Sample Nepal Itinerary: The Ridges of East Nepal by Above the Clouds, Inc.

Tr ek k i n g t h e Ri d ges of East N ep al A Sam pl e Itin er ar y

This booklet has NO stock images. Every image was taken along the trails of this journey.

The Art of Adventure Travel

Trekking t he Ridges of East Nepal : A Sampl e It inerary

epal lays in the heart of the Himalaya and every aspect of this small nation has been shaped by this rugged terrain. The landscape is varied, beautiful and challenging - the

culture of the people that call is home is just as impressive! This sample itinerary has been hand crafted to offer the chance to experience all the magic that Nepal has to offer in one of the most beautiful corners of the country. The trek will start with some moderately challenging days on the trail. The uphill routing of the trail, combined with the elevation gains, will make the beginning of your trek the most challenging part. As the trail leads you out of the forests and above the tree line, you?ll find yourselves surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Himalayas and the amazing people that call it home. You'll also find yourselves with plenty of options of how to proceed with your journey in whatever direction feels right to you both. All of that said, please note that this itinerary is designed to be an outline to structure as a jumping off point to customize this experience just for you. The best part of doing a custom trip is that you get to follow the path that is of most interest to you. There is something special about the role or serendipity on treks, and in this case we hope it takes you wherever your dreams inspire you.

Itin er ar y Detail s This journey is all about your experience. Our goal is to create an itinerary in reflection of the interests and requests you've shared. We do our best facilitating opportunities for adventure that allow you to enjoy them, in whatever way feels right to you. While we wont be by your side during your travels, we are always here to support and help along the way. Please, don't ever hesitate to reach out for help. We are always here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Art of Adventure Travel

Day-By-Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu today. You'll be met upon arrival and escorted to the hotel. Most flight arrive late in the evening , which generally makes traffic light and getting over jetlag easier. After a quick transit to your hotel and a smooth check-in, you will hopefully get a great night sleep to ensure your bodies are on the new time zone right away. Hotel Tibet . 02: Today is a full day to explore the city, prepare for trek and if you're at all interested, you can do a full gear check to ensure that you have everything you need for your upcoming adventure. The goal is to prep, get over some of your jet lag and give you a bit a buffer in case of any international travel delays. This evening you'll meet with your guide and together head into town for a lovely welcome dinner before getting a good night rest before trek! Hotel Tibet . (B, D) 03: This morning you?ll rise early and fly to Biratnagar (elev. 800?) in eastern Nepal, along the southern border with India. While you both have a long history and a lot of experience in Nepal, the southern plains of the nation are far more Indian like than the familiar foothills of the Himalayas and this will be an interesting experience. On arrival you?ll be meet and begin the all day drive up into the hills. While the drive is a long one, traveling upward in elevation and northward in direction will mean that as the day passes and miles fall away, your surroundings will become both more beautiful and familiar. By mid-day you'll have left the plains and by early afternoon you'll be traversing the hills and find yourselves in the heartland of Nepali tribal culture and villages.

By the time you depart the vehicle after the all day drive, you'll find yourselves in Jhiri Kimpti, a small town nearby the trail head, just over 5,200?. You will have the choice this night, as many nights to opt between a local guest house or camp. Local Lodge/Camp. (B, L, D)

04: Today you?ll begin your trek. The first day begins with a walk through this beautiful and traditional town. Walking through villages like this are a way to experience true Nepali culture in 2017! The way of life and much of the social roles and structure you'll see are rooted deeply in history and culture, while you'll also notice that many of the posters, music and screens are western and far more global. The dichotomy is such an interesting one to see and such a hard one to understand. As you follow the route away from your first stop on this trek, you gradually hike through the beautiful fields, some ready for planting and some in the midst of being prepped by villagers. By mid-day you?ll arrive to a small clearing near the small village of Kube for lunch before heading onto to Morang (5,?800) for dinner and overnight. Roof Covered Camping (B, L, D) 05: This morning you'll depart camp for one of the most challenging days of the trek. Most of the day will have you heading uphill; however, the gradient isn't constant and as always, there is no rush because the goal is to enjoy each moment. Lunch will be had a bit earlier than normal today in a beautiful plateaued field in Asine. After a morning or pushing your legs and with an afternoon of the same coming up, it's a great time to rest, enjoy the time off and recover. By mid afternoon you'll have arrived at tonight?s camp at Gupha Pokhari (Cave Lake) (9,840').

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Gupha is a Wild West kind of town, a crossroads bazaar town with lots of shops selling everything local villagers need for their daily living, including east Nepal?s favorite beverage, thongba. Thongba is a fermented millet drink, served hot in wooden vessels, and drunk through a bamboo straw. It is safe to drink because the water is boiled, and the thongba shops are good places to observe and interact with the folks that call this special corner of the Himalaya home. And given how had you've worked to get here, it' might just be exactly what the doctor ordered! Local Guest House. (B, L, D) 06: You?ll now leave behind village Nepal for a few days and set off onto the Milke Danda ridge, which affords almost non-stop views of four of the world?s five highest peaks, including Everest. Today?s hike is probably the easiest of the entire trek, feeling almost flat as you ascend ever so gradually along the ridge. Tonight?s camp is on the top of a ridge at a spot known as Sukhe Pokhari (9,800?). From here, it wouldn?t be surprising to encounter yakherders camping with their families and animals. Camp. (B, L, D) 07: This morning you?ll ascend along the ridge to your high camp for the trek, and high point of the Nepal segment, at Dobate (11,400?). You may encounter more yakherders today, who spend their summers on these ridges. Their winter home is in the village of Topke Gola, just south of the border with Tibet, the ancestral home of these herders. If the skies are clear, you can expect the best mountain views of your entire trip from this campsite. Camp. (B, L, D)

08: After four days of gradual uphill, today you?ll have the polar opposite, with a steep downhill trek through some of Nepal?s most pristine forests to our camp at Dhap, just above the village of Mayoom. Camp. (B, L, D) 09: This morning you?ll return to village areas and encounter several settlements en route to camp at Chainpur, one of the wealthiest towns in Nepal. Most of the wealth derives from land ownership and the bronze casters living here, who established a century-old reputation as the finest at their craft in the hills of Nepal. You?ll have time to explore the town and visit with some of the bronze casters in their workshops before dinner. Camp. (B, L, D) 10: The final day of trekking is flat for an hour and then downhill the rest of the day to the once village, now growing town of Tumlingtar. The altitude here, 1700?, is almost 10,000?lower than your camp of just three nights ago. Temperature on arrival feel down right tropical, which wouldn?t be unusual. Tropical fruits and vegetation form a stark contrast to what you experienced on the ridge just a few days ago. Such is the contrast of Nepal! Camp. (B, L, D) 11: This morning you and your guide will board your awaiting vehicle and head to the airport in the nearby town of Tumlingtar.

You'll hop on a mid-day flight and arrive back in the capital by early afternoon. Upon arrival, which will be familiar by now, you'll be met and together travel on to your hotel. After time on the trail and so much travel to get there and back, one of the best joys is to clean up, rest and recover! Your hotel by now has become a familiar stomping grounds and as you both know, is a great place to celebrate your trek and another successful adventure in Nepal. Hotel Tibet (B, L) 12: Today is scheduled for sightseeing all around the Kathmandu Valley. The valley is home to four cities? Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur? each of which was its own kingdom prior to Nepal?s founding in 1769. The first of these days is also a backup day for your flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu in case of bad weather.! Hotel Tibet (B) 13: Depending upon the time of your scheduled departure, it molt likely that much of the day will be at your leisure. By late afternoon you will be met and transferred to a local restaurant (one of our personal favorites!) for a special farewell dinner. After your final Nepali meal, you'll be transferred to the airport for your on ward flights home. (B, D) End of Services.

You will after roughly 30 minutes and if you're interested, you can be sure to arrive in time to explore this place straddling the line between growing village and burgeoning city. The Art of Adventure Travel

It inerary Cost ing: Nepal Land Cost s: $5,850 per person (based on a group of four & double accommodations throughout) Incl udes: Pre-travel assistance & support, all listed accommodations, meals as indicated within the itinerary, all airport transfers, private guide, car and driver for all listed sight seeing, trekking services (guide/ staff) suitable for deviated trekking routes as required, all communal camping equipment and all required trekking permits & fees. Not incl uded: International & domestic airfare, Nepali Visa, tips to the guide and staff, arrangements outside those listed, Travel/ Medical Evacuation Insurance and personal items such as bottled or alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone, shopping, etc...

