Etripto.in — Manali private trip 4 days

Review of etripto.in:
We have booked their 4 day 3 night Manali from Chandigarh package. It has been the worst travel experience so far. Every day we were on the phone with the Sibam and Gautam to resolve issues. If only we could give negative stars.

1. Before sending deposit, we were told we can customize the trip as we want. When I specifically asked if we can do Jogini falls, I was told yes. But, later they said they never agreed to that because they never said "it was included". This tour agency has a clear and intentional communication problem. To clarify, the driver did not even have to do anything special to include Jogini falls. It is a hike. Since we hiked and took our time, there was a 100 rupees($1.25) overtime parking charge which we weren't made aware. This was made such a big deal by the tour company and the driver. We believe the driver ended up paying for this.

2. Before paying deposit, we asked them about Spiti valley. Gautam told us the road is closed hence we cannot go. This is a clear lie. Only after we paid the deposit and we realized the roads are actually open. Then, we phoned Sibam and found out their agency don't go to Spiti. Clearly, they say anything to make you pay the deposit. They have no interest in giving correct information for you to make best decision for your trip. They give the answers in a way so that you book with them. That is all they care about.

3. They don't let cars running A/C. When we phoned them they said it is another 1000 rupees charge but since they haven't mentioned that before they agreed to run A/C on the way to Manali. On the way back, we are told that the car cannot handle A/C in some of the hills so we will only get partial A/C. Let me tell you this. Yes, their cars are not in good condition and on the way back, even though the A/C ran only partially the car had a problem and we had to stop a car repair shop.

4. They are only agency and they work with another car agency. The driver is not employed by them but by the car agency. The problem is they play both sides. When we had A/C issue, on the phone they told us we can use A/C but when they talk to driver they say to the driver he can do whatever he wants.

5. Please see #3, where the car had an issue and the driver had to pay to fix alternator/battery related problem. According to driver it goes from his pocket, not from Etripto nor the car agency. So we ended up paying the driver for the fix. This is not acceptable.