Treasures & Expressions of INDIA January 8 to 21, 2022

Adventure Travel #2217

Delhi (1 night*) – Bharatpur/Agra (2 nights) – Jaipur (1 night) – Jojawar (2 nights) – Udaipur (2 nights)

– Kochi (1 night) – Periyar (2 nights) – Backwater House Boat (1 night) – Kochi (1 night) *Additional pre-tour night in Delhi recommended

NAMASTE! India has captured the imagination of travelers dating back to the spice trade and perhaps even prior to this. As a large and populous land mass in Eastern Asia with unshakable roots in a complex, yet peaceful religious system, India offers a virtual feast for adventurers of all disciplines and interests. We have selected Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan - the heart of India to experience the finest blend of

monuments, rural areas, cultural attractions, gastronomical delights and a secure infrastructure that lends itself to the comforts we prefer on our international tour programs. In the south, we´ll visit Kerala state in the tropics – enjoying the verdant Periyar National Park before spending a night on a houseboat in the Alleppey backwaters. Bright turbans, flowing skirts, twirled moustaches, graceful language, rustic forts, lakes and hillsides, history and culture embedded in every grain of its yellow sand. We find amazing sunsets and sunrises, tales of chivalry and courage and a welcoming culture that has so much to teach us. Strolling through colorful temples, jungle walks and meeting tribal communities all add to our fascinating journey of India. Whether on foot or from our air-conditioned private coach, a historic train journey, rickshaw, evening boat tour and an internal flight transfer, we experience India using all mediums of transport! Add Intriguing visits to forts, palaces and monuments and find a stark contrast to our days in rural villages where we may visit a local school and witness life of a tribal community. This is truly a diverse program offering tremendous insight to the discerned traveler. We welcome you to join us on this very special journey to begin the year of 2022!

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ITINERARY Travel Day: January 7, 2022 – Depart USA Day 1: Saturday, January 8 – Arrive in Delhi Meals included: Lunch, Welcome Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Suryaa – 5 stars. www.thesuryaa.com Activities: Welcome to India! On your arrival at Delhi airport (DEL), you will be met by our tour driver for transfer to the hotel. The afternoon can be spent strolling near the hotel and relaxing – alternatively, with our local guide, we can offer an additional tour of Delhi (transport and entrance fees not included in price). This evening will be an orientation talk followed by our first group dinner.

Day 2: Sunday, January 9 – Delhi > Bharatpur Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Laxmi Niwas Palace Hotel – 4 stars. www.laxmivilas.com (2 nights) Activities:

The capital of India, Delhi blends a historic past with a vibrant present. The Imperial city, planned for the British by Lutyens, is set amidst parks and shaded avenues. Legend has it that Delhi, then called Indraprastha, was originally founded around 1200 B.C. by the Pandavas. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities. Amongst which Shahjehanabad or “Mughal Delhi”, still retains the charm of the famous Mughal era. After breakfast, we take a panoramic tour of old Delhi in our private coach and visit the UNESCO Heritage Site Qutub Minor before we depart the city for Bharatpur. Our private bus journey is approximately 4 hours. Bharatpur is located at the entrance to the Keoladio National Park

– a wonderful nature reserve in central Rajasthan. Time permitting, we´ll take a hike in the region of our hotel and village area upon arrival – perhaps before sunset, to stretch our legs after the journey.

Day 3: Monday, January 10 – Bharatpur > Agra Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Laxmi Niwas Palace Hotel – 4 stars. www.laxmivilas.com Activities: Today we transfer 1 hour 15 minutes to the city of Agra where we visit the famous monument of love itself, the Taj Mahal - a perfect example of symmetry. Built by Emperor Shahjehan in 1631 for his wife Mumtaz, it is an unforgettable structure. It is also the place where both Shahjehan and Mumtaj are buried in peace and where their immortal love story is witnessed by thousands of people daily. On route we also visit the mystical Fatehpur Sikri, the famous Mughal monument built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and known to be one of the most beautiful cities of the era. Afternoon return to Bharatpur and an easy guided 2-hour hike in Keoladio National Park for bird spotting and other possible fauna. The route is completely flat, and we have bicycle rickshaws for the return portion.

