Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.

No departures found for 2016

Fri 07 Oct - Sun 16 Oct 2016

In aid of The Openwork Foundation

The Openwork Foundation

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Everything you need to know

This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.

Level of difficulty

Insurance

Safety

Money

Visa

Group size

Health and vaccinations

Flights

A typical day

Luggage and valuables

Accommodation and toilets

Climate and terrain

Clothing and kit

Food and drink

Level of difficulty

The Cycle Kathmandu Valley cycle is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are keen cyclist of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, and are hoping to push themselves out of their comfort zone. You can tell your supporters that on your Cycle Kathmandu Challenge you will be:
•    The terrain is undulating, with uphill sections
•    Some days the roads conditions are poor and mostly off-road
•    Covering long distances per day. Cycling for over 8 hours on a couple of days.

Level of difficulty

The Cycle Kathmandu Valley cycle is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are keen cyclist of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, and are hoping to push themselves out of their comfort zone. You can tell your supporters that on your Cycle Kathmandu Challenge you will be:
•    The terrain is undulating, with uphill sections
•    Some days the roads conditions are poor and mostly off-road
•    Covering long distances per day. Cycling for over 8 hours on a couple of days.

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main Q&As page.

 

Insurance

It is a condition of booking that you have a suitable travel insurance policy whilst participating on the challenge. We have a special policy which covers among other things, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, cancellation and curtailment of the challenge, and more specifically for the adventurous activities undertaken on this challenge. If you have your own travel insurance policy, you must ensure that it provides at least the same level of cover as our recommended policy, including protecting the charity in the event of your cancellation 56 days or less prior to departure. If you choose not to purchase our recommended policy when you book we will send you a disclaimer which you should complete and return.

For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main Q&As page.

 

Safety

Safety advice for your Cycle Kathmandu cycle

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand (link to Challenge Safe page on new website) formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Cycle Kathmandu Valley, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
•    Covering a total distance of 300 kilometres over 5 days
•    The terrain is undulating, with uphill sections
•    Some days the roads conditions are poor and mostly off-road
•    Covering long distances per day. Cycling for over 8 hours on a couple of days.


Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling ability, which is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. If we find that somebody is unable to cycle at all, then we can transport them from one location to the next by support vehicle or with the help of our staff, but only as a final option (due to often poor weather conditions this can be difficult). Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team allowing for emergency evacuation if necessary..  
 

Safety

Safety advice for your Cycle Kathmandu cycle

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. In a nutshell, Our Challenge Safe brand (link to Challenge Safe page on new website) formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount!

In terms of your Cycle Kathmandu Valley, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
•    Covering a total distance of 300 kilometres over 5 days
•    The terrain is undulating, with uphill sections
•    Some days the roads conditions are poor and mostly off-road
•    Covering long distances per day. Cycling for over 8 hours on a couple of days.


Emergencies
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling ability, which is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. If we find that somebody is unable to cycle at all, then we can transport them from one location to the next by support vehicle or with the help of our staff, but only as a final option (due to often poor weather conditions this can be difficult). Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team allowing for emergency evacuation if necessary..  
 

Money

Currency: Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee.  This is a closed currency which means that you will not be able to find Nepalese rupees outside of Nepal. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. Please note that British Pounds, Euros and USD dollars can be exchange at Kathmandu airport and in the city.

Credit Cards: Accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Kathmandu.  Make sure you know your pin number before leaving home.

ATMs: Please note that ATMs are not always available and that when they are they do not always work. It is generally easier to visit a bank, but your local guide will advise.

How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, departure tax and for any other additional activities that you wish to do. On average we recommend around £250 and a credit card for emergencies as mentioned above.

Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. US$10 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the expedition leader/sherpa guide at the end of the trip who will advise you how to distribute it among the support team at your final celebration. NB: you may be approached by local porters at the airport. Their tips are not included; if you agree for them to take your bags to the transfer vehicle, please be prepared to tip them a small, nominal amount ($1). However, our team will be there to help you with baggage.

 

Money

Currency: Nepal uses the Nepalese rupee.  This is a closed currency which means that you will not be able to find Nepalese rupees outside of Nepal. For up to date currency exchange, go to www.xe.com. Please note that British Pounds, Euros and USD dollars can be exchange at Kathmandu airport and in the city.

Credit Cards: Accepted in all major hotels, banks and stores in Kathmandu.  Make sure you know your pin number before leaving home.

ATMs: Please note that ATMs are not always available and that when they are they do not always work. It is generally easier to visit a bank, but your local guide will advise.

How much to bring: You will not need a large amount of money during this trip and other than at the start and end of the challenge, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, departure tax and for any other additional activities that you wish to do. On average we recommend around £250 and a credit card for emergencies as mentioned above.

Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. US$10 per person per challenge day and this should be given to the expedition leader/sherpa guide at the end of the trip who will advise you how to distribute it among the support team at your final celebration. NB: you may be approached by local porters at the airport. Their tips are not included; if you agree for them to take your bags to the transfer vehicle, please be prepared to tip them a small, nominal amount ($1). However, our team will be there to help you with baggage.

 

Visa

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your expedition. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity. We will provide you with a visa application form or you can download one from the embassy website - www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa_information.html. The validity of visa dates are counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.  You should apply about 12 weeks before departure for a single-entry tourist visa. Do not apply too early otherwise it will run out before you leave for Nepal. It is valid for six months from the date of issue. The visa is valid for 60 days on entry and costs £20. Also see Travel Tips & your visa letter 3 months prior to departure.

