Aarohana Trails Frequently Asked Questions & Policies

Question 1

Do I need prior trekking experience to join Aarohana Trails?

Accepted Answer

For our 'Easy' and 'Moderate' treks, no prior experience is required. We provide comprehensive guidance and support. However, for 'Hard' or 'Expert' level trails like Kumara Parvatha, we highly recommend that you have completed at least two moderate treks previously and maintain a good level of cardiovascular fitness.

Question 2

What happens if a trek is cancelled due to extreme weather?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our absolute priority in the Western Ghats. If we must cancel a trek due to extreme monsoons, landslides, or forest department restrictions, you will receive a 100% refund or the option to reschedule your trek to any future date within the next 12 months with no penalty.

Question 3

Is transport provided from Bangalore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the majority of our weekend treks, we provide comfortable AC or Non-AC push-back transport departing from designated pickup points in Bangalore (typically Majestic, Yeshwantpur, and Goraguntepalya) on Friday nights. Transport details are always specified in the 'Inclusions' section of your specific trek.

Question 4

Are your treks safe for solo female travelers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Aarohana Trails maintains a strict Code of Conduct and zero-tolerance policy towards harassment. Our groups consistently see a high percentage of solo female trekkers. Our certified guides are trained to ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.

Question 5

Do I need to carry my own camping equipment?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide high-quality, sanitized tents and sleeping bags for all camping itineraries. You only need to carry your personal clothing, toiletries, reusable water bottles, and a personal medical kit in a comfortable 30-40L backpack.

Question 6

What kind of food is provided during the trek?

Accepted Answer

We provide nutritious, locally sourced vegetarian meals to keep you energized. This typically includes traditional South Indian breakfast (idli, dosa, upma), packed rice dishes or chapati for lunch on the trail, and a wholesome dinner at the homestay or basecamp. We accommodate basic dietary restrictions if informed during booking.

Question 7

How do you practice Leave No Trace?

Accepted Answer

We are deeply committed to protecting the Western Ghats. We do not allow single-use plastics on our trails. We practice 'Pack It In, Pack It Out', ensuring all wrappers and waste are brought back to the city for proper disposal. We also stick strictly to marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive alpine flora.

Question 8

Can I bring my camera or drone?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to bring cameras to capture the stunning landscapes. However, drone usage is strictly prohibited in all National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and most reserved forest areas in the Western Ghats under Indian Forest Department laws. Please check with your Trek Leader before flying a drone anywhere.

Question 9

How do I physically prepare for a trek?

Accepted Answer

Start preparing at least 3 weeks in advance. Focus on cardiovascular endurance by jogging 3-5 km a day, cycling, or swimming. Strengthen your legs with squats, lunges, and stair-climbing. Being physically prepared significantly enhances your enjoyment of the trek and reduces the risk of injury.

Question 10

Do you organize private or corporate treks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialize in organizing tailored outdoor experiences for corporate teams, schools, and private groups. We can customize the difficulty, itinerary, and team-building activities based on your organization's goals. Please visit our Corporate Bookings page to submit an enquiry.

Question 11

Can international visitors and tourists join Aarohana Trails treks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! Aarohana Trails warmly welcomes trekkers and adventurers from all over the world. All our trek leaders, wilderness guides, and expedition coordinators speak fluent English. We provide comprehensive pre-trip briefings, equipment guidance, and transport coordination directly from major South Indian transit hubs such as Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).

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Question 12

What is the best time of year to trek in South India and the Western Ghats?

Accepted Answer

The peak trekking season in the Western Ghats runs from October through March, offering clear skies, pleasant daytime temperatures (18°C–26°C), and panoramic mountain vistas. If you love lush tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and misty trails, the monsoon season (July to September) is an unforgettable experience on select certified routes.

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Question 13

How do I book and pay for a trek from outside India?

Accepted Answer

International travelers can easily enquire and reserve slots through our website booking form, official WhatsApp channel (+91 63630 24266), or via email at aarohanatrails@gmail.com. While all official bookings are billed in Indian Rupees (INR), our team assists international guests with overseas bank transfers, international card payments, and secure digital payment methods during booking confirmation.

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Question 14

Do your trek leaders and wilderness guides speak English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Aarohana Trails expedition leaders and guides are fluent in English and regional languages (Kannada, Hindi, Tamil). Safety briefings, trail logistics, flora/fauna interpretation, and emergency procedures are always communicated clearly in English.

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Question 15

How do I reach the trek departure point from Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)?

Accepted Answer

Most of our Western Ghats treks have designated pickup points across central Bengaluru (such as Majestic, Silk Board, and Indiranagar). From Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), you can easily reach any city pickup point via the 24/7 Vayu Vajra airport shuttle buses (BMTC) or app-based taxis (Uber/Ola) in approximately 45–75 minutes. Specific reporting times and exact coordinates are shared in your trek confirmation dossier.

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Question 16

What visa or permits do foreign nationals need to trek in India?

Accepted Answer

Foreign visitors generally need a standard Indian Tourist e-Visa (available online before arrival). For our Western Ghats treks (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu), no special inner-line or high-altitude trekking permits are required beyond standard forest entry fees which are managed directly by Aarohana Trails. For restricted Himalayan routes, our team coordinates all required forest permits and local permissions on your behalf.

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Question 17

What medical and safety standards do you follow in remote wilderness areas?

Accepted Answer

Safety is the cornerstone of the Aarohana Standard. Every departure is led by certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) equipped with specialized wilderness medical kits, pulse oximeters, emergency communication gear, and established mountain evacuation protocols. We enforce strict small-batch caps (maximum 15 trekkers) to ensure high guide-to-trekker ratios.

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Question 18

What should international travelers pack for a trek in South India?

Accepted Answer

Key essentials include sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, breathable moisture-wicking quick-dry clothing, a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a 20–30L daypack, a reusable water bottle, personal medications, eco-friendly mosquito repellent, and sun protection (hat and sunscreen). We provide high-quality shared camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats) on all camping itineraries.

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