Leglessbird Travel Tour

Highlight of the Tour:

1. Different scenery for 8 days from Tibet to Kathmandu without driving back to Lhasa for return flight.
2. Special arrangement of Toyota 4500 Landcruiser for the whole journey in Tibet. Traveling in Tibet by Landcruiser is the best way to enjoy the adventure as the road is very rough and bumpy.
3. You will be taken to Lalunla (5050m), a life time experience of getting close to the highest mountains in the world ? Mt Everest (8848 m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt Makalu (8464m), Mt Xixapangma (8013m) and Mt Langtang (7245 m)
4. Departure from Hong Kong to Kathmandu (1400 m), rest for one night, then fly to Lhasa (3560 m). It allows one extra day for acclimatization.
5. Visit the holy lake in Tibet ? Yamdrok Lake.
6. Tour will cover Lhasa, Gyantse and Xigaste which are very fascinating places.
7. Enjoy one of the most exotic drives with amazing landscape from Tibet to Kathmandu.
8. Visit some of the important Unesco World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu - Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Pashpupatinath etc.

Day 1 : HONG KONG ? KATHMANDU
? Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
? Afternoon free time for wondering around in Thamel ? the shopping district with bars and restaurants.

Day 2 : KATHMANDU ? LHASA
? After breakfast, 7:00 AM - Representative will assist you to go to airport (20 min drive from hotel).
? Departure of flight for LHASA would be 9:50 AM NEPALI TIME.
? Arriving in Gonggar airport 1:00 PM CHINA TIME. Flight Kathmandu / Lhasa takes one hour ten minutes. During the flight you will see the following: YARLUNG TSANGPO RIVER, LAKE YAMDROK, MT.KANCHANJUNGA (8586m), MT. MAKALU (8463m) and MT. EVEREST (8848m). When you arrive in Gonggar airport you will be transfered to Lhasa 96 Km away.
? O/N in Lhasa.

DAY 3 to 4 : LHASA CITY TOUR
? Sightseeing and excursions of THE POTALA PALACE, THE JOKHANG TEMPLE surrounding BARKHOR market, DREPUNG MONASTERY and SERAMONASTERY.
? Overnight hotel.

DAY 5 : LHASA - GYANTSE
? 8 hrs jeep drive takes you to Gyantse crossing the Brahmaputra River, the KAROLAPASS (5010m) and KAMBALA PASS (4794m). The KAROLA climbs between two lofty mountains, NOZING KHANGSA (7223m) and RALUNG (6236m).
? On the road, you will see the YAMDROK TSO (Turquoise Lake), which takes approx. 1hr to tour around.
? Arrive in Gyantse and Overnight in hotel.

DAY 6 : GYANTSE - XIGATSE
? Gyantse is a small bustling town steeped in history. It lies 264 km Southwest of Lhasa on the northern bank of NYANG CHU river. In the 15 th Century is served as the Capital of a small Kingdom.
? Visit KUMBUM CHORTEN & PHKLKOR MONASTERY which was built around 1400 AD It later became the main centre for trade with British / India.
? Jeep drive to XIGATSE, which is 2hrs from Gyantse.
? We will visit TASHILUNPO MONASTERY after lunch.
? Overnight hotel.

DAY 7 : XIGATSE - XIGAR
? Xigatse is very famous due to the TASHILUMPO MONASTERY, the seat of Panchen Lama until his death in 1989. Its huge Thanka Wall clearly visible on north side of the road.
? Lhatze is 3 hrs away over a 5220m pass near the petrol station, there is a small restaurant where tea / snacks are available.
? O/N in Xigar

