How expensive is this ???

aahlberg

Is this expensive for one person or can I get it cheaper- and if so where?
If there are other peolpe wanting to join in, the price will be cheaper.
Is this good value??? Please, those who are experienced in traveling around india, please let me know.
Thanks!


USD 1314 (€1,036) ( 58,947INRs)



Above Guide & Entrance Fee Supplement includes:

· Local English Speaking Guide

· Entrance fee at following monuments for one visit only :



CITY
Monuments

Delhi
Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Humayun Tomb, Qutab Minar, India Gate, President House

Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University, Bharat Mata Temple & Sarnath.

Kolkata
India Museum, Asiatic Society, Planetarium.Kali Temple, Botanical Gardens, Victoria Memorial

Darjeeling
Tiger Hill, Ghoom monastery, Darjeeling Zoological Park, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) & Museum

Gangtok
Enchey Gompa, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten and Gompa




Above Tour Cost includes:

· 01 Night accommodation New Delhi.

· 01 Night accommodation at Varanasi.

· 01 Night accommodation at Kolkata

· 02 Nights accommodation at Darjeeling

· 02 Nights accommodation at Gangtok

· 01 Night accommodation at Pelling

· TREKKING 01 Night accommodation in each at Camp / Guest House at Maneybhanjan, Tonglu, Kalipokhari, Phalut, Ramam, Rimbik, Gangtok

· 02 Nights accommodation at Sandakphu

· Daily Breakfast except in Trekking on Full Board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening tea)

· Personal assistance on arrival and departure transfer

· Surface transportation by Air conditioned Limousine at Delhi, Varanasi and Kolkata and Non air-conditioned Limousine at Darjeeling, Pelling and Gangtok

· Boat ride in river Ganges, Varanasi.

· Toy Train ride for Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri.

· Entree fees permission charges, service of a tour guide

· All applicable taxes and service charge.



Above Cost does not include :

· Train fare

· Airport Tax.

· Personal nature Expenses i.e. Telephone calls, Laundry, soft / hard drinks, meals, tipping etc.

· Camera Fee at monuments.

· Any other item not mentioned above.

·

Train Schedule:

Sector

Delhi/Varanasi (A/C 2nd Class)

Varanasi/Kolkata (2nd Class)

Kolkata/New Jalpaiguri
New Jalpaiguri/ Delhi (2nd Class)

crvlvr

aahlberg, if I have understood your post correctly, I think that the the tour is about 20-30% more expensive than if you do it on your own. It will help is you provide more info on:

1. How many nights will they provide accomodation? (It looks like its 10) amd what kind of accomodation? This will be the biggest portion of the cost.
2. How many days will they provide transporation?
3. How many days will they provide guides?
4. Are you travelling alone, or is this part of a tour group?

Kanbe

I would say that is expensive...considering it is covering five places and the duration of the trip is less than two weeks long.

The price for that tour is more than I spent in my 10 weeks in India. Moreover, it doesn't include train fares, which was the greatest expense on my trip; even more so if you are intending to travel 2nd Class on each journey.

Do you wish to only travel by tour?
Maybe you can have a mix. Delhi, Varanasi and Kolkata are relatively easy places to travel on your own and get to and from. Prehaps you can cover those places yourself and join a local tour that specialises in the Darjeeling region.

Good luck !

aahlberg

Hi thanks for your replies.

This is for 21-23
days.
Sorry - yes All train fares Are included. all accomodation included for the whole trip-(Budget accomodation) with breakfast included. ( for trekking routes- full board - 7 days)-
Drivers by car - included to and from different areas-
All entry fees included- and boat rides(Varanasi)

The only thing not included in my trip is basically lunch/ dinner and my extra expenses-

But if I can get it for cheaper- then please let me know where.

Kanbe

That sounds a lot better

Sry, can't help you with any reputable agencies

aahlberg

But can definitly get this for cheaper, right?

steven_ber

Seems like a good price to me, it will seem expensive because you are traveling alone, the price would only be $3-400 more if there were 2 of you, a car & driver & a guide are the same price if you're on your own or in a group of 4.

__________________
.
How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions.



Train information.

aahlberg

Thanks a mil.( Actually, the price is a bit cheaper if there would be 2 or more people)

I didn't think it sounded tooooo bad- But also, I work in europe, so maybe changing the currency from dollar(U.S) to Euro's is ok -

Well, now you know people-
If anyone interested in doing this tour - please let me know,asap.

crvlvr

Make sure you go with a someone you can trust and who will do a good job. Itsnot worth getting a better deal and then a having a crappy time. especially with the how srtrong the Euro is -- enjoy!

machadinha

If only a strong Euro made for a strong income...

Good advice otherwise Crvlvr.

__________________
Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

skell

Intrepid Travel has similar intineraries (21-23 days) for $955 to $1050 and a 28 day trip for $1350. I've traveled with them twice to India and was very happy. This year I'm going with them again to Morocco and Egypt, then back to India next year.

Nick-H

If you think you have an agent that you can trust and will do a good job and the total cost is within your budget, then go for it.

There is a lot of organisation and coordination in a tour like that: someone has to pay for it!

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

aahlberg

Thanks for all advice-
I believe they are a good agency- and it is within my budget-
the only thing is that I will be traveling alone- but am sure I will meet people on my way.