Nepal Pokhara

Safety and support for all program participants is paramount for Freepackers. This field manual serves as your go-to guide when preparing to depart on your adventure, including a packing list, further details on health and safety, arrival information, suggested preparatory reading (where relevant), and more.

Arrival

Please note that arrival logistics may be altered at short notice – check for updates regularly to ensure you are aware of any late changes.

Visa Requirements

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for your trip.

The Visa that you need for this Program is a Tourist Visa.

For your program you will need a tourist visa, for most nationalities, this does need to be arranged in advance. The duration offered depends upon your nationality so please check to ensure you comply with immigration and airlines requirements regarding visas and entry prerequisites to the country such as proof of a return flight within a maximum number of days. For those who are staying longer and need to extend their visa, there is an immigration office in Pokhara where this can be done. Please be aware that you are responsible for having the correct visa and any costs incurred in obtaining it and that on occasion this may need to be arranged in advance. Check with the immigration authorities of the countries you intend to visit or see www.cibt.com for visa application advice and information.

Keeping in Touch

Participants typically use internet cafes to keep in touch, with several internet facilities around your home stay. Nepali SIM cards are cheap and accessible. You can buy top-up cards for reasonably priced calls in and out of Nepal. If you have an old "unlocked" phone then you can easy purchase the SIM. If not then mobile/ cell phone are affordable in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is advisable to bring passport photos as these are required in order to purchase a SIM. There are also places Nepal where you can get passport photos quickly and cheaply.

If your bags go missing in transit, don’t panic! This does occasionally happen, and you are usually reunited with your belongings within a few days. Consult airline representatives in the baggage claim area. You may be given a file/reference number; it is wise to also ask for a contact telephone number for follow- up.

Living Conditions

Facilities will be more basic than you are accustomed to – please travel with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to local conditions.

You will be living with other volunteers in a shared (same gender) room with shared bathroom facilities. This will be with our local host family. There is running water available for showers. Flush toilet facilities are available but they can also be eastern- style squat toilet.

Food

Traditional Nepali Meals: Breakfast and dinner are prepared for you by your host family. Nepali Dhal Bhat (rice, vegetable curry, lentil soup, pickle) is the traditional meal served for dinner. Vegetarians and vegans are welcome. Expect to eat a lot of rice and lentils! For lunch you will be provided a local snack.

Electricity

Supply: 220/230V 50Hz Source: Mains (quite reliable, the home stay and local cafes have back up power in the event of any power outages.) Sockets: 2 or 3 round prong is most common

Laundry

Your choice of hand-washing or having your laundry washed by a local laundry service for a small fee. Nepal often has water shortages, please talk to the staff or host family to see if it is possible to do hand-washing

Getting Around and Exploring Further

You will be based a short walk from the local town and work in the surrounding communities.

During the placement you will get a chance to explore Pokhara and the surrounding areas. There are several side trips available too; white water rafting on the Trisuli River, trekking in the Annapurna range you can take a safari in Chitwan National Park.

Before and after your programme you could trek to Everest base camp, you could take flight around Everest (approx US $175), take a 3 day trip down the Kali Gandaki river, trek to Poon Hill or take a 3 day safari in Chitwan National Park – the possibilities are endless! On your first weekend here we will introduce you to our partners at Skylark Himalayan tours and travels. They will be able to help you with a range of possible side trips.

Finance

Local currency: Nepalese Rupee

Participants typically spend approximately $200 USD per month for email, phone, lunches, drinks and other luxuries. If you wish to do more travelling you will need to budget more than this. We recommend that you travel with a credit/debit card (Visa cards are more widely accepted in Nepal) as your main source of funds, although having cash as a backup is wise. ATMs are available in major towns and you can exchange cash easily. You can only buy Nepalese Rupees in Nepal so it is recommended that you bring approximately USD50-100 to change on arrival.

Background Check

A background/police check is required for this program

Health & Safety

The nearest emergency medical facilities are located in Pokhara and Kathmandu. You will never be more than a few hours drive from here and the facilities are of a very high standard. Please note that the NGO cannot provide specific medical advice. Please consult your primary care provider (doctor, GP, etc.) or visit a travel clinic for further information. It would be a good idea to build up your physical fitness in the preceding weeks to the project if you plan to take advantage of the trekking opportunities. Malaria is endemic only in small lowland areas of Nepal (in and either side of the monsoon) -consult your GP.

For those doing the Everest Base camp trek you are required to have insurance that covers you for trekking up to 6,000 feet and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek 5000 feet in altitude and that covers emergency air evacuation. Very important to note regarding the Travel Insurance required - please ensure your policy covers Helicopter evacuation.

Pre Departure Training

Staff in the field will provide training on the skills required, but you may benefit from learning more about local history, culture and customs before you travel. It is not essential that you purchase a book before, coming, but reading (even skimming) one of the following books will give you a good foundation for whats to come, and will prove useful to you after the course if you continue child care. Insight Guides: Nepal by Hans Hofer Lonely Planet Guide to Nepal Child Care and Education by Tina Bruce How Children Learn: From Montessori to Vygotsky - Educational Theories and Approaches Made Easy by Linda Pound

Packing List

Essential Equipment These are items which staff in the field have deemed as required, or which previous volunteers agree are must-haves. Please check the weather conditions in Nepal before you pack. We have a very diverse climate and it is best to pack for all conditions and we have included information in this manual about the climate.

1 Large Rucksack, Backpack or suitcase : (65+ litres / 4,000+ cubic inches) to carry clothes and equipment 1 Daypack* (Backpack): (25+ litres / 1,500+ cubic inches) will be handy for everyday use. A backpack compatible with platypus/ camelbak is a good idea if you are planning to do any trekking. 1 pair of strong mountain/hiking boots* walking boots with ankle support (well broken in) are necessary for those trekking. 1 Sleeping bag* (comfortable to -10C) will be useful but not essential in the autumn, winter months. Useful if you plan to trek but also recommended for the home stay in the winter months especially if you are a person who tends to feel the cold. Please note on most treks the tea houses have quilts and blankets 1 inner sleeping sheet will come in handy in various places Light water and windproof jacket* rain is unpredictable in Nepal, even on odd occasions in non-monsoon seasons. 2 – 1 litre water bottles* will come in handy for daily use as well as for outdoor activities in the programme. 1 pair of sports shoes/trainers for daily use. 1 pair of sandals especially for rafting Teva-type sandals are ideal (important to have rubber soles and with a strap if not purchasing Teva sandals. 2 pairs of light weight trousers 2 pairs of shorts 2 working shirts Fleece/ warm sweater Sweatshirt/light sweater 4 T-shirts 2. Long-sleeved (cotton or polypropelene) shirts 3 pair s of heavy wool socks 4 pairs of lightsocks Underwear (including thermals – useful in winter) Headscarf / shamrag / bandana / baseball cap some kind of head wear is useful when walking or working in the sun. Towel an older, worn towel will dry more quickly, or you can buy a quick-drying travel towel. Sunglasses make sure they offer 100% UV protection. Cheap glasses can cause more damage than good. Hat, wide-brimmed the sun gets very hot during the day when working outdoors or on trek. Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof) - useful in winter Watch – time keeping is essential when on project Water proof liners for important and non water proof items. Canoe/dry sacks are excellent but trash/rubbish bags also suffice Torch/Flashlight & batteries re-chargeable batteries preferable, please also bring your own charger) non-rechargeable batteries are not recommended as they are hard dispose off responsibly. Any prescribed medication you need during your trip. Make sure it bears your name and description of reason and dosage. Insect repellent we recommend using a natural base product such as citronella and eucalyptus as DEET-containing repellent is harmful and believed to be carcinogenic. Washing Kit include toiletries, shampoo, talc, (or other absorbent powder), preferably biodegradable, sun block (factor 15+), water purifying tablets and handsanitizer/wipes. Females, please note that being at altitude can affect your menstrual cycle, it's best to pack sanitary items as they are very expensive to purchase along the trek Electrical adapter to convert both socket style and voltage if necessary Camera Alarm clock

Optional Equipment

Money belt (bum bag / fanny pack) to carry money and passport discreetly. Pen knife / Leatherman Umbrella (available at a reasonable prce in Pokhara) Laptop may be useful for volunteers staying for longer durations as we may have many WI-FI spots near the homestay

