Hi there. We will be travelling on the above trip and should be grateful for a little advice. I am planning on packing very light, and buying shalwar kameez when we get there, as I aniticipate this to be the best attire for such a trip, both for comfort and modesty. Am I correct in this assumption, and if so, will there be an opportunity to buy clothes early on in the trip?
Also, we note from the trip dossier that a sleeping sheet is recommended for the overnight train. Will this be warm enough in November? I also recall being glad of a warm sleeping bag on an overnight train from Cairo to Aswan in Egypt as the aircon was turned up a little high overnight!
Last question for now, but I am sure there will be more as the weeks pass between now and our trip! Regarding the walks/trekking around Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala etc - how tough is it? Will we need trekking poles etc?
As you can probably tell, I am trying to carry as little as possible on the way out! (Maximum space for on the way home!!)
Thanks in advance.
Re: Amritsar, Dharamshala & Rajasthan 29-10-06
Hello Egytophile,
Thanks for your post.
Whilst a shalwar kameez is not an essential article of clothing, they can be purchased locally a lot cheaper and you will have more than ample opportunity to get yourself one. Your tour leader will be able to advise on the best places and the price to pay.
Trains in India are quite different to those in Egypt and so the sleeping sheet will be more than enough to keep you warm.
This tour has not be given a difficulty grade and so no specialist hiking gear is necessary, apart from a pair of sturdy boots/shoes of course. Walking poles now a days are practically pocket sized and so if you fancy perhaps having one, why not.
I hope this helps,
All the best,
Robert
Re: Amritsar, Dharamshala & Rajasthan 29-10-06
I did this trip last November and had so much fun.
Since you are doing the tour around the same time I did let me warn you that it will be cold (freezing) in the North. Heating is a luxury in India. Be prepared to freeze or rent a portable heater from the hotel.
Don't buy any gifts in Pushkar, especially during the fair, the prices are inflated and you can find most of the stuff elsewhere for cheaper. If you do want to buy stuff wait until nightfall when you can bargain better.
FYI... the treks around Manali, Shimla, etc. are not group organized outings. They are on your own. That's probably why they're not rated.
Re: Amritsar, Dharamshala & Rajasthan 29-10-06
Thank you both for the helpful comments. Much appreciated! 102 Days to go - Not that I am counting!!