Best of Uttarakhand

Travel Documents:

• Valid ID (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
• Train tickets and other travel-related documents

Clothing:

• Comfortable clothing for the duration of the trip
• Warm clothing (thermal wear, sweaters, and jackets) especially if traveling in the winter months or visiting higher altitudes
• Rainproof jacket or poncho (essential during the monsoon season)
• Extra pairs of socks and underwear
• Hat or cap for sun protection

Footwear:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers suitable for trekking and uneven terrain
• Flip-flops or sandals for easy movement around your accommodation

Personal Items:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
• Towel and washcloth
• Personal medications and prescriptions
• Sunscreen and lip balm with sunblock (important for protection against strong UV rays at higher altitudes)
• Insect repellent
• Sanitary items as per your needs

Backpack and Luggage:

• Backpack or travel bag (lightweight but sturdy)
• Daypack for short excursions or day hikes
• Locks for securing your bags

Electronics:

• Mobile phone and charger
• Power bank (essential due to potential power outages in remote areas)
• Camera or smartphone for capturing stunning landscapes
• Travel adapter for charging your devices

Snacks and Water:

• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated, especially at high altitudes)
• Snacks and energy bars for quick bites during treks or travel

Travel Accessories:

• Sunglasses (to protect against glare and UV rays at high altitudes)
• Personal first-aid kit (including band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.)
• Hand sanitiser
• Travel pillow and eye mask for comfort during overnight journeys
• Earplugs for better sleep in noisy environments

Entertainment:

• A book, e-reader, or other entertainment for leisure time during travel or downtime

Money and Cards:

• Sufficient cash in local currency (ATMs may be scarce in remote areas)
• Debit/credit cards (ensure they are usable in the region)
• Wallet or money pouch for safekeeping

Important Contacts:

• List of emergency contacts
• Copy of your travel insurance details

Extras:

• Pen and notepad
• Travel guidebook or maps
• Plastic bags for organizing and separating items (especially useful for wet clothes)
• Are any specific items required for your comfort or health

Remember:

• Pack according to the season and weather conditions in Uttarakhand, as temperatures vary greatly.
• Keep your luggage manageable for ease of travel, especially when moving between different locations.

Important Travel Information - Train Ticket Booking with Bhatakna 

1. Ticket Booking Process:

• Certified Agents: TrekPanda uses IRCTC-certified agents to book train tickets.
• AI-Based Tools: We employ AI-based tools like ConfirmTicket to predict the probability of your ticket being confirmed.
• Booking Strategy: Tickets are booked based on maximum confirmation probability, depending on the remaining days until departure.

2. Confirmation Disclaimer:

• No Guarantee: The tool does not guarantee 100% confirmation for waitlisted and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.
• Limited Control: Bhatakna does not control ticket confirmations; it is managed by IRCTC, a government body.
• RAC Tickets: There is a possibility of receiving a RAC (half-seat) ticket instead of a confirmed seat. TrekPanda is not responsible for the lack of confirmed tickets.

3. Train Cancellations and Route Changes:

• Responsibility: If a train is cancelled or the route changes, Bhatakna will not be held responsible.
• Alternate Solutions: Alternative solutions will be provided at an additional cost.

4. Booking Recommendations:

• Advance Booking: To increase the likelihood of getting a confirmed seat, book your trip at least 20 days in advance.
• Seasonal Availability: Seat availability varies by season. Peak festive and tourist seasons may reduce the chances of getting confirmed seats due to limited train options.

5. Alternate Train Options:

• Agent Assistance: Our agents may contact you with alternate train options that have higher confirmation probabilities. These alternatives may involve a fare difference, which you will need to cover if you choose to upgrade.
• Predictability Tool Limitations: Occasionally, our predictability tool may fail, resulting in an RAC seat upon chart preparation. TrekPanda is not responsible for providing full seats or issuing refunds in such cases.

6. Premium Trains:

• Higher Fares: Premium trains like Rajdhani and Duronto have fares approximately 50% higher than regular trains.
• Higher Confirmation Rates: These trains offer the highest probability of ticket confirmation and are recommended for a better travel experience.

7. Mid-Trip Changes:

• Flight Options: If you decide to switch to flight travel during your trip, notify us at least 36 hours in advance for a hassle-free cancellation of train tickets.
• Cancellation Policy: Last-minute cancellations are not always possible due to fixed agent schedules and other factors.

Note: Please understand that Bhatakna strives to provide the best travel experience but has limitations when dealing with government-operated transport services.

We understand the disappointment of cancelling a trek after months of preparation. That's why we have a traveller-friendly cancellation policy.

Pending Payment Policy:

• Complete your pending payment 5 days before departure.
• Failure to pay the second instalment may result in booking cancellation and loss of advance payment.
• Boarding will be denied for non-payment, and the seat will be reassigned.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

For Backpacking Expeditions and Long Treks (More than 4 nights):

• 30+ days before the trek: Full refund in a Bhatakna coupon or monetary refund with a 15% cancellation charge.
• 20-30 days before the trek: 80% refund in a Bhatakna  coupon or monetary refund with a 50% cancellation charge.
• Less than 20 days before the trek: No monetary refund; 50% in a Bhatakna coupon.
• Less than 15 days before departure: No refund.
• If unwell: No refund; find a replacement if needed.

For Sahyadri Treks/Camping's and Weekend Backpacking Trips:

• 30+ days before the trek: Full refund in a Bhatakna coupon or monetary refund with a 15% cancellation charge.
• 20-30 days before the trek: 80% refund in a Bhatakna coupon or monetary refund with a 50% cancellation charge.
• Less than 20 days before the trek: No monetary refund; 20% in a Bhatakna coupon if fully paid.
• Ticket transfer: 20% surcharge, subject to the organizer's decision.
• No-show or illness: No refund; find a replacement if needed.
• Advance Booking amount: Non-refundable.

Important Note: Trek Insurance, train cancellation, and agent charges are non-refundable if the trek is cancelled within 6 days before departure.

No refund 15 days before NY and Christmas events.

If We Cancel a Trek:

• Natural calamities or unrest: No refund if the trip has started.
• Before departure: Full refund except for train and bus cancellations.
• Sahyadri treks: opt for event shift or full refund if cancelled due to low participation.
• Medical emergencies or COVID: Regular cancellation policy applies.
• Transport issues: Alternate arrangements made; participants bear costs.

Trip Delays and Connecting Transport Failures:

• Bhatakna will assist with alternate arrangements for delays but participants bear the costs.

Cancellation Process:

• Please email us at bhatakna.com@gmail.com in with your details.
• Cancellation policy applies from email receipt.
• Refund processed within 2-5 working days.
• No phone or WhatsApp cancellations; email only.

Any extra costs incurred due to extension/change of the itinerary because of natural calamities, train/ bus delays or cancellation, road blocks, vehicle breakdown, etc. factors beyond the control of "Bhatakna" and its associates.