Wednesday, May 16, 2012

GCP Nepal 2012 Student Information Booklet

Below is the GCP Nepal 2012 Student Information Booklet. This will be for your parents' information.

Also, please collect your hard copy of this which can be found at Mr Hiap's pigeon hole. There is a namelist to sign and fill in your t-shirt size (in case different from earlier Google Site Doc). The t-shirt size is for the GCP Nepal t-shirt.






GCP NEPAL 2012
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Information Handbook
18 May – 2 June 2012
  

CONTENTS                          

1.             Global Citizenship Programme (GCP) Objectives
2.             Flight Schedule
3.             Reporting Details, Embarkation and Disembarkation Procedures
4.             Important Contact Numbers     
5.             Discipline, General Conduct and Rules
6.             Travel Insurance Coverage
7.             Itinerary
8.             Items to Bring / Packing Checklist

Annex A – UOB Unisure Student Travel Insurance

OBJECTIVES

GCP Overall Objectives:

               Develop interest in and take stewardship of local and global issues
               Understand Singapore’s relationships with ASEAN, ASIA and the rest of the world
               Develop 21st century competencies
               Understand their rights and responsibilities and act upon ideas for the improvement of their society and the wider world
               Appreciation for diversity of cultures and respect for all people

GCP Nepal 2012 Objectives:

Adventure education has been proven to be a powerful tool for developing strength of character. It also has those risks, uncertainty or even unknown elements, which compel the participants to develop and sharpen their coping and management strategies in an ambiguous environment. It forces them to operate out of their comfort zone while having to manage their relationship with self, others and the environment.

In an adventure, there is always an insurmountable task to challenge the participants and this serves as the impetus for self-motivation, perseverance and interdependence within the team. Participants also need to be aware and alert to the potential hazards and dangers during the course of the adventure, which sets a good platform for them to learn risk assessment and management. In conclusion, embarking on an adventure, which is always experiential in nature, is an extension of the school’s applied and reflective learning focus. It is one big step towards developing the skills and competencies as well as the values espoused by the school.


FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Date
From / To
Flight No.
Terminal
Departure Time (hrs)
Arrival Time (hrs)
Fri, 18 May
SG / BKK
TG 402
2
0740
(SG Time)
0900
(BKK Time**)
Fri, 18 May
BKK / KTM
TG 319
TBC*
1015
(BKK Time**)
1225
(KTM Time***)
Sat, 2 June
KTM / BKK
TG 320
TBC*
1330
(KTM Time***)
1815
(BKK Time**)
Sat, 2 June
BKK / SG
TG 401
TBC*
1940
(BKK Time**)
 2255
(SG Time)

     * Check http://www.changiairport.com/flight-info/flight-status 1 hour prior to arrival time for Terminal / Belt location.
     ** Bangkok, Thailand is 1 hour behind Singapore time.
     *** Kathmandu, Nepal is 2 hours 15 minutes behind Singapore time.
     SG - Changi International Airport, BKK - Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand, KTM - Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal


REPORTING (DEPARTURE FROM SINGAPORE)

All Pupils are to report PUNCTUALLY to their respective teachers-in-charge as follows:

Date:                        Friday, 18 May 2012
Time:                        0530 hrs
Venue:             Changi International Airport, Terminal 2, Row 10-11.
Attire:                        Personal T-Shirt, Hiking Pants, Hiking Shoes


EMBARKATION PROCEDURE

Pupils will check-in their luggage individually as required by the Airlines:
1.    You are allowed one soft lugguage (not exceeding 20 kg) that you must be able to handle by yourself and one piece of hand luggage (not exceeding 7 kg).
2.    The soft luggage must be securely locked. Both soft and hand luggage must have identification tags.
3.    Boarding pass will be given to you to when you check in your luggage.  Keep the boarding pass in a secure place.
4.    Liquids, Aerosols and Gels must be in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. Liquids, Aerosols and Gels in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is partially-filled.
5.    Containers must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre. These containers must fit comfortably within the transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which must be completely closed.
6.    Only one transparent re-sealable plastic bag will be permitted per passenger.
7.    The transparent re-sealable plastic bag must be presented separately for examination at the security screening point.
8.    Exemptions will be made for medications and special dietary items in Liquids, Aerosols and Gels form. These items will be subjected to additional checks at the security screening point.
9.    Do not put your money in any check-in luggage.
10. Boarding pass will be given to you to check-in your luggage. Hold on to your personal hand-luggage (do not put any sharp items in your hand-luggage, ie. pen knife, scissor, etc).
11. Pupils who are on medication must bring your own medication. For example asthma inhalers.
12. Pupils are advised NOT to talk to strangers or to assist any strangers to carry luggage / bag at the custom checkpoints at ALL times. The strangers may be drug couriers in disguise.
13. Move and queue with the teachers-in-charge and your respective group leader.
14. On the aircraft, pupils will sit in their assigned seat.

