A short and exciting holiday capturing many of Nepal s cultural and scenic highlights

Transcription

1 A short and exciting holiday capturing many of Nepal s cultural and scenic highlights Himalayan views from Bandipur, Sarangkot, Tansen and Nagarkot Wildlife activities at Chitwan and lakeside relaxation in Pokhara Visit UNESCO listed Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur HOLIDAY CODE DXN Nepal, Discovery, 11 Days 2 nights lodge, 4 nights hotel, 4 nights hotel with swimming pool, 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners, max group size: 15, 9 days touring and sightseeing VIEW DATES, PRICES & BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY HERE

2 PAGE 2 Introduction With its magnificent mountains and colourful people, Nepal is amongst the most popular of adventure travel destinations and with good reason. This brand new 11-day touring and sightseeing holiday provides the opportunity to fully experience this very special Himalayan country in a leisurely manner. Our bespoke and carefully worked out itinerary explores many of the hidden highlights of Nepal as well as visiting some of its major cultural icons. We start out with a Kathmandu city tour, visiting a couple of iconic locations which highlight each of the country s 2 main religions; Buddhism and Hinduism. Then, travelling west on the exciting Prithvi Highway, we spend some time at the authentic hilltop settlement of Bandipur and at Pokhara, where the stunning Annapurna peaks are reflected in the waters of Phewa Tal. Heading south into the lowland Terai region, we visit the many shrines and monasteries at Lumbini, the place where 2500 years ago the Shakya prince Siddhartha was born. He, of course, became the Lord Buddha and founded a religion which has at one time or another influenced most of the continent of Asia. To give us a rather different perspective on Nepal, we then spend 2 nights at a jungle lodge at Chitwan where we can sample some of the jungle activities and spot some of the wildlife that this popular reserve is known for. We then fly back to Kathmandu and spend a night on the valley rim at Nagarkot (2000m) where the sunset and sunrise views include a distant glimpse of Mount Everest. Combining a cross-section of Nepal s outstanding natural beauty, some easy walks designed to show off the real Nepal, and the chance to meet and interact with its varied and friendly people, this is a holiday which will take your breath away. Is this holiday for you? During the course of the holiday there are a number easy walks of approximately 2 hours duration (each of them is optional), as well as several city and cultural site tours which can involve spending quite long periods of time on your feet. The itinerary also involves a fair amount of driving as we travel between the various sites. We would highly recommend that you do some reading about the culture and traditions of Nepal before coming on the trip. Holiday Itinerary Day 1: Meet at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Transfers from Kathmandu Airport are provided. Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL MEALS D Day 2: Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu (1400m). After breakfast at our hotel, we set off on a guided sightseeing tour amongst the most important of Kathmandu's sites. We start our tour with a short drive to the foot of the stairway leading up to the 'Monkey Temple' at Swayambhunath. There are 365 steps, becoming steeper towards the top, and we will take our time, looking out for the mischievous macaques which inhabit this area. There are some colourful statues of Buddha low down and lots of prayer flags festooning the trees that line the walkway. Swayambhunath is dominated by an impressive stupa which consists of a large white-painted dome and a rectangular structure above which is gilded and painted with the 'all-seeing eyes' of Buddha. There are lots of shrines and temples at this site and there's always a lot going on. This is also one of the best places from which to get an overview of the city. After our visit to this principally

