Northern India & Nepal

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. Your deposit is CAD $1,250.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:

• Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
• Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)
• Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Effective for plans purchased as of July 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances: In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation – If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
  
  
• Trip Interruption – If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
  
  
• Travel Delay – Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  
  
• Medical Expense – Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  
  
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection – Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services – Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection (CAD) is:

$390 per person – Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests; Mystical Peru

$549 per person – Most Tauck Bridges Europe land tours

$585 per person – A Week In... Europe tours

$595 per person – The Best of Hawaii

$699 per person – Most Europe land journeys

$849 per person – New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure; Australia Adventure: Adelaide, Tasmania & Sydney

$865 per person – Tanzania: A Grand Family Safari

$895 per person – Most South America Land Tours

$975 per person – Asia land tours

$995 per person – Africa land tours; Israel and Jordan; Egypt and Jordan land tours; Grand Australia and New Zealand; A Portrait of India; Northern India & Nepal

$1250 per person – Most India Tours

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties. 

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost. 

Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit http://www.affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in costly penalties and fees from hotel, ship operators and other travel providers.  Therefore, a cancellation will result in a fee that increases as the days until departure shorten.  Tauck's Guest Protection Plan provides you with protection that reduces these fees as outlined below.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Guests choosing to purchase Tauck's Guest Protection will incur the loss of  the Guest Protection fee, per person.

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

90 days or more before departure   =          Loss of Deposit, per person.

89-8 days before departure              =          Loss of 15% of cost of tour, not including air (if applicable) per person 

7-1 days before departure                =          Loss of 25% of cost of tour, not including air (if applicable) per person 

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

All citizens of the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom require a valid passport to enter India and Nepal (Note: Guests residing outside of these regions will also need a valid passport to enter India), and that passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. (Please note that although adult passports are valid for a full ten years, children's passports require renewal every five years.)  Your passport must also contain at least three blank visa pages.  If you are a United States citizen and do not have a valid passport, please contact the closest U.S. passport agency or consult the U.S. State Department web site for detailed information on how to obtain or renew your passport at: www.travel.state.gov.

Tauck must provide our ground operator with each guests' passport info 130 days prior to departure.

Tauck will obtain your Nepalese visa for you during your tour for most nationalities. 

A visa is required to travel to India and they cannot be processed more than 30 days prior to departure. The visa fees are not included in the tour cost. 

There is an option of e-visa that can be applied for at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/. Please select the "one year e-tourist visa" that includes multiple entries. You must obtain a multiple entry visa for this tour. Guests can apply no more than 30 days in advance from proposed date of travel. 

Tauck has collaborated with VisaCentral in the US to assist our guests with processing and issuing their travel documents. If a guest opts to work with VisaCentral, their services are available online at www.visacentral.com/tauck. To speak directly with VisaCentral Customer Service, call 844-860-7199 (toll-free in the US) or email tauck@visacentral.com.

 Please Note: While Tauck has an affiliation with VisaCentral for processing visas, you are not required to process your visa through VisaCentral, and you may elect to choose other visa services or work directly through the appropriate consulates or embassies.

Regardless of which visa service company you chose (or if you opt to work directly with the appropriate consulate or embassy), your visa application will require a summary of your Tauck itinerary.

Please Note: Because a visa is an official document, Tauck cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, and we are very limited regarding the assistance we're able to provide. If you require help, we recommend working with a reputable visa service company as they can provide the highest level of assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: A MULTIPLE-ENTRY VISA IS REQUIRED FOR INDIA. If you do not have a multiple-entry visa for India, you will not be permitted to re-enter India on Day 10 of your tour following the Nepal portion of your itinerary. (You will not be able to obtain an Indian visa while in Nepal.) When obtaining your visas, you must inform the visa agent/embassy that you will be traveling to Nepal from India and re-entering India. Please Note: Tauck will cover the expense of your visa for entry to Nepal, and it will be issued on tour.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to obtain all necessary documentation prior to your tour may result in being denied entry into a country, or delays in entry until proper documentation can be obtained. In consideration of the larger group (and to maintain our planned itinerary), travelers who have failed to obtain the necessary documentation in advance may need to remain at the airport, and could thus be responsible for arranging (and paying for) their own transportation to join the group.  Tauck will not be responsible for obtaining any missing documentation, nor will Tauck be responsible for any expenses incurred, missed tour components or other losses resulting from the failure to obtain proper travel documents in advance.

