HIMALAYAN ODYSSEY: BHUTAN TO EVEREST November 8-22, 2016

Transcription

1 HIMALAYAN ODYSSEY: BHUTAN TO EVEREST November 8-22, 2016 Visit us at

2 THE ITINERARY Celebrate Wildland Adventures 30 th anniversary on this Himalayan odyssey from Bhutan to Nepal. Traveling in style alongside Wildland s Asia Program Director Kelsey Wenger, AMGA certified guide Andy Davis, and experienced Himalayan escorts, from Bhutan to Everest. Our trip coincides with both the birthday of Bhutan s beloved king and the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, so we ll dance, sing, and celebrate with locals while migrating cranes return to their Himalayan habitat in the glaciated valley of Phobjika. After acclimatizing in Bhutan, we ll journey to Kathmandu and embark on a 6-day trek to the roof of the world in the shadow of Mount Everest. Following in Sir Edmund Hillary's footsteps from Namche to Pangboche, we ll hike past sacred Buddhist monasteries in picturesque Sherpa villages. Our journey is not only fully supported but also accommodated in comfortable mountain lodges with spacious heated rooms and spectacular mountain views. Our high-elevation ascent culminates as we soar high over the Khumbu in a helicopter over the flanks of the world s highest peaks before choppering through deep valleys back to Kathmandu. ** To find out more about why Fall 2016 is a great time to visit Nepal, click here. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS Tue, Nov 8 Wed, Nov 9 Thu, Nov 10 Fri, Nov 11 Sat, Nov 12 Sun, Nov 13 THIMPHU Hotel Osel Arrive and transfer, welcome dinner THIMPHU Hotel Osel BLD City tour PUNAKHA Drubchhu Resort BLD GANGTEY Dewachen BLD Drive to Punakha (3 hrs). Hike to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Drive to Gangtey (1.5 hrs). Visit Nature Center for cranes and attend Black Necked Crane Festival PARO Naksel Resort BLD Drive to Paro (4 hrs). Dochula Pass PARO Naksel Resort BLD Tiger s Nest hike Mon, Hotel KATHMANDU Nov 14 Shambhala BD Tue, Nov 15 KATHMANDU Hotel Shambala BL Wed, MONJO Nov 16 Thu, NAMCHE Nov 17 BAZAAR Fri, Nov 18 TASHINGA Sat, Nov 19 PANGBOCHE Sun, Nov 20 Mon, Nov 21 Tue, Nov 22 PANGBOCHE Everest Summit Lodge - Monjo Yeti Mountain Home Everest Summit Lodge - Tashinga Everest Summit Lodge- Pangboche Everest Summit Lodge- Pangboche BLD BLD BLD BLD BLD KATHMANDU Hotel Shambala BLD DEPARTURE B Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner. Lecture by Everest sherpa Visit orphanage, morning meditation session, Bodhnath, Pashupati, Patan City, dinner party with the guides Fly to Lukla. Trek to Monjo Trek to Namche. Visit markets Trek to Tashinga Trek to Pangboche, stopping at Tengboche enroute Optional: Hike to AmaDablam base camp Helicopter to Everest Base Camp, fly back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner Transfer to the airport for your flight home OR Extend to Chitwan National Park

