Combine two of the world's greatest treks, both offering incredible scenery and highlighting the unique physical and cultural diversity of this incredible country. Encounter friendly locals and stop to absorb the beauty of all that surrounds you in this once in a lifetime journey. Annapurna and Everest Active 2009 GPA 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Asia Nepal Kathmandu Kathmandu Nepal Nepal Culture/History, Trekking/Hiking, Wildlife/Nature 20 4 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/nepal/ph_nepal_annapurna.jpg Arrive in Kathmandu at any time Explore the historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley which reveal a vibrant world of colour and life. Step through the looking glass into a world of markets, bazaars and narrow streets home to hindu holy men, sacred cows, cyclists and street sellers. Trek from the sub-tropical lowlands through terraced paddies, fields of wheat and Hindu and Buddhist villages. Pass through a blossoming and beautifully red rhododendron forest before emerging onto high open ridges that afford breathtaking views of both the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Relax and enjoy a hot shower in the peaceful resort town of Pokhara. The more ambitious can hike to the World Peace Stupa or take a canoe onto the lake. Return to the busy streets and historic sights of Kathmandu where the restaurants and shopping could keep you busy for days. Experience the rugged terrain of the Khumbu region, surrounded by the towering snow-covered Himalayan peaks. From Namche, follow the prayer flags, mani walls and Buddhist chorten to Tengboche Monastery, sitting in the shadow of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Reflect on your incredible journey to the top of the world at one of the many cafes, bakeries and restaurants in Kathmandu. In the morning of Day 2 we explore Kathmandu, visiting Bodhnath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world. Here we may observe Buddhist monks in prayer in the monasteries surrounding the Stupa. In addition we also visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we will see Hindu holy-men (or Sadhus), pilgrims performing ritual bathing, and occasionally, funeral pyres burning on the ghats. The afternoon is free for your own explorations and shopping. Early on Day 3 we drive to Pokhara and then transfer by road to the starting point of the trek at Naya Phul in the early afternoon. Our first day’s walk is particularly easy, following the sub-tropical Modi Khola river valley to Birethanti, a large village on the old Nepal-Tibet trading route. After formalities at the check-post we continue on, through terraced rice paddies to Chimrong and then to the very pretty village of Syauli and our overnight halt. Here we enjoy superb views of the great peaks of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhare, seen to the north standing guard over the entrance of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Day 4: Today’s walk commences with a steady ascent up a stone staircase high above the river valley. To the north there are again superb views of the Annapurna mountains. A short but steep section leads to Kimche (1630m) where we can enjoy a drink and a well-deserved rest. We then continue on to Chane on a wide, well-defined, path of stone flags that contours through fields of wheat and millet to the largest village of the region, Ghandruk. This Gurung village is well known for the number of its men folk who have served in the British Gurkha regiments.

Day 5: Another day ascending, but an easier walk now that we have found our trekking legs! Leaving the terraced hillsides and the village of Ghandruk behind, we enter oak and rhododendron forest. This is a particularly pretty part of the walk, the forest often alive with the sound of birds, small tumbling waterfalls, and, if you visit in spring (late March to April), the rhododendrons in full bloom. An amazing sight. There are no villages on today’s route but there are a few tea-houses at Baisi Kharkha providing welcome drinks and a place to rest. There are fine views of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal (6931m) along the way.

Day 6: We rise early to view the sunrise and after breakfast we initially descend to a small stream and then begin a series of ascents and descents through rhododendron forest that is particularly spectacular during March and April when the trees are in flower. We reach Bhantanti, a group of small hotels, for an early lunch and in the afternoon cross a series of small streams ascending through forest to reach the open ridges at Deurali (2987m). Here we halt for the day, enjoying fantastic panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges if conditions are clear. We prefer not to travel on to the busy village of Ghorepani and Poon Hill but instead take advantage of the quiet surroundings of this little hamlet.

