nepal adventure (IHNXA)

Kathmandu to Kathmandu 15 days.

• Trip Type: Traveller Plus
• Route: Kathmandu to Kathmandu
• Length: 15 days
• Transport: Bus, raft
• Accommodation: Guesthouse (9 nts), camping (5 nts). 6 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Countries Visited

Nepal

Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.

Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. 

While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.

With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.

Day 1 to 2: Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu, Nepal's legendary capital. Climb to Swayambhunath for fantastic views and visit the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to learn more about low-impact trekking in the region.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 17:00. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.

On day 2 we make an early start to climb to Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Situated on a hilltop, this instantly recognisable stupa with its Buddha eyes attracts a steady stream of pilgrims and the views out over the valley are superb. Work your way through manic traffic to the peace of the Great Stupa of Tibetan Buddhism at Bodhnath and the nearby holy site of Lord Shiva. Heighten your spiritual awareness as you witness the devotion of the people around the religious sites and feel the pulse of Kathmandu in the colourful local market.

There is free time during the afternoon before a guided walk takes us through the heart of the old city to Durbar Square, home to the palace of the Kumari Devi, considered to be a living goddess. Also on day 2 we will include a visit to and presentation by KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project), which is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that aims to minimise the negative influences of tourism by advocating and promoting 'minimum impact' trekking. Its aims are twofold. To provide impartial and independent information to travellers and to ensure the future ecological and cultural prosperity of Nepal through positive impact tourism and outreach project work. At the organisation's Information Centre we will get practical advice about conservation, trekking and mountain safety, causes of deforestation, ecotourism, and the do's and don'ts of Nepalese society.

The Kathmandu Guest House was the first ever hotel in Thamel, and used to be a 'Rana' (the 19th- 20th century rulers of Nepal) mansion. It is located right in the centre of Kathmandu.

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Kathmandu

Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. The wonderful Indra Jatra Festival takes part here and the colours and chariots travel through the city.

The giant of Mount Everest lies on the border with China and with a chance to visit the base camp, it will feel like you have started to conquer on of the most enthralling challenges in the world. As soon as you set sight on this country you'll see that it was made for trekking. The pulse raising activities range from mountain biking and white water rafting, to the jaw dropping effects of one of the country's many national parks.

While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.

With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.

Kathmandu is not only the capital of Nepal, it is pretty much the only city in the country. Situated on the shores of the Bagmati river, it's a lively, bustling place where ancient collides with modern to create an exhilarating melting pot of sights, sounds and smells. Todays modern jumble of concrete buildings and busy streets has built up around the medieval old town, where wandering through the winding alleyways is like taking a step back in time. The heart of the old city is the magnificent Durbar Square, where Nepalese Royalty used to be crowned, and today it's a good spot to sit and watch the world go by. The buildings here date from the 17th and 18th centuries, although many of the original structures were even older and many suffered from earthquake damage in the 1930's. Other sights worth visiting are the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, the Pashupatinath Hindu temple, Bodnath Buddhist stupa and Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple), all of which are set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. When all the sightseeing gets a bit to much, you can kick back and relax in the numerous cafes and bars around the tourist areas of Thamel and ‘Freak Street’. If you can afford the time, it's also worth allowing yourself at least a couple of days to explore the surrounding area of the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 3 to 4: Kathmandu Valley

Discover the picturesque Nepalese countryside. Relish the stunning vista of sunrise over the Himalayas at the hillside retreat of Nagarkot. Descend through terraced farmlands to the medieval town of Bhaktapur via Changu Narayan, the oldest temple in Nepal.

We take day packs with enough gear for 2 nights and our main packs are transported to Bhaktapur.

Accommodation

Day 5: Nuwakot

Accommodation

Day 6: Trisuli River

See Nepal from water-level while rafting along the Trisuli River. Camp overnight on the riverbank and fall asleep to the sounds of the wilderness.

The drive to the 'put-in' at Baireni is on a less-frequented and bumpy, dirt track following the course of the river which you're soon going to negotiate. The dirt track merges with the highway, after about 1.5 hrs giving you respite from the bumpy ride, at Galcchi, from where it's a short drive to the put-in at Baireni/Galaudi.