DISEMBARKATION PROCEDURE

1.    Upon landing, pupils will move orderly into your groups for immigration clearance. Pupils must check that the arrival / departure form is duly completed and signed.
2.    After clearing immigration, pupils will proceed to the baggage-claim area. Wait in assigned groups for baggage claim. Account for all pieces of luggage before moving out of the airport.
3.    At the custom checkpoints, pupils are to check that your passports are stamped before leaving the customs.
4.    After exiting the restricted area, pupils are to handover your passports to your teachers-in-charge.
5.    Upon arrival at any stop, pupils are to check your belongings especially your valuables.


IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

School of Science and Technology, Singapore
Office No:            6571 7200 (During Office Hours)
                          9339 5028 (Contingent Emergency Number)

               During office hours, please contact the school. In case of family emergency after office hours, please call the Contingent Emergency Number.
               Please avoid calling the Contingent Emergency Number unless absolutely necessary.  
               Do not call your child/ward directly as they would not know how to handle or react when they receive news of family crisis.



Nearest embassy of the Republic of Singapore
Address:             c/o Singapore High Commission in New Delhi E-6
Chandragupta Marg Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Office No.:             001-91-(11) 46000800
Fax No.:             001-91-(11) 46016413 (General)
Email:             singhc_del@sgmfa.gov.sg

Alternatively, you may wish to contact:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
               Call from Singapore:            1800-476-8870 (toll-free)
               Call from Overseas:             +65 6379-8000

TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE

The school has already purchased a comprehensive travel insurance coverage for all pupil participants. All participants will be insured by United Overseas Bank - Unisure Student Travel Insurance (Valid from 1 January 2012). Refer to Annex A.

DISCIPLINE AND GENERAL CONDUCT

The image that we project depends on our individual and group discipline.  We are all members of a goodwill delegation and are ambassadors of our school and our country.

Our speech, conduct and attitude will reflect on the group as well as all the people of Singapore.

Pupils must at all times exercise self-discipline.  You are expected to behave with goodwill, to act in a responsible way to be friendly, courteous, co-operative and considerate.

Exercise self-discipline. When in doubt, always ask the teachers for advice. 
If harassed, inform the tour guide or any of the teachers.
Stay in your assigned group throughout the whole trip.
·      Do not wander off on your own without permission.
·      If you need to use the public toilets, always go in twos or threes & inform the teacher before you leave the group.
·      Do not change hotel room or seats without the teacher's consent.

Team work and cooperation is emphasized.
·      Please be punctual and participate in all activities. 
·      Take care of your room-mates and remind each other of safety and punctuality. 
·      Should there be any emergency, please inform your teacher immediately.

You are responsible for all your belongings, especially valuables like your camera & wallet.
·      Do not carry things for strangers
·      Do not put your money in any check-in luggage
·      You are to take good care of your own passports at the customs. (The loss of your passport will incur a lot of inconvenience for everyone).
·      Do not wear any jewellery on the trip.

Do not remove/damage any items from the hotel rooms.
·      You are not to call for room service.
·      You are forbidden to admit any strangers (non-SST Teachers or Students) into your room at any time of the day.
·      Lock the doors and windows of your room securely before you leave it and before you sleep at night.

Do not purchase any contraband or prohibited items
·      You are not to buy any contraband, pirated movies, software, illegal souvenirs (ie. bullet keychains, weapons or replicas, etc) and pornography objects.
·      Do not purchase or consume any alcoholic beverages or drugs.

When you travel abroad, remember you are the ambassadors of your country & school, so put on your best behaviour.
·        When sightseeing, make sure you are listening to the guide’s explanation and instructions. You are expected to show respect for the customs and religious taboos of the country.