3 ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN THIMPHU Experience a spectacular introduction to Bhutan on your arriving flight as clear weather reveals magnificent views of the world s highest peaks and the lush green Paro Valley below. After clearing customs and immigration, meet your guide and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan s capital, to meet your group. We ll tour the city (the only capital in the world without traffic lights!) with stops at the National Library, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Painting School, the Textile Museum, and the National Post Office (Bhutan has many intricate stamps). In the evening, join local Buddhists to walk around the National Memorial Chorten as they recite prayers; join them in whirling large prayer wheels to bring good fortune for our Himalayan journey before gathering for a traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner. Overnight Hotel Osel. [LD] DAY 2: EXPLORE THIMPHU Awaken early and head to a spectacular breakfast spot at a temple nestled high in the mountains. We'll stop at the Motitheng Takin Reserve en route. The Takin, Bhutan's national animal, has horns like a wildebeest, a nose like a moose, a tail like a bear, and a body like a bison! After getting to know the Takin, climb through forests of blue pine, oak, and dogwood to Chokortse Lhakhang temple at 8,700 feet. The temple, built in the 13th century by Lama Ugyen Dorji, offers magnificent views of the Thimphu Valley. We ll eat our hard-earned breakfast while gazing out at the idyllic landscape spread before us, lulled by the soft chanting of the monks as they recite their morning prayers. Descend from here to Wangditse Goemba and return to Thimphu to explore the markets. We ll pass by the Chamglmithang Archery Ground, stopping to see if there s a tournament, and, if we re lucky, we ll have the chance to be amazed by the skill and good-humored competition of this national pastime. Overnight Hotel Osel. [BLD] DAY 3: PUNAKHA VILLAGE HIKE Depart to Punakha (Drive time: 3 hours). We ll begin acclimatizing and warming up for Himalayan trekking with a walk to the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple, following local footpaths through rice fields and small villages with grand views of the Mo Chu River Valley below. Hike to the Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 as the second of Bhutan s iconic dzongs that for many years was the seat of the Bhutanese government. From this spectacular setting, look back to see the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple perched on a hillside in the distance. After a picnic on the lawn of the temple, it s a short walk to our waiting vehicle for our return trip to the hotel. Overnight at Drubchhu. [BLD] DAY 4: BLACK-NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL Drive to Gangtey and arrive midmorning at the quaint valley of Phobjikha (Drive time: 1.5 hours). Carved by mighty glaciers long ago, this valley, often described as the most beautiful in Bhutan, is nestled in a verdant conservation area protected as a winter habitat of the black-necked cranes that migrate from the high Tibetan plateau. The local community celebrates their safe return and welcomes outsiders to join them in rejoicing with folk songs, iconic Bhutanese mask dances, environmental conservation-themed dramas, and delicious food! We ll

4 immerse ourselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere and walk the trails of the Nature Information Center to get a close-up view of the cranes, This year s Black Necked Crane festival is particularly special, as it falls on the birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, the beloved ruler of Bhutan. Overnight at Dewachen. [BLD] DAY 5: DOCHULA PASS - PARO Set off for Paro, stopping to visit the monastery of Gangtey Gompa that dates back to the 17th century (Drive time: 4 hours). Take in the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges en route and admire the 100 picturesque stupas that mark Dochula Pass (10,006 ft). Jump out of the car and take advantage of the beautiful walking trails that wind around the ridge and down the pass. Lunch at the beautiful café perched atop the pass before continuing our descent into the valley. Upon arrival in Paro, settle in at the hotel for a free afternoon before dinner. Overnight at Naksel Resort. [BLD] DAY 6: PARO AND TIGER'S NEST Starting Elevation: 7,300 ft Ending Elevation: 10,240 ft Trek Time: 5 Hrs Hike through villages and pine forests to one of Bhutan s most revered icons, Taktsang Monastery, or the Tiger s Nest. A 1.5- hour climb takes us to the viewpoint. You ll also have the option to ride a pony (on flat areas only) up to the viewpoint. We ll climb another 1.5 hours to the monastery itself, where we ll eat a picnic lunch and explore this logic-defying hanging monastery that perches, seemingly impossibly, on the cliffside. On the way back from the monastery, we ll pay our respects at the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, Kychu Lhakhang. This temple was built in the 7th century by the first king of Tibet and Paro Rimpung Dzong; to make our way there, we ll pass through a traditional covered wooden bridge with a spectacular view of the dzong. Back in Paro, we ll say goodbye to the magical kingdom of Bhutan with a traditional Bhutanese dinner and cultural performance. Overnight at Naksel Resort. [BLD] DAY 7: FLY TO KATHMANDU Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon and board a short flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and pass the afternoon at your leisure before reuniting for a welcome dinner, where we ll meet our gracious Nepali hosts and guides for the trek. After dinner, we ll have the opportunity to hear from a sherpa who has worked on Everest for years. With a viewpoint certainly different from that of your typical Everest summiter, he ll describe the necessary preparations to summit Everest, the trail we'll be following, and the challenges faced beyond base camp. A personal friend, he was also on the mountain during the 2014 quake, and will speak about his experiences there. (Note that our time in Bhutan will have started the process of acclimatization, preparing us for the higher elevations that we ll encounter on the Everest trek.) Overnight at Hotel Shambala. [B] DAY 8: KATHMANDU EXPLORATION Exploring Kathmandu, we ll learn more about the rebuilding projects here and cook Nepali food in our guide's home! In the morning, head to Bodhanath, the stupa of a million dewdrops, to watch monks and devotees circumambulate the largest stupa in the world. At breakfast, lead guide Jwalant Gurung and the other founders of 3 Summits (a nonprofit dedicated to supporting grassroots organization in Nepal) will tell us more about Nepal s rebuilding efforts after the earthquake. We ll conclude this solemn but hopeful discussion at a dharma talk and optional meditation session conducted by a local healer at a

