Here, we have done our best to attend to your ‘big question’ – “Who can be on overland road trips?”
If participants will extend basic courtesy and support, we shall GO-EXTRA MILE to ensure that it’s a wonderful experience, WE GO EXTRA MILE.
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is a travel philosophy where the
journey is the focus, not the destination. We specialise in offering the best nomadic overlanding for outdoor experience … best NOMADIC LIFE and travel photography expeditions/ tours as road trips, best in India.
More details … Who can be on our overland expeditions?
Overland truck tours are for those who either have belly fire for road trips/ journey, outdoors and wanderlust or are keen to kindle such fire. You have a sense of adventure and take anything unexpected in good spirit?
More details … Is it Expensive to be on these Expeditions?
Not at all, when you assess about what you get and how much of our efforts it takes to conduct your such exclusive holiday for ‘special experience’ of lifetime! But yes if you compare the cost with conventional tours or organised by yourself and you own car, then you may feel.
More details … What kind of Camping Equipment TAURUS - Overland Truck has?
Taurus is well equipped with outdoor field kitchen of high quality (the best in India), unique design for outdoors, offers fresh healthy food. But not to be compared with the facilities of a restaurant, static camping, hotel or a resort. Its a self service camp and food is served as buffet. We have the best camping equipment available in India to ensure some level of fun and comfort. We have the best outdoor camping chairs, three hammocks – where possible we anchor these.
Is it a good idea to take small children camping onboard Taurus in Ladakh/ Spiti?
Yes, as long as parents take care of their children, for we have no staff for baby-sitting like a hotel. Otherwise, the high altitude doesn’t affect small children much. Though we highly recommend you to consult your doctors for high altitude travel for yourself and your children. Its absolutely safe to bring your children of any age as long as they are not hyper and are under your control, no ailments, as its outdoors and can be a bit hazardous for such children if care is not taken.
What do you do if it rains while you are camping?
Being in the outdoors and enjoying every event of nature is fun especially when you are having best logistical support with you for outdoors. Well, we can’t control the weather so we just have to make the best of it. Yes, rain or any other event ensued by bad weather may sometimes alter outdoor plans. It can be nice and beautiful one moment and not exciting the next. When one understands about outdoor life and one is prepared for any surprises by weather, a little cooperation while planning and preparation together can reduce the problems and the disappointment of bad weather on your activities. We do anticipate the possibilities and take suitable steps to minimize its impact on your campsite and have alternate activities planned. But in case guests have to shift to homestay/ guest house/ hotel then guests have to pay for the expenses, as these are not catered in your tariff which one pays in the beginning while booking.
What are the basics to keep in mind while camping with Taurus?
Be positive and open to be part of the team onboard Taurus. Do your part to help keep the facilities clean and always be respectful of other guests onboard. Extend best possible courtesy to the crew, they are not personal servants; they are coordinators of your logistics to ensure your camping holiday goes smooth and those nagging hassles of travelling are taken care. Please handle your personal equipment and baggage yourself. After the meals, please rinse the plates, though these shall be washed by the crew. Its only to save water, as the dry plates are hard to wash and consume more water than usual.
How about bathing?
We operate our expeditions in cold weather conditions i.e. Rajasthan in winters and Ladakh in summers which is cold even in summers as well and in outdoors bathing won’t be a good idea, though we can provide you very limited warm water
(just few mugs for sponging) and a tent for privacy. Best is one should get used to taking ‘sponge bath’. On some holidays, we arrange one or two nights in guesthouse/ homestay/ hotel where one can have bath.
More details … What items do I need to carry for these expeditions/ holidays?
After your booking has been confirmed, at a suitable stage, a comprehensive list shall be sent. Though few tips are here: carry a brim hat, sun lotion, personal toiletry comfortable walking shoes, full sleeve cotton shirts, thermals, extra socks, gloves, skin moisturizer, personal medicines, etc. If you are with children, you should consider to bring more activity type items to keep them busy. Check out our general check-list and customize them to fit your particular needs. Don’t fuss at camp–leave the makeup, special soaps and lotions, hair dryer and curling iron, razors, etc. at home.
Where should I look for camping and outdoor gear in India?
Nearest Decathlon store, else
Decathlon online What are the typical camp rules?
We don’t like to be like hostel wardens, but certain amount of discipline has to be maintained by everyone as per the guidelines.
Taurus has quilts and blankets?
We have branded sleeping bags from
Decathlon tested for -5
(minus five degrees Celsius) and -10 degrees
(minus ten degrees Celsius for Ladakh). Since we are a mobile camping and storage space gets much occupied with camping essentials, we don’t carry quilts and blankets. Though we do provide quilts onboard our
“camping trailers”.
