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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Bike hire around Dali - Approximately £2.00 per hour
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Local Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £40 for tipping.
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Local Currency: Renminbi/Yuan.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take EUR, USD$ or GBP cash.
Where to Exchange: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
Credit Card Acceptance: There will be limited opportunity on this tour.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in most major towns but only during bank hours. Please note that this is very time consuming and is not recommended.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | China | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.30 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.30 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £7.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £14.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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China: Single entry visas are required by all visitors and can be obtained through Explore’s recommended Visa Service, Visa Swift, or for overseas clients by their Explore agent.
Registering with the Chinese authorities: You are required to register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival in China: Chinese authorities are now actively enforcing this requirement. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process, and you will be registered for the duration of your tour. Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour starts or to stay in China after your tour has finished and you are not staying in a hotel, you will need to register with the local Public Security Bureau.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against infectious hepatitis, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to take immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topWhilst on trek we will be following paths used by locals travelling between villages. These can be small, uneven and steep in places. Walking in to Baoshan Village there is a short steep section of steps. We talk our time each day so everyone can walk at their own pace and enjoy the surroundings.
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Yunnan has a subtropical climate with mild to warm winters, and tempered summers, except in the almost tropical south, where temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees celcius. Average daytime temperatures in Dali range from 10 degrees in January to 22 degrees in July. Rainfall is heaviest during the summer months although it can rain at any time of the year. Temperatures in the mountains can be much cooler.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topYour luggage should consist of three main pieces:
Main Baggage: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek and arrangements will be made for you to be reunited with this bag at Lugu Lake. Standard Airline allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Trek Kit Bag/Soft holdall:
Mules will carry the kit not needed by you during the day throughout the trek. Kit bags are ideal although or soft holdall style bags are also adequate. If your trek luggage is not waterproof it should be lined with a bin liner to protect your luggage during the trek. You should pack lightly and limit yourself to items essential for the trek. Your tour leader will be able to provide further advice at the trek briefing.
Daysac/Rucksack: To carry all personal effects required throughout the day’s trek, such as waterproofs, suncream etc. Carried by yourself. During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by mules. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should therefore be large enough to carry the following: Waterproofs, fleece jacket/sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre). Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull or with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack.
Back to topBeing properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the list below to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.
Walking Boots
We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers etc. do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots and these are usually satisfactory. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Ideally, visit a specialist ‘outdoor pursuits’ shop who will offer advice, and resist the temptation to buy ‘fashion’ footwear which give little support. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing, which will be irreplaceable.
Trousers
For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.
Waterproofs
Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating.
Gloves and hat
Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.
Socks
It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t breathe well and can cause blisters.
Trainers/sandals
For after a days trekking
Thick fleece pullover/jacket
A thick fleece pullover or jacket is necessary as nights can be cold in the mountain villages. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or jacket.
Track Suit
Comfortable and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.
Thin Shirt/T-Shirt
Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest
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Sleeping Sheet Although bedding is provided at all of our accommodation we recommend a cotton or silk sleep sheet or sleeping bag liner for your comfort.
'Thermarest' style mattress Not essential but some of the beds in our village houses are quite hard/thin!
Water Bottle We recommend a minimum of 2 litres. Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Boiled drinking water water can be provided in the villages in the mornings and bottled water can be purchased in some places. However, for environmental reasons we strongly suggest that you sterilise your own water with Chlorine Dioxide. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice.
Plastic Bags If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.
Torch/Batteries/Bulb A small torch is essential for finding things in your room, going to the loo in the night, etc. Petzl head torches are particularly useful. Remember that in most developing countries only a limited selection of batteries is available so bring spare batteries and bulb. The most common are pen cells (or AA size) and SP/HP2 (D size).
Toiletries Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, bio-degradable soap, small towel, small nail brush and toilet rolls! `Wet Wipes' are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those. A ‘J’ cloth is a good alternative for a ‘flannel’.
Sunglasses A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays.
Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun . A combination sunblock/ lip salve is ideal for facial protection.
Personal First Aid Kit Although your tour leader carries a basic first aid kit this contains no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit plus any other medications you or your doctor feel advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.)
Trekking poles Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.
Chlorine Dioxide for water purification.
Anti bacterial hand wash
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topOur trek takes us to remote rural China far from the creature comforts of the 21st century. Our homestay accommodation is very basic and in some places you will be living in close proximity to your hosts' animals.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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