2020 Challenge Brochure · 2019-04-05 · 2020 Challenge Brochure Action Challenge has been leading...

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.

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www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695

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.

http://www.kilimanjarochallenge.com

mailto:[email protected]

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“It is not the mountain we conquer,

but ourselves”.

— Sir Edmund Hillary

What’s Not Include

Why Choose Us?

2) UK LEADERS OR MEDICS ON EVERY CHALLENGE

Qualified UK Leaders - we employ great characters, with deep experience, who have a

real passion for what they do - offer guidance, support and provide daily briefings and

warm ups

Leaders have great experience running our challenges

Equipped with Satellite Phones

Full medical kits provided by Nomad Travel Health Clinic

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

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

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

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.



http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27

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“It is not the mountain we conquer,

but ourselves”.

— Sir Edmund Hillary

What’s Not Include

Why Choose Us?

7) OUR CLIENTS AND REPUTATION

Members of the Institute of Fundraising - a code of practice that all reputable companies

organising charitable events should adhere to.

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.

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!

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.

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



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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%



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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.

NEED TO KNOW



2020 Challenge Brochure · 2019-04-05 · 2020 Challenge Brochure Action Challenge has been leading...

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Transcript of 2020 Challenge Brochure · 2019-04-05 · 2020 Challenge Brochure Action Challenge has been leading...