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Ibike Nepal Mid-Mountain Mystery |
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Description, Schedule and Fact Sheet
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| The International Bicycle Fund newest program
will help you discover the depth and complex of the Kingdom of Nepal.
For Nepal, Mt. Everest is only the proverbial "tip of the ice berg."
There is much more to be awed by. For starters, within 100 miles of
its snowy mountain
peaks are teeming jungles with countless ecological variations in between.
Nepal is also distinctive for the friendliness of its people and the richness of its culture.
The people are as variable and intriguing as the geography, offering an unfolding tapestry of ethnic groups, such as
Newars, Tharus and Sherpas each with its own distinct language, customs,
architecture and dress. While Hinduism
is the official religion and practiced by the majority, many people throughout the country are Buddhists.
The two
religions have co-existed in harmony throughout Nepal’s history. In
fact, Hinduism and Buddhism are so intertwined that their temples
sometimes share the same location and rites of both
faiths may be practiced within a single family. Program participants have opportunities to see
the royal capital city of Kathmandu,
to meet indigenous people and explore a variety of
unique ecological zones. We will visit local markets, temples and
development projects and to
enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the
country.
IBF sponsors educational programs for those who want to learn more about the people of the world, as well as see the beautiful sights. The primary mode of travel is bicycle. The cycling varies from program to program but is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are available for those with extra energy. Accommodations are a mix from western-style hotels to hostels and local housing. All participants receive comprehensive pre-departure materials with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for program preparation. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the world and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest rigors of bicycle touring. The fourteen-day, Nepal program begin in January. The program is $1290, including accommodations, two meals a day and variety of activities along the way. The group is limited to 10 people so early registration is recommended.
Comments and Testimonials from Past Participants FACT SHEET:Nepal Mid-Mountain Mystery *Schedule: January (see full schedule and status) (not currently scheduled because of the security situation) Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1290 (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $100 plus or minus $50. Description: Day 1-2: orientation, acclimatization, and exploration of Kathmandu's bustling streets, plazas, markets and temples, monasteries and government buildings. Day 3-7: wander our way to the fertile lowlands, visiting markets, development projects, temples, families and ecological zones from alpine Himilaya to the forests of the Terai. Day 8-10: Explore in and around Chitwan National Park, known for its tigers and rhinos. Day 11-14: work our way back to Kathmandu. Features: Small group, educational people-to-people bicycle tour. Visit with and gain a better understanding the lifestyles, history, politics, social institutions and economics of the people of central Nepal. Day-to-day, on a ongoing basis, throughout the program there will be discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology. Start / Finish: Kathmandu, Nepal Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 800km, 500 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 80% paved roads, mostly rolling, with sections of long hills, high elevation. Accommodations: Small hotels, and hostels, no tent camping. Van Support: no support vehicle. Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner. Other Activities: Discussions, visits, walking. Bike: Mtn. bikes are recommended. Bike Rental: not currently available. * Itineraries, fares and dates subject to change. 20% of the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law for those registering directly with IBF. Registration: Register simply by sending your name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $100 is a nonrefundable registration fee) to ibike. Deposit and payment may be made by check or money order. Upon receipt of your registration a Voluntary Waiver and Release Form Liability and Indemnity Agreement will be forwarded to you, or can be gotten online, and must be signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check or electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the departure date is suggested. Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment has not been received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to assume withdrawal and fill the space. Withdrawals: To receive a refund if withdrawing, submit a letter of withdrawal in writing to ibike. Our policy is as follows: (1) A $100 registration fee is forfeited for all withdrawals. (2) A fee of $300 is assessed for withdrawals within 6030 days prior to departure. (3) The full price of the land costs is assessed for withdrawals initiated less than 30 days prior to departure. Changes in medical circumstances are not considered as exceptions to our normal refund policy. Insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption is available from several companies. |
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