Mt Kanchendzonga – World’s Third Highest Mountain

Sikkim is sheer magic.

This is not just the most beautiful place in the world but cleanest and safest too. If once the charms of the State were limited to mists, mountains and colourful butterflies, they are now complimented by tangible development and progress. With its unique culture and natural landscape, Sikkim is a picture of perfection and pristine purity. Nestled in the Himalayas and endowed with exceptional natural resources, Sikkim is a hotspot of biodiversity and development. Though small in size, yet Sikkim has been identified world over as an important repository of germplasms of unknown dimensions. Perhaps, there is no part of the world, which offers a spectacular scene with every turn of the road as Sikkim. Though land-locked, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful and strategically important state of the Indian Union

Dominating both legend and landscape of Sikkim is the mighty Khangchendzonga. Known to outside world as Kanchenjunga, it is the third highest peak in the world. But to the Sikkemese it is much more than a mountain: Khangchendzonga is the Guardian deity, a country God whose benign watchfulness ensures peace and prosperity for the land.

The five peaks of Khangchendzonga are the five Treasures of the Eternal Snow, a belief beautifully interpreted by the great Lama Lhatsun Chenpo: “The peak most conspicuously gilded by the rising sun is the treasury of gold, the peak that remains in cold grey shade is the storehouse for silver and other peaks are vaults for gems, grains and the holy books.” Each of the five peaks is believed to be crowned by an animal—the highest by a tiger and others by a lion, elephant, horse and the mythical bird Garuda. Along with the Guardian deity, the Nepal Peak, Tent Peak, Pyramid, Jonsang, Lhonak, Pahunri etc. and glaciers like Zemu, Changsang, Teesta, Changme are also important

Highlights of Sikkim

Pemayangstse Monastery

Gangtok – Capital of Sikkim

The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok which is a city perched on a hilltop. Some of the sights around Gangtok or are an excursion away are:

Tsomgo Lake

This tranquil lake is a much visited site about 34km from Gangtok at 12,400ft. It freezes completely during the winter and is much revered by the locals. In spring a variety of flowers bloom upon its banks and is also an ideal habitat of the red panda.

Tsomgo Lake

Rumtek Monastery The Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre of the Kagyud order is almost a replica of the original Kagyud headquarter in Tibet. This largest Dharma Chakra Centre in the world houses some of the most unique religious scriptures and rare artifacts. Lachung A tribal village at 8600ft where a tribal self government, the Dzumsa still rule the tribe with its ancient tradition. One can spend a night here and acquaint the unique ways of the village and also visit the fascinating Yumthang Valley. Yumthang Valley At 11,800 ft, the Valley is simply mindblowing. Surrounded by an alpine forest of silver fir and high snow-capped peaks, its charms get even more irresistible in spring when primulas carpet the valley floor along with the outburst of rhododendrons, primroses and other wild blossoms. It is also famous for its hot springs.

Yumthang Valley

Yumesamdong

About 24 km from Yumthang, the trail is filled with the fragrance of the azellia, a plant collected by the locals as incense. Hence one can experience the enchanting views of a mountainous terrain in snow.

Namchi

This south district headquarter town lies about 78 km from Gangtok. At 4400ft, it offers a panoramic view of the snowy ranges and pristine landscapes all around.

Samdruptse

The holy spot where the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava (105ft) has been built.

Temi Tea Garden

The only tea garden in Sikkim, it produces one of the finest tea. The gently sloping landscape lush with tea bushes look well manicured and pleasing. And the burst of innumerable cherry trees lining the road is another wonder to behold.

Tashi View Point

Straddled upon the North Sikkim highway about 8 km from Gangtok, it offers breathtaking views of Mt Kanchenjunga.

Pelling

About 143 km from Gangtok, this is a growing urban settlement in the west. It offers the most amazing views of the Kanchenjunga range.

Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the main sites in West Sikkim, it is the principal monastery in the state. The seat of Nyingma order it was established by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo. One of the revered lamas who performed the consecration of the fist Chogyal of Sikkim. During the Chogyal reign it had been entrusted to perform all religious rites associated with the royalty. One of its most prized treasure is the ‘Sang-tok-palri’, an eleborate and minutely detailed carving on wood by the late Dungzin Rinpoche depicting the Mahaguru’s heavenly ascent.

