Nepal is a sovereign, independent Hindu Kingdom in South Asia. It is a landlocked, third world country, and is only the country in South Asia that has never been ruled by a foreign power. It is situated in between two mighty nations; India to south and the autonomous Tibet, of "China" to the north. On the world map Nepal is located within 26º22' to 30º27' North latitudes and 84º4' to 88 º 12 East longitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Although tiny this country is truly one of the great wonders of the world. The country spans across 147,181 sq. km. making up 0.03% of the world's land mass and 0.3% of all of Asia. Nepal is oblong in shape stretching east-west up to 885 km and North-South only 193km. The highest point is Mt. Everest at 8848m and the lowest point is Kechana Kalam, 70m above sea level. Its total land is divided in three distinct regions; 15% Himali region, 68% hilly region and Terai region covers the remaining 17% of the total land. Nepal is home to: 4% of mammals on earth; 8% of the world's population of birds, i.e. more than 850 species; 11% of the world's 15 families of butterflies, i.e. more than 600 species; 600 indigenous plant families; 319 species of exotic orchids; more than 600 rivers and EIGHT of the TOP TEN mountains over 8000 meters summits in the world including Mount Everest. Out of thirty-one snow-topped peaks over 7600 meters in the world; Twenty-two lie in Nepal! Astonishing! And in addition to these facts, there are many more exciting and interesting places and activities that are waiting for you to explore including; ancient cities and exotic cultures, pilgrims and Ayurvedic/Yoga/Meditation, adventurous elephant safaris, game-viewing tours, floral and botanical walks, bird watching, trekking and mountaineering expeditions, white-water rafting, bungee-jumping, hot air ballooning, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain flights and many others.
THE PEOPLE, CULTURE AND LANGUAGE: Nepal is a unique country inhabited by some 23 million people comprised of multi-lingual, multi-ethnical and multi-cultural diversities. Many of these people have their own languages and customs. The Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, Newars, Gurungs, Bahuns, Chhetris, Tharus and many others all of different castes live together cooperatively and amazingly incredibly peacefully. There are over 70 spoken languages and 40 ethnic groups all calling Nepal home. The countries official language is Nepali but English is spoken and understood by almost all the people living in the major cities. Most Nepali people follow Hinduism and Buddhism but apart from this some also practice animism and shamanism etc. It is a country of "more Gods than the people," "more Temples than the houses" and "more festivals than the number of days in a year!"
WHY PEOPLE LOVE TREKKING IN THE HIMALAYAS? Trekking is an extremely special rewarding mountain holiday. Visiting only big cities it is impossible for one to get a true representation of Nepal. So if you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave these big cities and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of this country. It is truly amazing that such a tiny nation like Nepal is home to 61 different ethnic groups each of them holding their own unique culture. Throughout Nepal there are still many areas considered unspoiled and untouched because they are unreachable by road. Trekking is the only way to truly explore the kingdom of Himalaya; the spectacular landscapes and the local tribes will welcome you every step of the way. Trekking will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote areas whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. Trekking does not mean mountain climbing it simply refers to walking on a trail. This great activity increases the diversity in your trip and provides an achievable goal for full enjoyment of your holiday. So please click around and choose one of trips through our website www.trekkingzones.com that suits your perfect holiday needs. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. Additionally other countries in South Asia also hold their own culture and diversity. Because of we have designed the itineraries in many countries for a variety of ages and well as fitness levels.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRIP BOOKING: We are a tour operator from Nepal, and conducting tours throughout the Asia within Nepal, Bhutan, India (SIKKIM, DARJEELING & LADAKH), Tibet (China) with our own multi linguist's guides and agents, sometimes in relation with overseas tour operators.
If you are on collective group trips, individuals most report at ATH, Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks & Expedition Inc. Kathmandu, Nepal by Phone: 00977-1-4377339 or 00977-1-4700405 Fax: 00977-1-4-370667 email at ath@mail.com.np / terres@mail.com.np or sent copy to both addresses at least 4 days before trip commences.
