docIAA - Nepal 2015 info pack
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IAA - Nepal 2015 info pack
International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Global Edventure Travel ! Nepal ! Destination:! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Teachers Notes 13-23 February 2015 Nepal ! Destination: ! Nepal! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 Global Edventure Travel Ltd! Web: www.globaledventures.net! Email: [email protected] International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! ! ! ! ! Annapurna Ghorepani Circuit! ! Date: ! 13-23 February 2015! ! ! Arrival: ! 13 February 2015! ! ! ! Flight: EY 0292 1950 Abu Dhabi - KTM! ! Departure:! 23 February 2015! ! ! ! Flight: EY 0291 1640 KTM - Abu Dhabi! ! ! Capital: ! Kathmandu! ! Population:! 26,620,890 (2011)! ! Area: ! 147,181 square kilometers (56,827 square miles)! ! Language:! Nepali! ! Int. Dialing:! +977! ! Time Zone:! UTC +5.54 / Nepal will be 2.45 hours ahead of Amman at time of travel! ! Currency:! Nepalese Rupee (NPR) - Currently USD$ 1 = NPR 88.30 = JOD 0.71 (at time of writing) International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Kathmandu Arrival:! Welcome to Nepal!! You will be required to either check through passport control with your pre-arranged visa or complete the visa application process. Visa for 15 days in Nepal – US$ 25 per person. Requirements: 2 passport size photos and fill in the two visa application forms – preferably on the flight. Only 1 photo may be needed. Or – apply for a visa at your local or nearest embassy. Pay for visa first at counter 1. Then move to counter 2 for visa stamp and entry into passport. Go through to baggage reclaim and customs. Once you come through and exit the airport you will be met by the GET staff member who will lead you to the bus for the transfer into Kathmandu to your hotel. In the morning there will be a short drive to the domestic airport situated behind the main airport. From here you will take you local flight to Pokhara.! ! Activities:! The aim of the trip is to gain an experience of a lifetime through a journey to the most famous mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The journey will provide you with new challenges, meeting new people, cultures and developing a greater understanding of yourself and of each other. The second part of the trip will provide a contrasting experience through a visit to the lowlands of Nepal and the Chitwan Conservation Area, where the group will participate in an elephant safari and cultural activities.! ! The main activity will involve a challenging trek through the Annapurna range, staying in local tea-houses/lodges and experiencing a completely new environment over a 6 day period. You will also visit Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, for an insight into this historical and cultural melting pot, and travel and see the wonderful Nepalese culture at its best through your visit.! !! !! ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 Day 1! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Arrival Kathmandu airport in the evening 13/02 and meet your GET guide. Transfer to the hotel Yak and Yeti for check-in and overnight. Meal plan for the evening will depend on arrival time and transfer to the hotel. Day 2! 14/02 Early check out and transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Pokhara. Arrival in Pokhara and transfer to the Lake View Resort for an early lunch and to organise your kit for the trek. In the afternoon board your bus bound for Nayapool. Trek through Birethanti and then continue your trek to Tikhedhungga – 4 hours/1540 metres. Overnight in Tikhedhungga. (B/L/D) Day 3! 15/02 After breakfast you will start the climb of the 3800 steps to Ulleri. Continue on the trail up the valley to Ghorepani (2860m). 5 hours hiking. Arrive at Ghorepani early afternoon with time to relax and explore this large village, with some of the best views in Annapurna. Overnight Ghorepani. (B/L/D) Day 4! 16/02 Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3210m): This is an early morning hike to the top of Poon Hill to offer you one of the best Panoramas in the Annapurna region: see the sunrise over some of the world’s highest peaks: Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fishtail, rising to over 8000m. Trek time 45 mins up. Return to Ghorepani for breakfast and then continue with the trek to Tadapani. Ghorepani to Tadapani – 4 ½ hours trekking time. Check in and overnight in Tadapani. (B/L/D) Day 5! 17/02 Today we head across the valley to Chhomrong. The first part of the day you will drop down into the valley and climb up again to the main section of the ABC Sanctuary trek route. Arrival in Chhomrong late afternoon. 