 

Visa

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your expedition. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity. We will provide you with a visa application form or you can download one from the embassy website - www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa_information.html. The validity of visa dates are counted from the date of arrival in Nepal.  You should apply about 12 weeks before departure for a single-entry tourist visa. Do not apply too early otherwise it will run out before you leave for Nepal. It is valid for six months from the date of issue. The visa is valid for 60 days on entry and costs £20. Also see Travel Tips & your visa letter 3 months prior to departure.

 

Group size

Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 16 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10 to 15 people by charging a small group supplement of £75 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).

 

Group size

Each Group is intended to be a minimum of 16 people in order to run and a maximum of approximately 30 people. We will be able to run this challenge for 10 to 15 people by charging a small group supplement of £75 which will be added to your final balance invoice (self-funders) or charged to your charity (minimum sponsorship or flexi).

 

Health and vaccinations

For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspxb.  Malaria precautions are essential in all areas below 1200m, all year round. The risk in Kathmandu and mountainous areas of similar or greater altitude is very small. Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable anti-malarial tablets

 

Health and vaccinations

For up to date vaccination information please check the NHS Government website ‘Fit for Travel’ at: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspxb.  Malaria precautions are essential in all areas below 1200m, all year round. The risk in Kathmandu and mountainous areas of similar or greater altitude is very small. Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable anti-malarial tablets

 

Flights

You will be making a return journey from London Heathrow indirectly to Kathmandu, Nepal. The flight takes approximately 16 hours. A copy of your e-tickets will be issued to you upon departure at the airport along with your luggage labels and a Charity Challenge t-shirt.

Flights

You will be making a return journey from London Heathrow indirectly to Kathmandu, Nepal. The flight takes approximately 16 hours. A copy of your e-tickets will be issued to you upon departure at the airport along with your luggage labels and a Charity Challenge t-shirt.

A typical day

During cycling days we rise early and pack up camp before breakfast, then start cycling carrying only daypacks for 5-7 hours. There will be a picnic lunch on route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The cycle zone is the beautiful Kathmandu valley where local flora and fauna will be seen. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps, where the food and facilities are fairly simple. Some nights will be spent in lodges instead of camping.

 

A typical day

During cycling days we rise early and pack up camp before breakfast, then start cycling carrying only daypacks for 5-7 hours. There will be a picnic lunch on route and plenty of time to stop and view the remarkable scenery. The cycle zone is the beautiful Kathmandu valley where local flora and fauna will be seen. The evenings are spent in beautifully located camps, where the food and facilities are fairly simple. Some nights will be spent in lodges instead of camping.

 

Luggage and valuables

As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details on what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your rucksack (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed 15kgs in weight (due to restrictions on what your mountain porters can carry). You can leave any gear you wish to in your hotel in Kathmandu while you trek. While cycling, your bags will be transported from campsite to campsite by vehicle.

 

Luggage and valuables

As no formal clothes are needed, luggage should be kept to the absolute minimum – details on what to pack are provided in your Kit List. Your rucksack (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed 15kgs in weight (due to restrictions on what your mountain porters can carry). You can leave any gear you wish to in your hotel in Kathmandu while you trek. While cycling, your bags will be transported from campsite to campsite by vehicle.

 

Accommodation and toilets

The hotel in Kathmandu will be three stars and located at the centre of town. Rooms are usually en-suite. During the cycle and outside Kathmandu, you will be staying local hotels and teahouses.  These are clean but have basic facilites.  they are a great way to experience the culture and vibe of Nepal as well as bring support the local communites.

Accommodation and toilets

The hotel in Kathmandu will be three stars and located at the centre of town. Rooms are usually en-suite. During the cycle and outside Kathmandu, you will be staying local hotels and teahouses.  These are clean but have basic facilites.  they are a great way to experience the culture and vibe of Nepal as well as bring support the local communites.

Climate and terrain

The Kathmandu Valley is a warm, temperate zone which has a mild climate most of the year, and the city of Kathmandu, situated at an altitude of 4,297 feet (1,310m), has a mild, subtropical climate. During autumn, when you challenge will take place the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.

Climate and terrain

The Kathmandu Valley is a warm, temperate zone which has a mild climate most of the year, and the city of Kathmandu, situated at an altitude of 4,297 feet (1,310m), has a mild, subtropical climate. During autumn, when you challenge will take place the temperatures are pleasant with occasional short bursts of rain, while November to February are dry, but can be very cold, especially at night.

Clothing and kit

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.

 

Clothing and kit

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here, once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.

 

Food and drink

he food in Kathmandu is varied. During the cycle, the food will be cooked on kerosene stoves by our kitchen team and will be simple. Most of the food will be carried from Kathmandu. Only seasonal vegetables and fresh meats are bought along the way where available. Boiled drinking water will be provided 3 times per day. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

 

Food and drink

he food in Kathmandu is varied. During the cycle, the food will be cooked on kerosene stoves by our kitchen team and will be simple. Most of the food will be carried from Kathmandu. Only seasonal vegetables and fresh meats are bought along the way where available. Boiled drinking water will be provided 3 times per day. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

 

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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

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