Frequently Asked Questions

Our founders are not travel agents — they are local Himalayan natives with deep personal and cultural connections to the places we visit. We offer small-group tours (max 12 people), founder-led or founder-guided experiences, authentic village homestays instead of hotels, and a genuine philosophy of slow, mindful travel. We don't rush. We immerse.

Yes, absolutely. We love creating bespoke itineraries. Tell us your interests, travel dates, group size, and budget, and we'll craft a journey that feels uniquely yours. Custom tours start from 2 people. Contact us to begin.

Our primary destinations are Lahaul Valley, Spiti Valley, Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj, Keylong, Gondhla, Chandratal Lake, Rohtang Pass, Tabo, Kaza, and surrounding high-altitude Himalayan regions in Himachal Pradesh. We are expanding to Ladakh and Uttarakhand in 2027.

You can book by filling our Contact Form, sending us a WhatsApp message at +91 98675 43210, or emailing us at zenyatra07@gmail.com. Our team will confirm availability, share a booking form, and guide you through the payment process. We don't use a complex online booking system — we prefer personal conversations.

We require a 30% deposit to confirm your spot. The remaining 70% is due 30 days before the tour departure date. For tours booked within 30 days of departure, 100% payment is required at the time of booking. We accept bank transfer, UPI, and major payment apps.

• More than 30 days before departure: Full refund of all payments made.
• 15–30 days before departure: 50% refund.
• Within 14 days of departure: No refund. However, you may transfer your booking to another person at no charge.
• Tour cancellation by ZenYatra (weather, safety, natural disaster): Full refund or credit towards another tour.

Yes — we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation coverage. This is especially important for Spiti Valley tours where altitude goes above 14,000 ft. ZenYatra does not provide insurance, but we can recommend reputable providers.

Most of our tours begin and end in Manali or Dharamshala, which are the most accessible jump-off points. Some tours begin in Shimla. We will specify the exact meeting point for each tour in the booking confirmation. We provide hotel pickup from the designated meeting point.

May – October is the main accessible season when roads and passes are open. October is our personal favorite — clear skies, no crowds, golden light. June–August is busier but the landscape is more lush. December–February winters offer a frozen, magical Spiti — but roads are often closed and conditions are extreme.

We offer a mix of comfortable local guesthouses, authentic village homestays with local families, and high-quality camping at scenic locations like Chandratal. We don't use 5-star hotels — our preference is for accommodation that connects you with the place and its people. All beds and bedding are clean and comfortable.

Key items: thermal base layers, heavy fleece or down jacket, waterproof outer layer, warm hat and gloves, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, sturdy trekking boots, personal medications, and a good power bank. We send a detailed packing list to all confirmed guests. Read our packing guide blog post for more details.

Yes, altitude sickness (AMS) is a real concern in Spiti above 12,000 ft. Our tours are carefully designed with gradual acclimatization — we never rush ascent. We carry oxygen cylinders, a first aid kit, and Diamox (altitude medication) on all high-altitude tours. Our guides are trained in altitude medicine. If symptoms are severe, we have protocols for immediate descent.

Many of our tours (especially cultural and road-based tours) require no trekking experience — just reasonable fitness. Our trek-based tours like Hampta Pass are rated "Moderate" and are suitable for people who exercise regularly. We always provide a detailed difficulty rating and fitness recommendation for each tour. When in doubt, ask us — we'll help you find the right journey.

We welcome travelers from 16 to 70+ years of age for most tours. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. For high-altitude tours (Spiti, Chandratal), we recommend ages 18+ due to altitude risks. Senior travelers are always welcome — just share your health background and we'll recommend the most suitable tour.