ON-TREK EMERGENCY CONTACT
*** Give this SATELLITE number to whoever might need to contact you on the trek ***
To send an SMS to our satellite phone, connect on-line to https://sms.thuraya.com
Input our number (21277980). Write a short message and press ‘send’.
NOTE: We can call you back or email you back. If you want a return call or email include your contact info. You can send this in two SMSs if need be.
Kim Satellite: +88216 (21277980) – use this for Nepal
Kim Satellite #2: +88216 (21274092) – use this for Tibet & India (2nd choice for Nepal)
Lhakpa Satellite: +88216 (87710076)
NOTE: If the battery is charged, you are free to use the satellite phone. The rate charged by Thuraya is 250 NRP per minute.
KIM’S MOBILE NUMBERS
Kim’s Mobile (Nepal): + (977) 9841423810
Kim’s Mobile (Mero Mobile, Nepal): + (977) 9803414745
Kim Kathmandu Guest House: +(977) 1 4700 632
KIM’S EMAIL
kamzang@project-himalaya.com, kamzangkim@gmail.com, kim@kamzang.com
KAMZANG FUND
Sponsoring Children's Educations & Giving Medical Assistance – Giving Back
http://www.kamzang.com/kamzang-fund/kamzang-fund.html
We help sponsor or find sponsors for kids in the Himalaya in Nepal, the Indian Himalaya & Tibet. We also help with medical issues.
http://picasaweb.google.com/KamzangKim/SingeeSPhotos (one of the boys in India we sponsor)
http://kamzangfund.blogspot.com/ (other photos of our kids)
We help sponsor or find sponsors for kids in the Himalaya in Nepal, the Indian Himalaya & Tibet. We also help with medical issues and provide logistical support for projects such as solar panels for community centers. Ask for more details!
PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/KamzangKim - Gallery of All Trek Photos & Kamzang Fund
BHUTAN OFFICE CONTACTS
Xplore Bhutan
Contact: Mr Ugyen D. Dorji
udorji@gmail.com
Xplore Bhutan,
P.O. Box: 1376 Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: +975-2-335671/72, +975-17139999
Fax: +975-2-335670
Keys to Bhutan
Contact: Mr Anan
mail@keystobhutan.com
Keys to Bhutan, Motithang Children Park, PO Box - 432 Thimphu, Bhutan
Tel: +975 2 327232
Fax: +975 2 327233 | 322490
Before You Leave …
HAVE A MEDICAL CHECK UP
Please have a FULL and thorough medical check-up BEFORE signing up for the trek. Review the itinerary in detail, discuss prior medical issues and review all medications with your doctor. People over 60 should consider a stress test.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx - Inoculations Nepal
BOOK THE TREK
http://www.kamzang.com/kamzang-booking-form.html
NEPAL VISA
You can get your Nepal Visa at the airport in Kathmandu OR before you leave home at a Nepali Consulate or Embassy. It’s easy at the airport, so most people get it once they arrive in Nepal. You will need a visa-sized photo and $40 in foreign currency.
INDIA VISA
For those planning to transit in India before or after your trek in Nepal, check for updates. A good site:
https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/homepage
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
For Deposits ($750 check or bank transfer/ $600 via PayPal) & balance payments.If paying the balance in Kathmandu, no bills smaller than $50s please, either in cash or TCs. Please pay in $US or Euros.
1 - CHECKS
($US only)
Kim Bannister
PO Box 1178, Rockport, ME 04856
Tel: (207) 236-2309
2 - BANK TRANSER USA ACCOUNT
Please assure that your bank and/or the intermediary bank assume all charges on your end; I pick-up the bank fees on my end. The amount of the trek is what should arrive in my account. We are not responsible for intermediary bank fees!
Kim D. Bannister
Bank of America
Checking Account # Inquire
Routing Transit 121000358
Swift code BOFAUS6S
Address:
Chestnut Street Branch
PO Box 37176
2200 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94127-0001
Tel: 650 615 4700
You might also need my physical address:
Kim Bannister
7 Spruce St
Rockport, ME 04856
Tel: 207-236-2309
2 - BANK TRANSFER NEPAL ACCOUNT
Kimberly D. Bannister
Account # Inquire
Standard Chartered Bank
Kantipath, Kathmandu
Nepal
Swift Code: SCBLNPKA
3 - CASH
$US, $US Travelers Checks, Euros, British Pounds
(Note: The exchange rate is based on the current, official BANK rate in India or Nepal if you change money, not the money changer rate).
4 - PAYPAL
We accept balance payments by PayPal (to Kim’s account, access directly from the PayPal button), but there is an extra 4% tacked on top, which doesn’t (unfortunately) go to us! There is NO extra charge to you for deposits paid by PayPal.
