Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you have any age restrictions?

There are no age restrictions but to understand the content, we are looking to engage participants above 15 years of age…there is no upper age limit. One should be interested in knowing and doing Yoga (you can be a novice as well but should have interest), reading and discussing ancient Indian scriptures, read management literature and business case studies and be alone and quiet for a few days.  All programs involve some amount of physical involvement including treks and moderate adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, body surfing, kayaking, slithering and others. Some amount of physical fitness and mental toughness is needed to complete these activities. Participants are requested to seek advice from a medical practitioner for their fitness for such activities.

2. What is your cancellation/refund policy?

We do not want your money to go waste if for some reason you are not able to come and have paid.
You are allowed to change your program dates once without any extra charge or deduction before 3 days of start of the program. Since some administration and logistic costs are involved, following will be the cancellation charges
>10% deduction if cancellation is done 21  days before the actual date of start of the program
>25% deduction if cancellation is done 15  days before the actual date of start of the program
>50 % deduction if cancellation is done 10 days before the actual date of start of the program
>75% deduction if cancellation is done 5 days before the actual date of start of the program
No refunds if cancellation is done less than 5 days before the actual date of start of the program

3. What is included in my trip?

Food, travel (to and from kathgodam Railway Station or as mentioned), accommodation, treks, and adventure activities are covered in the program fees.

4. What is not included in my trip?

Any discretionary expenditures like shopping, additional food and beverages, souvenirs, personal items, etc. or any out of the pocket expenses are not covered by any of the programs.

5. What are the accommodations provided? If I am a solo traveler, will I be charged a single supplement?

Accommodation varies from place to place ranging from stone houses to heritage homes to permanently pitched tents to temporary tents. Normally two in a tent but vary from place to place. We do not charge extra for solo-travelers unless you have asked for special accommodation or non-shared accommodations.

6. What is the approximate size of groups?

The group size may vary but the average size is 25 people.

7. What types of ground transportations available? Are airport transfers included?

Traveling to trek locations and camps by car (Innova, Bolero, etc.) are included, airport transfers are not included. On prior request special transport arrangements can be made including airport transfers on payment basis. Such requests should come at least 15 days before the start of the program.

8. Is it possible to join a trip late or leave early?

A participant must join the trip at its commencement and is expected to complete the entire trip. However, we may consider special requirements depending on the circumstances and customized needs of the participant. For joining late or leaving early extra vehicle charges will apply.

9. Do I need travel insurance?

No, you do not compulsorily need travel insurance (you can opt for one if you wish), but any health expenditure if required would be covered by the participant. However basic first aid and a few medicines for common ailment (only over the counter medicines, not prescription drugs) will be made available.

10. What if I get ill or injured on the trip and unable to continue?

In such a circumstance depending on your need for emergency situations, medical aid will be arranged to the best of our abilities. We however do not have access to big hospitals in remote areas of the Himalayas and all the cost of medical emergencies has to be borne by the participant.

11. I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?

The food is usually the same for everyone however there is a good variety of dishes for almost all the meals so any dietary constraints due to allergies or other issues should not be much of a problem. However, if you mention your dietary requirements in the application form itself we would try to make arrangements accordingly, and confirm the same before your trip starts. For any particular requirements feel free to contact us on our contact number or email id.

12. Can you help us with pre- and post-trip travel arrangements?

The participant has to reach the assigned location at the start of the trip independently however we could help you with suggestions and advice on the same.

13. How do I choose the right program for me?

All the programs are designed for varying learning objectives and time availability of participants. One of the suggested ways is to read all the program goals and duration and accordingly select a program. You may also feel free to contact us on our email id, info@slchimalayas.com or phone number for additional help for the same.

14. How fit do I need to be?

We do not have any prescribed fitness level set as a parameter for you to be able to join us on our trip. However, a basic fitness is required as we would be on high altitudes and the trip does involve treks and some physical activities. However, ours is not a strenuous fitness program but rather a spiritually oriented one. The journey is not external as much as it is internal.

15. What is a typical day on the tour like?

Our trips and trip routines vary as per the program you choose. However, a typical day at any SLC Himalayas program involves early morning Yoga and meditation in the middle of heavenly scenery, some delicious local mountain food, outbound activities like trekking/rappelling/rock climbing/body surfing and others, some quiet time for reflection, reading and mindfulness activities to discover and become aware of your inner self, academic/philosophical/spiritual/professional discussions,  case studies and discussions of Reflections and learnings around a bonfire under the stars. At night you usually sleep amidst nature in your cozy tent after a delicious spread for dinner. One on one discussions with the teachers.

16. What type of pre- and/or post-trip information do you provide?

Pre and Post-trip travel needs to be arranged by the participants themselves. All other information and literature are available on our website and brochures. Additionally, you may seek assistance from us by contacting us on our email id or phone number and we would try to assist you to the best of our capabilities.

17. What type of clothing do I need to bring?

It is suggested that you bring comfortable clothing like track pants as that would be useful during yoga, trekking, and other physical activities, carry warm clothing such as woolens/sweaters/ jackets/thermals. Carrying caps and sunglasses would be a good idea as they would be useful during day treks. Moreover, it is advisable to travel with a rucksack with minimal clothing as per basic requirements as it would be easy to handle during the trip. Do bring in sunblock cream who cares about high altitude sun that can burn your skin. Once registered a detailed list of things to be brought to program will be issued depending on the time of the year of the program is designed.

18. Who are our guides?

Sandeep Gupta and Jagannath Mohanty are the lead instructors. There are few other veteran instructors to guide and be on the side for guidance and assistance. The logistic and outbound activities partner is an experienced organization with experience of guiding teams from India and abroad over a decade. They are also an eco-friendly organization committed to protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Check out our team page (slchimalayas.com) for the details of our instructors and other team members.

19. How is the staff trained for the Himalayan treks?

We have tie-ups with staff who have several years of experience related to Himalayan trekking and many of them are based out of the camp location areas making them natural trekkers. The Wildrift team has several local high altitude and adventure sports professionals.

20. What equipment should I bring with me?

No specific equipment is required except warm clothing as well as comfortable clothes such as track pants, caps, and sunglasses to protect you from the Sun during your day treks and yoga mats for the morning yoga sessions. A torch for night time is a must as there may not be light in a few of the camps.

21. How much free time do I get during the program?

Several hours of free time would be given to you as SLC Himalayas wants you to delve deep into your inner self which would require quiet alone time for contemplation, meditation, reading, reflection, and writing amidst nature.

22. Are there any hidden extras or surcharges?

There are no hidden extra charges or surcharges, you are just required to pay the program fee mentioned in the website/brochure before you join the program.

23. How can I make a booking?

You can make your booking by applying on our website or contacting us on our email or phone number.

24. Can I organize my own private group?

Yes, you can organize your own private group and talk to us about your program interests and requirements by contacting us on our phone number or email id.

25. What about environmental impact?

At SLC Himalayas we have immense respect for nature and the environment. Therefore we have tie-ups with vendors who ensure your trip is eco-friendly.

26. What precautions will be taken post-pandemic? How safe is it?

We will only begin treks when it’s safe to travel again. Also we will follow the Govt. guidelines issued from time to time on Covid-19.

27. Is SLC Himalayas a completely spiritual program?

SLC Himalayas is a program that helps you bring a balance to all aspects of your life and listen to your inner voice so that you have a more content and successful life. It is a unique blend of spiritual, academic, philosophical aspects as well as physical activities amidst nature.

28. Does SLC Himalayas conduct treks in the Himalayas?

No, SLC Himalayas is not a trekking company but conduct a program which is a blend of spirituality, philosophy and adventure. Trekking is a small part of the entire exercise.

