az - discover nepal volunteering - we are bamboo · up with those hearty souls who chose the...
TRANSCRIPT
DISCOVER NEPAL
Do You
Know What to
Pack?
The All in one Guidedid someone say "Traditional Village Life"?
YOUR COMPLETE ITINERARY FROM DAY 1 TO DAY 14
HINTS TIPS INFO AND JUICY DETAILS
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO YOUR
PROJECTS
2 0 1 8 / 2 0 1 9 ED I T I ON
VOLUNTEERING
- 0 2 -
D I S C O V E R N E P A L | T H E U L T I M A T E T R A V E L G U I D E
hey there!Firstly, on behalf of everybody at Bamboo, I would like to offer you our thanks for choosing to experience this
incredible part of the world with us. We guarantee you an amazing time and we’re all very much looking forward
to meeting you in Kathmandu soon.
I imagine that right now you’re very excited about your upcoming adventure and this little guide has been put
together to help you understand more about what will be happening, what to expect, how to plan and more. We
guarantee your time with us will be unforgettable from start to end.
Bamboo is growing as our style of 'travel' has proven to be the 'way' to travel. You are now a part of this journey
and we welcome you with open arms and hearts. This growing experience is down to people like you, so do get
stuck in, become part of our way of life, live every moment and take nothing for granted.
Peace, Love & Bamboo Mark (& the other pandas, Steve & Colin)
highlights of your tour
Guided city tour throughKathmandu's best landmarks. Prepareto be dazzled and amazed.
KATHMANDU
Giving back to communities that seevery few western visitors.
GIVE
Meet the kids of Shining Stars andshare a daal bhat supper with thepeople that part of your fee supports.
DONATIONS
Get off the beaten track andexperience real, authentic Nepalesecommunities.
CULTURE
Embark through the crisp lakesidetown of Pokhara.
DISCOVERY
Explore the jungles and landscapes ofChitwan National Park.
NATURE
itinerary
Kathmandu, Nepal
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.As today is the arrival day, our team will be busyworking between the guesthouse and the airport.
Once you've been picked up and you're checkedinto the guesthouse, the remainder of the day isfree for you to do as you please; catch up on yoursleep, check in on Facebook or get out and explorethe local area.
In the evening there will be a very informal get-together for those who have already arrived.
This is a great way to break the ice, over a coldbeer and chat about just how insanely excited youare to be in Nepal!
DAY 1 (THUR) NAMASTE!Kathmandu, Nepal
After breakfast, we'll have a group orientation.This will be a chance for our team to run throughthe itinerary with you and answer any of yourburning questions. We'll take you through the dayto day stuff, explain more about the group split onday 4, give you a few hints and tips on culture,customs and traditions and make sure that you'reset up to get the most from your time with us.
There will also be a quick briefing, especially forthe trekkers today. One of the key points of thisbriefing is to make sure you have everything youneed - this is why it’s very important to make sureyou also read over the ‘packing suggestions’ laterin this guide.
Whilst volunteering you may still be walkingthrough tough terrain in the village and it can stillget quite cold.. It’ll be an immensely enjoyableexperience, we just want to make sure you’reready for it. If you're missing anything that'sdeemed important, there'll be time to find it andbuy it locally.
On completion of the meetings, we'll head out fora tour of the city of artisans, Patan. We'll alsotake you for a quick visit of the incredible ShiningStars Children's Home, part of your tour fee isdonated directly to maintain this home.
There are so many success stories behind the kidswho live here and without donations such asyours, these kids wouldn't have a future. Todayyou'll see exactly why Nepal is on so manytravelers 'must-visit' list and why so many ofthose who do visit, return year after year.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 2 (FRI) LET'S EXPLORE!
itinerary
Pokhara, Nepal
This morning we will drive to Pokhara which willtake around 7 hours. Be sure to bring a book, orsimply sit back and take in the beautiful vista asyou head on to your next location.
On arrival, if time allows and if weather permits,we may have the chance to take a boat across thestunning lake here and hike up the hill to visit thePeace Pagoda; one of the highlights of Pokhara.
In the evening we'll get together to run throughthe group split. The adventurous trekkers willmeet up with their guides for a briefing whilst ourlovely volunteers will hear from a representativeof our NGO partner.