MONEY & CURRRENCY
http://www.xe.com/ - currency conversion calculations
TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE
For adventure travel. MUST include HELICOPTER EVACUATION and treks over 4000 meters or over 10,000 feet! Ask your insurer if you are unsure …
Travel Insurance: We REQUIRE that everyone has travel medical insurance available from your local medical insurer or from some of the companies listed below (there are many other companies online, do some research to find which is best for you).
***Please bring a PRINTED PAGE with your name, address, personal emergency contact, insurance policy name & number and the overseas contact number to call in case of emergency for us to give to our local agents (we don't need the particulars, just a one-page copy of the policy).
Some suggestions, but check with your local insurance provider for the company best for your country and age. Or ‘Google’ travel medical insurance:
http://www.hccmis.com/health-insurance-plans/
http://www.internationalsos.com/en/
http://www.worldtravelcenter.com/
http://www.travelguard.com/
Also, I recommend joining (Free)
http://www.iamat.org/ - International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
For Americans (every country has its own website – check your gov’ts)
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ - Lists foreign requirements and certified travel clinics throughout the US
TRAVEL IMMUNIZATIONS
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ - Center for Disease Control
ASIA TRANSIT HOTELS
http://www.i-escape.com/
http://www.asiarooms.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/
GEAR
Read the specific gear list below for CAMPING or TEA-HOUSE/LODGE treks, and get back to us with questions …
TEMPERATURES
Bhutan in the Spring and Autumn is usually warm (t-shirt, sandals, light pants or skirt weather) during the day, and gets chilly (light fleece or windproof top) in the afternoon. Nights can be cold enough for a sweater or light jacket, or warm enough for t-shirts. Summer is hotter and wetter. The winter months (November – March) are chilly in the mornings, cold enough that you might start the day in a down jacket, but warm up to jeans and t-shirt weather by late morning. Nights get cold enough for a down jacket if you’re sitting outside.
It never hurts to have an umbrella as it can rain at any time of the year. It never snows. We often sit outside in the restaurants in the evening, so be prepared.
Trekking is a mixed bag of temperatures. Daytime temperatures can be very hot and muggy in the lower altitudes ( below 2000 meters), so a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and light clothes are essential. LAYERS are the key as hot can change quickly to FREEZING crossing the passes, and snowfalls are common. Have a wide range of layer-able trekking clothes for summer to winter temperatures. Be prepared! See GEAR LIST below.
Dress conservatively in Bhutan and on the trail as a rule. Shorts are OK if they aren't TOO short. Sleeveless Ts are also fine, but perhaps avoid tanktops on the trail. Super tight doesn't go over so well with the village elders. Many of the younger generation in Bhutan wear modern Indian or Western-influenced clothes, but remember that you haven't signed up for a beach or surf vacation. Use your good judgment!
RENTALS
We have Northface, Patagonia & Marmot down jackets to rent for $1.50 per day. We also have good Kathmandu North Face down sleeping bags to rent (Approx 0F) for $2.50, and one warmer Kathmandu North Face bag (Approx -20F) bag for $3 per day. Please inquire early.
KIM’S TREK PHOTOS
http://picasaweb.google.com/KamzangKim - Gallery of All Trek Photos
TIPS FOR THE STAFF
We recommend $150 per person to go into the tip pool for the staff. It’s easiest to bring) local currency with you on the trek or bike trip.
Arriving in Bhutan …
ARRIVAL IN BHUTAN
When you arrive at the Paro airport, you will be met by a representative from Xplore Bhutan or Keys to Bhutan and transported to your hotel.
BHUTAN VISA
You'll receive your visa for Bhutan by email before you fly to Paro.
General Trek Information ...
SATELLITE PHONE
We will have a satellite phone with us which you are free to use if the battery is charged. The per minute fee is $3.50 per miniute (Thuraya rate).
MEDICAL
We have a full medical kit with us including Diamox (for acclimatizing), antibiotics, inhalers, bandages, re-hydration, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs etc. but please bring a supply of all prescription and personal medications. I have First Aid, CPR and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications as well as many years of experience with altitude in the Himalaya but am NOT a qualified medic or doctor, so please have a check-up before leaving home, and inform us of any medical issues. This is for your safety …
PAC BAG
We carry a Portable Oxygen Chamber, or Gammow Bag, with us on many treks.
RENTALS
We have Northface, Patagonia & Marmot down jackets to rent for $1.50 per day. We also have good Kathmandu North Face down sleeping bags to rent (Approx 0 F ) for $2.50, and one warmer Kathmandu North Face bag (Approx -20F) bag for $3 per day.