What kind of toilets do GDE provide?
We have two field
toilets for routine, which are of a reputed brand from the USA. However we have one onboard toilet which is for bad weather and emergencies, otherwise not available for routine use, being a chemical toilet, we wish to avoid chemicals. In case circumstances arise, you may have to use the ‘bush’.
What are the means of entertainment onboard Taurus?
We have some light games i.e. croquet set, golf putting mat, darts, table games, etc. which are suitable for high altitude and field conditions.
Is it possible to extend stay?
Yes, if we do not have other bookings and no other pre-scheduled programs.
How about privacy?
It’s a unique camping system, which is compact as it’s based on a vehicle. Therefore, everything is in close proximity and the privacy is provided only by the canvas sheet of the tents. However, if you wish to camp a bit away in a dome tent to seek privacy, we shall provide you a dome tent.
May I bring my vehicle along?
Sure, you are most welcome to bring your own car under own arrangements. And if you are using it as a transport, there won’t be any kind of adjustments in the tariff. If you have a driver and you want him to use the facilities of Taurus- he will be given a bill.
If I have to pay for something extra, how to pay?
Please carry your ATM cards, debit cards, PayTM and suitable amount of cash. We shall not be able to accept bank cheques under any circumstances. All bills shall be cleared by the responsible guests before leaving the camp location.
May I have campfire or bonfire?
Being advocates of eco-tourism, we
discourage campfire/ bonfire at our camping site. Yes, on the last day, we may organize a bonfire of cow-dung cakes only, as this shall support a family while you buy local resource. Also, when its windy, it won’t happen. The cost of procuring the material has to be paid by the guests.
May I go shopping or visit a spot of my choice?
Yes, you may go on your personal shopping trip and anywhere of your interest. We shall help you to get transport for yourself, but the bill is supported by your purse.
Are we allowed to do night photography?
Yes why not! Preferably, only on Astrophotography expeditions as it needs to have extra longer hours of working for the crew. But if you still plan to shoot at night and others wish to sleep, then we have a plan. Take a dome tent from us and pitch it up before setting out for ‘night shoot’ (which should be in close proximity and with one buddy) at your own risk. We won’t be responsible for loss or damage of any kind. The crew will not be involved for the night shoot unless its a special astrophotography shoot for the whole group. Crew will sleep as they get tired by the evening and need proper rest for the action next morning, which is always early.
We have some restrictions on private/ personal NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Anyone may try night photography with some advisory and restrictions – as long it doesn’t disturb others. And no fireworks of anykind, wool fire, display of praying lanterns or any kind of open fire performances are NOT allowed in the camping for photography or fun sake. No open music at night.
Am I allowed to sell or promote anything amongst the group members?
No, please, others may not like. Yes, you may share your ideas and visiting cards, but not other literature, brochures, booklets, catalogs, etc.
What kind of photos I am allowed to click onboard Taurus?
Welcome to have any number of photo sessions with Taurus in the background, as long one is NOT disrupting camp routine and doesn’t hinder other guests in the camp. And you are welcome to shoot general photos, which means Taurus in the background, you are posing with or without your friends in front of Taurus. But not doing photo shoots to take down the intricacies of the design of Taurus, we will object. And any kind of photo to demean will be unlawful.
What are the guidelines for photographers?
Please do not photograph any bridges or any property where its displayed PHOTOGRAPHY NOT ALLOWED. As a matter of principle, please do not take any kind of photos of the defense/ government establishment/ army establishment property to be seen in the images. In case any model arranged by us or you, demands money you will have to pay and we won’t handle any disputes.
Is it suitable for guests with disabilities?
We regret to say here that Taurus may pose serious difficulties for anyone who cannot climb ladders. But yes we can host onboard
“camping trailers” which are easy to board as it’s floor height is just about 2 feet from ground level.
Any diet for diabetic?
You must tell us about your ‘special diet’ status before booking your holidays. We try our best to accommodate for such special diet, but we may not be able to make complete or elaborate arrangements; we carry oatmeal, salty biscuits, we may also make arrangements at extra cost if we have to buy special ration items.
Can we invite our friends who are already in the area where Taurus is deployed?
Yes, why not – but only in advance consultation with the Crew, and if the number is not more than 2-3 and only for a meal or a cup of tea and NOT for stay, unless paid extra for one full seat/ person for the duration; but must consult the Team Leader of the Crew onboard Taurus to know what are the possibilities. You may have to pay extra charge.
What are documents needed?
You are requested to carry the attested Photocopies of Adhaar Card, driving license, ten passport photos, PAN card photocopies.
Is there any baggage checking like at airports?
