Indian Sub continent Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Himalaya Challenge trip highlights Raise funds for Jhamtse Gatsal before leaving home Spend time within the Jhamtse Gatsal community, meeting the teachers, caregivers, children and founder, a former Buddhist Monk Lobsang Phunksok Work alongside members of the Jhamtse Gatsal community to build a greenhouse to enable the Community to become more self sufficient in growing their food, and to be a model of increasing agricultural productivity and diversity for local villagers Visit the largest old Tibetan monastery in south east Asia Tawang Monastery A stunning day trek from Tawang for incredible views towards Bhutan A visit to Nameri National Park to spot elephants, tiger, leopard, barking deer as well as the plethora of exotic birdlife Supporting Your Cause Jhamtse Gatsal (jhaam tsay gah tsal) is Tibetan for garden of love and compassion. It is a community, a school, and a home for 90 children ranging in age from toddler to adolescent. Jhamtse Gatsal lies in the district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and the children are those in greatest need from nearby villages. It s the community featured in the multi award winning film Tashi and the Monk. Each of the children at Jhamtse Gatsal has a background of adversity. Our mission is to help these neediest children of this remote area in Himalayan India achieve their fullest potential, and to be a model community for the region. Trip Duration 14 days Trip Code: JG16 Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring, Wildlife Safari and Community Project Summary 6 nights hotel, 5 nights dormitory style at Jhamtse Gatsal community and 2 night eco camp Your Huma Challenge Thank you for your interest in our Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community Indian. Huma Charity Challenge is a division of the worldwide adventure travel company World Expeditions. When joining a Huma Charity Challenge you embark on a remarkable journey to discover your inner philanthropist as you raise money for a Charity that is important to you. At the same time you take on the challenge of fundraising and partake in an adventure to discover new worlds, new landscapes and new cultures... perhaps you ll even discover how far your personal boundaries stretch as you take on a physical challenge like a cycling, trekking or a mountaineering adventure. We are passionate about off the beaten track travel experiences as they provide travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. Our itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups. Our itineraries provide the very best travel experience, designed by people with vast local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible travel approach at the core. 1 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
2016 06 Apr - 20 Apr Trip Dates Charity Challenge Payments Joining Delhi: $2400 Non refundable registration fee: $200 Single Supplement: $440 Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community Fee: $640 Minimum charity donation: $2500 All prices are per person Refer to the charity challenge calendar at the end of this document for specific payment dates. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. What Impact Will My Fundraising Have? The funds raised will go to Jhamtse Gatsal s capital projects. The goal of the capital projects is to improve the community for existing children and to enable Lobsang to say Yes! to more children in need. Currently each family of 20+ children and their amala (housemother) lives in a room designed to be a classroom. Jhamtse Gatsal will begin construction in late 2015 on the first of eight needed family houses, that each include an area for meditation and an altar, typical of all Tibetan homes. A new kitchen/dining building is planned to replace the current crumbling bamboo and mud structure built in 2006, and additional school facilities, staff housing, and a clinic will complete the campus. Substantial funds are needed to keep construction moving forward. Your Adventure If you ve been fortunate enough to watch Tashi and the Monk, then you ll know about Jhamtse Gatsal, the incredible community, school and home that has been created in northeast India for 90 children ranging in age from toddler to adolescent. The children in the community are those in greatest need from nearby villages. They all come from impoverished families, they may be orphans, and they are typically malnourished and neglected. Each one has a background of adversity. The goal of Jhamtse Gatsal is to provide these children with better lives, helping them to achieve their fullest potential and to become good human beings. The founder, and former Buddhist Monk Lobsang Phunksok, who trained under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has instilled in the teachers, amalas and children the three pillars of intelligent mind, kind heart and healthy body and these values permeate their learning and life. This is a truly unique opportunity to raise funds for the education and care of these children, and to stay in their community and work alongside them to build a much needed greenhouse. The experience is combined with a wildlife safari and some wonderful sightseeing to discover the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of this unique, ethnically Tibetan, region of India. Fundraising Options There are a number of ways you can approach your fundraising: 1. You can choose to pay for the travel costs yourself and just fundraise the charity donation. 2. You can opt to fundraise the entire amount the travel cost and the charity donation. You must make sure that funds raised for the travel cost are done so independent of the charity and that donors understand that their donation will be directed towards your travel expenses and are not tax deductible. 3. You may choose to pay for the entire amount yourself and claim the charity donation component as a personal tax deductible donation to your charity. 4. Lastly you can attempt to fundraise as much as you can in the given time and personally fund the balance of the total. Upon registration Huma Challenge will send you a Confirmation Kit that will contain a range of helpful documentation including our Fundraiser s Guidebook [a great resource for fundraising ideas}, a welcome letter from Jhamtse Gatsal that will act as an authority to fundraise on their behalf as well as a copy of the deluxe version of the Tashi and the Monk DVD (a great tool to raise funds and awareness). 2 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Community Project During our stay at the Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community we will build an educational greenhouse that is 18 feet wide x 36 feet long and will be made out of bricks, mortar, a stone base, wood frame and poly sheeting. The children will benefit from the nutritional value of year round local produce, also the educational program that will integrate hands on science lessons in agriculture into their class curriculum. The greenhouse will teach them valuable lessons in biology, interaction with the environment, and personal responsibility. Child Protection Policy Children working and living in tourist areas are especially vulnerable to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Huma Charity Challenge is committed to the protection of children everywhere. On itineraries where travellers are volunteering at a school, we have in place a Child Protection Code of Conduct, which is modelled on World Vision s Child Protection and Trafficking best practice protocol. For these trips we ask that travellers read, sign and return the code of conduct to their reservations consultant. We also ask that they provide a Police Record Check (or equivalent in their country). The check is to ensure that members of the group do not have a history of child related offences. Online Fundraising Portal United States: Jhamtse International is a tax exempt, non profit organization. Your contributions are tax deductible under U.S. 501(c)3 regulations. Set up your online fundraising page at www.crowdrise.com/jhamtseinternational Canada: Jhamtse Canada is a registered charity (#814420238RR0001 with Revenue Canada Agency and is able to issue donation tax receipts. Set up your fundraising page at www. crowdrise.com/jhamtsecanada Switzerland: Jhamtse Switzerland is a non profit association recognised by the Geneva Cantonal Tax authority as a tax exempt public interest organisation. Persons who make donations to Jhamtse Switzerland can usually deduct these from their taxes in Switzerland. Set up your fundraising page at www.crowdrise.com/jhamtseswitzerland Participants from other countries are welcomed, and may contribute through any of the options above. However, if you are not a citizen of or living in the US, Canada or Switzerland, it is unlikely that you will be able to deduct your contribution from your taxes. Itinerary at a Glance DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAYS 6-9 DAY 10 DAY 11 DAY 12 DAY 13 DAY 14 ARRIVE DELHI, TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL FLY FROM DELHI TO GUWAHATI. PROCEED TO TAWANG OR POBITORA NATIONAL PARK FLY TO TAWANG OR EXPLORE TAWANG SCENIC DAY TREK TO THE BHUTAN BORDER DRIVE FROM TAWANG TO JHAMTSE GATSAL, SETTLE IN AND ORIENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PROJECT AT JHAMTSE GATSAL CHILDREN S COMMUNITY FROM JHAMTSE GATSAL TO LUMLA: FLY TO GUWAHATI OR DAY IN TAWANG FLY TO GUWAHATI OR VISIT POBITORA NATIONAL PARK NEAR GUWAHATI DRIVE TO NAMERI NATIONAL PARK [APPROX. 5-6 HRS], VISIT LOCAL TRIBAL VILLAGE. AT NAMERI NATIONAL PARK - JUNGLE WALK AND RAFTING TO GUWAHATI, FLY TO DELHI WHERE TRIP CONCLUDES. 