ITINERARY

Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam’s ethnic culture with a trekking tour that immerses you in the lives of the Hmong and Red Dzao people. As you arrive at the valleys of Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village, prepare to travel by foot and marvel at the breathtaking views of Sapa. This remarkable scenery extends over a 12 km trek, becoming even more magnificent as you reach your destinations.

Your adventure begins in the serene village of Ma Tra, where you will be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the Hmong community. As you explore the village, you will be enchanted by the sight of rice terraces that have been meticulously tended by the Hmong people for generations. The lush green fields, cascading down the hillsides, create a picturesque landscape that speaks to the enduring connection between the Hmong people and their land.

Continuing your trek, you will discover Ta Phin Village, home to the Red Dzao tribe. Here, you will have the opportunity to meet the kind and welcoming people of the Red Dzao community. The flat fields of Ta Phin, cultivated by the Red Dzao, offer a stark contrast to the terraced hills of Ma Tra. You will be able to distinguish between the two tribes by their distinct clothing and unique handicrafts, which are available for purchase as souvenirs. These handcrafted items not only serve as mementos of your journey but also support the local artisans and their traditions.

The tour culminates with a delightful lunch at one of the local homestays in Ta Phin Village, providing a perfect chance to savor the local delicacies and experience the culinary heritage of the villagers. As you enjoy the meal, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors and ingredients that define the local cuisine.

After the lunch, you will head back to Sapa by wagon, reflecting on the day’s experiences and the vibrant cultures you’ve encountered. The journey concludes as you arrive at your chosen drop-off location, leaving you with lasting memories of the majestic landscapes and the warm-hearted people of Ma Tra and Ta Phin Village.

This trekking tour offers a unique and enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in the ethnic culture of Vietnam, bridging the gap between traveler and local through shared experiences and genuine connections.

Package includes:

• Two-way transfers between hotel in Sapa and trailhead
• All trekking arrangement (English speaking guide, entrance fees to villages) and lunch

Package excludes:

• Travel insurance
• Vietnamese VISA (ASEAN citizens are VISA-free up to 30 days)
• All meals not indicated in above
• Tips for guide
• All expenses of a personal nature

HIKING GRADE

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Best Season to Visit: During the dry months from March, April, May, September and October

Temperature: It can get very cold during the winter months. Warm clothing are necessary.

DESTINATION YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN

2D1N Halong Bay Cruise

4D3N Mount Fansipan Summit Trek

4D3 Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta

4D3N Hoi An & Hue

4D3N Siem Reap Tour (History and Culture)

4D3N Siem Reap Tour (Adventure and Wildlife)

8D7N Vietnam & Cambodia Tour

TESTIMONIALS

Our adventure through bustling Hanoi, breathtaking (figuratively & literally) Sapa and unbelievably stunning Halong Bay was an absolute blast. iwannatravel could not have arranged it any better. This was all done up in two days as we made a very last minute decision to fly out to Vietnam instead of our original plan (Surabaya, Indonesia). Despite the last minute change, iwannatravel went the extra mile to ensure that our Vietnam adventure well planned. Through the entire trip, iwannatravel also touched base with us to ensure that we were doing ok. If you are looking for hassle-free and fun-filled adventure, look no further already!

–  Shawn & Tricia on a 5D4N trip to Sapa & Halong Bay in Oct 2016

I liked how fast HS was able to plan the itinerary for our group, making it flexible to suit our preferences and how he was very prompt to answer our questions and give suggestions on things that we can do. We only ask assistance for bookings  on our Vietnam trip (Mt. Fansipan trek, Lao Cai- Hanoi train tickets and Halong Bay Day Cruise). However, upon knowing that we are also traveling to Laos, HS has gone an extra mile and help us map out our Laos itinerary too. Transport provided both for Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Day Cruise were awesome as they picked us up from our hostel right on time. Our Fansipan guide was very helpful and patient and ensured everyone’s safety during the trek. While our Halong Bay Cruise guide was quite informative and very entertaining as she makes us laugh without even trying. Our group was very much satisfied with the food served to us both during the Fansipan trek and Halong Bay cruise. And of course, we definitely enjoyed all the activities we did: trekking up to the summit of Fansipan, riding a sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and kayaking in Halong Bay. Organization of our trip is superb knowing that we were IWT’s first customers to book for their Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Cruise trip. *^_^*

– Michelle (Group of 3 on a 4D3N trip to Mount Fansipan & Halong Bay in Mar 2016)

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We had a fabulous time at Mt. Panti, thanks to 'I Wanna Travel'. The organisation was smooth from the beginning. My support, HS, was attentive to details and always available at my beck and call. The guide was friendly and encouraging. The last stretch of the climb before reaching the summit was thrilling. We absolutely loved it! We were treated to a large spread of delicious vegetarian Chinese food at the end of the trip. The highlight of the trip was the Firefly Cruise. What a mesmerising experience! Thank you for a great trip. We'll be coming back for more.

– Arathi (Group of 5 on a Mt Panti trip in Nov 2018)

IWT handled the pre-trip administration very well and the itinerary was swiftly and properly communicated to us. The itinerary was clear and useful as it gave us a rough gauge of what to expect and what to prepare for the trip. Our tour guide Mr Dimas, along with our driver, possess welcoming and friendly personalities and they always ensured that our welfare is well taken care of. During the trip, they were always providing us with insights into Surabaya to tell us more about their country and even provided excellent recommendations for activities and their local cuisine. All in all, a very good and trip and would certainly recommend.

– Zhen Siang (Group of 2 on an 4D3N Ijen, Bromo & Surabaya trip in Dec 2018)

Organisation of the trip was good as communication with iwannatravel was smooth and fast, and the itinerary planning was well suited for my group needs and wants. The driver, Mr Thina, was very accommodating towards our schedule and took care of our needs, example needing to buy rubber shoes, where he drove us to the shop. Our guides were well experienced and could pace and entertain us well with their knowledge and fun-loving nature. Mount Panti had more leeches than what we imagined though and the difficulty level of the treks was as what iwannatravel said, not to be estimated as it had moderate difficulty. Overall we had a good experience with our activities and accommodations! And would definitely recommend this trip for the more adventurous people.

