Find answers to your questions here
Before you call us, please find answers to your questions here. This is a collection of the most frequently asked questions at Indiahikes. Use the Topic Index to browse topics. If you don’t find an answer to your question, you’ll find our contact details at the bottom of this page.
Registering for a trek with Tripsaa.
If you have doubts or trouble registering for a trek, use this section to troubleshoot your problems.
Registration Process
Our registration process is entirely an online process. You'll be able to complete it in a few simple steps:
- Head to the upcoming treks page and choose a trek.
- Click on View Dates/Register and select a date of your choice. Then click on register.
- Go through the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions (don’t ignore this step)
- Create an account for yourself if you don’t already have one.
- Fill out the form that appears with all the details
- Make the payment online.
If the group you are looking for is full, it is best to opt for an alternative date or look for another trek starting on the same date. From our upcoming treks page, you can book the trek that suits your preference.
The Tripsaa team will be there to guide you once you register for a trek. We will create a Whatsapp group where other trekkers from your group will join in as well, so that you can get to know each other better.
Once you start the registration process, we will block your booking for 24 hours. You will have to complete the booking within 24 hours. The booking automatically becomes inactive if you do not complete it in 24 hours.
It's great that you wish to trek with your loved ones 🙂
Before completing the payment, You can add participants once you register for the trek. To do this, head over to your dashboard, reach the "Add Participants" step and add details of your friends/family.
Suppose you have completed the payment for the trek. In that case, your friend/family member will have to register separately using their email ID and follow our usual registration process.
About Waitlists
If the trek group you have registered for is full, then you will enter the waitlist. This slot will get confirmed only if someone in the group cancels their trek.
If there is a cancellation in the group, we will send you an email immediately. You'll be able to make the payment and confirm your trek. You have 24 hours to do this.
If you don't complete the payment within 24 hours, the slot will move to the next person on the waitlist. We have a total of 5 waitlist slots for each group. It works on a first-come-first-served basis.
Note: If you have registered for more than one person on the waitlist, we will notify you only if there is a cancellation of the total number of trekkers you have registered for.
For example, suppose you have registered for 2 trekkers on the waitlist. In that case, we will send you a confirmation email only if 2 slots open up.
The answer is no. Do NOT book your flight tickets if you’re on the waitlist. The waitlist is not a confirmed slot. Book your travel only after you have paid and confirmed your trek.
To be honest, we cannot predict when you'll get a confirmation. You'll get confirmation only if there is a cancellation.
If you have registered on our waitlist, we recommend you keep an eye on your email. Our notifications are automated. We will notify you immediately by email and a Whatsapp message if there is a cancellation.
Mark all emails from Indiahikes as "important" so the email doesn't end up in your spam.
Please note that we close our waitlist 7 days before the trek. This means we stop sending out notifications to trekkers on the waitlist, even if there is a cancellation. We believe that you need a minimum of 7 days to prepare for the trek and book your travel. Anything after that is too late.
You can register for waitlist slots on more than one trek or group. However, the dates for which you are registering mustn't overlap. Our system will not allow you to register if the dates overlap.
Signing up for a waitlist is a bit of a gamble. We have 5 waitlist slots that work on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If you sign up more than 30 days before the trek date, the chances of it getting confirmed are higher.
- But if you sign up closer to the trek date, the chances of getting a confirmation are meagre. You are better off choosing an available date.
We advise you to sign up for the waitlist only if your dates are not flexible. You do not have to pay to be on the waitlist, so you have nothing to lose.
If your dates are flexible, choose an available date. That way, you'll be able to plan your travel and start prepping for the trek.
We have a maximum of 5 waitlist slots. The waitlist works on a first-come-first-serve basis. Once you join the waitlist, you will see your waitlist number on your dashboard
You don’t have to make a payment to be on the waitlist.
Only if there is a cancellation and the slot is allotted to you will you have to make the payment to confirm your trek. You will have to do this within 24 hours of receiving our notification.
But start preparing for the trek after joining the waitlist.
Trek Fee Enquiries
Each trek is unique and may include different things in the trek fee. You can find out exactly what's included in the "What's Included" section on the relevant trek page.
Generally speaking, your trek fee includes all costs while on the trek, including:
- Accommodation (e.g. tents and/or lodges)
- All meals (simple, nutritious and vegetarian)
- Expert trek leaders and support team
- Trekking and safety equipment
- All permits and camping charges
Your fee usually does not include expenses incurred while getting to and from the base camp or your equipment, such as your backpack, shoes or clothing.
The transportation to and from the basecamp is not included in the trek fee (excluding a few treks). But we will organize your transport from the pickup location to the basecamp. Trekkers will travel together and share the cost.