Other safety precautions
·        Do not drink water from the tap unless it has been boiled.
·        Be extra careful when crossing roads. 
·        Look out for vehicles and be alert of any potential danger at all times.

Basic discipline
·      Observe and comply with lights-off rules. Once after lights-off, all participants are to lock their room securely. Do not wonder out of your room unless it’s an emergency. You can use the room phone to contact your teachers during an emergency. 
·      Do not enter into the room of an opposite sex at all times unless permitted by your teachers. When entering the room of the opposite sex, ensure that there are more than 2 persons in the room.  You are not allowed to be alone in the room with just another member of the opposite sex.
·      You are not allowed to invite any strangers (including your local friends from the local partnering schools). Do not encourage anyone to meet you in the hotel or follow them out. When in doubt, always consult your teachers.
·      Any form of undesirable behaviour and conduct will not be tolerated and will be dealt in accordance to the SST Code of Discipline.
·      All SST school rules will still be relevant and applicable to all participants during the entire duration of the GCP trip. Participants who disobey these basic rules will be dealt with in accordance to SST Code of Discipline.

     16 DAY ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu meet our staff and transfer to Hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, the group will be received by our staff to escort the group to the Hotel. The tour guide will give the group a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, trekking do's and don'ts and other related information that the group might require while in Nepal.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 950m 5-6 hours journey.
Morning drive on the scenic highway to Pokhara after 2-3 hours of good drive reaching by the River Trisuli till to the junction at Mugling Bazaar, from here the road diverts further west following the River Marsyangdi upstream for a while till Dumre, from here another 2-3 hours of scenic journey reaches Pokhara by the Phewa Lake side for the overnight stop.

Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tirkhedhunga. 1,500m.
A couple of hours in the morning leads to Nayapul the gate way to many Annapurna destinations. The newly built Chinese Pokhara Baglung highway to Nayapul which is on the outskirts of Pokhara Valley is where we begin the approximately 3-4 hours trek. In the beginning the trail meanders on the gradual slope following the River Modi upstream to Bhirethati one of the most charming village on this route. From here the walk leads slowly on the cool shade of the thin woodlands, trek continues passing through farm lands, small scattered villages and farm terraces on the gradual path for a while, then the path climbs to Hille and Tirkhedhunga.

Day 04: Trek to Ghorepani 2,874m. 5-6 hours walk.
The walk from here leads to a steep climb on the stone steps for an hour or more to Ulleri village, on reaching Ulleri which is quite a large Gurung village with traditional houses with slated roof. From here the path meanders to a winding gradual walk through the cool shade of the forest of rhododendron, magnolia, oaks and pines trees till you reach Ghorepani for the overnight. Ghorepani offers great views of Dhaulagiri range of mountains and as well as Annapurna South and Vhara Shikhar Himal.

Day 05: Trek to Pun Hill and trek to Tadapani 2,721m.
Early morning trek to Pun Hill before breakfast, if the day is clear for the grand panorama of great eight thousanders Himalayan peaks along with the beautiful sunrise over the snow capped peaks. After Pun Hill which is about 45 minutes to an hour walk uphill, trek down to Ghorepani and continue walk to Tadapani, the walk first leads through thick forest of Rhododendron on up hill path on reaching the top ridge which almost the height of Pun Hill, the path descends through a gorge coming to another village called Bhanthati. After lunch here, the trek leads through the forest on the downhill path on reaching at a small stream, an hour climb brings you at Tadapani a settlement of 8-10 houses serving as Lodges for the trekkers, Tadapani offers awesome views of Annapurna South, Annapurna II and IV and beyond towards east and the sunrise from this place is equally captivating.

Day 06: Trek to Chomrong. 5-6 hrs. 1,951m.
The trek from Tadapani leads downhill through the cool forest reaching to Kimrong Valley and its river and to the last teahouse just by the path towards another Phedi. From here the path meanders on the slow uphill for a while then reaching the top ridge, the path walk gets better on the paved stone path till. The large settlement of Chomrong is reached for the overnight stop.

