Many of our guests and buyer groups travel from outside India. This guide covers the first practical step, the visa, using the Indian government's own e-Visa page, and then the planning questions that follow. Rules change, so always check the official page and your own government's travel advice before you book.
The India e-Tourist Visa
The official e-Visa page lists Germany, France, the USA, Canada and the UAE among the countries whose citizens can apply. According to that page:
- Purpose. Tourism-type travel such as recreation, sightseeing or visiting friends and relatives. You need a return or onward ticket and enough funds for your stay.
- Passport. Valid for at least six months when you apply, with at least two blank pages for stamping.
- Validity options. A 30-day, multiple-entry visa counted from first arrival; a one-year and a five-year multiple-entry visa, with a maximum stay of 180 days in a calendar year; and a six-month e-T2.
- Timing. Apply at least four days before arrival. Applications can be made up to 120 days ahead. The page says your authorisation should show "GRANTED" before you travel and that you should carry a copy.
- Fees. Fees depend on nationality and are listed in a PDF on the site. The page says there are bank charges on card and PayPal payments, and that the fee is not refundable whether or not the authorisation is granted.
- Entry points. Enter only through designated airports or seaports. Biometrics are captured on arrival.
- Restricted areas. The e-Visa is not valid for protected, restricted or cantonment areas without prior permission. If your plan includes border districts, ask your operator what permits apply.
Apply only through the official government portal, https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. We do not process visas and cannot guarantee any outcome. If you are on a business visit to see suppliers, check whether a business visa is more appropriate. That is a decision for you and the consulate, not for us.
Getting to the hills
Our itineraries begin in Dehradun, which is reached by air through Jolly Grant Airport, by rail and by road, as described on our agro-tourism page. Mountain transfers from Dehradun to partner villages are arranged on our side. Confirm flight connections and timings with your airline, because we do not publish a schedule.
Choose your season
Our planning guidance is March to June and September to November for comfortable walking, with monsoon and winter routes depending on district, altitude and road access. See the harvest calendar for what is reported in season.
A planning order that works
- Decide the dates and the group size.
- Send us an enquiry through the agro-tourism page. We reply with a proposal. Pricing is on request, and nothing is fixed until the itinerary is confirmed in writing.
- Apply for your visa once your dates are firm. Allow for the processing time stated on the official page.
- Read your own government's travel advice, and speak to a travel clinic about health preparation.
- Arrange insurance. Flights, insurance and personal purchases are quoted separately unless stated.
- Read our guide to visiting a village responsibly.
If you are a buyer
A buyer familiarisation tour lets importers, retailers and distributors see Self-Help Group facilities and packing units before placing an order. Tell us which products you source, such as sea buckthorn, Gucchi morel or Himalayan grains, and we will plan the visit around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Indian e-Visa if I am German, French, American, Canadian or an Emirati citizen?
The official e-Visa page lists all five countries as eligible. Check the page for current conditions.
How early should I apply?
The page says at least four days before arrival, and up to 120 days ahead.
Does the e-Visa cover every area of Uttarakhand?
The page says it is not valid for protected, restricted or cantonment areas without prior permission. Ask your operator whether your route needs permits.
Does Himalayan Region arrange visas?
No. Apply through the official government portal. We can provide a written itinerary on request.
Where do the tours start?
In Dehradun, with managed mountain transfers to partner villages.
Last updated: 18 October 2026.
Sources: Government of India, Indian Visa Online, e-Tourist Visa, as read on 18 October 2026; Himalayan Region agro-tourism page. Visa rules change. This article is general information, not immigration advice.