Who are we?

We made a whole page to answer just this question. Click here to read about us.

Why should you travel with us?

You’re choosing pretty much the best value in India backpacker travel…

• We take you to see the absolute best of India. All-encompassing, packed itineraries give you access to the top must-see sites you’ve read about, as well as all the hidden, off-the-beaten-track destinations you haven’t.
• Experience travelling with an amazing group of like-minded people – not just those travelling with you, but our expert, fun-loving guides too! They’ll show you their part of India their way.
• Give something back by volunteering in the local community.
• We have an excellent commitment to safety – we do the hard work keeping you safe, so you can enjoy yourself to the full.
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable travel – we want these stunning places to exist for future generations.
• We like to think of ourselves as open-minded people, and our tours are for open-minded people too. We welcome travellers of any nationality, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, gender and sexual orientation.
• We are a LGBT-friendly travel operator, so you’ll feel safe travelling with us, whatever your way of life – that means no judging and no harassing!
• Our India trips are most suitable for travellers aged 18 to 60, however, we do occasionally make exceptions outside of this on an individual basis.

Who travels with us?

On first glance, our ‘Dragons’ look like a disparate group of people. We’re young, old, long-time travellers, career-breakers, gap year-takers, families, students, teachers, explorers, history buffs, foodies, nomads, fitness freaks, anime-lovers, Brits, Europeans, Kiwis, Aussies, Americans and a whole lot more. However, whilst appearing very different at first glance, our travellers are more united than first appearances might suggest…

Just like our fantastic team, our customers share a thirst for knowledge, a taste for adventure and a genuine interest in discovering new cultures.

How can I book my trip?

All you have to do is email us with your full name at info@thedragontrip.com and send in your deposit (10% of trip cost) to guarantee a place in the tour of your choosing. The full amount will be due 70 days before your trip departure date. Once we have confirmed your deposit or full payment, then we will need your correct passport name, birthdate and passport number so that we can issue you your visa invitation letters and booking pack.

What is the payment policy?

For all trips, a deposit of 10% of trip cost is required in order to confirm your booking, and the remaining amount is due 70 days prior to your departure. If you book on to our India tours less than 70 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.

How do I pay?

After making a booking on our website, depending on whether you are paying in British pounds or US dollars, you will need to send your payment to our British account, or US account. If you are paying to our US dollar account, please make sure to let your bank know that you do not want them to use an intermediary bank and instead send it directly to the US dollar account at HSBC UK – otherwise you may be charged with a $25 intermediary bank usage fee! As soon as we see your payment come through we will issue you a receipt confirming it.

British (GBP) bank account details:
HSBC Account Name: The Dragon Trip Pte. Ltd.
Account Number: 8153 1115
Sort Code: 40 02 08
Branch Address: HSBC Bank Plc, 455 Strand, London, WC2R 0RH
Swift Code: MIDLGB22 IBAN: GB82MIDL40020881531115

US$ (USD) bank account details (for customers based in the USA):

Account Name: The Dragon Trip LLC

Account Number: 601396242

Routing No: 0113 01798

Swift Code:EASRUS3B

Send checks to: The Dragon Trip, 51 Melcher Street – First Floor, Boston, MA 02210, USA

US$ (USD) bank account details (for customers based outside of the USA, including Canada):
Account Name: The Dragon Trip PTE LTD
Swift Code: CMFGUS33
Account Number: 8310305569
Address: TransferWise, 19 W 24th Street, New York NY 10010, United States

Canadian Dollar (CAD) bank account details:
Account Name: THE DRAGON TRIP PTE. LTD.
Bank Name: Digital Commerce Bank
Financial Institution Number: 352
Transit Number: 10009
Bank Account Number: 940591852
Bank Address: 736 Meridian Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A 2N7 Canada

Euro € (EUR) bank account details:
Account Holder: THE DRAGON TRIP PTE. LTD.
Bank Name: AS LHV PANK
IBAN: EE547777000091791801
SWIFT/BIC: LHVBEE22
Bank address: Tartu mnt 2, Tallinn 10145, Estonia

Australian Dollar (AUD) bank account details:
Account Holder: THE DRAGON TRIP PTE. LTD.
BSB Number: 013943
Account Number: 612518329
Account Type: Current
Bank Name: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (AN)
Bank Address: 833 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

What happens if there is an unforeseen emergency?

