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) – NEPALl
Kim Satellite #2: +88216 (21274092) – INDIA & TIBET
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 NUMBER
Kim’s Mobile (Nepal): + (977) 9803414745
KIM’S EMAILS
kim@kamzang.com kamzangkim@gmail.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 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
KATHMANDU OFFICE CONTACT
KHUMBU ADVENTURES
Office: +(977) 01 4488352
Lhakpa Mobile: +(977) 9841235461, 9803675361
Doma Mobile: +(977) 9841 510833, 9803 675361
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 or $100 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
TREK DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
NOTE: DEPOSITS ARE $750 OR $1000 DEPENDING ON THE TREK
NOTE: The amount of the payment or deposit is what should arrive in my bank. For bank transfers, ask your bank about intermediary banks that take separate fees and include these fees in your transfer amount.
CHECKS ($US ONLY)
Make out to:Kim Bannister
PO Box 1178, Rockport, ME 04856
Tel: (207) 236-2309
KIM’S ‘FIRST BANK’ ACCOUNT - USA
WITH US CORRESPONDENT BANK:
Financial Institution: The First, NA
ABA/Routing Number: 011201830
Customer Name: Kim D Bannister
Customer Account Number:*** INQUIRE
WITHOUT US CORRESPONDENT BANK:
Financial Institution: Key Bank
Swift: KEYBUS33
Address: 4910 Tiedman Road
Mailcode OH-01-51-0641, Cleveland OH
Credit to: The First, NA FIRST BANK
BANK Account Number: 199681001947
KIM BANNISTER Account Number: *** INQUIRE
Kim D. Bannister
PO Box 1178
7 Spruce St
Rockport, ME 04856
Tel: 207-236-2309
KIM’S $US STANDARD CHARTERED ACCOUNT - NEPAL
Kimberly D. Bannister
Account # *** INQUIRE
Standard Chartered Bank Kantipath, Kathmandu
Nepal
Swift Code: SCBLNPKA
CASH
$US, $US Travelers Checks prefered
(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).
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.
http://kamzang.com/kamzang-make-payment.htm
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/
DELHI AIRPORT TRANSIT HOTEL
Eaton Hotel
EARLY ARRIVAL & ROOMS IN KATHMANDU
Make sure we have your updated flight information. If you are arriving early, we will book your extra nights for you. Let us know your arrival details.
NOTE:
We provide STANDARD SINGLE ROOMS WITHOUT BREAKFAST at NO single supplement charge. If you want breakfast included, it’s $25 EXTRA for the 4 nights of the trek, a discount on the $8 + tax per breakfast at the cafe.
Double rooms & couples share a GARDEN/ANNEX DOUBLE WITH BREAKFAST.
Let us know if you want to upgrade (see below) and note that the Kathmandu Guest House has amazing, brand-new DELUXE ROOMS with views down onto the wonderful garden, well worth spending some money on!
ALL rooms besides the STANDARD SINGLE INCLUDED IN TREK include breakfast.
KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE ROOM UPGRADES
(INCLUDING BREAKFAST & 24% TAXES)
(15% DISCOUNT)
SINGLE STANDARD – $25
SINGLE GARDEN/ANNEX – $80
SINGLE DELUXE - $200
DOUBLE DELUXE - $240
KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE EXTRA NIGHTS
(INCLUDING BREAKFAST & 24%TAXES)
(15% DISCOUNT)
STANDARD SINGLE - $45
GARDEN/ANNEX SINGLE - $55
GARDEN/ANNEX DOUBLE - $65
DELUXE SINGLE - $85
DELUXE DOUBLE - $100
See www.ktmgh.com for more information about the Kathmandu Guest House.
GEAR
Read the specific gear list below for CAMPING or TEA-HOUSE/LODGE treks, and get back to us with questions …
TEMPERATURES
Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu 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 Nepal 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!
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 NRP (rupees) with you on the trek.
TIPPING IN GENERAL
Of course tips are always appreciated but they don’t need to be extravagant. 50 - 100 NRP to carry bags to/from your room is a good tip. The women who clean your room will be thrilled with 100-200 NRP when you leave, and 50-100 NRP is plenty for drivers. Round up taxi fares. 10% is included in most restaurant and hotel bills now, and if it’s not included it’s still expected. Check your bills. Feel free to give out small change to the beggars in the streets (5, 10, 20 NRP is great) but try not to give it out to the street kids who use it for glue to sniff, sadly.
Arriving in Kathmandu …
Kathmandu
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
You’ll arrive at the Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport. For information on the airport, see their official website: http://www.tiairport.com.np/.
Or the Wikipedia site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_International_Airport
*** Once you leave the terminal, look for the Kathmandu Guest House Van. A representative from the Kathmandu Guest House will have your name and bring you to the Kathmandu Guest House, where Kim will meet you. Your rooms will be booked already under Kim/Project Himalaya.
NEPAL VISA
You can get your Nepal Visa at the airport OR before you leave home for about the same time. It’s easy at the airport, so most people get it once they arrive in Nepal. You will need foreign currency and a visa-size photo. IF you already have your Nepal Visa, skip the visa line which can be long. Visa fees (all multiple entry):
*** You usually get an extra day or two at the airport over 30 day visa if you stay longer than a month. To be sure, you can extend your visa at the immigration office for 15 days/$60 once in Nepal. We can extend your Visa for you for a small fee once you arrive in Kathmandu.