Non-U.S. citizen passport holders should check with the Indian and Nepalese Embassies or Consulates to determine necessary travel documents. Admission into Bandhavgarh National Park is strictly regulated by Indian authorities, and permission to enter must be applied for in advance and secured by providing a passport number for each person traveling into the parks.  Tauck will arrange the necessary permission for you to enter the parks, using the passport information you provided to us at your time of booking.

Please Note: If your passport requires renewal before your departure for India, you will need to bring your expired passport and your new passport with you on your journey.  Your new passport (with a new passport number) will be required to travel internationally.  Your expired passport (with the older passport number provided to Indian authorities) will still be required to enter into Bandhavgarh National Park.  Failure to bring the appropriate passport will result in your being denied entry into the parks.

We strongly recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour  

To help in your packing, we are pleased to provide you with a special Tauck duffel bag. If you are a resident of the U.S., your bag will be sent to youapproximately 30 days prior to your departure date. If you reside outside of the U.S., you will receive your bag upon arrival in India because customs regulations prohibit the easy delivery of the duffel bags in advance. Packing an overnight bag on these occasions will ensure the safe and timely arrival of your luggage at your next destination, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

For your convenience during your seven-night stay in Nepal (Days 3 - 10) and due to luggage restrictions on the flights to and from Kathmandu on a regional airline, we are providing you with this special duffel will be your primary luggage and should be used for clothing, toiletries and other essentials during this time.

In addition to the Tauck duffel which will be your checked piece of luggage for these overnights, you will be allowed to bring ONE piece of carry-on luggage aboard your intra-tour flights weighing no more than 15 pounds (7 kg) and with maximum dimensions of 21" x 13.75" x 10" (55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm). 

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage – General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

The climate in India & Nepal can vary, depending on the location and the season of travel. During the winter months of December through February, the weather is dry with temperatures ranging in the mid 40 degrees F (approx. 4 degrees C) in the early morning and evening in the north, to the low to mid 70 degrees F (approx. 21 degrees C) during the day. In Mumbai, the temperatures range in the high 60 degrees F (approx. 15 degrees C). Temperatures in March and November are approximately 10 degrees warmer than in the winter, with March being slightly warmer than November. The weather in the months of September and October ranges from the mid to high 80 degrees F (approx. 26 degrees C) to the high 90 degrees F (approx. 32 degrees C) throughout the itinerary. Temperatures in Mumbai are warmer by 5 to 10 degrees.

India and Nepal are known for their rainy season, when monsoons make headlines. However, from October through March – the best time to travel – no more than one inch of rain per month on average falls on the cities we visit.

To determine current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.

When packing for travel to India and Nepal, we suggest you select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. In India, delicate fabrics do not stand up well to laundering facilities except at deluxe hotels. Plain cotton or cotton and synthetic blend clothing is the most practical and is the coolest in summer. It is best to avoid synthetic fabrics that do not "breathe". A hat with a wide brim will help protect you from the harsh sun. During the fall season, a collapsible umbrella comes in handy. During the winter months, sweaters and light jackets are necessary.

The temperatures in the national park can drop below freezing level at any time of year and the Jeep rides can be chilly. Several layers and a windbreaker may be necessary to remain comfortable.

When visiting places of worship, women are not allowed to enter with bare shoulders, short pants or short skirts; a long skirt, dress, or slacks are recommended. A scarf is acceptable to cover shoulders if a woman is wearing a sleeveless top. Head covering is not required. Men should also dress appropriately for a holy sanctuary. Shorts are discouraged. All visitors will be required to remove their shoes in temples and mosques.

For the welcome and farewell dinners, we recommend resort wear to suit a tropical climate.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack:

• Resort wear
• Skirt below the knee
• Loose slacks
• Trousers
• Shorts
• Short and long-sleeved shirts and blouses
• Scarf
• Light sweater
• Light waterproof jacket
• Swimwear
• Gym wear
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat
• A pair of sturdy, yet comfortable, pre-worn walking shoes for uneven terrain
• A pair of easily removable shoes or sandals for entering temples and shrines
• Collapsible umbrella
• Toiletries, sundries, tissues
• Pre-moistened towelettes
• Handkerchiefs
• Antibacterial lotion
• Medication for allergies/aspirin/upset stomach/diarrhea
• Insect repellent
• Travel alarm/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Camera, film, memory cards, chargers, batteries and other photography accessories
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Please refer to the Necessary Gear website at www.necessarygear.com as one option available to you for renting and purchasing apparel, PPEs, and other items appropriate for your journey.

Please Note: Per the Indian Government, satellite phones are illegal to carry within the country. Individuals caught carrying a satellite phone are subject to arrest.