Examples of this would include:

– Terrorist attack
– Civil unrest
– Earthquake/Tsunami
– Bad Weather
– Flooding

The Dragon Trip will only pay up to the original costs outlined in the itinerary, but will not pay any additional costs*. Our official policy is to charge customers for any extra costs and advise them to request reimbursement from their travel insurance provider. Payment to The Dragon Trip should be made before the company makes additional purchases whenever possible.

*Additional costs may include (but are not limited to) arranging new transportation or booking new accommodation for the group.

Please note:

Because this policy involves emergency situations, it is always on a case by case basis. Adventure tour managers reserve the right to make an exception to this rule if the group’s safety is in danger or a decision needs to be made immediately (i.e. the next train is about to depart and we need to quickly buy new tickets without consulting the group). In these cases, it is acceptable for the company to make purchases without receiving payment from customers in advance.

After their tour, customers can request reimbursement from travel insurance. Many travel insurance providers offer some form of “Bad Weather or Natural Disaster Coverage” which covers unexpected inclement weather or unexpected natural disasters. These are examples of relevant coverages included in most policies:

• Trip Delay – generally from bad weather or carrier-caused delays. Trip Delay is reimbursement for meals and accommodations that you might incur if your trip is delayed for a covered reason. Trip Delay can happen at any time throughout the trip. For example, you’ll be reimbursed up to the daily limit for meals and accommodations (to the policy maximum) if your departure is delayed for more than the number of hours required for a covered reason during your trip.

• Trip Interruption – you unexpectedly return home early from your trip. This reimburses you for your unused prepaid trip costs and one

If The Dragon Trip goes out of business, would I still be able to get a refund?

Yes, as stated below:

Total Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover.
In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Services Limited (t&g), to protect customers’ prepayments in the unlikely event of our financial failure and paid in respect of:

• non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK
• the ground handling aspects of packages where the customer is responsible for arranging travel to the destination offered in this brochure/literature/document/ on the website (subject to the terms of the insurance policy), for:
  • a refund of such prepayments if customers have not yet travelled, or
  • making arrangements to enable the holiday to continue if customers have already travelled

What if I miss the booking deadline for a trip?

Unfortunately, registration for our backpacker tours is closed 18 days before the departure date. You do have the option of arranging another trip as an independent traveller. This means that you will let us know where you would like to go, when you would like to go, and how many people you would like to go with and we will arrange all the Adventure Leaders, accommodations and transportation (all still at the most competitive price point). This is a much more flexible (and shorter) trip option, which many of our travellers do choose to do.

Is there anything I need to do after (if) I book through another agent?

Please kindly provide us with a scan or photo of your passport’s information page so that we may begin to issue you your visa invitation documents.

How do our promotions work?

All promotions used must be stated at the time of booking and cannot be backdated. Promotions cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Any discount applied is at the sole discretion of the Dragon Trip.

Can I use my student card?

Unless you have an Indian student card, they are not widely accepted. Feel free to bring it with you anyway just in case.

How do I get my Indian Visa?

The Indian government now offers 60-days e-Visas which you can apply for and pay for online and receive confirmation via email. Although the application is quick and easy, you should give should apply for your visa within three months of your travel start date to avoid any issues. For a full list of countries, more details and to apply, click here. You will proof of a return or onward journey ticket to be eligible for the e-Visa.

How do I get a VISA if I’m away (abroad) from home?

So long as you have access to the internet, and the required documentation, you can apply for an e-Visa online as usual.

What travel insurance do I need for India?

We require all our customers to have backpackers travel insurance when coming on the trip. We recommend purchasing a travel insurance that offers ‘Bad Weather or Natural Disaster Coverage’.

Please bring details of your travel insurance along with you. In the event of an accident, we may need to contact your insurance company on your behalf, so we will need the insurance company’s name and phone number and your policy number. When it comes to who to choose, we’re big fans of World Nomads as a travel insurance provider.

Do I need any special vaccinations for India?

The Dragon Trip aims to enter no areas with tropical diseases. However, as with any backpacking trip, we urge you to seek advice from a travel nurse before departing your home country.