– John (Group of 9 on a 2D1N Mt Panti & Pelepah Falls trip in Dec 2018)

The guide, Mr Azhar was very experienced. He was able to pace us accordingly and guide us throughout our entire trek to the peak and the Big Tree. The trek was not easy, considering it started to rain halfway thru the journey, making the route slippery but Mr Azhar was willing to guide us and pace us accordingly throughout so that we wont overexert ourselves.

– Salmiah (Group of 4 on a Mt Lambak day trip in Nov 2018)

Personalised pickup and attention to our well being. Focused to help us to have good experiences. Guide Udin is very professional. Dependable, attention to details, providing good advices. Porters are friendly and helpful. We are very happy with the service level, professionalism of the whole team to bringing good experiences to hikers like us.

– YT (Group of 3 on a 2D1N Mt Merbabu Camping trip in Nov 2018)

Honorable mention to the guide, whom was the driver too. Her energy and dedication throughout the trek makes the trip very worthwhile, even though the view at the summit was spoiled by the poor foggy weather. Our team would gladly scale another mountain in taiwan with her as the guide again, if we had the chance.

– Jonathan (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Yushan trip in Mar 2018)

Thoroughly enjoyed the Poon Hill trek! Beautiful scenery and Puskar was a patient and responsible guide. He made our trip possible and hassle-free. We also found the hotel in Pokhara in an extremely good location with many restaurants in the vicinity.

– Peiying & Photon (Group of 2 on a 12D11N Kathmandu, Pokhara & Poon Hill trip in Nov 2017)

The whole organisation was prepared smoothly prior to the trip. The ample of times attending to the enquiries and the notes given had definitely been useful. For transport, guide (and driver), food, activities, accommodation - they were pleasant. The van provided was spacious especially the legroom, and even had enough room to store our bag packs. The guide and driver were very accommodative, for an instance, stopping the van to allow us take some photos before proceeding to the trail head. Additionally, both tried their best to attempt to make conversations in English. As per food and activities, it was great. The food complimented the next activity well, an example, we were provided rice instead of noodles on the day before our summit push and back to the trail head. It was essential since we had to have plenty carbohydrates for the long trek ahead.

– SR (Group of 5 on a 2D2N Xueshan trip in Oct 2017)

First, we would like to thank hs for coming up with the itinerary of the places that we wanted to visit and always being prompt and patient in answering our queries. This trip turned out to be one of the best trips ever! Our guide, Bayu, was simply wonderful. He speaks good English and we enjoyed our conversations with him. During the hike, he frequently stopped to ask if we were okay and if we needed a rest. He would also ask if we had any other places in mind that we would like to visit around the vicinity. In all, we felt very well-taken of throughout the entire trip. Our fondest memory was the day when we had cup noodles around a campfire together with him during the early hours of dawn at King Kong Hill. It was truly unforgettable. Bayu also offered to help us take photos during the trip and we were really thankful for that. Our driver, Bayu (same name as our guide) had superb driving skills. We were really amazed at how he was able to navigate and drive through narrow and winding roads under foggy weather conditions. Throughout the trip, both of them made us feel very safe and comfortable. We did not have to worry about anything. It was really such an enjoyable trip. A big thank you to our guide, Bayu, and our driver, Bayu! 🙂

– Eunice (Group of 2 on an 5D4N Ijen, Mt Bromo, Batu in June 2017)

We always have a wish that to have a wonderful trip with a lot of fun and laugh, and so we stop dreaming and start planning. No doubt IWT is our best choice with no regretted. First of all, we wanna thank you to our tour guide Ms Vinda, a young lady with always have a cute smiling. She is very friendly, knowledgeable, understanding and patience lady. She care a lot of us, and make sure we are not injure while hiking, but manage to reach to the top. Due to some of my friends is lack of exercise and felt exhausted, especially Ijen and Mt Bromo, she keep accompanied us and make sure 4 of us are in good condition to continue. She keep reminding us some sleepy area, and hold our hand if needed to ensure we are not fell down. She also giving us a lot of info about some interest places were going and we'll communication. She always standby to be our photographer, even some time our pose is funny. She willing to share her photos and videos with us. Thanks ya. And most importantly that she notice 1 of my friend didn't wear a suitable shoe to waterfall, she immediately take off her shoe and let my friend to wear, and help to carry my friend shoe and walk with no shoe herself...so embarrassing. She treat us ginger tea while we feel cold, Indomee after hiking and dragon fruit along the way to Surabaya. Bring us to minimart to buy our secret stuff. Lastly, we should say that~Ms Vinda, thank you so much. We are enjoyable the trip and this is really amazing. We highly recommend her as a tour guide and wish her all the best. Thumb up 👍

– May (Group of 4 on a 4D3N Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo & Batu in May 2017)

Guide Syami was amazing! Very patient and extremely helpful towards my parents (55 and 50 year old folks) . His guidance really helped my parents with their hike. Shared his knowledge on the mountain and the wildlife there. Perfect.

– Farhana (Group of 6 on an 2D1N Mt Ophir Camping Trip in Apr 2017)

Very nice group, glad I made some good friends. Thanks to the organisers who took us for dinner near a vegetarian friendly place.

– Rajan (Group of 12 on an Open Mt Ophir Trip in Mar 2017)

Coordination with IWT was a breeze. Ying was quick in responding to queries and very helpful, giving tips according to her own experience climbing Pelapah Falls. Prasanth, the driver, was on-time, friendly and skillful. Despite the hours of driving and waiting for us, he always wore a smile on his face. Nan, our guide, was very experienced. He was like a fatherly figure who knew exactly what he was doing and that brought a lot of assurance to us. Pelapah Falls has its challenges but it was such a good experience for my friends and I. We had to tread through cooling rivers, climb using ropes, avoid giant ants and manage a few leeches but the amazing and therapeutic waterfalls made it all worth it. All of us were counted as beginner hikers and we all made it. So don't worry. Just do it!

– Xiuqing (Group of 5 on a Pelepah Falls & Kota Tinggi Trip in Feb 2017)

Everything was great! From planning til the end of the trip, everything was organised. The activities were fun and itinerary was well planned. We did not feel that we were rushed at all and we get to enjoy Borobudur and Mount Bromo in our own pace. Our guide, Bayu, was very friendly and helped us a lot especially when it comes to ordering food :). This is the most relaxing, hassle-free trip I've ever had! Thanks Iwannatravel 🙂

– Sunshine (Group of 7 on a 4D3N trip to Bromo & Borobudur in Aug 2016)

I really enjoy the whole travel experience. The driver is always contactable and prompt, and transport it’s quite comfortable. The mountain guide is friendly, and is knowledgeable and ensures that the last person is not left behind, and there are 2 guides provided to us for a group of 10 which I think is quite good. The accommodation at Melaka is quite clean and it’s within the tourist attraction; Jonker Street and there’s also some free and easy time to explore with driver provided.