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Day 4: Tuesday, January 11 – Bharapur > Jaipur Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Park Prime Hotel – 4 stars. www.parkprime.net Activities:

After breakfast our private bus takes us 3.5 hours to Jaipur – Rajasthan State´s colourful and majestic capital city. The Heritage Pink City has been the capital of erstwhile Jaipur since its inception in 1727 AD. It got the name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II - who was not only a great ruler, but also a renowned mathematician and astrologer. His various talents are clearly exhibited around the city. Today Jaipur is not only significant for its various forts and palaces but is also a trading center for jewellery, gems and precious stones, block and tie & die printed textiles, carpets, blue pottery etc. On route to Jaipur we´ll visit the famous Abhaneri Step Well (historic water well) and take lunch. This

afternoon we visit Jaipur´s imposing Amber Fort. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The attractions at the fort include the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. The Diwan-e-Khas and the fore square of the fort are also beautiful. Time permitting, we can walk further into the hills around the Amber Palace. Expect to be on our feet in hilly terrain exploring this fort region for some 3 hours. This evening we´ll enjoy a Rajasthan cultural folk dance!

Day 5: Wednesday, January 12 – Jaipur > Jojawar Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Rawla Jojawar – a historic heritage hotel. www.jojawar.com (2 nights) Activities:

This morning we drive to Jojawar (about 5 hours with stops on route). Jojawar is set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Aravali hills. Our visit to Jojawar offers an authentic rural experience to regions of India that have little in the way of ‘monuments or palaces’ but offer a more personal insight into ‘real’ life of Indian tribal communities. Rawla Jojawar is an aristocratic family house now converted into a beautiful home stay, where the charm is meeting the family of the owners and the various villagers who reside there. Here we also visit the neighboring villages of tribal communities living in the Aravali ranges and take a countryside tour with more opportunities for

hiking in this authentic Rajastan landscape. Upon arrival we´ll have a guided village walk to explore the local area – 1 to 2 hours approximately / easy level and no altitude gain.

Day 6: Thursday, January 13 – Jojawar Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Rawla Jojawar. www.jojawar.com Activities: This morning we take a jeep ride in the countryside to visit hamlets of Rabari tribes where we do some exploring on foot. We also take a scenic tour (45 min) on a local train that passes through this unique hilly countryside where monkeys greet us on route! Today´s visits offer us opportunities of close interaction with Rabaris, Bhils and Gadulia Luhar tribes of India. The Rabaris are a nomadic tribe which take their cattle to various parts of the country during summers. The Bhils are hunters and a martial tribe. The Gadulias are nomadic ironsmiths. Today expect to walk through the rural villages – covering about 3 miles today in total.

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Day 7: Friday, January 14 – Jojawar > Udaipur Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Mahenda Prakash – 3 stars. www.hotelmahendraprakash.com (2 nights) Activities: This morning we transfer to the regal lakeside city Udaipur, the Venice of India. Famous for its elegant waterfront palaces, Udaipur captures all the imagination of classical India. From Elephants strolling side streets to verdant hillsides and breath-taking sunsets, this is one of Rajasthan´s finest destinations. On route we stop at the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort where we´ll have lunch which you choose and a 3~4-hour hike through the hillside made famous by the 2nd longest wall on earth. Arriving late afternoon to Udaipur, we can relax in our Hotel or cool off in the pool.

Day 8: Saturday, January 15 – Udaipur Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Mahenda Prakash – 3 stars. www.hotelmahendraprakash.com Activities:

Our visits today are focused on Udaipur´s cultural highlights and its unique natural environs. We start the day with a 2-hour hike (500 ft gain) from our hotel to the lakeview temples offering us 360-degree views of Udaipur! Later we take a highlights tour of Udaipur´s imposing City Palace. The City Palace which towers over Pichola Lake was founded by Udai Singh, the founder of the city, and was added to by every ruler who ruled Udaipur. Thus, today it is a truly amalgamated architecture. This evening we´ll have a boat tour on the lake of Udaipur offering another perspective of this special region and a chance to explore the culture that relies on the lake.

Day 9: Sunday, January 16 – Fly to Madurai (Tamil Nadu) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Royal Court, Madurai – 3.5 stars. www.royalcourtindia.com Activities: At midday we fly (INDIGO AIRLINES), to the southern state of Tamil Nadu – India´s tropical destination and the historic city of Madurai. Normally arrival time to the hotel is 17:30 (subject to change by airline). Our bags will be checked through. Remember we have a 15 kg checked-bag limit (33 pounds) and 7 kg (15 pounds) carry-on (*additional baggage weight would be paid directly by participant). Madurai is an Ancient Hindu Capital and is adorned with temples and colorful pilgrims from all over India. Today we begin a complete circuit of south-central India and the scenery is spectacular! Today is largely a travel day from central to south India however we can make a morning hike of up to 2 hours through Udaipur´s natural areas before journeying on.

