DISCOVER NEPAL. The All In One Guide. What. Pack? TREKKING EDITION YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS

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1 DISCOVER NEPAL TREKKING EDITION YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS The All In One Guide Do You Know What to Pack? A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR PROJECTS did someone say "Adventure"? Y@H

D I S C O V E R N E P A L T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E hey there!

We guarantee you an amazing time and we re all very much looking forward to meeting you in Kathmandu soon.

what to expect, how to plan and more. We guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end.

2 D I S C O V E R N E P A L T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E hey there! Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we re all very much looking forward to meeting you in Kathmandu soon. I imagine that right now you re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end. Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted. Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other pandas, Steve & Colin) bamboo behind the scenes follow me on

highlights of your tour KATHMANDU Guided city tour through nearby Patan's best

DONATIONS Meet the kids of Shining Stars and share a daal bhat dinner with the

CULTURE Get off the beaten track and experience real, authentic Nepalese

3 highlights of your tour KATHMANDU Guided city tour through nearby Patan's best landmarks. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed. DONATIONS Meet the kids of Shining Stars and share a daal bhat dinner with the people that part of your fee supports. CULTURE Get off the beaten track and experience real, authentic Nepalese communities. DISCOVERY Embark through the crisp lakeside town of Pokhara. AMAZING VIEWS Check out the breathtaking views on the road during your trekking adventure.

DAY 1 (THURSDAY) KATHMANDU Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. As today is the arrival day, our team will be busy working between the guesthouse and the airport.

4 DAY 1 (THURSDAY) KATHMANDU Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. As today is the arrival day, our team will be busy working between the guesthouse and the airport. Once you've been picked up and you're checked into the guesthouse, the remainder of the day is free for you to do as you please; catch up on your sleep, check in on Facebook or get out and explore the local area. In the evening there will be a very informal gettogether for those who have already arrived. This is a great way to break the ice, over a cold beer and chat about just how insanely excited you are to be in Nepal! Meals Included: You're on your own for this one! DAY 2 (FRIDAY) KATHMANDU After breakfast, we'll have a group orientation. This will be a chance for our team to run through the itinerary with you and answer any of your burning questions. We'll take you through the day to day stuff, explain more about the group split on day 4, give you a few hints and tips on culture, customs and traditions and make sure that you're set up to get the most from your time with us. There will also be a quick briefing for trekking and volunteering. One of the key points of this briefing is to make sure you have everything you need - this is why it s very important to make sure you also read over the packing suggestions later in this guide. Whilst volunteering you may still be walking through tough terrain in the village and it can still get quite cold. It ll be an immensely enjoyable experience, we just want to make sure you re ready for it. If you're missing anything that's deemed important, there'll be time to find it and buy it locally. Today we'll head out for a tour of the city of artisans, Patan. We'll also take you for a quick visit of the incredible Shining Stars Children's Home, part of your tour fee is donated directly to maintain this home. Here you will have time to spend with the children and then end the day having a lovely dinner with them! There are so many success stories behind the kids who live here and without donations such as yours, these kids wouldn't have a future. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.

