Dead Cities of Syria Challenge 2012

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

The Dead Cities of Syria Challenge

Northern Syria

April 20-27, 2012

Trek – 6 days

This will be G4G’s 37th challenge.

This 6-day trek through the deserted ancient cities of northern Syria will explore ruins dating back more than 1000 years, including tombs, churches, mosques, citadels and Roman remains.   But don’t be fooled!    Each day’s hike will be 5-8 hours in duration and will require stamina to complete, passing through remote and seldom visited areas and camping most nights.

Charity: Funds raised will support disadvantaged children in Syria – exact charity project being researched now.

Level:This will be a MODERATE test of fitness and determination, which should be achievable by anyone who is in good health.   G4G will run a number of free training sessions before the challenge.

Number of participants:Maximum 25 per group.

Registration Fee: AED 2,200/-

Minimum Sponsorship: AED 14,000/-

Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.

What G4G provides on the Challenge: Flights and transfers, hotels/tents (on a double-occupancy basis), food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.

Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

 Dead Cities of Syria Challenge 2012

Syria

20-27 April 2012

Day 1: April 20, Friday

Upon arrival in Aleppo Airport, meet, assist and transfer to our hotel. Tour briefing. Transfer into the old city to walk through the ancient narrow alleyways. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Aleppo’s famous Citadel. In the evening visit the famous Baron Hotel for drinks (at own expense). Dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2: April 21, Saturday

Visit Aleppo Souq – Transfer to Dead Cities – Trek to Kawkaba

After breakfast spend time exploring the ancient souq, one of the most famous in Arabia.   Late morning transfer to Al Mazraa to start our trek.   Al Mazraa is the site of some spectacular underground tombs that we’ll have time to explore.   Today’s trek takes around 4 ½ hours and also passes through the ruins of Bzabour, Sarjeh and Kawkaba.

Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 3: April 22, Sunday

Trek from Kawkaba to Dier Al Uzeh

Today’s 6-hour trek takes us to Firkiya with its magnificent mosaic floored mausoleum (that we’ll have exclusive access to) and on to the ruins of Al Maghara, Staleh, Dabaah and Dier Al Uzeh.   During this, and other trekking days, we’ll be walking through farmland and small villages, meeting local people and exploring numerous ruins.

Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 4: April 23, Monday

Trek from Dier Al Uzeh to Shrinshrah

5 hours trekking today through the ruins at Dier Sunbol, Syrgilla, Baudah, R’Biyah and Shrinshrah.   Apart from Syrgilla, these cities are remote and seldom visited.   We’ll spend time exploring each of these extensive ruins before continuing to the next.

Dinner and overnight at camp

Day 5: April 24, Tuesday 

Trek from Shrinshrah to Barrah

Our longest trekking day (about 8 hours). The morning sees us visit the ancient villages of B’Tarseh & B’Shala.   Continue through Wadi Mardahoun (Hell) to Barrah (4 hours), one of the most famous Dead Cities (10 km).   Tour of Barrah with the Guardian of the ruins. During this tour we’ll have access inside normally locked tombs, a wine press, churches and other historical buildings.

Overnight at campsite within the ruins

Day 6: April 25, Wednesday 

Trek from Barrah to Ain La Rose – Transfer to Damascus

Our last morning of trekking (4 hours) sees us pass through open farmland and the quaint village of Jer Jes to our finish at Ain La Rose, a Roman water system with magnificent views.   In the afternoon we transfer to our hotel in Damascus.   Celebration dinner in a traditional restaurant within the walled city.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 7: April 26, Thursday 

Walking exploration of Damascus

After breakfast, we will transfer to the old city and  start a full day guided sightseeing walking exploration of the old walled city, including visits to the Ummayad Mosque with its tomb of John the Baptist, Azem Palace, Salah Uddin’s tomb, Hammadiyeh Souq and the National Museum.   Lunch at traditional restaurant.   Your evening is free to explore.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 8: April 27, Friday 

Departure day

After breakfast transfer to the airport for final departure.

Notes: This itinerary may change due to unforeseen changes of country regulations, unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, group strength, etc. We will endeavour to keep to the planned itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, the group leader will have the final say.

This itinerary is tough and you may encounter poor weather. The challenge is not for the unfit or the faint-hearted.

Most of our challenges have occasional exposure to sheer drops. Therefore, should you suffer from vertigo, you should discuss the itinerary with a member of our team.

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

Climate

The weather in Syria in April is renowned for its erratic nature, with quick shifts from balmy to freezing climates, sun to rain.   For the month of April, daytime temperatures in Syria will range from 15ºC to 33 ºC with a mean of 23 º.   At night, temperatures range from 14 ºC to 3ºC at night, with a mean of 8ºC.   A warm jacket will be needed at night.

