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There's far more to Nepal than just trekking and climbing. If the thought of lacing up hiking boots isn't for you, don't fret - there are plenty of highlights to see that don't involve clambering up cliffs. Learn more about Buddhist culture and history in Kathmandu and Pokhara, then immerse yourself in the great outdoors on a safari in Chitwan National Park. Take in the stunning views of the Himalayas and Annapurna mountain ranges from a monastery guesthouse and get to know the women of the SASANE Sisterhood of Survivors, a G Adventures-supported community project.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your CEO, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of Feb 2012 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 78.76 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
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What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. We recommended a backpack or soft case/duffle on wheels of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Explore in old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city with an expert local guide, enjoy a local lunch at Sisterhood of Survivors (a G Adventures supported project), Immerse in Buddhist culture at a Monastery guesthouse, search out tigers in Chitwan National Park, experience local Tharu Culture on a village walk.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
Comfort hotels (8 nts), Monastery guesthouse (1 nts).
Please note it is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Below are the visa requirements at the time of printing (subject to change at any time). NEPAL: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25: Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $100
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service. For porters during the trekking portion of your trip, the recommended amount is 300-500Rs (4-7USD) per porter per day; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-30 USD per person, per week can be used.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool if its hot and can be layered when cool. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Your G for Good Moment: Sisterhood of Survivors Project, Kathmandu
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Arrival transfer. Kathmandu city tour including Boudhanath Stupa. Visit with lunch at the G Adventures-supported Sisterhood of Survivors Project. Bhaktapur guided tour. Tour in Patan Durbar Square. Experience monastic life at Neydo Monastery. Activities in Chitwan National Park including canoeing, cultural program, village walking tour and Jeep Safari. Pokhara city tour including Sarangkot, boating in Phewa Lake and hike to World Peace Pagoda. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Pharping
- Dakshinkali Temple Visit
- Padmasambhava Cave Visit
Mount Everest
- Everest Flight (216-246USD per person)
Kurintar
- Kurintar Nature walk and Village visit (Free)
Pokhara
- Paragliding (8500INR per person)
Kathmandu
- Swayambhunath Temple Visit
- Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit (500NPR per person, 1500NPR per group)
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
1. WEATHER
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our CEO may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. For more information please read the "what to take" section of this trip notes.
2. Fitness
While there are no treks on this trip this will be a fair amount of walking, so you should have an average level of fitness.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Max 15, avg 12
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Private bus, flight, boat, walking
An arrival transfer is included on this trip. Please look for our driver who will be waiting for you with a G Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area.
When arriving into Tribhuvan Intl Airport in Kathmandu you will notice how small the city really is. It is on 7km from the downtown area.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients.
Arrive any time. Arrival transfer and welcome dinner are included.
Arrive at the joining point hotel at any time on Day 1 as no group activities are planned except for a group meeting in the early evening, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a 6 course dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant - it serves fine Nepali cuisine (organic, too) and is a slow dining experience reminiscent of the meals relished by the Kings of yesteryear.
Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn and a great place to just wander, seeing where chance, fate. or the city may lead you.
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu and the surrounding area. Highlights include Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world's largest Buddhist shrines, and the Royal City of Bhaktapur. Also, visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project for lunch.
Visit the Sisterhood of Survivors Project, a grassroots organization that trains survivors of human trafficking to become certified paralegals. Meet some beneficiaries of the program and learn about traditional Nepali food. Learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings) from some of the women before enjoying an authentic local lunch.
Opt to take a morning Everest experience flight. Explore Patan Durbar Square then drive to Pharping for an overnight stay at a Buddhist Monastery guesthouse. Learn about life in the monastery and opt to share a meal or meditate alongside the monks. Opt to walk or cycle the grounds and trails in the surrounding forest.
Experience the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The monastery guest house offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting with balconies and private western-style bathrooms. Opt to participate in the life of the monks: eat alongside them and participate in their practice. There are approximately 200 monks in residence following the Nyingmapa tradition. This is a new monastery (2006), and income from the guest house directly supports it.
Drive to Kurintar and our nature lodge on the banks of Trishuli River. Opt to enjoy nature walks, village visits, or whitewater rafting.
Arrive at our lodge, which sits on a ridge amidst the hills and overlooks sandy beaches and a river. Forests cascade down the hillsides, enclosing tiny settlements of tribal people.
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chitwan National Park. Spend 2 nights enjoying cultural and wildlife excursions.
Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) is the oldest national park in Nepal and offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Asia. Established in 1973, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Within its area of 932km² (579 mi²), RCNP is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, including sambars, chitals, rhesus monkeys, and langurs.
Explore Chitwan National Park and the villages surrounding it. Enjoy a village walking tour, boating, nature walks, and a jeep safari in the park in search of Bengal tigers, rhinos, leopards, wild elephants, black bears, monkeys, and crocodiles.
**Please Note: The jeep safari is prohibited during monsoon season by the park authorities; monsoon season is from June-September, and sometimes it can last till October. Boating is also subject to the water levels in the Rapti River.
Drive across the mountains to beautiful Pokhara and immerse yourself in stunning views of the Himalayas.
Nestled in a tranquil valley at an altitude of 827m (2,713 ft), beautiful Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalayas. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. It is popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Enjoy the early morning sunrise and mountain views from Sarangkot. Later, go boating in Phewa Lake and hike to the World Peace Pagoda. Opt to go paragliding or just explore on your own.
Catch a flight back to the capital, Kathmandu.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon for explorating and shopping. Visit the burning ghats at Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, or the monkey temple. Kathmandu is fascinating at every turn, and some travelers prefer to just wander, seeing where chance, fate, or the city may lead them.
Depart at any time.
Feel free to depart at any time today, but remember that check out time from the hotel is 12:00 midday.
Details
Duration: 10 Days
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Service Level: Upgraded
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
10 day tour
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