Indiahikes is not registered with Indian Mountaineering Foundation for you to avail Special Casual Leave. However, you, as an individual can register with IMF, register for a trek and avail special casual leave. Please enquire with IMF for the same.
Your fee usually does not include:
- Expenses incurred while getting to and from the base camp like food, transport and accomodation.
- Your equipment, such as your backpack, shoes or clothing.
If you are a team of ten members and above, we will waive off of the fee of one person. If you have such a large group, please write to us before registering.
Payment concerns.
Use this section if you have doubts or issues with payments.
Payment Issues
If your transaction has failed, please contact us by mailing us at info@tripsaa.com. We will review the transaction and guide you through the next steps in the next 24 hours.
We're sorry about the inconvenience. Sometimes, the payment gateway fails with international transaction if your credit doesn't have certain facilities.
Please write to info@tripsaa.com with your issue and we will help sort it out with a special payment link for you.
In such a case, drop an email to info@tripsaa.com. We will check if we have received the payment. If we have received payment, we will confirm your slot immediately.
If we have not received the payment, we suggest you wait for 4-5 days in such a scenario. Usually, it will get refunded to your account. If that doesn't happen (rarely), get in touch with us by writing to info@tripsaa.com. We'll see how we can help you.
Payment Doubts
We accept online payments of all kinds. We have an excellent online portal where you can make a payment using debit cards, credit cards, net banking, UPI, Wallets and even international cards and Amex cards. We do NOT accept cheque payments.
We will come up with this option soon.
Yes, we do accept partial payment. You will have to pay an advance booking and registeration amount to confirm your slot.
And balance payment can be paid one day prior to the trip.
Find information for your trek.
One stop to find all the answers before going on your trek.
Bhrigu Lake
Starting from Kulang (Manali), the Bhrigu Lake trek is approximately 22 km, which you cover over 4 days.
- Day 1 - Arrival in Manali (Not included in the package but it's always recommended to arrive at basecamp a day prior for acclimatization)
- Day 2 - Manali – Kulang – Mori Dugh (1 hour drive/ 5 to 6 hours trek)
- Day 3 - Mori Dugh – Pandu Ropa (5 to 6 hours trek)
- Day 4 - Pandu Ropa - Bhrigu Lake - Pandu Ropa(7 to 8 hours trek)
- Day 5 - Pandu Ropa – Kulang - Manali ( 6 hours trek / 1 hour drive from Kulang to Manali)
You won’t find any electricity after you set off from Manali.
Therefore use your electronic equipment wisely. Fully charge your batteries before leaving your hotel and use your electronic equipment minimally.
Another thing to note the cold temperatures drain the batteries faster. Having extra batteries or a power banks help.
We do have the option of offloading on this trek. But please note that we encourage trekkers to carry their own backpacks and work on their fitness accordingly. Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem.
The total cost of offloading on the Bhrigu Lake trek is Rs 1200.
The Bhrigu Lake trek is classified as a trek of moderate difficulty. You start from an altitude of 8,530 ft at Gulaba and you reach the highest point of the trek at 14,009 ft.
There are steep climbs on this trek. You gain around 5,480 ft over just two days of trekking. This can make the trek quite demanding. So, it is necessary to train well for the trek. Focus on cardiovascular and strength training if you are planning to go for the Bhrigu Lake trek.
The network starts getting sketchy once you leave from Manali. But you may find Vodafone and Jio network at Rola Kholi campsite. And, 100 metres from Rola Kholi sometimes you even find an Airtel network.
But all these are subjective to the weather. The network gets affected when clouds roll into the valley.
Manali is your last stop for an ATM. You won’t come across any ATM after Manali. So, if you need cash, withdraw it from Manali and only then set off for Gulaba.
If you're able to meet the fitness requirements, you can definitely do this trek.
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
Kuari Pass
Yes, what you have heard is the correct information. Unlike all other treks, the forest department and the local authorities have made it mandatory for trekkers to show their Covid vaccination certificate for us to obtain permission for their trek.
If you do not have a vaccination certificate, reach out to your Experience Coordinator immediately.
If you are carrying your own backpack, then you don't need to get a daypack for your trek.
However, if you are offloading your backpack, then it is mandatory for you to carry a daypack and carry your essentials with you on the trek.
We have a cloakroom facility available at the basecamp for your extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack / suitcase / duffel bag or anything similar.).
Please ensure that you do not leave valuable belongings in our cloakroom facility. If you do, inform our staff so that they can take the necessary precautions to keep them safe.
Technically speaking, Yes - Pangarchulla Peak is part of the route when you are trekking on the ridge and heading towards Kuari Pass.
