Nepal: Trekking Into the Clouds - Itinerary

Friday, October 23rd

Nepal Trip Departure: Friday, October 23rd at ISKL at 17:15 for a flight that departs at 20:15 (TG418)

All GAP participants on the Nepal Trekking Adventure meet their travel group and trip leaders Ms. Malia Bodhaine and Mr. Bill Mitchell at ISKL 3 hours prior to flight, which is at 17:15 or 5:15 pm Friday evening to board the airport bus (which will be parked next to the front guard house.) Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to ISKL Friday evening to wish them a safe and wonderful adventure and to smile/wave as the bus departs for the airport. Parents will next hear from their children Sunday, November 1st at noon when the travel group returns.

Students will not travel with cell phones.
If there is a significant flight delay, trip leaders will do their best to contact the lead parent on the emergency phone list who will share the message.

All parents will have participated in a detailed trip briefing at the Travel Group Family Potluck on Sunday, October 11th at 5:00 pm.
That briefing will include the trip packing list, departure/arrival times, emergency medical procedures, and GAP-parent emergency-contact protocol.

GAP-parent emergency-contact protocol is:

1) Parents will be contacted if their child has a medical emergency.
2) Parents will be contacted if there is a significant change in the return flight and pick-up times.
3) If a family has an emergency and needs to contact their child during the trip, parents will contact HS Principal Grant Millard who facilitate communication with the travel group trip leaders.
4) If all goes as planned, no news is GOOD NEWS!! In light of that, GAP parents will wait until their child returns to ISKL on Sunday, Nov 1st at 14:00 (or 2 pm) to hear about the trip adventures, challenges, joys, and highlights.

Friday evening flight TG418 lands in Bangkok at 21:25. Thai Airways will provide transportation to a hotel outside the airport for the group's overnight. Thai Airways provides the hotel while the group is in transit.

Saturday, October 24th EXPLORE DURBAR SQUARE and THAMEL WALK.

• Board TG 335 at 14:30. Arrive in Kathmandu at 16:40. Airport greeting and transport to Hotel Manaslu. After check-in, we'll visit the ancient city center of Durbar Square where not only the most historically significant temples and shrines of this timeless culture are located, but also the main marketplace.
  
• We’ll walk through the back streets of Kathmandu to give everyone an opportunity to get a feel for this fascinating Asian city.
  
• After the Thamel Walk, we’ll have dinner together and meet the directors and staff who will be responsible for all the arrangements of the trip. Any last minute questions can be clarified before we get started

Sunday, October 25th TRISULI RIVER WHITE WATER RAFTING and OVERNIGHT CAMP

• 
  After breakfast, the bus will begin the 3 hour drive to Kuringhat on the bank of the Trisuli River.
  
• After our lunch by the river, we begin the white-water raft trip.
  
• After 2-3 hours of riding the rapids in the midst of stunning Nepalase scenery, we reach our comfortable lodge located right on the bank of the Trisuli where we will enjoy the sound of the river and the sumptuous dinner prepared by our crew. We’ll overnight at the riverside lodge.

Monday, October 26th MORNING RAFTING. BEHOLD TOWERING PEAKS of ANNAPURNA

• 
  We'll have another morning of white-water rafting and then change into our dry clothes and set off for our trek in the Annapurna Himalayas. We'll reach the beautiful lakeside village of Pokhara after 2 hours of driving.
  
• After lunch in Pokhara, we start this trek by taking a jeep to the base of the final foothills facing the Annapurnas.
  
• 
  After arriving at the small village of Phedi, we'll climb for about two hours on a spiraling slate-covered stairway up to the small village of Dhampus which is a scattered series of farms and tea shops along the ridge line. The views from our camp are a terrific first impression of the trek as the towering peaks of Machhapuchare/Fishtail and the Annapurna and Lamjung ranges loom above us only a few kilometers away.
  
• We'll stay the night in a comfortable lodge and enjoy the hospitality of our Sherpa crew.

Tuesday, October 27th TREK FOOTHILLS and RICE PADDIES

• 
  After breakfast, the trail climbs through lush rhododendron forests to the crest which separates Pokhara valley from the Modi Khola River valley.
  
• We'll have lunch on the pass before descending to the thick forested jungle which covers the valley slopes.
  
