Patron Her Majesty The Queen • Registered Charity No. 1059050

NEPALCYCLESATURDAY 13 – 22 MONDAY OCT

NORWOOD CHALLENGES: NEPAL CYCLE

C ycle in the shadow of the breath-taking Kathmandu Valley range on little used roads and experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that make up life in Nepal’s Middle Hills – before meeting up with our trekkers for a weekend of celebration.

Boasting the great heights of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of external fascinations, a place where the icecold of the Himalaya meets the steamy Indian plains. Its charm is that it is largely without roads and accessis limited to ancient trails linking isolated villages where life and customs have changed little over thecenturies. There’s some difficult days and a few transfers to get the best of the cycling, but only on a bike can you truly discover the hidden gems of this beautiful country.

We start our ride in the chaos of Kathmandu, with its traffic and slow puffing vehicles before heading outon the beaten track past temples, monasteries and picturesque villages hidden away in the forests. Mainlyunsealed off-road, we continue towards Central Terai - a region of hot subtropical plains - onwards to theUNESCO World Heritage site of the Royal Chitwan National Park. Finally we finish in the stunning lakesidetown of Pokhara and gateway to the spectacular Annapurna mountain range – stretching some 30 mileswith no less than 11 summits.

EVENT DETAILS:

✔ 10 days / 5 days cycling

✔ 195km on tough terrain

✔ £395 registration fee

• Experience the stunning mountain views over the Kathmandu Valley

• Cycle rolling hills and through local villages unchanged over the centuries

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal Chitwan National Park

• Immerse yourself in local life and customs

• Explore the ancient cities of Bandipur, Pokhara and Kathmandu

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DAY 1: SATURDAY 13

Overnight flight from London Heathrow to Kathmandu

DAY 2: SUNDAY 14

We arrive in Kathmandu mid afternoon and transfer to our hotel for the night – with its great views overlooking the city. Pre-challenge briefing and bike fitting.

DAY 3: MONDAY 15

Kathmandu to Daman • Cycle 42km (with optional 12km climb) • Height Gain 1,300m We transfer out from Kathmandu, towards the village of Humane. It’s a tough first day with two mountain passes to climb and mainly stony off-road terrain. The first climb is the toughest with an immediate uphill start past temples and small villages. But the hard work is worth it for the fantastic mountain views over the Kathmandu valley. The route becomes more rural as we continue to climb for the views of the Langtang peaks, Ganesh Himal, Manaslus and on a clear day, the Annapurna mountain range - before finally finishing at The Everest Panorama Resort.

ITINERARYNepal cycle

This itinerary may be subject to change

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DAY 4: TUESDAY 16

Daman to Hetauda • Cycle 56km • Height Gain/Loss 2,488m to 345m

It’s an off-road 1.1km climb to start the day, before we finally reach tarmac for a continuous uphill to the small village of Simbhanjang Pass – the highest point of our challenge at 2,488m. We stop for lunch and look forward to the welcome, winding downhill that takes us all the way to the industrial town of Hetauda.

DAY 5: WEDNESDAY 17

Hetauda to Chitwan • Cycle 30km Trasfering out of Hetauda we can look forward to an easier day of cycling at lower altitude and flatter terrain – riding along the river and entering a subtropical region. Sal (hard wood) and Kal (silk cotton) trees line the roads all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal Chitwan National Park where an earlier finish gives us time to enjoy the optional activities on offer.

DAY 6: THURSDAY 18

Chitwan to Bandipur • Cycle 40kmIt’s an early start and a quick breakfast with a 2hr transfer to The Ghumawune footbridge. It’s a really tough day but we are soon on better surfaces and away from the main stream of traffic. Small local roads take us on a steep uphill to the stunning mountain village of Bandipur – an ancient trading post untouched by modernisation. There’s hopefully time to explore before we settle overnight at a local lodge.

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DAY 7: FRIDAY 19 Bandipur to Pokhara • Cycle 15km • Height Gain/Loss 1,030m – 800m The final day and we continue our journey to Pokhara starting with a winding descent down from Bandipur with views of most of the mid-western Himalayas and the great contrasts of snow-capped peaks against green sub-tropical forests and paddy fields. Pokhara itself is settled in a valley in the shadow of the Annapurna mountains on the shores of the Phewa Lake, but with only main roads into the town itself, we take a safe transfer, enjoying the increasingly impressive scenary. Lunch and an escorted cycle into our hotel, we finally meet up with our trekking challengers to celebrate.

