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How Strenuous are these Trips?

The challenge level of this trip is Intermediate-Advanced. Count on an active pace, lots of walking and intensive nature explorations.

Group Participants and Tour Leader

PARTICIPANTS:  International Group  MIN:8  MAX: 20

Traveling With Djoser's International Groups
Djoser, Inc. has operated in the U.S. since 1998.  Djoser begin in the Netherlands in 1985 and is now one of the most highly regarded tour operators in Europe with offices in Holland, Germany, and Belgium.  Many of our land agents around the world have worked with Djoser from our beginnings. No matter where you travel with us, they work closely with the Djoser staff to maintain the spirit of all of our trips and to provide  authentic, cultural experiences with a balance of guidance and freedom.

This trip is offered in cooperation with Djoser, Netherlands.  You will join an active group with travelers of all ages, most from Holland and Belgium. Depending on the trip, there will be one to five North American participants. The Dutch tour leader will address the group in Dutch, as well as English. The guide functions as a logistics coordinator, not a lecturer, and you will receive the pertinent information. As most participants are from Holland, you are sure to hear lots of Dutch spoken.  However, the Dutch have a superb command of English and are known for their outgoing, social behavior. Participants tend to warm up to one another within a couple of days.  Like any tour group, compatibility usually depends on the personalities of the group rather than their nationalities.   

These trips attract hearty travelers. You will find that participants of all ages are always up for an adventurous exploration, a hike or bike ride. The Dutch participants welcome opportunities for independent exploration and dining in addition to the regular group activities. Participants of these groups have the assistance of the guide, but do not expect lots of one-on-one attention. We recommend these trips for independent minded, seasoned travelers who enjoy a more active style of travel.

Many regular Djoser travelers enjoy the added cultural element of an international group although it can be challenging for some, particularly for single travelers. Go with your instincts on this one... if the description above sounds like fun, chances are, this is a good match for you.  However, if you worry that you will miss out on information, if you prefer more one-on-one attention from the guide, or a slightly easier pace, then perhaps booking  with one of our North American groups or booking a private tour may be more desirable to you.


Book a Trip for Your Private Group
In addition to our programs that are listed in our website, specifically as PRIVATE TOURS, we can arrange many of the itineraries listed for our international groups, for your private group of 8 or more.  We make certain modifications for private groups, which, along with the size of your group, will effect the pricing of the trip. Please call for more information.
 
Are Djoser Trips Good for Families?
Please pardon our enthusiasm, but, we believe travel is life-altering. What could be more fun (and mind-expanding) than sharing unforgettable, cultural adventures?  Treat your children or grandchildren to the experience of a lifetime.  Our tours are not lecture tours. The balance of guide-assistance and free time is non-confining and conducive to family travel.

We offer discounted rates for travelers 12 to 17 years of age, and we discount further for children 11 and under.  We offer even further discounts for parties of 3 or more. On our private journeys, you have the ability to adapt to the needs, pace, and comfort standards of your family.  Families with older children will enjoy the active nature of our international group trips. The opportunity for cultural immersion with Dutch travelers adds another dimension to the experience. And on these trips there are plenty of opportunities to break off from the group for private,family time. However the level of activity and the long drive days may be too challenging for some, especially very young or older travelers.  

Guide Service
A Dutch tour leader will accompany this trip and will address the group in Dutch and in English. The tour leader serves as logistics coordinator, not a lecturer. They provide information about the daily life and culture and practical tips regarding restaurants, transport, admission fees, activities, etc.  The tour leader organizes and accompanies some activities but participants also enjoy independent time.
 
In-Country Staff
Our land representatives are situated in the destination country you will visit. We work closely with them and they function as our liaison with the guide, drivers and hotels. They are also available in the case of an emergency and their number will be provided on your emergency contact list.
 
Problems or Emergencies
While you are away, should you have a problem, you have several points of contact. Your guide, our land representative, and of course, we are just a call or email away. We will provide contact numbers for you before you leave. Please distribute this list to family or to your contact person at home. If someone needs to reach you from home due to an emergency, but is having difficulty due to language or bad connections, they can call our office and we will assist in contacting you.