Trekking in Sikkim

Trek starting point to Lachen village

Sikkim has to offer a number of fascinating trekking routes to enterprising trek enthusiasts. The best time to trek in these parts of the Eastern Himalayas is between mid- February to May and again from October to December.

Yumthang Village

The treks pass by beautiful gompas, simple but colourful hamlets and through so fascinating alpine forests full of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Yuksom is an ideal take-off point for trekking. This point is invariably used as a centre of climbing and trekking expeditions by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

Tshoka Village

The trek to Bakhim is an unforgettable B experience. Dzongri at an altitude of 3,962 metres, offers the visitor an excellent and unobstructed view of the Khangchendzonga Massif. It also provides a trekker with superb views of sunrise and sunset.

FAQ

1. What are the best seasons to visit Sikkim?

The best seasons are March – May & October – Mid December. Monsoon is from June – August and winter is from December – February.

2. What is the currency they use?

Indian rupees are used in Sikkim. The exchange rate is estimated at SGD1 = Rs33, subject to fluctuation.

3. Do they speak English?

Hindi is the official language, with English as the working language of the government; Nepali, Lepcha, Bhutia and Limbu are also spoken. All members of the tourist industry and many businessmen do speak English and other native language.

4. What kind of food do they eat?

Sikkimese are essentially rice-eaters. Beef eating is common amongst the Bhutias. Various cuisine such as Nepali, Indian, Chinese, Western, Italian and continental are available in the city. Sikkimese and Indian food are common in the outskirts while traveling from one location to another. Some of their staples are as follow:

Momo: Stuffed meat or vegetable dumpling.

Gya Thuk or Thukpa: is a noodle based soup with vegetables or meat.

Phagshapa: Strip of pork fat stewed with radishes and dried chillies.

Sael Roti: Deep fried dough normally eaten with potato curry or non-vegetarian dish.

Momo

5. How are the hotel conditions in Sikkim?

We recommend all guests to stay in at least 3 star hotels while in Sikkim. Hotels are generally decent, clean and safe. 4 stars and 5 stars hotels are also available in Gangtok. Most hotels tend to face Mt Kanchenjunga to capitalise on the mountain views.

6. Is Sikkim suitable for children and the older folks?

Yes, Sikkim is suitable for families with children and old folks if they are generally healthy. Children will be fascinated with Sikkim’s nature offering while old folks may be interested in the variety of striking monasteries.

Did You Know?

Bhutia                                  Lepcha                                 Nepalese

The predominant communities in Sikkim are the Lapchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. These myriad cultures has produced a quintessential Sikkimese Culture that encompasses all ways and walk of life, but has also managed to preserve their own identity. All communities live in perfect harmony sharing each other’s culture, ethos and traditions. It is the harmony of the place that provides justification to the name of the state derived from “Sukhim”, meaning “happy home, a place of peace”.

Travel Tips

1) When planning a trip to Sikkim, it is common to include Darjeeling as a stopover destination due to their proximity.

2) The journey to Sikkim including sightseeing entails long drives along winding mountain roads. You can bring along items or food such as neck pillow or sweet sour snacks that will make you more comfortable.

3) Trekking in Sikkim is generally tougher than in Nepal but you will be rewarded with magnificent mountain views. Be prepared to train conscientiously before embarking on a trek in Sikkim.

Check out our special rate Sikkim packages with us at the NTS-Contiki Summer and GradTrip Fair 2010 this 24 – 26 March @ NUS Central Forum!

1. 9 Days Best of Sikkim – Darjeeling Tour

2. 13 Days Sikkim – Darjeeling – Yumthang Valley Cultural Tour

3. 14 Days Sandak Phu Trek

4. 14 Days Dzongri Trek with Sikkim & Darjeeling Cultural Tour

5. 15 Days Kanchendzonga HMI Base Camp Trek

6. 17 Days Simiti Lake and Gochala Pass Trek

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About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.

Let’s Travel to Europe!

Wanna explore the natural beauty of Santorini?

Wanna check out Paris’s latest fashion?

Wanna follow Audrey Hepburn’s footmark to explore Rome?

Hesitate no more!!

Join us in our BACKPACKING TRIP TO Europe!

Some details of the trip:-

How long is the trip?

May 9th – May 24th (16days & 15 nights)

How much do I need to pay?