It inerary Not es: -

Trek Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

Duration of trip: 12 days/ nights

Duration of trek: 8 days/ nights

Highl ight s: -

See 4 of the 5 tallest mountains on earth (weather permitting of course!)!

Trek in the foothills of the Himalayan giants!

Visit villages along the way of this mix of tenting & tea house trek.

Hike through high meadows, pastures, mountain passes and stunning landscapes of Nepal!

Trek Not es & Timing: This trek is short but sweet! It offers superb day hikes, potential for spectacular views (weather permitting of course!) and wonderful days on the trail. However, perhaps most significant this itinerary can be customized handcrafted to fit your personal needs, availability and interests. If you are interested in flora and fauna, this trek is best scheduled for the spring while if cooler temperatures and a better chance of some big views, later in the fall season is recommended. The Art of Adventure Travel

DAY-BY-DAYITINERARYOVERVIEW DAY

ACTIVITY

OVERNIGHT

Arrive Kathmandu, met upon arrival and transferred to hotel.

Hotel Tibet

Optional sight seeing & gear check. Welcome dinner. (B, D)

Hotel Tibet

Fly Biratnagar (800'). Drive Jhiri Kimpti (5,200'). (B, L, D)

Camp.

Trek Kube for lunch and onto Morang (5,800'). (B, L, D)

Camp

Trek Asine for lunch and onto Gupha Pokhari (9,840'). (B, L, D)

Camp.

Trek Suke Pokhari (9,800'). (B, L, D)

Camp

Trek Dobate (11,400'). (B, L, D)

Camp

Trek Dhap (7,310'). (B, L, D)

Camp

Trek Chainpur. (B, L, D)

Camp

Trek Tumlingtar (1,700'). (B, L, D)

Camp

Fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. (B, L)

Hotel Tibet

Full day at your leisure to enjoy & explore Kathmandu! (B)

Hotel Tibet

3/ 4 day in Kathmandu, afternoon pick up from your hotel for a final farewell dinner en route to the airport for flight home (B, D) End of Services.

Terms & Condit ions 1. CONTRACTI NG PARTI ES

9. BAGGAGE:

These Terms and Conditions are legally binding between the traveler(s) and Above the Clouds, Inc. herein referred to as ATC.

All accommodation, room type(s) and specification are as shown in the itinerary.

ATC provides handling of baggage only as specified in the quotation. Weight restrictions for baggage on some routes on internal/domestic flights may apply; details of which will be provided with pre-tour documentation. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner ?s risk throughout the tour and ATC assumes no liability for lost or damaged baggage. Baggage insurance is strongly advised. Please check with your international carrier for other baggage restrictions applicable to your international flight.

4. MEALS:

10. TAXES AND GRATUI TI ES:

- Bank transfer / Check

Meals are as shown in the itinerary.

Hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments are included. Airport taxes are included only where specified in the itinerary. Gratuities for guides, drivers, porters, camp staff, ship crew and Tour Managers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.

ATC cannot guarantee that all payment methods will be accepted and ATC will therefore advise of the most suitable payment method at the time of deposit.

11. PRI CES & ARRANGEMENTS:

16. CANCELLATI ON:

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges and is quoted based on the current rates of exchange and tariffs. Entrance fees as part of scheduled sightseeing tours are also included in this price. This price is subject to revision in line with significant changes in foreign currency, tariff rates, taxes etc.

All cancellations must be received in writing.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS PLEASE NOTE: Acceptance of a quotation from ATC constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions which take effect immediately. 3. ACCOMMODATI ON:

5. TRANSFERS: Transfers are provided where specified in the itinerary. 6. I TI NERARY: Accommodation and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond ATC?s control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued. ATC also reserves the right to withdraw a tour or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or the tour inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control. In case of any appreciable variation in the tour price due to these circumstances, ATC reserves the right to make adjustments to the tour costs as necessary. 7. SPECI AL REQUESTS: Specific requests should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests, however; they cannot be guaranteed. 8. TRANSPORTATI ON: Transportation will be as specified in the itinerary.

12. EXCLUSI ONS: The cost of obtaining passports, visas, excess baggage charges, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, fax charges and excess baggage charges unless expressly included in writing, are not included in the tour price. 13. PHOTOGRAPHY: ATC reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking a program with ATC, travelers agree to allow their images to be used in such photographs. Travelers who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to ATC prior to The Art of Adventure Travel

final payment and they will be exempted from this photography waiver clause. 14. REGI STRATI ON: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is required at the time of booking. All airfare is due upon time of booking and is also non-refundable. The remainder of the total cost is due September 9, 2016. 15. PAYMENT METHOD: Payments may be made by the following methods: - Credit card

Payments made by credit card to ATC will be subject to additional credit card processing fees.

16.1 Cancellations received between 90 days or more from the start date of this itinerary will result in the loss of the deposit. 16.1.1 Cancellations received between 45 and 89 days of the start of an itinerary will be subject to a cancellation charge 50% of the total price. 16.1.2 Cancellations received 44 days or less from the start date of the itinerary will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire total price. 16.2 Cancellation of airline tickets result in a total loss. 16.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. 16.4 ATC reserves the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred as a result of cancellation.

Terms & Condit ions 17. CLAI MS AND REFUNDS:

depart on time.

Refunds are not made for any missed services, except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our LIMITS ON ATC?S RESPONSIBILITY clause below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the termination of the program. Any adjustment considered will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. ATC will not accept any liability for any claims that are not received within 30 days of the termination of your program. All claims for days missed while traveling should be made in writing within 30 days of the program.

There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.

18. LI MI TS ON ATC?S RESPONSI BI LI TY:

b) if alternative travel arrangements or products are not offered by ATC, ATC will make a prompt proportional refund of monies paid by the traveler.

Above the Clouds Inc, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, ATC is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person. In addition and without limitation, ATC is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection to the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force major, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transport mechanism to arrive or

18.1 In the event of a cancellation or material alteration to the trip as a result of the circumstances as described in this clause ATC may in their sole and absolute discretion: a) offer the traveler(s) alternative travel arrangements or products of comparable standard as may be appropriate in the circumstances; or

18.2 ATC may charge a reasonable fee to cover the administration costs associated with providing alternative travel arrangements or products. 18.3 If a material alteration becomes necessary within 90 days of the departure date for any reason other than the circumstances described in this clause, ATC will endeavor to offer comparable products or a full refund of all monies paid by the traveler(s). 19. HEALTH PRECAUTI ONS: Please ensure that you consult your personal physician about anti malaria precautions and other inoculations and vaccinations before travel. 20. TRAVEL ADVI SORI ES/ WARNI NGS: It is the responsibility of travelers to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to their respective government agencies. In the event of an active State Department or government agency Travel Warning against travel to specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveler assumes all

risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against. 21. TRAVELERS?REPRESENTATI ONS: Traveler(s) represent(s) that neither he nor anyone traveling with him has any physical condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or other members of the tour. ATC reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the sole expense of the traveler, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip. 22. AI R TRANSPORTATI ON: Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event occurring while passengers are not on board their aircraft. International air carriers are also subject to international air conventions limiting their liability. These limitations of liability are explained on the e-ticket or on the reverse of the airline ticket and when issued, this constitutes the sole contract between the respective air carrier(s) and their passengers. 23. PASSPORT & VI SAS Please note that passport holders are responsible for obtaining the required documentation applicable for entry. Please note also that passports must be valid for six (6) months before departure and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigrations stamps. ATC cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to a country due to non-compliance with these requirements. 24. TRAVEL I NSURANCE: ATC strongly recommend all clients take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to date of travel. This insurance should cover cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent disability and travel document insurance. ATC cannot be held responsible for any costs arising from such loss or injury.

Above t he Cl ouds, Inc. 800-233-4499 PO Box 1566 | Burl ingt on VT | 05402-1566 abovecl ouds.com The Art of Adventure Travel