DAY 8: SATURDAY 20Free day to explore Pokhara. Supper at Fishtail Lodge.

DAY 9: SUNDAY 21 Pokhara to Kathmandu. After breakfast, there’s a transfer back to the airport and our internal flight back to Kathmandu, where there’s an optional tour of Kathmandu. Overnight stay at The Summit Hotel.

DAY 10: MONDAY 22 Transfer to airport. Kathmandu to London.

FLIGHTS

Your flights and all internal transfers are included in the cost of this challenge if taking the recommended group flights. There are two options to choose from. Jet Airways, or Air India for Shabbat friendly timings.

Outbound: Air IndiaAI112 13OCT London Heathrow/Delhi 2130/1040AI215 14OCT Delhi/Kathmandu 1250/1435

Inbound:AI214 22OCT Kathmandu/Delhi 1025/1145AI111 22OCT Delhi/London Heathrow 1400/1900

Outbound: Jet Airways

9W 115 13OCT London Heathrow/Bombay 1710/0650#

9W 250 14OCT Bombay/Kathmandu 0805/1115

Inbound:

9W 263 22OCT Kathmandu/Delhi 0950/1135

9W 122 22OCT Delhi/London Heathrow 1305/1820 denotes next day arrival

If you are making your own plans and travelling outside of the dates of this challenge, then please do let us know well in advance. You will need to meet the group at Kathmandu airport on Sunday

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.TRAVEL DETAILS

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We want to give you an incredible experience, but the overriding objective is of course to raise as much money as you can for Norwood. With this is mind, you have to EARN your sponsorship money and this can only be achieved if there is truly an element of challenge involved.

Our challenges are graded moderate, challenging, tough and extreme. Many factors will influence this categorisation – terrain, distances, climate, living conditions, altitudes, climbs etc. The grade allocated however will reflect the overall level of challenge with some days being more challenging than others.

• Challenging events require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and an open mind to new situations.

• Tough events have usually longer itineraries, may take place in more remote areas and require a good level of fitness.

• Extreme events require a very good level of fitness, are hard going, may involve more basic conditions and often involve longer days, steep climbs and descents.

Overall, this is a tough cycling challenge on a moderate altitude route. The terrain will vary from good tarmac to off-road, dirt and unsealed roads. While the terrain isn’t technical, the climbs will be slow and tough, though you will be rewarded with some great descents. You should be physically fit, there are some difficult days and you may notice the difference when we climb to the highest point of the challenge at 2,488m (i.e., feel a little more tired than usual).

HOW WE GRADEYOUR CHALLENGE

14 October 11:30 to take the group transfer to the first night accommodation approximaly 15 minutes away.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

You will need a visa for Nepal, details of which can be found here www.gov.uk/foreign-trav-el-advice/nepal/entry-requirements and uk.nep-alembassy.gov.np/visa/

A 10-year passport is essential which must have at least six months’ validity still remaining when you submit your application. A single-entry visa valid for 15, 30 or 90 days, costs £20, £35 or £75 and is not included in the costs of your challenge. You will be responsible for applying for your own visa. The visa is valid six months from the date of entry and the validity of visa dates are counted from the date of arrival in Nepal - so you have a while before you need to think about it. There are two different ways for applying for a visa to Nepal:

(1) in person Embassy of Nepal, 12A, Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QU (telephone: +20 7229 1594 or 6231 or 5352) or (2) by submitting an application by post. Full details will be provided nearer to the time of your challenge.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory condition of your booking and can be arranged by Norwood – at an additional

charge of £25 - if you do not have your own insurance in place.

• If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs.

• We strongly recommend you are insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you have returned.

• If you have an existing policy we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you are fully covered for the event you are undertaking - clarify its precise nature to your insurers (an escorted cycle challenge both on and off road terrain and up to an altitude of 2,435m).

• You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel, failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim.

BAGGAGE

Your allowable checked baggage is one main luggage item on the recommended Jet Airways flight – and should not exceed 30kg. If travelling with any other airline, we suggest you check their baggage allowance online. Norwood is not responsible for any excess charges incurred. We advise you carry your cycle helmet, a set of cycling clothes and any medication you require, with your hand luggage.