You should not miss the opportunity to see the spectacular sunset and sunrise views from the hill behind town. This is a highlight of the trip and it is really worthwhile making the effort of going in both the evening and morning as both times offer a different perspective of the mountain views. If you do ascend for the sunset do remember to take a torch!

Day 7: We get up early, and walking by torchlight before dawn climb up the ridge to enjoy sunrise over the mountains. The views are very similar to Poon Hill, but without the crowds! In fine conditions a magical panorama, including the three 8000-metre peaks of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8019m), and Manalsu (8156m) dominates the horizon. Views of the 6,000-metre-deep Kali Gandaki Gorge and the trans-Himalayan ranges forming the border of Nepal with Tibetan China make this one of Nepal’s best vantage points.
After enjoying the sunrise we descend to the lodge for a late breakfast and then continue on down to Ghorepani (2780m), an important stopover on the old trading route to Tibet. From Ghorepani the walk is all downhill, through beautiful forests to the village of Naya Thanti where we take lunch. In the afternoon we again descend through oak and rhododendron forest, to the village of Ulleri, perched high on the hillside overlooking the Bhurungdi Khola valley.

Day 8: Another early start to make the most of the day. From Ulleri there is a very steep drop of over 500 meters on a stone staircase to the Bhurungdi Khola River where we cross a small suspension bridge to reach the village of Tirkedunga. After giving the knees a well-earned rest, we continue on a more gentle descent to the village of Birethanti on the banks of the Modi Khola. Here we take lunch and then cross the new bridge to the east bank; from here you follow the river back to the road-head at Naya Phul. After saying farewell to our porters we transfer by coach to Pokhara.

Day 3: Syauli (1230m) 2 hours trek
Day 4: Ghandruk (1950m) 6 hours
Day 5: Tatapani (2700m) 5 hours
Day 6: Deurali (2987m) 5 hours
Day 7: Ghorepani/Ulleri (2070m) 6 hours
Day 8: Pokhara (850m) 3 hours
Pokhara lies on a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. The enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks - creating the ambience that has made it such a popular place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Relax in a café, hire a boat and float around the lake, or shop for Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs in the endless stalls and shops. Our return flight to Kathmandu is in the morning. The rest of the day is free. Day 11: In the early morning we take the spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2827m) flying parallel to the Himalayan giants bordering Nepal and Tibetan China. Flight time is about 40 minutes to the airstrip built by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Sherpas in the mid-1960s. After landing we will have time to explore the village while the Sherpa crew sort and load the trekking equipment. In the afternoon, we begin the trek by descending towards the Dudh Kosi River, where we join the main trail to Namche Bazaar, just above Chaunrikharka (2713m). The walking is easy and after passing through the small village of Ghat (2550m), it is a short walk to Phakding.

Day 12: From Phakding we cross the river and head up valley following porters from the south, ferrying supplies to Namche. The trail keeps close to the river valley and is lined with beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest that is very spectacular in the spring months when the flowers are in bloom. We cross the Dudh Kosi at Benkar where there are tantalizing glimpses of the snow peaks Kusum Kanguru (6369m) and Thamserku (6623m). From here it is only a short walk to Monjo (2835m) where we arrive in time for lunch. We spend the night in Monjo with the afternoon free, with the opportunity to do some exploring around the village. The day has been deliberately kept short to aid acclimatization, a very important process.

Day 13: Today the walking is a little tougher and includes the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. From Monjo, it is a short walk to the entrance of the National Park before we cross the Dudh Kosi, to Jorsale (2805m). The trek continues upstream on generally flat terrain, crossing back to the right bank, to the confluence of the Bhote Kosi and Dudh Kosi rivers; it is here that we start the steep ascent to Namche Bazaar. After crossing a large and stable suspension bridge high above the river we slowly ascend at a steady pace towards Namche. There are some fantastic photographic opportunities as the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Taweche (6542m) come into view for the first time. After arriving in Namche, we enjoy lunch, with the afternoon is free to bargain in the shops for 'Tibetan' artifacts, or relax and marvel at the beautiful scenery.