5 neighborhood temple. Then we're off to Kathmandu s Durbar Square and Swayambunath, the Buddhist Monkey Temple. This golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles away. After exploring this part of Kathmandu, we ll cross the Bagmati River to Patan. Even after the 2015 earthquake, Patan has retained the best concentration of temples and palaces in Nepal. Quaint shops and restaurants line the streets, as this is a hotspot for NGO workers and diplomats who live in the surrounding suburbs. Patan s fair-trade shops sell superior handicrafts at fair prices and channel money to some of the most needy in Nepal. Lunch in the garden of the Patan Museum Café, followed by a visit to the well-maintained Patan Museum that displays ancient Nepali artifacts. In the evening, we ll gather for dinner with our guides at Jwalant's home and learn how to cook Nepali food! This is a great opportunity to learn how to cook a staple of Nepli cuisine: momos! Similar to small dumplings, momos are stuffed with meat or vegetables and then steamed. It takes some practice to learn to craft beautiful momos, but luckily, even if they re ugly on the outside, they re always delicious on the inside. As you hone your momo-making skills, connect with and learn more about the lives of the guides you'll be with for the next few days. Tonight, we ll present Jwalant (founder of 3 Summits) with the solar panels for his organization that we ve purchased through our fundraising effort. Overnight Hotel Shambala. [BL] DAY 9: FLY TO LUKLA TREK TO MONJO Starting Elevation: 9,301 ft; Ending Elevation: 9,428 ft Distance: 12.7 km (7.9 miles); Trek Time: 5 Hrs Transfer to the domestic airport and hop in a Twin Otter aircraft to Lukla, the most renowned mountain airstrip in the world. Originally founded by Sir Edmund Hillary s Himalayan Trust, Lukla is now one of the busiest runways in Nepal, where rugged foothills extend to the snowline of the Himalaya; many of the world s highest mountains, including Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and of course, Mount Everest, can often be seen from the window of the plane. At Lukla, we ll meet our Sherpa porters and begin our trek to Monjo, walking through rhododendron, magnolia trees, and pine forests as we follow the frothy waters of the DudhKosi River. Following in the footsteps of world class climbers and sherpas, feel gratitude to be here in the reverent atmosphere that cloaks the heart of the Khumbu as we pass small settlements, Buddhist chortens, carved mani stones (Tibetan Buddhist engraved prayer stones), and prayer wheels that line the trail. Overnight Everest Summit Lodge Monjo. [BLD] DAY 10: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAAR Starting Elevation: 9,428 ft; Ending Elevation: 11,316 ft Distance: 4.8 km (3 miles); Trek Time: 4 Hrs Enter Sagarmatha National Park, which was established in 1976 to protect the area surrounding Mount Everest. A steady climb leads us all the way to Namche as we cross the highest suspension bridge on the trail over the DudhKosi,. This challenging day unfolds slowly as we gain over 640 meters (2100 feet) in elevation. The trail wanders past giant prayer wheels, farmhouses, and through small villages, with plenty of teahouses to stop and rest at along the way. Yak trains and porters supported by trekkers and climbers stream up and down the trail, leaving piles of mani stones for good luck. The Khumbu region s largest town and one of the world s highest marketplaces, Namche boasts narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, shops, and restaurants. Namche s weekly bazaar, long the center for trading in the area, attracts traders from around the region. It s also the cultural and social hub for the Sherpa people that live throughout the high intermountain valleys. Overnight at Yeti Mountain Home Namche. [BLD]