3 PAGE 3 Buddhist site, we will meet our transport for the drive across town to Pashupatinath, the great Hindu sanctuary beside the Bagmati River. There are more than 500 temples on this site which is also a place of cremation for Hindus. The ritual burning of bodies takes place on raised platforms alongside the river. It is fascinating to spend an hour at the site, exploring amongst the temples, perusing the souvenir stalls and photographing the supercolourful sadhus (Hindu holy men) who hang out here (and make a good living by posing for photographs). We will return to the hotel in time for a late lunch and then the rest of the day is at leisure. The central 'tourist district' of Thamel with its innumerable shops and bars is just a short walk away and, now pedestrianised, is a great place to spend a couple of hours. We will get together again in the evening and go out for a meal at one of the restaurants in Thamel. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL Day 3: Drive to Bandipur and short walk to a viewpoint above the village. We will make a reasonably early start today, as we set off on the 5 hour journey westwards on the Prithvi Highway which links Kathmandu with Nepal's second city of Pokhara. Driving out of the city, we cross the rim of the Kathmandu Valley and if the weather is clear we may catch a glimpse of snow-capped Himalayan peaks away to the north. We will make a couple of stops en route to break up this exciting drive, including a lunch stop at a roadside restaurant where we will be able to sample the Nepali staple of dal bhat (rice and dal, with the optional addition of a spicy vegetable and/or meat curries).there's a lot to see on this drive; a mix of landscape with views of the mountains, terraced farmland, villages built on steep valley slopes and rivers of all shapes and sizes. We should get to Bandipur by mid-afternoon and after checking in at our lodge accommodation, we will go out for a stroll to a viewpoint above this traditional and well-preserved village. From November to March it's usual to have good views north to the peaks of the central Nepal Himalaya. Bandipur grew up as a part of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun and dates back several hundred years. It was once a staging post on a trade route between India and Tibet. With its 18th century architecture and narrow streets, it's a great first taste of rural Nepal. HOTEL TIME 1-2 HRS WALKING HOUR Day 4: Bandipur visit, then drive to Pokhara (820m). Afternoon boat ride on Phewa Tal. Before continuing our journey to Pokhara (820m) this morning, we'll spend a bit more time in Bandipur. The old part of the village has benefited from some sensitive restoration in recent years and there is a pleasant mix of old houses, cafes and lodges. As well as being a tourist destination, Bandipur has managed to retain its importance as a working town and always seems to be alive with the comings and goings of local people; farmers and tradesmen. There are a number of shrines and temples that we can check out, before meeting up with our transport. It is a relatively short (2 to 3 hour) drive to Pokhara where we check in at our hotel and have lunch. Pokhara is a special place; laid-back and superbly located beside the lake of Phewa Tal. After lunch the afternoon is free to explore, with the option to trek up to the 'Peace stupa' for a birds-eye view over the lake, or to take a boat out onto the water. There are great views from the Lakeside district northwards to the arrayed peaks of the Annapurna Massif, including the sacred 'Fish Tail' peak of Machhapuchhre (6997m). Then, in the evening, we can enjoy our dinner at one of the Lakeside restaurants. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL TIME 1-2 HRS WALKING HOUR Day 5: Early visit to Sarangkot and hike back to Pokhara. Then drive to Tansen (1350m).

4 PAGE 4 Rising up to the north-west of the city, the hilltop village of Sarangkot (1592m) is the perfect place from which to enjoy early morning views of the Annapurnas. We will have an early breakfast this morning and drive up to the viewpoint at Sarangkot in time to see the mountains to the north at their best. The peaks that we can see include the 8000 metre giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna 1, as well as a host of others, including the central and prominent Fish Tail. There are also special views of Pokhara and the lake. To enhance our Sarangkot experience, we will now hike down to Pokhara, following a trail, stepped in places, that takes us through forest and farmland and by way of sleepy villages; at all times offering great views of the peaks to the north. This is a 2 to 3 hour walk at a very leisurely pace and we will arrive back in Pokhara in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will meet our transport again and drive (4 hours) on another impressive road through Nepal's 'Middle Hills', negotiating steepsided valleys and passing through many colourful towns to reach Tansen (1350m). This pretty town, nestling amongst green hills, was the capital of the Magar Kingdom of Tanahun and later an important Newari market place on the Kali Gandaki trade route through Nepal and into Tibet. Its hilly location makes Tansen cool and refreshing and also means that there are views to the north of peaks such as Dhaulagiri. HOTEL TIME 2-3 HRS WALKING HOURS Day 6: Explore Tansen, drive to Bhairahawa and afternoon at Lumbini. We will spend the first part of the morning on a pleasant 2-hour stroll through Tansen's bustling Newari bazaar. Then, we will drive southwards (2 hours) to our hotel in the town of Bhairahawa (now known as Siddharthanagar) close to the Indian border. After checking in at our hotel, we will have lunch, before setting out to visit Lumbini, which is just a half-hour's drive away. Famed and revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini was visited in 249 BC by the recent convert to Buddhism, the Emperor Ashoka who constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. The site was rediscovered in 1895 by a German archaeologist who identified Ashoka's pillar by its inscription. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in We will have a walking tour of the various archaeological sites around Lumbini (rickshaws can be used to save time). The places we will want to visit include; Kapilvastu from where the young Shakya prince Siddhartha, set out in disguise to see the world and follow the path to enlightenment, Kudan where he lived the life of a hermit on his return, and the Maya Devi Temple which marks the exact spot where he was born. According to Buddhist scriptures, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labour pains, she grabbed the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha. The Buddha is said to have announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed. There is an interesting collection of monasteries at Lumbini, built by countries such as China, France, Germany and Burma. At the end of the day we will return to our hotel. HOTEL TIME 4 HRS WALKING HOURS Day 7: Drive eastwards to the Chitwan National Park. Today, we will head east through Nepal's southern 'Terai' plains and along the Indo-Nepalese border. It will take most of the morning (3 to 4 hours) to get to our lodge in the Chitwan National Park. The name Chitwan means 'heart of the jungle' in the local language and this reserve area, established in 1973, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in The park covers more than 900 square kilometres and is home to lots of animal species, such as chital and sambar (types of deer), rhesus monkey and hanuman langur, wild boar, one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, gaur (wild cattle), crocodile, jackal, leopard and tiger. In addition, there are more than 500 species of birds at Chitwan. After checking in at the lodge, we will have the first of our jungle activities which may be a forest walk with a naturalist guide. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

