2020 Challenge Brochure - Himalayas Challenge
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2020 Challenge Brochure Action Challenge has been leading inspirational team adventures across the globe for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life.
About Action Challenge
Since 1999 Action Challenge has been operating unique group
challenge events the world over. Our head office in London is staffed
by a highly experienced, passionate team focused on developing and
delivering inspirational adventures. We operate a host of varied
itineraries across all seven continents, from rainforest to desert,
mountain to jungle, snow to sea. Our adventures are fantastic group
experiences, which can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking for a new
challenge. We are proud of the lengths we go to, to bring you
memories you will not find elsewhere!The majority of our head office
have climbed Kilimanjaro and love nothing more than talking about
their experience on the mountain! So please contact the Action
Challenge team directly to ask any questions or discuss your
challenge, by contacting us on the details below.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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Why Choose Us?
1) 100% ATOL BONDED - DON’T RISK ANYTHING ELSE!
We are 100% ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) bonded - ATOL number 6296
Offers full financial protection by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for clients who have booked
package trips, including flights
“It is not the mountain we conquer,
What’s Not Include
2) UK LEADERS OR MEDICS ONbut
EVERY CHALLENGE
ourselves”.
Qualified UK Leaders - we employ great characters, with deep experience, who have a
— Sir Edmund
real passion for what they do - offer guidance, support and provide Hillaryand
daily briefings
warm ups
Leaders have great experience running our challenges
Equipped with Satellite Phones
Full medical kits provided by Nomad Travel Health Clinic
3) EXPERIENCED LOCAL TEAM
Local team of guides and crew - extremely experienced with working with Action Challenge
groups. Incredibly supportive and great fun!
They know every route like the back of their hands!
They ensure that everything runs like clockwork, from setting up camp, to cooking meals
4) 100% TRANSPARENT ON PRICE
All-inclusive packages with flights or land only and connecting private transfers - we have built
up a portfolio of reputable airlines and local ground operators
Best value prices without compromising on quality, comfort, or safety
All known flight taxes at time of booking included in package price
5) RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
We work very closely with our local team to ensure fair pay & treatment of all crew.
We’re members of IMEC (The International Mountain Explorer’s Connection), which
promotes sustainable tourism
Partners with KGSF (Kilimanjaro Guide Scholarship Fund), providing guides with educational
scholarships and better career prospects.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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Why Choose Us?
6) BRIEFINGS AND TRAINING WEEKENDS
Challenge briefings in central London - find out about life on the mountain and what to
Expect, meet the team and ask us any burning questions you may have!
Training weekends in Snowdonia , Brecon Beacons and the Peak District, plus join us on our
special Snowdon Night Summit to replicate summit night Kilimanjaro
Training Walks in London, North and South Downs
Test out your kit and your fitness! You might also meet someone going on your challenge!
“It is not the mountain we conquer,
What’s Not Include
7) OUR CLIENTS AND REPUTATION
but ourselves”.
Members of the Institute of Fundraising - a code of practice that all reputable companies
organising charitable events should adhere to. — Sir Edmund Hillary
15 years experience organising challenge events worldwide, taking over 15,000 individuals
on challenges across the globe, with over £50 million raised for over 300 UK charities.
Working with and organising challenges for the UK’s leading charities and major UK
companies including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, DHL, Knight
Frank, Harrods, British Gas, Citi Group, Phones 4 U, BlackRock and many more.
8) DISCOUNTS ON KIT,VACCINATIONS & INSURANCE
Save money by hiring your kit from our partner Kit Hire Company Outdoor Hire
Receive up to 15% discount on kit and equipment purchases at leading outdoor retailers.
Discounts on Vaccinations and Insurance.
9) COMFORT
Private airport transfers to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotels either side of climb - 3* with swimming pool /
Camp in comfort—large 3-man tents & camping mats & back-country kitchen
10) FOOD & DRINK
3 fresh and well-cooked meals every day - lots of surprise home comforts and great menus!
Celebration dinner at end of trek!