6 DAY 11: TREK TO TASHINGA Starting Elevation: 11,316 ft; Ending Elevation: 11,318 ft Distance: 8km (5 miles); Trek Time: 5 Hrs Awaken to fresh air, the jingle of yak bells, and the lazy crescendo of an alpine village starting its day. Following the trail as it rises steeply through dense forests to Khumjung, keep your eyes peeled for the Himalayan blue sheep and the colorful Danphe bird, the national bird of Nepal. As we gain elevation, the mountain views become more spectacular; Thamserku and Kangtega rise to the east, the majestic AmaDablam, Lhotse, and Everest pierce the skyline to the north, and Tawoche soars to the west. A short climb leads to the end of Syangboche airstrip (12,204 feet /3,720 meters) and the village of Khunde, famous for its hospital founded by Sir Edmund Hillary. Pass Khunde and descend to the Sherpa village of Khumjung (12,401 feet / 3,780 meters), nestled on the slopes of the sacred mountain Khumbi Yulha. We ll visit Khumjung s monastery and school, built in 1961 by Hillary s Himalayan Trust. The school, which opened with just two classrooms, has grown to include over 350 students in preschool, primary, and secondary grades. Follow the trail to Sanasa, where the trail drops steadily through the small settlement of Tashinga. There, we ll rest for the night and sleep at approximately the same elevation as Namche, allowing us to acclimatize to the altitude. The Everest Summit Lodge Tashinga is perhaps the most beautiful of all the lodges, featuring a spectacular terrace on which to drink tea and take in the views of the mountains. Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge - Tashinga [BLD]. DAY 12: TREK TO PANGBOCHE Starting Elevation: 11,318 ft; Ending Elevation: 13,074 ft Distance: 8km (5 miles); Trek Time: 5 Hrs Enjoy a final cup of tea on Tashinga s expansive terrace, gazing at the trail we follow today as it strikes a dramatic diagonal through the valley toward the famous monastery of Tengboche. As we make our way to Pangboche, the highest village on our trek, AmaDablam, considered by many to be one of the world s most beautiful Himalayan peaks, dominates the view. We step in at Tengboche Monastery to take solace and meet the monks, thankful to have reached this sacred place located at the confluence of the DudhKosi and ImjaKhola rivers. It's one of the most magical places in the Himalaya, featuring spectacular views of Everest and a wealth of mani stones. The monastery houses up to 60 monks at a time who have made the pilgrimage to this auspicious site in Nepal. The largest monastery in Khumbu, Tengboche was built in 1916 and maintains strong ties with Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet, on the north side of Mount Everest. Here, present a khata, a ceremonial scarf, to the monks for their blessing. Usually a pillar of passage for Everest summit hopefuls, this auspicious token is a resonant and special item for all. Continue trekking to Pangboche, settling in for two nights. Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge Pangboche. [BLD] DAY 13: AMADABLAM BASE CAMP Starting Elevation: 13,074 ft; Ending Elevation: 14,943 ft Trek Time: 6-7 Hrs Hike to the highest point on our trek, AmaDablam Base Camp, into the arms of what is often considered the most beautiful mountain in the world. Echoing its Nepali name, which translates to mother s

7 necklace, AmaDablam s long ridges are like the arms of a mother protecting her child. Cross the DudhKosi before climbing up the far side of the river, following the trail and ridgeline up to base camp. We ll eat lunch surrounded by mesmerizing snowcapped views before descending back through gentle, grassy slopes to Pangboche. If you re interested in a more relaxed day, there are plenty of shorter hikes. Overnight at Everest Summit Lodge - Pangboche [BLD] DAY 14: DAY 8: EVEREST SCENIC HELICOPTER RIDE Flight Duration: hrs Prepare for a spectacular view of Everest and its surroundings on an exhilarating helicopter ride. Soar over the glacial ponds and icebergs of the Khumbu glacier above Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before making the stunning (and fast!) descent between high peaks and lush valleys to Kathmandu. We ll settle in to our familiar favorite, Hotel Shambala, and take the afternoon to savor our accomplishments before gathering for a final traditional 6-course Nepali celebration meal at Dwarika s, a heritage hotel with world-class food. Overnight at Hotel Shambala. [BD]. DAY 15: DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your international flight home or extend to the jungles of Chitwan and/or the culturally rich area of Pokhara. [B]. INCLUDED SERVICES All meals according to itinerary [B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] All airport-hotel transfers and transportation per the itinerary Domestic flights (Kathmandu Lukla) Helicopter flight from Pangboche to Everest to Kathmandu Guided tours and excursions entrance fees and trekking permit) Everest trek with services of experienced trek leaders, Sherpas and porters with their allowances, wages, meals and insurances included Gratuities to all guides, trek staff, trek leaders and drivers Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare (listed separately) Nepal Visa (US citizens can obtain on arrival) Bhutan Visa (listed separately) Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above FOR PRICING CLICK Here

8 Himalayan Expedition Team This trek is planned to allow for plenty of acclimation days before reaching high altitude, particularly with time in Bhutan before trekking in Nepal. The trek sirdar head Sherpa - and assistant guides are exceptionally experienced in high altitude trekking and trained in wilderness medicine and evacuation. The team of guides carries satellite phones and gamow bags (for high altitude sickness) and has access to oxygen and medical supplies as needed. Guides and porters are paid a higher than normal salary and are provided with quality gear and emergency medical insurance for evacuation if needed. We provide SteriPens to provide clean water, while saving on fuel and protecting you. All meals are provided on the trek and you can choose whatever you wish from the menus. For more info on why to trek with us, click here