Rendezvous with your rafting crew, safety briefing and straight to action. This river offers the best introduction to rafting in Nepal with grade 2-4 rapids. Depending on the river current, we'll be paddling for approximately 4-5 hours on day 6 as we make our way to our campsite at the Trisuli. The open rafts hold 8 persons and international standard lifejackets and head gear are provided. The rafting guide will give you a safety drill and demonstration of the commands.

Accommodation for the night is at our permanent tented camps on the sandy banks of the river, connected to the roadside village and our small café by a trail bridge. There are in total 10 spacious safari tents with twin beds, mattresses, bed-sheets and linen. Solar heated hot shower facility and toilets are available at the campsite. Meals are taken in the café on the other side of the bridge. In the free-time, passengers can visit the nearby villages, or wander around in the well-restored and maintained 'Garden of Streams' wherein lies the 'Big Fig', one of the oldest and biggest Banyan tree you'll ever see.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Day 7: Bandipur

Start the morning with some more rafting before transferring to Bandipur. This hilltop village has been largely untouched by tourism and is an excellent opportunity to experience Newari village life.

The journey to Bandipur involves 2 hour bus ride then a further 30 minutes by jeep up a twisting mountain track so be prepared! After arrival there is free time.

Included Activities

Accommodation

Day 8: Pokhara

Once part of the trade route between India and Tibet, Pokhara lies in the shadow of the Annapurna Range. Prepare for the trek ahead with a ramble up to World Peace Pagoda or learn about Nepal's ethnic history at the Pokhara Museum.

It takes about 3 hours to get to Pokhara from Bandipur, with some great scenery on the way. Once on the vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet, Pokhara's delightful setting on Phewa Lake has the Annapurna Range almost hanging over the town and is very atmospheric.

Optional Activities

Accommodation

Day 9 to 12: Siklis Trek

Take roads less travelled on a hike through the remote Siklis area. Walk along the Mardi Khola River before crossing terraced fields and alpine forests to Tara Top - the 180-degree panoramic views of the ranges are breathtaking.

On this trip, we wanted to enjoy a trek that would open up the magnificent views that are afforded by the Annapurnas but was away from the major circuit. The less-travelled trails of the Siklis area are the perfect answer. There are no teahouses in this area so we travel as a fully supported expedition, and when we say fully supported we mean it. Under the leadership of a sirdar, the organiser of a trekking party, there are porters to carry all the tents (including toilet and dining tents), chairs, food and your belongings, a chef and assistant to cook for us and of course sherpas. All you need carry is a daypack with a few basics for the day.

Day 9 (approx 6 hrs trekking)
We take a short drive to Lamakhet before starting our trek through the land of the Gurung people following the Mardi Khola river. The people here are very friendly and open. From their terraced fields we climb through alpine meadows and forests to Ghalegaon (1620m). A short walk beyond the village and the many giants of the Annapurna are revealed with a dozen or so peaks over 6500m, as well as massive glaciers.

Accommodation

Day 13: Pokhara

Follow a small stream down through the Pokhara Valley before transferring back to town. Unwind in one of the many lakeside cafes, take a boat ride across the lake or pick up some colourful Nepalese or Tibetan trinkets in the Old Bazaar.

We arrive back in Pokhara in the mid afternoon. Pokhara is a great place for just relaxing after working those muscles - the ideal place to finish your trek. Hiring a rowboat to paddle on the lake is a great way to appreciate the magnificent surroundings - you can even get someone else to do the rowing! There are plenty of lakeside cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. A Nepali dinner and party is held in the gardens of our trek headquarters to celebrate our return and to say goodbye to our porters and trek staff.

Accommodation

Day 14 to 15: Kathmandu

This incredible adventure comes full circle back in Nepal's exciting capital, Kathmandu.

Accommodation

What else you need to know

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.imaginative-traveller.com

Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

Physical preparation

We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

For the trek on this trip the general rule is the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. Although we are not walking at altitude or setting any distance records each day, the trek can still be demanding , as we walk through hilly terrain with our daypacks, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature.

Included activities

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Optional activities

A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are for entrance only and don't include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. Optional activities aren't necessarily endorsed or recommended by Imaginative Traveller nor included in price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and doesn't form part of your contract with Imaginative Traveller.

Money Exchange

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR).

ATMs can only be found in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhaktapur. Money exchange facilities are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan (only outside the park) and Bhaktapur.