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Day 10: Monday, January 17 – Madurai > Periyar National Park Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Ambadi – a historic heritage hotel. www.hotelambadi.com (2 nights) Activities:

This morning we´ll visit on foot Madurai´s famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the Hindu world´s most important pilgrim sites. Following this we travel by road to Periyar National Park (4 hours). India is blessed with many Nature Reserves and in the southern tropics, the Periyar National Park is one of the finest. Known for its elephants, tigers, macaques, jaguars, deer, bison and wonderful tropical vegetation - our visits here include hiking, a panoramic boat ride and tours of a spice plantation and a tea estate. Today´s bus journey takes us through the Cardamom Hills to the Periyar hillside and Thekkady village. Located at a refreshing 4000 feet above the tropics of Kerala, Thekkady and the National Park are

wonderful places to visit. This afternoon we´ll hike around the spice gardens, tea plantations and stroll around Thekkady and its environs upon arrival. Expect to be hiking for up to 3 hours today including visiting the temple.

Day 11: Tuesday, January 18 – Periyar National Park Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Hotel Ambadi. www.hotelambadi.com Activities: Today we divide our day between a sunrise panoramic boat safari around the lake for wildlife spotting followed by a late afternoon hike in the Periyar National Forest to spot flora and fauna with designated rangers. We have many opportunities to get up close to nature in this wonderful protected reserve. Today will also be time to explore the local souvenir and craft markets near our hotel in Thekkady village. Our hiking time is approximately 3 hours today – mostly in the dry jungle areas of Periyar and through the village of Thekkady itself.

Day 12: Wednesday, January 19 – Thekkady > Alleppey (House Boat) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: houseboat Activities:

Departing Thekkady´s highlands, we transfer through hilly tea plantations where we´ll stop to hike a short distance in the manicured groves - followed by a 4 hour drive to Alleppey in Kochi´s tropical backwaters and board a houseboat that comprises furnished bedrooms with attached bathrooms, an in-house chef, and a lounge area in which to relax and enjoy the sights on the shore. We start our journey through scenic backwaters, passing one of the few areas in the world where farming is done below sea level. The houseboat will cruise through the Chambakulam area by mid-afternoon

and anchor to explore the boat yard, which displays the traditional long snake boats used in races and perhaps visit St. Mary’s Church - established by St. Thomas in 1721. In the evening, the boat will pass through picturesque stretches of the backwaters of Alleppey where we can hike the rice terraces to stretch our legs and meet community members of this unique destination. A highlight of today is the evening happy hour when we can enjoy sunset from our boat lounge under the tones of Indian Gin and Tonic! Stay overnight on boat.

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Day 13: Thursday, January 20 – Alleppey > Kochi Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner Accommodation: Grand Hotel Cochin, Kochi (Cochin) – 4 stars. www.grandhotelkerala.com Activities:

After a morning sunrise hike along the water courses, we leave our house boats and we depart for a 1.5-hour bus to Kochi, the thriving capital of Kerala State. Kochi is a destination for globe-trotters and explorers. Blessed by one of the finest natural harbors in the world, it has been eulogized as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. In and around Kochi are several cities of monumental value, but step into Fort Kochi, and you are in a totally different world. The Chinese fishing nets, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, the Portuguese and British Architecture - all finely blend with the rich heritage of the land, intricately woven folklore and fact. We`ll explore some of this delightful town on foot this

afternoon and (Tuk Tuk) rickshaws if necessary. In the evening we witness the oldest living opera of the world – The Kathakali Dance Drama which owes its transnational fame to a nearly 1300-year-old classical dance form

which combines facets of ballet, opera, masque and the pantomime. It is said to have evolved from other performing arts like Kootiyattam, Krishnanattam and Kalarippayattu. Kathakali explicates ideas and stories from the Indian epics and Puranas. Time permitting, we can drive to Fort Kochi beach area to visit St. Francis Church originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron saint of Portugal. Vasco da Gama died on the site in 1524 and was originally buried in the cemetery. Our final visit can be to huge Chinese fishing nets lining the entrance to the harbor mouth. Chinese traders are believed to have originally introduced them in the late 14th century.

Day 14: Friday, January 21 – Kochi/Cochin (Departure Day) Meals included: Breakfast Activities: Today, pending your final flight time we may explore more of Kochi (perhaps what we didn´t get done yesterday), before being transferred to Kochi´s (Cochin) International Air terminal for departure. Expect transfer time of approximately 1 hour to reach the airport. Breakfast only included today.

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INDIA – The Facts India has more than a billion people yet does not feel overcrowded due to its immense size. It is desperately poor yet emerging as an economic powerhouse in some areas. However, wealth like in all capitalistic societies is held by less than 2% of the entire population. It is largely a rural – agricultural inhabited society with a complicated religious and political structure. However, the value system of society is consistent with most developing countries worldwide – that is that poverty is undeniable, and that family and community are at the center of importance. Oh, and cricket is THE SPORT! What to Expect? India is a voyage of inner and outer travel that is best managed by those with a healthy and hearty attitude. This country will test your mental, physical and emotional capacities yet, with the right perspective, enhance your spiritual connection to what is really important.

Here are a few ‘top of list’ expectations: Pollution in city areas; cows everywhere! Men in business suits and women in saris; poverty and extreme wealth; bicycles; motorbikes and people walking everywhere; spicy food and bland food; friendly welcomes; good beer but poor quality wine; staring and personal questions about your wealth, family, your interests; smells of sewage and waste; beautiful landscapes; deserts and woodlands; mountains and lakes; crippled people and animals; children everywhere; temples; holy men with long white beards; beggars; arts and crafts; busy markets; haggling! Normal sit-down toilets… cozy hotels; India has it all…

How much travel? We are exploring a very large part of India and India is a little less than half the size of the continental United States. This means that we need to spend a lot of time on a bus getting to our destinations. We will spend a total of about 27 hours on the bus, but we will also make sure that there are breaks for walking and usually a walk after the long ride. What’s the food like? Generally Indian food, eaten by billions of people is spicy and varied. Southern India, boasting the strongest Hindu faith is characteristically vegetarian. Traditionally many Indians are vegetarians and staple food tends to be tasty bread (roti), lentils (dhal) and vegetables. However, chicken, goat, lamb and fish are common, even in our travels in the south. Beef however is forbidden (cows are sacred), so forget about steak! Please enjoy the culinary delights India has to offer and NO, the food is not always spicy. HEALTH Concerns? The region of India we visit and the time of year (winter) is one of the healthiest times to travel. Outside of rare cases of ‘Delhi Belly’ - from adjusting to the food, most travelers to India find few irritations or health problems. Common sense should be practiced however such as regular hand washing before meals; utilizing mineral water or bottled water; avoiding foods too spicy at first and generally taking care of yourself (mediate alcohol consumption and get plenty of rest). Malaria is considered a risk in the south so it’s advisable to consult professional advice. Updated vaccinations for travel to the developing world is strongly recommended.

• For full and updated traveler’s health information on India, please visit the (WHO) World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/countries/ind/en/)

Weather – What to Expect? This trip starts in the north-central capital New Delhi and ends in Kochi – the very south of India. Therefore, expect

a wide gap in temperature. New Delhi in late January will be 65-75F in the day and 50F at night. It´s often foggy and cooler feeling at times but never really wet – India is an arid nation. In Rajasthan (central part of trip), expect

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highs of 70-80F and lows of 50-60F and also dry conditions. In the southern state of Kerala, it is tropical and hot

with humidity. Day highs are 90F plus and lows 75F. Light, sporadic showers can be the norm. This time of year has a very low risk of tropical storms. Do try to pack light however – despite these varying temperatures. It´s never really that cold or wet in India! SECURITY Issues? Opportunists such as pick pockets and petty thieves exist. Outright muggings and violent attacks are rare. All our hotels and destinations are secure and like anywhere, care should always be practiced in the evening and in certain districts. The risk of terrorism is, like anywhere in the world, unpredictable. Mumbai suffered a terrible attack 5 years ago and there is continual conflict in the far north (Kashmir) and some border regions with Pakistan. Our itinerary avoids these conflict zones and is very much in the tourist quarters of the country, particularly Rajasthan State and the south - statistically peaceful regions. SAFETY AND RISKS 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 transportation in vehicles or on foot. The areas of our visits require some travel vaccines and in the very south, some precautions with mosquitos. Aside from any personal medical problems, participants should be aware of the possibilities of bug bites, dehydration, sun burn and other heat- or cold- related problems. You should regularly use sun screen, take care to be adequately hydrated and bring water on all day trips. Please carefully read and sign the AMC Participant Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement. PASSPORT and INDIAN VISA A Visa is required for all USA, European and Canadian / Commonwealth Passport holders. Be absolutely certain that your passport is valid for travel to / from India and that you have the appropriate VISA. Fortunately, the Government of India now has a convenient and time/cost effective ONLINE Visa Application for tourists. Please refer to this State of India site - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html only (and not the many commercial visa sites)! ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE FROM INDIA – IMPORTANT! Please note. This trip begins in New Deli (DEL) and finishes in Kochi (COK). Plan your flights appropriately as there is no return transfer to New Delhi at end of tour. Do not make any non-refundable purchases until you have received an official AMC Adventure Travel acceptance email from the leaders. *IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Baggage Allowance on internal flight Please note – all internal flights have very limited baggage allowances in India! For our Udaipur to Madurai internal flight, the baggage allowance is 1 piece checked at 15 kg (33 pounds) and 1 piece 7 kg carry on (15 pounds). If your baggage is overweight, you will be charged approximately 8-10$ per kilo (8-10 dollars per 2.2 pounds). CONDITIONING AND FITNESS Although this trip is rated as Easy 3, it is important to note that there is a fair amount of walking and time spent on your feet. You need to have some experience with outdoor hiking and walking with the ability to handle temperature extremes, unexpected precipitation, or uneven terrain. Altitude wise, the entire tour does not exceed more than 4000 feet above sea level – while most of our experiences are just above sea level. Therefore, no altitude preparation or medications are necessary.

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PARTICIPANT PROFILE AND EXPECTATIONS You should have a keen interest in adventure, natural and cultural explorations, and enjoy easy to moderate hiking. We remind you that the success of AMC Adventure Travel trips depends on a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie. Our trips are most successful when all participants take a participatory role in the activities being presented. Because we will have a local touring specialist with us, we may be able to accommodate special needs and requests. However, the AMC leaders and our tour operator will be responsible for all decisions involving activities. This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in India 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. 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, recommendations of governmental agencies, or unscheduled transportation workers’ strikes). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip 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 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 activities. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL 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. Our outfitter’s Responsible Travel Ethos is at the heart of everything they do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures, customs and the natural environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities – to volunteer efforts on a wide range of events and projects. We have chosen our outfitter because of their experience and because AMC Adventure Travel shares the same values for responsible travel.

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TOUR INCLUSIONS

• All accommodation: 13 nights (twin share) – all rooms have private bathrooms

• Most meals (13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 13 dinners) as per itinerary

• All land transport in private air-conditioned microbus including baggage transfers to and from hotels

• Private airport-hotel transfers at beginning and end of tour

• Additional transfers built into tour include a train ride, scenic boat tour, houseboat experience and one internal flight (Udaipur to Madurai with changeover in Chennai).

• Guiding and Tour management services team

• Entrance Fees and / or guided visits as per itinerary

• All Tips included - covering all meals, baggage handlers, hotel services, guides, general assistance, drivers, restroom stops, etc.

• Taxes and Administration fees NOT INCLUDED

• International transport to arrive at Delhi Airport (DEL) and depart from Kochi/Cochin Airport (COK)

• Internal Flight baggage allowance (see note below)

• Indian Visa (see note below)

• Trip cancellation insurance

• Medical expenses and / or services required on tour not covered by insurance

• Additional services such as telephone, laundry, private transfers, etc.

• 4 lunches to explore the tastes of India

• Beverages at meals and personal drink such as alcohol, mineral water, soft drinks.

