DAYHIKING IN NEPAL AND HIMALAYAS Oct 31 - Nov 12, 2021

AT# 2134 TRIP RATING – Moderate to Vigorous

https://www.outdoors.org/outdoor-activities/difficulty-ratings

Venture with us to the land of the Himalayas and mingle in the streets of Kathmandu valley and Patan city square; get blessed by Tibetan monks in a Buddhist monastery at Boudhanath Stupa and experience Hindu cremations at Pashupatinath temple. The Annapurna mountains face Pokhara like an icy crenelated wall with 9 peaks over 23,000 feet. Pokhara is a comfortable base for our day hikes in Nepal. We’ll feast on breath taking views of Himalaya from Pokhara and hike through varied rural village life. Enjoy hiking amidst rhododendron and oak forests full of birdlife in these charming valleys. Visit the Royal Chitwan National park and experience nature with the one horned Rhino’s and Asiatic Elephants. THEME & COMFORT LEVEL: This tour has 5-6 day hikes in addition to visits of Kathmandu urban monuments and rural Himalayan villages, mountain forests and a National park. Transportation will be in private air conditioned bus with small excursions by boat and 4x4 safari vehicles in the National park. Hotels are 4 star or 4 star+ (Nepal Tourist class) in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan; the 2 nights in Bandipur will be in a small, clean and comfortable lodge. Meals are superb and very well prepared to the highest levels of hygiene. Food is not spicy (unless requested!), and many vegetarian options are available throughout the tour. Bottled water included on the tour. Day by Day Itinerary: Participants should have achieved a moderate level of hiking ability and be able to hike on

rolling or rocky terrain with up to 2900 feet elevation gain for about 2 to 9 hours. Hiking trails in Nepal travel through forests, open plateaus, along ridges, alongside waterways (streams/rivers/creeks) and offer fantastic scenery. This trip welcomes spouses, friends, and/or significant others who are not intermediate-advanced hikers. One could use the many easier walking routes or do one of several alternate activities. Although we will offer an activity each day, participants may opt to take a “day off” at any point and make their own plans.

Day 1: Oct 31, 2021 – Kathmandu (elevation 4593’) Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer directly to hotel. Our outfitter will pick participants up from the airport and take them directly to the hotel where they will we warmly received. We will have a group meeting in the afternoon or evening, and if time allows we’ll have a walking orientation tour of Kathmandu.. Hotel: Radisson hotel Lazimpath https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-kathmandu or Crowne Plaza Soaltee https://www.ihg.com/crownePlaza/hotels/us/en/kathmandu/ktmnp/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-CP-_-NP-_-KTMNP Meals: (D) Day 2: Nov 1, 2021 - Kathmandu After breakfast, a full day guided tour of the Kathmandu city with its ancient Hindu and Buddhist sites. Visit the most exquisite Patan durbar square, Kathmandu square and Royal Kumari palace and various pagodas, Pashupatinath Temple from riverside and get blessed by monks at the Tibetan Boudhanath Stupa. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: Radisson hotel Lazimpath / Crowne Plaza Soaltee Day 3: Nov 2, 2021 - Bandipur (elevation 3379’) This morning check out of hotel and in the Kathmandu valley we’ll do a short “steps” hike to the Swayambhunath stupa or also known as the monkey temple. Later on we’ll drive to Bandipur. Once a commercial centre along the trade route to Tibet, Bandipur is a beautiful small town situated at around 3379 feet on a ridge part way between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The drive to Bandipur on our air-conditioned charter coach will take approximately 5 hours. The 18th century character and Himalayan views of this Marsyanngddi river valley town are breath taking. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Old Inn or similar https://rural-heritage.com/accommodations/the-old-inn/ Day 4: Nov 3, 2021 - Bandipur Half day hike in Bandipur to Magar village the Ramko village takes 2 hours to go up and 1.5hrs to return with altitude going up to 4,300 feet from our base in Bandipur. Later in the afternoon we set out to explore the old town and do a walking tour of Bandipur. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Old Inn or similar https://rural-heritage.com/accommodations/the-old-inn/ Hike: Elevation gain 920’ Day 5: Nov 4, 2021 – Pokhara (elevation 2800’) Early morning temple hike 30 min one way for Himalayan views. After breakfast we’ll drive to Pokhara along the Phewa lake (about 2.5 hours in our air-conditioned charter bus). Pokhara is renowned for its beauty and wonderful Himalayan views. We’ll get some especially nice views of Fishtail Mountain during a walk along the lake Phew, with time to discover Pokhara town. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Waterfront Resort http://www.waterfronthotelnepal.com/ or Temple Tree https://templetreenepal.com/ Day 6: Nov 5, 2021 – Pokhara (elevation 2800’) Hike in the morning to the World Peace Pagoda by foot and boat and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Pokhara valley. The peace pagoda is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of lake Phewa. Here we hike through the Raniban forest crossing the suspension bridge. Later enjoy our hotel’s pool, spa or have a walk in the town. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Waterfront Resort or Temple Tree Hike: Total hiking time 7-8 hours; 800 ft ascent, 2hrs hike to W Peace Pagoda, then 2 hours to Davis falls and Tibetan refugee camp Day 7: Nov 6, 2021 – Pokhara w/optional overnight in mountain lodge (weather permitting) Today we’ll have a hike to the Australian camp Dhampus, a popular hiking destination, with excellent Himalayan vies of the Manaslu, Dhaulagiri Annapurna and the stunning Fishtail. Enjoy

