Mount Everest

Mount Everest.

To the Nepalese it is simply called Sagarmatha, the “sky head”.

To the Tibetans it is Chomolungma, the mother goddess of the earth.

To the rest of the world it is the most renowned mountain of all.

The Everest Base Camp Trek (or “EBC Trek”) is unmatched when it comes to spectacular breathtaking mountain panoramas, The walk to Everest Base Camp from Lukla takes you through lush valleys with abundant flora and fauna, past friendly Sherpa villages and Buddhist monastaries, and far above the tree line towards the earth’s highest mountains. The Eastern Himalayan Range including Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse and Mt. Everest tower above you on this challenging but very rewarding trek.

Route to EBC

Lukla Town

After exploring exotic Kathmandu, you’ll fly in to the remote mountain town of Lukla and begin your trek, following an ancient Sherpa trade route to the area’s famous Namche Bazaar.  Beyond it, you will find traditional villages, rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and summer pastures for yak grazing–before moving into the stark landscape of glaciers and ice.

Namche Bazaar

Our route will enable you to visit monasteries in the heart of Sherpa country, where you can observe the monks in their daily prayers.

Tengbuche Monastery

Our itinerary ensures proper acclimatization, allowing you to fully enjoy one of the world’s most stunning treks and the easy walk up Kala Pattar. On this journey of a lifetime, you’ll experience the trek route of Everest climbers, marvel at the stunning views from Kala Pattar, and engage yourself with the friendly Sherpa people.

View of Everest from Kala Pattar

You’ll be overtaken by Nepal, a country of hospitable people, beautiful scenery, and a large variety of cultural traditions. This blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration is a great way to experience the Himalayan Mountains – the world’s most impressive mountains.

Cooking in Sherpa kitchen

A joyous moment at sherpa lodge

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Trekking above 4000m towards Dingbuche

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect mountain climbers and trekkers at high altitude, typically above 3000m.

It is brought on by the combination of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen concentration that occur at high altitudes.  You may experience difficulty in breathing, slowing down in motion, loss of appetite and extreme tiredness. The chance of getting acute mountain sickness increases the faster a person climbs to a high altitude.

It is possible to overcome by having sufficient acclimatization and drinking plenty of water. Try to get plenty of fresh air when the symptoms appear. Most of the time, we drink plenty of the yummy garlic soup served at the lodges as a preventive measure.

Can I do it?

Achievement at Kala Pattar

Of course you can!

The trek into Everest Base Camp is strenuous but does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. It does not require any technical experience; only that you be in good physical conditioning and be able to hike for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack.

And know what, something that may seem impossible to you may turn out to be achievable when you really get down to do it!

Travel Tips

1) Trek Extension

You can extend your EBC trek to include a diversion to Gokyo Lake. You can also adjourn to climb Island Peak – one of the famous non-technical peak in the Everest Region, as part of the trekking route. It is possible to do all three at the same time if you intend to do a 1 month trekking trip with your friends. As usual, general fitness and regular training prior to the trip is compulsory.

2) Photo Opportunity

If you are a photography buff, this trek is definitely for you. Although it can be tough lugging all that equipment and lenses, the result is always rewarding if you trek in Spring (March – May) or Autumn (Oct – Dec)!

3) Expedition Camps

Spring is the season to trek to EBC if you wish to witness various base camps set up by international expedition teams. Else, it is mostly sufficient to gasp at the mesmerizing sunrise over the majestic Eastern Himalayan Range from Kala Pattar.

Planning a trip of your lifetime?

Come talk to us!

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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.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=343707242226&index=1 for more details!

WE ARE ONE WEEK AWAY FROM THE NTS-CONTIKI SUMMER & GRAD TRIP FAIR 2010!

Get ready to book your graduation and summer trips @ our annual NTS-Contiki Summer & Grad Trip Travel Fair this 24 – 26 March @ NUS Central Forum!

Expect huge discounts from our travel partners:-

1) Contiki Holidays
2) STA Travel
3) Adventure Quests
4) AIA
5) Chan Brothers
6) Divine International Explore and Treks
7) PriceBreaker
RX Travel Planners
9) Safe2Travel
10) Speedwing
11) Standard Chartered
12) WTS Travel

Do grab all ur travel buddies and RSVP @ http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=297740421152&ref=ts today!

And oh oh, we have lucky draws and special cash vouchers giveaways for those of you who will be there at the fair! Watch this space!

PLUS, guess what? Milo truck will be coming down too! And we have NewUrbanMale apparels selling at the fair to prepare you for your summerrrrr trips!

For more updates on the fair, please check back www.nussutravel.org often

Bhutanese farmhouses dotting the Himalayan landscape

The majesty of the snow-laden Himalayan mountains, rising abruptly from the plains of the Indian subcontinent is a sight beyond comparison.

Bhutan is situated in the Eastern Himalayas to the east of Nepal and the Indian state of Sikkim and to the south of the autonomous region of Tibet. When you fly into Bhutan on a clear day from Delhi and Kathmandu, you will see 8 of the 14 highest mountains of the world, including Mt Everest, as well as a range of impressive Bhutanese peaks to the east. Silence besets the passengers on the Druk Air flight as they experience the awe-inspiring approach to Paro airport.

On a Bhutan trek, views of mountain ranges soaring to above 7000m are enjoyed in all their splendor – the lofty Jumolhari (7314m), the pointed Jichu Drakey (6794m), Thsering-Gang (6789m), Masang-Gang (7149m), Gangkhar Puensum (7239m) and many others.