29. How would SLC Himalayas benefit me?

SLC Himalayas would help you discover your unique inner potential, become mindful about your inner beauty, and create a balance in all aspects of your life be it spiritual, professional, physical, mental, or academic aspects of your life while also giving you the chance to enjoy the blissful scenery during treks and physical activities. SLC Himalayas should help you know yourself better by going inside.

30. What routes and locations does SLC Himalayas cover?

SLC Himalayas will constatntly strive to include more routes for participants to appreciate the beauty and resilience of the Great Himalayas. For the time being some of the locations are as follows:
KathGodam (1,485ft)
Mukteshwar (7,500ft)
Ranikhet (6,132ft)
Shama (9,000ft)
RamGanga (4,500)
However there are many other locations that are covered, and all routes and locations vary as per the program you choose to participate in.

31. Are the routes and locations fixed?

No, the routes and locations may change and they also vary as per programs. If you have any specific interests or requirements please contact us on our email id and phone number and we would be pleased to assist you on any new location or routes that you are interested in.

32. Are the programs customizable as per the client?

If it is a private group then we could offer customizations. However, if it is not a private group but an individual or a small group of individuals joining others in one of our programs, customizations may be limited. However, do contact us on our email id or phone number for queries on the same regarding your specific requirements and we would be pleased to assist you with them.

33. How is SLC Himalayas relevant to corporates?

SLC Himalayas is a program that helps you bring a balance to all aspects of your life and listen to your inner voice so that you are more content and lead a successful life. It is a unique blend of spiritual, professional, academic, philosophical aspects as well as physical activities amidst nature. We believe that corporates would immensely benefit if their employees are balanced and happy.
SLC Himalayas can help people from corporations push past obstacles and overcome problems and can be a catalyst for employee motivation and productivity
SLC Himalayas would help redefine and rediscover yourself.  A change of scenery, Motivation, redefining the meaning of leadership may help you to push boundaries that can lead to tremendous personal and professional growth.

34. How is SLC Himalayas relevant to my daily life?

SLC Himalayas would help you discover your unique inner potential, become mindful about your inner beauty, and create a balance in all aspects of your life be it spiritual, professional, physical, mental, or academic aspects of your life while also giving you the chance to enjoy the blissful scenery during treks and physical activities. What you learn during SLC would help shape your life in all aspects and it helps you evoke your inner wisdom that is unique to each person and acts as a compass in one’s life.

36. What is the full form of SLC Himalayas?

The full form of SLC is “Strategies for Life and Career in the Himalayas”.

37. Are all the trek routes of SLC Himalayas only in the Himalayas?

As of now, we have trek routes in the Himalayas, but we are planning to expand to other areas as well and we would also be happy to design a trek route as per your requirements. Please contact us on our email id or phone number for any queries on the same.

38. How is SLC Himalayas any different from the other trekking programs?

SLC Himalayas is not just a trekking or adventure program. The heart of the program lies in its unique blend of spiritual, physical, mental, and academic activities that help you to harness your inner self and discover your endless potential. It is meant to shape and balance all aspects of your life to make it more meaningful and peaceful.

39. Why spend 21 days in the program?

Introduction– ‘Swaydhay’ means knowing and understanding yourself. This 21-day program gives participants ample time to discover themselves and their inner beauty.

Objectives:
1) Identify
2) Reflect
3) Change
4) Grow
Participants get a chance to delve deep into their strengths and weaknesses and understand who they really are. They are put through challenging situations and divine experiences that they reflect, write, and discuss. These reflections and discussions help them in bringing about a positive change in their life and they ultimately develop into better human beings with a more meaningful life.

The Program is divided into three main phases that have a different outcome:
Day 1-6 (Identifying and understanding yourself)
Day 7-9 (Mindfulness activities, quiet time to just reflect, be aware of yourself and nature)
Day 10- 18 (Management Perspectives and learning to apply them)
Day 19-21 (Assimilating all learnings)

Outcome – Discovering a holistic version of themselves and being able to integrate different aspects of themselves and their life that leads to overall well-being in varied scenarios.

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