– Xian Ying (Group of 10 on a 2D1N trip to Mt Ophir in May 2016)

I liked how fast HS was able to plan the itinerary for our group, making it flexible to suit our preferences and how he was very prompt to answer our questions and give suggestions on things that we can do. We only ask assistance for bookings on our Vietnam trip (Mt. Fansipan trek, Lao Cai- Hanoi train tickets and Halong Bay Day Cruise). However, upon knowing that we are also traveling to Laos, HS has gone an extra mile and help us map out our Laos itinerary too. Transport provided both for Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Day Cruise were awesome as they picked us up from our hostel right on time. Our Fansipan guide was very helpful and patient and ensured everyone's safety during the trek. While our Halong Bay Cruise guide was quite informative and very entertaining as she makes us laugh without even trying. Our group was very much satisfied with the food served to us both during the Fansipan trek and Halong Bay cruise. And of course, we definitely enjoyed all the activities we did: trekking up to the summit of Fansipan, riding a sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi and kayaking in Halong Bay. Organization of our trip is superb knowing that we were IWT's first customers to book for their Fansipan trek and Halong Bay Cruise trip. *^_^*

– Michelle (Group of 3 on a 4D3N trip to Mt Fansipan & Halong Bay in Apr 2016)

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DISCLAIMER

IWT LLP, acts only as an agent for The Client in acquiring transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, trekking and other services for The Client’s benefit, and on the express condition that IWT LLP shall not be liable nor responsible for any loss (including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss, economic loss), damage, mishap, bodily injury, death, delay, defect, omission or any irregularity that may be caused to The Client, third parties or properties. IWT LLP is to be released from all liabilities deriving from acts of terrorism, hijacking, civil unrest, natural calamities, labour strikes, thefts or any other factors beyond IWT LLP’s control. Any losses and expenses are to be borne by The Client. In the event that IWT LLP is found liable by a court of competent jurisdiction on any basis in relation to The Client’s booking done via IWT LLP, IWT LLP’s maximum liability to the client is limited to the cost of the booking in question. See our full Terms and Conditions.

1. What is the best time of the year for the EBC hike?
There are two main hiking seasons for the EBC hike; spring season from March to May and autumn season from October to December when the skies are clear and the weathers are pleasant. During the summer months from June to September, the mountains will usually experience heavy rains. The winter months from late December to end February are harshly cold, windy and with thick snowfall so it is out of the realm for ameuter hikers.

2. Is there an age limit for the EBC hike?
There is no age limit for the EBC hike. However serious consideration should be given to anyone under the age of 16 and over the age of 60. Climbers on the extreme ends of the age spectrum should definitely consult their doctor. Children who are fussy about food and unaccustomed to exercise or long distance walking may not be suitable for this hike.

3. Do I have to be well-trained to take part in this hike?
Yes, the EBC hike is a strenuous multi-day hike over high altitude and with significant altitude gain in a relatively remote environment. The total round trip hiking distance is about 130km. You are expected to hike on steep slopes and uneven terrain for an average duration of 5-6 hours (or 12-15km) daily for 9-10 consecutive days. If you attempt to hike EBC without proper training, you may not enjoy the hike as much as you would have with adequate training.

4. How can I train up for this hike?
https://iwannatravel.com.sg/training-hiking

5. What is the highest point reachable for the EBC hike?
The highest point reachable during the hike is 5360m or 5545m if you are climbing up to Kala Pattar.

6. Is this a dangerous hike?
The route is generally safe as it is devoid of crevasses. Occasionally domesticated yaks may cross your path. If you see one, let it pass and do not provoke it or it may attack you. Otherwise the most probable risk of injury is high altitude sickness which can lead to death if not properly managed.

7. Do I need a VISA to visit Nepal?
Singapore passport holders and Malaysia passport holders require a valid Visa to enter Nepal. Visa can be obtained on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on Nepal-India border and Kodari on Nepal-China border.

8. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the EBC trip. Do ensure that your travel insurance covers you for hikes up to 6,000m in altitude.

9. What are the accommodations like along the trail?
You will be staying in teahouses which are basically little huts or lodges owned and managed by local families. The accommodations are usually private rooms but without attached toilets.  At lower elevations, the toilets are usually of western styles. Higher up the trail, squat toilets are more common. Toilet paper and toiletries are usually not provided so bring your own. Staying in teahouses offers you a rare glimpse into the culture and daily lives of the rural people in Nepal.

10. Is shower available at the teahouses?
Cold showers are available for free at the teahouses. Hot showers are available at some teahouses but chargeable at USD 2-5 per shower.

11. What are the meals like during the trek?
During the hike, meals will be served in the teahouses. Breakfasts can be pancake, Tibetan bread, toasted bread, chapatti, muesli or cornflakes with milk, oat porridge, eggs etc. Lunch and dinner are usually Dal Bhat (steamed rice with lentils), fried rice, fried noodle, momos, pasta, pizza etc.

12. Can I charge my electronic gadgets?
Most of the teahouses have charging points which are solar powered and therefore unreliable during cloudy days. Charging is usually not free (around USD 2-3 per full mobile charge) especially at higher elevations. We highly recommend you to bring extra battery packs or portable solar panels for your electronic gadgets.

13. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
Except for a set of cold wear, a good pair trekking shoes, a headlamp, trekking sticks, sunglasses you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek. Upon booking confirmation, a detailed packing list will be provide to you to help you pack for your trip.

14. Can I buy or rent hiking gears in Nepal?
There are many shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara that sell all kinds of hiking gears. Apart from high end branded gears, many shops also carry non-branded or imitation brands that are cheaper but of unknown quality. You can also rent some of the gears (mainly sleeping bags and down jackets) from us. However for hygiene purpose, we recommend you to bring your own sleeping bag or at least a sleeping liner. Hiking sticks can be rented but the cost is almost the same as buying a new one.