DAY 8 : XIGAR ?ZHANGMU
? Drive to Zhangmu by jeep via Nyalam and have to pass LALUNGLA (5050m) and it will bring us the view of MT. LANGTANG (7245m), MT. XIXAPANGMA (8013m), & MT. DORJE LAKPA (6980m), MT. MAKALU ( 8464m), MT. EVEREST (8848m), MT. LHOTSE (8516m) & MT. CHOOYU (8201m).
? From Nyalam to Zhangmu the road follows the BHOTE KOSHI river in the deep valley with plenty of Waterfalls.
? After 1.5 hrs drive bring us to Zhangmu. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 9 : ZHANGMU - KATHMANDU
? Departure at 7:00 am from Zhangmu where immigration formalities will be done.
? Drive to KODARI (China / Nepal Border).
? Drive to Kathmandu. It takes approx 5 hrs drive and along the way you can see exotic scenery and amazing landscape.
? O/N in Kathmandu.

Day 10 : KATHMANDU
? Visit some of the important Unesco World Heritage Sites - Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Pashpupatinath etc. and being embraced by holy temples of Hindu, and old palaces. You will also see some typical Nepalese architecture.
? Late afternoon, free time for shopping ? visit travelers? favourite shopping factory outlet for handmade soap and handicraft, silver jewelry wholesale outlet etc

Day 11 : KATHMANDU ? BANGKOK
? Morning free time in Kathmandu.
? Evening free time in Bangkok to chill out.

Day 12: BANGKOK ? HONG KONG
? Free time in Bangkok to chill out, spa or shopping.

Tour cost includes:
1. Thai airline round trip ticket between Hong Kong and Kathmandu
2. Flight ticket between Kathmandu and Lhasa
3. Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Xigatse and Gyantse
4. 8 days tour in Tibet by Toyota 4500 landcruiser with English speaking guide
5. Sightseeing program in Kathmandu by private coach and English speaking guide
6. Entrance fees to monasteries
7. Tibet entry permit
8. Transfer between airport/hotel/airport

Tour cost does not include:
1. Visa fee ? US$43 for other nationality passport holder. For HKSAR passport holders with China Entry Card, visa to Tibet is not necessary. For traveling to Nepal, you will get free transit visa for staying less than 3 days each journey.
2. Airport Tax
2. Travel insurance
3. Personal expenses e.g. Laundry, telephone bills, drink?.etc
4. Local guide service fees US$132 per person for the tour
5. Extra expenses incurred due to transportation problem, bad weather, strike, or any other natural disasters etc
6. Lunch and dinner during the tour ( daily breakfast will be provided in the hotel )

Price for Private Tour:
2 persons: HK$18,688 (1 x landcruiser)
4 persons: HK$16,688 (1 x landcruiser)
10 persons: HK$16.588 (3 x landcruiser)

Suggested Departure Dates:
March 31, April 21, May 12, June 16, July 14, August 11, Sept 8

For inquiry:

Guidance Travel
+852 3598 4873
guidance@leglessbird.com

Wed 31 Jan 2007
Time: 7 - 8:30p.m.
Venue: L'Iveresse des Muses (Private Gallery)
醉墨軒(私人畫廊 )
Address: 3/F, 5 Lan Fong Road, Causeway Bay (Behind Lee Garden )
??香港銅鑼灣蘭芳道5號3/F (利園後面 )

RSVP: guidance@leglessbird.com

Dhampus trek ? is one of the classic Himalayan trekking regions. We will get through Hindu villages where we will be assured of a warm welcome; follow trails through oak and forest where the sound of the bird calls fill the air and camp in serene locations that afford magnificent views of the Annapurna Range. During the fall, we will see farmers harvesting rice and millet. We will climb couple of Himalayan hills up to over 1700 m for exceptional views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare. All the above in the company of our magnificent crew whose friendship, sense of humour and caring nature ensure that your trek would be a memorable one.