lunch in the tea house there and meet locals of rural Nepal as you come across their villages. On a clear day you will see closed view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapurchhre, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu range etc. It is minimum 8 hours trip (with driving) including 5 hours walking. Australian camp Trek is one of the short populst trekking routs in Annapurna region. The trek starts from Dhampus. The elevation does not reach over 2000 meter so its easy family trekking. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Waterfront Resort or Temple Tree or mountain lodge Mala Lodge Ker and Downey https://keranddowneynepal.com/lodges/mala-lodge for those wishing to do overnight there Hike: elevation gain 950’ Day 8: Nov 7, 2021 - Pokhara Today after breakfast we’ll do the Begna Thulokote hike, a part of the longer Annapurna Royal Trek and enjoy the pristine begnas lake. In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance show with dinner in Pokhara. Drive to Begnas Lake (elevation 2133’), then 2 hr hike to Thulokote at 5000 feet, on the way back, visit Kalikasthan village. Then downhill a 3 hour hike back to Begnas lake via Kaulekot village. This hike is a part of the Royal Trek done by Prince of Wales. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Waterfront Resort or Temple Tree Hike: Elevation gain 2867’ Day 9: Nov 8, 2021 - Pokhara The Sarangkot Naudanda day hike offers both mountain views in the morning and later on in the hike, Nepalese village life. Sarangkot offers panoramic views of the Annapurnas while dramatic view of the Fishtail and Dhaulagiri. Walk through villages and feel the fresh air of the mountains. Later spend free time in the town of Pokhara. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Waterfront Resort or Temple Tree Hike: Elevation gain 2800’ Day 10: Nov 9, 2021 - Royal Chitwan National Park (elevation varies from 330 to 2674’) Drive to Chitwan (4.5 hrs). Enroute lunch along the seti riverside road. Check in to our comfortable Jungle lodge. Chitwan National Park is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the single horned Asiatic Rhino. The park can be explored in a variety of ways on foot, boat, jeep safari and on elephant back during our 2 day stay here. Please note: there will be one Elephant safari & 0ne Jeep Safari during the 2 night stay in Chitwan National Park. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Jungle Villa http://www.junglevillaresort.com/ Day 11: Nov 10, 2021 - Royal Chitwan National Park Explore the Narayani River, one of the largest in Nepal on a boat and a 4x4 jeep safari on the other side of the Park. Lunch snack during the day in the jungle and then we’ll go back to the jungle lodge for an evening Tharu dance performance by the locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Jungle Villa Day 12: Nov 11, 2021 - Kathmandu Morning walk from our jungle lodge through the nearby village. Option for lunch enroute to Kathmandu and check into our Kathmandu hotel. Free time for last minute shopping for souvenirs, and then our farewell dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Radisson hotel Lazimpath or Crowne Plaza Soaltee Day 13: Nov 12, 2021 - Kathmandu Fly back to USA Meals: Breakfast Leaders’ right to change itinerary: While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. Leaders’ expectations of participants: When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined in this prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities. This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in Austria through shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience. It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it will be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant’s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. Tying trip to AMC mission:

AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations. AMC Membership If you would like to join AMC, and save $100 off the cost of the trip, please visit the website: https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/join-appalachian-mountain-club-today?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl-frl5fy6AIV0ffjBx1W7QkcEAAYASACEgJE-PD_BwE What trip price of $4855 (AMC member); $4955 (non AMC member) includes:

12 nights 4 star shared accommodation in Nepal

All breakfasts and dinners and 9 lunches as specified in itinerary, as well as bottled water

All group land transportation in private AC minibus with driver including baggage transfers to/from hotels

Private airport/hotel transfers at beginning and end of tour

Services of tour manager throughout trip as well as local guides

Entrance fees and/or guided visits as per itinerary

Tips included for covered meals, baggage handlers, hotel services, local city guides and hiking guides, porters, general assistance, drivers, restroom stops, tour manager

AMC overhead expense fee

Medical Evacuation Insurance What trip price does not include:

International flight to/from Kathmandu

Beverages at dinner

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Optional activities during free time

Trip cancellation insurance

Housekeeping tips, room service charges etc.

Nepal VISA

Medical expenses and/or services required on tour

Single supplement charge of $1080 for those not wishing to share a twin/double room with someone else

Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure

Travel excursions. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, trip interruption, trip cancellation, or loss of baggage. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to participants in their formal acceptance letters. Cancellation Policy: The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancellation may not raise the cost to other participants or the leaders. Once you are notified the trip is declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $200. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead. Should the leaders be able to replace you with another acceptable participant, you may be charged a reduced penalty. This will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a cancellation. Before Sept 1, 2020, the minimum cancellation fee is $200. After Sept 1, 2020, the minimum cancellation fee is $400 On rare occasions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure [e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local regulatory environment, etc.] In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip (including non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, gear or medical expenses, etc. How air travel is to be handled: While participant airfare is not included in the trip price, leaders may assist participants in making suitable reservations. Participants will be told when and where they must join the group for the official start of the trip’s planned activities. Once your air tickets are purchased they are your responsibility – do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders. The leaders will send out a document with a list of suggested flight from your home airport which will work to get you to Kathmandu in time for the start of the trip. The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval (Sept 2019). The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. If the trip’s financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would otherwise not be included. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is

considerably more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip’s financial accounting is complete. Conditioning and activity/fitness level: Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 7 - 8 hours per day with elevation gain of up to 2900 feet. Participants should have recent previous experience hiking on rolling/hilly/rocky/mountainous terrain. Application process or how to apply: To apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders have determined by conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited. Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on the trip AND they accept. Payment Schedule: Second payment of $2,000 due by March 1, 2021 Final Payment due by July 1, 2021 Please make payments by check payable to the “Appalachian Mountain Club” and mail to: Ginette Beaudoin 66 Graham Street Biddeford, ME 04005 Safety: As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions. Risks of trip activities: Participants should be adequately prepared for cold and hot weather hazards such as wind chill,