15. How to I remain contactable with my family during the hike?
There are a few internet cafes in Lukla, Namache and a few villages higher up the trail. Some of the teahouses also offer WIFI services at a surcharge (around USD 5 per hour or per stay). You can also purchase a local data SIM card which offers good 3G coverage in the Everest region.  As per Nepali law, all SIM card purchase require registration with a passport photocopy. Sim card can be easily purchased at the airport or in city shops.

16. How do I get from Kathmandu to Lukla?
The quickest and cheapest way to get from Kathmandu to Lukla is via flight. The short 30 minutes flight is operated by a few Nepali airlines using short-takeoff-and-landing aircrafts like De Havilland Twin Otter. These small planes with two-engines and fixed landing gear are the work-horses of remote destinations worldwide. The weight limits for check-in and hand-carry luggage are 15kg and 5kg respectively.

17. Can the flight between Kathmandu and Lukla get cancelled or delayed?
Yes, the flight may get delayed or cancelled for any number of days due to bad weather conditions. If the delay occurs at the start of your trip and affects your schedule, you are free to choose an alternative trip. If you wish to wait for the flights to resume, we will provide you with accommodation and meals in a guesthouse in Kathmandu. Hence as long as you stick to the original trip period and duration, your accommodation and meals will be taken care of by us. However if you choose to amend the dates of your trip or lengthen it, then you will need to bear the extra cost for accommodation and meals by yourself.

18. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

• Stay well hydrated.
• Try to drink at least 4-6 litres per day.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco and antidepressants medication like sleeping pills
• Take it easy. Do not over-exert yourself physically especially in the first few days.
• Ascend gradually.
• Adopt a “climb high sleep low” strategy to aid in acclimation
• Eat well with a carbohydrates rich diet during the trek
• Consider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox)
• Before your trip, maintain a regular exercise regime to keep your body fit and healthy

19. What are the effects of the sun at high altitudes?
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can cause skin damage and sunburn to exposed skin. UVR cannot be felt and does not provide heat, so your skin can burn even if you feel cool. Skin damage and sunburn increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. UVR can penetrate through cloud, so even on a cloudy day, UVR is scattered on you. Far less UVR is being filtered out at higher altitude, making the sun’s rays much more damaging to the skin. It is strongly recommended to use a high SPF (at least 30) sunscreen lotion and a lip balm with SPF factor. Short-term effects of UVR on the eyes are similar to sunburn and can cause snow blindness. Snow blindness or photokeratitis (“photo” = light; “keratitis” = inflammation of the cornea) can cause painful eyes and temporarily blindness of up to 48 hours. The risk is higher at high altitude with highly reflective snowy terrain. You should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that comply with the sunglass safety standard AS/NZS 1067:2003. Most sunglasses will have information about how much UVR protection they give. For maximum protection, make sure your sunglasses are a close-fitting, wrap-around style.

20. Where can I leave my extra luggage during the trek?
You can leave your extra luggage at the hotel or in our office in Kathmandu before the trek. After the trek, you can return to the hotel or office to collect back your luggage before your onward journey.

21. What kind of bags should I bring for the hike?
During the hike, you will need two bags to keep your belongings; a big backpack (or duffle bag) and a small daypack. The big backpack will be carried by the porter while the small daypack will be carried by yourself. The daypack should contain essential items which you need during the day such as water bottle, snacks, warm clothing, camera and valuables while the rest of your belongings should be inside the backpack.

22. How much load can I pass to the porter?
One personal porter will be provided for every two hikers. Each hiker is allowed to pass up to 10 kg of his or her personal belonging to the porter.

23. How much tips is appropriate for the guides and porters?
Tipping is highly encouraged especially for good service. A ballpark figure would be USD 10 per day to each guide and USD 5 per day to each porter for the whole group.

Thinking of a hiking trip somewhere in Asia but wondering whether the season is right?  To spare your googling effort, we have come out with a handy weather matrix that tells you at a glance the recommended hiking seasons for the various Asia destinations offered by IWannaTravel.

1. What are the different routes up Kilimanjaro?
There are seven established routes to climb Kilimanjaro. Marangu Route, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Rongai Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route and Northern Circuit Route. For descending the mountain, only two routes are used and they are pre-assigned based on the ascent route; Marangu Route and Mweka Route.

Marangu Route
Also known as the “Coca Cola Route” or “Tourist Route” due to its popularity with unprepared attempters. The Marangu route tends to be one of the most crowded routes due to its shortest duration; it can be completed in 5 days (therefore the cheapest option). It is also the only route that offers hut accommodation throughout the trek.  It is less scenic as it uses the same route up and down the mountain. It has the lowest success rate of summiting due to its minimal opportunity for acclimatization. We do not recommend this route unless you are an experienced high altitude hiker or if you do not mind a much reduced chance of reaching the summitJ

Machame Route
Also known as the “Whisky Route”, as it is popularized as more difficult (in terms of steepness) and more expensive than the Machame Route. It can be completed in 6 days with tent camping throughout. It offers good scenery and better opportunity for acclimatization but it is also the most trafficked route. Descent is via the Mweka route.

Umbwe Route
Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest and most direct route on Kilimanjaro. Extremely strong and experienced climbers can complete it within 5 days. We do not recommend this route as there is virtually no acclimatization days and success rates are very low. Descent is via the Mweka route.

Rongai Route
This is the only route that ascends Kilimanjaro from the north, near to the Kenyan border. It can be completed in 6 days with tent camping throughout. The scenery is not as varied as the other routes but its first few days passes through an area of unspoilt wilderness. A disadvantage is the long driving distance to the trailhead. Descent is via the Marangu route, but you do not get to stay in the huts of the Marangu route.

Shira Route
Shira route is nearly identical to Lemosho route; Shira was actually the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho route starts at the lower altitude Londorossi Gate, Shira route bypasses this and begins further north and higher up at the Shira Gate. We do not recommended this route unless you are already acclimatized to 4000m by hiking Mount Meru a few days before attempting Kilimanjaro. Descent is via the Mweka route.

Lemosho Route (Recommended)
Lemosho Route is widely considered as the best route by reputable operators for climbing Kilimanjaro. Unlike other routes, it starts off with a very low altitude. Its excellent climb high sleep low topographical profile helps to increase one’s chance of reaching the summit. Though not as off-the-beaten-track as often portrayed, it is generally less trafficked – the first part of the route has low traffic until it combines with the Machame route on the 3rd day of the hike, and offers great scenery from start to end. It can be completed in 6 days with tent camping throughout. But we strongly recommend that you do it over 7 or 8 days to maximize your acclimatization period. Descent is via the Mweka route.

Northern Circuit (Recommended)
Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro. It begins in the west at the Londorossi Gate and follows the Lemosho Route for the first few days. At Lava Tower, instead of turning south to Barranco Camp, it heads north and circles the mountain clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. This route which requires at least 8 days to complete offers great varied scenery and excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Descent is via the Mweka route.

2. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round. In terms of weather, the best trekking seasons correspond with the mountain’s two dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October.

3. Do I have to be very fit to take part in this climb?
Yes. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a serious endeavour that requires a good level of physical and mental fitness and a realistic awareness of the effects of high altitude on the human body. If you attempt to climb Kilimanjaro without proper training, you may not enjoy the climb as much as you would have with adequate training.

4. How can I train up for the Kilimanjaro climb?
https://iwannatravel.com.sg/training-hiking

5. Is there any age limit for climbing Kilimanjaro?
The minimum age set by Kilimanjaro National Park is 10 years old. There is no maximum age limit and in fact it is not uncommon to find climbers who are in their 70s. However serious consideration should be given to anyone under the age of 16 and over the age of 60.  Climbers on the extreme ends of the age spectrum should definitely consult their doctor.

6. What is the highest altitude reachable during the climb?
The highest altitude reachable is 5895m.

7. What are the expected temperatures during the climb?
Temperatures vary considerably with altitude and time of day. On its lower slopes (below 3000m), it can get very hot in the middle of the day but chilly (below 10°C) at night. On its upper slopes (above 3000m), night-time temperatures can drop below freezing point while day-time temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Night-time temperatures around the summit averages around -10°C but can drop to below -20°C at times.

8. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
Except for a set of cold wear, a good pair trekking shoes, a headlamp, trekking sticks, sunglasses you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek. Depending on the ground conditions, crampons may be needed for the last section of the summit push (after Stella Point). If crampons are required we will provide them free of charge. Upon booking confirmation, a detailed packing list will be provide to you to help you pack for your trip.

9. What are the accommodations along the trail?
You will be staying in tents unless you are taking the Marangu route which has hut accommodation. Each hut has a dining room and a shared bathroom. But there is no electricity in the huts.

10. Can we rent a portable toilet for our climb?
Yes, a portable toilet is available for rental at USD 120 per group (up to 4 climbers)

11. What are the meals like during the trek?
Breakfast: Oat porridge, fried egg, pancake, bread, jam, peanut butter, fruits, honey, tea, coffee and chocolate drink

Lunch and Dinner: Soup, rice, spaghetti, macaroni, fried chicken or fish, beef stew, vegetables, fruits etc.

Afternoon tea: Biscuits, popcorn, tea, coffee and chocolate drink

12. Is drinking water provided during the trek?
You have to bring your own drinking water for the first day of the hike. Water for subsequent days will be provided by us. The water is taken from mountain streams but will be boiled to make it safe to drink.

13. Do the guide and porters speaks English?
Our guides can speak good English while most porters can speak and understand simple English.

14. How much load can I pass to the porter?
Each porter is prohibited by the National Park Authority rule to carry more than 15kg of the climber’s luggage. Therefore you are allowed to pass up to 15kg of your personal belonging to the porter. You are only expected to carry your personal daypack of less than 7 kg.

15. Where can I leave my extra luggage during the trek?
You can leave your extra luggage at the hotel in Moshi before the trek. After the trek, you can return to the hotel to collect back your luggage before your onward journey.

16. What is the typical size of the support crew?
The average ratio of support crew is 3 porters for every climber, 2 guides for every 3 climbers and 1 cook for every 8 climbers. Below is the expected support crew size for various climber group sizes:

Group of 2 climbers: 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 6 porters, 1 cook
Group of 3 climbers: 1 guide, 1 assistant guide, 9 porters, 1 cook
Group of 4 climbers: 1 guide, 2 assistant guide, 12 porters, 1 cook
Group of 5 climbers: 1 guide, 2 assistant guides, 15 porters, 1 cook
Group of 6 climbers: 1 guide, 3 assistant guides, 18 porters, 1 cook

17. How much tips is appropriate for the guides and porters?
Tipping is an expected and highly appreciated practice in Tanzania especially for the Kilimanjaro climb. Tipping has always constituted a significant proportion of the mountain crews’ wages. While our local partner adheres to KPAP recommendations by paying porters a fair basic wage, it does not equate to a living wage. We therefore strongly encourage hikers to consider a tip amount that would supplement the salary payment. A ballpark figure would be around USD 15-18 per guide per day, USD 10-12 per assistant guide per day, USD 10-12 per cook per day and USD 8-10 per porter per day. So for an 8-day Kilimanjaro climb, a good tip to the guide is USD 120-144 regardless of your group size. Overall your group is expected to pay 10-15% of the total climbing package cost towards tips.

18. How can I prevent altitude sickness?

1. Stay well hydrated. Try to drink at least 4-6 litres per day.
2. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and antidepressants medication like sleeping pills
3. Take it easy. Do not over-exert yourself physically especially in the first few days.
4. Ascend gradually.
5. Adopt a “climb high sleep low” strategy to aid in acclimation
6. Eat well with a carbohydrates rich diet during the trek
7. Consider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox)
8. Before your trip, maintain a regular exercise regime to keep your body fit and healthy

19. What are the effects of the sun at high altitudes?
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can cause skin damage and sunburn to exposed skin. UVR cannot be felt and does not provide heat, so your skin can burn even if you feel cool. Skin damage and sunburn increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. UVR can penetrate through cloud, so even on a cloudy day, UVR is scattered on you. Far less UVR is being filtered out at higher altitude, making the sun’s rays much more damaging to the skin. It is strongly recommended to use a high SPF (at least 30) sunscreen lotion and a lip balm with SPF factor. Short-term effects of UVR on the eyes are similar to sunburn and can cause snow blindness. Snow blindness or photokeratitis (“photo” = light; “keratitis” = inflammation of the cornea) can cause painful eyes and temporarily blindness of up to 48 hours. The risk is higher at high altitude with highly reflective snowy terrain. You should protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that comply with the sunglass safety standard AS/NZS 1067:2003. Most sunglasses will have information about how much UVR protection they give. For maximum protection, make sure your sunglasses are a close-fitting, wrap-around style.

20. What vaccinations and medications should I take?
Most travellers to Tanzania will require vaccination for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria and Influenza. Anti-Malaria pills are also highly recommended, as Malaria is prevalent in Tanzania. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers 1 year of age and older coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within – a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

21. Which is the main gateway airport to Mount Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main gateway airport to Mount Kilimanjaro. The airport is about 2 hours’ drive to Moshi and about 1 hour 15 min drive to Arusha.

22. Do I need a VISA to visit Tanzania?
Singapore passport holders and Malaysia passport holders can visit Tanzania without a VISA for up to 3 months. For other nationalities which require VISA, single entry Visas can be obtained on arrival at the main ports of entry (including Kilimanjaro International Airport). The cost of a single-entry visa is $50 for citizens of most countries, but $100 for Americans.

23. How do I get a SIM Card in Tanzania?
Local SIM card (with 4G data) are relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable from telco shop in Moshi or Arusha town. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, please inform our driver if you need one so that he can bring you to get one along the way to your hotel. More information can be found here: http://prepaid-data-sim card.wikia.com/wiki/Tanzania

24. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the Mount Kilimanjaro trip. Do ensure that your travel insurance covers you for hikes up to 6,000m in altitude.

25. What happens if one of us get sick during the climb?
One of the assistant guides will accompany the sick down the mountain while the rest of the group goes on. If the person is seriously sick, the lead guide will arrange for evacuation of the sick down the mountain via stretcher and land vehicle. The mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responder and well trained in first aid, CPR and recognizing symptoms in the early stages of altitude sickness. Every day, they will monitor the health of everyone on the mountain to prevent no one gets to the point of serious sickness.

26. How do you choose your local operator?
We personally research and vet carefully all our partners, before customers ever step foot on an IWANNATRAVEL adventure. On Kilimanjaro specifically, we work directly with local operators who hold Class “A” TALA licenses (Tourist Agents Licensing Authority) for running Kilimanjaro climb. TALA is the Tanzania government body responsible for regulating and issuing licenses to tour operators. Further we only work with partners who comply with KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). KPAP is a not-for-profit organization that ensure the fair and ethical treatment of porters through proper wages, tipping, meals and portage weight limits. More information can be found here: https://kiliporters.org/. We consider porters as the real heroes of Mount Kilimanjaro so it is very important to us that they are given fair and ethical treatment by our partners and customers.

27. Can Iwannatravel organize a safari for me after my climb?
Yes. From Kilimanjaro, you are within a few hours’ drive to some of the finest wildlife reserves on earth: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. You should spend at least 3 days to allow yourself enough time to immerse yourself in the area and its wildlife.

Hiking shoes are undoubtedly the most “difficult” to choose, yet the most important apparel for all hikers. You can make do with a slightly bigger or smaller sized shirt, but a pair of shoes with the wrong size, albeit marginally, will badly affect your hike. There are several factors to consider when choosing hiking shoes. Generally these factors fall into three broad categories known as the 3F Criteria: Function, Fit and Form.

We find the questions below extremely useful in helping hikers to choose the right pair of shoes for themselves:

1. Does the shoes fulfill its function with regards to the terrains that you will be hiking on?
2. Does the shoes fit your feet? Is it too big or too small for your feet?
3. Does the form (appearance) of the shoes appeal to you?

FUNCTION

Take some time to consider where and how your shoes will be used before you shop. Factors like terrain types, weather conditions, hiking duration, backpack load etc. will determine the kind of shoes you should buy.

Hiking shoes are generally divided into 4 types, based on their intended use.

1. Light hiking shoes (for day hikes)

They resemble running shoes (in fact, these shoes can be used for trail running), and are low-cut with flexible midsoles and non-rugged outsoles. As these shoes are mainly meant for day hikes, they do not come with waterproofing linings. They are usually lighter and made of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.

Photo credit: Vasque

2. Mid-weight hiking shoes (for multi-day hikes)

They come in low-, mid- or high-cut with semi-rugged outsoles.  There is usually a quarter or half-length shanks or plates between the midsole and outsole to absorb shock and to shield the wearer’s feet from puncture wounds and stone bruises. Generally they are quite flexible and will require a modest amount of time to break-in , but they lack the support and durability of heavy-weight hiking shoes. They offer some degree of water resistance but not waterproof protection. Their uppers are usually made of synthetic mesh fabrics (for better breathability) with some leather reinforcement sections. The leather reinforcement sections are usually made of spilt-grain leather (e.g. suede leather).  The more expensive ones may come with full-grain leather reinforcement (e.g. nubuck leather), Vibram sole and/or waterproof lining (e.g. Gore-Tex).

Photo credit: Merrell

3. Heavy-weight hiking shoes (for week long hikes, non-technical mountaineering)

They come in mid- or high-cut with semi-rugged outsoles and with three-quarter or full length shanks and plates. They do not flex easily and require longer break-in time but provide excellent support and durability. They are usually waterproof or at least highly water resistance. Their uppers are mainly full-grained leather or spilt-grained leather. Almost all of them come with Vibram sole and Gore-Tex linings or their equivalences. As their name suggests, they are heavier in weight than the shoes in the former categories.

Photo credit: Lowa

4. Mountaineering boots 

These boots have thick and stiff soles designed for the roughest terrains and may be crampon-compatible for winter climbing. You should not be considering them at all unless you are going for mountaineering expedition or glacier exploration.

Photo credit: La Sportiva

FIT

An ill-fitting shoe can lead to blisters, bunions, toenail pain, keen pain and lower back pain. To avoid these problems, you should always consider the shape and size of your feet when choosing shoes for hiking. Your shoes should conform to the shape of your feet and not the other way round. There are 4 main factors which you should be looking at.

1. Length

There should be a comfortable space allowance between your big toe (or your second toe if you have Morton’s toe) and the wall of the toe box. A general guideline is one thumb’s width of space between the toe and the tip of the insole. Remove the insole of the shoe and place your foot on it to visually determine the amount of allowance. You should also be able to wiggle your toes comfortably inside the toe box.

2. Width

The width of your shoes is also an important factor to consider when it comes to a good fit especially if you have wider or narrower feet than the norm. The shoes should fit snugly around the sides of your feet with no slipping and not too lose or tight. Some manufacturers make shoes with narrower or widener width options to cater for people with this need.

3. Volume

The “bulk” of your foot should fit securely and comfortably inside the shoe’s interior. There should not be uneven pressure, tightness or looseness on any part of your foot.

