DISCOVER NEPAL. YMCA Alternative Tourism November 2018 HIGHLIGHTS

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1 YMCA Alternative Tourism DISCOVER NEPAL November 2018 Nepal the land of diversity- Geographically and culturally. It has tangible heritages - 4 natural and cultural UNESCO World Heritage sites and Intangible heritages- more than 100 ethnic groups with unique, authentic and diverse cultural expression and languages. The country extends from Himalayan range form north to lowlands in south offering the landscapes of high mountains, hills, green paddy fields, mighty rivers, forests and authentic local life. Nepal is right there on that list of '50-places-to-visit-before-I-die' HIGHLIGHTS This journey travels through the culture and heritage of Kathmandu, and the natural beauty of Pokhara Experience Nepal s Eastern Spirituality Witness meditation in the mountains Enjoy cultural experiences with local people and Community services in the villages Learn about the YMCAs work in Nepal

2 Welcome to the world of YMCA tourism. Welcome to the world of YMCA tourism. The World YMCA, together with YMCA Nepal, invites you to join this exciting tour especially prepared by local YMCAs and providing a unique tourism experience. Alternative Tourism is a social enterprise that supports the Youth Empowerment mission of the local YMCA and World YMCA. Each tour is designed based on the principles of Alternative Tourism: assuring an authentic community-based tourism experience for the participants. These tours are not limited to just YMCA people and all are welcome to join. More about Nepal. Nepal is a small and beautiful landlocked country rich in culture, natural beauties, people, and places. It is located between the two big countries of India and China. Known as the roof of the world, its highest peak is Mount Everest (Sagarmatha). Here we can find people of various cultures, religions and traditions. Mostly people here are Gurung, Newras, Brahmins, Magars, Chettri, Rai, Limbu and others reflecting the cultural diversity. Here we can find the fast flowing rivers originated from the Himalayas and also the birth place of Gautama Buddha. Nepal is the perfect place for learning about cultural and natural diversity.

3 TOUR ITINERARY Kathmandu, the capital city, is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. Spread across an area of 360 square kilometres and at an altitude of 1400 metres above the sea level, Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art and tradition. The valley is encircled by a range of green terraced hills and dotted by compact clusters of red tiled-roofed houses. November 20 : ARRIVE KATHMANDU (1400M) On arrival be met by our representative and transfer to hotel Spend rest of the day at leisure Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu November 21 : KATHMANDU After breakfast transfer to YMCA community projects Visit Nepal YMCA Child Care Center Khumaltar and be involved with the activities with children Lunch at local restaurant Afternoon sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City & Swayambhunath Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Durbar Square is surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah Kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace. Also visit the Kumari Chowk (palace courtyard) of the Kumari, the young girl considered the Hindu Living Goddess, worshipped by Nepali Buddhists and Hindus as the manifestation of the goddess Durga.

4 Swayam in Sanskrit mean self, hence Swoyambhunath mean Self-Created One. The Tibetan name for Swoyambhunath means 'Sublime Trees. It was built over 2,500 years ago. It is also known as monkey temple as there are monkeys living in part of the temple. An excellent view of Kathmandu valley can be observed from this UNESCO World Heritage cultural site. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists & Hindus. Swyambhunath is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. November 22 : KATHMANDU POKHARA After breakfast travel to Pokhara Enroute lunch Hotel check-in and free time Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pokhara November 23 : POKHARA Breakfast at hotel Drive to Khadekhola - 10km from Pokhara Hike to Peace Pagoda Via Pumdikot (Approx 3 hours) After visit and relaxing climb down to Phewa lake. During the walk you will enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty. Climbing down from Pagoda is very enjoyable with the view of Phewa Lake and the mountains Return to the hotel before lunch at a local restaurant Transfer for village visit nearby Pokhara to experience rural Nepalese life and people and be involved in community works Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay

5 November 24 : POKHARA AUSTRALIA CAMP After breakfast drive to Kade and start trek to Australian Camp (2232m). Approx. 2 hours walk with a gradual ascent passing through terraced fields in forested areas. It is a well-known beautiful village and a vantage point to see the Himalaya range all around. You will be mesmerized by the views of Annapurna South (7229 m.) and Hiunchuli (6441 m.) and famous Machhapuchare peak (6993m) Lunch at a Tea House in Australian Camp Evening meditation Dinner and overnight in the lodge November 25 : AUSTRALIA CAMP DHAMPUS POKHARA After breakfast start trek to Phedi via Dhampus, a gradual descending walk. The village is very famous as it provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mt Himchuli, Lamjung and many other mountains From Dhampus there is a steep descent through farms to the flat valley. About 2 hours leisurely walk Drive from Phedi to Pokhara Lunch at local restaurant in Pokhara Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pokhara November 26 : POKHARA AUSTRALIA CAMP After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu En route Lunch at local restaurant Free leisure time Farewell dinner Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu November 27 : KATHMADU DEPARTURE Departure transfer to airport for onward journey

6 PRICE US$ 750 Twin share (per person) US$ 900 Single room (per person) This package includes: 3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu 4 Nights accommodation in Pokhara Air conditioned vehicle for arrival, departure, all transfers and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary (no usage of vehicle for any other visits which is not mentioned in the itinerary or local run) Entrance fees at the monuments English speaking local guide in Kathmandu and Pokhara during the sightseeing tours Yoga and meditations Lunch and Dinner mentioned in itinerary Bottled mineral water (500ml) per person per day YMCA staff, volunteers for tour needs and assistance throughout the tour This package excludes:! Any airfares! Visa Fee (US$ per person - payable directly by the clients at the airport for 15 days. 1 Passport size photographs required). Visa fee is subject to change! Any kind of insurance! Expenses of personal nature for drinks, mineral water, laundry, telephone calls, tips at restaurants, room porters etc! Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips

7 STEPS TO REGISTER 1) Fill out your registration form. Attached to this document. 2) Send your registration to: 3) Pay Registration fee and Participation fee. By credit card: Please choose the yellow OTHER PAYMENTS & PROJECTS link. By bank transfer ($US): UBS SA Case Postale, CH 1211 Genève 2 Account: World Alliance of YMCAs Account Number: L Client Number: IBAN: CH L BIC : UBSWCHZH80A TVA: A complete information pack will be provided for all participants. Please further questions to: ymcatours@ymca.int CANCELLATION RULES 1) No refund of Registration fee if cancelled 2) 70% of total participation fee will be refunded for cancellation before 30 days 3) 50% of total participation fee will be refunded if cancelled before 15 days 4) No refund of participation fee if cancelled 15 days before programme DISCLAIMERS Please note that all times and activities included in this itinerary are subject to change as necessary. YMCAs will work to ensure that it changes as little as possible. If any changes must be made, YMCA staff involved will notify all parties immediately. We ensure that the designated staff or volunteers have visited and established the necessary contacts with the relevant NGOs/schools/authorities and are aware of the medical facilities available in each area of visit. These measures are in place to ensure a smooth and successful expedition for the participants of the expedition.

8 - Registration Form Fill out digitally or print and scan. STEP 1: Identity Name: Gender: Date of Birth: Country: YMCA: Passport No: Phone: Address: STEP 2: Emergency Contact Name: Home phone: Relationship: Work phone: STEP 3: Trip Details Special dietary requirements: Package: Intended date of arrival: Intended date of departure: Do you need a letter of invitation for your visa application? YES NO I confirm that I will have travel insurance before flying to Cambodia. YES STEP 4: Send it in! Once done, to ymcatours@ymca.int. STEP 5: Pay You don t need to make payment to lodge your registration. Once the registration is provisionally accepted, please pay online or through a bank transfer. Pay through the website: Pay by bank transfer (US$): Account: World Alliance of YMCAs Account No: Client No: IBAN: CH L BIC : UBSWCHZH80A TVA: