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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.
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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.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £30 for tipping. Your tour leader will account to you for any organised tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Indian Rupee and Nepalese Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP or US Dollar (USD are better).
ATM Availability: ATM’s can usually be found in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.
Credit Card Acceptance: In larger towns and cities only, for substantial purchases.
Travellers Cheques: Easily exchanged.
Additional Information: Camera and Video Fees: Bear in mind that at some sites there is an additional camera charge. Video filming fees up to £5 per site may be payable.
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| UK | India | Nepal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 | £0.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 | £0.70 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 | £0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 | £3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 | £7.60 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 | £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.
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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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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Single entry visas are required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN citizens – other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Indian Visa: It is no longer possible to obtain an Indian visa directly from the Indian Embassy. You must either apply for a visa through your travel agent or through the Explore Visa Service. Alternatively, you can go through to VFS global http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk (the company who the Embassy has outsourced its visa service to) online, by post or at the centre after prior appointment. If you are applying through visa swift then please do not pay for your visa through the on line Indian application, please send your payment into Visa swift so that they can submit the payment to the Visa Centre when they take your passport.
You must hold a valid passport to enter India. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you
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An entry visa is required by UK, USA, CAN, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Nepal Visa: Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese embassy prior to travel. It is also possible to obtain a visa on arrival (although please note that this can sometimes take a while to arrange)- you will need to bring one passport photograph in your hand luggage when crossing the border if you wish to do this.
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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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topThere is considerable variation between the different regions of India but, in general, the climate is tropical. Summer temperatures on the plains are very hot, but cooled by the South-West Monsoon which lasts from June- Sept. As we drive up to the Kathmandu Valley, temperatures can become quite cool at night and may drop below freezing between December and February.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember – porters are not always available, so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topLightweight clothing is needed from March to November, December through to February is cooler especially early mornings and evenings with the occasional very cold spell for which you should be prepared. You should bring a fleece and a woolly hat and gloves for the early morning game drives and camping. Thermals may also be useful for camping. Local people may be offended by western styles of dress. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing, etc. should be avoided by both men and women.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes,trainers and sandals.
Back to topBring a 2-3 season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag for the Ganges Sailing (a sleep sheet is sufficient in Sep/Oct and April), a torch and a personal water bottle. Tents (with mosquito screens), mattresses, 2 blankets per passenger (Nov- Mar), eating and drinking utensils are provided locally.
Back to topThen 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.
Back to topAs we travel by sailboat, an ability to swim is recommended, although life jackets are provided on the boats. Conditions at our overnight beach camps on the banks of the Ganges are basic. During the Ganges sailing some of the ‘comfort’ stops will have ‘bush stop’ facilities only! We aim to see much of the wildlife in Chitwan National Park, however it must be accepted that wildlife sightings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed.
Back to topFor 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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