DAYPACK
We recommend a 30-45 liter daypack (ask at your sporting shop if you’re not sure of the capacity of yours). Better to have it too large than too small, as on pass days you’ll want to carry more. Most have internal water bladders built in, which are good to have. Make sure it’s comfortable before leaving home. Mine are 35 and 45 liters, both made by Osprey.
In your daypack, you’ll be carrying 1 or 2 liters of water, a wind/Gortex/soft/ hard-shell jacket, wind/rain pants, hat & gloves, extra socks, sunscreen, snacks, water purifying tablets or filter, camera, a plastic bag or pack-cover and maybe a down jacket. Lhakpa & I carry small medical kits in ours.
PACKING & STORAGE
It’s easiest to pack and unpack from a duffel-bag, and easiest for porters to carry as wel. It’s best to invest in a strong, waterproof duffel such as a North Face.
YAKS, HORSES OR PORTERS?
We have either horses or yaks to carry your bags and our camping gear on the treks, depending on the trek, the time of year and the region.
SNACKS
You will NEED snacks hiking at altitude, even if you’re not a snacker. People crave unusual foods at altitude! Energy bars, ‘GU’ gels, chocolate bars, dried fruit & nuts, beef jerky (or whatever) are important to have along for long days, pre-lunch bonks and passes. Lemonade mix, Emergen-C or similar drink mixes are great to have for hot days in your water bottles, and it is ESSENTIAL to bring electrolytes with you every day.
Bring something to share in the tent in the evenings if you want. Maple syrup is a big hit, special cookies/biscuits, chocolate, nuts, Vegemite, pesto, anchovies, anchovy paste (these last three not found in KTM) or whatever you come up with.
Cheese is great as a treat on a cheese-board before dinner (Blue, Stilton, Yarlsburg, good Cheddar, Brie, etc). If you would like, bring a bit of your favorite and we’ll throw it on a cheese board for appetizers one night.
WATER PURIFYERS & FILTERS
We bring MSR or Katydin ceramic purifying/filtering pumps along on the trek which everyone can use to pump fresh water in the evenings for the next day’s drinking water, ecologically the best way to get water in the Himalaya’s fragile trekking regions. Bring your own pump, UV purifier or iodine tablets to have the capacity for fresh water en route. Please bring at least TWO Nalgene, Sigg or other unbreakable plastic/metal water bottles. Camelbacks and other bladder systems are also good, but can leak, so as a back-up it’s best to also bring a Nalgene/metal water bottle.
NOTE: We do not provide boiled water for drinking on either our tea-house/lodge or our camping treks.
ODDS & ENDS
Zip-lock bags are great to have along for food and lotions. Bring a few large, Hefty-type bags to keep clothes dry on a rainy day. (They aren’t available in Kathmandu so always LOVE an extra box or two! Don’t forget your sunscreen. A plastic, foldable wash bucket is a great idea for clothes at the lodge.
THE BEST GEAR & ADVENTURE LINKS
OUR PARTNERS
http://www.patagonia.com/ - Great Clothing
http://www.ospreypacks.com/ - Great Packs
http://www.bigagnes.com/ - Great Steamboat, CO based Tents,
Sleeping Pads, Sleeping bags, etc
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/ - Great tents, gear, etc
http://www.sportsbasement.com/ - Great SF based Retail Gear Outlet
http://www.keenfootwear.com/ - Great shoes
http://marmot.com/ - Great tents & Gear
http://www.smithoptics.com/ - Great sunglasses (also prescription)
http://www.explorersweb.com/ - Expedition Update, Best place to
buy high-tech communication equipment
http://www.steamboatpowdercats.com/ - The best powder skiing out
West, USA
Also:
http://www.rei.com/ - Great store for all sporting goods
http://www.rei-outlet.com/ - Their Outlet
http://www.altrec.com/ - Great outdoors site
http://www.campmor.com/ - Great discounted camping gear
http://www.backcountry.com/ - Great outdoors site
OTHER HIMALAYAN LINKS
http://www.himalayanart.org/ - Himalayan Art
http://www.tbrc.org/ -
Buddhist Resource Center
http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/stay/agencies.htm/-
Local Agencies in Leh, Ladakh
http://www.snowleopardconservancy.org/homestays.htm/ -
Homestays in Ladakh
http://phukthar.com/index.htm/ Phuktal Gompa in Ladakh, India
http://www.shanglootravels.com/ - Trips to Kashmir
http://www.kashmiralpine.com/ - Skiing in Kashmir, India
http://www.state.gov/travel/ - US Gov’t travel alerts
http://news.bbc.co.uk/ -
Good source of Himalayan News
http://www.indiamike.com/ -
India Travel Research & Review
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal - Nepal Info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India - India Info
http://www.alertnet.org/ – Reuters alert
website
NEPAL NEWS
http://www.nepalnews.com.np/
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/
http://www.kantipuronline.com/
http://peacejournalism.com/
Camping Treks ...