Health

The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized.   Seek advice from your doctor on the necessary immunizations.   Our medical adviser recommends that you should be immunized against: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus and Typhoid.   Ideally, all necessary immunizations should be taken 6-8 weeks before travel to allow time for the shots to take effect.   Contact your GP for more information.

Once there, several more precautions should be taken to ward off Malaria.   Avoid mosquito bites.   Proper hygiene should be practiced, such as regular hand washing and the use of hand cleaning gel prior to eating in order to prevent passage of viruses and germs.   As always, seek medical care if you feel sick.

You can visit Medicentres International in Motor City:  04-360-8866 & Prime Medical Center – 04-349-4545 for vaccinations at a reasonable cost.

Second most important – follow food and drink guidelines.   Do not drink tap water.

Dr. Kersten Elliot, a chiropodist/podiatrist from Dubai Physiotherapy and Family medicine Clinic, 04 349 6333, is happy to provide a 50% discount on consultation fees – please take your G4G Registration Cover Letter as proof that you are a registered challenger.

Training

This will be a MODERATE test of fitness and determination, which should be achievable by anyone who is in good health.   G4G will run a number of free training sessions before the challenge.   Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness (and some may even help you fundraise!)  The challenge is described as a hard test of all round fitness.   You need to be fit and healthy to participate.

Visa information

You will need to ensure your passports are valid for a minimum period of six months.   Contact your local Syrian Embassy/Consulate in advance for visa information, or click on the link below:

http://www.syrianembassy.ae/Visas_E.html

Find the map of the embassy here:

http://syria.visahq.com/embassy/United-Arab-Emirates/

Telephone number: 02-4448768 (Embassy)

+971 (4) 357-2227 (Consulate)

Email:

Travel & medical insurance

G4G can arrange travel and medical insurance for all participants.   You will be required to pay your insurance premium in addition to your sponsorship target.   Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms and conditions, etc. are available on request (Aed 20 per day).   If you have your own Insurance cover, please ensure that you are covered for activities such as trekking in Syria and provide us a copy of the policy.

If you are on medication, remember to write down both the brand and generic names of your meds.

Fundraising

A comprehensive fundraising booklet is included in your challenge pack.   It is always good to arrange private fundraising “events” as well as asking family, friends and colleagues for money.   Fundraising in this way increases your profile, creates more goodwill and raises awareness of the work of the nominated charities.   The G4G office can give you names of previous challengers who will be happy to offer advice and maybe even assistance.   Be aware that there are rules and regulations controlling public fundraising in the UAE – if you have any questions, contact our office.

Safety

We take your safety very seriously.   It is our first and never forgotten priority.   Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions. 

Respect for the environment

We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same.   Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints!

A typical day

Days vary according to terrain and distance.   However, you can expect a normal day’s hike to last anywhere between 5-8 hours, passing through remote and seldom visited areas including ruins of Roman remains and tombs.   At nighttime you will be camping on all nights expect the first and last.

What we supply

Flights and transfers, hotels/tents (on a double-occupancy basis), food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.

Mental preparation

It is well within you to complete this challenge.   Remain in a positive state of mind, without being overly confident.   This mental stamina will make the more difficult parts easier to complete.   Always focus on your goal and do not get involved in inconsequential matters that will rob you of your concentration.   Being physically prepared assists a great deal in being mentally confident for the physical part of the Challenge.    Come with a relaxed attitude – and a good sense of humour!

Miscellaneous information

Syria is one hour behind the U.A.E.

Take US Dollars to change.

The Exchange rate(s) as of 17 August 2011:

1 SYP = 0.021USD or 1 USD = 47.42 SYP

1 AED = 12.91 SYP or 1 SYP = 0.077 AED

For reference:

A 1.5 litre of bottled water is 0.48$

Electricity in Syria is 220-240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second.

Outlets in Syria generally accept TYPE C/ Europlugs (shaped like 2 parallel round rods), as shown in the image below):

If your appliances’ plugs have a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.

Good Reference Books are the Lonely Planet Guides to Syria,     

available in Dubai from Magrudy’s.

The following notes are from the local Ground Handler who will be leading the trek:

1. Food and drinks

On the trek, the ground handlers will serve you wholesome food for replenishment and to meet your energy requirements.   Special dietary requirements can be provided on request.   Food will be prepared by local families and brought to the camps/lunch spots by the support drivers.   Bottled drinking water will be available throughout the challenge.

