Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Take a journey with a difference on the highest railway in the world - the new Qinghai-Tibet line. Journey across Tanggula Pass at an altitude of 5,000 m to arrive in the holy city of Lhasa, a mystical wonderland whose beauty must be seen to be believed. Join pilgrims at the temples, wander the bazaars, barter for a bargain or simply relax and take in the culture of traditional Tibet.
Style
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Accommodation
Ni hao! Welcome to China.
Upon arrival at Beijing Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure in Beijing so you can start exploring this vast and amazing city. You may wish to track down a bargain at the wonderful Silk Markets, see the hutongs by rickshaw or find a great restaurant for Peking duck.
Meals included: 1 breakfast (day 2)
Overnight: Hademen Hotel or similar
(Note that late check-out is included until 6:00 pm)
On day 2, visit the Temple of Heaven with a local guide - this can be followed by a visit to the nearby Hongqiao market. You can also visit Tiananmen Square, an enormous 40 hectare meeting place, famous for events both celebratory and disastrous, and the Forbidden City which has been restored for the 2008 Olympic Games.
In the evening of day 2 you will be transferred to the train station for your train journey to Lhasa (approx. 48 hours). Please note that the train journey is unaccompanied.
Overnight: Sleeper train in soft-sleeper class, four-berth air-conditioned compartments. Please note that if your travelling party is less than four people you will be sharing with others. Also note that on rare occasions you may travel in hard class six-berth sleeper compartments. Hot water is available on all trains and there is a dining car available with limited options - you may wish to stock up in Beijing before you board.
Travel along the highest railway in the world - the Qinghai-Tibet Railway!
The train journey takes almost 48 hours, leaving Beijing on day 2 at 9:30 pm and arriving in Lhasa two days later at 9:00 pm. Because we climb 2,829m above sea level at Golmud to an amazing 3,658 m at Lhasa, our carriages are all pressurised and oxygen-supplying equipment kicks in. The highest point on the railway is the Tanggula Pass, just over 5,000m above sea level and we travel over permafrost!
Train stops en route from Beijing to Lhasa - approximate times:
Xi'an - 9:15 am on day 3
Lanzhou - 4:00 pm on day 3
Xining - 7:00 pm on day 3
Golmud - 6:30 am on day 4
Lhasa - arrive 9:00 pm on day 4
Upon arrival in Lhasa on the evening of day 4, you will be met at the train station and transferred to your hotel.
Meals included: none
Before setting off to discover Lhasa on day 5, your guide will collect your payment for your departure flight from Tibet. This flight is paid for in CNY cash either directly to your guide or at the office of our local partner. Please see the important notes section for flight costs.
Colourful and historic Lhasa lies in a small valley, 3,658m above sea level. Through attempts to unite Tibet, Lhasa rose to take an important role in the administration of the country over 1,300 years ago. At this time, the grand temples of Ramoche and Jokhang were built to house the Buddha images and religious artifacts brought into Tibet as dowries from China and Nepal. Although little of 7th-century Lhasa survives, the 1600s saw a second stage of renovation and development, including the construction of the Potala Palace. Perched on Red Hill overlooking the town, this massive structure dominates the landscape with grace and dignity, a true wonder of the architectural world.
The Jokhang Temple is the spiritual heart of Tibet and thus incredibly active. Pilgrims circle the temple endlessly day and night, some of them after already traversing the extremes of the country on foot to be here. Evening debate sessions with the monks are a must-see. The Barkhor, or holy devotional circuit, surrounds the Jokhang and houses a market bazaar. Here, woodcarvings, carpets, Buddha images and prayer wheels, as well as the odd goat's head, are bargained for and bought.
Nearby are the Drepung and Sera monasteries, once home to over 15,000 monks. These structures still retain an enchanting air of spirituality and today you'll find a few hundred monks left in residence as well as hardy devotees who have travelled from lands far away to pay their homage.
During your time in Lhasa with your local guide you will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the Sera Monastery. There is also a free day to explore other sites in and around Lhasa, including Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, Ramoche or Ganden, and to wander and shop in the Barkhor.
Meals included: none
Overnight: We stay in a basic hotel, centrally located, with twin-share accommodation decorated in the traditional Tibetan style.
There are no activities planned for day 8 and you may depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Tibet. Your departure flight can be booked to either Beijing (daily), Chengdu (daily), Shanghai (daily) or Kathmandu (only Tues, Thurs, Sat). You must advise us at the time of booking your onward destination. (Flight not included - see Important Notes for further details).
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Roundtrip airport transfers
Temple of Heaven - Beijing
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor circuit - Lhasa
Potala Palace - Lhasa
Sera Monastery - Lhasa
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Acrobats performance, Beijing - CNY100
Kungfu Show, Beijing - CNY100
Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY50
Forbidden City, Beijing - CNY60
Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY150
Bicycle Hutong Tour, Beijing - CNY100
Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY35
Peking Duck Dinner, Beijing - CNY80
Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30
Underground City, Beijing - CNY25
Drepung Monastery, Lhasa - CNY60
Ramoche, Lhasa - CNY40
Day trip to Ganden Monastery, Lhasa - CNY90
Norbulingka (Summer Palace), Lhasa CNY60
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader/guide.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Tipping in China is not customary, but in the travel industry it is.
Please do not tip with coins, notes of and less that 1CNY, dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
Restaurants:Tipping is not common practice at restaurants in China or Tibet.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest 5-10 CNY per person per day for local guides with the amount adjusted accordingly for guides who are with you for less than a full day.
Porters: In some hotels a porter may offer to carry your bag to your room. We suggest 5 CNY per bag for porters.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest that you tip only those more involved with the group (for example those that help you with your bags etc). 5 CNY per person per day is generally appropriate, with the amount adjusted accordingly for drivers who are with you for less than a full day.
Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Please note that during Chinas national holidays (please refer to the Country Information on China for dates) it is peak travel season for Chinese Nationals. Although these are fascinating and exciting times to travel in China, please be aware your group could experience transport delays, larger crowds at tourist attractions and our normal itineraries may change slightly. If clockwork organisation is important to you we advise to book outside of these weeks.
Your departure flight from Lhasa on day 8 can be booked to either Beijing (daily), Chengdu (daily), Shanghai (daily) or Kathmandu (only Tues, Thurs, Sat). You must advise us at the time of booking your onward destination. This flight is paid for upon arrival in Lhasa in CNY cash either directly to your guide or at the office of our local partner. The following amounts can be used as a guide although they will change depending on the season:
Lhasa-Beijing = CNY 2560 per person (approx US$345)
Lhasa-Chengdu = CNY 1650 per person (approx US$225)
Lhasa-Shanghai = CNY 2870 per person (approx US$385)
Lhasa-Kathmandu = CNY2450 per person (approx US$330)
We require full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and occupation in order to make the arrangements for this package. We cannot accept a booking request without these details.
We require a clear copy of the photo page from your passport and your Chinese visa at least 45 days prior to your departure. Preferably they should be scanned and emailed to shortbreaks@intrepidtravel.com
Please keep in mind that during the period of October to April it can get very cold, with temperatures dropping below zero (Celsius), especially during December, January and February.
Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner. This tour is not escorted by an Intrepid leader. A local guide will accompany you on the days specified. All the information given in this itinerary is intended as a guide only. Intrepid Travel or their agent cannot be held responsible for any changes that may occur due to local conditions or circumstances beyond their control. This includes festivals and public holidays that may effect the itinerary. NO REFUND IS AVAILABLE ON ANY UNUSED PART OF THIS ITINERARY.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels (5 nts), overnight train (2 nts) Sleeper train in soft-sleeper class, 4 berth air-conditioned compartments. Please note that if your travelling party is less than 4 people you will be sharing with others. Please note that due to overwhelming demand for tickets at certain periods on rare occasions you may travel in hard class 6 berth sleeper compartments. Hot water is available on all trains and there is a dining car available which has limited options - you may wish to stock up in Beijing before you board.
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $150 for meals not included.
1 Breakfast
Overnight train, private car, taxi, subway, walking
Intrepid Short Break Adventures are not accompanied by an Intrepid Group Leader.
Local guides may be used on some itineraries.
Dong Fang Hotel
11 Wan Ming Road
Beijing
China
Phone: 86 10 6301 4466
Fax: 86 10 6304 4801
An arrival transfer is included on day 1 of this trip. Transfers cannot be arranged on arrival. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre-tour accommodation booked through Intrepid. Intrepid provides one complimentary arrival transfer per booking even if clients are arriving at different times. Our local representative will meet you at Beijing Airport. They will be holding a sign with your name when you exit the airport terminal. If for any reason you cannot locate the person please call our local partner (phone numbers provided on your voucher).
If you take a taxi directly from the airport expect to pay around CNY180 (approx. US$23). Use a metered taxi and avoid taxi touts.
For travellers not arriving at Beijing Airport please make your own way to the joining point hotel. In this case your Beijing Guide will meet you in reception at 09:00 on day 2. Any difficulties please contact our local partner. Chen Li Bo (+86 0 13909270939)
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 14:00.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Lhasa Airport
Tibet
China
Your trip ends on arrival at Lhasa Airport on Day 8.
