View Dates

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Beijing & Finishing: Beijing

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Starting: Beijing & Finishing: Beijing

Set out early for the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Spend the day wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Opt to see a Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show, the Beijing Opera, or the Beijing Acrobats.

Day 3 - Starting: Beijing & Finishing: Lhasa

Enjoy learning about Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City before using some free time to explore more of the capital. In the evening, depart on a 48-hour train journey to Lhasa. Enjoy watching the scenery completely change as you climb onto the Tibetan Plateau.

Instructions

We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. During peak season (summer) we cannot guarantee which beds will be available.

Day 4 - Starting: Beijing & Finishing: Lhasa

Enjoy learning about Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City before using some free time to explore more of the capital. In the evening, depart on a 48-hour train journey to Lhasa. Enjoy watching the scenery completely change as you climb onto the Tibetan Plateau.

Instructions

We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. During peak season (summer) we cannot guarantee which beds will be available.

Day 5 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Lhasa

Arrive in Lhasa in the evening. Take an orientation walk around Barkhor Square and start acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 6 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Lhasa

Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 7 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Lhasa

Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 8 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Lhasa

Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 9 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Gyantse

The drive to Gyantse is a spectacular one, crossing three passes over 5,000m (16,404 ft) and skirting the shores of the beautiful turquoise lake, Yamdrok Tso.

Day 10 - Starting: Gyantse & Finishing: Sakya

Sakya is the base of the once politically powerful Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its huge fortified walls are testament to the turbulent past of the region. There is time in the late afternoon or early morning to explore the monastery and the ruins of north Sakya across the river.

Instructions

Accommodation in these areas can be quite basic. Be prepared for shared toilet facilities, no running water, and often only multi-share rooms available.

Day 11 - Starting: Sakya & Finishing: Rongpu Si

Travel to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world.

Instructions

Rongbuk is the highest monastery in the world and its guesthouse offers very basic accommodation, but the views that surround it more than compensate. Lie in bed and watch the moonlight illuminate the mountain.

Day 12 - Starting: Rongpu Si & Finishing: Saga

Hike to Everest Base Camp in the morning. Later, make the scenic journey to Saga.

Day 13 - Starting: Saga & Finishing: Darchen

Take another travel day to reach Darchen, home base for the Kora Trek. Follow the road across grasslands for the first spectacular view of Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Day 14 - Starting: Darchen & Finishing: Kailas Range

Begin the kora from Darchen. Staying in basic guesthouses, the full kora takes 2.5 days to complete. The experience and scenery are well worth the effort.

Instructions

If you are unable to participate in the kora, it is possible to remain in Darchen with our drivers. Accommodation on the kora is extremely basic and food options are limited in their variety. It is a good idea to bring snacks.

Day 15 - Starting: Kailas Range & Finishing: Kailas Range

Continue on the kora for the toughest stretch of the hike.

Day 16 - Starting: Kailas Range & Finishing: Kailas Range

After completing the kora, relax in Chiu Gompa for the evening.

Day 17 - Starting: Kailas Range & Finishing: Saga

Stop in Saga for the evening and reflect on the magical experience you've had before continuing on.

Instructions

Please note: the departures of this trip starting May 27 2017 and May 16 2018 will visit the Saga Dawa Festival on Day 14 prior to starting the Kailash Kora hike.

Day 18 - Starting: Saga & Finishing: Shigatse

Travel from Saga to Shigatse.

Day 19 - Starting: Shigatse & Finishing: Lhasa

Visit Tashilumpo in the morning. Later, head back to Lhasa.

Day 20 - Starting: Lhasa & Finishing: Kathmandu

Transfer to the airport and fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Enjoy some free time to get to know the city.

Day 21 - Starting: Kathmandu & Finishing: Kathmandu

Depart at any time.

View Dates

More Information

What’s Included

Great Wall entrance. Forbidden City tour. Trans-Tibetan railway. Kumbum visit. Potala Palace visit. Jokhang Temple visit. Sera Monastery visit. Yamdrok Tso visit. Tashilunpo Monastery visit. Sakya Monastery visit. Pelkhor Chode Monastery visit. Kailash kora. Lake Manasarovar visit. Qomolangma Nature Preserve visit. Everest Base Camp visit. Border crossing support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Witness pilgrims replace the Tarboche flagpole, hike the ancient Kailash kora, visit spectacular palaces and incredible monuments, arrive at Everest Base Camp

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. ALTITUDE SICKNESS
This trip operates at altitudes over 3500m (max altitude 5630m). Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatise you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy on arrival in Lhasa and on the Kailash kora. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one’s tolerance especially on long driving days.