We'll have you fully prepared and ready for whatcomes next! It’s about to get seriously adventurous.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 (SAT) PICTURESQUEPOKHARA
Pokhara, Nepal
At the time of writing this, we cannot give youabsolute, definitive, 100% nailed on details of thevolunteering projects you'll be working on.
It would actually be quite remiss of us to tell younow exactly what you would be doing months inadvance as it's highly likely that what we plan todo will change in the coming weeks!
We're not being awkward but when you areworking in a developing country, plans tend tomean very little when it comes to helping others.
DAY 4 -10 (SUN-SAT)VOLUNTEERING
Fear not, however, we are working with one of the most respected NGOs in Nepal, who have many years and thousands of hours' experience working with these communities.
This is a general breakdown of thevolunteering activities that we have agreed tohelp with:
1. Classroom and school renovations as well assetting up school libraries (as per the need ofschool management committee)
2. Basic maintenance work within the schools,health posts, communal buildings and youth clubs
3. Teaching School kids of different ages.Teaching will be as a classroom assistant andinclude English, Mathematics, arts and crafts andother educational activities
4. Activities such as environmental awareness,health awareness, sports and maybe even raisingawareness of child marriage with women groupsand/or youth clubs
VOLUNTEERING DETAILS
itinerary
Pokhara, Nepal.
The actual work will depend on various 'factors'such as where the work is most needed at thetime your group arrives, the size of your group,logistics in Pokhara, budgets and more.
If you have a particular skill that you feel couldbe put to good use, please let us know. We can'tpromise that it can be utilized but we'll do ourbest for you.
We guarantee that you'll be working whereneeded. We won't waste your time, our time, theNGOs time or the time of those people that ourwork will directly aid.
On day 10 you'll transfer back to town and meetup with those hearty souls who chose the trekkingoption.
Traditional Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner providedby host families each day of volunteering. (Dinneris not included on day 10).
VOLUNTEERING CONTINUED
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Up with the sparrows this morning as we headsouth to Chitwan National Park.
The transfer should take around 4-5 hours butmay take longer due to roadworks and trafficcongestions.
This transfer will no doubt be an abundance ofcontinued story-sharing, or perhaps anotherintake of more serene vistas. On arrival in thenational park, we'll have a sightseeing trip - this isan especially stunning area of a countryoverflowing with stunning views!
In the evening there's a dinner and a 'Tharu'cultural program to welcome you to this area ofthe world - something NOT to be missed!
Meals included, Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 11 (SUN) CHITWAN,HERE WE COME!
Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Today will be filled with activities so make sureyou have a hearty breakfast!
A canoe trip, jungle walk, jeep safari and a visit toan elephant breeding centre!
Man, do we spoil you. You’re all worth it though. This is going to be one of the highlights of yourtrip to Nepal so make sure that you and yourcamera are both fully charged!
Meals included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 12 (MON) CHITWANESCAPADE
itinerary
Kathmandu, Nepal
Before breakfast, for anybody who's up for it,we've arranged a special trip for a bit of incrediblebird-watching, this is optional so feel free todecline the spectacle if you wish.
After breakfast, we'll leave Chitwan for thetransfer back to Kathmandu.
All being well, we'll arrive late afternoon so there'llbe plenty of time to get yourself looking beautifulbefore we have a final farewell dinner together atone of Kathmandu's best restaurants.
This has to be a night to remember to finish offthe most unforgettable team-trip in Nepal.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
DAY 13 (TUE) TO THE START
Kathmandu, Nepal
Don’t be sad that it’s over, but fill your heart withpride that it happened. There will be time forbreakfast to swap phone numbers, emails andmemories before a tidal wave of hugs and hi-5's!
It's going to be emotional but we promise thatyou'll be completely in awe of every second thatyou've spent with our team here. For those of youwho need to head back to the airport, we can helpyou arrange transport.
For those sticking around a little longer todiscover Nepal solo, our team are able to answerany questions that you have and to make sureyou're armed with all of the information that youmay need.
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 14 (WED) THANKS FORTHE MEMORIES
What's includedDISCOVER NEPAL TOUR
1. Airport Arrival Pickup on the official start date between 6am & 8pm 2. All Accommodation throughout 3. All Activities outlined above 4. A city tour of the Nepali capital 5. Donation to all projects 6. Our team to accompany you 24/7 7. A Welcome meal with the kids of Shining Stars Children's Home. 8. A traditional homestay that many don't get to experience
FAST FACTS: VISA
Most countries can buy a visa
on arrival
VISA entry is YOUR
responsibility
Kathmandu , capital of Nepal ,
is the living cultural museum
of the world .
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A visa is necessary to enter Nepal and there are
two options for obtaining one .
You can obtain one before leaving home from any
Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your own
country .
Alternatively , you can buy a visa on arrival at the
Tribhuvan International airport , please check the
immigration website for exceptions :
www .nepalimmigration .gov .np
Multiple entry tourist visas can be obtained by
paying 25 USD for 15 days , 40 USD for 30 days or
100 USD for 90 days . This prices are subject to
change so please check online before arriving .
THE INFORMAT ION YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE WE BEG IN D ISCOVER NEPAL
THE NITTY GRITTY
FAST FACTS: MONEY
Basic costs of things :
Local meal (Dal Bhat) 250 rupees
Bottle of beer 290-450 rupees
Bottle of water 25-30 rupees
Memories - Free of charge
The currency in Nepal is known as
the Rupee or NPR
Remember to tell your bank that
you are leaving the country to avoid
your card being suspended
When it comes to advice on how much
money to bring , it ’s impossible to say . All our
intrepid explorers are very different . Where
some go all out , others are on a budget . You
can find both high end and budget
restaurants , bars and shops across Nepal . A
rough guide for meals and drinks can be
found below :
Typical exchange rates are :
$1 - 105 rupees
£1 - 137 rupees
ATMs , or cash machines , are prevalent
throughout Nepal and will issue the local
currency . If you do plan on bringing your ATM
card with you , we recommend that you
inform your bank . This should prevent your
card being suspended due to irregular
withdrawals .
We don ’t recommend bringing traveller 's
cheques with you . The reason is that banks
across Nepal have odd hours of operating ,
and it may cause unnecessary hassle finding
a bank open when you wish to make a
transaction .
Negotiating a purchase , known as bartering ,
still happens in the tourist areas of Nepal
however not so much outside of these areas .
If you ’re unsure as to whether or not you can
barter for a discount please speak to your
guide .
MONEY
FAST FACTS: FUAX PAS
Packing for a trip to the unknown is always tricky .
It ’s definitely worth doing a little bit of homework
on this one and to consider local culture when
deciding what clothes to bring . Here is a list of
what you will need . Although Nepal can be warm
in the summer months , during the winter it can
reach subzero temperatures in the evenings so it
is vitally important that you are prepared .
KIT LIST
Backpack
Day pack
Sleeping bag (for added comfort)
T-shirts
Base layers (thermals)
Fleece vest
Rain jacket
Down jacket
Underwear
Sleeping trousers
Hiking shorts
Rain pants
Thermal Long Johns
Hiking boots
Socks
Flip-flops/camp shoes
Reusable water bottle
Water purification tablets
Sunscreen
Personal first aid kit
Sunglasses
Bandana
Flashlight/head torch
Travel towel
Wash kit
Instant hand sanitizer
Baseball hat/sun hat
Camera
Book/journal
Toilet roll & rubbish bag
Warm hat , gloves & neck warmer
Packs and bags
Clothing
Footwear
Miscellaneous
FAST FACTS: TRAVEL
For up to date information about the best travel
vaccinations to have before arriving in Nepal we
urge you to contact your own GP , a travel health
clinic or to check the World Health Organisations
website . Bamboo are not medical professionals
and therefore can ’t offer you medical advice .
TRAVELVACCINATIONS
FLIGHTSThanks to the world wide web we all now have
access to great flight deals through websites such
as Skyscanner , Google Flights and more . If you ’d
rather use the services of a booking agent , the
likes of STA Travel , Trailfinders and Flight Centre ,
are all available online .
