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APPLICATION TO LEAD AN AMC MAJOR EXCURSION
(Use the F1 key to summon help for most fields)
(Forms and General Information: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ )
1. SUMMARY INFORMATION
A) Trip Title:
Trek Bhutan # 2: The Land Of The Thunder Dragon
B)
C)
D)
E)
Erik Madsen
Linda Moraski
Oct. 19 - Nov.6, 2007
Trek with Cultural Component
Leader:
Co-Leader(s):
Dates:
Type of Trip:
Total # of days:
19
F) Participants: (not counting leaders) Minimum: 6
Maximum: 12
Advertised Cost: $5,800. Note that there will be an additional $200 surcharge if fewer than
11 participants (noted in prospectus).
2. TRIP DETAILS
A) Executive Summary: Brief outline of trip and trip activities.
Days: 1.) JFK to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) 2.) Arrival BKK to Bangkok Hotel 3.)
Depart BKK to Bhutan (PBH) see Paro 4.) Aclimatization hike to monastery 5-14.)
Jhomolhari Trek 15.) Cultural Educational visit to Thimpu 16.) Cultural visit to Punaka 17.)
Depart PBH to BKK to Hotel 18.) Bangkok Cultural visit & exploration 19.) Depart BKK to
JFK
B) Accommodations: Please describe your plans for accommodation(s).
Bangkok: mid priced hotel, 2 person rooms with private bath
Bhutan: simple hotel, 2
person rooms with private bath
Bhutan, trek: camping, 2 person per tent
C) Meals: Please describe your plans for meals.
Bangkok: Restaurants
Bhutan: Restaurants by guide company
meals provided by guide company
Bhutan, trek: Camp
D) Permits: Does the trip require special permits (required on all U.S. federal lands
No
Bhutanese regulations require that all trips to Bhutan be arranged through a Bhutanese
operator and pre-paid prior to arrival. Costs for the trip are fixed by the Bhutanese government
and are all-inclusive, including food, accommodation, outfitting expenses, and fees
E) Equipment: Does the trip require special/technical equipment?
Yes
Since the trip involves trekking, various equipment and support is required, including tents,
cooking equipment, porters, animals, etc. The Bhutanese operator provides all this equipment.
The technical responsibilites of the AMC leaders on this trip once it is underway are not much
different than if the leader had equipped the group. The leaders assess the adequacy of resources,
and intervene as necessary to assure efficency, and safety. Furthermore the leaders are not totally
reliant upon guides and outfit the group with: group (non-prescription) medication, a pair of two
way radios, additional first aid supplies, and map and compass. The AMC leader is prepared and
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able to navigate the trail, render first aid, set up camp, fix equipment, evacuate participants, and
send for help. Since the group is in an undeveloped country and up to five days from the nearest
road the technical responsibilities of the Leader are comprehensive and necessitate limitting the
paricipants to 12. Leaders will also require specific technical gear for the trip and offer technical
assistance to participants in selecting appropriate equipment. Participant technical eqipment will
include, instep crampons. Additionally the Leaders will assure that the group has adaquate
equipment to be able to construct an emergency litter.
Pre-trip activities: Do you plan to get your group together before the major excursion for
an activity or social event?
YesOptional
day hike to be scheduled during summer or early autumn in 2007.
F) Conservation/Education/Recreation:: Given that the AMC Mission Statement is as follows
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is America's oldest conservation and recreation
organization. We promote the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails
of the Appalachian region. We believe that the mountains and rivers have an intrinsic worth and also
provide recreational opportunity, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the
region. We encourage people to enjoy and appreciate the natural world because we believe that
successful conservation depends on this experience. We fulfill our mission through the three
interconnecting pillars of the AMC: conservation, education, and recreation
How will this major excursion meet this mission of conservation, education, and recreation?
For examples, please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/mission/>
The primary focus of the trip is a classic 10-day trek into north-western Bhutan to experience
high-altitude Himalayan foothills (up to 16,000 feet). In the days before and after the trek, the
group will explore the capital region of Bhutan, experiencing the culture and history of the
country. Plans include visits to monasteries, guided tours of museums, meeting with goverment
and conservation officials, and a traditional dance and music presentation.
G) Outfitters: Will this trip require an outfitter?
Yes
Name: Lingkor Tours and Treks (www.lingkor.com)
Safety record: Paul Davis who is leading an AMC trip to Bhutan recomended Linkor. Paul
had conversations with Lingkor as well as leaders from the Sierra Club, Lingkor has had no
serious incidents. The Sierra Club uses Lingkor as their sole operator for trips to Bhutan due
to their competence and reliability.