The Government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You should ensure you are not carrying these notes on arrival in Nepal as they will be confiscated and you may be fined.

While travellers' cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers' cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.

Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.

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, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Imaginative Traveller destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Hotels: Service charges have been introduced in Nepal. Hence there is no need for tipping; except for porters, for whom NPR20-30 is adequate.

Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 5-10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. Tipping is not common practice at restaurants in Tibet.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$1-2 per person, per day for local guides. (Including city tour guides, jungle guides, rafting guides, assistant trek guides)

Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a porter in addition to your leader. We suggest US$1-2 per person, per day for porters.

Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however a base of US$1-2 per person, per day is generally appropriate.

Local transport: For a city tour we suggest US$1 per person, per day.

Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

NOTE: Please don't tip with coins or notes of or less than NPR1, or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.

Departure tax

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

Important notes

PASSPORT PHOTO:

Please bring 2 passport size photographs (for trekking permits) to the group meeting.

NEPAL STRIKES:

Snap bandhs (strikes) can occur at any time in Nepal with very little notice, resulting in your itinerary having to be revised. Although we will endeavour to minimise any additional costs incurred there may be occasions where the traveller will need to cover trip changes, including flights, of which you will need to use your emergency funds and then claim the money on your travel insurance.

EXTREME WEATHER:

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly and our group leader may be forced to change the trip itinerary accordingly. The months of January and February may see the base camp component of the trip delayed or even cancelled due to the inclement weather. Alternative itineraries will apply if this is the case. Travellers need to be prepared for all weather conditions. For more information please read the 'What to Take' section of these Trip Notes.

Group size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (8 nts), Camping (with basic facilities) (5 nts), Farmstay (1 nt)

Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only. Accommodation on this trip is on a twin / multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Imaginative Traveller trips than your own.

While camping, we'll stay in twin-share dome tents with simple foam mattresses for each person. On most nights there will be a separate toilet tent. Hot, clean water will be provided for brushing and washing up.

Meals introduction

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Budget for meals not included: USD 250.00

Transport

Bus, Raft

Group leader

All our group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Your leader 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Joining point

Marshyangdi Hotel

Paknajol

Thamel

Kathmandu

NEPAL

Phone: +9771 4700105

Joining point description

Hotel Marshyangdi is situated in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist mecca. Its variety of restaurants and shops, pulsing nightlife and easy access to major tourist sites and the airport make it a convenient place to stay.
www.hotelmarshyangdi.com

Joining point instructions

There is no airport bus service available at Tribhuvan, Kathmandu's International Airport so it's a matter of taking a taxi. This is very easy. There are two pre-paid taxi booths inside the terminal, one on each side as you exit the baggage claim area. They have fixed rates of NPR300 to anywhere in the Thamel area from 6am-8pm and NPR500 from 8pm-6am. If you wish to to entertain the masses you can step outside into the frantic ranks of drivers, touts and hangers on. Bargaining is the order of the day here and if you are good you may be able to get a taxi for NPR200, a massive saving of around 80 cents. It's a 20 to 50 minute journey depending on the time of day and the traffic levels.

The hotel is approximately 200 metres north from the Kathmandu Guest House and about 40 metres north-west from the Rum Doodle restaurant

Normal check in time at the hotel is after 12:00.

Arrival complications

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your group leader.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in these Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

Finish point

Marshyangdi Hotel

Paknajol

Thamel

Kathmandu

NEPAL

Phone: +9771 4700105

Finish point instructions

A taxi to the airport will cost about NPR400 from 06.00-20.00 and NRP500 from 20.00-06.00. Hotel reception or your leader can help you organise a taxi.

Normal check out time is 12 noon. If you are departing later in the day or evening, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Emergency contact

In the case of genuine crisis or emergency in Nepal, we can be reached by telephone on the following numbers:
Balaram +9779851068827
Niraj: +977 9851023167
Dil: +9779841231506.

We also have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in these trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked.   

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564

Emergency funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

NEPAL:

All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, the International airport, or on arrival at the India / Nepal border.

Getting a visa at the airport can sometimes take time due to long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash only:
- Multi entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25,
- Multi entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40,
- Multi entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100

Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.

Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country. Please note we suggest you list your date of entry a few days before, and date of exit a few days after, your intended dates in case you encounter any delays or problems en route. To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the timeanddate.com to be very useful.

Issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb.

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

WHEN TREKKING:

Try to keep the weight and bulk to a minimum by bringing clothes made from lightweight material. Don't pack too much clothing; one or two changes will be all you need. However, as the weather conditions in the Himalayas are often unpredictable, be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonable cold or heat. Bring good walking boots/shoes with ankle support that are well broken-in (this means worn frequently prior to travel because new boots invariably equal blisters and discomfort). Imaginative Traveller provide porters to assist with carrying your luggage but you will be expected to carry your day pack and to keep your other luggage to a minimum.

EQUIPMENT HIRE:

Sleeping bags, packs of various sizes, cold weather clothes (for all treks) are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu and Pokhara at very reasonable rates. Most items can be hired for no more than US$2 per day. Your group leader can assist you in hiring gear. If you plan to hire a sleeping bag we recommend that you bring an inner sleeping sheet, which adds another layer of warmth as well as a layer of hygiene. For the trek all of your gear should be packed into plastic bags to protect from rain etc. Dry clothes are essential for your comfort.

WATER BOTTLE:

Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.

While trekking, boiled or safe water is available some of the time, however you will also need to carry a water purification method. Options include:
- purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
- 2% tincture of iodine, available from pharmacies, used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes - longer in very cold weather.

CAMPING:

All camping equipment (provided) as well as your personal gear are carried by porters. The only items you need to keep with you while walking are personal requirements such as your water bottle, sunscreen and camera. A comfortable daypack is required to carry these. Please note that you need to either bring or hire a 4 season sleeping bag for our tented treks. As we'll be spending most of the trek away from villages there is no need to bring large amounts of money with you. Enough to cover some soft drinks or teas will suffice.

You don't need to take all your gear with you while trekking - we can leave luggage behind at the hotel and collect it at the end of the trek. Porters are provided for the trek. The recommended baggage load to be carried by a porter must NOT exceed 10-12 kg per person.

Health

All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Imaginative Traveller reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it's possible to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

It's very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude and monitor your health during this trip. For further information check out the following website: http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Imaginative Traveller itinerary, and Imaginative Traveller makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

ACCLIMATISATION AND ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Altitude sickness has the potential to affect all trekkers from 2500m and higher. We ascend slowly and give our bodies plenty of time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen in the air. However it is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
- Periods of sleeplessness
- Occasional loss of appetite
- Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
- Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
- Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
- Your nose becomes bunged up
- Dry cough develops
- Mild headache

If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy be sure to let your group leader know so that we can monitor your condition.

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 leader may deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, and arrange for you to descend to a lower attitude.

Your leader will conduct a brief safety discussion before our trekking activity.

FESTIVALS:

Travelling in India and Nepal whilst the Holi festival is on (a lunar festival but generally held in March every year), can at times be dangerous - a lot of locals participate in consumption of intoxicating substances. The day has been associated with physical violence and danger. Your leader will be advising you and your group on what places to avoid on this day and it may even be necessary for us to alter your itinerary for the day to avoid putting you or our group leader in high risk situation.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:

While travelling in this part of the world there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

LOCAL LODGINGS:

On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state.

FIRE PRECAUTIONS:

Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:

Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

SEAT BELTS:

Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts.

LIFE JACKETS:

While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

We highly recommend the Imaginative Traveller travel insurance which is tailored specifically for adventure travel and covers ALL activities featured in any of our tours.  For more details please go to http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/travel-insurance

Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.

Our Aims

• It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
• We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
• Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place. 
  Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.

Travellers' Guidelines

Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.

Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school.

Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.

Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this. Dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in areas of predominantly hot climate. In many rural areas women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.

Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!

When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.

Endeavour to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.

To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.

In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!

Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.

Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.

If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.

Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net

A couple of rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 Imaginative Traveller travellers. Imaginative Traveller's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Carbon offset

Carbon Offset C02-e 67.00 kgs per pax.

These trip notes have been compiled to help you prepare for your journey, once you have booked. They include the full itinerary and dates, information and kit lists, meeting hotels, insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other information that will help you get ready for your trip.

Please ensure you have an up to date version of these Trip Notes

These trip notes were printed on 24/11/2012