Highlights of the tour:

1. 2 days Dhampus trek (Beginner level) ? your lifetime experience to see a close up of the highest peaks in the world ? Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Dhaulagiri (8713m).
2. Visit some of the important Unesco World Heritage Sites - Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Pashpupatinath etc.
3. Enjoy sunrise and sunset with panoramic views of the Himalaya, including the highest peak of the world ? Mt Everest (8848 m).
4. Visit International Mountain Museum in Pokhara ? information of 1st expedition team that reached Mt Everest (8848m), information of top 10 peaks in the world, DVD show and record of different expedition teams to Mt Everest as well as displays on the history, culture, geology, flora and fauna of the Himalaya.
5. Arrangement of booking adventure activities at great price ? Mountain flight, paragliding, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking?. (Mountain flight approx. US$125 for 30mins, paragliding approx.US$75 for 30 mins).
6. Relaxing day at Le Meridien Hotel in Kathmandu for Golf or Spa treatment
   - approx. US$50 for Golf Green Fee, US$30 for famous Indian style Ayurveda massage or Shirodhara massage, US$30 for Body Rub.
7. Taste different authentic international cuisines - Nepalese, Indian, Italian, Thai, Singaporean, the highlight dinner at famous French restaurant Caroline in Kathmandu ? French dinner with wine.
8. Round trip domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, save up more time for the journey
9. Stay at 5 star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nargarkot.

Day 1:Arrival Kathmandu by Thai and transfer to domestic airport for flight to Pokhara, a beautiful resort town which is right by the Phewa Lake and the Himalayas. On the flight you will see stunning views of the Himalayas.

After checking in hotel, meeting with trekking guide for briefing.

Evening: Enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Dinner with cultural dance performance at famous Boomerang Restaurant at lakeside

Hotel: Shangri-La or Fish Tail Lodge or same grade

Day 2:
After breakfast, drive to starting trekking point for trekking.

You will walk around 3 hrs to arrive Dhampus (approx. 1750m)

Evening: Enjoy sunset of the Himalayas.

Hotel: on the mountain at Dhampus with beautiful views of the Himalayas

Day 3:
Morning: Enjoy beautiful sunrise and stunning mountain views of the Himalayas.

We will see some of the highest peaks in the world ? Fish Tail /Machhapuchhare (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m) and Annapurna South ( 7219 m) and Dhaulagiri (8713m ).

After breakfast, walk down for around 3 hours. Then, drive back to Pokhara

After lunch , free time adventure activity ? mountain flight, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, boating, mountain biking or boating in the lake etc.

Evening: Dinner at Italian restaurant at lakeside.

Hotel: Shangri-La or Fish Tail Lodge or same grade

Day 4:After breakfast, domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

After lunch, drive to the famous hill resort area ? Nargarkot (2100 m).

Walk around the hill area to appreciate local sceneries of the villages and terraced fields.

Evening: Dinner at hotel

Hotel: Club Himalayas or same grade

Day 5:
Early morning enjoy sunrise and panoramic views of the Himalayas (including the highest peak of the world ? Mt Everest 8848 m)

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu for sightseeing ? visit some of the important Unesco World Heritage Sites such as Patan Durbar Square, Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Pashpupatinath

Lunch at Singaporean Restaurant

Dinner at famous Thai Restaurant in Kathmandu, optional free time at bar
Hotel : Hyatt or Radisson or same grade

Day 6:After breakfast, drive to country side Le Meridien Golf and Spa Resort for Golf and Spa Treatment.

Lunch at hotel

Evening: Dinner at famous French dinner with wine at Caroline Restaurant, optional free time at bar
Hotel : Hyatt or Radisson or same grade

Day 7:Free stop over Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for connecting flight to Bangkok.

Spend one night in Bangkok to chill out.
Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel - Majestic Grande Sukhumvit or The Davis Bangkok or same grade

Day 8:Connecting flight back to Hong Kong in the morning or afternoon.

Appreciate the differences and Enjoy the journey

• The working style and service standard may make us impatient, but we should be aware of their local culture.
• The travel industry in Nepal is less developed compared to their Asian neighbours such as Thailand. Although we try our utmost best to provide you with comfort and pleasure, please bear in mind that a 5-star hotel still needs further improvement.

Tour cost includes:

• Round trip ticket between Hong Kong and Kathmandu by Thai airline
• Hotel accommodation at 5 star hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nargarkot
• 2 days one night Dhampus trek including trekking permit, professional guide, porters, accommodation on the mountain
• Round trip domestic flight tickets between Kathmandu and Pokhara
  (Special arrangement to make you a more comfortable journey and save up lot of time for sightseeing)
• All sightseeing program according to the itinerary with English speaking guide with private transportation including entrance fees to museums and temples
• Lunch and dinner at famous restaurants in Nepal including French dinner with wine at famous Caroline Restaurant in Kathmandu
• One night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 4 star hotel in Bangkok

Tour cost exclude:

• Airport tax (around HK$850) & visa fee
• * Travel insurance
• Telephone, drinks, laundry and other personal expenses
• Any extra expenses incurred due to bad weather, natural disasters or emergencies
• Adventure activities ? eg. Mountain flight, paragliding, canoeing, biking?etc
• Golf and spa treatment at Le Meridien Hotel
• Transportation, meals and other expenses in Bangkok
• Tips for the tour : US$12 x 7 days (no tour guide in Bangkok). Total US$84

Booking and Cancellation Policy:

• High season surcharge will be applied during Christmas and Chinese New Year. Surcharge would be around HK$500 - HK$1,000.
• Full tour price will be paid when air ticket is confirmed.
• After ticket is confirmed, the whole package will be arranged by travel agent in Nepal. For cancellation, 25% refund of the tour price will be returned.
• No refund after air ticket has been issued for group ticket.
• Details to be confirmed with Guidance Travel Ltd.

Tour Price HK$13,388
(based on a group tour size of 10)

HK$13,688 for 4 persons
HK$13,888 for 2 persons
Tailor-made tour is also available, you are welcome to email us the details for quotation. Please note that, single supplement will be applied to hotel room for odd number group.

Proposed Tour Date

19 Feb 2007, Sun - 26 Feb 2007, Sun (High season surcharge applies)
17 Mar 2007, Sat - 24 Mar 2007, Sat
5 Apr 2007, Thur - 12 Apr 2007, Thur

Flight Schedule

We pick Thai Airways for more reliable services and flight schedule.
Departure

TG 603 0755 0940 HK- Bangkok
TG 319 1045 1300 Bankgkok- KATHMANDU

Return

TG 320 1405 1830 KATHMANDU - Bangkok
Next day
TG 600 0800 1145 Bangkok- HK
TG 628 1030 1420
TG 630 1530 1905
TG 606 1600 1945
TG 602 1910 2255

Visa:
You can apply for land visa after you arrive Kathmandu airport, please bring along one photo and fill up a form at airport. For HKSAR passport holder, visa is free.

For BNO or other passport holders, US$30 for visa fee.

Cash and Currency:
Please bring along US$ cash for your travel expenses. (US$ has better rate than HK$ ). US$1 to around 70 Rupees. You can easily change US$ into local currency Rupees in tourist area. They open from Monday to Sunday. The rate at airport counter may be lower, so it?s better not to change money there. Our guide will bring you to tourist area Thamel upon your check in hotel, so you can change money there.

Tips to Tour Guide:
For tips of your tour US$84 per person, we would like you to pay us in US$cash and we will collect this amount from you in Kathmandu by the end of the tour.

Cash expenses ? Shopping:
For a piece of 28 inches good quality pashmina shawl (70 % pashmina & 30% silk), cost around HK$ 300. For the best quality 100% pashmina scarf cost around HK$450. For silver jewelry, it will cost you from few US$ to US$20 for a piece of pendant or earrings. Nepalese knife cost you from small one US$5 to big one around US$20. Some of the shops accept credit card but they will charge you 4% handling charge.