Liability insurance: No. Paul Davis contacted 5 local operators (Lingkor plus 4 others) and
none of them provide liability insurance. We could get liability insurance through a US
agency. However, that would add $1,000+ to the base cost (onto which the AMC and leader
fees would be added). We believe that the additional cost would remove any interest in the
trip.
Emergency response: The leaders are or will be advanced wilderness first-aid qualified prior
to the start of the trip. In addition, the trip has been constructed to minimize risks, such as
providing an aclimatization hike prior to the trek and a zero mile day on the trek for altitude
acclimatization. Even so, emergencies could arise, such as one or more participants having
altitude sickness or the group becoming stranded due to heavy snowfall. If an emergency
does arise, the leaders and Lingkor guides will discuss the situation. If evacuation is required,
Lingkor can contact Bhutan’s Tourism Department, who can request that the Indian Air Force
send a rescue helicopter. This may take a couple of days to arrange, often depending on the
weather conditions. Lingkor brings additional food to permit the group to be stranded for
many days. For medical difficulties, the usual approach is to send the afflicted person to a
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lower altitude, either on a stretcher or on horse-back. Lingkor provides such resources for use
in emergencies. If medical emergencies arise, a decision will be made whether to evacuate or
treat on-site. All participants will be required to carry personal medication. In addition, the
leaders will carry additional group medication. If evacuation is necessary, this may be done
either on foot (possibly with the assistance of the outfitter, pack animals, and/or litters) or by
helicopter. The leaders will bring two way radios in order to facilitate contacting outside
support. Note: Bhutanese governmental regulations require that all trips to Bhutan be
arranged (directly or indirectly) with a local operator.
3.
LEADER INFORMATION
A) Contact Information:
Leader:
Erik Madsen
70 Oak Hill DR
Bristol, CT 06010-2438
(home) 860-314-0125
(work) 860-418-6012
(e-mail) EMadsen2004@yahoo.com
Co-Leader:
Linda Moraski
(home) 617-448-8895
(work) 617-469-9779
(e-mail) Linda@peopleserveinc.com
B) First Aid Training
To lead a Major Excursion, you must have current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or
its equivalent at the time of your trip.
Leader:
CPR: Expires April 2007
WFA: See other
Other: AWFA expires February 2008.
Co-Leader:
CPR: will have prior to start of trip
WFA: See other
Other: will have AWFA prior to start of trip
If CPR and/or WFA certifications will expire before your trip starts, describe your plans
for re-certification:
Leader will renew CPR in Summer 2007.
C) Leader Experience and Training
New Leaders: If you are a new leader or co-leader, you must have submitted the form
“Application to Become a Major Excursions Leader”.
Experienced Major Excursions Leaders: Please list below the last three trips you have led for
the AMC including destination, type of trip (backpacking, skiing, etc.), dates, and number of
participants. Feel free to list additional trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate
experience related to the trip you are proposing.
1. May 2006:
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2. August 2004: AMC 10 day Backpack in The White Mtns., NH
3. July 2006: AMC 4 day Backpack on AT in NH and VT
Others: May 2006: AMC 4 Day Backpack on AT in VT
Winter 2006: CT AMC 3
seperate hikes up various 4,000' Mtns.
D) Scouting:
Have you or your co-leader led this trip before or traveled in the area?
No
Have worked closely with Paul Davis in planning this trip. Paul is leading a similar trip to the
same area at the same time as this trip.
E) Special Experience:
Are any special skills or experience on the part of the participants required?
<If "Yes" please describe>
No
F) Couples:
Do the Leader and Co-leader have a significant personal relationship?
<If "Yes" please detail plans if one party cannot go>
No
4. RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks/hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it
may affect your trip with specific potential hazards. Then, devise a plan to attempt to prevent
each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary.
A) Climate/Terrain
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Altitude Lingkor is a Bhutanese outfitter who specializes in high
altitude treks. They have been running such trips since 1990 and have been used extensively by
the Sierra Club (now their sole outfitter). They have extensive training in emergency measures
and high altitude trekking. If necessary, evacuation is possible by foot or helicopter. The
itinerary conforms to the latest recommendations for maximum daily altitude gain. All
participants will be strongly encouraged to receive appropriate medical vaccinations and advice
(and bring the recommended medications). Weather The weather is expected to be highly
variable, with winter conditions possible. Participants will be required to bring equipment that is
appropriate for winter hiking. This includes the possibilities of snow and ice. Hiking may be
over glaciers. Mitigating factors include skilled local guides, portage of most gear (participants
will only need to carry personal daily equipment), and so on. Rugged terrain The Himalayan
terrain is rugged. Altitude can make hiking more strenuous (due to lower oxygen levels).