However, Pangarchualla cannot be done all year round. The trek is open only during the months of March-April when there is a good amount of snow to navigate and tackle the big boulders.
Also, this trek is treated as a separate one and cannot be combined with your Kuari Pass trek. The difficulty level and the challenges are much higher compared to the Kuari Pass trek.
You will not get a good network signal. On the trail, you might have intermittent signals on the first and last day of the trek. At the base camp in Karchi, you will get Jio and BSNL network coverage if the weather conditions are good.
Note: Beware that the power from your batteries will drain faster in the cold temperatures of this region. So, put the batteries in a small pouch and keep them inside your sleeping bag to keep them warm during the night.
There is no ATM at the base camp of Karchi. Carry enough cash when you leave Rishikesh or from your base city.
The total cost of offloading on the Bhrigu Lake trek is Rs 1200.
Even though our trek ends at Auli, the team drives from Auli to Dhak or Karchi. This is where we have our debriefing. It's also where you return your rental gear and collect your cloakroom luggage.
So do not plan anything on Day 5 of your trek. You can keep your future plans of travel or exploring on Day 6.
Kuari Pass trek reaches a maximum altitude/height of 12,516 ft.
From Karchi, the trek climbs a height/altitude of more or less 5,600 ft during the length of this trek. You steadily climb up the first three days of the trek to the summit and then descending down to Auli.
During the autumn season, you can expect day time temperature ranging between 10 °C and 15 °C. However, during night time, temperatures can drop to zero
In this season, you must also keep in mind that we are moving towards winter. The days get shorter and the nights start to get much colder.
Trekkers will need 3-4 warm layers. September will need 3 warm layers. However, when you move towards October and November, trekkers need to carry 4 warm layers.
Even though our trek ends at Auli, you drive from Auli towards Dhak or Karchi. We will have your extra luggage arranged safely here.
This is also where you have your debriefing after the trek and you return your rented gears on the last day of your trek.
We do have the option of offloading on this trek. But please note that we encourage trekkers to carry their own backpacks and work on their fitness accordingly. Having too many mules on a trail isn’t good for the ecosystem.
The total cost of offloading on the Kuari Pass trek is Rs 1260
Yes you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
There is no restriction imposed for trekkers to carry a camera or drone for the Kuari Pass trek.
You can go ahead and carry your equipment to capture the best of mountains, meadows and forests.
You will not get a good network signal. On the trail, you might have intermittent signals on the first and last day of the trek. At the base camp in Karchi, you will get Jio and BSNL network coverage if the weather conditions are good.
Note: Beware that the power from your batteries will drain faster in the cold temperatures of this region. So, put the batteries in a small pouch and keep them inside your sleeping bag to keep them warm during the night.
Our campuses at Karchi and Dhak will have concrete toilets. On the other days, bio-toilets will be set up along each campsite. A bio-toilet has a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up.
These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. There will be a room freshener as well. Please use plain toilet paper and do not use wet wipes since they are not biodegradable.
These bio-toilets designed by Indiahikes through years of global research are the most hygienic and environmentally-friendly way to answer nature’s call in the wild.
The total distance covered during the Kuari pass trek on the Dhak-Kuari Pass-Auli trail is around 21.5 km.
One of the best things about the Kuari pass trek is the flexibility it has in terms of itinerary and trails. If you approach the trek from Dhak as your starting point, you can reach Khullara campsite by two different trails, with Guling and Akhrotghetta as the distinct campsites.
At the pass, you can choose to descend back down to Karchi or take another beautiful trail to Auli. If you do the latter, then you again have an option to camp at exquisite locations like Chitrakantha or Tali on the way down!
At Indiahikes, we chose the route from Karchi-Akhrotghetta-Khullara-Tali-Auli
Rishikesh is a hub for travellers and trekkers. Finding an option of stay should not be difficult. Just keep in mind to have your stay selected towards the Tapovan side and not towards the other side of Ganga.
However, based on what trekkers have opted for and their experience, here are a few recommendations from them:
Hotel options at Rishikesh
1. Hostel Live Free
Contact number: 099990 20248
Book online: Book online through Booking.com or Trip AdvisorLocation: https://goo.gl/maps/9H8Xakmt8p2TpYFS6
2. Joey's Hostel. The bunk beds cost Rs 550. The rooms cost Rs 2,800.
Location: https://g.page/joey-s-hostel-rishikesh?share
Phone : +91 - 7217482824
3. Shiv Shakti Hostel is another good, decent option at a similar price range to Zostel. This is a hostel like Zostel. They also have rooms.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qLs5wAThyyP8cmfR8
4. Zostel, Rishikesh
Book Online: https://www.zostel.com/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugqLXUBcbgxnFt638
Hotel options near Jolly Grant Airport
1. Sun n Soil Backpackers hostel is a great option, if you want to stay near Jolly Grant airport.
Location: https://g.page/sun-n-soil-backpacker-hostel?share
Phone: +91 - 9634570743
A Guide For Beginners.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll find the information here very useful.
Choosing a trek
It's terrific that you're planning to start trekking in the Himalayas. You'd be happy to know that around 70% of our trekkers are beginners.
You must choose your trek wisely -- something that is not too difficult yet will allow you to experience the grand settings of the Himalayas.
From over a decade of experience, these are the treks we find best suited for beginners:
- Dayara Bugyal
- Deoriatal-Chandrashila
- Brahmatal
- Kedarkantha
- Kuari Pass
As long as you are fit and prepared for a trek, you can choose slightly difficult treks as well.
However, there are some treks that require previous high altitude trek experience.
December until February are the best months to experience winter snow.
Although the upper age limit is mentioned as 58 years, it is not a strict upper age limit that we exercise. We have mentioned it on the website so that anyone above 58 can get in touch with us for better guidance. You are going on a high altitude trek after all, which requires certain fitness and medical health.
Having said that, we have had several 60+ and 70+ year olds trek with us and complete their treks comfortably and safely. All you need is a good level of preparation and fitness to do these treks. If you have doubts / questions, do call us and we will guide you with trek suggestions.
In addition, we have recently introduced Special treks exclusively for seniors.
Fitness requirements
Many people are intimidated by the idea of a Himalayan trek. There are indeed significantly real risks and challenges.
However, almost everyone can participate in a Himalayan trek as long as they are physically fit and mentally prepared for their treks. Around 75% of our trekkers are beginners, and they trek comfortably.
What will help you is that after you register for your trek, the Tripsaa Pre-Trek Experience Team will guide you on how to prepare for your trek. They will give you a fitness routine to follow and guidance on what to bring for the trek. They will also put you in touch with the rest of your trekking team so that you know your trek mates well in advance.
Your level of fitness can make or break your trek. Four things happen when you are not fit:
- You do not enjoy the trek
- You struggle to be a part of the team
- You miss out on a profoundly transformative experience that trekking can offer.
- You may also be sent down if you are highly unfit for your trek.
This is why it’s essential to be fit for a trek. The good part is it’s not difficult. All you need to do is start following a fitness routine 45-60 days before the trek begins.
Yes, you can. It also depends on the severity of your attacks.
You can register and pay for a trek but give yourself enough time to prepare. If you do not have a fitness routine, register for a trek that starts after 2 months. This will provide you with enough time to prepare and become fit.
Yes, you can, but only if you prepare physically for the trek.
If you have a high BMI, and this is your first trek, or don’t have a very consistent workout routine, we recommend starting with an easy-moderate one. These treks have gradual ascents and descents and do not put too much pressure on your body.
If you have a heart condition, you need to get a TMT test before you come on the trek. After your doctor's consultation, you can carry on the trek if they give you a green signal.
Having said that, we have had several 60+ and 70+ year olds trek with us and complete their treks comfortably and safely. All you need is a good level of preparation and fitness to do these treks. If you have doubts / questions, do call us and we will guide you with trek suggestions.
In addition, we have recently introduced Special treks exclusively for seniors.
Safety on an Tripsaa Trek
For many years, we have wanted to capture what safety means to us at Tripsaa in a film. The idea of safety has evolved so much (and is still evolving).
Finally, we have been able to put the journey of safety down in a film. It is not only the story of how we look at safety at Tripsaa but also a story of how safety has evolved in Indian trekking.
No news is good news from the mountains. We take your emergency contact number at the time of registration. If there is any emergency, we will call the emergency number. It would be best to inform your family that you will not be in the network area until you return to the base.
Yes, you can!
If you are above the age of 58 years, you’ll need to submit a Treadmill Test (not older than 12 months) within a week of completing your trek registration. Apart from this, you should also be able to jog 5 km in 45 minutes.
At Tripsaa, we believe that there are three things that are key to keeping trekkers safe -- people, processes and equipment.
You're welcome to join us as a solo woman trekker. We take great pride in knowing that 35% of our trekkers are women, many of whom trek solo with us. This percentage means that there are usually at least 4-5 women in any trekking batch. So you can comfortably join us on a trek as a solo woman trekker.
To make sure you know your trek mates before you meet them, we have a WhatsApp group and a pre-trek briefing where you can meet them virtually. That way, you'll not be trekking with strangers.
When you're on the trek, our Trek Leaders are sensitized to handle all kinds of women's issues. So whether you're on your period or anything is making you uncomfortable, you can speak to our Trek Leader.