hypothermia, dehydration, rain, sun exposure and insect bites by ensuring they have sun protection, personal first aid kit, bug repellant and extra layers in their day pack during each day’s activities. Nepal-The facts: The average November temperature in Nepal is 60 deg Fahrenheit which is perfect for hikes. Chitwan National Park is in the flood plains and hence warmer by 15-20 degrees. November is considered one of the best months to travel in the mountains of Nepal. The Himalayan country of Nepal bordered by China (Tibet) in the North and India in the south, is a land of sublime natural and architectural beauty. With Himalaya straddling its length, rare one horned Rhino roaming its Parks, and pagodas studding its valleys, Nepal has almost a mythical quality. You don’t have to be an elite mountaineer to explore it, all you need is love of the outdoors and hiking its countryside. Temples, palaces, and pilgrims line the chaotic and bustling metro city of Kathmandu valley along with its artisan workshops and a combination of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Chitwan National park is defined by river plains and jungles of crocodiles, Rhinos and rare tigers. But we spend most of our time doing daily hikes in the countryside hills near the towns of Pokhara and Bandipur, enjoying the majestic Annapurna range and its other mountains which form the back bone of the country. Currency: 1 US$ = 100 Nepali Rupees. US$ are widely accepted or can be changed at better prices in Nepal than in USA and ATM’s are readily available. What to bring and wear: As always travel light, bringing easy to wash travel wear and comfy hiking shoes/trekking boots). Warm layers, rain proof clothing, hiking gear like sticks for hikes, a sun hat, flash lights for erratic power in Nepal, insect repellent and some relaxing evening wear for our cosy hotels. A medium size rolling suitcase is fine and a day pack to carry your water bottle, camera, rain jacket, padlock and guidebook or journal. Bring prescription medicines, toiletries, extra glasses, hand wash and camera batteries. Pollution and dust in Kathmandu city. Plz bring proper certified mask incase allergic or Asthamatic. We will keep other simple masks with us for others. Most hotels have wifi facilities. Cellphones also work in most places and connection can be purchased locally. Cellphones and tablets don’t need electric conversion adapters from 110 to 220 volts, but other electric items do. Most hotels you can plug in American pin in the socket, but better to carry 3 pin round plug or 2 pin round plug. Nepal Visa: Can be obtained from USA and also conveniently Visa on arrival is available at Kathmandu airport for a fee of US$ 30 for 15 days US$ 50 for 30 days. Kindly mentioned visa dates carefully or get a 30 day visa on arrival if planning to stay longer. For visa on arrival please carry your passport photo and US$ cash with you. Visa form for visa on arrival can be filled online and get a printout of it. Link: http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/ India visa:

If in case coming through India, or planning to do a pre/post trip extension into India then please obtain an electronic visa (E-Visa) one month before your arrival. Kindly note this is not a visa on arrival and has to be applied via email prior to your trip. Please get Double entry e-visa for India in case you need to re-enter India after your Nepal trip for onward flights. This visa is much easier than the conventional visa granted through Indian embassy in USA/Canada. Kindly note: Visa processing is not in our hands and has to be done by you. Any discrepancy has to be checked at your end. Link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html . YOUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS:

LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN

Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the

White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led several Austrian Alps adventure

trips through the years for both hiking and cross country skiing. She has also lead Adventure travel trips

to Yosemite, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Easter Island, Peru, Minnesota, Tuscany, Dolomites, Spain,

France, Patagonia, Bolivia, Azores Islands, Australia and New Zealand for the AMC. She has hiked to over

30 high Alpine Huts throughout Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and has hiked the NH 4000

footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross country hiking, snowshoeing, travel, and

introducing others to adventure travel.

ADDRESS: 66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005

PHONE: (207) 590-4431

EMAIL ADDRESS: ginette4000@yahoo.com

CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK

Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to New

Zealand, Australia, Dolomites – Italy, Austria, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Peru, Easter

Island, Australia, New Zealand, and Morocco. Anna leads hiking trips in the White Mountains and most

recently led an excursion to Waterville Valley and Craftsbury Vermont for snowshoeing and cross

country hiking. She has also co led the Claybrook ski trip on previous years. During the summer of 2014,

she and the trip leader backpacked the Haute Route from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland as

well as Kepler Track in New Zealand. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world!

Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.

ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474

PHONE: 781-648-2492;

EMAIL: annatp12@gmail.com

Gear/Packing list:

You will be required to provide your own daypack, weather proof outerwear, hiking poles, as well as

broken in hiking boots.

Clothing:

Polypro tops (long and short sleeve) and bottoms

Fleece top

Soft Shell or similar jacket and pants

Raingear, top and bottom, Gore Tex or similar; not vinyl

Wool or fleece hat

Waterproof mittens/gloves

Sock liners

Hand warmers

Slippers

Casual wear for lodge and sleeping

Wool socks and footwear appropriate for Apres hiking

Gear:

Hiking poles and good hiking boots

Sun Screen, sun glasses

Gaiters, warm hat or headband

Daypack, water bottles, thermos

Camera with extra battery and memory card

Headlamp and extra batteries

Personal:

Prescription and OTC personal medications

Personal first Aid kit

Contact lens supplies

Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc

Plastic bags, thick ones and large enough to keep things dry inside your daypack

Alarm clock or just use the one on your smart phone

Links to check out: