Operation Shangri-la 2009

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INTRODUCTION

Since 7 years ago, we started Operation Shangri-La as a long term expedition to Tibetan region as an extraordinary experience incorporating elements of adventure travel with community service. The expedition is carried out to provide further enrichment to a traveller’s experience. 

It is planned with the following aims:

• To provide an opportunity for participants to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate and at the same time, have fun visiting and learning new cultures with local friends; 

• To minimize damage and ensure protection of the places we’re traveling to; 

• To encourage sustainable tourism and balance the benefits among the individual traveller, the local communities and attractions.

Our projects will help to generate alternative source of incomes (e.g. trekking support, home-stay programme) and to build an education centre for adult villagers. Within the education centre, we aim to set up learning lab such as computer lab. 

This is part of a wholesome experience we hope to encourage amongst travellers.

For past two years, schools have taken up the expedition. This year, schools cancel last minute due to H1N1 fear. To kick-start the expedition again, we are applying for YEP funding support. 

WHERE

Napa Hai, Shangri-La County (3270 meters above sea level and covers 660 square kilometers; it is approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Zhongdian town in Yunnan Province)

WHEN

Expedition will be conducted over 3 phases. Each phase comprise of 15-day period. 

Planned phases are 

A. 5 – 19 NOV 2009  Cancelled

B. 15 – 29 NOV 2009

C. 29 NOV – 13 DEC 2009

PARTNER 

Shangri-La Folk Environment Protection Association 

OBJECTIVES

• To provide the farmers with an alternative to generate income through tourism instead of their usual dependency on woodcutting which depletes their natural resources at a rapid rate and causes harmful environmental effects. 

• To promote cultural and lifestyle awareness for both parties as well as helping the villages to cultivate a sense of self-confidence & the need to improve oneself. 

• To assist in building the “Napa Education Centre” which functions as classrooms as well as for other various purposes e.g. Provide an opportunity for the young adults (who do not have the chance to study before the school was set up in the village) to attend night classes. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Trekking

• Enjoy local Tibetan fare and experience their hospitality and colourful culture through home stays and working side by side with the locals.

• Plan and play educational games and activities 

• A night of cultural performance

 

Cost per person  S$1,950

This is a YEP approved project, if you are eligible for YEP funding, estimated cost per person S$950

Includes:

• Airfare + taxes (International + domestic flights)

• Trekking support such as guide, kitchen crews and utensils, tents

• Accommodation: tourist class hotels, Tibetan village home-stay

• Materials for community service

• Entrance fee to Napa Hai

• Transport as per itinerary

• Meals during project time

• Local guide fee

• AIG Travel Insurance

• Briefing prior to departure

• 15% discount for gears at X-Boundaries

• X-Trekkers leader expenses, allowance & management fee

Excludes:

•Meals not indicated

•Porter service

•entrance fees to attractions not stated in itinerary

•visa & visa application service fee (if applicable)

•personal expenses & meals

•sleeping bag and liner

RESERVATION

A deposit of $950 per person is required upon confirmation and the balance must be paid in full 30 days prior to the departure date. 

Blog 2007 by Eileen: http://wastenotears.multiply.com/
Blog 2009 by Lynette: http://youthphory.wordpress.com/2009/

Photos 2007 by Eileen: http://wastenotears.multiply.com/photos/album/8

Video 2009 by Kevin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv4Se2OsZsc

15 Days Itinerary (subject to change)

B. 15 – 29 NOV 2009 – Leaders: Mr Yong Mun Hin

C. 29 NOV – 13 DEC 2009 – Leaders: Ms. LIM Chai Me, Ms Boey Lai Wan

(Leaders are subject to change)

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening	Overnight
Day 01	Arrive in Kunming		Transfer to Lijiang	Train / Coach
Day 02	Stay in Lijiang for acclimitisation			Hotel
Day 03	Drive to Zhongdian	Arrive in Napa Village	Home-stay	Village home stay
Day 04	Village Familiarisation		Know the villagers	Village home stay
Day 05	Worksite familiarisation (All)		Project Group Time	Village home stay
Day 06	Worksite		Facilitation	Village home stay
Day 07	Worksite	Trek Preparation	Education Night	Village home stay
Day 08	Trekking	Trekking		Camp
Day 09	Trekking	Trekking	Education Night	Village home stay
Day 10	Worksite	Interaction	Cultural Night Prep	Village home stay
Day 11	Worksite (all)	Worksite (all)	Project Group Time	Village home stay
Day 12	Project Group Time	Cultural performance rehearsal	Facilitation	Village home stay
Day 13	Interaction	Interaction	Cultural Performance	Village home stay
Day 14	Leave Village	Zhongdian		Hotel
Day 15	Flight to Kunming	Flight to SG

FAQ
1) How does one qualify  for the YEP funding, is there any age limit?
To qualify for YEP grant, you must be a first-time applicant for YEP. You will also have to be age 15-35 years old on or before the commencement of expeditions.

2) What kind of community work is set for this Nov'09 trip eg building a school?
We will be purchasing the necessary materials and help out in varnishing a partially built education centre meant for adult education.

3) Does one need to be physically condition before the trip?
Not necessary. However, healthy and fit are always good and can enable you to enjoy more.

4) How many participants are you expecting for each phase?
We hope we to get at least 12 and max 20 per phase.

5) What's the room arrangement like?
It will be twin-sharing in a hotel during the non-community service period, multiple sharing in Tibetan villager's home during the community service period, and 2-3 persons per tent during the camp.

6) Any age range for participants?
No age range, as long as you have the heart and mind to contribute. We will try our best to match your skills to the project requirements.