Our clients are followed and constantly attended to by our coordinators/tour leaders from the beginning to the end of the development & operation of their travel project and we will confirm and process all reservations & bookings accepted even if the negotiation and the final payment of a tour or travel package may be processed by an authorized travel agency accredited in the region or country of residency of the traveler.
After an agreement has been reached between the client and us for all the details regarding the tour or travel package, the traveler (the client) will be put in contact, by our services, with an authorized distributor or directly by us for finalizing the sale according to the agreement.
BOOKINGS: Bookings and reservations are made by filling out our on-line booking form, or printing the form, filling it out and fax it to us. We will contact you by E-mail as soon as your form is received to define the procedures following this step and to confirm the availability on the tour you have chosen with us. All participants booking one of our regular or tailor made tours must read and fully understand our policies and booking conditions. A non-refundable deposit representing 30% of the total sales price must accompany all bookings. The remaining balance must be entirely paid 30 days prior to the departure date. To guarantee a booking made 30 days or less before the departure date we request the entire payment of the total sales price at once. Any person booking one of our tour on the behalf of one or more other traveler(s) ensures us that he/she has received full authority and permission to do so from the traveler whose name appear on the booking form.
CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation by the traveler more than 7 days prior to departure 50% of the total amount paid will not be refundable. Within 7 days of departure refund are possible under any circumstances. If we have not received a balance due at the 29th day preceding a departure, we reserve the right to cancel the booking. If we are in the obligation to cancel a trip for any reason, the participants will be completely refunded without any possibility of further indemnity. Cancellation of a trip made by the client does not entitle him/her to a refund of any kind. The date of cancellation is the date on which ATH, Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks & Expedition Inc. receives a written notice of cancellation by the traveler who has made the booking. ABOUT YOUR HEALTH: Enjoyment of your time in Nepal will depend a great deal on how healthy you are when you arrive and how healthy you stay during your visit. Your guide is experienced in dealing with ailments, which you are likely to encounter during your tour. If at any time you feel unwell, let your guide know. Inform your guide of any medications you are taking and ask his advice before taking any other medication. If you are on a trek, some medication may have a different reaction when used at higher altitudes. Personal hygiene is very important. Wash your hands using disinfectants soap before any meals. Toilet facilities throughout Nepal are usually very basic and toilet paper and soap are not often provided - except in hotels and some restaurants. We erect a 'pit' toilet tent at the campsite during camping trips. We also supply you with rolls of toilet paper.
It is advisable to carry with you a container of "wet-ones" for cleaning hands during the day. The Nepali people generally do not use toilet paper; they use water to wash themselves. Consequently, the left hand is not used for eating or passing things to each other. Worth remembering!! Health and equipment: Our expedition trips are accessible for all people in good health condition as they do not require an exceptional physical condition or any technical or special knowledge (unless indicated so). However the travelers must be ready to (and willing to) provide a reasonable physical effort in relation with the tour chosen. Guided tours are directed from the beginning to end KTM/KTM by our guides and we provide all the general necessary equipment (with the exception of personal effects such as sleeping bags, Mattresses and Duffle bag...). Travelers are responsible for informing ATH or their tour leader of any known illness, disabilities, allergies or medical condition prior to or during the travel (as soon as possible). Travelers with medical prescriptions must have their medication in their immediate possession at all time during the tour and should inform the guide of their condition. If the health or conduct of a client appears to endanger the safety and sound progress of a tour he/she may be excluded from the tour.
IT IS COMPOLSORY THAT ALL TRAVELERS HAVE PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE; this policy must cover medical and repatriation expenses. For our indicated A classes, hard treks: We carry as an emergency on our tours, Gamaow Bag and first aid kits that contain all the necessary equipment to administer first aid to a person requiring it. This content surpasses the recommendations of the International Society for Mountain Medicine (ISMM). It does not include medical products or materials that are not directly required for giving first aid. Travelers must obtain and keep themselves all medical products such as antibiotic, cream, lotion and prescription. Our first aid kits do not constitute a pharmacy for the traveler. We carry them with us only for emergency supports.
LAWS AND AUTHORITY: Participants must be in possession of a passport with at least 6 months of validity at departure and all visas, permits and certificates required for the entirety of their journey. At all times the decision of the company's tour leader or representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety and well being of the tour. The traveler must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, and foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the traveler fail to comply with the above, or should he/she interfere with the well being of the group, the tour leader or company representative may order the traveler to leave the tour without recourse to any refund.
RESPONSIBILITY: 1) For other than the Nepal trips, we may act in some occasions as an intermediate agent between the customer and the service provider (transports, hotels, local tour-operators etc....) and thus should not be confused with the later that, in any case, remains first responsible for the service provided and the conditions surrounding that service. Moreover, if unforeseen events or forcible circumstances implying the security of the traveler impose it, we reserve the right, before the departures and during the tour, directly or via our tour leaders, to modify the dates, the schedules or routes anticipated. In this case the customer cannot claim any kind of repayment. Considering the particular character of our tours, each participant must conform to the instructions given by the tour leader representing the agency, which cannot be held responsible of the incidents, accidents or physical injuries resulting from any imprudent personal initiative of the traveler.
2) We cannot be held responsible for the consequences of delays or cancellations due to a transport company. We also decline any responsibility as for the damage ensuing from a governmental act, from political unrest, from strikes or fortuitous acts or for damage undergone by a traveler for disease, loss, wounded or discomfort.
3) Once the trip has started, no refunds will be made under any circumstances for premature return or for any unused part of the tour.
4) Our responsibility ensuing from the defect to supply a service or an advantage described in the documents supplied to the traveler is limited to the cost of such service or favor.
5) It is possible that bad weather, technical problems or other unforeseen events force us to modify the program/schedule or route of a tour. When, in our opinion, in the interest of safety or for the satisfactory continuation of the tour it is necessary to incur extra expenses, we may do so and recover the same from the clients.
6) We cannot accept responsibility for the actions or lack of common sense of a traveler.
RISKS: Our tours may by their very nature involve an element of risk for the traveler not normally associated to holiday packages. The client must accept these risks and also be aware that safety standards of providers (hotels, tours, transports) are not of the same standard as in his/her home country. Due to political and cultural differences as well as generally tougher physical conditions, travel too many destinations we offer involve risks others than those we take in our daily lives. The client must be aware of this fact and should make his travel decisions accordingly.
INSURANCE: The traveler, together with all his personal belongings, is traveling on his own risk. It is therefore a booking condition that the traveler subscribes to a personal travel insurance covering personal accidents, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss or damage of effects, injury, personal liability, illness or death, cancellation of travel and interruption of stay. IT IS COMPOLSORY THAT ALL TRAVELERS HAVE PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: ATH, Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks & Expedition Inc. does not include or sell international flights with its regular tours and is thus under no liability in respect of any matter howsoever arising with arrangements of international air transportation. However, we can help travelers to book their flight for one of our tours by referring them to a partner travel agency offering competitive rates for any International destinations.
If a TAILOR MADE TOUR (customized tour) includes international and/or domestic flight(s) our responsibility is limited to providing the appropriate travel documents and accurate information and coordinate land transfers accordingly. The carrier remains first and only responsible for the service provided and the conditions surrounding that service.
PHOTOGRAPHING: Nepal is a paradise for photographers. It is said that even if one falls over and accidentally trips the shutter, the result will be photogenic. The changing landscape and the purity of the light, the charming villages and the glittering peaks all make a perfect framework for the informed eyes. One needs to think about three basic issues when considering trek photography: weight, versatility and reliability.
PHOTOS AND COMMENTS: Travelers must be aware that our tour leaders and representatives may take photographs, videos and films of them while on any of our tours and that we reserve us the right to use such material for any publications or marketing uses and promotional literature. If the client opposes himself to this he must notify us with a written notice before or during the tour. TOP †
RATES: Prices are based on the markets of 2010/11. If a major change in exchange rates occurs during the year our prices can change accordingly. Customs transit fees; visas and airport taxes are always the responsibility of the traveler.
SERVICES: Friendly management, definite departures, well-trained and experienced staffs define our companies policies. We use only the highest quality equipment preparing excellent hygienically safe food. We have a serious consciousness of environmental concerns & issues. Private transports, Emergency Evacuation procedures organized where necessary (but you most has to have travel insurance which covered accidents, medical, and emergency Airlift evacuate etc), for local staffs, is Insured by ATH, Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks & Expedition Inc.