3 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Fast Facts Countries Visited: India Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Group Size Min: 10 Group Size Max: 16 Leader: Expert local leader *Ask our staff for more information What s Included 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners airport transfers on day 01 & 02 5 nights hotel, 2 nights resort on twin share basis 6 nights shared accommodation at Jhamtse Gatsal expert English and Hindi speaking World Expeditions guide all necessary permits, taxes and passes private road vehicles (3 passengers per vehicle) with driver flights Delhi Guwahati Delhi helicopter Guwahati Tawang Guwahati or road transfers and associated accommodation and meals visit to Tawang Monastery, War Memorial and Khinmey Gompa jeep safari in Pobitora one time entry and nature walk inside Nameri National Park with a Naturlist guide and armed guard, as well as rafting at Jia Bharali River tribal village walk near Nameri National Park and traditional dance performance all costs associated with the community project work at Jhamtse Gatsal USD$640/CAD$910/ 430 of the total trip cost is to be paid directly to Jhamtse International. Make checks payable to Jhamtse International and mail them to: Jhamtse International 25 Duggan Road, Acton MA 01720. Or you can pay online at www.jhamtseinternational.org/donate/. This payment must be made 70 days prior to the departure date. Jhamtse Gatsal will use these funds to book helicopter flights Guwahati Lumla Guwahati and also for the required Protected Area Permit with the Indian government. If the helicopter service is cancelled due to bad weather these funds will also cover the costs of road transfer from Guwahati Lumla Guwahati, accommodation and meals. Any surplus funds will be made as a donation to Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community. Detailed Itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Delhi, transfer to the hotel Upon arrival in Delhi, you ll be met at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Delhi. Overnight in hotel. meals: NIL DAY 2 Fly from Delhi to Guwahati. Proceed to Tawang or Pobitora National Park Rise early for a transfer to the domestic airport for 5:30am group flight to Guwahati in Assam. At Guwahati the group splits into two groups. Group A takes the 45 minute helicopter flight to Lumla at 10:30am, transfers by private vehicle to Tawang, and has the afternoon free in Tawang. Group B transfers to a Guwahati Hotel. After lunch they take a private vehicle to Pobitora National Park for a jeep safari where them may spot the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, as well as leopard, wild boar, barking deer, and wild buffalo. The guide will remain with Group B. Transfers from Lumla to the hotel in Tawang have been organised for Group A. Overnight in Tawang and Guwahati at Hotels. DAY 3 Fly to Tawang or explore Tawang Group A has the morning free in Tawang. Group B flies to Lumla at 10:30am, and transfers by private vehicle to Tawang. The group reunites for an afternoon of sightseeing in Tawang, including a visit to the impressive, nearly 400 year-old, Tawang Monastery. Overnight in hotel. 4 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Responsible Travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.humachallenge.com ELEPHANT WELFARE For centuries throughout Asia the elephant has been revered, as well as utilised for the purpose of logging. However in the late 80s the use of elephants in the logging industry was banned because of over logging, and so mahouts turned to the tourism industry for income. As a result elephant tourism experiences have popped up throughout Asia and it can be difficult for travellers to resist the temptation to ride these beautiful and incredibly intelligent creatures. In recent years there has been much research into the impact of tourism activities on elephants well being. From the brutal taming of baby elephants called the crush to ongoing confinement and the mere fact that the elephants spine is not meant to carry heavy weights there are many instances where incorrect management results in a negative impact for the elephants. Because of this World Expeditions discourages travellers from riding on the back of elephants and we do not include elephant rides in our itineraries throughout our global program and across all World Expeditions brands. DAY 4 Scenic day trek to the Bhutan border Following breakfast we take a two hour drive to Namtsering Bridge Point, after that, trek to BeletengBuri, near the Bhutan Border, after a picnic lunch we return on foot to Namtsering Bridge and return by car to Tawang. Overnight in hotel. DAY 5 Drive from Tawang to Jhamtse Gatsal, settle in and orientation of the community Following breakfast and a lazy morning in Tawang, we drive 2 hours to reach Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community. We are welcomed by the community and spend the rest of the day settling in and getting acquainted with the community. Overnight in shared accommodation in the community. meals: B DAYS 6-9 Community Project at Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community During the next four days we will work alongside community members, including the children to build the greenhouse. We will experience the loving vibrancy of this remarkable community first hand, as we are surrounded by the warm, welcoming and enthusiastic children. During these work days we will take a half day off to do the circuit hike to the huge Tara Monument, overlooking Jhamtse Gatsal, and visible from Bhutan and Chinese Tibet. Lobsang Phuntsok will join us for the final evening meal. Overnight in shared accommodation in the community. DAY 10 From Jhamtse Gatsal to Lumla: fly to Guwahati or day in Tawang This morning we take our last breakfast with our new friends at Jhamtse Gatsal. Once we ve said our goodbyes we drive by private vehicle to Lumla, from which Group A will fly to Guwahati. Group B will drive to Tawang for a free day. The guide will stay with Group A. Overnight in Guwahati and Tawang in hotels. DAY 11 Fly to Guwahati or visit Pobitora National Park near Guwahati After breakfast members of Group A will take a private vehicle to Pobitora National Park to spot the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, as well as leopard, wild boar, barking deer, wild buffalo by jeep safari. Meanwhile Group B will be transferred to Lumla for their flight to Guwahati, on arrival they transfer to Guwahati Hotel. The group reunites for dinner. Overnight in hotel. DAY 12 Drive to Nameri National Park [approx. 