However, the trails followed are commonly used, so should be easy to follow.
1.
Foreign Countries
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Food and water
Untreated water in Bhutan and Thailand is
the source of many diseases. As such, uncooked food is also highly suspect. Participants are
provided information on appropriate hygienic practices to avoid illnesses from water and food
bourn pathogens (see the prospectus). In addition, the kitchen staff is trained in western standards
of hygiene. Treated water (usually boiled at adequate rates for the altitude) will be provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring water treatment such as iodine, filter, or the
like. Personal safety Bhutan and Thailand are very safe countries (per US State Department
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information). Crime is usually limited to petty theft. Appropriate advice will be provided to the
participants. Political unrest Bhutan has no history of political unrest. Thailand in a peacefull
coupe overthrew its government, no chaos ensued, the economy remains stable, and tourism
continues to be promoted. Language Bhutan has many native languages (see prospectus).
However, English has been the language of education for many years (by governmental decree).
As such, most of the local people are fluent in English. Where difficulties arise, the local guides
are available to provide translation services.
2.
Transportation
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Driving Lingkor provides their own experienced drivers and uses
safe vehicles. However, like travel in most developing countries, car travel has inherent risks.
This is mitigated by the fact that travel by car is minimized (most of the trip is on foot).
3.
Participants
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Skill level, health, group dynamics, and the like The trip should be
considered as a moderately strenuous trip that does not require the participants to have any
specific skills other than good physical fitness. Children will be discouraged (primarily because
children have more susceptiblity to altitude sickness). Participants will be encouraged to achieve a
good level of fitness during the months preceding the trip. The leaders may decline applicants
who are not in good condition. A pre-excursion meeting will also permit group dynamics to be
evaluated.
4.
Other
Potential Hazards:
Response:
Flight Delays Flights to and from Bhutan must use Druk Air (Bhutan’s
national airline), which only has 2 airplanes. These planes fly only when visibility is good. As
such, it is possible that flights can be delayed for multiple days (flights only occur 7-9 times
weekly). During October, delays are very uncommon, so most flights occur as planned, with a
single delay at most. Note that if evacuation flights are difficult, it may be possible to evacuate to
India overland.
5.
5. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Please use as much detail as
possible and attach additional sheets if necessary.
B) Emergency Communication
The leaders will carry two way radios to permit contact with rescue services from remote
locations. However, the guides are familiar with utilizing the support staff for selfevacuations. The leaders plan to carry copies of each participant’s important documents
(passport, visas, emergency contact information, insurance information and so on).
6.
Evacuation
If possible, medical situations will be handled on-site. If a participant needs to be evacuated,
this may or may not necessitate the entire group evacuation. If a participant is evacuated
individually, one of the leaders may accompany the evacuation party (provided by the
outfitter). If delays result from an emergency, the itinerary will be modified accordingly. The
leaders’ decisions will be final.
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7.
Medical Care
Medical care in Bhutan is well below western standards. If necessary, evacuation will be
conducted to Thailand (and possibly onwards to the US), which has world-class medical facilities.
Since the trip flies to Bhutan from Thailand, flight arrangements should be eased. Thimphu (the
capital) has some medical facilities. Elsewhere, the medical facilities will be poor at best, if they
even exist. At times (such as during the 10-day trek), it may take multiple days to evacuate a
participant to medical facilities (thus the consideration of two way radios, see emergency
communication above).
Before you leave for you trip, you will need to provide a list of participants and their
emergency contacts in case something happens to someone in the field as well as an itinerary
with phone numbers (where available) in case something happens at home.
6. COST INFORMATION
H) What deposits are will be required from airlines, hotels, outfitters, etc. (and when):
Air carrier between US and Thailand will typically only need money 3 months in advance.
Reservation will be made at earliest opportunity to get best rate. Druk Air between Thailand
and Bangkok fills quickly and will need reservation and payment in April 2007. Lingkor
requires Payment by June 2007.
I) What is the latest date for you to cancel and get a full refund? :
June 19, 2007
J) What is the value of the deposit you will require of the participants?
$ 1500
K) What will be your cancellation policy for the participants?
$50 cancellation fee and any incurred costs.
L) Will trip run if minimum participant count not met?
<If "Yes" describe conditions>
No
7. PRIVATE TRIPS
Are you currently (up to and including the time frame of this proposed trip) leading trips that
are “private,” i.e. not sponsored by the AMC?
No
8. AMC OUTDOORS INFORMATION
Please see <http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/info/Trip_Notice_Rules.html> for the current rules
and schedule for submitting notices for AMC Outdoors. E-mail both the long (150 words
maximum) and short form (50 word maximum) trip announcements to goeke@space.mit.edu ,
preferably in plain text format, at the same time you submit the trip application. Although the trip
notices travel a different route to the Committee, it helps to have the notices on the web site when
the trip is reviewed.
It your trip notice is somewhat preliminary at this time, that’s OK. You have plenty of
opportunity to change it before the publication deadline. If you don’t want to have the first (long)
notice appear at the normal time – see the above referenced rules – include your special request
in the body of the e-mail containing the trip notices.
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After you trip is approved, please check your trip announcements as posted on the Major
Excursions web site: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/ ; we cut-and-paste directly from this site
to AMC Outdoors !
Trek Bhutan # 2: The Land Of The Thunder Dragon October 19 - November 6, 2007
Long Form: Imagine visiting a place where the "Gross National Happiness" is valued
more than the Gross National Product. Bhutan is that place and has great potential for
conservation success. This is the last of the independent Buddhist kingdoms that once covered
the Himalayas. Bhutan has an ethereal storybook landscape: icy mountains, emerald valleys,
mystical forests, striking architecture of ancient wooden chalets, and sprawling temples.
Ancient monasteries, yak-herding villages, and an amazing vitality all beckon you to this
sacred Buddhist nation. Follow one of the world’s most spectacular treks: a 10 day high
altitude exploration of ancient trade routes in remote northwestern Bhutan aided by local
guides and porters. Immerse your self into the town culture, exploring historic and sacared
sites, shop in the outdoor markets, and dine at the local favorite eateries. Join us in
experiencing the customs and traditions of a land nearly untouched by modernization. Approx.
cost: $5,800 all incl
Short Form: Cultural/environmental exploration of an ethereal
storybook landscape. Icy mountains, emerald valleys, mystical forests, ancient chalets,
sprawling temples, monasteries, yak-herding villages, and an amazing vitality all beckon. Shop
in the outdoor markets, and dine at the local favorite eateries. 10 day high-elevation aided trek
included. Approx. cost: $5,800 all incl
Information Tag: For info., send e-mail or large
SASE ($1.56 stamp) to Erik Madsen (EMadsen2004@yahoo.com (preferred), 70 Oak Hill DR,
Bristol, CT 06010, 860-314-0125). (CL Linda Moraski)
Publication Information: First
Issue: December 2006 Last Issue: June 2007
9. TRIP PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL PROCESS
Trips cannot come before the Major Excursions Committee for approval unless the application is
completed and received two weeks prior to MEC meetings for review. The ME Leader’s web site
has the Handbook and all required forms: http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/handbook/ . As a
minimum we need:
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This application form
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A detailed trip budget/costing form
In addition the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be submitted after
your proposal is accepted:

50 and 150 word notices for AMC Outdoors
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Trip prospectus – without application forms
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street (again, after proposal acceptance)
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A filled out Confidential Medical Form for leader and co-leader
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Copies of first aid certifications for leader and co-leader
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and
forward your electronic documents with the following naming convention:
Leader’s Last Name, Trip destination, Trip Activity (if applicable), Trip Start date.
For example: Zukroff-New-Zealand-Hiking-12-03-Application.doc
Email should be sent to both of the following two addresses:
Stacia Zukroff, Major Excursions Committee Chair at mecchair@amcboston.org
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Heidi Reilly, AMC Travel Programs Coordinator at hreilly@outdoors.org
Or, if you unable to send electronically, please mail a single hard copy to:
Heidi Reilly, Appalachian Mountain Club
Five Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108
617-523-0655, x356 (voice) 617-367-8878 (FAX)
10. CONCLUSION
By turning in this proposal, you are agreeing to the following:
I have read the Major Excursions Leader Handbook and I agree to follow all policies and
procedures of the Major Excursions Committee and the Appalachian Mountain Club in
preparing for and conducting my major excursion.
Questions? Contact Stacia Zukroff at mecchair@amcboston.org or 781-648-5503. She can put
you in touch with an experienced MEC mentor who can help you with trip planning.
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