5 PAGE 5 LODGE TIME 1-2 HRS WALKING HOUR Day 8: A day at Chitwan National Park with jungle activities. We have a full day to experience Chitwan and its wildlife. After an early wake-up call you will go out with your guide to spot birds and animals at a watering hole. Then, after returning to take breakfast at the lodge, we will go out on safari again. This exploration can be on foot, by safari vehicle (open-top jeep) or by boat. There will also be time for relaxation and maybe even a little siesta during the middle of the day. After a full day of wildlife viewing, we will spend a second night at the lodge. LODGE TIME 1-2 HRS WALKING HOUR Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu and overnight at a hotel on the valley rim at Nagarkot (2000m). After breakfast at the lodge, we make the short drive to the airport at Bharatpur, where we check in for the flight to Kathmandu. This half hour flight is an exciting way to return to the Nepali capital and saves us many hours of driving. Arriving at Kathmandu, we meet our transport for the drive up onto the valley rim at Nagarkot (2000m). It takes over an hour to drive the narrow and winding 25 kilometre tarmac road up to the string of lodges and hotels which line the ridge at Nagarkot. This village is renowned for its Himalayan views and on a clear day (especially at sunset and at sunrise) it is possible to see 8 separate ranges, from the Annapurnas in the west to distant Mount Everest. We will have some free time in the afternoon and then, accompanied by our guide, we will take a stroll along the ridge to a viewpoint where we can watch the light fade and try to pick out some of the famous Nepali peaks. Dinner and overnight at our Nagarkot hotel. HOTEL TIME 1 HR WALKING HOUR Day 10: Sightseeing at Bhaktapur and return to Kathmandu. If it is clear, we will be up early to see if the sunrise views are any better than those at sunset. Then, after breakfast, we'll drive out (15 minutes) to Telkot and from there walk easily (2 hours), through villages, open country and forest, to the small temple of Chengu Narayan which is one of the oldest in the valley, dating from the fourth century. We can expect some great views during this walk. Then, reunited with our transport, we will drive down to medieval Bhaktapur, the ancient capital of the Malla kings, where we will have a full sightseeing tour. Several of Bhaktapur's important temples were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake and these are undergoing restoration. However, there still a lot to see here, including some of the finest religious architecture in Nepal. We'll also get the chance to do some exploring (and souvenir buying) amongst the many colourful artisan's workshops and stalls. At the end of the day, we will drive to our Kathmandu hotel and in the evening enjoy a final restaurant meal in Thamel. HOTEL WITH SWIMMING POOL TIME 3 HRS WALKING HOURS Day 11: Departure day. Kathmandu airport transfers provided. KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Depending on individual flight schedules, there may be an opportunity for last minute souvenir buying before heading to the airport. Complimentary airport transfers are provided for all flights