5 DAY 3 (SATURDAY) POKHARA This morning we will drive to Pokhara which will take around 7 hours. Be sure to bring a book, or simply sit back and take in the beautiful vista as you head on to your next location. On arrival, if time allows and if weather permits, we may have the chance to take a boat across the stunning lake here and hike up the hill to visit the Peace Pagoda; one of the highlights of Pokhara. In the evening we'll get together to run through the group split tomorrow. The adventurous trekkers will meet up with their guides for a briefing whilst our lovely volunteers will hear from a representative of our NGO partner. We'll have you fully prepared and ready for what comes next! It s about to get seriously adventurous. Meals Included: Breakfast. DAY 4-10 (SUNDAY- SATURDAY) TREKKING Limber up, stretch the legs, and brace for the next week of trekking through the foothills of the Himalayas. Our first morning we ll drive to Khande to the Annapurna mountain range. Here, we ll climb through jungle and to the breathtaking cliffside vistas. The trek is steep...and then gentle...and then steep again. So don t try doing this in flip-flops. Wild deer, monkeys, yaks, and thousands of species of birds frequent the dense, mountainous jungles, so pack a camera or, at least anti-monkey invasion spray (which doesn t exist, but they will try taking your food). Our excursion ends with a venture back with the local villagers of Pokhara, where stories of your tales crossing stony terrain and encountering the troll or two (you probably won t provided you know a riddle). By evening, you ll be swapping stories, laughs, and readying for your next adventure to Everest. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. DAY 11 (SUNDAY) POKHARA We begin the day with an early start at one of the most famous view points to gaze in awe at the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains, The Annapurna Massif. The sunrise offers views over the giant Annapurna ranges, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri and so on. This is a photographers dream and without a doubt one of the highlights of your time in Pokhara. The rest of the day is yours to explore. The more touristy town offers shopping and local coffee shops or perhaps you want to experience a spot of paragliding. Whatever you choose just let one of our team know and we ll be happy to assist. Meals included: Breakfast.

DAY 12 (MONDAY) POKHARA TO KATHMANDU After breakfast, it s time to head back to Kathmandu via a short flight*.

We will conclude the experience with a final group dinner, reminisce on our time together, and have one for the road.

Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 13 (TUESDAY) KATHMANDU We re going on a guided city tour through Kathmandu's best landmarks. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed!

6 DAY 12 (MONDAY) POKHARA TO KATHMANDU After breakfast, it s time to head back to Kathmandu via a short flight*. We ll have you back in the capital in no time, and it s the perfect opportunity to get some last minute souvenirs or capture some photos. We will conclude the experience with a final group dinner, reminisce on our time together, and have one for the road. *Flights are subject to the weather, alternative road transport will be arranged if we are unable to fly. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 13 (TUESDAY) KATHMANDU We re going on a guided city tour through Kathmandu's best landmarks. Prepare to be dazzled and amazed! There will be many opportunities to take epic photos so make sure your camera is charged and ready! Before final goodbyes, we will have one last group dinner. This is the time to reflect upon the past 2 action packed weeks of adventure! Meals included: Breakfast. DAY 14 (WEDNESDAY) DEPART NEPAL Two weeks gone in the blink of an eye. Don t mind our sniffling. The tour may have ended but the stories you ll soon tell are only beginning. It can take weeks to realize what all you accomplished in such a short time with Bamboo. Rather than saying goodbye, we prefer to say, see you soon. You re part of The BamFam now. Meals Included: Breakfast.

The Trek The Annapurna region of Nepal is a land so beautiful, it has long been the ultimate trekking dream for hikers.

temperate jungles where tigers still roam.

It's for those with a real sense of adventure, who are happy to embrace basic living conditions in order to experience rural, mountain people s life in

We'll be trekking between 4 and 8 hours per day depending on the speed of the group.

7 The Trek The Annapurna region of Nepal is a land so beautiful, it has long been the ultimate trekking dream for hikers. Here, the sacred peaks of Annapurna, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri, shining with snow year round, tower over ancient rhododendron forests, icy rivers and temperate jungles where tigers still roam. This trek will take you to off-the-beatentrack villages, where you will stay in village communities, giving you first-hand experience of the real Nepal. It's for those with a real sense of adventure, who are happy to embrace basic living conditions in order to experience rural, mountain people s life in Nepal. This trek is considered moderate, with occasional strenuous days and thus a reasonable level of fitness is required. We'll be trekking between 4 and 8 hours per day depending on the speed of the group. The trek starts at around 1800m above sea level and reaches 4450m at Mardi Himal Base Camp on day 6. The trek is a mixture of steep climbs and gentle inclines, make sure you bring suitable footwear and drink enough water throughout each day. Accommodation on this trek is basic and on a shared basis, with basic washing facilities and limited chances to do laundry unless you wish to brave the cold communal village tap!

