We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Bhutan |
Nepal |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
|
£0.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.00 |
£3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
|
£7.60 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
|
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Nepal Visa: Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese embassy prior to travel or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and various international border crossings beyween Nepal and its neighbours. A passport sized photograph is required, please bring this in your hand luggage.
All visas sold on arrival are multiple entry visas and they are available to cover 3 different durations of visit ; a 15 day visa costing US$25, a 30 day costing US$40 and a 90 day visa costing US$100. Please ensure you purchase the duration sufficient to cover your whole visit including days of entry and exit. Please do note that these durations refer to each entry into Nepal e.g. 15 days for each entry.
Bhutan: A visa for Bhutan will be arranged locally. In order to do this please forward a colour scanned copy of your passport to Explore at least 8 weeks before your departure. You will pay for your Bhutan visa on arrival - allow US$40 cash for this. You must hold a valid passport to enter Bhutan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Bhutan.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.)
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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The altitude throughout the trek makes this trip more suitable for the serious walker with previous experience of hill-walking. We have included time for acclimatisation and extreme cases of altitude sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety the tour leader’s decision is final.
Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.
Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches.
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Climate
Nepal: Temperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant and the Kathmandu Valley has a reasonably mild climate throughout the year. In Kathmandu average temperatures between March and May are around 16-22°C, whilst September- November sees the averages dropping form the low 20’s to around 14°C.
Bhutan: The best weather lasts from September (after the monsoon) through to June and the mountains are best admired, with greater air clarity in the autumn. Spring (mid March-May) is cool & often stormy. Autumn is from October to mid November with clear skies, warm days & cool (sometimes cold) nights. As in any high mountain area it can rain, hail or snow at any time of year.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
High altitude night temperatures in the Himalaya can be cold so make allowance for warmer clothing and a waterproof accordingly. Clothes should be casual and practical but to avoid giving offence to local people you may need to cover legs, heads and arms. Shorts and leggings are not appropriate. A scarf or bandanna can be useful on the dustier sections of road. For Dzong visits, you will need collared, longsleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes.
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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek
- Waterproofs - Breathable jacket and trouser-type waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind, but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.
- Long Trousers - For everyday walking, light trekking trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
- Thick sweaters and fleece jackets -Thick sweaters or fleece jackets are essential as nights can be very cold at night. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweaters and/or fleeces.
- Thermal Underwear, Hat, Scarf, Gloves -Long sleeve tops and “long john” legging thermal underwear is essential.
- Shorts - Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold!
- Swimming Costume - There are opportunities for swimming in rock pools
- Walking Boots - We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes etc do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops that are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable.
- Trainers or Trekking sandals - Useful around camp.
- Socks - It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t ‘breathe’ well and can cause blisters.
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Equipment
Binoculars, torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. You will need a sleeping bag and sleeping mat for the trek. It is possible to hire a sleeping bag locally in Bhutan for approximately $25 if you wish.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
You will meet your tour leader on arrival in Bhutan. Whilst in Nepal the Kathmandu included sightseeing will be accompanied by a local guide and a local representative will accompany the group to and from the airport.
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General Information
Tobacco
It is illegal to sell or purchase tobacco products in Bhutan. Up to 200 cigarettes may be imported, on payment of tax and import duty of 200%. You must have your customs receipt on your person if in possession of tobacco products. If you cannot produce it on demand by police you will be charged with smuggling and can expect a prison sentence of three years. Smoking is forbidden inside public spaces such as hotels, restaurants and bars.
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In order to purchase flights to and from Bhutan we require full passport details at the time of booking. Failure to provide this information at this time may prevent you from getting a place on the tour. Any changes to the passport details after booking must be notified immediately with a photocopy of the changes/new passport. As flights are limited in number seats are booked and confirmed immediately, it is not possible to obtain a refund if you cancel you booking for any reason. As such an additional deposit will be required at the time of booking, this deposit is retained in the instance of any cancellation. Explore does not accept any responsibility for any extra costs incurred by clients who do not heed this information.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Nelles, GeoCentre, Bartholomew and Globetrotter all do good maps of the country.
Recommended Books: Lonely Planet: Kathmandu & the Kingdom of Nepal, Michael Peissel: Lonely Planet guide to Bhutan, Keith Dowman: The Divine Madman, Britta Das: Buttertea at Sunrise: A Year in Bhutan, John Berthold: Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon, Jamie Zeppz: Beyond the Sky and the Earth, Linda Leaming: Married to Bhutan.
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