Minimum of 3 litres of purified / clean water a day.
We can cater for all dietary requirements.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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The Druk Path follows a varied and beautiful route within a network
of Bhutan's original mule trails. We trek from Paro to Thimphu,
through the mountains, and surrounded by some of the finest natural
sights in the world.
The challenge, though short, is extremely varied. We pass through
rhododendron forest, across open yak pastures and along glorious
high ridges. Highlights along the way include serene sacred lakes
teeming with trout, meeting nomadic yak herders, and visiting a
haunted monastery. In good weather, you will stopped in your tracks
by the wonderful views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya.
DAY 1 DEPARTURE
We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the
airport and check in together before boarding our flight to
Bhutan.
DAY 2 PARO
We switch to a smaller plane in Nepal or India, for the quick
hop to Bhutan, flying low through the Bhutanese foothills. In
the afternoon you will visit the cliff temples at Dzong Drakha,
a beautiful cluster of 16th century cliff temples set above the
small village of Bondhey, overlooking the Paro Valley. This
outing involves a couple of hours walking, it’s great to stretch
your legs after the long journey. In the evening we have a
welcome meal and relax before our departure on the
challenge of a lifetime.
DAY 3 TAKSANG MONASTERY
In the morning we set off for our walk up to the famous
Tiger's Nest, Taktsang Monastery, perhaps the most iconic
religious sight of Bhutan. It’s a steep uphill walk through
woods to reach a tea house which offers the best view of the
Monastery. It is perched precariously some 600m up on a cliff
overlooking the valley, from where we trek to other stunning
viewpoints. After taking in the sights and learning a little about
the history we start our descent back to the valley floor and
then drive back to Paro.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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DAY 4 JILI DZONG
The Druk Path is part of a network of mule tracks that link
the Thimpu Valley with the Paro Valley. It was the primary
trading route between Bhutan and the Indian border. There is
no more exciting way to reach the capital, Thimpu, than to
walk from Paro! Today we start our trek from Paro Dzong
and slowly trek up through forests to the ridgeline on the
Himalayan foothills above us. We pass through different floral
zones, first through pine, then bamboo, birch and finally
rhododendron forests. Lunch will be besides a Mani Wall, a
wall of stone ornately carved with Bhuddist mantra and
symbols dating back centuries. Tonight on reaching camp we
relax in a clearing surrounded by stunning scenery.
DAY 5 JANGCHULHAKHA
From our camp it is a short 20 minute hike to the Buddhist
Wheel of Life or a Kili Dzong, our first destination on today's
trek. The Monastery is perched high on a ridgeline, offering
views towards the High Himalaya to the north. The monastery
was abandoned until recently, but has now been partially
renovated and is once again in use. We continue onwards
along the ridgeline before descending on a winding path into
the forests below, passing the occasional local yaks-men with
their herds of beasts in clearings. We camp for the night with
life all around us, amongst herdsmen and Yaks.
DAY 6 JANA TSHO
Todays trek takes us through incredible scenery. From camp
we ascend to a ridge, offering fantastic panoramic views. We
then cross a small pass above Jimi Langtso Lake. From here we
zig-zag down through rhododendron forest and past rocky
bluffs to the lakeside. The path then leads up from the lake
along safe, but exposed, cliff paths amongst impressive
scenery. After trekking past a succession of ridges we arrive at
our second lake of the day, Jana Tsho, our magical camp for
the night.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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DAY 7 PHADJODING VIA SIMOTKA
Today is a highlight! A day of trekking in glorious high
mountain country. We cross the Simkota La, our highest pass
of the trip at 4,210m. From our lakeside camp we climb to a
geological basin containing a third lake. We may meet monks
on their way from Thimpu to visit the sacred lake of Jimi
Langtsho, where they often meditate for a few days each year.
The rocky mountain next to the Simkota La was used for sky
burials, the practice of leaving a deceased relative to the
elements and nature. We end the day descending towards
camp in Phadioding where there is time to rest and then
explore the temples in the area.
DAY 8 THIMPU
It's worth getting up early for the clear views of the Eastern
Himalaya today. We have views of the highest mountain in
Bhutan, Gangkar Punsum. At 7,550m, this is now the highest
unclimbed peak in the world. Quite often the valley below
may be filled with cloud, with just the mountains poking up
into the clear air. Our vehicle will meet you at the road head
for the short transfer to your hotel in town. This afternoon
there's time to explore a little of Thimphu at leisure, or your
guide will be happy to take you to visit a few of the principal
sights, including the late king's Memorial Chorten, the Takin
Reserve (home to Bhutan's national animal) or the Textile
Museum.
DAY 9 PUNAKHA
The first part of today is spent further exploring the sights of
Thimpu, Bhutan’s capital. Sights include the School or
Traditional Painting and the Hospital of Traditional Medicine,
allowing us further insight in the history, culture and traditions
of Bhutan. The afternoon is spent transferring to Punakha
where we spend the night. En route there is the chance to
explore the Chimi Lhakhang temple by completing a short
circular walk.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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DAY 10 PARO
This morning we can visit Punakha Dzong, the main monastery
fortress and seat of power for the old system of rule in
Bhutan. The complex is steeped in history and is also the final
resting place of of Nawang Namgyal, the original ruler of
Bhutan. In 1994 the town and monastery were destroyed in a
glacial flood, originating from the High Himalayas above.
Thankfully the town and historic buildings have been
beautifully restored. The afternoon is spent transferring to
Paro, weather permitting the high road pass of Dochu La will
offer us our last panoramic views over the Eastern Himalaya.
DAY 11 DEPART PARO
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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The Bhutan Druk Trek is priced as below.
2020 prices
Self-fund: £3,250 flights inc / £2,550 land-only
Charity minimum sponsorship: Fundraise £5,515 flights inc / £3,515 land-only
3) Charity mixed funding: Fundraise £3,260 & pay £1,625 flights inc / Fundraise £2260 & pay
£1125 land-only
Deposit: £495 (deducted from final balance)
Single Supplement: £300
HOW TO PAY
Once you have registered, there are 3 FUNDING OPTIONS for the balance of the trip cost:
Self Funded: You pay the registration deposit, then the full final balance
Charity Minimum Sponsorship: You pay the registration deposit, and
fundraise double the final balance for your nominated charity
Charity Mixed Funding: A bit of both. You pay 50% of the trip cost (including the
registration deposit), and fundraise to cover the other 50%
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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NEED TO KNOW
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Fully supported 11 day group challenge
Action Challenge UK Mountain Guide
UK Qualified Medic
Full support team, including local English-speaking guides
All flights and air travel taxes (excluding fuel surcharges)
All accommodation, twin share - hotels / camping
All meals with the group; as specified
All transfers in local vehicles
National Park entrance fees
Day in Paro ending with a celebratory dinner
Pre-event support including discounts from UK retailers
Discounted UK training weekends
Fitness and training guide
Discounts from UK retailers - Cotswold Outdoor, Trek Hire & more
Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health
FOOD
Breakfasts each morning will be at our accommodation/campsite. Lunches will be en route and evening meals will be at our
night’s accommodation or in a mess tent at the campsite. Variety in the menu may be limited, but we attempt to offer a mix of
typical Bhutanese dishes with an international influence. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in advance.
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights in comfortable 2 - 3* hotels
4 nights in well-equipped 2-person tents.
All accommodation is on a twin-share, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age, where possible.
If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form.
If you decide that you would like to have your own room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places.
BESPOKE TRIPS
If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please
get in touch with our team.
BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
If you are planning on travelling to Bhutan before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land-only
option, with a significant discount off the trip price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the
itinerary.
ITINERARY CHANGES
Please note: This trek passes through wilderness areas, and access may be limited as the result of natural occurrences such as
flooding or erosion. As such, this itinerary is subject to change and alternative routes & destinations may be offered.
www.himalayaschallenge.com info@himalayaschallenge.com 020 7609 6695
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