6-7 hours trekking. Overnight in Chhomrong under the imposing Annapurna South Peak. (B/L/D) Day 6! 18/02 A long trekking day today as we head into Modi Khola River valley. We head straight down Jhinudanda and the hot springs, where there will be the opportunity to have a quick refreshing hot bathe. From here you start the trek up and along the ridge to Tolka and Landruk. The cl;imb is fairly steep but rewarding at the top. If there is time we will continue to Tolka. Check in to your tea house for overnight, dinner and time to relax. (B/L/D) Day 7! 19/02 Today is your last trekking day as you head down to Phedi. You will finish with some splendid views and only a short 3-4 hours trek this morning. You will be collected in Phedi for the short return journey to Pokhara by bus where you will check into the Lake View Resort for lunch. there will be time to freshen up and explore the souvenir shops and cafes of Pokhara. Celebration dinner and overnight in Pokhara. (B/L/D) Day 8! 20/02 Today we leave Pokhara early for our drive south to Chitwan. Arrival for lunch and then we make our way to the elephant enclosure for an elephant safari to try and spot the reclusive rhino and tigers. Evening cultural show, dinner and overnight. (B/L/D) Day 9! 21/02 An early start as we take a canoe ride along the backwaters of Chitwan National Park to experience the sunrise and animals of the rivers beware of the crocodiles! We will take a short hike to the nearby elephant orphanage and then head back to the hotel. After breakfast/ lunch we will depart to Bharatpur Airport for the short flight to Kathmandu. Check in to your hotel the Yak and Yeti. Evening cultural show, celebration dinner and overnight. (B/L/D) Day 10! 22/02 After breakfast the group will checkout and proceed with a city tour of the Greater Patan area visiting Peasupati Nath, Baudha Nats and Durbar Square. Lunch at Caferina followed by and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B/L) International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Accommodation:! ! Staying in Kathmandu: You will be staying in the Yak and Yeti Hotel in central Kathmandu near to the suburb of Thamel. The hotel is 4* accommodation and offers the group a good last night to relax before their flight home. Yak & Yeti Hotel: http://www.yakandyeti.com/home/index.php ! Staying in Pokhara:! Staying in Pokhara is just on the outskirts of town near Fish Tail Lake. Towards the top end of the road there are ATMs for cash and money changers in abundance. Lots of good shops for souvenirs at the end!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Lake View Resort: ! Tel: +977 61 461477/ +977 61 463854! Rooms all have en-suite bathrooms, t.v, ac. Large padlocks on doors. The restaurant is on site near the road which overlooks the lake. There is a pool table, cafe and internet, which is ideal for student use, plus a nice lake view.! Tea houses during the trek:! During the trek the group will stay in local tea lodges. They are basic, clean and provide good shelter should it become cold or wet. The food is good and will be local food – daal bat, fried rice, noodles, and in the main villages we may get adventurous and have pizza and chips!! Toilets are shared in the tea lodges, but are clean and in working order. The quality and standard has changed considerably in the past few years. The beds are single beds, with mattress and clean sheet and pillow with clean cover. Students are requested to bring a good 4 season sleeping bag for use on the trek.! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Great views from all accommodation! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Preparing for the trip:! ! Pre-Departure Checks! Before leaving it is advisable to come prepared for the trip and it is important to go through the various items we will cover in this pack. It is possible for the odd bag to go missing during the flight and members of a group to arrive in Nepal without the proper clothing for attempting the hike. GET advise all participants to fly in and with the absolute necessary items for the trek. Any other equipment of clothing can be hired in the event of a luggage no-show and any other clothing can be purchased, and claimed back on your personal insurance, at the local store – you will not find suitable trekking gear though and it is expensive. Please ensure you bring/wear the following for travelling or in your carry-on luggage:! Walking boots (these you cannot replace)! 