Most of the trekking routes in Bhutan are in the central and northern areas, known as the Higher Himalaya. Trekkers start from altitudes of around 2400m and cross passes as high as 6000m. The lower altitude winter trekking routes that range between 1300m and 1800m enable the less hardy trekker to enjoy the beauty of a semi-tropical and tropical climate.

All the treks are a paradise for lovers of flora, fauna and photography. Bhutan has close to 700 species of birds. Of these, 24 are registered as endangered species. There are 46 species of rhododendron with at least 4 found only in Bhutan. The Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Golden Langur and Takin are some of the rare animals that can be found in Bhutan.

The trekker will often feel transported a hundred years or more back into the past. The way of life in the countryside has changed little: subsistence farming is the norm in Bhutan and the culture is strongly influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and the rigours of living in the mountains. However, there are many anachronisms that pleasantly remind us of the present, one of them being the eloquent English skills of even the smallest primary school children who will greet you with “Hello sir, hello madam” as you approach their village.

Trekking Experience in Bhutan

A yak herder’s camp against Mt Jumolhari

Greener pastures at lower altitude

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience. The beautiful landscape, combined with a traditional way of life and a Buddhist culture is a wonderful discovery.

The amount of forest is striking. More than 70% of the country is blanketed in forest.  Trek in Bhutan takes you through dense mixed forests of oak, wild peach, bamboo, rhododendron, Magnolia, Azalea, blue pine, chir pine, cypress and fir. Bhutan has been known by a variety of names that evoke images of the landscape: the Tibetans had many names for Bhutan, such as “Lho Menjong” (Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs) suggesting the richness of the flora.

On your trek you will pass through small communities several days’ walk away from the nearest road, where life has changed little over the generations. Bhutanese tend to live in isolated farmhouses, surrounded by their land, rather than grouped together in villages and these farmhouses dot the landscape. There are few exceptions to this such as Ura, in Bumthang.

However, the very low population density in Bhutan means that treks often take you far from any habitation at all. The treks, therefore, are all organized camping expeditions. Government-designated and maintained campsites are to be found along every route.

Ponies and yaks are used to carry the loads and trekkers only need to carry a day pack and a water bottle with them. In addition, the ponies carry a large load of camping and cooking equipment. The government has a clear policy on responsible tourism which required, amongst others, that trekking operators carry gas cylinders for cooking so that wood is not taken from the forest. Usually treks are quite comfortable affairs despite images of hardship conjured.

All the treks in Bhutan follow traditional routes, well-trodden by men and ponies before the days of the road. Daily distances vary from trek to trek but the longer, higher altitude treks usually cover an average distance of 10 -17km per day.

The time spent trekking ranges from 3 – 8 hours but averages 5 -6 hours per day. Treks start early in the morning and usually finishes around three or four in the afternoon, allowing time to relax in the camp before supper.

Bhutan being the only kingdom with Mahayana Buddhism as its national religion, ancient Buddhist stapes known as “chorten” and prayer walls, as well as temples and monasteries will be encountered along the routes. Buddhism has a strong influence on the every-day life of Bhutanese and you may meet people carrying prayer wheels or lay monks in red robes.

Prayer flags will be seen fluttering on high mountain passes and images of Guru Rimpoche often decorate rocks. Even the designs on many of the houses my not appear to be linked to Buddhism but, in fact, they reflect the influence of Drukpa Kuenley’s teaching of Buddhist principles back in the 13^th century.

Services provided on a Trek

Backpacks and loads carried by mules

The support team usually consists of a qualified trekking guide, a cook and a number of assistants.  A variety of Bhutanese and international dishes are served on treks. The ponies and yaks used on treks are accompanied by their owners, who go ahead of the group so that camp is already set up by the time you arrive. Provisions include a dining tent, toilet tent, dome or A-frame sleeping tents (twin sharing), mattresses, sleeping bags, foldable tables & chairs, plates & cutlery and a washing bowl with hot water for a morning wash.

Flying into Bhutan

Druk Air – Bhutan’s national carrier

Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, operates flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata and Kathmandu to Paro. The modern Airbus A-319 jets carry passengers through one of the most spectacular flight paths in the world. A particular highlight if the stretch between Kathmandu and Bhutan, where one passes 4 of the 5 highest mountains in the world.

Weather permitting; passengers will be treated to magnificent views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kangchenjunga. Landing in the Paro Valley, surrounded by 4000m high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, means a visual landing is the order of the day.

Cost of Travel & Visa

• The Royal Government of Bhutan sets minimum selling prices for packages at USD200/person/day to Bhutan and this must be paid prior to arrival in Bhutan.

• Bhutan visa must be applied minimum of 30 days before travel. All visas must be approved by Bhutan Foreign Ministry, from where a clearance number will be issued. License travel agent will submit the visa application form to Bhutan Foreign Ministry. Recruited four copies of original passport size photographs. The actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan while visa is cleared in advance and a visa clearance number issued.

• For all travelers, entering Bhutan by Druk Air, the visa clearance number is forwarded to concerned overseas Druk Air stations and without the Clearance Number; passengers are not allowed to board the flight. Visa Clearance Number is also required while issuing Druk Air tickets.

• For all travelers, entering into the country by surface through Phuntsholing (the border town south of Bhutan), the visa is stamped on arrival and Clearance Number is forwarded to Foreign Ministry’s office for references and record.

Come check out our STUDENT RATE PACKAGES!

1. 8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour

2. 10 Days Bumdrak Trek & Cultural Tour

3. 12 Days Druk Path Trek & Cultural Tour

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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.

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

———————————————————–

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

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.

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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.

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