Trek NEPAL FOR MARIE CURIE 18-26 January 2019 Register online now at mariecurie.org.uk/nepal or call 0800 716 146
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE NEPAL This incredible challenge takes place in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas offering an unforgettable journey through a region with some of the finest trekking in the world. Brian Morrison/Marie Curie Nepal TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME FOR MARIE CURIE We re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families our work is only possible thanks to amazing supporters like you. When you challenge yourself in Nepal, you ll be helping our nurses provide expert care, guidance and support. Every step you take will help people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, get the most from the time they have left together. 2
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES 180 pays for a Marie Curie Nurse to look after someone living with a terminal illness overnight in their own home. 350 pays for five people to attend day therapy at a Marie Curie Hospice, benefitting from gentle exercise, emotional support and more. 400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days. 3
DAY 1 Depart UK DAY 2 Arrive in Kathmandu mid-afternoon and transfer to the Summit Hotel. The hotel is situated on a hillside and there are great views from the terrace looking across the city and to the Himalaya in the distance. What an experience!! The trek was a fantastic challenge and I have met friends for life. Marie Curie trekker 4
DAY 3 Kathmandu Sundarijal Chisopani 6 hours trekking We make an early start from Kathmandu to the starting point of our trek at Sundarijal. From Sundarijal the trail climbs steeply up to the ridge line bordering the northern side of the Kathmandu valley. Crossing the ridge via a small pass at Bunlang we drop down to the small village of Chisopani where we camp at 2215m. DAY 4 Chisopani Gul Bhanjang 6-7 hours trekking The day starts with a steep descent to the village of Pati Bhanjang where we stop for a short rest before another steep climb up through the village of Chipling where we break for lunch. This afternoon our ascent continues until we reach the shoulder of Jogin Danda. The trail now levels off traversing through rhododendron and mixed forest until a gradual descent to the camp site at Gul Bhanjang at 2130m. Thinkstock 5
DAY 5 Gul Bhanjyang Ichok 7 hours trekking We pass through the village of Gul Bhanjyang, after a steep but fairly short climb we arrive at an Alpine type meadow with excellent views of the Jugal Himal to the north. From here it is a short distance to Kutumsang where we stop for lunch. After lunch the trail makes a big traversing loop under the slopes of Hille danda, passing through a mix of forest and farm land. Tonight we camp outside the small hamlet of Ichok at 2200m. Ros Cocks/Marie Curie 6
Ros Cocks/Marie Curie DAY 6 Ichok Tarkeghyang 7 hours trekking This morning s trek starts with a four hour descent all the way down to the Melamchi river. After lunch it is a three hour steep walk up to the large Sherpa village of Tarkeghyang. The climb will be broken by visiting the impressive Gompa (temple) at Nakotegoan. Tarkeghyang at 2270m is the largest of the villages in Helambu and where we will be camping tonight. DAY 7 Tarkeghyang Thimbu Kathmandu 3-4 hours trekking This morning we start by heading south. The character of the landscape and the people changes back to that of the lower foothills as we leave the hills behind us. Passing through several Bahun and Chettri villages we make a final descent to the end trek point at Thimbu where we meet our vehicles and start our transfer back to Kathmandu for our celebration dinner. DAY 8 Depart Kathmandu 7
ESSENTIAL Registration INFORMATION 299 fee (non-refundable) Minimum sponsorship 3450 9 day trip with five days trekking Trip grading 9 days challenging 8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who can take part? Anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for a challenge is able to take part. The majority will be on their own, but some will go with friends, partners or relatives. This event will be tough and exhilarating, but it will be fantastically rewarding and is suitable for anyone with a bit of grit, determination and willingness to work as part of a team. How fit do I need to be? This trek is challenging. All our trekking challenges are designed to suit people who are fit and have trained to take part the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the adventure. We walk approximately 12-18 kilometres (5-7 hours) per day. Will I need specialist kit? We will send you a recommended packing list in your welcome pack which will detail any specialist equipment you may need. WHAT S INCLUDED What s not included? Registration fee Travel insurance Recommended vaccinations Tips and gratuities Visa Personal spending money What will we eat and drink? All the water on the trek will be boiled and safe to drink. Breakfast will consist of cereals local breads and eggs. A typical lunch will include salads, cold meats, eggs, rice, bread and cheese with fruit and biscuits. In the evening there will be a hot meal, normally three courses, comprising soup, main meal and dessert. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements and feel free to bring any of your favourite snacks. Return flights Local transfers Accommodation Trek leader Medic All meals while trekking 9
What about vaccinations? As a guide, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are advisable. Tetanus and Polio vaccinations should be up to date. Anti- Malaria protection is also advisable if you are planning on staying on and travelling to low-land Nepal. This is a guideline only; you are advised to seek professional medical advice from their GP or local travel clinic. How will I be supported? Beforehand: You will be sent a fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your sponsorship target. We will be in touch regularly and will organise a briefing day where you ll meet other trekkers and hear more about the challenge. During the trip: Your group will be accompanied by a qualified doctor and trek leader, as well as a Marie Curie representative. Local guides will escort the group along the route. Your luggage will be transported to each night s camp. Can I cover the cost of the trip myself? We ask you to raise a minimum of 3,450. A minimum of 2,339* will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship. If you would like to pay for the trip yourself please contact us on 0800 716 146** for further information. What will the weather be like? The weather should be dry and bright in January. Temperatures might reach 25-30 C in the middle of the day and drop to -10 C at night. Mountain weather can change without warning so it s best to be prepared. Passports and visas Participants should have at least six months validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. Everyone travelling from the UK will require a tourist visa. We will send further details nearer the time. Can I extend my stay? Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek can arrange to do so through Ultimate Travel at an additional cost and subject to availability. Please note that you may need to buy a separate visa if you are extending your trip. Do overseas challenges damage the environment? Marie Curie is committed to responsible tourism. This challenge is organised by our tour operator, The Ultimate Travel Company, which employs local staff and suppliers, creates minimal environmental impact and positively contributes to conservation in Nepal. 10
FUNDRAISING FOR MARIE CURIE When you take on an overseas challenge for Marie Curie, we re here to help and support you every step of the way. Your local Marie Curie fundraiser Once you ve registered, you will be put in touch with your local Marie Curie fundraiser who will help you with your fundraising plans and offer advice whenever you need it. Welcome pack We ll send you a welcome pack and fundraising guide full of tried and tested tips to help you smash your target. If you d like to see some ideas for fundraising before you get your pack, check out this page on our website. mariecurie.org.uk/event-fundraising-tips Getting started A great first step is setting up a JustGiving page. This is the quickest and easiest way to tell people that you re fundraising and to gather your sponsorship online. Get personal Tell people why you re doing this challenge. People respond best to personal stories. Don t forget to add some photos or videos. Make the most of social media Announce your sponsorship page and ask people for donations on Facebook and Twitter. Add your JustGiving web address to your email signature so everyone you contact can see it. And don t forget to tweet it too! Supersize your fundraising See if your employer will match your fundraising pound for pound, or up to a fixed amount. And ask your sponsors to Gift Aid their donation. Get in touch Please do get in touch if you have any questions or want support. We d love to hear from you on 0800 716 146.** mariecurieuk *Based on minimum participant numbers. **Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am 5pm. 11
REGISTER NOW For more information visit mariecurie.org.uk/overseas If you have any questions feel free to call us on 0800 716 146** or email events@mariecurie.org.uk 5111 We re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. mariecurie.org.uk Charity reg no. 207994 (England & Wales), SC038731 (Scotland) B343a