• After following the ridge-line for about an hour, we’ll start descending back into the Modi Kola river valley over the network of trails that have served as the highway system of the Himalayan foothill villages for hundreds of years.
  
• We’ll pass through dormant rice fields and village inhabitants going about their daily routines which will allow for a wonderful day of trekking to our second night camping lodge at Landrung as well as provide a valuable insight into Nepali farming lifestyle. The views of the gigantic Annapurna South snow-covered Himalayan wall at the end of the valley are spectacular from our comfortable lodge.

Wednesday October 28th TREK ALONG LUSH FARMLANDS

• 
  On a clear morning we can see one of the highest mountains on earth, Mt. Annapurna, as well as countless other snow-capped peaks over 25,000 feet in elevation.
  
• Today's trek descends steeply through the farms of Landrung down to the Modi Khola River and then crosses over a suspension bridge to the opposite bank.
  
• From there you'll climb steeply up a winding stairway which leads to our next camp at Ghandrung. This village is the headquarters of the newly established Annapurna National Park and offers some of the best views anywhere in Nepal. Not only does one see the Annapurnas, but now the exquisite Machhapuchare comes into view with its distinct "Fishtail" peak.
  
• Looking back toward villages scattered in the foothills, the golden light of sunset spills over the fields and red tiled roofs of the scattered villages that have inhabited the valley for hundreds of years. The spectacular sunsets on this magnificent Himalayan wall are unforgettable.

Thursday October 29th OUTREACH to SHANTI STUPA SCHOOL

• 
  Today we'll first enjoy the magnificent sunrise on the massive peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas before descending through rice fields and small village settings for another 3 hours until we come to the road where our transport vehicles await.
  
• We'll be driven back to Pokhara where we will check into our hotel and have lunch.
  
• In the afternoon we'll once again head out to the location of the small Shanti Stupa School where we'll be working with the local students to white-wash the school buildings and donating the school supplies we've collected for their benefit.
  
• The late afternoon will be free for exploration of the Tibetan market local culture.
  

Friday, October 30th UMBRELLA ORPHANAGE: FRIENDSHIP GAMES and LANGUAGE ACTIVITIES

• 
  Today we will meet the children at the Umbrella Orphanage in Kathmandu and be involved in teaching English, playing games and recreational activities.
• ISKL students initiate language activities in the context of the classroom and playground.
  

Saturday, October 31st COMPLETING THE CIRCLE:JOURNEY HOME

• On the way to the airport, we will visit one of the most important religious shrines in all of Asia. Pashupatinath is an exquisite temple complex revered by Hindus throughout the Indian subcontinent. In Bangkok, students will overnight in a hotel outside the airport provided by Thai Airlines.
  

Sunday, November 1st

• Flight TG 415 lands in KL at 12:00 (noon) and students travel by an ISKL school bus to the Ampang campus. Parents meet their children at 14:00 or 2 pm, which is two hours after the flight has landed. HAPPY HUGS!!! (Parents who wish to meet their child at the airport may do so but must be there before the students board the bus to return to ISKL as the bus will leave as soon as everyone is on board. For safety reasons, no students will be left to wait for their parents at the airport!) Enjoy your children's GAP stories!!!

Namaste

Namaskaar/A Polite Greeting

Namaste/Hello,

A quick introduction. I am Mr. Mitchell and I will be one of the co-leaders of the Nepal trip along with Ms. Bodhaine. Nepal will be a new experience for me as I have not traveled to that country, but I have a lifetime of experience in outdoor recreation, camping, hiking and leading International travel groups. We can all count on Ms. Bodhaine to be our Nepal expert as she has been there!! Also one of our fellow "Trekkers" has been there twice!!

I have been imagining your excitement about joining the High School and then also which Global Action trip you would be going on. It has been difficult keeping it secret who was going on this trip as I have too been excited ever since I found out I would be co-leading the Nepal trek.

So, swagatam/welcome to the High School and to our Trek Into the Clouds!

I look forward to the group building we will do together over the coming weeks.

One thing I can guarantee....it will be fun!

Namaste/Goodbye

Mr. Mitchell

Packing List

Many of you are prepared, and somewhat "seasoned" travellers as you have just come off of Malaysia Week and the trips associated with that. The new wrinkle to this trip is that the temperature and humidity will be different.