SGD2781 (visa fees excluded)

Budget includes…

Round-way flight, Accommodation, All admission tickets to tourist scenes, Transportation

Itinerary

May 9^th- Flight to Prise, take train to Versailles, the Seine and check in at Hotel Caulaincourt

May 10^th- Paris: Louvre, the Supreme Court of Paris, Notre Dame de Paris, centre Georges Pompidou

May 11^th- Paris: Orsay Museum, Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb), Rodin Museum, Champs-Elysees, triumphal arch, Eiffel Tower

May12^th- Paris: Sacred Heart Church, Moulin rouge, Beethoven, Pantheon, Luxembourg. Take train to Nice at night.

May 13^th- Arrive at Nice in the morning then take train to Cannes. Cannes: Commercial Street. Then take train back to Nice, England trail.  Check in at Backpacker’s chez Patrick hostel.

May 14^th- Take train to Monaco (can get off at Eze for a short tour), Monaco’s Prince Palace, Monte Carlo Casino. Take train back to Nice, check out then take train to Venice.

May 15^th- Venice: St. Rocco Church, Flurry Square, Santopolo Square and the church, Telleria and care churches, Telleria and care Bridge, Piazza san Marco, Church, Government House, Bridge of Sighs, then can take boat to Salt church at the opposite bank. Take train to Florence and check in at Hotel Eden.

May 16^th- Florence: Uffizi Museum, Vezio Palace, Lanczi loggiasi, Vezio Bridge, Pitti Palace, Michelangelo Square, St. Duomo. Take train to Rome and check in at Auntie Wang’s house. (She offers home stay for tourist at low price).

May 17^th- Rome: San giovanni church, Colosseo, Palatino, Rome’s top museums, triumphal arch Rome Old Market, Trajan, Piazza venezia, Mouth of Truth, Piazza Venezia, Argentina Square, St. Andreas Church, Pantheon, Novena square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish square, People’s square

May 18^th- Vatican: Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Church, St Angel Castle and St. Angel Bridge

May 19^th- Flight to Athens: syntagma square, Tomb of Unknown Soldier, Parliament house, Acropolis, Parthenon, Girod • Atikusi music venues, E Ruike Thac Weng Temple, Dionysus Theatre. Take boat to Santorin at night.

May 20^th- Arrive at Santorin and check in at Hotel Margarita. Fira town, OIA town

May 21^th- “one day trip on volcanic island”-take boat to volcanic island (activities includes spa, Thirasia island. Go back to Santorin at night.

May 22^th- free and easy (OIA, Aegean sea, pasir hitam)

May 23^th- free and easy, take boat back to Athens

May 24^th- Arrive at Athens then go to the airport and fly back to Singapore

**Accommodation: Youth Hostel

How to contact us?

Please visit http://nussutravel.org/2010/03/nts-grad-trip-2010/

Deadline for all Sign-Ups

17th March 2010

How to sign up?

Please email us: gradtrip@nussutravel.org

with the following information:-

Name, Matric No., Email, Contact No., Gender & Nationality.

HURRY! There are only 10 seats available so sign up today!

HELLO PEOPLE!

We’ve just got this approved from Contiki Holidays and we’re running out of time! Need the final approval from NUSSU EXCO and we’re all ready to get those hanging mobiles, posters, banners, backdrop all printed by next week!

Just a sneak peek of the vendors who are coming into the fair with us:-

1. Contiki Holidays
2. STA Travel
3. Speedwing
4. WTS Travel
5. Chan Brothers
6. Safe2Travel
7. RX Travel Planners
8. Divine International Explore & Treks
9. AIA
10. Standard Chartered

And we still have a few pending travel agents, really hope they will be coming down to join us and bring you the fantabulous discounts and deals!

Remember to check out the articles from Divine International Explore & Treks!

• Trekking in Nepal
• Community Service in Nepal

Watch this space and get ready to book your Summer & Graduation Trip @ the NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Fair 2010 happening @:-

24 – 26 March @ NUS Central Forum

31 March @ NUS Bukit Timah Campus

10 am – 6 pm

Grab your travel mates to book your Summer & Graduation Trips!