9 ACCOMMODATIONS HOTEL OSEL, THIMPHU Situated within the heart of the Thimphu valley but just off the main road, Osel is a 35-room hotel that captures the best of both worlds: It offers easy access for city exploration but still has amazing views of the Tashicho Dzong and the glorious mountains that adorn Bhutan. Each room is heated and features wifi, an inroom safe, and tasteful Bhutanese furnishings. DRUBCHHU, PUNAKHA Nestled in beautiful Punakha valley, the Drubchhu is conveniently located close to the town and river. It features both a garden on the premises and gorgeous views of the Punakha valley, overlooking paddy fields and farmhouses. Drubchhu is a familyowned and -managed resort that was developed from the ruins of an old granary built by Zhabdung Jigme Choegyal more than a hundred years ago. The property has a natural spring believed to be a Drubchhu (healing/miraculous water). Each of the Bhutanese-style rooms is equipped with hot water, wifi, and goose down bedding. DEWACHEN LODGE, GANGTEY Encircled by pine forests in the hidden valley of Phobjikha, the Dewachen Hotel features sixteen double rooms, modern bathroom fittings, and a restaurant with a magnificent view. The hotel is designed and decorated in modern traditional Bhutanese style, perfectly blended with the natural garden and apple orchard surroundings. Relax in the cocktail lounge or explore the horseriding facilities. Each room has heat, wifi, and a balcony from which to admire your surroundings. NAKSEL RESORT, PARO Simply elegant, Naksel combines traditional Bhutanese architecture with eco-friendly, modern amenities. Elaborate handcarved pillars and beautiful stonework exemplify the essence of Bhutan while tapered mud-brick walls provide insulation and restful silence. Leading Bhutan in energy efficiency, Naksel features Swedish under-floor heating systems, LED lighting, and highly efficient water heaters. Each deluxe cottage has a private balcony with views of the surrounding countryside, free wifi, and beautiful woodwork complimented by traditional Bhutanese decoration.

10 HOTEL SHAMBALA, KATHMANDU Hotel Shambala is a Tibetan-themed boutique hotel in Kathmandu offering the best in modern amenities with traditional Nepalese hospitality. Hotel Shambala is just a 10-minutes drive from the city center in close proximity to major embassies, businesses, and within easy access to iconic Kathmandu sites. Décor items in the hotel s rooms, locally sourced to support and highlight the craftsmanship of local artisans, include handknotted Tibetan rugs, hand-embroidered furnishings, thanka paintings, and custom handmade furniture. Shambala has a gorgeous rooftop swimming pool and poolside café, a multicuisine restaurant, spa, and wifi. EVEREST SUMMIT LODGE, MONJO Everest Summit Lodge is located in Monjo, a five-hour walk from nearby Lukla, at an altitude of 2,850 meters. At Everest Summit Lodge, put your feet up and sip on warm tea while taking in the amazing backdrop of the Thamserku Mountian and the Hinku Valley below. The 20 rooms feature heated beds and en suite bathrooms with hot water. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Nepalese, Indian, and Continental cuisine. YETI MOUNTAIN HOME, NAMCHE Perched on the upper slopes of the bustling Sherpa capital, Yeti Mountain Home Namche is simply breathtaking. The lodge bedrooms, featuring extensive natural wood, are furnished in a combination of traditional Khumbu and modern style for a warm, cozy, and relaxing feel. Each room has an en suite bathroom with hot water, electric blankets to keep you warm, and wifi. Explore the small library, wander the streets of Namche, or congregate in the wood-fire-heated dining room for a filling Nepalese meal. EVEREST SUMMIT LODGE, TASHINGA The renovated Everest Summit Lodge in Tashinga sits among pine forests that offer panoramic views of AmaDablam, Kangtega, and Thamserku. Situated at an elevation of 3,450 meters, this solar-powered lodge has ten rooms with heated beds and showers. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Nepalese, Indian, and Bhutanese cuisine.

11 EVEREST SUMMIT LODGE, PANGBOCHE Situated right off the mail trail to Everest Base Camp, Everest Summit Lodge Pangboche is one of the highest permanent settlements in the Everest region; Pangboche itself is home to one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. The ten room solar-powered lodge is located at an altitude of 3,985 meters, and a large balcony on the first floor overlooks the fantastic surrounding mountains. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Nepalese, Indian, and Continental cuisine.

12 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions