DISCOVER NEPAL. The All in one Guide TREKKING EDITION. Do You Know What to Pack? YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14

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1 / E D I T I O N 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"?

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.

happening, 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)

highlights of your tour KATHMANDU Guided city tour through Kathmandu's best

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

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

3 highlights of your tour KATHMANDU Guided city tour through Kathmandu's best landmarks. DONATIONS Meet the kids of Shining Stars and share a daal bhat supper 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. NATURE Explore the jungles and landscapes of Chitwan National Park. AMAZING VIEWS Check out the breathtaking views on the road during your trekking adventure.

As today is the arrival day, our team will be busy working between the guesthouse and the airport, however we will get together in the evening for a very informal get-together for those who are up

4 DAY 1 (THURS) NAMASTE! Kathmandu, Nepal Arrive in Kathmandu and we will transfer you to your hotel. Once 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, catch up on your Facebook or get out and explore the local area. As today is the arrival day, our team will be busy working between the guesthouse and the airport, however we will get together in the evening for a very informal get-together for those who are up for it. 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! DAY 2 (FRI) LET'S EXPLORE! Kathmandu and Shining Stars, Nepal After breakfast, we'll have a group orientation. This will be a chance for our team to run through the tour 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, especially for the trekkers today. One of the key points of this briefing is to make sure you have everything you need - this is why it s very important for you to make sure you read over the packing suggestions later in the hack. You ll be walking through tough terrain and in some cases cold weather. 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. We'll then head out for a tour of the city of artisans, Patan. We'll also take you for a visit of the incredible Shining Stars Children's Home, part of your tour fee is donated directly to maintaining this home. 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. Today you'll see exactly why Nepal is on so many travellers must-visit list and why so many of those who do visit, return year after year. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner itinerary

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 a hill to visit the Peace Pagoda; one of the must-sees in Pokhara.

5 DAY 3 (SAT) PICTURESQUE POKHARA Pokhara, Nepal 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 a hill to visit the Peace Pagoda; one of the must-sees in Pokhara. In the evening we'll get together to run through the group split. 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. DAY 5 (MON) TREKKING TREKKING (2550m/7 hours). You ll now be all warmed up and your body muscles ripped and ready to go further, today involves a steep uphill climb for most of the day through thick jungle with beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We may be lucky enough to catch glimpses of some of the abundant wildlife including deer, monkeys and many species of birds that all live in this dense jungle. We reach Forest Camp in the afternoon. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner We'll have you fully prepared and ready for what comes next! It s about to get seriously adventurous. If you have a GoPro - bring it with you, it s a perfect way to capture footage of your epic trek. Meals Included: Breakfast DAY 4 (SUN) LET'S GO TREKKING TREKKING (1950m/5 hours). This morning we drive to Khande which is around 45 minutes away. We begin our trek with a steep climb through the jungle and passing local villages until we reach Australian Camp, our lunch stop. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range. A gentle incline after lunch brings us to Pothana where we stay for the night or depending on the time and how you are doing, we may head to Putan Deurali for our first night's stop. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. itinerary

TREKKING (3580m/4 hours). Another short day today! On the way to High Camp for lunch, you will have good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang and Khangsar to the north.

6 DAY 6 (TUES) CLIMB, CLIMB, CLIMB TREKKING (2990m/4 hours). Today is a short distance but a steep climb through the rhododendron and juniper forest. As you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Machhupuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 7 (WED) KEEP GOING! TREKKING (3580m/4 hours). Another short day today! On the way to High Camp for lunch, you will have good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang and Khangsar to the north. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 8 (THUR) ALMOST THERE! TREKKING (4450m/8 hours). It's an early wake-up call this morning so you can appreciate the most spectacular sunrise views of the mighty Himalayas. After breakfast, we climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 4500 meters. It's a challenging day walking along narrow, rocky trails but it will all be worth it for the spectacular views of these majestic mountains. If the weather is clear, you will get to see up close Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, Khangsar, Annapurna III and Fishtail. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner DAY 9 (FRI) THE PENULTIMATE TREKKING (1850m/8 hours). We will re-trace our steps back down to low camp and then head southeast from the ridge through the dense forest towards Mardi Khola, for our last night in the mountains. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner itinerary

DAY 10 (SAT) THE GRAND RETURN Pokhara, Nepal. Today we transfer back to Pokhara for some wellearned rest, probably a cold beer or two and to meet back up with the volunteers.