 

Private Tours and Custom Dates

Custom dates can be arranged for your private group of 10 or more. Please inquire about discounts for larger groups.

Local Transportation

Land Program
Djoser provides the LAND PROGRAM only. You will need to book your own flights from and back to the United States. The LAND PROGRAM cost includes accommodations, guide assistance, city-to-city transport, and airport transfers at the beginning and end of the land program.  Please see "Inclusives" for other trip-specific inclusions, such as internal flights, special meals or activities. Most meals and site entry fees are at your expense so even when you travel with a group, you are free to pick and choose. 

We use our own locally hired buses. In the Himalayas, the roads wind through the mountains. Keep in mind that the trips can take longer than expected. In general, all the recorded travel times are rough estimates. Often we will stop in little villages and interesting places that we drive through, for example a visit to a small local market. For local transportation, you can make use of taxis or rickshaws. In several places it is possible to rent a bike. During the trip from Nepal to Tibet we start in Kathmandu and travel overland to Lhasa. On a few occasions we do this route with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. This happens particularly in the rainy season when the roads are more difficult for the bus. Keep in mind that for the rainy season, the route can be adjusted because certain routes are impassable due to the heavy rainfall. In an extreme situation it is possible that we must forfeit the early driving portion of the trip and are forced to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. From Lhasa we can follow the program with small adjustments. This would necessitate an extra cost, which would be passed on to the travelers. Also changes in the route are generally last minute decisions, made by the tour leader and local agent based on current conditions. 

Once we make a stop, we explore cities and villages on foot and by using the local modes of transport.

Accommodations

In Nepal we stay in small towns in tourist class hotels with basic facilities. In Kathmandu we stay in the district of Thamel. In good weather, from our hotel in Nagarkot, you have a beautiful view over the Himalayas.  In Tibet, the tourism in the smaller villages is  a relatively new phenomenon and there is a limited supply of hotels and clean guest houses.  In the rural villages of Nyalam and Tingri and the Samye monastery, there is little choice and we are stay in primitive, typical Tibetan places. Hotel rooms have no private shower and toilet you must go 'outside' to the toilets. Hot water is available often, for only a few hours a day. The hotels have the warm blankets and comforters to ward against the night cold. In the cities of Gyantse, Shigatse and Lhasa, we stay in good hotels. Also very simple accommodations are found at the monastery of Samye. Keep in mind that the accommodations in Nyalam, Tingri and Samye are small, simple and primitive. Chances are that a room will be shared with  3 or 4 other travelers.  In this  underdeveloped part of the world, prepare for primitive facilities. Be prepared for elements of “roughing it” from time to time, but the views are the big payoff!
 
SINGLE TRAVELERS
If you are traveling solo, we will match you with a same-sex roommate. On our international group trips, if you request a roommate and there is not a roommate available, unless otherwise noted, there is no supplementary charge for the single room.  On most trips, you can request single accommodations for a reasonable charge. If you would like single accommodations, please indicate your preference on your booking form.  

HOTEL EXTENSIONS (in U.S. Dollars)
On most of your trips you will have the option to extend your land program at the beginning or end of your program.  An extension is recommended for group trips when the European participants are scheduled to arrive early in the morning, so you will be ready to start with the group. 

Meals

Meals are not included in the trip cost. The advantage of this is that you can have an independent meal or different type of food, when you are in mood. The tour leader can make suggestions. In Nepal it is always possible to order a “dahl baht”: lentil with rice combined with a spicy vegetable or meat curry and pickles. In the larger cities in Nepal the variations of Western and Eastern meals are inexhaustible. In addition to the Tibetan momo, a pizza, steak, moussaka, or lasagna, you will find French fries with a peanut sauce on the menu. In Tibet in addition to dried yak cheese, momos, and dried yak meat, you find many Chinese dishes, especially vegetable and noodle dishes. Even though means in Tibet are limited you find the typical Tibetan dishes such as momos (filled dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) quite satisfying. Tea is the national drink, which will be automatically served in many places. In addition mineral water, carbonated beverages and beer are available almost everywhere. Typical to the region is the yak butter tea with the salty taste; something you must try once during this trip.