Full story »

1. You need 2 photos, one for visa and one for trek permit)
2. Bring US$
3. 220 volt in Nepal and for socket, 2 round legs
4. Trekking boots or comfortable shoes
5. Down jacket, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and warm trousers. Water and wind proof is always good. If you don?t have, you can still buy them on the first day of arrival.
6. Medical kit with Lomotil or Imodium.
7. Travel insurance

Guidance Travel is an independent travel agency based in Hong Kong. With strong connections in the Travel Industry, we are able to offer you better services in a cost-effective way. Our services include making Worldwide Hotel Reservations, booking Airline Tickets, arranging travel to Conferences and for Business Purposes, and arranging Transportation for both groups and the individual traveller.

Background of Land Operator in Nepal

CEO

• President of Pokhara Tourism Council of Nepal
• Former Deputy Mayor of Pokhara, Nepal
• Presient of Pokhara Restaurant and Bar Association
• Senior Committee Member of Football Association of Nepal
• Senior Committee Member of Boxing Association of Nepal
• Owner of famous Boomerang Restaurant ( the biggest garden restaurant in lakeside, Pokhara Nepal ) , opened since 1991
• Owner of Boomerang Travel in Pokhara Nepal , opened since 1994
• Owner of Club Amsterdam ( established pub ) in Pokhara Nepal, opened since 1997
• Owner of Paradiso ( established pub) in Pokhara Nepal, opened since 2004

Director

• Hong Kong entrepreneur
• used to live Kathmandu, Nepal and has traveled to Nepal for many times
• solid experience in travel, PR and marketing
• international traveler

Street children in Mongolia are placed by the Mongolian government in countryside camps each summer, out of sight of tourists. These children generally have families, but have had to take to the streets because their families are too poor to keep them, or because the situation at home is so bad (perhaps due to abuse) that the streets are preferable.

Each year, people from my church in Hong Kong, Evangelical Community Church, go to one of the kids? camps in Mongolia to care for the kids, buy extra food for them, and donate clothes and other items. In the summer of 2005, I went to one of these kids? camps for the first time, and in the summer of 2006 I returned.

In many ways, my time in Mongolia has been eye-opening. It is there that I have seen some of the most beautiful sides of human nature. Once, when I was distributing donated clothes to the children, I handed a pair of trousers and a T-shirt to a boy ? he seemed to have particularly few possessions, and did not even have shoes. As I gave him the trousers and T-shirt, a girl came up, and the boy immediately gave her the T-shirt. This was only seconds after he had received it.

It was also at the camp that I saw what contentment really means. We gave the kids a bag of sweets each, and when a small boy in my group received his bag, he kissed it and pressed it close to his face? Such contentment with the little that he was given!

Going to camp and giving some love to the kids makes a difference. I have heard from those who have been to camp five years in a row that they have seen real change in the children: they have become less violent and more loving over the years. But surely we can do more than make annual trips.

Our group this year has begun to consider how we can help poor families in Mongolia in a sustainable way. Rather than simply giving them money, we hope that we can help families to earn their living by manufacturing Mongolian products and then selling those products abroad. We are still throwing ideas around, and a lot of thinking still needs to be done, but this is a start.

I have also been thinking beyond Mongolia. There is great poverty in many countries ? how can we help? I have begun to think about how corporations, who often have so many resources, can help. Many companies give to charities and encourage their employees to do community service. This is undoubtedly one of the ways to help. Even more far-reaching is if corporations ensure that they demonstrate corporate social responsibility in everything they do. For example, some companies require potential suppliers in developing countries to contribute to their local communities before the companies purchase from those suppliers. By acting in a socially responsible manner, a company can help less well-off communities, better retain employees by increasing job satisfaction in terms of helping them feel that they are contributing to society, and also build up goodwill amongst consumers and potential clients. This is just the beginning of my thought process which my recent trip to Mongolia sparked off.