TRIP GRADING
We have developed a trip grading system to help you match your level of fitness
and aspirations with a trip that will complement both. If you've never trekked before, we
recommend that you not be overly ambitious. Try a short trek and see if you enjoy it. That
said, we acknowledge that trekking experience counts less than your motivation and
physical condition. If you really want to get to Everest Base Camp, and are fit enough to
do so, you'll get there. Good health and a spirit of adventure will carry you far. A
complete dossier on your trek will be sent after we receive your initial deposit and
booking con-firmation. If you are uncertain whick trek is best for you, we strongly
recommend requesting com-plete trek dossiers before you book.
The descriptions below are meant to serve as a rough guide only. Trip grades are based on length, altitude, remoteness, walking conditions, weather and other factors. It is impossible to be precise about how hard a trek is: grading pro-vides a way for you to compare different treks. Remember that all trekking makes some physi-cal demands. Don't expect that because a trek is graded easy you will never feel tired.
TRIP GRADES
A- Easy
We day hike, sightseeing and always stay in ho-tels.
B- Leisurely
These trips can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life. The trekking
itinerary is nine days or less, with elevations generally below 10,000 feet.
C- Moderate
The trekking itinerary is greater than nine days. Some previous hiking experience is
desirable. Elevations up to 15,000+ feet, with ups and downs.
D- Strenuous
You need to be familiar with mountain walking and possess a fair degree of stamina.
These trips include difficult trekking conditions, covering long distance and high passes.
(A doctor's certificate may be required).
E- Technical
Climbing experience is required. You must be familiar with the use of mountaineering
equip-ment. This grade is reserved for,our most de-manding treks, involving long days,
often in iso-lated areas, at elevations above 18,000 feet.
OUR PRICE
Our trips offer the best value: not luxury, but not cut-price either. There are
no hidden extras to pay locally, and transport is always private. Our price includes:
Accommodation: Whether in hotels or camping, this is always, included. The hotels We use have character and charm. In Kathmandu, our guests typically stay at the Hotel Marshyangdi, which offers air conditioning, television and 24-hour room service. Their staff is firiendly and help-ful. We book twin rooms with private bath. Single rooms are available at extra cost. On trek, roomy two-person tents are used.
Food: All food is provided on trek. Depending on the area, provisions are based either on fresh local food or a combination of local and imported ingredients. Trek food is always nutritious and tasty. When staying in hotels we provide only breakfast, so that you can try the local restau-rants for your main meals.
Equipment: Tents, sleeping pads, cooking/din-ing equipment is provided. On any trip involving camping, you will need to bring a sleeping bag. You will also need to bring a pair of walking boots and a daypack. Specific recommendations are given in our pre-departure information.
Transport: We include all necessary domestic land and air transport during the trip; where a vehicle is used, it is normally for the exclusive use of the group. We avoid public buses where possible.
Sightseeing: Organized sightseeing is included whenever it is an integral part
of the itinerary. We can usually arrange optional trips as well.
Staff and service: Service of appointed Above the Clouds leader and local English-speaking
guides. Leaders may meet the group locally When camping, a cook, camp helpers and por-ters
are also provided.
Permits: All necessary local permits, taxes, por-ter insurance, port dues, and
entrance fees to National Parks or sites constituting an integral part of the trip.
What is not included: Visas, vaccinations, air port taxes,insurance of any kind, emergency
res cue flights, sleeping bags, personal equipment tips, and other expenditure of a
personal nature such as laundry or alcohol. Tips are also not included. In many areas, it
is usual practice to tip the local staff at the end of the trek, either in cash or with
unwanted items of clothing, etc. This i not normally a large expense, but in a few area
tipping has unfortunately become part of the lo cal economy. Guidance is given in the
pre-de parture information for the trip.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you obtain trave insurance which is valid overseas.
It must cove unforeseen events such as emergency evacuatior and baggage loss. After
booking, we will sent you information on insurance through Mutual Omaha or Travel Guard.
BAGGAGE AND FLIGHTS
You are restricted to 20 kg of baggage on mos flights. We recommend you to take
less than this to allow for your souvenirs. While on trek we must restrict you to 15 kg of
personal gear: occasionally the limit may be less. Gear not needed on trek can be left in
the hotel.
CLOTHING
Apart from cold and wet weather protection on most trips, light comfortable casual clothes
are all that is needed. A detailed recommended clothing list is given in the pre-departure
information.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH
It is critical that persons with medical problems make them known to us
before departure. The trip leader or trip doctor, if there is one, has the right to
disqualify anyone at any time during the trip if he/she feels the trip member is
jeopardizing the safety of the group. Refunds are not given under such conditions. Have a
medical and dental check before you go. Only a few countries now require specific
immunizations, but we generally recommend some vaccinations.
Reservations
Space is limited to 4-15 participants. To reserve a space on a trip, submit the
enclosed application form with a deposit of $100 per person. You will be sent immediate
confirmation, medical information, and other pre-departure information. The balance of the
tour price must be paid in the form of cashier's check, money order or equivalent, and is
due 3 weeks before the departure date. If you book less than 3 weeks before the departure
date, full payment must be received before booking can be accepted.
Cancellations and Refunds
If you must cancel your reservation, you must notify us in writing or by FAX. We
calculate your refund on the day we receive written cancellation.
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We do not make refunds for any unused portion of your trip, such as unused hotel rooms,
meals,
or trek arrangements, for any reason whatsoever.
CANCELLED TRIPS
We reserve the right to cancel a trip due to low signup, which makes the trip
economically un-feasible for us to operate. In such a case, a full refund is given.Above
the Clouds is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparing for the trip, i.e.
equipment, medical or visa fees.