Day 14: We remain at Namche for a second night to allow for proper acclimatization to the altitude. Namche is a prosperous village, situated in a large, protected hollow. It gained its importance during the period when Tibetan salt was traded for the lowland grains of Nepal. Today a limited amount of trade exists at Namche and Tibetans are often seen in the village trading rugs and Chinese-made goods, clothing, salt and dried meat.
It is recommended that you take the opportunity to see both the sunrise and sunset views from the National Park Headquarters above the village. The view is stunning: a superb panorama of the Khumbu peaks with great views of Everest. For the day there are a number of options: perhaps a walk towards Thami (3810m) above the beautiful Bhote Khola river valley, or a visit to the National Park Headquarters to see the interesting displays of Sherpa lifestyle and culture. There is also a mountaineering display and details of the park’s flora and fauna.

Day 15: From Namche, we climb towards the park headquarters and follow a contouring trail high above the Dudh Kosi River. Above Namche the route to Thyangboche becomes visible, with the monastery seen way below the summit of Everest and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. On today’s walk there are opportunities to spot the local wildlife including the beautiful Danphe Pheasant, often seen among the birch and silver fir forest between Shanasa and Trashinga, and Himalayan Thar on the high ground above the trail. After reaching the re-forestation nursery at Trashinga, the trail drops steeply to cross the Dudh Kosi at Phunkitenga (3250m), where we take lunch. In the afternoon we pass water-driven prayer wheels and ascend, initially steeply, through pine, fir, black juniper and rhododendron forest towards Thyangboche. The monastery and our lodge are located in a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks in a truly peaceful and tranquil setting. The most notable peaks seen from here are Kantega, Ama Dablam (perhaps the most beautiful peak in the region) and, of course, Mount Everest.

Day 16: In the 17th century AD, the Lama Sange Dorjee, from Tibet’s Rongbuk Monastery, according to legend, founded the monastery. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1933, rebuilt and again badly damaged by fire in 1989. Construction of the present monastery was completed in 1992.
We have a full morning at Thyangboche to visit the monastery and the nearby museum. There is a small entrance fee for the museum, and a small donation to the monastery is appreciated. In the afternoon we retrace our steps down hill through the beautiful forest of juniper, rhododendron and fir to Phunkitenga. After a welcome break and perhaps a cup of tea we cross the Dudh Kosi, and ascend steeply to Trashinga. From here the trail contours high above the valley to Shanasa where we spend the night. Here Tibetan traders, resident in the area, have numerous ''artifacts'' and worthwhile traditional souvenirs for sale.

Day 17: The villages of Kunde and Khumjung are only a short trek off the main trail and are well worth a visit. Khumjung has a beautiful monastery and Kunde has a small hospital run by Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust and we shall return to Namche via this route. The path also heads past the Everest View Hotel and the Shyangboche airstrip before dropping steeply into Namche where we take lunch. In the afternoon we head back to Jorsale where we leave the national park before continuing on to our lodge at Monjo where we will overnight.

Day 18: We re-trace our steps along the Dudh Kosi, crossing to the western bank at Benkar. It is a beautiful and easy walk through blue pine and rhododendron forest, back-dropped with views of Kusum Kangaru. An early lunch will be taken at Phakding and in the afternoon we ascend out of the river valley back to the airstrip and our lodge accommodation at Lukla. In the evening, a farewell dinner may be followed by a few celebratory drinks and dancing with our Sherpa companions.

Day 11: Phakding (2652m) 3 hours
Day 12: Monjo (2835m) 4 hours
Day 13: Namche Bazaar (3446m) 4 hours
Day 14: Namche Bazaar
Day 15: Thyanghboche (3875M) 6 hours
Day 16: Shanasa (3670m) 3 hours
Day 17: Monjo (2835m) 5 hours
Day 18: Lukla (2800m) 5 hours
The return flight from Lukla leaves in the early morning of Day 19 (weather permitting). You will then have the rest of the day free in Kathmandu to shop, sightsee and relax.