SEE YOU GUYS THERE

Nepal is the one of the poorest countries in Asia. In the past, the Maoist’s bandhs have kept much of Nepal’s countryside paralyzed, causing severe poverty and hardship. Most Nepalese live on a $1 day or less. Nepalese rural people are poor due to lack of access to resources, low productivity land, roads to obtain agriculture inputs and to sell agriculture produce. The country’s extremely low literacy rate is one of the most pressing issue in Nepal. In the city, not many families can afford to let their children attend school. In the village, children are extra help in the field and their parents often neglect the importance of education in the face of poverty.

Community Service with Divine

As an extension to our travel services, Divine International also arrange for community service trips for individual groups, schools and organisations. Leveraging on our network and connections, facilitate community service programs to help fulfill the needs of the local village schools and provide cultural exchange and learning opportunities to the less privileged community in rural Nepal.

Our main objective is to provide than individual with a wider knowledge of the culture, custom and life style of the different ethnic groups of people in different part of the Himalayan countries. You get to experience for yourself the different way of lives lived in this part of the world. This would enable you to make a comparative evaluation of your own lifestyle.

We encourage everyone to take a step out of their comfort zone and instill in them a sense of adventure and responsibility. By involving yourself in community service projects, you will come face to face with the reality of the world out there and learn to truly appreciate what you have back home and not to take things for granted. Above all, these trips are indeed very unique bonding sessions. You will return with a greater awareness of the difference between your needs and wants on top of gaining a better perspective of your inner self.

Our Programs

Broad categories of activities that we include in our program are:

• Hands-on project work
• Cultural Exchange
• Village visit
• Agricultural activity in the fields
• Interaction with local villagers and school
• Nepali language class
• Teaching exchange session eg. English, art and craft, music, health education
• Homestay (optional)

What we have achieved

Over the years, many groups and individuals have contributed their time and effort to bring about the wonderful transformation in our local schools through the community service projects. Although the environment and facilities cannot be compared to schools in the developed countries, we are glad to be able to improve a little at a time.

What we have done so far:

• Painting of school façade and furniture
• Built new toilets
• Construction of concrete playground
• Built new classrooms
• Set up a small library
• Construction of new medical centre
• Made new fencing around school’s perimeter
• Water pipe installation
• Creation of Eco Garden
• Donation of clothes, books and stationery

What you need to know

1) Group Size

You get to form your own group with like-minded people for such trips. We recommend a group size of minimum 20 people in order to have the economy of scale of group travel and to spread out the project cost.

2) Project Funding

Projects are fully funded by the visiting group.

3) Project Work

You can help in a wide range of practical village school projects. These projects could be as basic as painting or plastering, however, those with additional skills may be able to help in more advanced work. Projects are usually decided upon in consultation with local communities and the visiting group. Often you’ll also work alongside villagers and local professionals, learning about traditional methods of building and working. Example projects include school repair and decoration; toilet building; drinking water projects; road drainage projects; recycling projects; stove building, and construction work. You can also take more of an environmental education focus by informing children about appropriate waste disposal, recycling, composting, and creating vegetable and flower gardens.

4) Project Location

We only facilitate projects in accessible areas and within 2 hour’s drive from the city. This helps reduce excessive traveling time and ensure medical facilities are within reach in case of emergency.

5) Trip Extension

You can plan your community service trip to include trekking, tour or outdoor activities after completing your project work. We can assist to customize such itineraries upon request.

Like to find out more?

Come talk to us at the NTS-Contiki Summer and GradTrip Fair 2010!

We are happy to share our experience and trip details with you.

———————————————————–

About Divine International Explore & Treks

Divine Team – Deepak & Alice

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.

Check out The World In A Shot Travel Photo Contest & updates on our NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Fair 2010 here!

Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp

Trekking seem to be a favourite activity among Singaporeans young and old. Yet for many first timers, the mention of trekking conjures images of hardships, long walking journeys and an almost impossible task to accomplish.

In fact, there is nothing to fear in trekking itself.

Trekking refers to multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. It tends to be less-structured than other sort of travel, as weather conditions and topography help influence travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. In contrary to general perception that trekking is a hard-core outdoor activity, it is actually an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. In our terms, trekking simply refers to walking on trails and sometimes stoney steps in a natural environment. You can be a novice with no trekking experience but have a desire to trek or you are an experienced mountain walker looking for wider options. Ascending the heights and being a part of the Himalayan landscape is an experience beyond comparison. Above all, trekking in the Himalaya is often a mix of adventure, pleasure and self realisation.

At Divine, you will be spoilt for choice in our wide variety of trekking packages. Our treks in Himalayas range from easy adventures for the family to strenuous ones for those seeking high adventure. On our treks and climbs, we have very skilled and experienced guides who will take care of you every step of the way. More often than not, trekkers return yearning for more adventure and looking forward to their next trip!

Popular Treks in Nepal

Nepal is widely known as A Trekker’s Paradise as her terrain mountains, hills and the Terai (flat land) offer some of the most spectacular trekking routes in the world. The trail into the interior parts of the country follows ancient foot trails which meander through scenic riverbanks, intractably terraced fields and forested ridges connecting picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. Trekking in Nepal is an all-season activity. It is possible at any time of the year depending on where you wish to go. We have developed a good range of trekking routes with various durations and grades.

Everest Region

Everest Region – Perhaps every Nepal visitors dream of trekking to the foot of the world’s highest peak Mt. Everest or “Sagarmatha” in Nepali language (8,848m) in the Khumbu region of east Nepal. The region includes upper catchments area of the Dudha Koshi and Bhote Koshi of the rivers. The area is largely composed of the rugged terrain and gorges of the high Himalayas ranging from 5,800m to the top of the world Mt. Everest 8,848m.

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region - Annapurna trekking is the most popular trekking trail in Nepal. The trail offers spectacular Himalayan views including the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Macchapruche (the beautiful fishtail mountain in Nepal) and landscape, wild animals, monasteries and local villages. For the Annapurna trekking there are many options to reach your Annapurna trekking destination whether by tourist bus or by flight to pokhara or Jomsom and by bus to Beshishar will be the staring point to Annapurna trekking tour. It is possible to extend your trip from Pokhara to Royal Chitwan National Park either by vehicle or Trisuli River Rafting for Nepal jungle safari and game viewing or return to Kathmandu.

Langtang Region

Langtang Region – The Langtang Valley is a beautiful alpine region to the North of Kathmandu bordering Tibet. Langtang offers a wilderness experience without the sometimes arduous travel involved. The Gosainkund and Helambu regions lie to its south, these can be combined with Langtang to make treks from 7 days to 21 days. The area was designated Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park in 1971, it is inhabited by Tamang people whose religious practices, language and dress are much more similar to those of Tibet than to the traditions of their cousins in the middle hills. A journey to the Langtang valley offers an opportunity to explore the Tamang villages, climb small peaks and to visit glaciers at a more comfortable altitude than other trekking regions

For first timers, we almost always recommend the Ghorepani-Poonhill Trek in the Annapurna Region as it is one of the most comfortable trek with varied gorgeous scenery to begin with. Plus you never get bored with that unforgettable sunrise at Poonhill.

What to expect and prepare in a trek?

We are often asked some very common questions with regards to our trek arrangements and what to expect. We have compiled some of the basic answers for you. The list of FAQs is not exhuastive as going on an outdoor trip encompasses so much preparation and of course, excitement! If you cannot find any answers to your questions here, you can email us or send in your enquiry online.

Group Size- There was never a minimum group size in order to trek. You can trek alone or with friends or family. If you ask for our opinion, we recommend a minimum 2-to-go so you have some company to gasp at the majestic sights along the way. We do not exactly have a maximum but we have brought groups of 40 persons a trek. For those who wish to form a small group of friends to go together, we recommend a group size from 4 to 10.If you wish to travel alone, we will still make the same trekking arrangements for you including a chief guide and a porter. There have been very independent men and women whom we arranged to trek alone. They still enjoyed the trip immensely and came back feeling refreshed. Well, they are not exactly alone as their guide and porter would have been great company on the journey!

Trek Arrangement – Trekking in Nepal is very comfortable as compared to other places. Each trek arrangement includes guides, porters and cooks who handles the logstical aspects of the trek. Your guide shows you the way and makes decisions with regards to safety and accommodation. Your porter carries your backpack while you carry your small daypack. And of course, the cooks satisfy your tummies with their professional cooking skills.

Accommodation – You can opt for either tea house or camping arrangement. Tea houses are on twin sharing basis and without heater. There are tea houses with a central fireplace where trekkers gather to keep warm and share snippets of their adventure. For a camping trek, you sleep in good quality tents which help keeps you from the cold. Sleeping bags with fleece inner liner are provided on both types of treks.

Cost – Believe it or not, private group trekking trips can be made at below $2000 per person, with your own city guide, trekking guides, porters and all. For large groups of at least 10 friends, a camping trek can be very memorable. Else, lodge treks are easy and convenient.

Meals - Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. For tea house treks, you stop over at the tea houses for all meals. The cooks will come along only for camping treks and all meals will be cooked by them. You will be amazed what they can make out of the limited resources in the mountain! Food is never a problem with most trekkers – from children, adults to the seniors as the cooks can be creative with their menus and cuisines. For those who traveled with us a few times, we almost know their food preferences at our fingertips!

Apparel – As seasoned trekkers ourselves, we are still on the prowl for cheap bargains when shopping for trekking apparels and gears. The trade secret is, if you are trekking in Nepal, you can actually get super good bargains for apparels and gears in Kathmandu upon your arrival. If you are trekking in the cold season and do not wish to invest in a down jacket, rental of jackets are also available. Unless you opt for hard core treks or peak climbing trips which require better preparation, there are very good buys in the usual malls and winter wear or outdoor shops. And of course, shop during sale time!

Trekking Gears and Equipment - The trekking gears and equipment may vary depending on which trek you are going. You can never go wrong with a good windproof jacket with fleece inner line, thermal wear, walking stick and most importantly a good pair of trekking boots. You can never prepare enough to go for a trek but you should ensure self-sufficiency in what you put in your backpack.

Physical Fitness and Training – Everyone can go on a trek and have a wonderful time if they are well prepared physically and mentally. During a trek, you are walking at a higher altitude and this makes a lot of difference in how your body reacts as compared to being in low lands. For easy treks, we recommend that you do intensive walking and climb some stairs at least once a week about 1 to 2 months before the trip departure. For medium treks, we recommend that you do intensive jogging and climb stairs at least once or twice a week about 2 to 3 months before the trip depart.

Medical Condition – If you have special medical condition, it is good to check with your family doctor if you are fit enough to trek. If you are declared unfit to trek, we would advise you against trekking as it will not be worth taking the risk and most times evacuation can be costly. However, do not despair. There are many other ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas without risking your health e.g. Mt Everest flights, ultra light aircrafts, lounge out in Pokhara and watching the gorgeous sunrise from Sarangkot!

Insurance - As for any travel activities, there is always a minimum risk factor. We will do our best to avoid putting anyone at risk at all times during the trek but we strongly advise everyone to take up insurance coverage that includes unlimited evacuation and outdoor sports protection. We are able to assist you with insurance purchase that suits your travel needs. Contact us if you require our assistance.

And most important of all…..

It is important for you to keep in mind that you are trekking in relatively undeveloped Third World regions. Remember that you are traveling to a foreign country that has a different lifestyle, culture and customs. Do set your expectations right and embrace this difference with an open-mind. Do keep a traveler’s integrity and have a good sense of humour. In doing so, you will then be able to truly appreciate the journey and the adventure that comes along with it.

Check out our special rate Nepal packages at the NTS-Contiki Summer & GradTrip Fair 2010 this 24th – 26th March @ NUS Central Forum!

1.   07 Days Best of Nepal Tour
2.   07 Days Scenic Nepal with 3 Days Naudanda/Sarangkot Trek
3.   08 Days Nepal Ghorepani/Poonhill Trek
4.   10 Days Nepal Glimpse of Everest/Tengboche Trek
5.   13 Days Nepal Langtang Trek
6.   14 Days Nepal Annapurna Base Camp Trek
7.   14 Days Nepal Jomsom Muktinath Trek
8.   17 Days Nepal Kalapather – Everest Base Camp Trek
9.   18 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek (Thorung Pass)
10. 18 Days Island Peak Expedition
11. 18 Days Mera Peak Expedition
12. 19 Days Gokyo/Chola Pass & Everest Kalapather Trek

———————————————————–

About Divine International Explore & Treks

The Divine Team

Divine International Explore & Treks is a Singapore-based Travel Specialist. Headquartered in Nepal, we specialise in exotic destination travel with a strong focus in outdoor adventure in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet. Our clientale ranges from travel savvy individuals and groups in search of the less-travelled routes and adventure thrills. At Divine, we are constantly moving in tandem with the latest travel trends in order to provide you with fun and innovative itineraries.

For more info, please visit www.nepalexplore.com or email us at admin@nepalexplore.com.

This is fresh out from the oven, done by our very dear Head Designer, Hanming Now we’re waiting for approval from Contiki Holidays, keeping our fingers crossed at the moment!

We’ve been really busy with our NTS-VPC The World In A Shot Contest and now we’re really really busy with our NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Fair 2010!

Honestly, forget about going to NATAS when we have the best travel deals & discounts right here at the Summer & GradTrip Fair 2010 this 24th – 26th March 2010 @ NUS Central Forum man!

No entrance fees, save the time and trouble of travelling!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO RSVP on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=297740421152&ref=mf and grab all your friends down to our travel fair, where our travel partners will be having a buffet of travel deals with fantabulous discounts! (I hear rumours that we have special discounts just for this fair so really, don’t have to go down to NATAS!)

The World In A Shot Travel Photo Contest winners will also be announced during the Summer & Grad Trip Fair on the 26th March 2010!

For more information, please visit http://nussutravel.org email us @ admin@nussutravel.org

Want to share your fabulous travel experience in a catchy way with NUS folks?

Want to grab a brand new Sony Ericsson W595 and Takashimaya Vouchers?

Here’s one of the simplest ways to do so, hesitate no more!

Join us in The World In a Shot Photo Contest now!

Just simply email your entry with an optional write-up to us at: theworldinashot0910@nussutravel.org and indicate the which of the following entries you are participating in:-

1. LANDSCAPES & NATURE / NATURE & ENVIRONMENT
Landscapes, aerials, wildlife and waterscapes.

2. CULTURE & TRADITION

3. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY / DAY TO DAY LIFE
Daily life & activities

And stand to WIN $200 WORTH OF TAKASHIMAYA VOUCHERS for each category!

Participate in all 3 categories and stand to win a BRAND NEW Sony Ericsson W595 for being our overall winner!

Entries will be uploaded onto our event page @ http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294882357683&ref=mf and do remember to join & get your friends to vote for you!

HURRY!

Submission period:
8th February – 7th March 2010 15th March 2010 (EXTENDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!)

Announcement of Winners will be held on 26th March 2010,
NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Fair @ Central Forum

Rules and Regulations

Eligibility

The NUSSU Travel Service travel photo contest THE WORLD IN A SHOT is open to all NUS students.

Submission Requirement

1. Participants are to submit photographs in digital format.

2. The photographs should be travel related, and should be accompanied by captions and / or a write-up of not more than 300 words.

3. Contest period: 10th Feb – 15th Mar 2010.

4. Categories are: 1.Nature 2.Culture and Tradition 3.Street Life.

5. Entries should be sent to theworldinashot0910@nussutravel.org / contest@nussutravel.org

Photo Specifications

1. Digital images must be saved in .jpg format, in RGB color mode.

2. Photographs submitted must contain at least 1200 pixels on the longer side.  Finalists will be requested to submit high quality image for publication.

3. Minimal digital manipulation (i.e. only manipulations such as color enhancement, cropping) is allowed. Excessively manipulated photos will be disqualified.

4. Entries must be identified with the photographer’s name, shot location and category in the format name_location_category.jpg (e.g. Tomas_Paris_StreetLife.jpg).

5. Both color and monochrome images are allowed.

6. Please also include your details in the following format:-

1. Name
2. Matric No.
3. Faculty & Major
4. Year of Study
5. Contact No.
6. E-Mail Address

Copyrights

1. The participant must be the author and sole owner of the copyright of each photograph submitted.

2. NUSSU Travel Service reserves the right to use/reproduce the images submitted for any artistic or non-commercial purposes. Winning entries will be exhibited at venues which will be released on this website.

Selection of Winners

1. All entries will be judged on how well the image captures the essence of place, moment, experience, or subject through travel experiences at home or abroad.

2. Winning entries will be based on 30% votes and 70% from professional judges.

3. Winners will be announced during NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Fair 2010.

Note: All rules and regulations are subjected to changes from time to time and all decisions made by the organisers – NUSSU Travel Service & NUSSU VPC is final.