Everest Base Camp Adventure Volunteers and Annapurna Sanctuary Trek Volunteers TREKKING SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT (up to 5,500 m.) 1 Pair strong mountain / hiking boots (well worn-in and with ankle support) * 1 Medium / large rucksack / backpack Rucksack liner 1 Small day pack * 1 Sleeping bag (comfortable to -10C) * 1 Down jacket / all-weather Anorak 1 Light water & windproof jacket 2 - 1 litre water bottles 1 Inner sleeping sheet 1 Torch / flashlight & spare batteries 1 Swiss Army type knife 1 Medium sized travel towel (quick drying) 1 Washing kit: include Personal toiletries Talcum powder, Blister plasters Toilet paper Bio degradable soap / shampoo Anti-bacterial gel for 'washing' hands First-Aid kit (please make sure it is trek and wilderness specific) and any personal medication 1 Pair sport shoes/sandals (for the time off the trek) 2 Pairs lightweight trousers 2 Pair shorts 1 Fleece / warm sweater 1 Sweatshirt / light sweater 2 T-Shirts 2 Long sleeve cotton (or polypropelene) shirts 3 Pairs heavy wool socks 2 Pairs light socks Walking poles Underwear (including thermals) Cotton Headscarf / bandanna Sunglasses (with side shields and UV protective lenses) and sunhat Sunscreen Lotion (30-50 SPF) Warm hat and gloves (preferably waterproof) Money belt 3 to 4 Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes) Water purification tablets/ solutions (preferably iodine) Insect repellant Adapter plug (for charging camera batteries and other electronic devices)

On the raft and at the rafting camp :(Everest trekkers)

2 pair shorts 2 T-shirt 1 sun hat 1 pair sunglasses 1 pair sport shoes (trainers)/Teva type sandals (it's important to have RUBBER soles and the shoe is either tied or uses Velcro/buckles to stay on.) 1 swimming costume/bathing suit. 1 water bottle. Sun block. 1 pair light weight trousers 1 towel 1 dry pair shoes/socks Torch/flashlight & spare batteries 1 warm jacket/fleece 1 long sleeved shirt Toiletries (biodegradable if poss.) 1 Swiss army type knife (optional) Any personal medication 1 good sleeping bag 3/4 plastic bags for wrapping clothes

Hints on Buying Kit Items marked with * can be hired (cheaply and easily) in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are also many tailors in Pokhara if you wish to have local tops and trousers made for the project work.

Before setting off in search of your essential kit, compile a list of everything that you need. When buying your kit you may find that by mentioning to the store assistants (or ideally the manager) that you are joining a volunteer project enables you to negotiate a discount on your purchases. Often stores are authorised to offer a discount (typically 10-15%) at their discretion, so it is always worth mentioning that the kit is required in aid of a good cause. Shop around for kit. If you are never going to use items again then it is not worth going for the top brands! Cheap lightweight clothing is sometimes just as good if not better. Additional Information

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS - There are many religious and cultural festivals throughout the year in Nepal, as well as school holidays and exam periods especially during October/November. During these periods we may run activities and programs that are slightly different to our regular programs. Its possible that during these periods you might support the running of 'Holiday Programs" for children in local communities, create lesson plans and resources to support our work, facilitate adult training programs related to a range of issues or help out with some construction or maintenance work to improve educational facilities. Where possible we would also like you to enjoy the festivities and engage with our partners in the community to share these experiences. There may be times when we are able to enjoy the celebrations, food and traditions that Nepal has to offer.

GETTING TO POKHARA – Pokhara is a popular tourist destination for many people coming to Nepal. You can easily take a domestic flight which is 25 minutes duration from Kathmandu Tribhuvan Domestic Airport. The domestic airport is situated next to the international terminal, but you do have to exit the main international terminal and walk to the domestic side. The walk is approx. 10-15 minutes.

If you would like to take the Tourist bus to Pokhara then it is best to spend one night in Thamel, Kathmandu. You can easily arrange a hotel pick-up from the airport to a hotel in Thamel. The tourist buses leave every day at 7am from Kantipath, just a 10minute walk out of Thamel. The journey will take approx. 7 hours and they will be 2 stops on route.

NEPAL'S FIVE SEASONS - Nepal has a diverse climate dramatically affected by seasons and altitude. Winter (mid-Dec/mid-Feb). Cold mornings, sunny later. Freezing above 2,250m. Best to bring lots of warm clothes and a sleeping bag. Spring (mid-Feb/early April). Mostly warm, sunny, a little germination rainfall. Famous for the rhododendron forests in bloom. Summer (early April/mid-June). Getting very hot. Central region temperatures increasing to 35 degrees centigrade. Monsoon (mid-June/mid-Sept). Sometimes called the green season. Cooler with a lot of rain. Excellent rafting on the Trisuli river. Single most useful piece of kit – the umbrella! Autumn / Post Monsoon (mid-Sept/mid-Dec). Considered to be best weather with clear skies and lush vegetation. However, also the busiest season for tour groups.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION- All volunteers have the option of signing up for side trips run by Himalayan Encounters in country.

TIPS- Tipping is a newly accepted custom in Nepal. Hotel, restaurant, touring and trekking organisation staff members often make up for relatively meagre wages with tips. But it should only be given for good work. Dont tip for short taxi rides in town or any service person youve bargain with. Please dont feel like you have to tip – only give when you feel happy and comfortable too. It is important to not let other people carry your bags as they can hassle you for tips. This may happen so best to keep a few $1USD notes in your pocket.

BASICS ABOUT NEPALI CULTURE AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS Always check the protocol before entering temples - Hindu and Buddhist tradition vary. Seek guidance on use/prohibition of cameras/shoes/ leather wear.

WOMEN VOLUNTEERS - You will probably be called “Didi” ("big sister, a general term of respect to women). Nepal is quite an open society and everyday contact with Nepali men is the norm. Light flirtatious banter should be expected as part of the social norms of Nepal. You do not have to tolerate unwarranted attention – your sense of well-being should always to be respected.

DRESS MODESTLY - In most situations, except perhaps on the river when bathing suits are acceptable, lots of exposed skin is disrespectful to many Nepali. One of the best ways for a western female to dress modestly is to "dress Nepali. Many female volunteers feel very comfortable wearing the traditional "Kurta Salwar, made-to-measure. Dress code in your free time can be more relaxed than is expected at work, and Nepalese people are happy to make exceptions to foreigners. That said, please be respectful and try to keep shoulders, knees and midriff covered at all times where possible. BEHAVIOUR - Unacceptable behaviour generally involves alcohol, drugs, dress code and the way oppo¬site sexes act together. Please restrict drinking to bars and restaurants. Drinking and smoking at your placement is totally unacceptable.

Another feature of Nepalese culture you will see is the lack of physical contact between the sexes. This is strictly observed throughout Nepal. So kissing or holding hands in the streets is generally not a good idea. You will often see young men holding hands. Touching people's heads is not acceptable, unless it is a child's; in which case it is fine. Nepali people have a collective mentality, so you may find that your personal belongings at work become fair game for anyone who wants to look at them. If you are not willing to share, keep your things well hidden from the kids and staff alike! The idea of 'face' is very important to Nepali people. People will often throw large extravagant parties that they can barely afford in the effort to look richer than they are. Getting angry is considered a loss of face, and will often make people uncomfortable. - Be careful never to use your left hand to greet people or to eat – in most Asian countries it is reserved for bathroom use! Never point at someone, or beckon them with a single finger. If you do need to beckon someone over to you, use your whole hand instead of one finger, and be careful to keep your palm facing downwards. Always remember to remove your shoes when entering someone's house – this applies at some work placements and guest houses too.

EMBASSY & CONSULATES We suggest that you register with your embassy before you arrive in Nepal. The embassy will keep you updated on news about the country too.

EMBASSY/CONSULATE WEBSITE American Embassy https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ Australian Embassy http://www.nepal.embassy.gov.au British Embassy https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/ locateportal/ Canadian Consulatehttp://www.cconepal.org.np Chinese Embassy http://np.china-embassy.org/eng/ Consulate of Netherlands http:// www.netherlandsconsulate.org.np/ French Embassy http:// www.ambafrance-np.org/ German Embassy http://www.kathmandu.diplo.de/ IndianEmbassy http:// www.indianembassy.org.np/ Italian Consulate http://www.embassypages.com/missions/ embassy7219/ Japanese Embassy http://www.np.emb-japan.go.jp/ Russian Embassy http://www.nepal.mid.ru/ Thai Embassy http://www.mfa.go.th/web/1714.php?depid=226