1. Let’s Go To Presentation by Suzy Student, Paul Pupil and Luke Learner

2. Where Should We Go? Nepal After much research, we have decided that Nepal is where we should go this year.  Exotic location  Much to see, do, and learn  Rich in history  Culturally diverse  Breathtaking scenery  Perfect weather  Affordable  Something for everyone

3. So Much to See, Do and Learn Visit or meditate in an Ancient Temple or Monastery Climb the Himalayas or Trek along their scenic base Ride elephant back on Jungle Safari Go white water rafting or mountain biking Savor the delicious and exotic foods of the East Shop the bustling marketplaces and purchase beautiful hand-crafted items from the locals at an unbelievable price Nepal is a land of colorful cultures, ancient history and people, breathtaking scenery and some of the best trekking on earth. About 400,000 visitors each year go to Nepal to… Nepal has something for everyone!

4. Exotic Location Nepal is a small kingdom in south central Asia. It is located between India and Tibet, a region of China. A mostly mountainous country, Nepal is situated along the southern slopes of the Himalayas, the highest mountain system in the world. 8,058 miles from Phoenix, AZ

5. Rich History Nepal has a long and rich history. It is the place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, art and cultures are refined and protected.  Recorded history began 700-800 B.C.  Many dynasties produced vast amounts of cultural artifacts Kathmandu city is the historic center and the Capital of Nepal. It is surrounded by green hills and scattered with temples and shrines, and traditional villages.

6. Perfect Weather Whether you like it hot and humid or well below freezing, Nepal has the perfect weather for you.  Climate ranges from tropical to arctic. Terai region has a hot, humid climate The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all year round Northern mountain region has an alpine climate  Although summer is monsoon season, the monsoons in Nepal are not the typical monsoons of Asia. Rains usually occur during the night turning the hills lush and green.  Average temperature in Kathmandu in June high 80° / low 69°.

7. Geography Nepal has several distinct geographical regions.  The southern part of the country, known as the Terai, makes up about one-fourth of Nepal's land area. It consists of a low plain, dense jungles, and swamps.  North of the Terai are broad valleys, hills, and mountains, including the lower ranges of the Himalayas. The heart of the region is the Kathmandu Valley, where Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, and other chief cities are located. It is the most heavily populated part of the country.  In the far north, along the Tibetan border, are the towering peaks of the Great Himalayas.

8. Breathtaking Scenery  Although the country is relatively small (91,454 square miles), about the size of Arkansas, 80 percent is occupied by the dramatic peaks of the Himalayas.  Contains 8 of 10 largest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest (29,028 ft)  The Nepal Himalaya has always been known as "the abode of the Gods." Many holy temples and shrines, monasteries and sacred lakes are located in the wilderness and remote parts of this region.

9. Culturally Diverse Nepal's vast diversity of people, rich culture and art, and distinctive architecture truly makes it one of the most amazing, interesting and truly educational travel destinations.  Nepal is the only country that is a Hindu state. However it has tremendous religious tolerance for the many faiths practiced within its borders. Hinduists 86.5% Buddhists 7.8% Muslims 3.5%  There are an abundance of religious buildings in the city. Temples exist near or around royal palaces, as well as at important geographical locations including the top of hills, river banks or near wells.  The temples are sites of magnificent stone and wood carvings. Most of the stone carvings are from the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

10. Educational Since we have been learning about ancient civilizations and Hinduism and Buddhism this year in our Social Studies class - Nepal is the perfect educational destination choice. We can experience first hand what we have been learning!

11. Affordable

12. Affordable For an average of just $75.33 a day including meals, lodging, daily excursions, local transportation, and other associated fees we can explore all that Nepal has to offer! Total trip cost for 28 students, 1 teacher and 2 parent chaperones including airfare is $79,298 which is less than the $80,000 travel grant we have been awarded, making this trip very affordable. No out-of-pocket money will need to be spent except on any souvenirs travelers wish to purchase. What a bargain! At that price how can we afford not to go?

13. Distribution of Nepal Trip Costs

14. Proposed Itinerary Dates: June 16 - June 30 Depart:Phoenix, AZ June 16 at 8:20 am Arrive:Kathmandu, Nepal June 18, 12:35 pm June 18 - 29 12 Day/ 11 Night Venture Nepal/Royal Trek Depart: Kathmandu, Nepal June 29 at 1:40 pm Arrive: Phoenix, AZ June 30 4:53 pm This itinerary is packed full of activities and is sure to be a blast for our eighth grade class! The twelve-day package covers everything that tourists go to Nepal for. Whether you enjoy taking in the sights, sounds, and culture of a foreign country, visiting ancient ruins, trekking, water water rafting, or checking out the local wildlife, there is something for everyone!

15. Visa Requirements Nepal extends trouble-free issuance of visas to all citizens worldwide at Royal Nepalese Embassies or Consulates abroad and at entry-point Immigration Offices. Presentation of a valid passport, two passport- size photos and tourist visa fees are all that is required. Single entry tourist visas for up to 60 days can be obtained for just $30

16. Let’s Go to Nepal ! Nepal is a beautiful country with much to offer both culturally, historically, and geographically. The proposed trip will be a valuable experience for students, teachers, and parents. is where we should go this year! Let’s Go !

17. Content Sources CARE – Virtual Field Trips Journey with CARE to Nepal http://www.careusa.org/vft/nepal/http://www.careusa.org/vft/nepal/ Scholastic Global Trek http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/destinations/nepal.htm http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/destinations/nepal.htm http://www.interknowledge.com/nepal/ VisitNepal.com http://www.visitnepal.com/Welcome.htmlhttp://www.visitnepal.com/Welcome.html Travel-Nepal.com http://www.travel-nepal.com/general.htmlhttp://www.travel-nepal.com/general.html U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. (1998). Nepal. [online]. Available: http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/np.html (July 20, 1999) http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/np.html Karan, P. P. (1998). Nepal. In Microsoft Encarta Deluxe 99. Redmond: Microsoft Corporation Lonely Planet Online. (1999). Lonely Planet – Destination Nepal. [online]. Available: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/ind/nep.htm (July 20, 1999) http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/ind/nep.htm Blue Bird Travel & Tours Ltd. http://www.adventurebluebirdtravel.com/nepal/tour7.php http://www.adventurebluebirdtravel.com/nepal/tour7.php

18. Image and Other Sources Microsoft Encarta 99 Entry: Nepal ©1993-1998, Microsoft Corporation Lonely Planet Online (last accessed July 20, 1999) (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/ind/nep.htm)http://www.lonelyplanet.com/dest/ind/nep.htm ©Tony Wheeler Orbitz www.Orbitz.com www.Orbitz.com