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HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS

You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. To find out more about the relevant NHS travel health advice, a good website is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

All travellers are advised to ensure their Hepatitus A, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid vaccinations should be up to date. There is a low risk of Malaria in lowland Nepal so your doctor may recommend anti-malarial protection. There is also a risk of Rabies in Nepal, although this is a short trip and the Rabies immunoglobulin is available in Kathmandu which can be accessed in the necessary time frame to administer. This is a guideline only. You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic.

You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit. You must also advise Norwood of any pre-existing medical conditions and will be required to complete a medical form when you sign up. These details will be passed to our tour doctor who may wish to contact you prior to the event to clarify any medical conditions or requirements. Medical facilities in Nepal can be very basic, so it is important that all medical information is received in full.

FOOD

All water on the challenge will be boiled and safe to drink. Bottled water will be available to buy in the hotels. You should NOT drink the water from the hotel room (even for brushing your teeth – a flask of drinking water will be provided in the hotel rooms in Kathmandu).

Meals will be substantial, but it is still a good idea to bring your own energy bars and snacks to keep you going during the day. Breakfast will include bread, biscuits etc with hot breakfasts served on some days (consisting of porridge, pancakes, eggs, tea and coffee). A typical lunch will be vegetarian Nepal food or pre-prepared packed lunch, soup with cheese, eggs, and sandwiches. Evening meals will be a soup starter followed by a main course served with rice, potatoes, vegetables, lentils and dessert.

We will need to know in advance of any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians, non-dairy and gluten-free can usually be catered for, but are not nearly as common in Nepal as they are in the UK. Your choice may therefore be limited. Just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.

ACCOMMODATION

Typically hotel rooms are based on twin occupancy with some lodges being 3-4 people. Limited single occupancy is available at an additional charge. Please advise us on registration if this is something you are interested in. Wifi and telephone signal is variable at some of these locations, so do advise those at home that you may not be contactable.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Sunday 14 - www.summit-nepal.com/home

Day 3: Monday 15 - www.everestpanoramaresort.net

Day 4: Tuesday 16 - www.orchidresort.com

Day 5: Wednesday 17 - sapanalodge.com

Day 6: Thursday 18 – Bandipur Village Resort

Day 7 & 8: Friday and Saturday: templetree.business.site

Day 9: Sunday 21 - www.summit-nepal.com/home

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Nepalese Rupee, but US Dollars in small denominations (clean and uncreased) will be accepted at some of the larger resorts. An ATM is sited at the airport, but currency (sterling and dollars) can be exchanged at The Summit Hotel. We recommend that you bring approximately £200-£250 spending money which will be sufficient for drinks and tips (it is customary to tip the ground crew at the end of your challenge and we suggest $40 - $50 pp) and for any souvenirs. We also advise that you bring a credit card for emergencies - both Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised – but do let your bank know in advance that you will be travelling with your card.

There are bars at all of the guesthouse and lodges en-route which sell a selection of local beers. We will also pass local “tea houses” on the route where you can buy drinks and souvenirs. There is excellent shopping in Kathmandu and Pokhara selling traditional Nepalese crafts.

WEATHER

Nepal has a temperate climate, with seasons typical of the Northern Hemisphere, but altitude creates distinct variations in this pattern. Weather is ruled by the monsoon, which sweeps up every summer from the Bay of Bengal and makes mid-June to late September wet and humid.

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The monsoon disappears with a final burst at the end of September and by the second/third week in October skies are generally clear, with pleasantly mild days, cool nights and good mountain views. Temperatures might reach 25-30C in the middle of the day and drop to -10C at night. The weather becomes increasingly cooler through November, but the air is very clear and mountain views fantastic.

Temperatures are tropical in the lowland plains of the Terai (south Nepal) whereas in the Himalayan region they are sub-zero – but the sun can bring some warmth during the day even in the mountains. In Kathmandu, the temperature drops to below 1˚C in winter and rises to an average of 25˚ in summer.

October is Autumn in Nepal and peak tourist season, with fantastic weather and the most popular time for the spectacular mountain views. Expected temperatures are Kathmandu 20˚C, Chitwan 25˚C and Pokhara 19˚C. There is a high chance of showers in the afternoons, so a light waterproof while cycling is essential. Evenings will be cooler.

CYCLING KIT

The kit required for each challenge may differ slightly, but there are certain items that are consistent in every challenge. Full kit lists will be provided after registration with details of any specific items that may be needed, but please find detailed below a sample of the basic kit needed:

ESSENTIAL• your own helmet• cycling gloves• some cycling shorts• small rucksack or bike bag• light waterproofs• casual clothes for the evening• something smart for end-of-ride celebratory dinner

OPTIONAL• You can bring your own pedals, saddle and toe clips and any other personal cycling equipment you see fit to modify the bike supplied, but it isn’t compulsory. Although all bikes have one water bottle cage, we recommend you bring a hydration backpack to ensure that you stay hydrated during the ride. For health reasons, we advise water bottles with lids are used.• You may be changed for the fitting of bar ends.

TYPICAL DAY

While cycling, we are usually up at around 6.30am! It’s an early breakfast with cycling usually starting by 7.30am. We cycle for 3-4 hours in the morning, stop for lunch and then cycle all afternoon to our overnight hotel – aiming to have cycled over half of the days distance before lunch. There are stops generally every 15-20km for water and snacks.On arrival at the nights accommodation, there’s time for a shower and a rest before meeting for dinner in the evening and a briefing on the day ahead.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Time difference: GMT + 5.45hrs

Local Culture - Coming from the UK we have a responsibility to respect Nepal’s culture and people.You will find people in the hill villages charming, friendly and inquisitive, and children delightful. However, you should refrain from giving them sweets etc. The adverse effects of ‘cultural pollution’ can’t be over-emphasised, and gifts of any kind, even given with the best of intentions might encourage begging and therefore radically affect the independent spirited, traditional fabric of their society. Sweets may also contribute to tooth decay and dental care is non-existent in the mountains.

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Anyone who wishes to show their appreciation or concern to children can bring crayons, pencils or picture books etc (or medical equipment for local hospitals). These can then be distributed either by our cycling company in Kathmandu or our guides on the challenge directly to a schoolmaster for example. These will then be lasting and truly useful gifts. Respecting local customs is important.

It is considered very rude to point at a person or a statue with your finger (or foot). You must never offer food or drink that you have started to eat/or taste and never offer or accept anything with your left hand – always use your right or both hands.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• All flights and internal transfers (if taking the recommended group flight)• Twin-sharing accommodation in local hotels and lodges• Hard Tail Scott Mountain Bikes with front suspension and Shimano components• All meals (with the exception of lunches on non-cycling days), including celebration meal at end of ride• Local guides and full UK support team and doctor• FREE Norwood cycle jersey

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance, visas, tips, tours or entry fees• Personal cycle clothing and equipment

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is largely a test of imagination,organisation and perseverance. The more youmake your own personal fundraising campaignstand out against everyone else, the moresuccessful you’ll be. While you are responsible forraising the funds yourself, that doesn’t mean wecan’t offer some helpful hints to help you on yourway. When you sign up to one of our challengeswe’ll send you our fundraising e-kit, packed full oftips to help you achieve your fundraising target.

For more fundraising information or materials, please contact the Challenges Team on 020 8420 6811 or challenges@norwood.org.uk

If two or more members of a family sign up, contact the challenges team direct for details of any group fundraising targets that may apply. Options to pay in instalments by direct debit are also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Julie Braithwaite on 0208 420 6811 or email julie.braithwaite@norwood.org.uk

For more information on Nepal, contact Lynne Gilbert lynne@lynnegilbertconsulting.co.uk or look online for our FAQ’s and Cycling and training tips.

Register: norwood.org.uk/challenges/nepal-trek

NEPAL CYCLE - PRICES

OPTION

RegistrationFee

£395£2,200

(pay £395 deposit)

£3,645(pay £395 deposit)

MinimumFundraising

£3,250 £1,445 –

A B C

PRICING

OPTION

RegistrationFee

£295£2,200

(pay £295 deposit)

£2,545(pay £295 deposit)

MinimumFundraising £2,250 £345 –

A B C

UNDER35s

SIGN UP FOR TWO CHALLENGES IN 2018 AND WE WILL REDUCE THE COMBINED MINIMUM FUNDRAISING TARGET BY £500.

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