2. PARTICIPATION IN KAILASH KORA
If anyone is unable to participate in the Kailash kora they may remain in Darchen with our drivers.

3.ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in western Tibet (particularly on the Kailash kora) and at Everest Base Camp) is extremely basic – only multishare rooms may be available and little or no running water. Basic pit toilets.

4. WEATHER
The sun is intense – hat and sun screen are essential as well as drinking plenty of water as altitude exacerbates dehydration.

Group Leader Description

Your G Adventures group trip is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
You will also be accompanied by a Tibetan translator/guide outside Lhasa.

Group Size Notes

Max 14, avg 10

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Food in Western Tibet is limited in variety – we recommend bringing snacks, museli bars etc for snacks on the Kailash kora.

Transport

Train, private bus, 4×4, walking.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), very basic guesthouses (7 nts, possibly multi-share), sleeper train (2 nts).

About Accommodation

Accommodation in western Tibet is very, very basic. After Saga there are only basic guest houses with multi-bed rooms, shared pit toilets, essentially no running water and electricity only in the evenings.
A sleep sheet is recommended as whilst there is plenty of bedding and (in most cases) it does get washed, it can be dusty.

Joining Hotel

Chong Wen Men Hotel 崇文门饭店
No. 2 West Chong Wen Men Street 崇文门西大街2号
DongCheng District 东城区
Beijing
China
Tel : +86 10 65122211

We recommend printing out this address with Chinese characters to simplify the arrival process; as English is not widely spoken or understood in China.

Joining Instructions

When arriving to Beijing International Airport, you have a few choices on how to get to your starting point hotel.

A. Taxi: Follow the signs to the taxi ranks once you have come out of the baggage hall. The ranks are clearly defined, and traffic guards will systematically put you into a taxi. Print out the name of your hotel in Chinese. A taxi ride will take between 34-45 minutes depending on traffic, and should cost between 95-120 Yuan (plus an extra 10 for the tollway).

DO NOT GO WITH ANYONE WHO APPROACHES YOU OFFERING A METERED TAXI WHICH IS PARKED IN THE LOT. THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF.

B. Airport Express Train: Once you have come out of the luggage hall, follow the signs to the underground Airport Express Line. This line takes you to the center of Beijing, to DONGZHIMEN, where you can transfer to Subway line 2, or take a taxi from here to your hotel. The Airport Express ticket costs 25 yuan. It takes about 16 minutes from Terminal 3 of the Airport to Dongzhimen. Train hours are from 6:30am to 10:30pm.

To continue to Chongwen Men Hotel by subway, it is very easy to transfer to Line 2 of the Subway and take it 5 stops to the Chongwenmen stop (Chongwen men station). Take Exit D out Walk will take you about 3 minutes to hotel. Subway fare is 2 yuan.

C. If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip, our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign with your name on it. He will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, please call the transfer operator (number below).
As a last resort we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel

If your call is specifically concerning Beijing Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Transfer provider directly at:
Ms Xiaofeng Chen (Beijing): +86 1391 0388 356

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Asia Manager: Julie Fitzgerald

G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand
During Office hours (Weekdays, 9am-5pm Local Time)
From outside Thailand: +66 2 381 5574
From within Thailand: 02 381 5574

After hours emergency number
From outside Thailand: +66 87 049 6074
From within Thailand: 087 049 6074

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 mintues with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

Checklist

-Documents
▪ Passport (with photocopies)
▪ Travel insurance (with photocopies)
▪ Airline tickets (with photocopies)
▪ USD cash
▪ Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
▪ G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
▪ Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

-Weather-appropriate clothing
-Warm clothing
-Jacket
-Fleece top/sweater
-Thermal base layer
-Hat
-Gloves
▪ Windproof / waterproof jacket / umbrella / poncho
▪ Small towel / swimsuit

▪ Hiking pants /track pants / long trousers
▪ Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
▪ Sunblock/Sun hat
▪ Sunglasses
▪ Moisturizer, Lip balm
▪ Toiletries (biodegradable)
▪ Snacks
▪ Sleeping bag/ sheet
▪ Alarm Clock
▪ First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re hydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Flashlight/Torch
-Outlet adapter
-Insect Repellent
-Moneybelt
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
-Pocketknife
-Feminine hygiene products
-Ear plugs

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

NEPAL – Visas are available at the Nepal border town of Kodari. You will also need to provide two passport photos and the following fees in US dollars cash only: Multiple entry visa valid for 15 days – US $25: Multiple Entry Visa for 30 days – US $40 and Multiple entry visa valid for 90 days – US $100

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the embassy of each country. Your travel agent can assist. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.