4. Arch Type

Our feet generally fall under three types of arch type: low arch, neutral arch and high arch. People with flat feet or low arches tend to over-pronate when they walk. People with high arches tend to under-pronate (supinate) while those with neutral arch usually have normal pronation pattern when they walk. Pronation is the inward rolling motion of the foot to distribute the impact force as it lands on the ground while you walk. Pronation is actually a natural and useful movement of the feet. However too much pronation or supination can cause stress, pain and injuries to your legs and back. A simple wet test (not covered here) can help to determine your arch type. If you have very low or very high arch, try to look for trekking shoes with design (for example supination-pronation system of LOWA) that can help to reduce or prevent over-pronation and supination. Alternatively there are also aftermarket insoles (like Superfeet) which can help to correct this problem.

FORM

After narrowing down your choices based on the first two criteria, you will find that there is not much selection available. After taking into account your budget as well as sizing availability, you may only be left with only one or two models to choose from. Therefore it can be a blessing in disguise if you do not need to worry about this criteria. 🙂

Grading a hike is very subjective due to the many intangible variables – individual fitness, health, age and external factors like weather, terrain, level of porter support etc. What is hard for one may be easy for others. We would rather chat over a cup of coffee to share our hiking experience than to rely on an arbitrary scale. However for your reference, we have come out with a basic framework to give you an idea of the difficulty level and experience needed for each hike. In order to obtain a more objective classification, we have mainly used quantifiable factors like distance, elevation gained and maximum altitude reached in our assessment. Nevertheless the grades used should be best described as comparative. Take note that within each grade, there will be harder or easier hikes.

Grade One (Easy Hike) 

Means “Great first Experience”. No previous experience is needed.  Easy trails are usually of short hiking distances (<10km), small altitude gains (< 400m) and over low latitudes (not above 2500m where altitude sickness can be a problem). Be expected to be on the trail for up 3 hours with some short rests along the way. E.g. Hikes in Singapore, Mount Arong, and Mount Bromo. Exception: We have classified Pelepah Falls, Gua Maloi and Bukit Tabur hikes as Grade two hikes due to their more challenging slippery river terrains (for the formers)  and narrow ledge terrains (for the latter).

Grade Two (Moderate Hike)

Means “Some previous experience preferable”. This experience does not have to be international. Experience hiking in Singapore can be regarded as possessing previous experience as well. Moderate trails are usually of moderate hiking distances (<15km) and moderate altitude gains (<1000m). They are usually of low altitudes though some may be found at altitudes above 2500m (e.g. Ijen Crater hike). Be expected to be on the trail for up to 6 hours with some short rests along the way. E.g. Mount Lambak, Mount Panti, Mount Datuk.

Grade Three (Demanding Hike)

Means “Experience needed”. Demanding trails are trails which can break you down physically and mentally if you do not train for it priorly (especially if you are not accustomed to exercise). Demanding trails are either of long hiking distances (>15km) or of substantial altitude gains (>1000m) or both. It can be a full day hike, an overnight hike or a two-to-three days hike over relatively high altitudes (above 2500m where altitude sickness can be a problem). Be expected to be on the trail for 6-8 hours or more per day. Due to the longer time and/or higher altitude on the trail, substantial preparation (apparel, camping equipment etc.) for climatic conditions or bad weather is a critical necessity. E.g. Mount Ophir, Mount Belumut, Mount Fanispan, Mount Rinjani, Yushan, Xueshan.

Grade Four (Strenuous Hike)

Means “Basic hiking skills and experience must be at a good standard”. At grade four, you are expected to operate at a high standard and fitness level as soon as you step on the trail. Example being on our Goechala hike where you have to hike for 8 continuous days covering up to 10-15 km per day with significant altitude gain (>2000m) in a remote and wild environment. A good number of days may also be spent at high altitude of above 4000m in snowy conditions (with or without crampons on). Be expected to endure extreme temperature variations from hot to cold for prolonged period. In short this is not something you should try without at least 1-2 years of adequate hiking experience. E.g. Inca Trail, Kilimanjoro, Goechala, ABC, EBC.

Grade Five (Extreme Hike)

Means “Advanced hiking skills and experience are essential”. These hikes require technical skills (glacier travel, snow and ice climbing, belaying etc.) and usage of specialized equipment (ice ace, anchors, ropes etc.) in a very high altitude environment (>5000m) and in very extreme weather conditions below subzero.  A CV of previous high altitude experience is usually required for attempting such trails. Eg: Mera Peak, Island Peak, etc.

Hiking is a physical activities that utilities all parts of your body. Other than walking long distance on foot, there are occasions where you need to climb up elevations, scramble on fours, bend your body to maneuver through obstacles, wade across streams, balance yourself over uneven terrains, etc. Such demanding requirement on the body call for a multidisciplinary approach to training.

There are three main kinds of training each targeting different but complementary aspect of fitness; Aerobic training for Endurance, Anaerobic training for Strength and Core training for Stability and Balance.

Aerobic exercise also known as cardio exercise work out your cardiovascular system by getting your heart pumps faster. A good aerobic endurance will allow you to keep up with long distance trekking without feeling exhausted easily. Examples of aerobic exercises are running, cycling and swimming. A typical training session can be a 5km run, a 1km swim or a 20 km cycle – at an average pace.

Unlike aerobic exercise which builds up endurance, anaerobic exercise builds up strength, speed and power. A good anaerobic strength will allow you to overcome a steep section of trail easier.  Examples of aerobic exercises are stair climbing, sprinting and rope skipping. A typical training session can be a climb up a 40 story building.

The core is a complex group of muscles predominantly located within the torso and excluding the upper and lower limbs. Many of these core muscles are hidden beneath exterior musculatures (for example abs and chest) which people typically train. Unlike exterior musculatures which act mainly as prime movers, the core muscles stabilizes the spine and help initiate and transfer force from one area of the body to another. Core exercise strengthens your core muscles and helps to improve your stability and balance and prevent injuries during trekking. Some examples of core exercises are plank, bridge, superman, leg raises etc. A typical training session can be a few sets of exercise repeated over a 20 minutes period. 

You should start your training regime at least 4-6 weeks prior to your trek and earlier if you are unaccustomed to exercise or if you are going for a more rigorous trekking.