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Tibet. Your departure flight can be booked to either Beijing (daily), Chengdu (daily), Shanghai (daily) or Kathmandu (only Tues, Thurs, Sat). You must advise us at the time of booking your onward destination. This flight is paid on arrival in Lhasa on day 5 in CNY cash. (Flight not included - see Important Notes for further details).
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight out of Tibet. Your departure flight can be booked to either Beijing (daily), Chengdu (daily), Shanghai (daily) or Kathmandu (only Tues, Thurs, Sat). You must advise us at the time of booking your onward destination. This flight is paid on arrival in Lhasa on day 5 in CNY cash. (Flight not included - see Important Notes for further details).
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Be sure to check the date you require a visa from and the length of time you will need to cover, especially if you change countries during your trip.
China: Citizens from Singapore, Brunei and Japan are allowed up to 15 days stay without a visa. All other nationalities require a visa. When filling out the visa application form, please list the hotel in China specified in the start, continuing or finishing point listed in the Trip Notes as the "company or person to visit in China". You require a single entry visa to complete this trip.
Tibet: All nationalities require a permit to enter Tibet. Intrepid will arrange for a permit allowing your entry into Tibet however, Intrepid requires you to send a clear scanned copy of the front page of your passport in order to do this. Intrepid must receive this at least 60 days prior to travel.
It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Below are the visa requirements for China at the time of printing:
China: All nationalities require a visa.
Group travel within Tibet is still considered a sensitive issue and is closely monitored by the Chinese authorities. To obtain a tourist visa for China for your trip, we recommend that you refrain from mentioning Tibet as part of your planned itinerary. It is sufficient to only mention other areas you are visiting (like ...) on your application. Note that your China visa will not specify the areas which you will be visiting in China. Our experience has shown that this procedure is the only way you will be allowed entry into Tibet."
Intrepid will arrange for a permit allowing your entry into Tibet however in order to do this Intrepid requires you to send us a clear scanned copy of the photo page of your passport plus a clear copy of your Chinese visa. It is also necessary for Intrepid to book your onward flight from Lhasa.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
In China it is important that your bag can be locked as on transport luggage is often stored separately from the group. The smaller your bag in China the better, because on trains or buses only smaller bags will fit into the storage areas. If your bag does not fit in these areas then often the only place to put it is on your bed or seat. So to get maximum comfort, pack small and light!
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, Intrepid voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
First aid kit (including Antihistamines)
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Local language phrase book (mp3 language downloads available from www.intrepidtravel.com/languageguides)
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
Personal audio player with spare batteries
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Tampons are difficult to buy in China
Warm clothes in the winter months including thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, warm hat and gloves (Oct to April)
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
Generally the most convenient and cheapest way to obtain local currency in Asia is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat - this can draw from your home account or from a credit card (debit card) at a superior exchange rate. Most ATM's will also give you a cash advance on your credit card but be wary of high fees imposed by banks. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place. Please ensure you have advised your bank of your intended travel and withdrawal locations. While traveller's cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travellers cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.
Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.
China and Tibet: The local currency in China and Tibet is the Chinese Renminbi, whose main unit is the Yuan (RMB or CNY) and it is the only currency that can be used. It is advisable to take most of your money in Chinese Yuan or US dollars (which can be easily exchanged to local currency). Other currencies such as Australian Dollars, Euros, and Yen can also be exchanged but not as readily. There can be long delays when changing traveller's cheques. Major credit cards are only accepted in businesses in large cities but ATM's are widely available throughout China and work with most Visa and MasterCard's. We recommend that you don't use money changers on the street.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that for legal reasons any leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics.
Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Self Assessment Form is required.
Intrepid is very aware of the health issues raised by bird flu and SARS and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. Intrepid reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, SARS or other disease.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel.
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure.
While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel
any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy areas. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport, including keeping an eye on any luggage that is put underneath the seats or on overhead racks. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware on the roads and even small streets and alleyways. Vehicles find their ways into impossibly small passages leaving no room for both you and the traffic. Traffic can be very noisy and horns are used to signal turning, overtaking and to announce going through intersections.
Acclimatisation and altitude sickness:
Altitude sickness has the potential to have an affect from 2500m and higher. We ascend slowly and give our bodies plenty of time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen in the air. However it is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
- Periods of sleeplessness
- Occasional loss of appetite
- Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
- Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
- Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
- Your nose becomes bunged up
- Dry cough develops
- Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous and dizzy be sure to let your guide know so that we can monitor your condition.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
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OUT Adventures,
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Toronto, ON
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