CHINA: all nationalities require a visa to visit China

Most nationalities also need an official Letter Of Invitation (LOI) before they can apply for their Chinese visa.

You can obtain the LOI through our visa support agent in China. The visa support link you need to complete will be sent to you or your travel agent by email when you confirm your booking. You must read the instructions carefully and fill out all the details.

When filling out your Chinese Visa Application form, Please ensure that you list the same details as appear on your LOI when filling out your Chinese Visa Application form.

Passengers traveling to Tibet:
As Tibet continues to be a sensitive area for travel to the Chinese government you must refrain from listing Tibet as one of the places you are going to visit as your application form or your Visa will be denied. We will provide you with the necessary documents to obtain your Chinese Visa, please use the details provided when filling out your Chinese Visa application form. Please submit a copy of your Chinese Visa to us once you receive it in order to arrange your permit for Tibet.

HOW TO FILL IN CHINA LOI FORM ONLINE:

As Chinese visas are dated specifically for entry and exit, please ensure you enter the correct dates. We also recommend you add on an extra day to both the start/end of your trip so your visa length will cover any unexpected delays. Please, remember to put exactly the same dates when you fill out the application at the Chinese embassy.

Please do not submit the below application until 3 months prior to your entry into China. The details will be forwarded to our local agent in China and you will be emailed your Chinese Invitation Letter (With day by day Itinerary) only once we are within 60 days of the trip start date.

Once you have received your LOI you can apply for your visa by going to the nearest Chinese embassy.Please, remember that it is your responsibility to check whether passport details, name spelling and dates on the LOI are correct.

Detailed Trip Notes

The Kailash kora is tough, but within the capabilities of any healthy person. No particular level of physical fitness is required, athough stubborness (endurance) helps. Walk at you OWN pace – slow and steady is the way to go – being fit or unfit is not the primary control here, it is how you deal with altitude.

DO NOT RUSH! The only reward for trying to prove something by being first is nausea, vomiting and a splitting headache!
GO SLOWLY – plod on at a steady pace, pause, standing to rest – don’t sit too often – it is harder to get going again.
Don’t care about whether others are ahead! The path is clear, your guides keep track of where you are. There is plenty of time so walk at YOUR pace regardless of how far behind you may think you are.

Remember the sun is intense – wear sunscreen and sunglasses
It is colder than you think, especially in the wind – if you take off layers whilst walking make sure to put them on again as soon as you stop or are in the shade – don’t wait to get cold.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

As of May 2011 the exchange rate for China was 1 USD = 6.5 CNY (Chinese Yuan) and 1 USD = 70 NPR (Nepalese Rupees).

Cash (Chinese Yuan) is the best method of money in China. There are some ATM machines at international airports and major cities that accept Visa and debit cards but these should not be relied on as a source of funds. We recommend the use of cash and traveller’s cheques in major currencies (USD, CAD, GBP, EUR, AUD, HKD) as a backup. Major credit cards are accepted in a few shops (except for AMEX and Diner’s) but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

***Tibet is still part of China, therefore Chinese Yuan is used in Tibet as well.

Emergency Fund

Departure Tax

For China departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets. For Nepal the International Departure tax is 1695 Nepalese Rupees or 1300NPR if travelling to SAARC Countries (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka)

Tipping

Traditionally in China tipping is not expected and thus there is no need to tip in restaurants and your general interaction with locals; however, tipping is customary – though not compulsory – in the tourism industry and not only shows an expression of satisfaction it may also be of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO may offer to collect the money and tip as a group.

Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal ‘thank you’, and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the Tibetan community.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $5 USD per person per day can be used.

Optional Activities

All prices listed below are in Chinese Yuan (CNY), per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Lhasa
&#9642Tibetan Cultural Show – CNY40p/p
&#9642Day trip to Ganden Monastery CNY500-900 per group + CNY40 p/p entry

Gyantse
&#9642Gyantse Dzong – CNY35p/p

Kathamandu
▪Kathmandu Durbar Square – CNY50/pp
▪Patan Durbar Square ( Patan) – CNY 45/pp
▪Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhaktapur) – CNY 65 /pp

