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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.
Back to topAll excursions are to be paid in USD cash or travellers cheques only.
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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 £25 for 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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Local Currency: Nepali Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$ or GBP.
ATM Availability: Although you may occasionally find cash machines these are very unreliable – do not rely on plastic!
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are not generally accepted except in larger establishments in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travellers Cheques: In Kathmandu and Pokhara only.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | Nepal | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.70 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.30 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £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.
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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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 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. In addition, if you are trekking in Nepal, please bring an additional 5 photos for the various permits required (although won't always be requested)
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.
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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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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 topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio and Japanese encephalitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to take immunisation against meningococcal meningitis.
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 topTemperatures in the lower altitude regions are extremely pleasant. At Pokhara variations in temperature are very limited: from the coldest recorded of 8°C (46°F) to the highest of 31°C (88°F). The mountains are best admired, with greater air clarity, from October to March. Monsoon rains are strongest in June, July and August. The coldest months are December and January.
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. You will find it more convenient to travel light when outside Kathmandu. Any extra luggage can be stored in Kathmandu hotel. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topYou can expect to wear short sleeved shirts and t-shirts during the day in the Spring and Autumn months but it does get cool in the evening, so bring some warmer clothing as well. In December and January evenings can be very cold and you will need a down jacket and thermal layers. It’s worth bringing a good quality waterproof. No bright coloured clothing for Chitwan. Do not wear lycra tights or leggings or very short shorts as the Nepalese find these offensive. Nagarkot can be cold most times of the year.
Back to topComfortable shoes (eg. trainers) and sandals, plus lightweight boots if you wish to take part in any walks.
Back to topA torch. Binoculars for animal & birdwatching in Chitwan National Park, a universal bath plug and antibacterial handwash, are useful to have along.
You may also want to bring with you ear plugs and insect repellant.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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 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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