6 PAGE 6 MEALS B Holiday Information What's Included A professional and qualified English-speaking tour leader Kathmandu Airport transfers All land transport involved in the itinerary All accommodation as described All meals Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and at other cultural sites mentioned in the itinerary Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary All jungle activities in Chitwan All permits and park fees necessary to complete the itinerary What's Not Included Travel Insurance Nepalese Visa Tips for tour guide and local staff Optional activities Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc. Meal Plan All meals included in the holiday price from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11. Food Nepal's cultural and climatic diversity means that you will encounter a variety of dishes on the holiday. The common dish encountered everywhere from the humblest kitchen to the best restaurants is dal-bhat-tarkari (literally lentils, rice and vegetable) although its make up and presentation varies considerably. Throughout this holiday there will be ample opportunity to sample local cuisine including regional variations. However, there will always be an option for more familiar international dishes. All the hotels and lodges on this holiday have first class chefs and food is prepared to the highest quality. In Kathmandu and in Pokhara, there is a wide choice of restaurants and it is possible to find dishes from almost every cuisine in the world. Joining Arrangements & Transfers Airport transfers are provided for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary. You will be met on arrival at Kathmandu Airport by a KE representative and taken to your hotel. If you are arriving earlier or departing later we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation. Accommodation This holiday includes 10 nights in a mix of hotel and lodge accommodation with rooms arranged on a twin sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms

7 PAGE 7 may be available for a supplementary cost on request. Additional hotel nights in Kathmandu can also be prebooked. Group Leader & Support Staff The group will be accompanied by an experienced English-speaking local leader throughout the holiday. The group will also have the services of an experienced driver. Spending Money Approximately 200 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) changed into local currency, should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including tips for the local team, drinks etc. It is not necessary to obtain local currency prior to departure. Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are equally acceptable for exchange in Nepal. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash, since you will exchange the majority of this on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. If you prefer not to carry all of your spending money in cash, it is possible to withdraw money from ATMs in Kathmandu using your debit or credit card. During this holiday it is possible to buy snacks, chocolate, soft drinks and beer on most days. Guidance On Tipping Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally tips are paid at the end of the holiday and this is best done as a group. Your tour leader will advise you on an appropriate level of tipping for your driver(s) and for any other staff who have contributed to the tour. We estimate that each group member might pay towards general tipping and a further as a tip for the guide. Beat The Jet Lag Our holidays are normally designed with minimal 'down time' at the start of the trip, but having a day or two at the beginning will have the additional benefit of allowing you time to get over the stress of a long journey or travelling across time zones, leaving you refreshed and ready for your holiday. We can easily arrange for you to have additional nights and airport transfers. Free KE Gift We give you a free gift as a way to thank all our clients who book a KE holiday. Choose from KE T-shirts, buffs, KE trek bags* (where applicable) plus many more. Alternatively you can choose to make a 10 donation to the Juniper Trust Charity. You can make your selection in your My KE account after booking. * A trek bag is not required for this holiday. You can however purchase a KE trek bag for Delivery outside of the UK will be charged. Baggage Allowance For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. You can only check in a single piece of hold baggage on the internal flight included on this holiday. The maximum weight limit for this bag is normally 15kgs. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. Group Size & Holiday Status For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status

8 PAGE 8 for each departure in Dates and Prices table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements. General Information Passport & Visas A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU. The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. Visa Nepal All nationalities require a visa. The visa fee is $25 for 15 days, $40 for 30 days, $100 for 90 days and is obtainable on arrival. Payment must be made in cash and USD, GBP or Euros are accepted. You will require 2 passport photos. Children under 10 yrs do require a visa but is it free of charge. Health & Vaccinations You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you specific require any vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella), along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis are required. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hrs through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dentist check up. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro. Currency The unit of currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee. Electricity Supply & Plug We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Preparing For Your Holiday This is principally a touring and sightseeing holiday with no sustained elements of trekking. However there are a number of short walks (mostly optional) within the itinerary and some of the key sights can only be reached on foot. It therefore makes sense to get in shape before coming. The fitter you are after all, the more you will enjoy the experience. It is also a good idea to do some reading on Nepal, its people and culture.