1 pair of walking trousers, shorts, base-layers ! Fleece jacket, waterproof jacket! Sunglasses ! Platypus/camel back water bladder! Sleeping bag in hand luggage/daypack! If you luggage fails to arrive you will still be able to take part in the trek. It should be possible to claim a certain amount on your insurance to cover the other items: underwear, toiletries, t-shirts, etc. These can be purchased in Pokhara. ! Items to be addressed:! Kit/equipment! Customs and luggage! Visas! Insurance! VaccinationsMedical ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Money! Shopping! Security and safety! Food and drink! Travelling in country! Weather/Climate! Toilets! Communication and Language: GSM/Internet/Language! Photography! ! Personal physical preparation! Kit and Equipment:! Your kit is going to get you through the trip. You will be visiting different climatic zones, altitudes and environments and it is important that you are prepared and comfortable.! You do not have to buy the latest equipment or all the latest gadgets to get you through the trip. Remember you will be camping in small tea houses/lodges and on the move. Travelling light, comfortable and at the same time making sure you have the right things with you is not always as easy as it sounds when getting your kit together.! The following list is a guide for you to follow. If you are unsure about any item then please ask for advice.! If you think of the different activities you are doing, then it may be easier to list the items you will need:! Trekking – you will personally carry a small day-pack with essentials: water, waterproof clothing, sun-block, camera, snacks, extra layer, toilet roll. The rest of your gear will meet you are your place of stay each evening.! Kit List:! ! Large/bulk items:! Sleeping bag – 4 season – with liner if preferred – it will be cold at nights in the mountains! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Travel pillow – plane sized pillows are good ! Travel towel/sarong ! Rucksack – day pack 25/35 litre – you will be carrying just essentials when trekking. Porters will carry you main luggage – the smaller the better as it will ensure you cannot pack too much!!! Holdall (not a suit case or hard cased bags – porters need to carry them on their backs) for main items of clothing and sleeping accessories – it is advised to share with a friend on the trek with only the necessary items. One bag can be left at the hotel for when you return after the trek. This does cut down on the weight porters will have to carry.! ! Trekking:! Lightweight trousers – x 2 – zip off legs preferred – double up as shorts for the nice sunny days and good for evenings when colder.! Lightweight rain jacket – not the ski type – one layer gortex fabric which is easy to pack and can be worn over anything – a good substitute is a poncho – covers your rucksack and you won’t necessarily need waterproof trousers.! Fleece jacket or down jacket. It will be cold at nights and first thing in the morning. Down jackets are good because they can be packed small into a stuff sack, but they are costly.! Lightweight rain trousers – as for jacket.! Walking boots/shoes – the walking trainers such as Merrell, Salomon or North Face are good examples. Summer season walking boots – lightweight and breathable are also good giving better protection to the ankles. Boots for this trek are more favourable as we may encounter snow at this time of year.! Sandals/flip-flops – good for evening wear after a log days trek. Gives your boots and feet a breather! Lightweight t-shirts: dry-fit fabric – both long and/or short sleeved. 1 of these for each day as a base layer.! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Underwear – fresh underwear for each day – socks included. Socks – this is personal preference, but ensure your boots/ shoes are worn in well. Two pairs of socks are a good option – thinner pairs – rather than one large thick pair which can rub and cause blisters. It is recommended that you try different methods before coming to Nepal.! Hat and gloves: warm hat for the evenings (you can buy a typical woolen hat in Nepal), plus a sun hat/cap for the day. Bandanas are a good option too. Good pair of gloves.! Sunglasses! Sun block! It may be possible to buy a few extra items in Pokhara on arrival – such as gloves, flip-flops, hats, bandanas, sunglasses, etc. There are many shops in Pokhara selling this type of clothing- not all are the real McCoy but are good and cheap substitute if necessary.! ! Toiletries:! Some tea houses have bathroom facilities for showering – hot water!! Shower gel! Toothpaste and brush! Athletes foot powder – essential for trekking and keeping those damp places dry and free from fungal infections! Sterile hand wash – the type which requires no water! Mosquito repellent – mainly for Pokhara! Wet wipes! Toilet paper! Deodorant ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Sun cream! Tweezers! Nail clippers! Miscellaneous Accessories:! Camera – batteries, lenses etc.! Torch – head torch ideal ! Spare batteries or chargers – you can recharge phones, cameras etc at all locations! Money belt! Book to read! Small gifts for local children – postcards, pencils, pens etc..Water hydration system – platypus, camelback or similar ! Anything else….. ! ! Medical items:! Blister packs!! Compede are excellent, although zinc oxide tape is a good alternative! Main first aid kit will be with guides.! Any items necessary for students conditions must be carried by the teachers and all GET guides to be made aware of its location and use.! ! Items not to bring!! Phones unless absolutely necessary – we will carry a phone and satellite phone throughout for emergencies. GSM reception is not possible during the trek.! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Mp3 players/ipods/i-touch etc. This trip is an excellent opportunity to leave all this behind and live without it for a week. The idea is to open your mind, your eyes and your ears.! Food for a week! Many students try to bring home comfort food with them which is both heavy and bulky to carry and for most they soon tuck into the local food like everyone else. Snacks can be bought during the trip and on the trek at the many tea house shops along the way – mars bars, twix, pringles, coke etc, although we try to encourage groups to eat healthily they will always want something to snack. ! Travelling:! The coach you will be on will be basic but will run well and get you to your locations. Seat belts will not be on the bus – buses do not have seatbelts for passengers – the same for all public transport in Nepal. Certain countries do not have stringent laws on passenger safety and Nepal is one of those. Internal flights will get the group to and from long distances. ! Be comfortable and wear lightweight clothes.! Carry a day pack for all essential items such as: snacks, water, camera, replacement batteries, sun cream, book, diary, spare t-shirt or sweater for evenings, sunglasses, torch, etc..! Your main luggage should hold all other items but be easy to handle – no suitcases. Soft bags are ideal but they must be strong to take the constant moving and travelling. All must be clearly labeled.! Any lost luggage must be reported and contact number given for in-country contact. ! Embassy Contact! GET recommend that all schools contact the relevant embassy of those participants travelling, to inform them of your travel plans and itinerary.! This should be done in advance of travelling and is also important to find out the name and address of your local consulate in Nepal should the need arise to contact them in an emergency.! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Visas ! Please ensure you have contacted your local embassy to clarify a means of obtaining a visa for Nepal.! Many nationals can collect and pay for on arrival.! Nepal visa and passport control can be very crowded at times – be patient and stay in line to avoid anyone pushing in front.! ! Vaccinations & other Medical! All of those travelling must be up to date with their immunisations ! GET recommend that all members of the travelling party visit their local medical practitioner to obtain advice on relevant vaccinations and requirements for travel to Nepal ! Illnesses abroad: It is inevitable that someone may become ill whilst travelling abroad. Follow a few simple guidelines to ensure you remain fit and healthy:! Keep hands clean – use antibacterial hand-wash after using public toilets or facilities! Stick to simple hygiene – avoid biting nails, licking fingers, etc.! Eat cooked food – that has been cooked or peeled in your presence! Always eat fruits that can be peeled – bananas, papaya, pineapple etc! Make sure the seal on bottled water is un-broken or un-tampered! Wash hands with antibacterial wash before and after meals! Think about where you are buying food or drink from ! Stick to foods you know, and local food – they know how to cook it properly and it is always fresh.! Keep clean and wash regularly! Keep your feet in good condition! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Keep an eye on your toilet habits and report any unusual changes ! Keep hydrated – and check urine – again this will tell you a lot about how hydrated you are! If you are buying cans of drinks or bottle, make sure you use a straw or wipe the top thoroughly with a wet wipe before drinking! Ask if unsure and use your common sense.! GET staff are first aid trained, and will act in the event if required. Teaching staff, however, will be required to take responsibility of any situation on a medical or pastoral issue in the first instance. ! GET staff will not administer any medication to a child or teaching staff.! GET advise schools to send a member of the accompanying staff who is first aid qualified.! Schools should ensure staff accompanying the trip have necessary medical items for children who require medication and a full list of medical history and dietary requirements that will be relevant to the trip.! GET advise all schools to follow a reputable on-line health information guide: NaTHNac (National Travel Health Network and Centre) is a good up-to-date resource for all countries worldwide in providing clear guidelines on travel medicine, health and safety: ! ! !! ! ! http://www.nathnac.org/ds/c_pages/country_page_np.htm (Nepal NaTHNac link)! Safety! !! GET follow British Standard – BS 8848:2014 Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom.! All of our instructors are fully qualified in the activities we provide. Many are of European standards.! For swimming activities, it is important that the school can identify swimming ability within the group and inform GET of those students with lower swimming ability. This is particularly important if there is a swimming pool at hotels and we ask that all pool time be monitored by a member of the teaching team. School pool rules apply.! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! There will be times when we allow you to wander and shop or sight-see in small groups. Even when in a large group it is never quite as easy as it sounds to be watching and keeping an eye on you all, all of the time. Look out for each other and stay in groups of at least 4. ! A risk assessment is provided for schools to use in conjunction with their own risk assessment.! Groups will have bought into the MEDIVAC scheme – helicopter rescue from various locations en-route for any trek.! It is important to stress that casualties may have to be moved over long distances to reach a heli-pad for collection.! Moving is in two ways: in a basket – easiest mode of transport by porters carrying anyone who needs evacuating. Stretcher – provided by GET and will be first used depending on accessibility to location for evacuation.! Contact via sat-phone to emergency services. If sat-phone does not work then a porter will need to reach nearest telephone point for contact. Contact locations with telephones: Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Ulleri, Birethanti, Nayapool.! Heli-pad locations: Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Nayapool.! ! Evacuation to nearest hospital – Pokhara or via Pokhara! Money! The money is Nepalese Rupee – Rp. You can change once you arrive at the airport or when in Pokhara. ! There are ATM machines in the main towns and cities – in Pokhara.There are also many currency exchange shops in the main towns – for a better idea on exchange rate see http://www.xe.com/ucc/full.php ! Pocket money should be in the region of around USD$ 150 – there are some great places to shop when in Pokhara after the trek, and during the trekking in the small hilltop villages. These people will appreciate your custom more than those in the main towns and they will benefit more from you buying from them.! Security: please buy and wear a money belt to secure your money in a safe place – be vigilant and look out for yourself each other. Report immediately to your teacher if you lose your money or personal items.! Shopping! There are many stores and shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara, usually with the same items! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Souvenir shopping is best done in Pokhara after the trek. staying. ! There are a large number of shops along the street where you are Always barter for a better price and go low to start! ! If you say you are coming back then it’s a good way of getting away should you not be too interested in the goods! Try and keep some small change in your pocket to use rather than opening up a wallet or money belt full of cash.! Opening hours: open at around 9am and open most of the day – they will close around 7pm – but this will depend on the season and number of tourists in town. ! Security! Safety: Whilst travelling in Nepal, there will be times when we allow you to wander and shop or sight-see in small groups. Even when in a large group it is never quite as easy as it sounds to be watching and keeping an eye on you all, all of the time. ! Look out for each other and stay in groups of at least 4.! Do not be tempted to wander in alley ways or off the normal path! Be sure to wear appropriate clothing in public! Ensure the group knows where the hotel or teachers are located.! Remember: if you do experience a theft, loss or anything that may happen to you or your friends, we will report it to the police, should it warrant a report, and so long as you are unharmed we will always sort the incident out and get through it. Should you lose things or experience a theft, remember that they are only material items and you may be able to claim on insurance.! ! Food and Drink! Food: All food is provided throughout the trip from arrival to breakfast on departure day (unless your flight is early morning). ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! The type of food will vary from cooked meals in the evenings and lunches, and toast, cereals and omelets for breakfast. Evening meals will be fried rice, noodles, daal, potatoes, mixed vegetables, pizza to name a few. During the trekking phases all menus are set by the Conservation Management Committee and are international cuisine.! It is important to remember that when visiting a different country – especially a developing country – it is often an occurrence that you may fall ill due to food eaten: travellers’ tummy. It is important to wash hands before and after eating and be careful about the foods eaten: i.e. do not eat salads, have ice in drinks, etc. Always try and have hot cooked food. Snacks are readily available en-route throughout the trekking stages.! Drink: The usual soft drinks are available all over the country and water will be available each day. We use iodine solution to purify water for drinking. We like to remain eco-friendly and avoid the use of plastic bottles. We have not had any illnesses from this method of using and purifying local water for drinking. We still recommend that all participants take precautions when eating/drinking and personal hygiene. Never drink water straight from the tap or from other natural sources – streams, springs etc.! ! Weather! The climate in Nepal at this time of year is cool and cold in the mountains. There may be snow and ice on the ground and caution is required when hiking in the forests. It will also be sunny on days and the sun will be fairly strong.! The temperatures at this time of year will range from 19 deg C in the day time to 4 at night – in Pokhara and even colder to possibly freezing conditions higher up in the mountains. ! Even in the mountains when it feels cool the sun will be at its strongest and it is important to use a hat and sunscreen ! Water is also vital and is easy to become dehydrated.! It may rain at this time of year and even possibly snow, so be prepared.! A good website is: www.accuweather.com ! ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Toilets! In the mountains there are many small villages with restaurants and shops – all with toilets. They may not be the best but they are there and can be used throughout the trek without the need to go ‘wild’.! Whatever you do, do not hold on thinking you can wait. This can leave you feeling pretty unwell and you will probably find you will have to go at some point anyway – so, why wait?! Avoid flushing toilet paper down the toilet – there is always a bucket with a lid to put your waste paper in.! Most other places have exceptionally clean toilets, particularly at the main hotels.! Ensure you wash your hands afterwards – thoroughly!! ! Communication and Language! ! Telephones: ! GSM coverage is limited when trekking – normally nothing unless a satellite phone is used.! We will have a satellite phone with us at all times! Charging will only be possible in your hotel and tea lodges in the main room/dining room.! ! Internet Access:! Only possible when in Pokhara and Kathmandu in hotels and cafes.! ! Language:! Language is Nepalese.! Many people in the main towns and cities will speak English very well! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015! Try and learn a few words before you come – it will make a difference!! The Nepalese people are a very polite and proud people. Good manners go a long way in Nepal and a lot of respect can be gained from being friendly, polite and showing that you are trying with a few words of Nepali. ! Popular words to remember:! Dhanbat (Danyabat) – thankyou! Namaste – Greeting – welcome/goodbye! Lazaum (Latzaum) – Lets Go! Zam Zam – lets go (group)! Pistari – Slow! Pistari, Pistari – slowly slowly! Kham – eat! Ramro – Good/great (for anything)! Mitho (meeto) – good (for food)! Mitho sar – very good! Linos! – Cheers!! And Finally....! ! Come prepared to hike up and down and all day. Its tiring and you need to be prepared physically and mentally!! ! ! ! ! International Academy Amman - Nepal 2015 Global Edventure Travel Ltd! Web: www.globaledventures.net! Email: [email protected]