Please remember that this tour starts in
Kathmandu and finished in Kathmandu
IMPORTANT NOTICEOnce you have booked and confirmed your flight
to Kathmandu , please make sure that you have
shared your flight arrival time and flight number
with our team . Without those details , we will be
unable to guarantee that one of our team will be
at the airport to meet you on arrival .
Did you know that?
The handshake is not very common
in Nepal . People of Nepal put their
palms together , bow their forehead
and say Namaste .
Did you know that?
On a flight the bathroom door isn ’t
really locked when you ’re inside .
Lavatory doors can be locked and
unlocked from the outside for a
multitude of reason . It allows flight
attendants quick access to locked
lavatories in case of emergencies . In
other instances , it allows the cabin
crew to restrict access to bathrooms
during takeoff and landing .
ARRIVALS INFO
ARRIVALKathmandu ’s International Airport is a very busy
airport and can be a confusing place .
You will be staying at Fuji Hotel . Please keep this
address handy as it will be requested upon your
arrival :
Fuji Hotel , Brahmakumari Marg , P .O Box : 6209 ,
Jyatha , Thamel , Kathmandu , Nepal
Once you ’ve passed through Immigration
(Passport Control) you ’ll need to collect your
luggage from one of the carousels . Make sure you
keep your airline baggage slips as you will need to
show these in order to exit the baggage hall . Once
you have your bags please make your way to the
exit passing through the ‘nothing to declare ’
channel . Once through you will enter the busy
main arrivals area .
Please keep a look out for our team . They should
be easily recognizable with their Bamboo
T-shirts and holding a sign showing the Bamboo
logo . Once you ’ve spotted our team , please head
over and introduce yourself . You ’ll then receive
further instructions . Please bear in mind that we
may be waiting for others to arrive so your transfer
to the hotel may not be immediate but we ’ll get
you there as soon as possible .
In the unlikely event that you can ’t find our team ,
please don ’t panic . As long as you have provided
us with your correct flight details one of our team
will be there . Please check again in the arrivals
area . If you still cannot locate one of our team
please call the following number +977 9849
141067 .
If you have supplied us with a mobile phone
number , please make sure your phone is turned
on as we may be trying to contact you .
On arrival to the hotel , we ’ll help you to check in
and give you more details of what ’s happening
next .
Your hotel transfer will be around
30-40 minutes from the airport to
the heart of Kathmandu
Keep your eyes peeled for the
smiling face that holding our
Bamboo logo
Pick up is only available between the
hours of 6am - 8pm on the official start
date .
If you are arriving outside of these
hours and are getting a taxi to the hotel
please make a note of the hotels
contact information .
Name : Fuji Hotel
Num : +9771 425 0435
FUN FACTS: TRANSPORT
TRANSPORTAll trips between cities will be taken in a private
comfortable A/C minivan or bus (depending on
numbers) and we will have plenty of toilet breaks ,
snack stops and chances to take photos of the
incredible scenery along the way .
Transportation times can vary according to the
season , traffic and the road conditions at the
time .
Below is a typical estimate of the journey times
between each location :
Kathmandu to Pokhara : approximately 7-8 hours
Pokhara to Chitwan National Park : approximately
4-5 hours
Chitwan to Kathmandu : approximately 6-8 hours
Our Discover Nepal tour actually
covers a distance of over 450km
from start to finish across
Kathmandu , Pokhara , Chitwan and
back to Kathmandu .
Nepal is home to one of the few
places on earth where you can see
both the Bengal tiger and the one-
horned rhinoceros
FAST FACTS: GUIDES
GUIDESAny tour is only as good as the guide – fact . The
input of a tour guide cannot be understated . Their
input in to your tour , their little insights and the
off-the-beaten-track adventures . The knowledge
and experiences that they share with you will
make or break your time wherever you are in the
world .
At Bamboo we take the selection and training of
our guides and our coordinators very seriously .
Each guide undertakes a structured training
program of three months and only once we ’re
convinced that they are genuine representatives
of Bamboo are they signed up to the family .
Each of our tours have English-speaking guides to
support you , answer your questions , educate you
and to ensure that your time is unforgettable .