8 What's included DISCOVER NEPAL TOUR 1. Airport Arrival Pickup on the official start date between 6am & 8pm 2. All Accommodation throughout 3. All Activities outlined above 4. A city tour of the Nepali capital 5. Donation to Shining Stars Childrens Home 6. Our team with you you 24/7 7. Dinner with the kids of SSCH 8. All meals stated above 9. Qualified guides to accompany you during your trek

ACCOMMODATION KATHMANDU FUJI HOTEL Rooms here will be twin shared (2 beds).

bathroom. POKHARA POKHARA ECO RESORT Your accommodation will be twin shared (2 beds).

Free WIFI & air-conditioning is available throughout the hotel.

An outhouse squat toilet is available for volunteers to use but there is no hot

9 ACCOMMODATION KATHMANDU FUJI HOTEL Rooms here will be twin shared (2 beds). All rooms include air conditioning, a satellite TV, a mini fridge and a private bathroom. POKHARA POKHARA ECO RESORT Your accommodation will be twin shared (2 beds). All rooms are fitted with a private western style bathroom. Free WIFI & air-conditioning is available throughout the hotel. POKHARA VILLAGE HOMESTAY Your accommodation will be traditional and basic. An outhouse squat toilet is available for volunteers to use but there is no hot running water. This is all part of the true Nepali experience. Dinner will be prepared in a traditional manner by the host family but volunteers are more than welcome to help.

MONEY When it comes to advice on how much money to bring, it s impossible to say. All our intrepid explorers are very different. Where some go all out, others are on a budget.

10 MONEY When it comes to advice on how much money to bring, it s impossible to say. All our intrepid explorers are very different. Where some go all out, others are on a budget. You can find both high end and budget restaurants, bars and shops across Nepal. A rough guide for meals and drinks can be found below: Typical exchange rates are: $1-105 rupees rupees ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Nepal and will issue the local currency. If you do plan on bringing your ATM card with you, we recommend that you inform your bank. This should prevent your card being suspended due to irregular withdrawals. We don t recommend bringing traveller's cheques with you. The reason is that banks across Nepal have odd hours of operating, and it may cause unnecessary hassle finding a bank open when you wish to make a transaction. Negotiating a purchase, known as bartering, still happens in the tourist areas of Nepal however not so much outside of these areas. If you re unsure as to whether or not you can barter for a discount please speak to your guide. FAST FACTS: MONEY Basic costs of things: Local meal (Dal Bhat) 250 rupees Bottle of beer rupees Bottle of water rupees Memories - Free of charge The currency in Nepal is known as the Rupee or NPR Remember to tell your bank that you are leaving the country to avoid your card being suspended

TRAVEL VACCINATIONS For up to date information about the best travel vaccinations to have before arriving in Nepal we urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health clinic or to check the World

13 TRAVEL VACCINATIONS For up to date information about the best travel vaccinations to have before arriving in Nepal we urge you to contact your own GP, a travel health clinic or to check the World Health Organisations website. Bamboo are not medical professionals and therefore can t offer you medical advice. FLIGHTS Thanks to the world wide web we all now have access to great flight deals through websites such as Skyscanner, Google Flights and more. If you d rather use the services of a booking agent, the likes of STA Travel, Trailfinders and Flight Centre, are all available online. Please remember that this tour starts in Kathmandu and finished in Kathmandu IMPORTANT NOTICE Once you have booked and confirmed your flight to Kathmandu, please make sure that you have shared your flight arrival time and flight number with our team. Without those details, we will be unable to guarantee that one of our team will be at the airport to meet you on arrival. FAST FACTS: TRAVEL Did you know that? The handshake is not very common in Nepal. People of Nepal put their palms together, bow their forehead and say Namaste. Did you know that? On a flight the bathroom door isn t really locked when you re inside. Lavatory doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside for a multitude of reason. It allows flight attendants quick access to locked lavatories in case of emergencies. In other instances, it allows the cabin crew to restrict access to bathrooms during takeoff and landing.