5-6 hrs], visit Local Tribal Village. Today we will drive to Nameri National Park, where we ll stay for two nights at the resort, located outside of the National Park. When we arrive at the park we will take a tribal village walk and enjoy a traditional Assamese Bihu Dance in the evening. Overnight at Resort. DAY 13 At Nameri National Park - jungle walk and rafting Today we will take a jungle walk inside the National Park with naturalist guide and an armed guard to spot wildlife. Nameri National Park is a tiger reserve and a birdwatchers dream, and consumes 200 square kms. It is the home of mammals like elephant, tiger, leopard, sambar, barking deer, hog deer, slow loris, Burmese ferret badger, and over 350 species of birds including White-winged Wood Duck, Ibisbill (uncommon), Ruddy Kingfisher and Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantails. Overnight at resort. 5 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Adventure Travel By its very nature Charity Challenges involve an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are suitably fit, flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your charity representative or one of our team. Important Note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any other supplied information, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. DAY 14 To Guwahati, fly to Delhi where trip concludes. Private vehicle transfer from Nameri National Park to Guwahati (approx 5-6 hrs drive). Fly to Delhi where trip concludes. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any modifications in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. Country Information India has fascinated travellers for thousands of years. It s exotic, chaotic, romantic and wild a garam masala like mix of moods, textures, fragrances and colours that will delight and challenge your senses and quite possibly your sensibilities. It really is a land of contrasts, home to more than a billion people, 18 officially recognized languages and more religions and sects than any other place on earth. Arunachal Pradesh holds the most northern position of all of India s 29 states. This is the largest of the seven sister states in North East India and is unrivalled in its charm and aesthetic diversity. Flanked by Myanmar in the East, Bhutan in the west and China in the North, Arunachal Pradesh is also known as Land of the Dawn Lit Mountains. Most of this beautiful state is covered by the Himalayas. The people native to Arunachal Pradesh originate from the Tibeto Burman people. It is the orchid state of India with a very large number of apple and flower orchids. Grand wild landscape, deep valleys, bamboo bridges and pristine waters make for stunning scenery. Climate The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with elevation. The very high elevations of the Upper Himalaya have an alpine climate. The Middle Himalayas experience a temperate climate and the sub Himalayan to sea level elevation experience sub tropical climate, typically hot summers and mild winters. Arunachal Pradesh receives heavy rainfall of 2,000 to 4,100 millimetres annually. The wet season between May and September. A Typical Day GETTING TO JHAMTSE GATSAL Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community is located in a very beautiful and remote region of India. Because of the remoteness, the commercial helicopter flights to Lumla (the closest airstrip) are scheduled just once a day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and there are limited seats on board the helicopter. We plan to book flights for the group out of Guwahati to Lumla on two consecutive days. The group will fly from Delhi to Guwahati and at Guwahati split into two groups, to access the flights on the two consecutive days. The helicopter flights can be cancelled due to bad weather (not likely in April) but our contingency if the flights are cancelled is to organise for the group to travel to Jhamtse Gatsal by road in a fleet of private vehicles (3 passengers and a driver). The trip on the sharply winding, rough, narrow road into the Himalaya, over a nearly 14,000 foot pass is spectacular. Meals over the two days and one night accommodation will be arranged for the group by the management of Jhamtse Gatsal, they are well experienced in organising this road trip for previous visitors. The road trip will take two days (approx. 8 hrs each day) since the road is bumpy and winding and very scenic. ACCOMMODATION & MEALS AT JHAMTSE GATSAL 6 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