See the Suggested Packing List below as provided from our Nepal Trip Leader.

Of note, shoes and socks are probably the most important purchase and should be purchased as soon as possible so that you can begin to break them in. In regards to clothing, you can see that layering is being suggested.

The Outdoor Centre on Jln Ampang seems to be the only place that you can get many of the supplies in one place. This is not an endorsement of their products or store, but you will be able to get a good idea of many of the required items. Mention you are from ISKL and they will give a discount, as I went in and arranged for that.

Suggested Packing List

Soft Duffel Bag. We will be using porters and yaks to cart our luggage around, and some domestic flights. That means you cannot bring hard suitcases, or suitcases at all. To make the packing of the yaks and flights more manageable get a duffel bag or larger backpack.

Sleeping Bag. Either down or synthetic filled with a temperature rating for at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have one, then we will be happy to supply you with one.

Day Pack. A day pack with a capacity of about 1000-1500 cubic inches. It should have comfortable shoulder straps. This is for carrying a sweater, camera, water bottle, and a small amount of personal gear on your daily explorations. Try and get one that has external bottle holders so your drinking water supply is easily accessible. Try it on, get them to put some weight in it at the store and see how it feels.

Boots. The new, lightweight boots made by running shoe companies such as Nike and New Balance serve very well in the varied terrain of the region you will be trekking in. There should be little or no snow, so heavy, uncomfortable boots are unnecessary.

Running shoes or sandals. Please feel welcomed to bring several types of comfortable shoes. Your boots may be wet/muddy at the end of a trekking day and you will need them for the rafting trip as well.

Cotton or wool Socks. Bring 4-5 pairs of different weight for maximum comfort and warmth.

Shirts. Bring at least 4 short-sleeved T-shirts. Also bring a long-sleeved undershirt like a turtleneck (preferably not cotton, Marino wool is best) which will also be very useful. Avoid black colored shirts as they absorb the heat of the sun. The temperature variations which we can experience in Spring/Fall make it very necessary to bring several layers of clothing so that you can put on or take off clothes to fit the situation and your personal comfort levels.

Shorts. Optional. It can be quite hot during the middle of the day and walking shorts can be much more comfortable to trek in than long pants. If you choose to trek in shorts, please compensate for the additional exposure to the sun by bringing plenty of sun block cream. Short pants are really not appropriate for monastery tours or while walking around in villages.

Pants. At least two pair of loose, comfortable long pants. Consider getting "convertible" pants that can zip off into shorts as necessary.

Long Underwear. Bring both tops and bottoms if you feel you will be sensitive to the cold. The excellent products made from Marino wool rather than cotton is recommended if it's available. The remarkable range of temperatures which can take place at high altitude (5>35 C) compared to the hot humid, weather of Kuala Lumpur should be taken into account.

Sweater and/or Pile Jacket. The evenings and mornings can be quite chilly. Please bring a sweater or jacket. If you do not have one, a beautiful hand knit woolen sweater can be bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara for around $20.

Rain/Wind Jacket w/ Hood. A waterproof "shell" is the perfect final layer in your clothing preparations. The weather in spring is unpredictable and so we can expect the unexpected. Bright sun, wind, rain and even snow are possible. A waterproof jacket or “shell” will prove to be very useful.

Sun Visor or Hat. Absolutely essential !!! Baseball caps are adequate but a hat with a wide brim is best for protection of your face as well as the back of your neck. Because of the altitude, the ultra-violet rays of the sun are over 4 times as intense as at sea level.

Sunscreen. Bring plenty of Sun Protection. The strongest possible UV block.

Wool Mittens or Gloves. For protection from the cold and sun. They are not really essential, but if you feel you'll be more comfortable, bring them. They can also be bought in Kathmandu or Namche.

Towel and Toilet Kit. Tampex and other specialized toiletries are not difficult to find in Kathmandu.

Sunglasses & Eye wear. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!! Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are essential to protect your eyes against the bright sun and blowing dust. If you wear contact lenses, it might be a good idea to shift back to glasses for your trip, as there is often blowing dust and very little opportunity to replace a lost contact lens.