9 PAGE 9 Travel Aware As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Offices' Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: for essential travel advice and tips. KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office. Climate Whilst October to November and March to May have traditionally been considered to be the best times to visit Nepal, these seasons can comfortably be extended to include the period from December to February for holidays which do not travel to the really high altitudes. Nepal has a very pleasant climate throughout the foothills at this time. It is usually dry as the majority of the country's rain falls during the monsoon which occurs between June and September although given its mountainous nature, short lived storms can occur at any time of the year. Premonsoon (March to May), the best of Nepal s colourful flora is in evidence, with plants such as rhododendron and magnolia in full flower. The post-monsoon months usually offer the clearest skies and the most settled weather. Temperatures during this holiday will vary greatly from the mid thirties Celsius on the plains and in Chitwan, through mid to high twenties in Pokhara and Kathmandu and low to middle twenties at some of the hill resorts. Books Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal. Lonely Planet Rough Guide to Nepal. Rough Guides Trekking and Climbing in Nepal. Steve Razzetti Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya. Stan Armington Kathmandu and the Kingdom of Nepal. Prakash Raj Portraits of People: Nepal Himalayas. Eric Valli Annapurna. Maurice Herzog Maps Nepa Maps - Himalayan MapHouse Nepal on a large, indexed overview map at 1,500,000 scale from Himalayan Maphouse, the country s leading publishers of trekking maps. Road network shows main highways, major and minor roads, gravel or dirt roads and trails. Map legend is in English.

10 PAGE 10 Flight Information Flight Inclusive Or Land Only? On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. Flight Inclusive Notes The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London to Kathmandu. Outbound flights will usually depart from the UK in the evening, arriving mid-afternoon on the following day (Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary). Return flights will depart Kathmandu usually in the morning of the last day of the itinerary, arriving in the UK later the same day. Regional departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request. To avoid paying more for your flight, we recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times as there are only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. We are also able to quote for premium, business and first class seats. Please be aware that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of your final holiday balance. Remember if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection. Land Only Notes The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Kathmandu on the dates shown above. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Kathmandu Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to Joining Arrangements & Transfers in the Holiday Information for further details. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is shown on our website as either Guaranteed or Limited Availability. Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Why Choose KE Adventure Travel? Experience KE has 34 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In many parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of guides, drivers, porters, muleherders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience. The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or , or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.

11 PAGE 11 KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AND AWARDS Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to make a positive contribution wherever we travel. In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Sustainable Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITO s Achievement in Sustainable Tourism Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism. We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too! Your Complete Financial Protection KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected. BOOKING YOUR HOLIDAY Making a Booking The easiest way to make your booking is online. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of booking. This is normally 200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. Late bookings will require full payment. We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed booking form. Adventure Travel Insurance IMPORTANT - It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form. CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities may attract a higher premium. In

12 PAGE 12 addition Campbell Irvine Direct cannot provide cover for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Cover for these can be obtained through either the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) or Snowcard. TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance, which can be used by US citizens and US residents only. KE recommends the "Travelex Select" package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), for climbing or glacial travel, you should consider the "Adventure Plus Pak" optional upgrade on the Travelex Select Plan. Please refer to the 'Description of Coverage' for a summary of the terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations of the applicable Protection Plan. This policy will also cover KE climbing trips above 6000m. We hope that this trip notes has answered most of your questions. Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.

13 PAGE 13 Equipment List The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your luggage to a minimum as this makes for the most comfortable travel experience. You Must Bring The Following Items: Comfortable walking boots or shoes Sandals / Training shoes Socks Lightweight trousers Underwear Casual shirts and T-shirts, long and short sleeved Fleece jacket or warm jumper Waterproof jacket Sunhat Sunglasses Small daypack Headtorch and spare batteries (there can be power cuts) Sun protection (including bloc for lips, nose etc.) Water bottle Washbag and toiletries Antibacterial handwash Small padlock (to lock trek bag) Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multivitamin tablets. The Following Items Are Optional Swimwear (for hotel pools and saunas) Travel clothes Camera Notes Local Customs and Etiquette During the course of this holiday we will visit several sites that are considered sacred to people of Buddhist and Hindu faiths. Please be respectful of local norms and customs in these places and pay attention to the advice given by your trip leader on how to dress and act. The Nepali people are amongst the most polite in the world and are unlikely to let us know if anything we do offends but this does not mean they are not offended. We recommend that you always have a long sleeved shirt and trousers or full length skirt handy to put on when appropriate. In some places it will be necessary to remove your shoes or sandals and you should also consider bringing a pair of socks that can be quickly slipped on and off. Please note: This document was downloaded on 12 Jan 2018, and the trip is subject to change.