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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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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim. |
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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Everest Flight - 45 mins flight towards Himalaya from Kathmandu. Cost approx US$185 (to be paid in US$ cash or Travellers Cheques only), includes transport, airport tax and services of local rep.
White-water Rafting - a half day level 3 white water rafting trip. No previous experience required. Includes all permits, services of experienced river guides, helmet, life jacket and lunch. Minimum number of participants is 4. US$60 (to be paid in USD travellers cheques or cash.
Bharatpur (near Chitwan)/Kathmandu Flight - US$115 including airport tax and transfers. In the unlikely event of this flight not operating clients will be responsible for their own transport costs.
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu - $30 per person
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Nepali Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$ 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.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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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.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, infectious hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus, polio. 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 and Japanese encephalitis.
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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 topLuggage: Airline allowance:20kgs. Trek allowance:10kgs maximum.
One main piece of baggage and a daysac.You will be supplied with an Explore! kitbag at the start of your tour. Items you will need whilst on trek should be repacked into your kitbag and your daysac/rucksack. Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the tour briefing in Kathmandu. Before leaving Kurintar there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left behind in your main luggage with which you will be reunited after the trek in Pokhara . Your trek luggage will be carried by the porters. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much. We advise that you line your kitbag with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.
Rucksack/Daysac: During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac, which is carried by yourself, should therefore be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Your daysac could be used as hand luggage on the flight to Nepal bearing in mind that shoulder bags are not practical for the trek.
Back to topTemperatures in the lower altitude regions and foothills 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 topYou can expect to wear short sleeved shirts and t-shirts during the day in the Spring and Autumn months.While you are trekking, daytime temperatures will generally be warm. On this trek you do not go above 2500m, so although you will need a sweater or fleece for the evenings, weather will generally be mild. However it can be chilly in the evenings particulary during December and January and at those times you will need warm weather clothing along with a woolly hat and gloves. but it does get cool in the evening, so bring some warmer clothing as well (especially in Dec/Jan as these are the coldest months). It’s worth bringing a good quality waterproofs. No bright coloured clothing for Chitwan. Do not wear lycra tights or leggings or very short shorts as the Nepalese find these offensive.
Walking Boots Probably the trickiest part of all. 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 and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor pursuits’ shop who will offer advice, and resist the temptation to buy ‘fashion’ footwear which give little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. 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 Sandals Useful in the teahouse, in towns and when travelling. Velcro sandals are especially useful if taking the optional rafting trip.
Long Trousers For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable as they too cause offence to local people. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
Waterproofs Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They ‘breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.
Gloves
Socks It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. These help to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Fleece pullover/jacket You will need a fleece pullover/jacket for the evenings. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or fleece.
Track suit Comfortable around the camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas.
Thin Shirt/T-Shirt
The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek:
Sleeping bag.
Trek kitbag.
You should bring the following on this tour:
Water bottle.
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things in your tent, going to the loo in the night etc. Head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, bio-degradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls! ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).
Binoculars Useful for game viewing in Chitwan.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare.
Sun Hat, Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at higher altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.
Personal First Aid Kit Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit, plus any other items you or your doctor feels advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.) See the list in our General Information Booklet.
Trekking poles Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.
Swimsuit
Chlorine Dioxide for water purification
Anti-bacterial handwash
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
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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