Over dinner, we'll have a quick chat about what's going to be taking place over the next three days so you can prepare your bits and bobs as we have an early start in the morning.

7 DAY 10 (SAT) THE GRAND RETURN Pokhara, Nepal. Today we transfer back to Pokhara for some wellearned rest, probably a cold beer or two and to meet back up with the volunteers. There ll be an endless engagement of storysharing from each of your unique and equally brilliant adventures of trekking. Over dinner, we'll have a quick chat about what's going to be taking place over the next three days so you can prepare your bits and bobs as we have an early start in the morning. Meals included: Breakfast DAY 11 (SUN) CHITWAN, HERE WE COME! Chitwan National Park, Nepal DAY 12 (MON) CHITWAN ESCAPADE Chitwan National Park, Nepal Today will be filled with activities so make sure you have a hearty breakfast! Canoe trip, jungle walk, jeep safari and a visit to an elephant breeding centre! Man, do we spoil you. You re all worth it though. This is going to be one of the highlights of your trip to Nepal so make sure that you and your camera are both fully charged! This is to be an adrenaline-fuelled Nepalese experience. Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Up with the sparrows this morning as we head south to Chitwan National Park. The transfer should take around 4-5 hours but may take longer due to roadworks and traffic congestions. This transfer will no doubt be an abundance of continued story-sharing, or perhaps another intake of more serene vistas. On arrival in the national park, we'll have a sightseeing trip - this is an especially stunning area of a country overflowing with stunning views! In the evening there's a dinner and a 'Tharu' cultural program to welcome you to this area of the world - something NOT to be missed! Meals included, Breakfast, Dinner. itinerary

DAY 13 (TUES) BACK TO THE START Kathmandu, Nepal Before breakfast, for anybody who's up for it, we've arranged a special trip for you, a bit of incredible bird-watching, this is optional so feel free

All being well, we'll arrive around 4 pm so there'll be plenty of time to get yourself looking beautiful before we have a final farewell dinner together at one of Kathmandu's best restaurants.

8 DAY 13 (TUES) BACK TO THE START Kathmandu, Nepal Before breakfast, for anybody who's up for it, we've arranged a special trip for you, a bit of incredible bird-watching, this is optional so feel free to decline the spectacle if you wish. After breakfast, we'll leave Chitwan for the transfer back to Kathmandu. All being well, we'll arrive around 4 pm so there'll be plenty of time to get yourself looking beautiful before we have a final farewell dinner together at one of Kathmandu's best restaurants. This has to be a night to remember to finish off the most unforgettable team-trip in Nepal. Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner. DAY 14 (WED) THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Kathmandu, Nepal Don t be sad that it s over, but fill your heart with pride that it happened. There will be time for breakfast to swap phone numbers, s and memories before a tidal wave of hugs and hi-5's! It's going to be emotional but we promise that you'll be completely in awe of every second that you've spent with our team here. For those of you who need to head back to the airport, we can help you arrange transport. For those sticking around in Nepal a little longer, our team will be there to answer any questions that you have about the country and to make sure you're armed with all of the information that you need to continue your epic adventure solo. Meals Included: Breakfast itinerary

9 What's included D ISCOVER N EPAL TOUR 1. Airport Arrival Pickup 6am - 8pm 2. All Accommodation throughout 3. All Activities outlined above 4. A city tour of Patan 5. Donation to all projects 6. Our team to accompany you 24/7 7. A Welcome meal with the kids of Shining Stars Children's Home. 8. All meals during your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. 9. Qualified Guides on your journey. 10. Farewell dinner in bustling Kathmandu

T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R N E P A L THE NITTY GRITTY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A visa is necessary to enter Nepal and there are two

Alternatively, you can buy a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, please check the immigration website for exceptions: www.nepalimmigration.gov.

10 T H E I N F O R M A T I O N Y O U N E E D T O K N O W B E F O R E W E B E G I N D I S C O V E R N E P A L THE NITTY GRITTY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A visa is necessary to enter Nepal and there are two options for obtaining one. You can obtain one before leaving home from any Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your own country. Alternatively, you can buy a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, please check the immigration website for exceptions: Multiple entry tourist visas can be obtained by paying 25 USD for 15 days, 40 USD for 30 days or 100 USD for 90 days. *prices are subject to change FAST FACTS: VISA Most countries can can buy a visa on arrival VISA entry is YOUR responsibility Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, is the living cultural museum of the world.

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.

A rough guide for meals and drinks can be found below: Typical exchange rates are: $1-100 rupees 1-130 rupees ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Nepal and will issue the local currency.

11 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: $1-100 rupees rupees ATMs, or cash machines, are prevalent throughout Nepal and will issue the local currency. If you do plan to bring 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. If you re unsure as to whether or not you can barter for a discount please speak to your guide or coordinator. 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

KIT LIST Packing for a trip to the unknown is always tricky. It s definitely worth doing a little bit of homework on this one and to consider the local culture when deciding what clothes to bring.

insulating layers Fleece vest Rain jacket Down jacket Underwear Trekking trousers Sleeping trousers Hiking shorts Rain pants Thermal Long Johns Footwear Hiking boots Socks Flip-flops/camp shoes

12 KIT LIST Packing for a trip to the unknown is always tricky. It s definitely worth doing a little bit of homework on this one and to consider the local culture when deciding what clothes to bring. Here is a list of what you will need: Packs and bags Backpack Day pack with rain cover Sleeping bag Compression stuff sack Clothing T-shirts (walking) T-shirts (sleeping) Base layers (thermals) Top insulating layers Fleece vest Rain jacket Down jacket Underwear Trekking trousers Sleeping trousers Hiking shorts Rain pants Thermal Long Johns Footwear Hiking boots Socks Flip-flops/camp shoes Miscellaneous FAST FACTS: FUAX PAS Reusable water bottle Water purification tablets Sunscreen Personal first aid kit Sunglasses Bandana Flashlight/head torch Travel towel Wash kit Instant hand sanitizer Baseball hat/sun hat Camera Book/journal Toilet roll & rubbish bag Warm hat, gloves & neck warmer A great sense of humour

you must bring with you. If you have any questions please ask.

13 FULL KIT LIST It is important that you bring the correct gear with you. With this in mind, we have attached a downloadable full checklist of items you must bring with you. If you have any questions please ask. You can find the full checklist at trekking-gear-list.pdf

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

14 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 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, they are all available online. Please remember that this tour starts in Kathmandu and finished in Kathmandu INSURANCE REMINDER Travel insurance should be in place for the entire duration of your travel, covering, at a minimum, cancellation of booking, providing medical cover for illness and injury, repatriation whilst overseas, helicopter evacuation off the mountain and loss of baggage. 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 and 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.

15 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 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 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.

TRANSPORT All trips between cities will be taken in 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

16 TRANSPORT All trips between cities will be taken in 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. Transportation times can vary according to the season, traffic and the road conditions at the time. Below is a typical estimate of the journey times between each location: Kathmandu to Pokhara: approximately 7-8 hours Pokhara to Chitwan National Park: approximately 4-5 hours Chitwan to Kathmandu: approximately 6-8 hours FUN FACTS: TRANSPORT Our Discover Nepal tour actually covers a distance of over 450km from start to finish across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and back to Kathmandu. Nepal is home to one of the few places on earth where you can see both the Bengal tiger and the onehorned rhinoceros

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 and offthe-beaten-track adventures.

17 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 and 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 our 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-intraining 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 Tipping trekking guides and porters are the norm in Nepal, given that the work is seasonal (assuming you've had great service, which of course you will have had!) 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 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. NOTE - Your trekking guides will all be qualified and experienced.

18 Discover Nepal YOUR ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

19 KATHMANDU Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu! Rooms in the Nepali capital will be twin shared (2 beds) and have a private Westernstyle bathroom (no squatting!). Air conditioning and WiFi are also available in all rooms.

20 POKHARA Take in the sights as we venture closer to Nepal's giant: the Himalayas. Your chosen accommodation will be twin shared. All rooms are fitted with a private Western-style bathroom. Free WiFi is also available throughout the hotel grounds. Sit back and relax with your fellow guests as you prepare for what comes next.

21 CHITWAN Time to come in contact with the wildlife. Your accommodation will be twin shared and all rooms are fitted with an ensuite bathroom. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar where meals and beverages can be purchased.

22 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 VOLUNTEERING. Do You Know What to Pack?

DISCOVER NEPAL. The All in one Guide VOLUNTEERING. Do You Know What to Pack? 2 0 1 8 / 2 0 1 9 E D I T I O N DISCOVER NEPAL VOLUNTEERING 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