Nepal Adventure Adventure Tour

From the colours and magic of Kathmandu's markets to the serenity of Himalayan trails, this 10-day adventure offers an intriguing blend of well-paced excursions. The rugged foothills of the Annapurna Range will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of mountain vistas. Experience Nepal from a different perspective as you explore Chitwan National Park on a 4x4 safari. With many included activities and options for more, like a soak in the restorative waters of a natural hot spring, you'll come away with a full and real appreciation of this fascinating land.

Travel Insurance  

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.

Local Dress  

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 in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.

Emergency Fund  

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!

Minimum Age  

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.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

International Flights  

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.

Max Pax  

15

Feedback  

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 customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Detailed Trip Notes  

Trekking has been long established in Nepal, providing stunning views in a natural landscape. Trekking can be difficult in parts, with a lot of uphill and downhill climbing, but within the capabilities of any healthy person with an established level of walking fitness. Often stubborness (endurance) helps. Walk at you OWN pace - slow and steady is the way to go - being fit or unfit is not the primary control here, it is how you deal with altitude. DO NOT RUSH! The only reward for trying to prove something by being first is nausea, vomiting and a splitting headache! GO SLOWLY - plod on at a steady pace, pause, standing to rest - don't sit too often - it is harder to get going again. Don't care about whether others are ahead! The path is clear, your guides keep track of where you are. There is plenty of time so walk at YOUR pace regardless of how far behind you may think you are. Remember the sun is intense - wear sunscreen and sunglasses It is colder than you think, especially in the wind - if you take off layers whilst walking make sure to put them on again as soon as you stop or are in the shade - don't wait to get cold.

Important Notes  

1. 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. While our itineraries are designed to allow for adequate acclimatisation you are likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation whilst on this trek. Please be aware that your group CEO may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.

2. DRONES IN NEPAL
Please note that drones and the flying of drones are prohibited in Nepal. If you violate these regulations the police may take you into custody.

3. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Money Exchange  

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. 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.

Tipping  

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.

Departure Tax  

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

Dossier Disclaimer  

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.

Spending Money  

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.

Optional Activities  

Kathmandu
- Patan Durbar Square Tour (750NPR per person)
- Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit (1000NPR per person)
- Swayambhunath Temple Visit

Pokhara
- Lake Phewa Boat Ride (385NPR per person)
- Brindabasim Temple Visit (Free)

Royal Chitwan National Park
- Birdwatching

Mount Everest
- Everest Flight

Accommodation  

Hotels (7 nts), teahouse lodges (2 nts).

Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Nights 4 & 5 Trekking Lodge

Packing List  

Available for Rent:
• Sleeping bag (100 - 200 NPR per day)

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

High Altitude Trekking:
• Down jacket (Recommended for winter season)
• Hiking boots (Worn frequently prior to departure)
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
• Reusable water bottler - minimum 1 litre (Aluminium or Nalgene polypropylene are best)
• Sandals (For wearing around camp in the evenings)
• Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
• Spare boot laces
• Thermal base layer
• Waterproof gloves
• Whistle
• Windproof rain gear
• Wool socks

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.

Please note that for this tour you will need to bring 2 passport-size photos.

Health  

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.

Meals Included  

1 lunch

Solo Travellers  

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.

About Accommodation  

A tea house is the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are sparse with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either squat type or western style. Most tea houses have running water. The majority of tea houses only have cold showers, a few may have hot water available at an additional cost. However, we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood, as lack of firewood in villages is a big environmental concern in Nepal.

There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually has solar lighting. Some tea houses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.

During a tea house trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner at the tea house, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Every tea house serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and french fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the tea houses and trail side restaurants. And, of course, Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.

All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem.

Arrival Complications  

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.

Trip Specific Safety  

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.

Highlights  

Explore the sights in old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, search for tigers in Chitwan National Park, trek the foothills of the Annapurna Range, marvel at the mountain landscapes

Group Leader Description  

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.

Meals  

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. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

A Couple of Rules  

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.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

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.

Local Flights  

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.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Barauli Community Homestay Lunch and Visit, Royal Chitwan National Park
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Barauli Community Guesthouse Stay, Royal Chitwan National Park. Kathmandu walking tour. Bhaktapur guided tour. Annapurna trekking (3 days). Chitwan National Park 4x4 safari. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Transport  

Private bus, 4x4, trekking.

What to Take  

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 your 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. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack 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.

During the trekking portion of your trip, a porter is assigned to every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a water proof duffel that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry is 7.5kg/16.5lb per passenger. Some of your luggage can be left in Pokhara (the hotel may charge a storage fee), but you will need to take all your trekking gear with you. Please note that as you will be sharing the duffel with a fellow trekker from the group during the trek, a lightweight cotton or plastic bag is recommended to keep your gear separate.

Important to note:
- Please read the 'Checklist' section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip.
- You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.
- The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.

Laundry  

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.

Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

When arriving into Tribhuvan Intl Airport in Kathmandu you will notice how small the city really is. It is only 7km from the downtown area and the only way to get there is by taxi. You can arrange a prepaid taxi from the counter outside of the baggage hall run by the Airport Queue Taxi Service Management Committee for about 700-800 NPR. Please be aware of people wanting to help you with your bags as they will ask for money once you get to your taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Once you arrive at your Joining Hotel, look out for a Welcome Note which will be left at reception with all of the necessary information regarding your Welcome Meeting, along with the meeting time (usually between 5pm and 7pm). This is when you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, receive information about any general and specific aspects of the trip and learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you arrive late, s/he/they will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Group Size Notes  

Max 20, avg 14