From time to time we may have new guides-in-
training on our tours . If you ’re lucky to have a
trainee on your tour , please be patient . They are
undergoing training and therefore their
knowledge won ’t be that of the trained and
experienced guide who will be accompanying
them .
TIPPINGAlthough not in any way expected or encouraged ,
anybody who goes over and above the call of duty
to ensure that you have the very best time , may
deserve a special little thank you .
Did you have extra special service in a restaurant?
Did the bus driver make an additional pit-stop
just for you? Did your guide go out of the way so
that you could experience something unique? At
Bamboo we ’re firm believers in Karma – what goes
around most definitely comes around !
Our guides are the face of Bamboo ,
and they come in all shapes and
smiles .
We love each and every one of them
more than Elephants love bananas .
Whilst most of them are elite travel
mavericks in their own right , you
may come across newbies who are
on the path the greatness .
If you 're lucky enough to meet a
fresh-faced newbie , be sure to show
them your support and patience ,
most guides remember their first
tours forever , so let 's play nice .
YOUR ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
Discover Nepal
Namaste! Welcome to
Kathmandu!
Rooms in the Nepali capital
will be twin shared (2 beds)
and have a private Western-
style bathroom (no squatting!).
Air conditioning and WiFi are
also available in all rooms.
it is the perfect place to relax
after a long day exploring
everything that Nepal's capital
has to offer. We'll make sure
you feel at home as soon as
your step inside.
KATHMANDU
POKHARA
Take in the sights as we venture
closer to Nepal's giant: the
Himalayas.
Your chosen accommodation
will be twin shared (2 beds). All
rooms are fitted with a private
Western-style bathroom.
Free WiFi & air-conditioning is
also available throughout the
hotel.
Sit back and relax with your
fellow guests as you prepare for
what comes next.
POKHARA
Experience a breath of fresh air
as you move farther away from
Nepal's busier cities.
Accommodation whilst
volunteering will be traditional
and basic. An outhouse squat
toilet is available for our
volunteers to use, but there is
no hot running water. This is all
part of the true Nepali
experience!
Dinner will be prepared in a
traditional manner by the host
family, but volunteers are more
than welcome to help!
VOLUNTEERING
CHITWAN
Time to come in contact with
the wildlife.
Your accommodation will be
twin share and all rooms are
fitted with an en-suite
western style bathroom.
The hotel offers a restaurant
and bar where meals and
beverages can be purchased.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is
included during your time at
Chitwan National Park.
YOUR PROJECT GUIDE
DISCOVER NEPAL
YOUR PROJECT GUIDEHimalayan Quests (HQ) main focus is on health, education and sanitation. Our volunteers will be involved in small-scale projects that fall under one of these umbrella headings.
Some of the projects include small-scale rural renovations, often with an opportunity to interact with a local school and its kids. Many rural schools and government buildings are left in poor repair with no budget: this is the gap we aim to fill.
Other projects might include building raised washing-up stations for poor community members to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and illness.
What it involves
Thanks to the partnership between Bamboo and HQ, a lot of sweat and teamwork will combine to achieve three main goals. These are:
1. To improve or beautify school facilities and create a more welcoming learning environment for the children. This will then inspire pride in the schools.
2. To support local communities where requested by repairing or building community halls, toilets and general infrastructure.
3. To reduce the risk of disease and illness through cross-contamination when preparing and washing up after meals
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TERMS & CONDITIONSPlease read these Terms and Conditions carefully as they form the basis of your contract
with WeAreBamboo. This agreement is made at the time of booking and becomes legally
binding upon payment of your deposit. By booking a program with WeAreBamboo, you
signify you have read and accepted these Terms and Conditions
All programs advertised on our website and/or on Facebook are offered and/or operated
by WeAreBamboo Ltd. (trading as Bamboo and referred to as Bamboo or ‘we’ herein
after) with company number 59926953 whose registered office is:.
WE ARE BAMBOO LEVEL 2
61 SEAVIEW ROAD LOWER HUTT, NEW ZEALAND 5010
All travel arrangements are sold subject to the following conditions. Bamboo reserves the
right to update the Terms and Conditions at any time.
Please view our full terms and conditions here:
https://www.wearebamboo.com/about/legal.php
Please note that the information in this pack is subject to change at any time without notice.