You may depart at any time on Day 20.

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Departure Departs every second Saturday, Sept-May DepEnd Sat-Thu Group Leader Tour Leader throughout, trekking support staff. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Kathmandu, Annapurna Ranges, Pokhara, Everest Views, Namche Bazaar, Lukla, teahouse lodge stays, trekking, hot springs, remote temples Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD300 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 StartFinish ex Kathmandu Testimonial A great tour for those wishing to experience the two most widely trekked regions in Nepal! - Minh Tran travelled on Annapurna and Everest
Transport Flight, bus, walking. What's Included - English speaking local guide and full support team of sherpas and assistants for the Annapurna and Everest trek. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation A Tea House is the combination of guest house, restaurant, and social hang out. Private rooms are available in most Tea Houses, except for high altitudes ones where it will be just dormitories. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets can be either squat type of the western version. Most of the Tea Houses have running water facility. Many of them have hot water available for bathing. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood, as lack of firewood in most villages is a big environmental concern in Nepal.

There is a large dining room-cum-lounge, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). There is normally no electric lighting in the rooms unless the village has hydroelectric power. The dining room usually has solar lighting. Some teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances - mobile phones and cameras - and there may be a small charge for this.

During a Tea House trek you will usually have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants. And of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.

All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Combine two of the world's greatest treks, both offering incredible scenery and highlighting the unique physical and cultural diversity of this incredible country. Encounter friendly locals and stop to absorb the beauty of all that surrounds you in this once in a lifetime journey. Checklist Passport (with photocopies)
Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizing lotion
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Moisturizer, Lip balm
Insect Repellent
Water bottle
Tampons - hard to buy in rural areas
Sleep sheet
Ear plugs for light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear (optional)
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes or Hiking boots/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for November--February. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Presents from home like photos, toothbrushes, stickers, postcards, children’s books, souvenir pins.
Protein bars, chocolate, dried fruits, candies and snack foods. Departure Tax International Departure tax is 1695 Nepalese Rupees or 1300NPR if travelling to SAARC Countries (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Combine two of the world's greatest treks, both offering incredible scenery and highlighting the unique physical and cultural diversity of this incredible country. Encounter friendly locals and stop to absorb the beauty of all that surrounds you in this once in a lifetime journey.
Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our South Asia Manager. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Bangkok)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT +7).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +66-2-661-4845 (during office hours)

South Asia Manager Emergency Mobile: +91 99 1097 5574 - Julie (Delhi, India)

Asia Operations Manager Mobile: +66-879 118 802 - Gabe (Thailand)

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: +1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
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Finishing Point Hotel Kathmandu -
Fuji Hotel & Guesthouse
G.P.O. Box 6209
Thamel
Kathmandu, Nepal
TEL: 977-1-4250-435 Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Kathmandu -
Fuji Hotel & Guesthouse
G.P.O. Box 6209
Thamel
Kathmandu, Nepal
TEL: 977-1-4250-435
Joining Instructions When arriving into Tribhuvan Intl Airport in Kathmandu you will notice how small the city really is. It is on 7km from the downtown area and the only way to get there is by taxi. You can arrange a prepaid taxi from the counter outside of the baggage hall run by the Airport Queue Taxi Service Management Committee for about 200-250 Rupees (approx 3-4 USD). Please be aware of people wanting to help you with your bags as they will ask for money once you get to your taxi. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip our driver will be waiting for you with a G.A.P Adventures Sign with your name on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. In Pakistan we recommend a head scarf for women while walking around. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com As of September 2008 the exchange rate for NEPAL was 1 USD = 76.33 NPR (Nepalese Rupees). There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities We suggest you bring along USD50 for additional sightseeing. Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1-$2 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas Please note that visas for Nepal are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. You can get your Nepal visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport but please be prepared for a bit of a wait as most passengers arrange their visa this way. Bring passport size photos x 2. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G.A.P Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!). You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.