FAQ
Some Frequently Asked Questions that are common to many of our adventurers to give you some basic intel.
- What level of fitness do I need for Treks and Trekking Peaks?
There are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular trip including; length of day, terrain, gradient, altitude and weather conditions. All of our trips are graded, allowing you to choose a suitable adventure. Please refer to our system. The grades are used as a basis to start a conversation or dialogue on what will best suit your requirements so when you get in touch we can talk you through some options.
In addition to reading this information and the individual ‘Trip Plan’ description, it is VERY IMPORTANT that before booking your adventure you should read the associated full ‘Trip Itinerary’ that we will provide for you. We are happy to talk through your experience/ability to understand your requirements and match the right adventure for you to ensure a great adventure experience.
- What level of comfort can I expect?
- We make sure that your Adventure is a smooth and comfortable as can be. We use tourist standard hotels when in urban areas and comfortable private vehicles for transport. The Teahouses and Lodges we use on our Adventures are always clean, friendly and have great food. On our camping adventures we use good equipment, with the team setting up camp before you arrive and cooking all meals. Included are a 2 person tent that you share, toilet tent and mess tent to hang out in!
- What level of Ski/Snowboarding experience do I need for Gulmarg Kashmir?
- Gulmarg is ideally suited to the more experienced Powder skier/rider to really maximise its huge terrain offering, although in saying that it does have ‘Strawberry Valley’ for beginners and the first phase of the Gondola (2600m to 3000m) has groomed ‘cat tracks’ and groomed slopes to cater for intermediates. So Gulmarg has more to offer for everyone than its reputation may suggest!
- What about environmental impact?
- We try to maintain the delicate balance of culture and ecology of the area by travelling in smaller groups to minimise our impact, and leave only footprints behind, thus making it a beneficial experience for everyone involved. We believe that a sound working relationship with the local people and environments in which we operate is very important. In our Adventures, our team ensures we filter water for team members so we can all use less plastic bottles as these have to be carried down and have become a significant issue over the past few years. We choose accommodation that is sensitive to the environment and act sensibly towards it. We also donate 5% of the trip margin to a local not-for-profit organisation from every customer! For example the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) in Nepal.
- Can I organise a bespoke/tailor made itinerary?
- Sunstone prides itself on understanding the requirements of the individual or group, as we’re all a bit different, so we can deliver to your expectations. If the general specified departure dates are not suitable, or you would like to vary the itinerary, we would be happy to tailor a programme to suit you. FOR GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE WE OFFER A 10% DISCOUNT! We organise tailor-made adventures for families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and special interest groups and we’d be happy to advise you on your requirements to organise the best adventure for you.
- What is included in my trip?
- In our packages we ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimise any out of pocket expenses while you are away. It is important that you refer to our “service included” section mentioned below every adventure trip’s notes for the exact inclusions.
- Are there any hidden extras or surcharges?
- All our adventures include all transport, meals, accommodation and much of the equipment you will need for your trip unless we have tailored otherwise. Once you leave home there is little to spend, mostly on sightseeing. Compare our quality, inclusions, pricing, flexibility and service and you will agree our adventure trips represent the best value around.
- How often is a trip cancelled?
- The minimum number of people required for a trip is 2 - so you can be confident of going on the trip of your choice. In extreme instances like ‘Acts of God’, extreme weather or political situations we will always act with safety in mind for the individual or group.
- What is AMS?
- ‘AMS’ stands for Acute Mountain Sickness. The general symptoms are severe headaches, nausea, lethargy, loss of appetite and serious breathlessness even at rest. Generally headaches and breathlessness are common at altitude which in itself is nothing to worry about. In rare cases, this may worsen to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
If not taken care of properly; it could be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal. A close watch is kept on all trekkers by the group leader who is trained to recognise the symptoms of AMS and act efficiently to keep all trekkers safe. The greatest provocation is going too high too fast. Sunstone’s itinerary has been carefully designed to minimise the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly and surely allowing enough time for safe acclimatisation.
If any trekkers show such signs they will be descended to relatively lower and safer altitude, normally 300 metres lower initially and further if their condition does not improve. The Group Leader's decision on evacuating such a person to a safe altitude is final.
Do not medicate yourself without first informing your group leader. Every trek has an Extrication/Evacuation plan which is logged before the Trekking party departs in case of these unfortunate circumstances arising.
- What health preparations do I need to make prior to an Adventure Trip?
- It's always advised to research what vaccinations you will need that apply to the parts of Asia you will be visiting. Luckily up in the mountainous regions eg the Himalaya is less at risk than some of the more populated, warmer, lowland areas. It is advised to get up-to-date information on what is required before you depart. The doctor and dentist should also be visited to prevent any issues occurring halfway through your adventure.
- How dangerous is it in Kashmir?
- Of course travelling in Kashmir is at the individuals’ own risk. It is technically a warzone being on the ‘Line of Control’ between India and Pakistan. What you do find is that most of the trouble over the years has been internal politics caused between Muslims and Hindus. This tends to be skirmishes when there are protests and are far away from the ski resort of Gulmarg. We pick you up from the airport and once we have escorted you to the ski resort there is many foreigners there and little sign of any kind of danger. Once at Gulmarg yes there is a heavy military presence which is probably safer to have around than not! The historic relationship between India and Pakistan on the Line of Control over the past 60 years means that there hasn’t been a lot of trouble especially not in Gulmarg. Gulmarg has many foreigners enjoying the mellow, laid back atmosphere which because of a lot of media attention puts’ off the more conservative traveller it gives the slightly more adventurous powder hound the opportunity to ‘get the goods’ and when leaving Gulmarg wondering what all the fuss was about.