Plastic Water Bottles or “Camelback type water holder”. Regardless whether you prefer water bottles or Camelbacks, drinking plenty of water is very, very important to assist your body in the altitude acclimatization process and to keep you hydrated in the dry environment.

Flashlight or Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries. Be sure to bring plenty of extra batteries as alkaline batteries are expensive in Nepal. There will be power in most of the lodges to recharge batteries.

Plastic Bags. Bring large ones to line & waterproof the inside of your duffel bags, and small zip-lock bags to put your camera, film and other small articles into. This will help keep your clothes and equipment free of dust and water from rain and river crossings during the trek.


Swim suit:. You will need a swim suit for the rafting trip. It will be worn under your wet suit and flotation jacket. There is also a swimming pool at the hotel in Kathmandu.


Camera and Film. If you’re shooting digital, then bring plenty of memory cards. There is several hours of power each night to recharge batteries.

Binoculars. Optional, but folks who bring them are usually glad they did.

Money Belt. Useful for keeping your money and passport safe during the journey to Nepal. While on the trek or tours we will store your valuables in the hotel safe.

Journal or notebook. Useful for keeping a diary or writing down addresses or notes. Nepal is a very thought provoking experience and you might find it rewarding to keep an account of your impressions. A couple of good paperback books are also useful for plowing through at night.

Personal medical kit. We carry along a well stocked first-aid kit that contains a wide variety of bandages, splints and other basic medical equipment, but we don't administer any internal, prescription medicines. Therefore, it's important for each person to carry their personal medication with them. Bring plenty of "Moleskin" bandages for any blisters on your feet.

Personal food items: You may wish to bring along granola or "Power" bars, herbal teas, fresh coffee or any other items you personally enjoy but which are unavailable in Nepal.

Cultural & Personal Preparation: One of the most important things you can bring is a positive sense of adventure and willingness to accept things as merely different rather than good or bad. Nepal is NOT what you are used to, but it is an incredibly fascinating opportunity to see a different and magnificent side of life. Everything in Nepal is extreme - the beauty, the harshness, the magnificence and the struggle. The Nepalese people are blessed with warm hearts to endure the bitter cold and their cultural wealth far exceeds what they lack in material comfort. It is an astonishing place & experience to behold.

Enjoy your trip!!

Namaste!

Information Central

One of the foremost challenges when visiting new places is the unknown. It can either be exciting or scary to some people. One way we can calm the nerves or fan the excitement is to inform ourselves. The first step was to peruse the CIA Factbook site to see what generally is going on in Nepal.

The Internet has a great many sources at our disposal and I will offer a few to you as a starting point. Please feel free to leave a comment of a site that you have found, or a reading that you recommend and I will add it here!

Lonely Planet is always a good place to start with basic traveler information, and also ratings, top picks and tips. Don't forget to visit the library as we have the LP Nepal book on the shelves! A competitor to LP is The Rough Guide to Nepal which also shares similar information.

Naturally Nepal is a promotional site from the Nepal Tourism Board that brands Nepal with the statement, "Unleash Yourself………Naturally Nepal, Once is not enough." Have a look through the brochures, current events and even a link to ask questions about Nepal. The Downloads section has some thorough descriptions of where we are going, and what we will be doing in Nepal.

Creating YOUR Global Action Blog

Hello,
My name is Mr. Inskeep and I will be your technology coordinator for the Global Action Program. You will be creating a blog to serve as a digital journal and to allow you to reflect on the incredible experiences you will have along the way.

To get started, you will need to create a Google Account.
Even if you already have one, take the time to set up an account that used your ISKL username (and uses your NEW ISKL email address).

Your username or email for the account should be something like: binskeep13@iskl.edu.my (this should match what you use as your login to the ISKL wireless)

You may set your password to whatever you'd like... just be sure not to forget it!

Watch this video to learn about creating blogs in Blogger.

When you create your blog url, use username.blogspot.com as the URL (where "username" is your username like "binskeep13"... so my URL would be "binskeep13@blogspot.com")

Once your blog is set up, email the URL of your blog to your Trip Leaders, your World Studies 1 teacher, and your parents.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any trouble, or if you have some cool ideas about integrating technology into your Global Action Experience!

Can, Can!

Mr. Inskeep
binskeep@iskl.edu.my