Travel to Northern India, a land of monuments

Always use your right hand to eat and shake hands in India. According to Indian tradition, which makes a distinction between the two hands, the right is used for eating and for 'noble' gestures like shaking hands or waving to someone, while the left hand is used for other 'impure' tasks, such as taking off your shoes and cleaning things. It is a fundamental rule to remember to avoid offending anyone.

The official language of Northern India is Hindi, although each region has its own official language. English is spoken by 5% of Indians and in tourist areas, but we recommend buying a pocket dictionary and learning the basics in Hindi!

Don't hesitate to haggle and fiercely negotiate with taxi drivers and Indian shopkeepers, you'll always win.

With regards to vaccinations and boosters, it is recommended to have cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, malaria and dengue fever (a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes) vaccinations before leaving.

To avoid being scammed in the tourist trap areas, wearing saris, turbans and other local clothing will help you blend in.

When travelling by car, watch out for cows and goats that may cross the road without warning.

Lastly, there are 5, 9 or 10-day treks available in the Himachal Pradesh region. Depending on the destinations, there are departures leaving from Shimla, the capital city of the region, to the town of Malani, with incredible views of the Rohtang Pass. Don't hesitate to find out more information on these types of excursions.