Trip FAQ

Q. Who is organizing this trip

• This trip is being organized by PlumVillage and Rustik Travel.

Q. I have a lot of questions. What should I do?

• The more questions you have the better. We have tried to address some of the common ones here to make it easy.  As questions come up we'll post them here. In the meantime please don't hesitate to reach out. This is a trip of a lifetime and we want to help support the process of you making the decision to join. Easiest way to connect is to get to us at joy@pathsofhappiness.com
• You can also reach us with the contact us form on the site.
• OK you want to hear a voice - Call Joydeep at somewhat normal US hours. He's at +650-804-4666. 

Q. How do I confirm my spot?

• Once you decide to go, you will fill out the Signup Form. But your spot is not confirmed till you have submitted the Registration Form and made the 50% deposit payment.

Q. I've confirmed my spot, now what?

• We are keen to connect everyone who is joining. So as we start to get closer we plan to schedule a couple of calls to do a "What to Expect" discussion. But the 3 most  most important things after registration is to 1) Book your travel and confirm Passport validity and Visa Requirements 2) Prepare to be physically fit and ready to do a hike in Summer 2025!!! 3) Practice mindfulness.

Q. What are the dates for the trip

• The  trip is scheduled for Jun-21 to Jun-30 2025. The trip begins in  Les Houches, France. The first day of the trip is to start on the 22nd.

Q. What are the ideal flight times to fly in and out.

• Fly in anytime on the 21sh. The best way to coordinate this is to fly into Geneva, Switzerland on the 21st and we will coordinate picking you up in Geneva. Folks are welcome to meet us directly in Les Houches on 21st as well. Goal would be to meet as a Sangha on 21st, do detailed briefing and gear check on 21st and first day of the hike is 22nd.  .

Q. Who should sign up

• Anyone in moderately strong shape, looking to explore the amazing Himalayas while learning and practicing meditation should join.

Q. How can I sign up

• The first step is to fill out the sign-up form to send us your initial info.
• We will get in touch with you right away and address any open questions you have. This can be via email and/or calls. 
• Once you are ready to Register there are 3 Additional Steps - a) Fill Out the Registration Form on Rustik Travel Site b) Pay 50% Deposit - This will be a payment transfer to Rustik Travel Bank Account (info below) c) Send a copy of your passport. 
• Final Payment of remaining 50% will at the end of March.

Q. Where am I transferring money for payment

• We have not figured out online payment just yet. Yes!!! true :(. But we are working on it.
• There are 2 Ways to Pay through Bank Transfer to Rustik Travels or Plum Village
• The high level info is: Account Name: 

                            Rustik Travel Ventures Private Limited

                            Bank Name: HDFC Bank

                            Branch: Ulsoor Road, Bangalore

                             Address: No. 128/1, Vidya Deep College Building, Bangalore - 560042. India

•  Pay to Plum Village Directly

                                    Account holder: CBZ Village des Pruniers 

                                    BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX 

                                    IBAN: BE84 9670 5330 1159

                                     Bank name and address: Wise

                                     Rue du Trône 100, 3rd floor 

                                     Brussels 1050  Belgium

Q. What are the main costs for the trip:

• 3,600 Euro - PathsOfHappiness Fees (Includes stay, transfers, porters, meals, supplement monastics travel and logistics) - This is what you pay PathsOfHappiness / Rustik Travel
• Airfare/Train Costs - Expenses to travel to and from Geneva
• 400-800 Euro - Personal Items for hiking. This includes all of the items including backpack, day-pack, sleeping bag, personal care items.

Q. Why is the trip so expensive:

• OK, we recognize that the trip is definitely a commitment of your resources, both time and money. We are glad that you are considering it and can't wait to meet all those who take the plunge. Do it ;). The costs laid out are primarily to cover the costs of thr trip and do note that we are using the fees to also supplement the journey for the monastics. 
• Airfare, Trip Fees, Meals and Stay for the Monastics will be covered by the team. Thats the least we can do, right?

Q. What is the cancellation policy for the trip:

• If cancellations are made 90 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees along with a minimal admin fee. 
• If cancellations are made between 75-89 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees along with a minimal admin fee. 
• If cancellations are made between 60-74 days before the start date of the trip, 75% of trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees along with a minimal admin fee. 
• If cancellations are made within 0-59 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees. 
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled, and, in such cases, we will try our best to provide an alternate feasible activity at a later date. However, no refund will be provided for the same. 
• *All refunds will be transferred minus the admin fee, bank transfer fee and any loss due to foreign exchange changes. 

Q. What are the Inclusions in the trip for the payments

• Geneva to Les Houche and Chamonix to Geneva airport shuttle. 
• Bus transfers during the trek as per the itinerary. 
• Accommodation in hotels or refuges as per the room/bed type with meals as mentioned. 
• All meals (vegetarian only) as mentioned in the itinerary (incl. packed/picnic lunch during the trek). 
• Drinking water. 
•  Helpers (from Rustik Travel). 
• Facilities as mentioned and provided by
  each hotel or refuge. 

Q. What are the exclusion in the trip for the payments

• International flights and airfare.
• Any sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Entry tickets.
• Bar bills and any alcoholic drinks
• Any additional meal, snack or beverage not mentioned.
• No single rooms are provided.
• Any costs incurred due to natural disaster such as landslide or general strike etc. 
• Personal nature of expenses and hiking gears (Jacket & Sleeping bag etc.)
• Travel Insurance with evacuation
• All cost arises by any reason which is not in our control should be paid by the customer
• Tips and Gratuity
• Bank Transaction Charges
• Any items not included in Inclusions
   

Q. What is the ideal level of fitness for the trip

• One does not have to be a super athlete to complete Tour Du Mont Blanc. Having said that one needs to be moderately fit. Individuals will be walking 5-8 miles a day for 9 days.

Q. What preparation is recommended to get ready for the trip.

• Its highly recommended that you prepare (physical fittness)  for the hike. Anyway you cut it, a 10 day trip in the Alps with 7 days of hiking is physically demanding. We recommend building up to being able to do a 10K walk back to back for 2-3 days.
• High altitude hikes or training is not required but if possible do train on doing  a few long hikes (5-7 hours) in hilly terrain. 

Q. Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

• The highest elevation at TMB will be under 8500 ft so there is very little concern about altitude sickness. While there should not be issues of altitude sickness, one should understand it and keep in mind the "Ways to avoid altitude sickness". The high altitude does get you tired faster (thinner air, lower Oxygen content etc.) and it can pose discomfort if you are not well hydrated, well rested and focus on slow, relaxed ascent.

Q. What do I need to bring

• Bring a 20 lbs back pack with your sleeping bag and all the items you will need for the trip. Your luggage will be carried by porters during the day and in-between destination. One just needs to carry their day pack for emergency supplies during the day. 
• Here is a packing list provided by Rustik Team

Q. What are the Visa requirements for traveling to Nepal

• For most Western citizens, including those from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, there are no visa requirements to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc as the trek passes through France, Switzerland, and Italy, all of which allow for visa-free stays within the Schengen zone for a period of up to 90 days for tourism purposes; however, always check with your local embassy to confirm specific requirements based on your nationality