2013/14 Standard Itinerary

Local Costs

	UK	Nepal	Tibet
Tea/Coffee	£1.50	£0.50	£0.40
Soft Drink	£1.50	£0.70	£0.80
Bottled Water	£1.50	£0.30	£0.80
Bottle of Beer	£3.50	£3.50	£1.50
2 Course Meal*	£15.00	£7.60	£4.00
3 Course Meal**	£20.00	£10.00	£7.50
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

Entry visas are required by all nationalities visiting Nepal and Tibet. Nepalese visas can currently be obtained either on arrival or before travel from your nearest embassy. The permit for travel into Tibet is a group permit and will be obtained by our ground agents in Kathmandu after your arrival.

Nepal: 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 between 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.

Tibet: Chinese (Tibet) permits must be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu and will be processed by our ground agents. Note: all passengers should arrive in Kathmandu on or before Day 2 of the tour to allow sufficient time for the Tibet group visa to be processed. Any passenger with a current Chinese visa for planned future travel should note this will be cancelled on entering Tibet. Allow $130, payable in USD for your Chinese (Tibetan) permit ($110 for the permit itself and a $20 handling charge). Note: US Citizens are currently required to pay $216 ($196 for the permit itself and a $20 handling charge). Any passengers with sensitive occupations, (e.g. media, defence) must contact Explore before leaving. You will need to bring one passport photgraph with you to apply for this visa.

TIBET GROUP RESTRICTIONS:
Due to the restrictions in place it is not possible for anyone to leave the group whilst in Tibet, everybody must enter and leave Tibet as a group. It is not unusual for the authorities to amend the entry requirements with little or no warning. Should this happen Explore will do all possible to run the tour but in extreme circumstances we may be forced to cancel a tour.

Please note: If you have more than one passport all visas and permits must be obtained on the same passport.

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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

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Typhoid, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis and Polio. Although not compulsory, travellers may wish to immunise themselves 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.

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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

The altitude involved makes this trip suitable for the serious walker with previous experience of hill-walking only. 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, i.e. 5090m.

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Gradient Chart

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Climate

Tibet’s central region should have very little rain (250 to 500mm a year) or even snowfall (the summer snowline is somewhere between 5000 to 6000 metres). Given an average altitude of 4000 metres, temperatures vary tremendously: from near zero temperatures in the early morning and evening to a sunny 30°C at midday. May to mid-September are considered the best months for a visit to the Lhasa area.

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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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Airline allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Luggage Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage/Trek Kit Bag: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used whilst on trek for clothing and sleeping bag. Framed rucksacks are unsuitable.

Holdall: Used to store all items not needed during the trekking sections of the tour.

Daysac/Rucksack: To carry all personal effects required throughout the day’s trek, such as waterproofs, suncream etc. Carried by yourself.

Trek Kit Bag: Before starting each section of the trek there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be transported ahead of you. Your trek luggage, including sleeping bag and foam mat will be carried by the support vehicle or pack animals.

Rucksack/Daysac: During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to your luggage. 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, spare sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle. 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. Remember to carry spare film with you during the day. 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. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. 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.

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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 & Footwear: On Trek

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 sold under the brand names ‘Karrimor KSB’, Scarpa ‘Trek Lites’ or similar 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. Gaiters are useful to keep snow out of your boots.

Bandana or face mask

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.

Down Jacket
After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets can be hired in Nepal. Details will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu.

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
Especially useful around camp in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.

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.

Lightweight Shoes or Trainers plus sports sandals
Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. For wading across rivers or streams you will also need a pair of old trainers which can get wet.

Thick Sweater/fleece jacket
A thick sweater or fleece jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweater or fleece.

Track Suit
Comfortable around the camp and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.

Thin Shirt/T-Shirt

Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest

Warm Hat

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Equipment

Sleeping Bag As you do not carry it yourself this may be down or synthetic, but it should be 4-season (temperature –10°C to –5°C). As most treks pass through a variety of climatic conditions, a long side zip is a good idea. A cotton liner helps to keep your bag clean. Good sleeping bags are expensive but can be rented quite easily and cheaply in Kathmandu, so if you don't own one you could consider this option. Details can be dealt with at the briefing in Kathmandu.

Water Bottle Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. The camp staff provide boiled water each day with which to fill your own bottle but it is always good to have your own sterilisation tablets in case needed during the day. 1.5 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice.

Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your kit 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. Petzl 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 (one to be used for drying feet after wading across rivers/streams), small nail brush and toilet rolls! ‘Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up in your tent, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).

Sunglasses/Snow Goggles A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but you should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit. (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.

Gaiters

Whistle To attract attention in an emergency.

Boot Cleaning Kit

Spare Laces

Swimsuit

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Equipment Provided: On Trek

2-person tents.

Foam mats.

Dining tent.

All cooking and kitchen gear.

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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

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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