• All travellers should be up to date with a full course of vaccination and boosters recommended by their governments. For UK regulations, click here.
• Yellow Fever: The only vaccine required by international health regulations is Yellow Fever. Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is only required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone within the six days prior to entering India.
• Diphtheria: All travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated
• Hep A: All travellers to India should be vaccinated.
• Typhoid: All travellers spending more than a week in India should be vaccinated.
• Tetanus: All travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated
• Hep B: Sexually transmitted. All travellers to India should be vaccinated.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Vaccination is recommended if you’re in rural areas for more than a month during summer months. As a company, we must urge you to take all precautions deemed necessary including the highest level of immunizations for safety reasons.
• Malaria: Generally, malaria is a high risk only in the very eastern areas of India that and we do not go to these places, so it should not be a primary concern for you. However, as we mentioned above, we must advise you to err on the side of safety.
• Rabies: Don’t need pre-vaccination per se.
• Cholera: Only individuals who are considered ‘high risk’ are advised vaccines. Cholera is spread through consumption of contaminated water and food. It would be unusual for ‘non-high risk’ travellers to contract cholera if they take basic precautions with food and water and maintain a good standard of hygiene.

I’m not very physically fit!  Is the trip suitable for me?

At its heart, the Dragon Trip is an adventure tour of India which involves a lot of walking, but you can make your Dragon Trip as physically active (or inactive) as you want. If you feel like you need to, ask your Adventure Leader for more relaxed suggestions.

I have a medical condition – is this OK?

Generally yes, but please do inform us of your specific requirements at the point of booking.

Do I need a first aid kit?

All of our Adventure Leaders have a fully equipped first aid kit with them at all times, but of course, there is no harm in bringing your own small one along. We also advise that you bring your own antihistamine, anti-diarrhoea, and painkillers if you think you’ll need them. These are available in all of the cities.

If something happens, will I be able to get necessary medical attention?

All Indian cities have hospitals and clinics in case of emergencies. With that being said, medical treatment is certainly more developed in the bigger cities, but regardless of where you are in India, medical treatment is available, and your Adventure Leader will always be on hand to help take you to a hospital if worse comes to worst.

Which hostels will we be staying in?

Delhi: Zostel Delhi (+91 11 4116 9532)
Varanasi: Nomad’s Stay Varanasi (+91 99 1992 2219)
Agra: Hosteller Agra (+91 98 1018 7717)
Jaipur: Zostel Jaipur (+91 22 4896 2267)
Jaisalmer: Moustache Jaisalmer (+91 89 2910 0705)
Jodhpur: Moustache Jodhpur (+91 89 2910 0705)
Mumbai: Locomo Hostel (+91 89 2809 4289)
Goa: Moustache Goa Luxuria (+91 89 2910 0705)

What is the standard of accommodation?

All of the hostels are clean, air-conditioned or have fans, are safe, have good showers, internet, washing machines and most importantly, have real Indian character. People who stay at hostels are usually young people aged 18 to 35 who are travelling on a smaller budget than people staying at hotels. So, it is easy to make friends and fun to hang out in the lounge areas. If you would like to stay in a private room though, that is absolutely possible as well as we have room upgrades available at the time of purchase.

Do the hostels have WiFi?  Will I be able to keep in touch with friends and family while in Asia?

There is Wi-Fi and computers available for use in all hostels you stay in during The Dragon Trip. You can also purchase an Indian SIM card very cheaply to stay in touch and your Adventure Leader can help you with this. Alternatively, the Indian Government has introduced a system for people to rent pre-paid phones with data, calls, Google Maps and helpful apps pre-installed. Visit Trabug for more information.

Do I need a sleeping bag or is linen supplied in the hostels?

All bedding – including sleeping equipment for the Camel Safari desert camping – is provided.

Who looks after our bags when we’re on transport and/or day excursions?

The bags will be stored at the hostels where they are tagged and recorded. We have never had a case of anyone losing their luggage or having their luggage stolen so you can focus on having fun.

Can I upgrade to a private room?

Yes! If you’d like to upgrade to a private room the prices are listed below. Just email us before your final payment is due to let us know you’d like to upgrade. The upgrade fee is for the room, not per person- i.e. if you are a couple upgrading, then you split this price between the two of you. Room upgrades include single, double and twin rooms.

What transport is used on the tour?

Throughout your time in India, you’ll be using a mixture of public transport and private transfers. Many of your inter-city transfers will be completed on trains (both overnight and daytime), while your transfer between Jodhpur and Mumbai will be a domestic flight.

What is it like on the trains?

You will be travelling in the sleeping carriages with beds on the overnight trains. We try to get all our travellers in the same compartment as well so that you can have fun getting to know each other better, playing some games, and even sharing a few drinks.

Can I upgrade to a different train class?

We currently do not offer upgrades on train tickets.

Will we be sitting together?