Beijing
▪ Great Wall entrance – CNY 45.00
▪ Cable car at Great Wall – CNY 60.00
▪ Toboggan at Great Wall – CNY 60.00
▪ Forbidden City – CNY 60.00
▪ Temple of Heaven – CNY 35.00 (Taxi 12 CNY per taxi from your hotel)
▪ Summer Palace – transfer – CNY2 PP by subway (Taxi or Subway)
▪ Summer Palace – CNY 50.00 (30main entry; 10 Cixi Museum; 10 Dragon boat)
▪ Lama Temple – CNY 25.00 (Subway 2 CNY PP)
▪ Legend of Gongfu Beijing – CNY200-680
▪ Acrobatic Performance Beijing – CNY180-880
▪ Beijing Opera Performance – CNY180-680
▪ Hutong Trishaw Cycle Tour – CNY100-150
▪ Bike tour Drum Tower & Houhai – CNY 25.00 (Bike Rental)
▪ Factory 798 Art & Galleries – Free
▪ Tiananmen Square – Free
▪ Beijing Duck – CNY100-150
▪ Hutong Cycle tour – 100-150

***Please note these are examples of the entrance fees charged, this does not include hiring transport to/from the destination (unless stated otherwise)

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that affects many travelers to high altitude. It is caused by a lack of Oxygen and generally occurs at heights above 2500m.
AMS Symptoms include: Loss of appetite, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Lethargy / Fatigue, Dizziness, Insomnia / disturbed or poor sleep
The main risk for the development of AMS is ascending too quickly. A slow ascent lets your body acclimatize to the altitude and avoids AMS. AMS occurs equally in males and females, the old and the young, the fit and the unfit. Those who have experienced AMS on previous journeys to high altitude may be at increased risk for developing it again.
*Avoid alcohol, salt & any medication containing codeine. (These can cause dehydration and/or depress breathing).
*Drink plenty of fluids – at least 3-4 liters per day.
*A high carbohydrate diet will aid ventilation and efficient use of oxygen.
*If drinking alcohol or coffee make sure you compensate with extra water.
*Avoid over-exertion in the initial days at altitude.
Some drugs have also been used to prevent AMS. The most commonly used is acetazolamide (Diamox) which is normally given as one 250g tablet, taken twice a day, beginning at least one day before ascent above 2500m. Diamox can make you pass more urine than usual, cause pins & needles in fingers and toes and may make carbonated drinks taste flat.
*Painkillers such as asprin and paracetamol may be suggested for the headache.
*Diamox may be useful (250g every 8 hours)
*Sleeping in a sitting position can aid breathing & headache while sleeping.
*Those with moderate or severe symptoms or whose symptoms persist despite a day or two of rest should descend until symptoms have improved.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Trip Specific Safety

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Associated Planeterra Project

Planeterra supports Seva Canada Society’s work in Tibet:

Seva Canada Society is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to the elimination of preventable and treatable blindness. Seva has worked in Nepal and India for 25 years and more recently in Tibet and Tanzania. Today, nearly 40 million people are blind, with ninety percent of the world’s blind living in developing countries. Another 135 million have debilitating low vision. Most of this blindness can, however, be prevented or cured. Half of the world’s blindness is caused by cataracts that can be reversed with a 15-minute operation, costing $20 – $50 in most developing countries.

Seva in Tibet
Tibet has one of the highest rates of blindness in the world, caused mostly by cataract. Many people affected by blindness live in remote areas far away from eye care services. They are often unaware of available treatments, or simply unable to reach a hospital because of poverty and lack of transportation.

Seva supports 20 microsurgical eye camps in the Yushu region of Tibet every year. In Tibet, because the population is scattered and the distances are great, surgical eye camps are the most efficient way to treat the high rate of cataract. Every year, 3500 sight restoring surgeries are conducted in Seva-sponsored eye camps, but this volume needs to be tripled to eliminate preventable blindness in Tibet. Nepali and local Tibetan surgeons, paramedical eye workers and Seva Tibet staff organize, manage and conduct the eye camps which are held from July through November each year. Local Tibetans in Yushu call the eye surgeons the “eye openers”.

How you can help
Through fundraising events and donations to Planeterra our goal is to support eye camps throughout Tibet. The total cost of an eye camp (1 – 2 weeks long) is approximately $8000 US and each camp performs 150-200 sight restoring surgeries, as well as the screening of thousands of patients for refractive error and other conditions. Beneficiaries of the sight restoring surgery may range from very young children with congenital cataracts to the very elderly with age-related cataracts.

For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org

Local Dress

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites – in Tibet only tourists will be seen in skimpy clothing and whilst you will not cause offense you can expect comment.

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

Max 14, avg 10

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show -
• Beijing Opera -
• Acrobatic Show -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show -
• Beijing Opera -
• Acrobatic Show -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Evening Kora -

Day 2 Optional Activities

• Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show -
• Beijing Opera -
• Acrobatic Show -

Day 3 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• The Silk Market -
• Hutong Walk -

Get Inspired