2. Your staff on the trip

Will consist of one English-speaking Guide/Escort who will be wholly responsible for the execution of the trip once it hits the trail.    Local helpers who will pitch the tents, serve food and guide the members on the trail will assist him.  There will also be a professional guide with Advanced Wilderness First Aid certification.

3. We (ground handler) will provide

6 person, Coleman camping tents.   We usually put 2 clients in each tent.   We have a generator to power pumps and lighting.   We also provide comfortable foam mattresses.   We use Arabic cushions and carpets for the seating/eating area.

All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own bag pack.

4. Sanitation and personal hygiene

We will provide toilet tents with chemical loos, shower tents and a hand basin.   Please bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizers for emergencies.

5. General matters

Your personal belongings will be looked after by our staff, so please help them by not leaving them unattended in villages and other public places.

You will find the local people friendly, charming and inquisitive.   We request you to maintain and follow the local customs.   Sometimes handouts by trekkers have led to increased begging especially among village children, affecting their independent-spirited nature.   As dental hygiene is a big problem no chocolate and sweets for the children, please. The leader/Escort can advise you if you are keen to help locally.

Money on the trek

You may want to buy drinks at wayside shops and souvenirs from the locals.   Small change should be carried.

Tips

It is difficult to give precise amounts as it obviously varies by each country; however the suggested amount is normally USD 25 – USD 50 per challenger for challenges lasting up to a week.   Tips are usually collected at the end of the challenge by the G4G rep and given to the ground handler rep for distribution to the concerned staff.

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

 We are currently researching well run, professionally managed charities in Syria to benefit from the funds raised through this challenge.

You can rest assured that Gulf for Good do not just hand out money to the charities we support!   We request detailed proposals for capital projects – hospital wards, orphanage buildings, classrooms, fresh water facilities, medical equipment, etc.   We have a system whereby we check these proposals with the assistance of an independent third party in the charity’s country.   Once approved and the funds raised, we will usually pay 50% up front to allow the project to start, the rest only being paid against invoices.

Please go to our Charity pages to see the range and breadth of charity projects we have supported in the past.

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

CHALLENGE POSTPONED PENDING ONGOING REVIEW OF THE SYRIAN POLITICAL SITUATION

How to pack: 

Your clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:

1) What you are going to wear and need on the trip. This should preferably fit into a single bag (soft kit bag, not a suitcase), which will be transported each day from site to site.

2) What you are going to carry in your daypack. Do carry an extra shirt in your daypack. When you stop hiking, you may feel cold after sweating and need to change or add a layer to prevent chills.

Thoughts and ideas:

• Be kind to your feet! Buy new footwear in good time and use it well to break it in.
• Bring foot / blister treatment and treat blisters early (on hands, too). Reduce the risk of blisters by wearing correct fitting footwear, socks and gloves.
• Prepare your body well for the trip; get plenty of practice on the saddle before you go!
• Stuff sacks are great for storing your gear. Use different sizes and colours to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.
• If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust.
• Some of the roads are rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment in plastic bags to protect them from dust in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.
• Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can hand wash a few quick-drying items.
• Make one copy of your passport and take it with you. We will have a second copy in our files.

What to bring: (tick as you collect!)

Mandatory:

• Bag – a lockable, good-sized duffle bag with a top length zipper and nametag.  Soft sided G4G duffle bags are available for Aed 100 each. (Names tags provided by G4G)
• Daypack – a light small and comfortable daypack (25-30 litres) with padded straps.
• A 3 season sleeping bag

Footwear

• Several pairs light weight socks
• 1 pair hiking boots with ankle support
• 1 pair lightweight trainers/sneakers for flat trails
• 1 pair sandals/comfortable shoes to suit hotel/camping terrain

Underwear

• Several sets regular underwear

Outerwear

• 1 Light fleece or similar for evenings
• Lightweight wind/rain protection jacket with hood
• Wide Brimmed hat for sun and rain

Pants

• Trousers or shorts suitable for hiking (wicking material)
• Trousers or shorts suitable for hotel/camping terrain
• Light weight rain protection trousers

Shirts

• A selection of quick dry shirts

Day pack

• Water bottles and /or water bladder
• Sunglasses and prescription glasses
• Chapstick and sun block
• Prescription medication
• Camera/spare filsm, batteries/memory cards
• Toilet paper/tissues
• Water proofs and an extra short or pull over
• Buff/bandana
• Isotonic drink mix
• Trail snacks

Other

• Medium towel (fast drying)
• Flash light or headlamps, spare batteries and bulbs
• Toileteries
• Vaseline (helps against blisters)

Optional

• Reading material
• Trekking poles, can be useful on steeper sections of the trail, especially on the downhill paths