• Optional housekeeping tips PACKING LIST

• Passport

• Light day pack

• Rain jacket

• Easy to wash travel wear

• Comfortable walking shoes (not trekking boots)

• Sun hat

• Sunscreen, sunglasses

• Water bottle

• Personal first aid kit

• Hand sanitizer

• Relaxing casual wear for hotels

• Medium size rolling suitcase

• Swimsuit

• Toiletries, contact lens supplies, extra glasses

• Prescription and OTC personal medications Optional:

• Camera with extra battery and memory card

• Guidebook or journal

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Leaders

Cliff Chambers leads three-season hikes for the Hiking / Backpacking Committee of the AMC Boston Chapter. Cliff has co-led several

hiking/trekking-oriented Adventure Travel trips to

such destinations as the Grand Tetons, Glacier National Park, New Zealand, and Patagonia and has traveled to Norway, Poland, and Tasmania in Australia. Cliff has led trips to Greek Islands and Alaska with Joan in 2018. Cliff has Advanced Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification. He is looking forward to an amazing cultural experience in India.

Joan Chambers leads four-season hikes for the

Hiking/Backpacking Committee of AMC Boston Chapter. She received the Winter Leader of 2009 award and was profiled in the July-August 2011 issue

of AMC Outdoors magazine as an AMC volunteer leader making a difference. Since 2008, Joan has co-led 5 and led 10 AMC Adventure Travel trips to many US national parks, and abroad in N. & S. America, Europe, Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Joan is Advanced Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certified. She can't wait to explore this India adventure with like-minded hikers!

Trip Cost and Payment Schedule Cost Trip cost is $4,850 per person in double-share occupancy for AMC members and $4,950 for non-members. Non-members can join the AMC for $50 for individual membership and $75 for family membership to get the member price. Please refer to the above-mentioned Tour Itinerary for included and excluded expenses. 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. The final price of the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. 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 and reviewed. Some of the leaders’ expenses for the trip and administrative costs to support the trip are included in the trip costs to be shared by the participants. 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, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended.

Payment Schedule A registration deposit of $1,000 is due with the application. The second payment of $1,500 is due June 1, 2021 The final payment of $2,350 is due October 1, 2021.

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Cancellation Policy

The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the fact that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants or to the leaders. Once you are notified the trip is declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $100. 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, unless they can be applied toward another acceptable participant. Should the leaders be able to replace you, 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.

From June 1, 2021 through January 7, 2022, the minimum cancellation fee is US$200.

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.)

Application

After reading this prospectus carefully if you are still interested to apply for this trip, please fill out this Online Registration Form, https://forms.gle/1h1Nnz85uLrSCMaS7, and submit it online.

Please send this Reference link, https://forms.gle/bBU435FD7LcFBTtg6, to three references who can vouch for your hiking activity, abilities, and experience with group travel. If you are an active outdoors person with limited hiking references, please feel free to contact Cliff Chambers at (617) 680-3735 to discuss trip details.

In addition to completing the Online Registration Form, please also download, print, fill out, sign and date the following documents from the links below. We will need both the online copy of your application as well as a hard copy with your official signature. Thank you for your cooperation.

1. AMC AT Trip Application Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LpCo4RwkCBiRV5tvV1x6SzV2NbVPk--j

2. AMC AT Assumption of Risk Participant Release Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=12I7z2qIJfTZUZZgJuTQpUeU_F-3k15Wk

3. AMC AT Medical Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tHJqv3RAkVJxvniJv_no8YcaiadJiJzR

4. AMC AT Supplemental Medical Form (Optional): https://drive.google.com/open?id=177l1uOmd1G29fBaXlASid6o_SUzb2_hP

5. AMC AT Participant Covid Release Form: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1p_2ec8nJqs3r-gMLl3pHOLfthJBPKCOq

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Mail the above four (4) ink-signed forms along with a deposit check for $1,000 payable to the Appalachian Mountain Club and mail to: Joan Chambers, PO Box 2532, Woburn, MA 01888

Your check will not be deposited unless we offer you a place. If you are accepted from a waiting list, we will not deposit your check unless you confirm that you are still interested.

We expect this trip to fill quickly so the sooner you can get everything in the better and the sooner we can start the screening process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact L. Joan Chambers, wu.chambers@gmail.com and L. Cliff Chambers, wu.chambers@gmail.com, 617-680-3735.

After we receive your application, we will talk to you about your experience to ascertain your ability to participate successfully in this trip. Providing information to us about a medical issue or injury will not necessarily disqualify you from participation, but we may need to ask you some follow-up questions. We want to be sure that we can adequately provide for your needs in our locations.

Please remember that all AMC Adventure Travel events are led by volunteers. As such, they may be unable to respond to your inquiry immediately. However, they are very dedicated and will contact you as soon as possible.

Please read and understand the cancellation policy in the trip prospectus before sending any money.