India & Nepal

COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.

Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.

Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.

Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.

• Entry requirements
• State Department Travel Advisory Updates (India, Nepal)
• Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (India, Nepal)

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from the New York to India and back are on the below airlines with the below schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting fight.  We recommend at least 3 ½ hours.  Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check in. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check in for your flight as early as possible. Air India does not offer any frequent flyer miles for passengers traveling on a group fare.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at Delhi hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-Only services end upon arrival at Delhi airport on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American passport holders must be in possession of a valid visa for India.  To obtain a visa for India, you can contact the Indian Consulate visa processing agency “Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS)” directly by visiting their website at http://www.in.ckgs.us or by calling them at 1-516-206-1483 or 1-646-589-0088. Alternatively, we arranged an alternate visa processing service “CIBT” to facilitate this for you for an additional handling fee. Please use the following link to download instructions and forms at http://www.cibt.com/home.aspx?Login=50002. You may also contact CIBT at 1-800-406-1523 to have a form mailed to you.  If you have any questions regarding obtaining your visa, you may call CIBT directly. Also, please note that visa procedures may change at any time.  You should check directly with CKGS (http://www.in.ckgs.us), or if using CIBT online at www.cibt.com, for the most up to date instructions before submitting your paperwork. We strongly suggest that you immediately familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and that you have all the necessary documentation as soon as possible.  When asked for Reference Name, Address & Phone, please use the following: Le Meridien New Delhi, Windsor Place, New Delhi, New Delhi, 110001, India, Phone: (91-11) 2371 0101. However, it is still recommended that you apply for the India visa at least 60 days before departure.   Nepal visas are granted on arrival at Kathmandu airport. To obtain your Nepal visa on arrival you’ll need to present your actual passport, a visa application form (which will be mailed to you with your final travel documents), one passport size photo and visa fee of $30 (subject to change).  Non U.S Citizens should check directly with the India and Nepalese consulates as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Your airline tickets along with final instruction and additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.  Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

In April and October India daytime temperatures average in the 80’s and 90’s; from November through March in the upper 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Overnight temperatures are cooler. Nepal temperatures are normally about 10-20° less than what you will experience in India. The rainy season is normally during the summer months (Jun-Aug).

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants.  Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 – $25 per meal per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards.  However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars.  Your hotel will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency.   It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (maximum 44 pounds) and one carry-on piece (maximum 15 pounds) not to exceed 18”x10”x8”. However, please note that the limit for checked-in luggage for  intra-India flights (note: this is relevant only for your flight from Khajuraho to Varanasi) is 15 kilograms (or 33 pounds), and any additional weight will incur a fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram. So, for example, a bag that weighs 44 pounds (or 20 kilograms) will result in a fee of $25 USD. The limit for checked-in luggage for your flights from Varanasi to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Delhi is 20 kilograms (or 44 pounds), which is the same as the restriction for the entire tour, and the same fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram will apply. Please also note that your carry-on luggage will be subject to the fee of $5 USD per each additional kilogram over 7 kilograms (or just over 15 pounds) for your Khajuraho to Varanasi, Varanasi to Kathmandu, and Kathmandu to Delhi flights. As India and Nepal are not formal countries, we recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.