Midwifery in Nepal

3 – 14 November 2017

Supported by the Royal College of Midwives

Pokhara and Lake Phewa

Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu

Monkey at Swayambunath Temple, Kathmandu

Squeezed between India and Tibet, Nepal ranges from lush subtropical forest to soaring Himalayan peaks. This is a country that is both geographically and culturally diverse. With distinctive ethnic groups and languages, a wide range of architecture, vivid colours and vibrant street life, Nepal is a treat for the senses. This tour, supported by the Royal College of Midwives and led by its Chief Executive, Cathy Warwick, will take you from bustling Kathmandu to the serene mountainside city of Pokhara before heading to the jungle of Chitwan National Park. You will see the many faces of Nepal and its people. Throughout the tour there will be several professional visits looking at the developments in midwifery and maternal and child health in Nepal.

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel, located in the heart of the bustling Nepalese capital, before dinner in the evening.

The following day explore Kathmandu with a full day tour. Starting in the historical heart

of the city explore the UNESCO listed Durbar Square, the Old Royal Palace and see the Temple of the Living Goddess. In the afternoon explore the Buddhist soul of the city by visiting the Bodnath Stupa, Swayambunath and the Tibetan Monastery. Continue to the Pashupatinath’s Ghats, located on the outskirts of the city, and take a moment to absorb the atmosphere as Hindu devotees ritualistically bathe in the river waters, holy men perform rituals on the stone

Nepalese women and children (top); Boats on Lake Phewa (above)

Durbar Square, Patan

steps and families prepare funeral pyres across the river. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner.After breakfast visit Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. Meet with Nepalese midwives and learn about the work they do in the capital city. After lunch visit the APS Hospital in the town of Kalanki. Continue to the ‘Artists’ City’ of Patan, where one of the finest collection of temples and palaces in the whole of Nepal can be found in its spectacular Durbar Square. The next day fly to across the country to the lakeside city of Pokhara, flanked by the soaring Annapurna Mountains. On arrival check into the hotel before visiting a local health clinic to see how life differs for midwives outside the bustling city.

Take in the stunning views from the World Peace Pagoda the next morning, gazing out across the majestic Annapurna Mountains, shimmering Lake Phewa and rolling valleys. Take the short hike down to Phewa Lake through the trees and past the homes of the Pokharan people and take a relaxing boat ride across the lake. In the afternoon visit the International Mountain Museum, devoted to the mountains, the mountaineers who climbed them and the people who call them home.

For those inspired by the mountains there is the option of a full day trek to see the countryside the next day. Otherwise the day is at leisure to relax in Pokhara, perhaps visit the Gurkha Museum or explore the many temples in the old town.

The next morning descend to the plains and jungles, heading for the home of tigers and rhinos - Chitwan National Park. The World Heritage listed reserve protects over 932 square km of forest, marshland and rippling grassland. It is one of the best wild life viewing national parks in Asia and there are excellent chances at spotting one horned rhino, deer and monkeys as well as a huge number of different bird species. On arrival check into the lodge with the rest of the afternoon to relax or take part in activities.

A village near Pokhara (top); Rhinos in Chitwan Park (above)

India

China

Nepal

BhutanKathmandu

Pokhara

ChitwanNationalPark

1

3

2

4

Bangladesh

After breakfast visit a primary health centre and learn about rural healthcare. There will be the chance to talk with local midwives about how they respond to the challenges in such poor rural communities and to hear about their achievements. In the late afternoon return to the lodge.

The next day is at leisure to take part in the many activities that the lodge has to offer, including jungle walks, bird watching, ox cart rides, canoeing or visiting a local village. After breakfast depart Chitwan National Park and fly back to Kathmandu. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the winding streets of the old town, shop or just relax in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.

For early risers there is the option to take a morning flight over Everest and the Himalayan ranges the next day. Fly from Kathmandu over the breathtaking mountains and see the world’s highest peak without having to put on walking boots. Return to the hotel for breakfast and later that morning head to the Newari villages of Bungmati and Khokana. Admire the traditional architecture and cultures that are reminiscent of the medieval era. On your return journey to Kathmandu stop in Lalitpur and see the Lele Primary Healthcare Centre. Return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner.

The next day transfer to the airport for the flight home or extend your stay in Kathmandu.

3 Nov (Fri) KathmanduPm Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the Shangri-La HotelEve Dinner at the hotel

4 Nov (Sat) KathmanduAm Full day tour of Kathmandu including Durbar Square, Old Royal Palace and see the temple of the Living Goddess. Onto Bodnath Stupa, Swayambunath and Tibetan Monastery. Visit the Eastern GhatsEve Welcome dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant

5 Nov (Sun) KathmanduAm Visit to Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital Pm After lunch visit APS Hospital in Kalanki before continuing to the ‘Artists’ City’ of Patan

6 Nov (Mon) Kathmandu/ PokharaAm Fly to Pokhara and transfer to the Lakeside RetreatPm Visit a local health clinic

7 Nov (Tues) PokharaAm Visit the World Peace Pagoda. Walk down to Phewa Lake and take a boat ride out to Barahi TemplePm Visit the International Mountain Museum