Climate

The Tibet trips are only offered between May and October due to the severe weather conditions make the passes in Tibet impassable due to the snow and ice. At this high altitude the sun is fierce but on the passes the altitude and the wind will guaranty a biting cold throughout the year. The monsoons fall in the months of July and August. It is impossible to precisely predict. Tibet has much less precipitation than Nepal during these months. In the rainy period you must take the slippery roads and delays into consideration during travel days. Rain usually falls at the end of the day and at nighttime. The rain flurries are usually short and heavy bursts. It is often overcast during this period.

Travel Documents

A visa is needed for Tibet (China) and for Nepal. 
 
Be sure to check with the Department of State for the most recent document requirements for travel to your destinations. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after departure from your destination. Also make sure there are extra pages in your passport.  When completing VISA applications, be sure to confirm whether you will need a SINGLE or DOUBLE entry tourist visa. We will provide you in-country contact information for your visa application. The website for the Dept. of State is:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.
 
VISA & PASSPORT EXPEDITOR
If you are in a rush for documents, a passport or visa expediting service can arrange your documents in a couple of weeks or a couple of days. We have used ITS EASY PASSPORT & VISA SERVICES, for years. They have easy to follow process instructions and have always been reliable. ITS EASY will honor a 10% discount off the processing portion of the fee if you let them know you are traveling with us. Please use the following link for ITS EASY PASSPORT & VISA SERVICE: http://www.itseasy.com/visa-expediting-services.php-

Flights

BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS FROM/TO THE U.S.
As we provide only the LAND PORTION of the trip, you will need to book your own flights from and to the United States. Book your flights into and out of the cities listed below:
 
Land program begins in:   Kathmandu
Land program ends in: Kathmandu

Please note the arrival and departure times listed for the Dutch participants. Plan your flights to arrive prior to the scheduled arrival of the Dutch travelers so that you will not miss the initial group meeting with the tour leader. Flight delays or late arrivals could result in missed activities or can even require that you catch up to the group, which may involve costly transfers. Leave ample time for flight connections and terminal changes. If the scheduled arrival time for the Dutch participants is between 3AM & 11AM we recommend that you arrive the night before, requesting an extension hotel night when you book your trip. If the group arrives late evening or up until 3AM, we include the hotel night and you are free to check in early and rest up or explore on your own. The hotels are usually available for check-in at 1PM.

Dutch group flight scheduled to arrive: on Day 1    12:05 PM
On the final day, the flight for the Dutch participants is scheduled to leave at: 1:05 PM

USEFUL LINKS FOR BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS
ORBITZ:   http://www.orbitz.com/
EXPEDIA: http://www.expedia.com/

BEFORE YOU FINALIZE YOUR FLIGHT, GET TRIP CONFIRMATION!
Do not book your flight prior to written or e-mail notification from Djoser that the trip is a "go". For instance, group trips must meet the required minimum enrollment. We will notify you of the status of enrollment upon request. Also, on very rare occasions, an unforeseen itinerary or date change can occur.  We advise you to take out travel insurance. Before booking your flight, make sure that you are aware of your flight provider's penalties for changes or cancellations.  We are not liable for penalties incurred for flight changes or cancellations. 
 
UPON ARRIVAL - AIRPORT TRANSFER
Upon arrival at the destination country, a representative, holding a DJOSER sign, will meet you at the airport and will take you to the hotel where you will meet the tour leader and the other travelers. Prior to your departure you will receive more information about this.  Be sure to give us your flight information: airline name, flight numbers, airport name, arrival and departure times.
 
FLIGHT DELAYED?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, please notify us so that we can alert the tour leader and land agent of your later arrival. It is possible that we will not be able to cancel or reschedule the pick-up for you upon arrival. In this case, you should take a taxi from the airport to the hotel address, which we have provided for you. Djoser is not responsible for this extra expense, however, generally, travel insurance will cover this expense.

Airline Tickets

If internal flights, trains or boats are used during a Djoser program, the tour leader will handle the tickets and disperse them to group participants at the appropriate time. 

Money

The cost of the land packages includes city-to-city transport, guide assistance, lodging as described, and only meals listed in the price inclusive section. You should budget for out-of-pocket expenses for other meals, fees for optional excursions and activities, in-city transport and other personal expenses.  See our prices for the estimated out of pocket expenses.
 
CURRENCY & CASH
On your trip you will want to make sure you are prepared with the proper form of currency. ATMs can be scarce and charge cards are not always accepted.  You will want to exchange money for the local currency.  Before you go, you can check the most current conversion rates, and you can also print out a handy currency exchange "cheat sheet" at: http://www.oanda.com/convert/cheatsheet
 
Local Currency:  China=Renminbi, Nepal = Rupee
ATM Machines:    Found in Chengdu, Lhasa and Shigatse and Kathmandu
Charge Cards:   Charge Cards Accepted only in Kathmandu and Lhasa.
Types of Cash Accepted:  Other forms of cash sometimes accepted: Dollars accepted in some places
 
TIPPING
On our international group trips, for your convenience, the tour leader will organize a tip pot at the beginning of the trip. At the beginning of the trip, each participant will donate a few dollars per day to the pot. The  amounts will be disbursed to drivers, local guides, hotel staff, and others along the way.  If there are funds remaining at the end of the trip, they will be divided among the group.  The tip pot does not include a tip for your tour leader. On our private trips, tipping is up to you.

Health

Check with your doctor or local health authorities for the latest recommendations. Be mindful of what you eat. We recommend you carry a first aid kit and be sure to be equipped with your personal medications, painkillers, and medicines to prevent diarrhea and stomach disorders. The tour leader will also carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies. Keep in mind that travel can be tiring. It is important to be in good health, in good condition and fully equipped for the journey. Take care that you eat properly, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. Those who travel on our more physically active trips, including our   Walking Tours or Biking Tours, should have higher level of fitness and stamina. For country specific health advice, please consult the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
For piece of mind, we highly recommend that you procure travel insurance.  Make sure that you are covered in the event of illness or injury. If adequate treatment is not readily available in the area,  emergency evacuation is often required by private carrier and can be exorbitantly expensive. Also, unforeseen events at home can prevent you from going, such as the illness of an immediate relative. Even things like delayed or missed flights or lost luggage can be costly. You are free to choose your own insurance provider. Over the years, we have recommended TRAVELEX. They offer a variety of plans and most importantly, they are responsive. Should you choose to go with TRAVELEX, you will contact them directly and the cost of your coverage will depend on the plan you choose. The cost will be based over the total cost of your trip and flights, and the amount is also subject to your age. Ask about the TRAVEL PLUS plan and the more economical TRAVEL LITE plan.  Their website is www.travelexinsurance.com and phone number is 1-800-228-9792.  It is important to get travel insurance immediately after booking as most companies have a brief window (10 days from booking) for coverage of pre-existing conditions, for example, coverage of cancellation due to a chronically sick relative.

Luggage & Clothing

Please limit your luggage to 35 pounds. We recommend a soft, rolling duffle bag. Hard suitcases are difficult to pack on the vehicle.  Be sure to bring good walking shoes that are comfortable and already broken in. Make sure any equipment that you bring is in good working order.

It is recommended that you bring a universal adapter plug and extra batteries for your flashlight, in the event of power outages.  The voltage is 220.

Resources

A good guidebook is invaluable. We recommend the Lonely Planet series as well as the DK Guidebooks.

Communication

Mobile telephone use is limited. Internet cafes can often be found in larger cities but count on a slow connection.

Check with your phone provider before departure regarding coverage or consult the following webpage: www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/index.shtml

Communications While You Are On the Road
After booking your trip you will receive subsequent communications from us regarding your trip preparations. Prior to your trip, you will receive a hotel list with phone numbers and addresses and names of emergency contacts in the Djoser office, in the U.S.. You will also receive  contact information for our in-country representatives who are well-seasoned and prepared to help out in the region.  You and your family can trust that we have a good line of communication.

The better prepared you are for your trip, the fewer worries.  Please feel free to call us with your questions and concerns.  

CONTACT US
Phone: Toll Free 877-356-7376 -  484-595-0480
Email  - info@djoserusa.com