When we arrive at the Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community we will be welcomed with a celebratory dinner. We will stay in rooms shared with 4 5 members of your group. You will have access to the shared shower and toilet facilities closest to your rooms. All of the showers are equipped with water heaters. The Jhamtse Gatsal kitchen will serve three delicious vegetarian meals a day, most of it sourced from the community gardens tended to by staff and students. Here s a sample menu: Indian breads with lentils or some kind of beans and tea (milk or black) for breakfast; lunch is usually rice, lentils and a vegetable; dinner is either the same as lunch or sometimes Tibetan noodle soup (Thenthuk), Tibetan steamed bread (Timomo) with lentils or vegetables and sometimes chowmein and soup. The kitchen tries to serve egg twice a week, depending on availability. It can be served on either of the meals. Tea and some cookies are served as morning snack. COMMUNITY PROJECT WORK AT JHAMTSE GATSAL In advance of your arrival, all materials for the project work will have been purchased and transported to Jhamtse Gatsal. You ll be introduced to the project manager when you arrive at the village and you ll receive a briefing about the aims of the project work. Normally, the group will be divided into sub groups to work on different components of the project. There will be a good deal of flexibility in the hours that you work each day but it is anticipated that you will be involved in project work for approximately 5 to 6 hours each day. JHAMTSE GATSAL ESCORT & YOUR LOCAL GUIDE Judith Webster will be travelling with the group. Judith will not fill the role of a guide but rather she ll be available to answer your questions about Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community. She is one of three founding members of Jhamtse Switzerland, a Swiss non profit organization created in 2012 to support the Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community. She spends as much time as possible working on a voluntary basis for Jhamtse Switzerland, including fundraising for capital projects, co managing its child sponsorship program and finding volunteers for the school. She believes strongly in the relevance of the educational experience at Jhamtse Gatsal for Western society today and is keen to promote more interchange. Judith spent her entire career working in financial services until summer 2012 when she decided to devote more time to philanthropy and developing new skills and passions. Judith is a UK citizen and has lived in Switzerland for the past 23 years. A local World Expeditions guide will carry out the role of guiding the group throughout the trip. During your time at Jhamtse Gatsal Community your guide will stay with the group but will take a back seat, since the management team at Jhamtse Gatsal will coordinate the project work, activities and meals. Dietary Requirements During our time at Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community we will enjoy a vegetarian diet. Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we may be able to assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage those travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. What You Carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip eze etc. 7 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Equipment Required Please pack a pair of work gloves as well as some suitable clothing to wear during the project work. We will give you a comprehensive gear list upon registration. Vehicles & Safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example. Whilst we do not include animal rides on most of our trips, there are occasions where it may be possible to undertake them optionally and to do so is at your own risk. Note that helmets and professional riding equipment are not available in all circumstances. What s Not Included International airfares and departure taxes Visas Travel Insurance (compulsory) Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Tips and gratuities Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol etc Optional activities and sightseeing during free time Still/video camera fees at monuments How To Book To register on this challenge please complete the registration form and return to Huma Challenge. Attention Laura McCoy Email: info@humachallenge.com Post: Huma Challenge, 47 William Street, Ottawa (ON) K1N 6Z9 Otherwise you can make your booking online by using the REGISTER NOW button found at the bottom of the relevant challenge page on our website www.humachallenge.com FAQs Q. Am I suited to group travel? A. We recognize that many of our participants have not been on a group trip before. You can rest assured that our trips are flexible and allow you to do your thing within the framework of the itinerary. We do not attempt to instill a group ethos and fully recognize your needs as an individual. But you will be travelling with like-minded people that have also fundraised for a very worthy cause. Q. How fit do I have to be? A. Our adventures are first and foremost challenges but can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness. All our trips are graded, allowing you to evaluate if you are suited for the adventure challenge. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with our grading system and to speak with our expert staff on the physical requirements of your trip. 8 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Q. What level of comfort can I expect? A. On all our trekking adventures we camp in style and comfort, using the best equipment. All your gear is carried (except where specified) and meals are cooked for you while our staff set up camp. As you would expect we provide the same level of comfort on our cycling adventures. On our journeys our accompanying leader and staff take care of your day-to-day needs while you stay in local hotels and travel in the comfort of private vehicles. Q. How safe is it? A. On all our trips your wellbeing is our first priority. Our staffs constantly review every aspect of your adventure and our expert guides are fully conversant with the demands of travelling in remote regions. Q. What about the food? A. We are fully aware of the healthy appetites that build up when trekking, touring and working on construction projects, and so we provide tasty and varied meals with plenty of fresh ingredients. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements at time of booking. During you stay at Jhamtse Gatsal you ll be served three vegetarian meals a day, prepared by the kitchen staff of Jhamtse Gatsal, who wake up at 4am each day to tirelessly provide healthy and balanced meals three times a day for the children, staff and volunteers. Take a look on the website at the food preparation and produce gardens at Jhamtse Gatsal >> www.jhamtsegatsal. org/our-work/community/#food-gardening Q. Where do we stay? A. To capture the essence of your journey we have wherever possible selected accommodation with local character. In the cities our hotel rooms are on a twin share basis with private facilities. In remote localities you can expect simple, clean but more basic facilities. When in the field we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents, a mess tent and toilet tent. Q. What about environmental impact? A. We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a sound working relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. We believe that you can also make a positive contribution and we urge you to familiarize yourself with our Responsible Tourism Guidebook before you depart. Every participant receives a copy of this booklet upon registering. Q. What is included in my trip? A. It is our aim to ensure that we incorporate as many inclusions as possible in your trip to minimize any out of pocket expenses while you are away. It is important that you refer to these trips notes for the exact inclusions, as they do vary from challenge to challenge. Q. Are there any additional extras or surcharges? A. We include all land transport, most meals, accommodation and much of the equipment you will need for your challenge. These detailed trip notes will list what is included as well as what is not included. Q. What if the minimum number of participants is not met? A. This challenge aims to reach a minimum number of participants. If this amount is not reached, Huma Challenge will consult with the charity to find the best solution. Q. Who takes part in a Huma Challenge? A. All of our challenges are available for anyone over the age of 18 yrs old up to 70 yrs old, unless otherwise decided by the charity. If the challenge allows participants under 18, they will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 9 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Q. How do I get more information? A. Once you have registered on the challenge you will be sent a comprehensive confirmation kit that contains all the pre departure information and the Fundraising Guidebook. Of course please feel free to contact our staff by phone or email. 10 World Expeditions Travel Group - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM
Charity Challenge Calendar Item Date What s on Achieved Register for the Challenge Now Complete the registration form and pay the registration fee Set up your online fundraising page, share it with your friends and family and ask them to pledge support Fundraising Milestone 1 Fundraising Milestone 2 Travel payments Set off on the Jhamtse Gatsal Children s Community Challenge As soon as you ve registered 4 months before the departure date 70 days prior to departure date 70 days prior to departure date Canadians: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/jhamtse-canada/ Americans: www.crowdrise.com/jhamtseinternational Europeans: www. crowdrise.com/jhamtseswitzerland Reach your first fundraising milestone - 1/3 of your total fundraising target to be achieved and directed to the Jhamtse Gatsal fundraising chapter in your region - Jhamtse Canada, Jhmatse Switzerland and Jhmatse International (USA) Ensure that the balance of funds are received by the Jhamtse Gatsal fundraising chapter in your region - Jhamtse Canada, Jhmatse Switzerland and Jhmatse International (USA) Make final payment of your trip cost to Huma Challenge and final payments of USD$640/CAD$910/ 430 to Jhamtse Gatsal International (USA) 06 April 2016 Funds raised, body fit, bags packed, you re on your way to India! 11 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Donna Lawrence 9/22/2015 11:49:51 PM