Please ensure that you have at least two spare Passport photos with you in Nepal, as these are needed for your TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit.

These will be collected at the pre departure meeting on Day 1

Our Nepal Himalayas and Rhinos trip is a great introduction to all that this stunning country has to offer. From the fascinating temples and stupas of the capital Kathmandu, we fly to Pokhara, set on the edge of Phewa Lake. Here we take time to go boating before setting out to trek through the Himalayan Mountains. The Annapurna region provides the best introduction to trekking in Nepal. We will trek through rhododendron and oak forests, and along river valleys, passing through small villages along the way and staying in local tea-houses. We climb Poon Hill for sunrise and the breathtaking views across the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri range. At the end of the trek we take in some of the sights in Pokhara - David Falls, Shiva Cave and a hike up to the World Peace Buddist Stupa, before heading off in search of the One Horned Rhino and elusive Bengal Tiger in Royal Chitwan National Park. Here we travel by canoe and on elephant back looking for wildlife, and join in a traditional stick dance, before flying back to Kathmandu.

Hotel Yak & Yeti

Durbar Marg

Kathmandu

Nepal

Tel: +977 1 426 8999

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for *diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

NB* Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

Your local guide has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. We also recommend you take water purification tablets with you.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Information on Altitude sickness.

Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known
as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a particularly important medical
consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude illness rarely
occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to less oxygen at higher altitudes. At 18,000 ft (5490m), there is one half the
oxygen available as at sea level, on top of Mount Everest, only one third. The body tries to adapt to less oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$15-20 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks, hot and cold drinks and showers whilst trekking etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling, although in Kathmandu most major currencies can be changed into Nepal Rupees. 

US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders

Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.

It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.

Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning.  In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns.

Some Hotels will also change money.

Whilst treking, Nepal Rupees are essential - small denomiantions are preferable. You will not be able to use or exchange foreign currency whilst trekking.

Pleae note that if you prefer not to purify water using water purification methods, but instead buy bottled water, then this will add to your expenses. particularly whilst trekking. 

How much should I take?

·          Please bring strong walking boots or summer hiking boots, and a day sack for the Nepal Trek. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Be prepared for all weather conditions during the day while walking. 

·          Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kgs. Please note too that there is a 15 kg limit on domestic flights, so please be prepared to leave items not needed for the trek in Kathmandu, or be prepared to pay the excess charge on the flights.

·          A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

·          A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions, and vital for any trekking. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. Whilst trekking, valuables not needed for the trek can be left at the hotel safe in Kathmandu. All valuables that you decide to take with you on the trek including money, passport, camera, and other documents should be carried by you in your day pack, or in a money belt.

Recommended equipment for trekking:

Head:
* Sun hat or scarf
* Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
* Sunglasses
Upper Body:
* T-shirts (2)
* Light and expedition weight thermal tops
* Fleece jacket or pullover
* Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
* Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands:
* Lightweight gloves
* Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof   shell outer
Lower Body:
* Underwear (4)
* Hiking shorts (2)
* Lightweight cotton long pants
* Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
* Fleece or wool pants
* Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
* Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
* Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
* Hiking boots with spare laces
* Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
* Gaiters
Accessories:
* Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F, plus sleep sheet
* Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
* Basic First Aid Kit
* Water bottles and water purification tablets (Micropur recommended) 
* Walking Poles

* Toiletries

Kumuka provide all trekkers with a kit bag to keep their trek gear and clothing in whilst trekking, which is carried by our porters. We also supply quality down sleeping bags and jackets for use whilst on the trek, which are essential for trekking at such high altitudes.

http://www.kumuka.com/Nepal-Trekking-Information.aspx

Please note that if you choose to borrow a sleeping bag, it is still a good idea to take your own sleep sheet, for use within the sleeping bag.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!                

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.

Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!