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The SOS Nepal Challenge - April 2017

"Good things happen when people do more than they have to"   Hermann Gmeiner, Founder of SOS Children’s Villages

On 2 April 2017, the SOS Nepal Challenge team will depart for Kathmandu on a trip through the magnificent Himalayas to Annapurna Base Camp at an altitude of 4,130m. Designed to support SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde's work in Nepal, the team will test themselves on this challenging eight day trek before visiting SOS's transformational work in Kathmandu. You can join us in taking on this notorious challenge and change lives by doing so.

Challenge Itinerary

Day 1 - 03/04/2017: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 - 04/04/2017: Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 3 - 05/04/2017: Early morning flight to Pokhara, drive to Saule, and Trek to Ghandrung – approximately 4 hours.
Day 4 - 06/04/2017: Trek to Chhomrung (2,170m) – approximately 5 hours.
Day 5 - 07/04/2017: Trek to Dovan (2,630m) - approximately 6 hours.
Day 6 - 08/04/2017: Trek to Machhapuchre Base Camp (3,700m) - approximately 6-7 hours.
Day 7 - 09/04/2017: Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) and explore the Sanctuary - approximately 2 hours.
Day 8 - 10/04/2017: Trek to Dovan (2,720m) - approximately 7 hours.
Day 9 - 11/04/2017: Trek to Jhinu (1,490m) - approximately 6 hours.
Day 10 - 12/04/2017: Trek to Saule - approximately 3 hours, drive to Pokhara, and enjoy the lakeside and hotel.
Day 11 - 13/04/2017: Fly early to Kathmandu and initial project visits. Evening farewell dinner.
Day 12 - 14/04/2017: Project visits followed by drive to airport for onward journey.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek requires no technical experience or equipment. It is however a considerable and, at times, gruelling challenge, and the effect of being at altitude will be a consideration throughout. A good level of physical fitness and a strong will is therefore required, and advance training and preparation is advised to help you achieve your goal and enjoy the experience of doing so.

The flight-free cost of the itinerary above is $1,600 (USD). This includes transfers and travel, accommodation, meals, permits and associated fees and fully supported expedition costs. It does not include flights, transport to and from your departure airport, personal clothing and equipment, visa processing fees, travel insurance, vaccines and medication, or personal expenses – including drinks. To confirm your place on the Challenge Team, please select ‘Book Your Place’ above and complete the booking form. Due to the proximity to departure, payment in full is required in February 2017. 

In addition to trip costs, each member of the team is asked to commit to fundraising as much as possible in sponsorship money to support the projects of SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde. Your commitment to fundraise is a condition of participation. More in Terms & Conditions, article 7.

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.

 

Express Your Interest Watch A Video

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

 


Express Your Interest Watch A Video

Frequently-Asked-Questions Book Your Place

 

Flight Arrangements

For those who wish to join the group flight booking, the itinerary is as follows:

02/04/2017 LG8019 Luxembourg @ 16:00 - Paris CDG @ 17:00
02/04/2017 EY38 Paris CDG @ 22:00 - Abu Dhabi @ 07:05 (+1)
03/04/2017 EY290 Abu Dhabi @ 10:50 - Kathmandu @ 17:10
14/04/2017 EY293 Kathmandu @ 20:55 - Abu Dhabi @ 00:10 (+1)
15/04/2017 EY31 Abu Dhabi @ 02:10 - Paris CDG @ 07:55
15/04/2017 LG8014 Paris CDG @ 12:45 - Luxembourg @ 13:40

The per person cost for the flight element will be £1,043.60 (GBP). Details of how to make payment will be provided separately. Please Note: The payment details required for making payment for the main trip itinerary are different to those being used for flights. Please do not therefore make payment for flights using the same bank details as those provided for the main trip itinerary cost.

To download the full Terms & Conditions click here.

To book your place click here.

The Challenge Team

Find out more about the challengers or make a donation by clicking on a picture below:

Challenger Profile

Name:

Fundraising Target:

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Total raised:£0.00
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Date of Trip: April 2017

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SOS Villages d'Enfants Monde



SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde is a Luxembourgish association, which belongs to SOS Children's Villages International, the worldwide federation of SOS Children's Villages associations.

A non-denominational, non-governmental organisation, it is dedicated to helping orphans and other abandoned and destitute children in 134 countries and territories. Over 82,000 young people have found a new home in the 1,171 SOS Children's Villages and the SOS Youth Facilities. Over 160,000 children and young people receive an education through 185 SOS Schools, 227 SOS Kindergartens and 50 SOS Vocational Training Centres. With 119 SOS Social Centres it also helps over 410,000 people – mainly children and their families – through Family Strengthening Programmes providing material, psychological and educational support. 75 SOS Medical Centres are open to help the local populations. Last but not least, SOS operates today 7 emergency programmes in regions where the organisation is active. 

In operation for 40 years, SOS Villages d’Enfants Monde has drawn upon the support of Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Directorate of Development Cooperation and the generosity of its many donors, sponsors and friends to undertake concrete projects. These include the construction of SOS Children's Villages, schools, kindergartens, social and medical infrastructures as well as Family Strengthening and emergency aid programmes. The Luxembourg association currently supports 6 SOS Children’s Villages, 23 Family Strengthening Programmes, 5 educational and vocational programmes and 5 emergency relief programmes (Syria, Philippines, Haiti, Liberia) benefiting more than 89,000 beneficiaries.

Furthermore, development education is also one of its strategic pillars – and the organisation is dedicating special attention to raising awareness about development issues and child rights in educational and extra-curricular facilities as well as among the public.

Your questions answered...

Got a question? We hope you will find the answer in the information below. However, if you have any further queries, please complete the online enquiry form and we will answer your question as soon as possible.

Click a question below to expand the answer.


How fit do I need to be? Could I take part?

You absolutely can take part! Make no mistake about it, this is a gruelling and physically demanding challenge at altitude that will test all who attempt it. However, it is also truly achievable and, with the right approach, anyone can succeed.

Each trekking day will include up to 8 hours trekking with the remainder of the day to relax, rest and socialise with the group. The biggest problem you're likely to face is, in fact, not lack of physical fitness but some degree of high altitude illness. Almost all participants will experience at least some of the symptoms associated with being at high altitude, but being aware of this in advance and responding appropriately will allow you to minimize its effect – namely, walking slowly and taking plenty of fluids and rest. You will be provided with more information about high altitude illness in your confirmation pack. Those with prior medical problems or concerns should seek advice from a doctor first.

With some advance physical preparation and mental determination you too truly can achieve this magnificent goal.

Who can apply to go?

Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to take on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support those in need at the same time as trekking through and up a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interested participants over the age of 65 will need to provide a medical form or consent letter signed by a doctor. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult and parental consent provided.

What about altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is frequently experienced by those travelling to altitudes typically above 2,500m. Almost everyone will experience some form of altitude sickness but the vast majority will only experience the mild and commonly occurring symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia or dizziness.

Our practical experience shows that these milder symptoms can be managed and overcome through three key steps to achieving successful acclimatisation: drink plenty and eat well, walk slowly, and walk high / sleep low. Your guide team are trained to help you achieve just this and to enjoy the amazing experiences being offered.

What kit or equipment will I need?

It's important to remember that this is a trek and not a climb and, as a result, no technical equipment or expertise is needed. The most important item you’ll need is a good quality, comfortable, and worn-in pair of walking boots. Beyond that, the clothing you’ll need includes items that most people will likely already have: a down or multi-layered jacket, thermal underwear, shorts/trousers, t-shirts, a fleece, waterproofs, gloves, a sun-hat and beanie. You’ll also need a backpack to carry each day, and a larger bag for the rest of your belongings – which will be carried for you; a sleeping bag; a head-torch and water storage. Every team member will receive a full information pack upon signing up which includes more information on suggested kit for the challenge.

What is included in the total trip cost?

Trip costs include international flights, in-country travel, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout, expedition costs and permit fees. It does not include, your mandatory insurance cover, transport to and from the airport of origin, visas, vaccinations, tips or other expenses of a personal nature - including drinks.

You will be provided with further information outlining all of the equipment you will need for the challenge. Most notably, this includes a comfortable and worn-in pair of walking boots, appropriate clothing, and a sleeping bag.

If I've been accepted, what information will I receive?

You will receive a comprehensive information pack providing details of the challenge and those for whom fundraising is being undertaken, how to prepare - including training, fundraising and what to take, and the itinerary with additional details about what to expect on the trip. In addition, you will be able to contact a dedicated trip manager to discuss details of the trip and your preparations, and to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns that you might have.

What food and accommodation will be provided, and how much do I have to carry?

On the challenge itself you will stay in huts or tents at each day's designated camp – on a shared basis. Before and after the challenge you will be accommodated in a local hotel – sharing an en-suite room with one other person. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout.

You will only need to take the clothing and equipment that you need on the trek itself as you will have an opportunity to leave other un-required items securely at the hotel whilst you’re away. During the trek, you will only carry a daypack yourself containing the items that you feel you will need between the day’s camps. Your remaining possessions will be carried by the expert guide team on your behalf.

Terms and Conditions

RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.

Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556.  Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays 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. 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.

The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.

Who is organising the trip?

RightFoot works directly with trusted and highly-reputable local organisers on the ground to ensure a high quality experience throughout. RightFoot is a member of the IMEC Partnership for Responsible Travel. We take this responsibility very seriously & endeavour to ensure that the service provided is always ethical & of the highest standard.

The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. We, RightFoot Adventures Limited with company registration number 07511407 and with registered address Unit 1, Burnt Oak Business Park, Waldron, East Sussex TN21 0NL will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, we have protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that we become insolvent. More information on key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 can be found here.

Your Financial Protection: The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 require that security is provided for the monies that you pay for the package holidays booked and for your repatriation in the unlikely event of insolvency. RightFoot provides this security by way of a bond held by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 10556.  Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays 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. 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.

The full Challenge Terms & Conditions can be found here.