8 Nov (Wed) PokharaAm Day at leisure or optional full day trek

9 Nov (Thur) Pokhara / Chitwan National ParkAm Drive through the mountains to the plains and Chitwan National Park. Check into the Jungle Village ResortPm Afternoon activities at the Park, including jungle walk, ox cart ride or bird watching

10 Nov (Fri) Chitwan National ParkAm Visit a primary health centre and learn about rural health care

11 Nov (Sat) Chitwan National ParkAm Full day of activities in Chitwan National Park

12 Nov (Sun) Chitwan National Park / KathmanduAm Transfer to Bharatpur for the flight back to KathmanduPm Arrive Kathmandu and afternoon at leisure

13 Nov (Mon) KathmanduAm Optional flight over Everest and return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit the Newari villages of Bungmati and Khokana Pm Visit Lele Primary Healthcare Centre in Lalitpur. Return to KathmanduEve Farewell dinner

14 Nov (Tues) KathmanduAm Transfer to the airport for the flight back home

3 nights Kathmandu - 3 night Pokhara - 3 night Chitwan National Park - 2 nights Kathmandu

LB D= Breakfast = Lunch = DinnerItinerary 3 – 14 November 2017

D

B D

B D

B D

B D

B D

B D

B D

LB D

LB D

LB D

B

Rooftops of Kathmandu

A room at the Shangri La Hotel, Kathmandu (top);Lakeside Retreat, Pokhara; Jungle Village Resort, Chitwan (above)

Hotels

Shangri-La, KathmanduSurrounded by green gardens, the Shangri-La is an oasis in the heart of Kathmandu. The hotel has an outdoor pool as well as a spa. The well-equipped rooms are contemporary with wooden floors and include tea making facilities and free wifi.

Hotel Lakeside Retreat Pokhara Located a short walk from Phewa Lake, this is the ideal place to relax in Pokhara. The rooms combine traditional style with contemporary touches and come with a garden side terrace. There is also a bar with outdoor seating.

Jungle Village Resort, Chitwan National ParkLocated in the north of the National Park on the bank of the Rapti River, the lodge is surrounded by forest. The air-conditioned rooms are situated in cottages with private balconies. The lodge itself has a restaurant offering a variety of cuisines for lunch and dinner and a bar area to relax in.

Pokhara and Lake Phewa

Tibetan flags in front of Annapurna mountains

Cost of tour USD $3,132 per person (ground only excluding international flights and transfers)

Cost includes:• 11 nights’ accommodation in twin bedded rooms

with private facilities in medium grade hotels

Single supplement: USD $551

• Meals as per the itinerary• Tour leader (Cathy Warwick)• Services of an English speaking national guide• A full programme of cultural and professional visits

as per the itinerary• Admission fees where applicable• Domestic flights and all transport within Nepal• Tips

Cost excludes• International flights and airport transfers• Meals not mentioned and drinks• All personal extras such as porterage, laundry,

inoculation fees• All optional excursions, tours and visits• Visas and travel insurance

FlightsInternational flights are not included in the price of the tour, but we can help you organise these. For more information about flight options and prices, please contact either the London or the Melbourne office.

The Himalayas from Kathmandu Valley

Tour Leader

Professor Cathy Warwick CBE is Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives. Cathy is also an Honorary Professor of Midwifery at Kings College London. In 2006 she was awarded a CBE for services to Midwifery and Healthcare. Cathy lectures, writes and advises on midwifery issues with a particular interest in the organisation of care and the promotion of choice for women. Cathy has travelled widely both on her own and with her family, visiting midwifery units in America, Sri Lanka and South Africa and has previously led successful midwifery study tours to China, India and Cuba.

Project

Midwifery Society of Nepal (MIDSON) is the national professional organisation representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Nepal. Its mission is to strengthen midwifery services and advocate and lobby for midwives in improving maternal and neonatal health in the country, especially in rural and remote areas. At the time of writing, Jon Baines Tours is in discussion with MIDSON on how to best support them in their work.

Pokhara (top); A Nepalese boy; Ox riding in Chitwan Park; Mother and baby in Nepal (above)

About UsTo travel with us is to dig below the surface, revealing the deeper destination. Of course, you will visit the great historical sites; marvel at the wonders of architecture and engineering; be moved by the riches of culture and art; and experience the most spectacular landscapes in the world. What we also do is make sure that you see the country as it is today, giving you privileged access that independent travel and other tour companies rarely get close to. We give you a variety of experiences, from the sublime to the humble, in the company of intelligent, curious, like-minded people. And while we can be worthy, we also make sure that you have a lot of fun.

Jon Baines Tours (London) Hyde Park House, 5 Manfred Road,London, SW15 2RSTel: +44 (0) 207 223 9485 / 5618Email: info@jonbainestours.co.ukwww.jonbainestours.co.uk

Jon Baines Tours (Melbourne)PO Box 68, South Brunswick, Victoria 3055Tel: +61 (0) 3 9343 6367Fax: +61 (0) 3 9012 4228Email: info@jonbainestours.com.auwww.jonbainestours.com

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate