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| Why Travel with us? |
| We differentiate from other tour operators because we specialize in deluxe, private tours - not only the group tours. Our tours are highly personalized and offer more flexibility than those offered by any other travel companies. Our clients have their own drivers and guides, so touring is always based on their interests. We also have the unique ability to book any type of accommodation you prefer. We work closely with all of the most remote and exclusive hotels and resorts, and are able to recommend the best type of accommodation based on your interests. Our staff is comprised of individuals who have traveled extensively and have cultivated a sophisticated understanding of travel and culture in each region. We're proud to consistently be told by clients, travel agents, and the media that our first-hand destination knowledge is simply unrivaled. Travelers choose our tours because we design each and every tour as if it were our own. |
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| Safety and health concerns? |
In many parts of Asia, it is not necessary to take any extra precautions than those generally recommended when traveling overseas: drink bottled water; eat in restaurants that are clean and reputable; avoid uncooked food; avoid extreme heat and extended time in the sun; and travel with a medical kit that contains a supply of broad spectrum antibiotics and other medications you may require.
We are committed to providing travel services that are safe and comfortable. It is also important for travelers to be aware of regional health concerns as they vary from country to country. We recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control for official health precautions and recommended vaccinations for each destination. It is also wise to consult directly with a medical doctor who specializes in travel medicine. We strongly encourage you to purchase Travel, Medical, and Emergency Evacuation Insurance once you have finalized your travel plans.
For your own safety and peace of mind, we encourage you to make duplicate copies of all official documents and essential information (e.g., passports, air tickets, hotel contact information, receipts for travelers checks, etc.). Leave the copies behind with a friend or family member who can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Should anything get lost or stolen, this would help ensure that you receive assistance in a timely and efficient manner. Beware of pickpockets in major cities, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you are cautious and confident wherever you travel, you will be a happier and safer traveler. Although it is important to be conscientious about safety and health concerns, it is also important to relax and enjoy the wonderful hospitality and generosity you'll find in Asia, and other destinations. |
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| Can an itinerary be designed that balances luxury and 'off-the-beaten-track' touring? |
| The recommended tours featured on this website are merely suggestions. We are pleased - in fact, it's our specialty - to work closely with you or your travel agent to design a tour that combines all of your interests. "Off the beaten track" means different things to different people. We believe travelers should experience the local lifestyle in a variety of ways. Depending on how far "off the beaten track" you want to go, we're able to design an itinerary accordingly. Whether you simply want to spend a day driving through the countryside, or enjoying a meal in a private home; or if you're looking for something more rigorous such as a remote trek in Nepal, Bhutan or Tibet or rafting in Bhotekoshi: we'd be pleased to accommodate your interests and desired level of comfort. |
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| What are some important customs to keep in mind when traveling? |
Asia is a vast region many distinct, complex, and rich cultures with their own norms and beliefs that are often quite different from those found in Western cultures. For example, in some Asian countries, such as Nepal and India, it is offensive to eat with your left hand. In many countries throughout Southeast Asia, it is considered rude to point your feet at images of the Buddha or any Hindu gods. It is also frequently considered bad manners to point with one's finger -- instead, people use their whole hand, or
nod their head. In Tibet, people take this a step further and, instead of pointing with their hands, will gesture to something with their pursed lips. In many countries shoes are removed before entering temples. This is an ancient tradition with Vedic roots. When in Muslim areas, women will need to cover their heads before entering mosques. Throughout Asia women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and men should wear long trousers.
Our travel specialists are a wealth of knowledge about local etiquette in the countries where you're traveling. We also recommend that you purchase guidebooks and do some research before your trip so that you are prepared with appropriate clothing, even small gifts for local people. Our local guides will provide invaluable insights into local culture and customs. Travel is educational, and you will learn about the fascinating regional cultures and belief systems as you travel from place to place. Still, it's always seen as a sign of respect and curiosity if you've familiarized yourself with local customs so that you can feel at ease as you travel and meet people. |
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| Can the recommended tours on this web site be altered to meet my schedule and interests? |
| Our tours are intended to serve as a "starting point" for the trip you ultimately end up taking. These suggested itineraries are based on our own expertise and destination experience. While it's fine to decide to take a trip exactly as it appears on our web site, most people prefer to work with one of our travel consultants to create an itinerary that meets their schedule, interests, and budget requirements. Our staff is dedicated to working with you to ensure that the final itinerary is exactly what you want. |
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| Is trekking for me? |
If you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you will find a trek in the brochure to suit you. Normally the shorter treks tend to be easier whilst the longer ones often require a better standard of fitness. All treks
in the brochure have been graded. It is also worth remembering if we are tailoring your tour, you can choose the pace and direction of your experience. |
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| Where to stay on trek? |
| On the more popular trails (Annapurna Everest and Langtang) there are well-established mountain lodges providing sleeping accommodation and meals. Gone are the days when trekkers had to share dormitories, almost all lodges nowadays provide private rooms and many also have solar showers and clean toilet facilities. You can of course opt for a camping trek in these regions but as many campsites are connected to lodges it is debatable whether there is real benefit being under canvas. Trekking in more remote areas necessitates transporting in all the needs for the group --tents food etc. Food is prepared by our cook team and drinking water is adequately treated. |
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| Is the food / water safe to eat / drink? |
| Hygiene when trekking generally has improved considerably over the last ten years. Our guides have the local knowledge to choose the lodges which maintain a high standard of hygiene. If you are under canvas all meals are prepared to high standards, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most lodges serve boiled and filtered water, which is generally safe, we suggest a drop of iodine to be totally sure. We discourage the purchase of bottled water for the obvious environmental reasons |
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| What equipment should I bring? |
Often this is about getting the balance right, you need to have enough gear to be warm and comfortable but without overloading. Usually you will experience warm days and cold nights depending on altitude
and the time of year. Most treks to around 3000 m. are really quite comfortable especially in springtime. Please refer to our web site for a suggested list of items to bring or e-mail us for our equipment list. It is worth remembering you can buy or hire a lot of what you will need in Kathmandu before your trek at very reasonable prices, we can also provide our own hire pack to you. Footwear is best purchased at home before your arrival to ensure they are comfortable and worn in. |
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| What is Altitude sickness? |
| Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A. M. S.), in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headed, this is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. Descending to a lower altitude will generally be enough to prevent any further problems. |
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| What happens if there is an emergency? |
| All of our guides are trained in basic first aid and can deal with the basic ailments that may occur on trek. In the event of an emergency Nature Trail Trekking will cover initial expenses of any rescue operation. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for such an event as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. In the more frequented regions there are health posts which have been established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel. Classic Asia Travels and Tours are associated members of The Himalayan Rescue Association. |
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| Giving Back to Local Communities |
As leaders in the luxury travel industry, our company and our clients are in a unique position to interact with and contribute to local communities in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. One such way is by making monetary donations to established local charities dedicated to educational development, enhanced health care, improved living conditions, and the protection of traditional cultures and the natural environment. Our Community Funding Program makes regular financial and personal contributions to the overseas organizations we have carefully chosen based on their reputation and their accomplishments. Additionally, upon request, this program enables our clients to incorporate a visit to these charities into their tour schedule. We find that this opportunity to meet the people behind these projects, and to witness their efforts and positive effects, is an important step in understanding the areas of need and how to best contribute. We encourage you to contact us if you would like to make a donation through this program, or if you would like learn more about the local charities we support.
Call us for more details or any other Q & A : 977-1- 440592 (hunting line |
