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:
GCP Nepal
blog: http://sst2012-nepalgcp.blogspot.com/
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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