Day 07: Trek to Dovan 2,130m via Bamboo 2,050m approx. 6 hours walk.
From Chomrong the trail leads to the terraced farm fields as you descent to the river, after the bridge it's uphill most of the way for 2-3 hours till a small place of Khuldi-ghar is reached here your Trekking permit and conservation ticket is checked and registered, after Khuldi the trail leads down hill for 1-2 hour through the bamboo bushes till you reach Bamboo, a place in the mid of the bamboo rhododendron and oaks forest with couple of teahouses. After a brief stop here an hour walk on the gradual uphill path brings you to our overnight halt at Dovan, an isolated spot with 2-3 teahouses, midst the forest near raging Modi River.

Day 08: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp 4,095m via Mahchapuchare Base Camp 3,720m. Approx 6-7 hrs.
After Dovan, walk leads in the cool shade of the forest on the gradual path with uphill most of the way following the river Modi upstream, the trail continues with few ups and down as you reach Himalaya Hotel near Hinko cave, which lies straight at the bottom of Hiunchuli peak.

Himalaya Hotel is a small place with 2-3 lodges just to cater the need of the trekkers. The trail from here is gradual up for another 1-2 hours to Deurali the last tea-house on route Machhapuchare Base Camp. As you reach Deurali the lush vegetation disappears leaving for high alpine flora and shrubs. Deurali has about 2-3 teahouses,

From Deurali, the trail leads up to follow the raging Modi River upstream, and at the end, the group will arrive at Maccahapuchare Base Camp. Machhapuchare Base Camp has about 4-5 lodges located on the even ground beneath the mighty north face of Machhapuchare peak. The trek will lead the group to the heart of the sanctuary at the ABC, (Annapurna Base Camp) the trail follows uphill for few hours, on the snowy grassy path, depending upon the season, the trek is very pleasant as you reach the higher ground with magnificent view of an array of snow peaks all around you with Annapurna I, a great wall of a mountain from this north west face. Annapurna Base Camp has 2-3 teahouses, with a superb panorama.

Day 09: Trek to Bamboo, 2,300m. Approximately 6 hours walk.
After a great time here retrace the journey back to Bamboo via Himalaya Hotel near Hinko Cave. A lovely day walk in the tranquillity of the mountains and in its serene wilderness trek back to the lush green vegetation, the walk is more or less downhill with few ups to Himalaya Hotel and then further down hill path through the cool forest towards Bamboo for the overnight stop.

Day 10: Trek to Chomrong. Approximately 3-4 hours.
From Bamboo retrace the journey back to Chomrong by the same path, the morning walk leads to a short climb to Khuldi. The trail descends all the way to the bridge, from the bridge uphill to Chomrong.

Day 11: Trek to Ghandrung, 1,900m. Approximately 5 hours.
After Chomrong the trek leads to a short uphill, descend towards Kimrong Khola valley after few hours of good scenic walk on reaching Kimrong valley, perhaps a lunch stop or a break, from this place walking on the even ground for a while, then climbing up to the ridge of Kimrong where there are few lodges and teahouses after an hour climb. From here an easy descend towards the large village of Ghandrung, one of the main villages of this Annapurna region.

Day 12: Trek to Nayapul with 1-2 hour drive to Pokhara.
From Ghandrung walk descends on the wide stone paved path passing through farm villages of Kimche and Syauli Bazaar and then onto Bhirethati and to Nayapul after 3-4 hours of good walk, from Nayapul 1-2 hrs drive to Pokhara. On reaching at Pokhara within the Phewa Lake side area, check into the Hotel with time for late afternoon stroll.

Day 13: Rafting at Trisuli River, followed by drive to Chitwan
An interesting two and a half hours drive from Pokhara and the group will arrive at Trisuli River and meet the Rafting Crew. Upon reaching the start (put-in) point, the rafting guide / Captain will give the group a briefing on safety procedures and rafting instructions. The group will then proceed to raft down towards Kuringhat, where the group will continue to drive to Hotel Hermitage, Chitwan. The group will have a welcome drink and lunch. A briefing will be conducted related to jungle activities followed by a Tharu Village tour to learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus.

Day 14: Drive to “Bish Hajari Taal” (20 Thousand Lakes) from Chitwan
The group will proceed on a jeep safari to “Bish Hajari Taal” (20 Thousand Lakes), which is about 21km away from our hotel in Pokhara and the group will have the opportunity to visit these lakes with the sighting of rhinos, deer, different species of birds and mammals. If time permits, the group will experience the safari on the Elephant Ride, an excellent opportunity to see the wildlife of the park atop an elephant’s back. The group will enjoy dinner with a panoramic sunset view from the hotel, on the bank of the Rapti River.

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu from Chitwan.
The group will proceed via vehicle from Chitwan back to Kathmandu.

Day 16: Transfer to Airport for International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, and your passport handy. The group will be taken to the airport for our final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.

               Timings are subjected to local traffic conditions. Delays and rescheduling of itinerary might occur.
               Dress code must be adhered to at all times. On days that home clothes are allowed, no indecent and revealing clothing are to be worn. Students are to wear proper shoes during outings.
               Students are advised to carry a backpack with bottled water, light jacket and small foldable umbrella / poncho, during outings.
               Note: Under unforeseen Circumstances, the actual sequences of the itinerary might be altered for the smooth running of the trip.

ITEMS TO BRING / PACKING CHECKLIST

Students are to refer the following for further details on packing list:
Facebook: Search GCP Nepal 2012 or http://www.facebook.com/groups/282849771798175/

MONEY
Students should not bring more than S$100.00 equivalent or 6000 Nepalese Rupees.   
S$1.00 is approximately equivalent to 60 Nepalese Rupees. Due to the tight schedule, the group may not have time to visit any moneychanger and the hotel / tea houses does not offer money changing services. It is strongly encouraged for all pupils to change their foreign currencies in Singapore prior to their trip.
     
As all essentials will be provided, there is no necessity to bring too much cash.  Just some Nepalese rupees sufficient to purchase souvenirs. Please note that the school and the organisers will not be responsible for any loss of cash and personal belongings.

VALUABLES
Do not bring any valuables (e.g. jewellery, or electronic games set). However, a camera is acceptable (with video recording capability) is recommended.

MEDICINE
As for personal medication, please pack & labelled them with your name in a zip-loc bag and bring it along with you wherever we go. Always inform your teacher before you consume any medicine.

OTHERS
Personal toiletries (packed in small waterproof containers), tour file, notebook, pen and lip balm, moisturiser. A small torch-light / headlamp with new alkaline batteries, cap, sunglasses, bag locks.

Annex A

United Overseas Bank (UOB) Unisure Student Travel Insurance
(Valid from 1 January 2012)

Product Summary

Eligibility for Cover
               Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents of Singapore, Employment Pass/Student Pass Holders
               The Insured must be a registered School in Singapore
               Child under any Plan must be under the age of 18 years old or up to 23 years old if the child/children is/are
               studying full-time in an institution or higher learning and not married nor employed at the time of purchase of
               this insurance
               The Insured Person must be domiciled in Singapore
               The trip must not be for the purpose of seeking medical treatment

Commencement of Coverage
               All trips must start and end in Singapore
               Cover must be incepted before commencement of trip from Singapore

Our 24 hour Emergency Medical Assistance
               A 24 hour Emergency Telephone is operated for the benefit of Insured Person so that in the event of an emergency medical problem covered by this insurance, help the advice will be given by International SOS and if necessary, emergency medical evacuation and/or repatriation will be provided.
               The International SOS 24 Hour Call Collect Help Line is (65) 6337 9126.

Calculation of Premium
               If the same trip involves travel to a few countries and to different zones, the premium to be charged shall be based on the furthest zone.

Refund & Cancellation Policy
               No refund of premium is allowed once the Certificate of Insurance and/or Policy has been issued.

Minimum Premium Per Policy
               The minimum premium per policy is S$50.

For more information, please call United Overseas Insurance Limited at 6222 7733 during business hours.

Claims Notification
All claims enquiries and any occurrence or loss which may give rise to a claim should be advised as soon as reasonably possible to:

Crawford & Company International Pte Ltd Travel Claims Department
8 Shenton Way
#03-01 Singapore 068808
Tel: 65 6225 4211 Fax: 65 6222 8310

In no event should a claim be notified later than 31 days after the period of insurance.

Important: Any loss or damage to baggage etc. while in custody of carriers (airline, bus company etc.) must be notified immediately in writing to such carriers but in any event within three (3) days and a Property Irregularity Report obtained. Any loss of money, baggage etc. must be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery and a police report obtained at the place of loss.

Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme
This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact your insurer or visit the GIA / LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg)

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