Himalayan trekking package: Customised or Private tours vs. Fixed Group Departure Tours

At HIMALAYA TREKKERS (HT), we organise both customised and fixed group treks for a large variety of people, meeting their preferences and needs. In this article we will give you a comprehensive idea of both types of tours so that you get a holistic view and then pick your type of Himalayan trekking package.

While the pricing of a fixed tour may initially seem very attractive, it surely lacks the flexibility and exclusivity that a customised tour offers. Choosing the right format for your Himalayan trek is not just a matter of cost but about the kind of experience you want to take home. Let’s explore the aspects of each option, including their advantages and limitations, to help you decide the one that better suits your needs.

Customised or Private Tours

Customised tours, also referred to as private tours, are tailored specifically to meet your preferences, needs, and schedules. They offer an unmatched opportunity to curate an exclusive trekking experience, revealing new aspects or dynamics in relationships among close companions, often unnoticed back home.

Advantages

1. Personalised Itinerary
   • You have the freedom to choose from our wide range of trek routes, or even the ones that are not listed on the website, your preferred duration and pace. For instance, if you want to stay longer at the meadows of Tapovan to explore further or stay at Har Ki Dun to witness the sunrise or sunset, or you like to acclimatise better at higher camps of Goecha La, a customised tour allows for these tailored choices.
2. Exclusive Experience
   • Trekking with your own group eliminates concerns about adjusting to strangers’ preferences. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a private escapade. It is the joy of exploring nature at its best with your loved ones, without trade-offs.
3. Flexibility in Timing
   • Forget rigid schedules. Whether you want to trek during the shoulder season to avoid crowds on a very popular trail or coincide the trek with a family celebration, the timing is entirely up to you.
4. Case Specific Suggestions & Support
   •  Support is provided on a case to case basis. For an idea, we may suggest additional guide or support staff specific to your group, if the need arises.
5. Enhanced Comfort
   • Customised tours can accommodate special needs—whether it’s arranging private transport, upgrading accommodations, or meeting dietary requirements like vegan or gluten-free meals—ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
6. Specialised Focus
   • These tours can be tailored to a particular or combination of interests like photography, birdwatching, cultural or spiritual exploration. E.g., a customised trek to Sandakphu can match your particular interest of sighting a Red Panda in wild along with usual trekking takeaways.

Disadvantages

1. Higher Cost
   • Personalisation comes at a premium. For smaller groups, such as a two-person private tour, the cost per person can be roughly twice to thrice the listed price on the website, i.e., of the group tours. This variance depends on factors like the chosen route, additional services, and logistical arrangements, which are tailored to meet specific preferences and needs. On the other hand, the cost significantly reduces or is even at par or lower than a suggested price on the website, if you are a team of 6 to 10 members.
2. Limited External Interaction
   • While ideal for bonding with familiar faces, customised tours lack the opportunity to meet and connect with new, like-minded people, often a highlight of fixed group tours.

Fixed Departure Group Tours

Fixed departure tours operate on pre-scheduled dates with a set itinerary. These are great for solo travellers, budget-conscious trekkers, or those who thrive in group energy.

Advantages

1. Cost-effectiveness
   • Sharing logistical costs among a larger group reduces the expense per person. Popular treks like Brahmatal or  Chopta Chandrashila often come at very affordable rates in group tours.
2. Social Interaction
   • Fixed groups attract individuals from various walks of life. Overcoming shared challenges, like crossing a high-altitude snow bridge, often forges friendships that last a lifetime.
3. Set Schedule and Discipline
   • These tours adhere to pre-planned itineraries, making them ideal for those with limited time or tight schedules. Everything is organised for you, right down to the last detail.
4. Great for Solo Travellers
   • Joining a group removes the logistical burden and provides the security and camaraderie of trekking with others while still offering moments of personal solitude.

Disadvantages

1. Lack of Personalisation
   • Routes for fixed departure tours are often limited to popular trails like Kedarkantha, Hampta Pass or Kashmir Great lakes. While these are undeniably scenic, they don’t cater to those seeking offbeat or lesser-known paths. In contrast, customised tours provide a vast array of trek options, covering a wide spectrum of the Himalayas, from secluded valleys to high-altitude passes rarely explored by larger groups. With fixed itineraries and group dynamics, there’s little room for individual preferences. For example, you might miss the chance to pause longer at a particularly scenic spot.
2. Unpredictable Group Dynamics
   • In a mixed group, differences in fitness levels, trekking experience, age or personalities can occasionally lead to delays that potentially may affect the group’s overall experience.
3. Rigid Schedules
   • There’s no flexibility to adapt the itinerary for extra acclimatisation, spontaneous changes, or weather contingencies.
4. Crowds on Popular Routes
   • Fixed departures often coincide with peak trekking seasons, which can lead to crowded trails and campsites, potentially diminishing the feeling of wilderness.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• Choose Customised Tours if:
  • You value privacy, flexibility, and exclusivity.
  • Budget is not a major concern.
  • You’re trekking with family or close friends and want an experience tailored to your group.
• Choose Fixed Departure Tours if:
  • You’re a solo traveller or enjoy meeting new people.
  • Budget and convenience are important.

To summarise, fixed departure tours have their solid merits, while customised treks provide an unmatched opportunity for a deeply personal and memorable Himalayan experience.

At HT, we’re here to craft the trekking experience that aligns close to your vision, ensuring your time in the mountains is everything you imagined and probably more. After all, no two journeys are the same, and your Himalayan trek should be as special as you!

So are you set, or have further queries? Feel free to reach us.