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How
long are these trips?
The duration of all trips is 20-28 days, including international travel time.
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How
many people participate in each trip?
A maximum of 36 people from different backgrounds make up a team. We usually include one dentist, one ophthalmologist and four to six physicians with varying specialties. The remaining spots are filled with medical or dental students, nurses and non-health care support personnel.
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What
is the trip cost?
Trip costs vary from trip to trip. Cost information may be obtained via
e-mail request.
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How
are trips funded?
Participants arrange their own funding. Some participants have been successful
in securing sponsorships to help off-set costs.
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What
is included in the cost?
Total trip cost includes: international airfare from any major US international gateway mentioned in the application & trip itinerary, double occupancy hotel accommodations, airport transfers, overland transportation, meals, tents and staff services.
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Is
passport or visa required?
Passport is required and visa is essential for travel to India. Your passport must valid for at least six months from the date of entry into India. There are Indian consulate offices located in many US state capitals. You can turn in your completed application form along with passport, two passport size photographs and a cashiers check or money order. It may take up to two weeks for the whole process. Expect delays. We send you instructions on how and where to apply for visa as part of your trip preparation.
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Where
do I get the airline reservations and tickets?
You have the option of purchasing it yourself or Himalayan Health can handles all international and domestic air reservations and ticketing through it’s travel agent. These air tickets are purchased through consolidators and guarantee low prices which help us to keep your trip costs low.
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Can
I use Frequent Flyer Miles on these trips?
Yes. Depending on the airline, 90,000-130,000 free miles are required
to get a free round trip ticket to India. Himalayan Health Exchange will
credit the difference to you out of the total trip cost.
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What
is the travel time?
Flying time off the US east coast to New Delhi is approximately 17 hours. Depending on the airline there can be a stop over of 3-7 hours in Europe. This makes it a 20 to 24-hour journey. Recently, American and Continental airlines have introduced non-stop flights from Chicago and Newark to New Delhi. It takes 14-15 hours on either airline.
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Where
will I stay?
Depending on the trip and region you travel through, accommodations include
hotels, guest houses, lodges or tents. Type of accommodation for each
trip is mentioned in the detailed itinerary.
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Are
there special health issues?
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that you are in good health.
Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as
well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of
eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages
(including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice
cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked
foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination.
As a rule, avoid roadside stands and street vendors. To avoid exposure
to ultra violet rays in the higher Trans Himalayan regions, wear sunglasses,
wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection. We recommend
that you contact the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most recent update
on health precautions.
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