewing Ranthambore National Park: Your tour includes safari drives through the Ranthambore National Park on shared, open air vehicles called “canters.” Please keep in mind that wildlife viewing is a matter of luck, and while we can’t guarantee that you’ll view all the animals you would like to see the game drive experience is wonderful, no matter which animals you encounter!

Appropriate Attire for Visits to Mosques & Other Religious Sites: When visiting places of worship, women should cover  their upper arms. Skirts or trousers should be at least mid-calf in length. Men should avoid shorts. Do carry an extra pair of socks on touring days as you need to remove your shoes when entering sacred locations. Shoes that are easy to slip off and on are best.

Nepal Extension (optional): Nepalis are very laid back people. Although majority are Hindus, Buddhism is very much a part of Nepal’s cultural landscape. Nepal has a myriad of customs not too different from their Indian neighbors; and traditions are strictly followed.  However, visitors are not expected to get everything right at all times. The Nepalese are tolerant and very relaxed, and as long as you show respect and be polite to the locals, they will be happy.  

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Accommodations

We have reserved the finest possible accommodations on your behalf. Please keep in mind, though, that even the best Indian standards do not always match those to which we are accustomed. Hotels are comfortable and offer all modern conveniences. Our hotels are all Western-style, and your room will, of course, have a private bathroom. However, some of the hotels on your tour have a limited number of twin rooms. If a twin room is not available, the hotel will provide Hollywood-style twin set-up with 2 duvets on a double bed. 

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary. For all other meals, you're at liberty to dine where you like. Your hotels will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants.

In India, you’ll find a wide variety of foods from around the world, but it’s the Indian food, with its aromatic, flavorful and colorful combinations that you’ll savor. The style of cooking varies from region to region, though Indian food has a significant and well-earned reputation for its creative and plentiful use of spices and herbs. There are numerous vegetarian options available, but lamb and chicken are common in main dishes for non-vegetarians. Be sure to enjoy cooked fruits and vegetables, but stay away from raw items unless you can peel them.

Non-included meals: Your hotels while on tour will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (not including drinks) in the coffee shops will average about $10 - $20 per person, per meal. Your hotels and some restaurants accept credit card payments for not-included meals.

The water in the hotel tap system is not potable. Many hotels now promote “Responsible Tourism” by replacing single-use plastic water bottles in the rooms with reusable glass water bottles, which are safe to drink. In an effort for continued environmental conservation and sustainability, we will provide each traveler with a reusable water bottle.  You may give your water bottle to the hotel’s housekeeping department and request for the bottle to be washed before each use.  You can refill your personal water bottles at the hotels’ water station, located at the coffee shop or through room service. Drinking water in large bottles will be available in our vehicles so you can refill as needed as you travel.  

You will also have plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water in and around the hotel. Any water that you consume from the hotel mini-bar will be charged to your room, and you will be responsible for payment. As a reminder, only drink water and other beverages from sealed bottles or cans. The rule for water also pertains to ice, as it is commonly made from unfiltered, tap water.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Tipping

You will be traveling in the company of professionals who are very committed to making your tour the dream vacation you are counting on. These people feel great pride in being given a chance to show foreign visitors their country. If your guide, driver and others with whom you are traveling are doing a good job, please take our suggestions for tipping seriously. Naturally, tipping is personal and completely voluntary, and if you have not received good service, your tip should reflect this fact. 

The recommended amounts are as follows: 

• Tour Manager: $8 USD per person per day
• Bus Driver: $5 USD per day
• Airport Transfer Drivers (to/from airport): $2-$3 USD per person each way
• Restaurant tips for non-included meals: 10% of bill  
• Housekeeping: $1-2 USD per person per day

Optional Excursions

To enhance your visit, we offer an optional excursions package. The guide will have a list of passengers who prepaid the optional excursions package. If you did not prepay the optional excursions and prefer to purchase them locally, space will be subject to availability, and the local selling price may be higher. 

Additional tours may also be offered locally.  Payment for tours purchased locally must be made directly to the guide.  Payments may be made by cash in US dollars or local currency

Independent Activities

Your tour includes a comprehensive touring program.  During leisure time in between scheduled group activities, the tour escort may arrange additional activities for those who are interested.  

You can also leave the group and explore on your own at any time, but be careful if you explore on your own. Should the group have planned activities for that day, please make sure to inform your Tour Escort in advance. They can also provide recommendations and resources if you decide to explore on your own. There is NO refund for unused group arrangements. We recommend that you ask the front desk for a business card of the hotel with the address and local phone number in both local script and English. Or take the name of the hotel and phone number - written in the local language and in English - with you so that you can communicate with taxi drivers. Your hotel staff will gladly assist you with these translations.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

India Fast Facts

Nepal Fast Facts

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.