CASH
You’ll all want some cash with you on the trek for drinks, snacks, beer, sodas, etc. There are sometimes chances to shop between sections of the trip, while on the trek and during the jeep/van trips, and often local crafts to buy en route. For tipping the crew we recommend about $150 per person.
GEAR
Layers are essential for trekking; you don’t need quantity as much as quality, and it’s worth investing in some of the great, warm, lightweight gear available these days. I wear a t-shirt, a mid-weight shirt or fleece jacket/vest over that, and always carry a wind/rain jacket, either hard or soft-shell. If the weather looks stormy or it’s a pass day, I carry my down jacket with me. I always have a pair of gloves, wool hat, cap and extra pair of socks in my day-pack. Good trekking boots are essential. High boots are best, but you don’t need climbing or plastic boots (for crampons). You can also get away with low, sturdy trekking boot, which I wear quite often.
Nights are chilly to cold, so a down jacket or vest is important to have with you, and a WARM sleeping bag, which means 0 to -20 F (-18 to -28 C). Mine is -20 F, too warms at times, but I’m toasty warm in it on the cold nights, and the campsites near the passes can get COLD. Rentals available (see below). The dining tent is a Tibetan style ‘yurt’, with blankets and camp chairs on the ground; it’s warm, but still important to have a change of warm clothes for the evenings. I have down booties, which are nice when it’s cold, but a pair of thick wool socks also works.
Trekking poles are not absolutely necessary, but recommended, especially going down passes, which can be quite steep (if there is snow, you might NEED your trekking poles). Bring gaiters if you have them, but they’re not essential. Crampons and ice ax usually not necessary, but feel free to bring them if you have them. We’ll have at least one ice ax with us, just for emergencies (and they are great for digging toilet tents). It’s also good to have a pair of plastic sandals or Crocs for washing and the evenings; wear a pair of warm socks under them for going in and out of the dining tent. Tevas take a long time to dry. You can bring a pair of light sneakers/running shoes for the afternoons or easy days if you want.
Good sunglasses are essential; please bring an extra pair if you tend to lose them! Don’t forget a sun hat/baseball cap and plenty of sunscreen …
Bring extra large plastic bags in case of rain; you can pack electronics in them, or stash your sleeping bag and clothes in them. The weather is changeable in the Himalaya, so I suggest that everyone has a strong, WATERPROOF duffel with them.
GEAR LIST
(THIS IS MEANT TO BE A GUIDELINE, YOU DON'T NEED TO FOLLOW IT EXACTLY)
Strong, waterproof Duffel Bag (North Face are perfect, available online)
35-45 Liter Daypack (with rain-cover)
Sleeping Bag
Air Mattress
Down Jacket
Trekking Boots
Sneakers (optional) or Crocs (for the afternoon & washing)
Sandals (optional, only for lower treks)
2 Pairs Trekking Pants (a zip-off shorts pair is often good to have, but not essential)
4 T-shirts
3 Long-sleeve Trekking Shirts
Fleece Jacket and/or Vest
Gortex or Wind/Rainproof Jacket & Pants
Fleece Top & Bottom (for the evenings)
Silk-weight Long Underwear (optional - to sleep in, or to layer under clothes)
4 Socks
Hat & Gloves
Baseball/Wide-rimmed Cap
Sunglasses
2 Nalgene or Sigg Water-bottles and/or a Bladder
Snack Food & Rehydration/Electrolytes
Toiletries, Sunscreen & Personal medical supplies
Watch (or small clock with alarm)
Extra batteries & Chargers
Headlamp (!)
Water-purifying Tablets or Filter/pump
Down Booties (optional but recommended)
Trekking Poles (optional but recommended)
Gaiters (optional)
Yak Trax or Microspikes (optional – see links below)
http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php/
http://yaktrax.com/
Compacteble Washing Bowl (optional) – for clothes.
Powdered detergent from KTM or Biodegradable washing soap
Hand Sanitizer
Solar Panel (optional, recommended for iPods)
Thermal Mug (optional) – But I never leave home without mine!
Book(s)
Plastic Bags
A SOFT roll of Toilet Paper/Tissues (optional)
NOTE: we supply toilet paper but it’s not soft! You’ll want something softer for blowing your nose …
AIR MATTRESSES
Required.
TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are very good to have for crossing rivers and going up/down steep passes, saving knees.