All train tickets in India must be purchased through a central booking centre which means there is always a small chance that you may not be seated together with the person that you have booked the tour together with.

If you or a fellow traveller has a seat that is not with the group, our Adventure Leaders have a process to help you switch your tickets, so that you are seated next to the group. In some train stations, the Adventure Leader will be able to board the train even when they won’t be travelling themselves. In this case, they will switch tickets with a local so that Dragon Trippers can sit together.

Do you provide an airport transfer service?

The Dragon Trip provides, upon request, airport pick-ups. The price is 2250 INR. This service is available from and to the following airport locations: Delhi, Mumbai.

For your safety, we highly recommend spending some extra money on an airport transfer service in Delhi, as taxi scams are common.

Who are the adventure leaders?

Each group will be accompanied by English speaking Adventure Leaders. All our adventure leaders have the passion and knowledge to ensure that they can help you have a great time in each destination.

How experienced are they? And will they be travelling with us?

Each of our Adventure Leaders is an expert in their area – so actually you will have a different Adventure Leader in each location. At the end of the trip for each location they will either travel with you just on the train or see you off onto your train and another Adventure Leader will pick you right back up as soon as you get off your train.

For more information on who you’ll be travelling with, meet our team!

Do I need to bring power converters?

Yes! Indian electrical outlets are very unique so unless you are from Sri Lanka, you will need to bring an adaptor. India uses 230 Volts and the plug sockets are Type D, featuring three round pins. In some places across India, you can find the round, two pinned sockets, in which case a European plug will work. However, as it is not guaranteed your accommodation will have these, we would advise buying the three pinned adaptors to be sure.

What should I pack for my trip?

We strongly recommend packing very light for The Dragon Trip. India has everything under the sun, so don’t fret too much if you left something behind, almost anything you’d conceivably need is available throughout India. You really need very little as you can wash clothes regularly in the hostels. As India is a relatively conservative country, you will have to dress a little differently to what you are used to at home. See our guide to backpacking in India, and guide for female travellers, for more details.

Suitcase or backpack?

A suitcase is OK, but a backpack/hold-all is much, much more convenient.

Packing suggestions:

We advise a rucksack of 50 – 70L but a suitcase is also fine. If necessary absolutely, arrangements can also be made to send things domestically, for an extra fee.

• Flipflops
• Sensible walking shoes
• T-shirts
• Shorts/skirts
• Swimming costume
• Lightweight waterproof
• Towel
• Washbag
• Passport with India Visa
• Indian rupee or credit/debit card
• Student card if you have one, although it is not guaranteed to be accepted
• Travel insurance policy
• Photocopies of insurance policy, bank cards, passport photo page, visa
• Books and other entertainments for the night trains
• Mosquito repellent, sun-screen and after-sun
• Camera and charger – India is a photographer’s dream!
• Small first aid kit with medicine for diarrhoea, paracetamol, disinfectant etc.
• A big bag and a small rucksack. We sometimes get separated from our big bags, so you’ll need to keep your valuables with you in a small bag.

Bring electronic products at your own risk. Some customers choose to travel with iPhone, tablets and laptops, but although theft is extremely rare on the Dragon Trip there is petty crime in some areas we visit.

How do I get money in India?

The Indian rupee is a heavily regulated currency, meaning you cannot exchange money before entering the country. It is recommended to arrive in India with a supply of cash in your own currency and exchanging it at a bureau de change at the airport. As India is a very cash-orientated country, we recommend only carrying a day’s worth of money on you when you’re out and about and hiding the rest in multiple safe places within your belongings at your accommodation. You will be able to withdraw more money at ATMs in each city, and your Adventure Leader will tell you when the next stop on the trip where you will be able to withdraw more cash is. However, it has been reported card including HSBC and Halifax, do not work at some ATM machines. We advise that you notify your bank that you will be travelling before you depart.

How much should I budget for food and drink on the Dragon Trip?

Food in India is very cheap. We advise you to budget 500-1000 INR per day for food in great local restaurants your Adventure Leader will take you to which we know are safe and tasty. If you want to eat cheaper than this, you can by eating simpler with a traditional Thali dish – a round platter of food, normally buffet style or all you can eat – which come in at around 100 INR.

As an example of prices of everyday items: Tea – 5-10 INR, Coca-Cola – 20-30 INR, Samosas – 15-20 INR, Thali – 80-100 INR, Imported beer – 200 INR, Short taxi ride – 45-75 INR (Taxis are dependent on city. It can be cheaper and faster to take a tuk-tuk however you will need to haggle for a reasonable price).