To aid you in preparing for your hike, we have come out with three sets of training plans for various levels of hiking difficulty which you can use as reference. As individual training needs differ (age, gender, fitness conditions, presence of hiking support like porters etc.), these training plans are not meant to be prescriptive. They are not necessarily written down with the intention of you following them precisely. Rather, they are meant to provide you with an idea of a progressive training program. Feel free to tweak them to fit your specific needs or constraints (if any).

1. We believe in providing a streamlined, uninterrupted and personalized customer service experience to all our clients. You will be assigned an experienced and dedicated travel coordinator who will take care of your travel needs and requirements throughout the various stages from initial enquiry, itinerary planning and tour confirmation to post tour feedback. The same travel coordinator will also be contactable 24/7 via phone during your trip.

2. All our travel coordinators are experts in their assigned destinations who have been to majority of the places themselves. Our destination knowledge are also complemented via intensive research.

3. As a boutique travel agency, we work directly and closely with all our local guides and operators with absolutely no 3rd party in between. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, whatever stated in the agreed itinerary will be duly fulfilled by us and our partners. Rest assure you will not be taken by surprise of discrepancies like some ever experienced with mass-market tour operators.

4. We pay our guides (and porters) well and regularly provide them constructive feedback (via customer post-trip survey) on how they can do their job better.

5. We are an ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) registered business with valid STB (Singapore Tourism Board) license. We have a proven track records with both individual and corporate clients – check up our Facebook page and testimonials.

6. We faithfully abide by Singapore Tourism Board’s paid up capital requirements and practice conservative financial management. By requiring all our clients to pay in full before trip commencement, we can pay our partners on time and prevent cash flow and debt plagues frequently encountered by other operators in the industry.

7. All our quoted rates are NETT with no hidden charges with a transparent and easily understandable cancellation & postponement policy.

8. Enjoy 15% discount off the base rate of any Malaysia one-day hiking trip (e.g. Mount Ophir Day Trip, Mount Belumut Day Trip, etc.) whenever you sign up a multi-day hiking trip with us.

• Discount is only applicable for the first Malaysia day trip; not applicable for subsequent Malaysia day trips.
• Departure date for the discounted trip must be before that of the multi-day hiking trip
• Multi-day hiking trip refers to hiking trip with a duration of at least 3 days or more.

1. When is the best time to visit Shanxi?
Shanxi is good for travel all year round. It has a continental climate with cold dry winters (November to March) and hot humid summers (June to August). In terms of season the best time to visit is during autumn from September to early November when warm sunny days with clear skies and pleasantly cool evenings are the norm. The second best time is spring from late March to May when weathers are not drastic and the accompanying wind blows away the pollutants. This is also a good time to see blooming flowers in the countryside. Sporadic sand storm may happen in spring though. If you do not mind the cold, winter with its falling snow is a unique time to visit Shanxi; the mountains and the Great Wall are often cover with snow, offering amazing snowy scenery.

2. How is the rail system like in China?
China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world and train links almost every city and town. Travelling by train is one of the cheapest and most comfortable mode of travel around China especially for long distance travel. It is also the safest and most reliable compared to travelling by air or by coach. All trains leave and arrive on schedule, and there are seldom any delays.
Rail network in China is generally classified into Normal Speed Rail and High Speed Rail (HSR). Normal speed rail where trains run at 100-160 km per hour are the most common rail service while High Speed Rail where high speed trains (aka bullet trains) run at 200-350 km per hour is fast becoming the norm train service between major cities.

Normal speed rail has both sleeper and seater berths. For sleeper berth, there are three classes: hard sleeper, soft sleeper and deluxe soft sleeper. A hard sleeper carriage has several open cabins (without doors) along the train aisle. There are 6 sleeping berths to a cabin; an upper, middle and lower berths on each side of the cabin. As the cabin is open to the aisle, it has less privacy and can be noisy in daytime. A soft sleeper cabin has door which is closed to the aisle. Each cabin consists of only 4 berths; an upper and a lower berths on each side of it. Deluxe soft sleeper is one class above soft sleeper and comes with only 2 berths to one cabin. Soft sleeper mattresses have more cushion and are softer than hard sleeper mattresses. For seater berth, there are two classes: hard seater and soft seater. Soft seater is just a normal seating coach where passengers sit next to one another. The soft seat coach can be crowded with passengers and their luggage, so travelling in this class will not be so comfortable. Hard seater is the least comfortable and cheapest among all with hard and non-reclining seats. All normal speed trains are fully air-conditioned and equipped with a dining carriage where you can order meals. All carriages are also equipped with boiling water and cold water dispensers and a squat toilet.

High Speed Rail comes with 6 different classes; second class seat, first class seat, business class seat, VIP seat, soft sleeper and deluxe soft sleeper. Second class seat consists of 5 seats in a row (3+2) with non- reclining seats and without foot rests. First class seat consists of 4 seats in a row (2+2) with partially reclining seats and with foot rests. Soft sleeper and deluxe soft sleepers are only available on the overnight trains. High speed trains are also equipped with seat toilets and handicapped restrooms.

3. Is the internet freely accessible in China?
The internet is highly censored in China through the so-called “Great Firewall” – the combination of legislative actions and technologies enforced by the Chinese government to regulate the internet domestically. Websites that are blocked in China include Google (including Gmail), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, YouTube, Dropbox, etc. If you need to check your emails, it is advisable to auto-forward your emails to other non-blocked accounts such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail beforehand. A substitute for WhatsApp and Line is WeChat – Chinese multi-purpose social media mobile application.

4. What do I need to pack for this tour?
A detailed packing list will be provided upon tour confirmation.

5. Will there be any forced shopping tours?
No, all our tours are strictly No Forced Shops, No Factories and No Detours. However if you are interested in any particular factory or shop, do let us know and we can arrange for it.

6. What are the typical meals during the tour?
Breakfast will be provided by the hotel. Continent styled or American styled breakfast will usually be served at the better hotels (4-5 Star). Lower end hotels (3 Star) or hotels in smaller cities tend to serve Chinese styled breakfast which may include the following food: dim sum, fried noodles, porridge, mantou, etc. Lunch is included in our package as well and will be arranged at a descent restaurant with 2-4 Chinese dishes (depending on your group size) and 1 soup. Dinner is left to your own arrangement; you may take this opportunity for some food adventure.

7. Can vegetarian meals be arranged?
Yes, many Chinese are also vegetarians; vegetarian food can be easily found in China.