Yes, considering the safety and present day scenario we shall check your bagged in detail in private though. Please don’t bring weapons or any banned items, we may not allot you accommodation onboard Taurus, without any kind of refund. You will have to arrange transport to reach any nearest accommodation under own arrangements.
List of valuable items?
You are advised not to bring any kind of jewelry along other than what is on body that too minimal. We shall not be responsible for any kind of losses. We shall provide you with a locker, fitted with an ordinary Godrej lock. Loss of the key of your locker means you will have to pay Rs 3500 (to get the lock replaced, which means the cost of the lock and cost involved to fetch it, installation charges of a carpenter, cost of wood and mica and related materials, other related costs to get it organised).
Is camping safe?
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Himachal and Ladakh are among the safest places in India to camp. And don’t forget we be a dozen (crew and participants). Life is quite safe in Ladakh, there is no risk other than landslides etc. Safety of our participants is our highest priority. We adhere to all safety standards and maintain every necessary basic equipment & medical ‘first-aid-kit’ to the best of our knowledge and experience. We carry top class Oxygen cylinders with good capacity in Ladakh.
Is there electricity at the campsites for charging?
We have two power inverters to convert 12 V DC into 220 V AC from two exclusive truck batteries, only for portable with low consumption of current i.e. cellphones, laptops, camera batteries, etc. We do not have running electricity at the campsites from power lines. However, we suggest you should carry portable chargers and power banks with you.
How big is the tent?
We have two standard ‘three men tent’ which are deployed for double occupancy. There are 4 tents which look like hanging in air, these are for single occupancy, with strong reinforced platform and mattress.
Can I choose my tent?
Yes, with single supplement, which either shall be mentioned with your itinerary or else please check before booking.
Are the tents protected against bugs & insects?
Ladakh being a very cold area has no harmful insects, and there are no snakes and scorpions. And when operate in Rajasthan in winters there are hardly any harmful insects as they all hibernate or get inactive.
Do I have to know the local language?
No need, we speak Hindi and English.
How many members of your team will be present at the campsite?
2 to 3.
Capt Suresh Sharma is mostly there to supervise.
What are the amenities at the camp?
It’s not like a static camp. But we render a unique nomadic overlanding experience with comforts. We have equipped Taurus with best possible of equipment for the purpose i.e. camping equipment has come from Decathlon, best as of now in India. We have very well equipped kitchen for nomadic mobile camping. We have enough arrangements for toilets etc. But resource has to be used carefully i.e. water, electricity. This infrastructure is good enough to make anyone comfortable in the middle of nowhere.
May I reserve a tent for myself, the same for every night?
Yes, there is
Single Supplement, which is mentioned in your itinerary, otherwise please check at the time of booking. Otherwise, we prefer to allot tents on rotational basis everyday.
Can we bring our own tent?
Yes, you may bring only a dome tent, but there shall not be any deductions or refund in the tariff.
Do I have to participate for the camping chores?
We all have to work as a team together to ensure the journey is enjoyable. We appreciate, if you understand few things i.e. it’s a self-service camp, we do not have staff like a static camping, participants are expected to handle their own baggage, pick up food from buffet table, after the meal just rinse the plates to prevent drying with leftover food to save water. No camera gear shall be handled by the crew, however if you wish to seek help for a moment then we shall not be responsible individually or collectively for any accidental damage or in any way.
Do you have Social Commitments?
Yes. Please check on these two
Link 1 …
Link 2 How much of cash to carry?
Please carry enough cash for your basic needs of extra transport, extra activities, etc. GDE doesn’t have any policy to extend credit facilities, neither we carry cash.
Can Tours Be Blocked without Payment
Yes with a
retainership fee as per the terms mentioned with each itinerary and also in
terms and conditions.
On such expeditions and under the given circumstances of the hard conditions of the region, anything may and can fail. But best possible shall be done by the Crew of Taurus to resolve any issue. There are no compensations of any kind for any equipment failure or natural hurdles or disasters or any losses caused to you or to your equipment and baggage.
Green Dot Expeditions shall not be responsible for any kind of medical issues or injuries, accidents, damages of any kind or losses caused by public unrest, riots, terrorist activities, labour unrest, mechanical or construction failures or any kind of difficulties arising during the itinerary/ journey/ trip, diseases, local laws, climatic/ weather conditions, any kind of abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside our purview or that of our travel agents or partner’s control. We are coordinators for your holiday program/ expeditions and hold no guarantee of any kind under any circumstances.
Photos shown on the website are to depict about the locations and facilities but there is no guarantee of offering you exactly the same location in the same status as shown in the photos, as conditions change from time to time.