Do I need to tip in India?

India does not have a tipping culture per se, however many restaurants or from tuk-tuk drivers do expect/appreciate it. When paying for a small meal or snack that costs less than 300 INR, a 10% tip is appreciated. When you pay a bill ranging from 300-100 INR, then a tip of 7-10% is sufficient. For example, a tip of 100 INR for a 1000 INR bill would be a very good tip. However, anything from 70-100 INR would also be fine. Some restaurants in Delhi and Mumbai automatically add a ‘service tax’ to the bill, in which case tipping is not necessary. For more information, click here.

Although tipping in India isn’t compulsory, tips are expected and appreciated in many places throughout the country. If you’re happy with the service provided those who have assisted you on your tour, leaving a tip is a good way to show your appreciation. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.

If you’re happy with the service provided by your Adventure Leader, at the end of your trip, you may consider tipping your leader as well. Recommendations would range from 1000 – 2000 INR per person depending on your level of satisfaction.

What kind of restaurants will we go to?

Your Adventure Leader will always offer to take you for a group meal, where we go to a local restaurant, which we know is hygienic and has cheap and delicious food. These meals usually work out at 500 INR (£5/$5.90) per person, but if you do want to eat cheaper, you can always grab a traditional Thali meal for around 100 INR (£1/$1.30). If you are craving Western food, then there are lots of great options!

What kind of food will we be eating on the trip?

One of the best parts of travelling in India is definitely the food! With its diverse mix of different cuisines, food throughout the country can be vastly different but fear not- with literally thousands of options, India has something for everyone, even the pickiest or most adventurous of eaters.

I’m vegetarian/have allergies – will I be able to get the right food?

Yes! With so many food choices, India can meet the needs of individuals with special dietary needs or requests. Just tell your Adventure Leader and they can help you find something suitable. You will probably discover a new dish that you love!

Can I use my mobile in India?

Typically, the answer is yes, as long as your cell phone has been unlocked for international usage. However, the Indian government has tightened laws on issuing SIM cards to foreigners. For travellers wishing to use their own cell phone while in India, you can bring a handset that’s unlocked and then purchase an inexpensive prepaid SIM card from one of the airport kiosks. Or you can purchase one from one of India’s top three mobile phone providers (Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance) directly from their retail outlets. However, this process will require you to bring a lot of documentation, including your passport, 2 colour passport photos, a copy of your Indian visa, proof of address and proof of accommodation in India. SIM cards can also be recharged at most convenient stores. Typically purchased SIM cards can be used for domestic calls, texting and 3G/4G data.

A much simpler option would be to use a new system introduced by the Indian Government called Trabug. This provides you with a rented phone, with data, calls, Google Maps and helpful apps pre-installed on the phone. All information and data is whipped once the phone is returned.

I have an emergency on my trip, who should I contact?

If you encounter an emergency on your Dragon Trip in India, you can call our 24-hour emergency line on +84 284 458 1410. Please note, this number should only be used in real emergencies related to someone being in danger or encountering an incident during their trip.

• If you can’t find what you’re after, email us: info@thedragontrip.com
• Any promotional code used must be presented and used at the time of paying your deposit and thereby confirming your booking. No special offers can be used on bookings which have already been submitted and confirmed.
• Our prices are set in GBP £, prices listed in American Dollars and Euros are for reference only, and although we update these regularly, they are occasionally inaccurate. If paying for your tour in a currency other than GBP £, we do need to have received an amount which converts to the cost of your specific trip at the point of purchase. For currency conversion rates please check www.xe.com
• Typical Group size is 20 people. Minimum group size is 3 people.
• Accommodation is not provided the night before Day 1 of your trip or for the night of the last day of your trip.
• If booking your own accommodation for the night before Day 1 of your trip or for the evening of the last day we recommend the following:
  Delhi – Zostel Delhi
  Mumbai – Locomo Hostel
  Goa – Moustache Luxuria
• As this is a backpacker tour, we often use public transport on our activities and to transfer between the hostel and the train station.
• Please note, we work hard to keep our published itineraries as up to date as possible. However, as we are constantly striving to improve our trips, sometime the itineraries may change slightly between the time you make a booking and the time you go on The Dragon Trip.
• In order to keep our prices as low as possible, occasionally on longer trains, one Adventure Leader will put you on a train, and another will collect you off the train in your destination.
• The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during activities organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.