Adventure Trans Himalayan Treks & Expedition Inc. is a Nepali owned company and insured for professional liability, per as Nepali law and order to covering its operations throughout the Nepal (including errors & omissions)
ENTERING TO NEPAL: The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is linked by air with the major cities of the world and many major air companies are operate scheduled flights including Nepal Airline.
BY LAND – China linked friendship Border in northeast and India Sunauli, Birgunj and Kankaribhitta
For your information: Bring a photocopy of your passport's main page and visa. Contact us by telephone fax or Email when you have decided on the type of trip you wish to do. We will arrange all those necessary but time consuming details required on this end. On confirmation of your booking, we require a 30% of deposit from total trip amounts. For your convenience and security of trip that you choose, this amount can be sent directly our official accounts. Account details will be sent while you make your booking with us.
All you need to arrange is: Your transport to and from Kathmandu, Visa for Nepal your travel/medical insurance (including rescue cover) REMEMBER, “Most important thing to bring with you is right mental attitude" Traveling in the region of third world countries is mental & physical demanding:
AIRPORT TAXS – There was a departure airport tax's of Nepalese Rupees 1700.00 per person for all destinations on the all-International flights and Rupees 1100 per person to destinations of SAARC member Countries such as Delhi , Dhaka and Karachi. However tickets purchased as an E-Ticket no longer have the associated tax with them.
CUSTOMS – All baggage must be identified and has to pass through customs inspection at the port of entry or departure.
LANGUAGE – Nepali is the official language. English is understood & spoken by the majority of peoples who involved in tourism related business. Directly giving money to street beggars or the village children is discouraged.
TIME & COMMUNICATION – Nepal is 5hrs 45 minutes ahead of GMT, 4hrs 30minutes behind Australian standard time, 10hrs 30 minutes ahead of American Eastern times, 3hrs ahead of Japan and 4hrs 30 minutes ahead of French.
OFFICIAL AND WEEKLY HOLIDAYS – Friday and Saturday
ELECTRICITY … 220volts Ac-50 cycles.
VISA REGULATIONS … Visas will be issued by Nepalese Embassies abroad or can be obtained on arrival on Kathmandu airport. To obtain a visa, tourists need to fill out a visa application form and provide 2 Passport size photographs.
A Tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year (January- December)
Visa Fees: For those visitors who are entering into Nepal first time in a visa year:
Single Entry Visa: US$30 or any other equivalent convertible foreign currency for 60 days.
Multiple Entry Visa: US$ 50 or any other equivalent convertible foreign currency for 60 days
Visa Fees for those who are entering into Nepal second time and thereafter within the same visa year
Single Entry Visa: UU$ 50 or any other equivalent convertible foreign currency for 30 days
Double Entry Visa: US$ 75 or any other equivalent convertible foreign currency per month.
Multiple Entry Visas: US$ 110 or any other equivalent convertible foreign currency.
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Trekking Information
Why people come to the Himalayas: Trekking is an extremely special rewarding mountain holiday. Visiting only big cities it is impossible for one to get a true representation of Nepal. So if you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportu........
Equipment Checklist For Trekking
Good trekking boot waterproof (one pair), Camp Shoes or thongs (1 Pair) Socks Polypropylene (2 Pairs) for 3 to 4 weeks treks, Cotton Socks, high and light with plus fours (Several Pairs) Down Booties (Optional for winter trip), Down or Fibre-filled J........
Health
About your health: Your enjoyment of your time in Nepal will depend a great deal on how healthy you are when you arrive and how healthy you stay during your visit. Your guide is experienced in dealing with ailments, which you are likely to encounter ........
Currencies
Most major international currencies can be easily converted into Nepali Rupees with the American dollars and Euros perhaps being the most popular currencies. There is an exchange booth at the international airport, major hotels have money-changing fa........
Consideration
Nepal is a country in culture and tradition. As a visitor, it is important that you respect the rights and beliefs of the local people and that you minimize your impact –culturally and environmentally. The Nepali people are a friendly and........