14 ARRIVAL Kathmandu s International Airport is a very busy airport and can be a confusing place. You will be staying at Fuji Hotel. Please keep this address handy as it will be requested upon your arrival: Fuji Hotel, Brahmakumari Marg, P.O Box: 6209, Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Once you ve passed through Immigration (Passport Control) you ll need to collect your luggage from one of the carousels. Make sure you keep your airline baggage slips as you will need to show these in order to exit the baggage hall. Once you have your bags please make your way to the exit passing through the nothing to declare channel. Once through you will enter the busy main arrivals area. Please keep a look out for our team. They should be easily recognizable with their Bamboo T-shirts and holding a sign showing the Bamboo logo. Once you ve spotted our team, please head over and introduce yourself. You ll then receive further instructions. Please bear in mind that we may be waiting for others to arrive so your transfer to the hotel may not be immediate but we ll get you there as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that you can t find our team, please don t panic. As long as you have provided us with your correct flight details one of our team will be there. Please check again in the arrivals area. If you still cannot locate one of our team please call the following number If you have supplied us with a mobile phone number, please make sure your phone is turned on as we may be trying to contact you. On arrival to the hotel, we ll help you to check in and give you more details of what s happening next. ARRIVALS INFO Your hotel transfer will be around minutes from the airport to the heart of Kathmandu Keep your eyes peeled for the smiling face that holding our Bamboo logo Pick up is only available between the hours of 6am - 8pm on the official start date. If you are arriving outside of these hours and are getting a taxi to the hotel please make a note of the hotels contact information. Name: Fuji Hotel Num:

15 TRANSPORT KATHMANDU TO POKHARA The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara will take approximately 7-8 hours. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time. We will take a private comfortable A/C minivan or bus (depending on numbers) and we will have plenty of toilet breaks, snack stops and chances to take photos of the incredible scenery along the way. POKHARA TO KATHMANDU After a busy time in Pokhara we have decided to treat you to a short flight back to the capital! This flight will depart mid morning on day 12 and will take approximately 30minutes. FUN FACTS: TRANSPORT If the map of Nepal is turned 90 degrees clockwise, it looks very similar to the map of Portugal. Nepal is home to one of the few places on earth where you can see both the Bengal tiger and the onehorned rhinoceros

16 GUIDES Any tour is only as good as the guide fact. The input of a tour guide cannot be understated. Their input in to your tour, their little insights, the offthe-beaten-track adventures, the knowledge and experiences that they share with you will make or break your time wherever you are in the world. At Bamboo we take the selection and training of our guides and coordinators very seriously. Each guide undertakes a structured training program of three months and only once we re convinced that they are genuine representatives of Bamboo are they signed up to the family. Each of our tours have English-speaking guides to support you, answer your questions, educate you and to ensure that your time is unforgettable. From time to time we may have new guides-in-training on our tours. If you re lucky to have a trainee on your tour, please be patient. They are undergoing training and therefore their knowledge won t be that of the trained and experienced guide who will be accompanying them. TIPPING Although not in any way expected or encouraged, anybody who goes over and above the call of duty to ensure that you have the very best time may deserve a special little thank you. Did you have extra special service in a restaurant? Did the bus driver make an additional pit-stop just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so that you could experience something unique? At Bamboo, we re firm believers in Karma what goes around most definitely comes around! FAST FACTS: GUIDES Our guides are the face of Bamboo, and they come in all shapes and smiles. We love each and every one of them more than Elephants love bananas. Whilst most of them are elite travel mavericks in their own right, you may come across newbies who are on the path the greatness. If you're lucky enough to meet a fresh-faced newbie, be sure to show them your support and patience, most guides remember their first tours forever, so let's play nice.

17 TERMS & CONDITIONS Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or we herein after) with company number whose registered office is:. WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2 61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010 All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time. Please view our full terms and conditions here: Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.

DISCOVER NEPAL. The All in one Guide. What. Pack? VOLUNTEERING EDITION YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS

DISCOVER NEPAL. The All in one Guide. What. Pack? VOLUNTEERING EDITION YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS DISCOVER NEPAL VOLUNTEERING EDITION YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14 HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS Do You Know What to Pack? A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR PROJECTS The All in one Guide did someone