FAQs about the Program
When
and how do I sign up for the optional weekend activities?
Once you get here, we will have sign-ups for the weekend activities.
Depending on interest level and number of students, we will have to
plan our weekend activities accordingly.
Is
there an extra charge for optional weekend activities?
Most weekend activities are inclusive of the price. One white water
rafting trip and one weekend in a village is included in the 10 week
program. Additional white water rafting ($75) and weekend in a village
($30) can be arranged. Any other traveling in the region, for example
to the Rajaji National Park, will also involve additional traveling
expenses.
Do I
have to choose my schedule before I get there?
Yes, we would like you to indicate your interests before you arrive.
However, if you drastically change your mind after getting here, you
will be able to adjust your schedule accordingly.
If I
don’t like something I’ve signed up for, can I change it in the middle
of the program?
Yes. You will sign up for what you think you will like, but we also
understand the need to explore. If this exploration goes unfavorably
and you want to change schedules, you will be welcome to.
Can I
go for a shorter or longer amount of time than ten weeks?
We believe ten weeks is necessary to make a significant advancement in
Hindi or in instrument practice. We do not offer programs longer than
ten weeks.
I want
to extend my trip to India. Can Himalayan Gap help me to plan other
travels?
Absolutely! We want to encourage further exploration of India,
especially after you’ve reached a proficiency in Hindi. We can help
arrange for your transportation before or after our program, we can
offer advice and information of our knowledge of India, and we will
help you in any way we can.
How do
I keep in contact with friends and family?
There will be land-line phones on the premises from which you can make
and receive phone calls. You can also buy a local cell phone, a rather
inexpensive and convenient option. There will also be WIFI in the
building and computers available for your use.
Can I
study only Hindi and not participate in other aspects of the program?
No. If the language is all you are looking for, there are several
language schools around the area to which we can direct you. Himalayan
Gap has a goal of giving you a whole cultural experience, and language
is as important a part as community service, yoga, and explorations of
the area.
Can I
skip the Hindi and focus only on other aspects of the program?
No, in the same vein, language is an essential part of any culture, and
we believe that you cannot fully experience a place without being able
to converse in the local language. [also aim to spread Hindi in the
world.]
Can I
request to room with someone I know?
Both you and your friend will need to specify your preferences in your
application form and we will try our best to accommodate your request.
Am I
going to have free time during the program?
Of course! Evening activities during the week are optional, and in
addition to that every weekend is yours to customize. Yes, you can sign
up for our weekend activities, but you can also take time to do
whatever you want.
How
safe is the trek?
We will have professional mountaineers leading the trek who are well
acquainted with the region. This a non-technical trek and will not
require special equipment. There will be a 1:3 ratio of sherpas to
students, so you will have someone guiding you all the way.
FAQs about India
How do
I obtain a visa for India?
You can apply for a visa through the Indian Embassy Office in your
country. We recommend getting a tourist visa as opposed to any other
kinds that might be available. The tourist visa is the easiest and
cheapest visa to enter India.
http://meaindia.nic.in/cgi-bin/db2www/meaxpsite/indmission.d2w/embassies
How do
I obtain a visa for Nepal?
The visa for Nepal can be easily procured at the International Airport
in Kathmandu. Since you will be accompanied by Himalayan Gap for your
trek in Nepal, you do not need to worry about this.
What
kind of clothing should I bring along?
Please bring a few pairs of clothes appropriate for the outdoors. While
sneakers are an absolute must, hiking boots are favorable if you hope
to continue in the trek to Nepal. Weather in Mussoorie is highly
unpredictable. So no matter when in the year you come, warm jackets and
socks are advisable.
For girls, we would advocate modest
clothing which is not too tight, short or revealing. India,
for the most part, is a conservative country and it is important that
students be respectful of the local culture of small-town Mussoorie.
Do I
need travel insurance?
Yes, we encourage all participants to buy some sort of travel insurance
for their time in India. You may organize this through your existing
insurance plan at home. If not, Himalayan Gap can help you look for an
insurance policy.
Himalayan Gap will arrange
special medical rescue insurance for the trek in the Everest Region.
You will be billed the actual cost (approximately $9 per day). We do
not expect you to arrange for that.
Do I
need particular medical vaccinations before I come?
Yes. We recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A & B,
rabies, typhoid, and tetanus. You might have been immunized for these
things already depending on where you live.
How
can I book my flights?
We trust that you will organize for your own flights into India. If you
find yourself stuck at any stage in booking your tickets, please feel
free to ask us for assistance. Himalayan Gap will
pick students up from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi
at the beginning of each of its programs.