KATHMANDU GUEST HOUSE
Make sure we have your updated flight information. If you are arriving early, we will book your extra nights for you. Let us know your arrival details. See www.ktmgh.com for more information about the Kathmandu Guest House.
NOTE: On camping treks, everyone will have their own 2-person tent, 3-person tents for couple. Our tents are new, Western (Marmot, Big Agnes & Mountain Hardwear) four season tents.
KATHMANDU
You’ll have a free day to do some sightseeing in Kathmandu. Since most people have been to Kathmandu previously, we don’t do a sightseeing tour but you may want to get together with some of the other trekkers and make some arrangements. Kim will take you on a ‘back-streets walk’ if everyone wants, interesting and lots of fun.
We’ll check gear when you arrive if anyone needs, ask Kim. Please have 2 visa-sized photos, photocopies of your passport AND Nepali visa, your airline tickets to re-confirm, personal contact info in case of emergency and insurance information ready in a packet to give to Kim.
MEDICAL CENTERS IN KATHMANDU
CIWEC Travel Medicine Center: 442-4111
CIWEC Dental Center: 444-0100
CIWEC is located in Lainchaur across the street from the British Council and the British Embassy.
http://www.ciwec-clinic.com/about/intro.html
PAMPERING YOURSELF IN KATHMANDU
We can also book you rooms for extra nights at other luxury/5-star hotels in Kathmandu such as Shangri-La, the Yak & Yeti, Dwardikas, the Hyatt and several others. Rates generally run from $150 - $350. We will inquire about the current rates as needed.
*** We can also direct you to Spa & Massage Centers in all price ranges! One highly recommended Spa &Massage Center is Himalayan Healers at the Ambassador Hotel in Lazimpat, a 10 minute walk from Thamel.
RESTAURANTS
food-nepal (restaurant guide)
thamel
breakfast & lunch ....
Funky Boudha (garden, good juices, generally nice atmosphere)
Pumpernickel (famous KTM bakery, garden café)
New Orleans (great atmosphere, fresh juice & good coffees)
Himalayan Java (Himalayan coffee, bakery, local hang-out, atmospheric)
Gaia (lovely atmosphere, also good for dinner, continental)
Northfield Cafe & Jesse James Bar (garden restaurant, popular, food OK)
Narila’s (Middle Eastern, casual, popular and inexpensive)
Dechenling (Bhutanese, Indian & Nepali garden restaruant, very atmospheric, nice spot to spend the afternnoon)
dinner & later ...
Roadhouse Café (Italian, wood-oven pizzas, steaks, salads, Southwestern atmosphere)
New Orleans (great atmosphere, garden, live music evenings, breakfast, lunch & dinners)
Cha Cha & White Horse Wine Bar (Pastas, wine bar, good atmosphere & food)
The Third Eye (Indian, classic KTM haunt, now re-vamped)
Yin & Yang (Thai, same owners as Third Eye, next door)
Tamas Spa Lounge (Live music, good food, trendy spot with unique atmosphere)
Dechenling (Bhutanese, Indian & Nepali with climbing wall, fires in winter, lovely setting)
Mitra (European food, small & intimate, a bit pricey, great reviews)
Fire & Ice (real Italian pizzas, thinnest crusts, ice-cream)
Jatra (mixed food, live music Fri & Sat, great ambiance)
OR2K (Middle Eastern, bohemian atmosphere, good food)
Kathmandu Guest House (garden restaurant & café, good coffee)
La Dolce Via (Owned by Roadhouse Cafe, similar fare and wonderful atmosphere)
Organic Café (salads, good, healthy food)
Kilroy’s (famous chef, mostly European food)
K-Too (Kilroy’s run, steakhouse)
Mandap (good bakery, Indian)
Koto’s (Japanese)
lazimpat
Kotetsu (Japanese restaurant, good reviews, upper Lazimpat)
Bawarchi (Indian, good food, across from Ambassador Hotel)
Saffron Indian Restaurant (Shangri La Hotel)
other places
The Chimney (Yak & Yeti)
The Sunrise Cafe (Yak & Yeti, great evening buffet)
Krishnarpan (Dwarika’s, said to be one of the finest Nepali dining experiences in Nepal)
Mike's Breakfast & Indigo Gallery (Just outside of Thamel in Naxal, best breakfast in town with gallery attached)
Mako's (Dwardika's, Japanese)
Toran and Fusion Bar (Dwardikas, Friday jazz & buffet by the pool, a must-do in KTM)
The Cafe (Hyatt, good buffet)
1905 (Durbar Marg, owned by Kilroy, Kantipath)
Nepali Chulo (just before Durbar Marg, authentic Newari & Nepali restaurant)
New Orleans Cafe (Patan location)
BARS
Sam’s Bar (classic Kathmandu open-air bar, music)
Tamas (Spa Lounge, live music, good food, trendy spot with unique atmosphere)
Rox Restaurant & Bar (Hyatt, popular bar Friday night, restaurants)
Lost Horizon Bar (Shangri La Hotel)
Upstairs Bar (popular Lazimpat bar, live music Wed & Sat)
Red Onion Bar (Lazimpat, also live music sometimes)
Tom & Jerry’s (classic KTM bar, upstairs, pool table, loud)
Comfort Zone (also has a good Korean restaurant, trendy upstairs lounge feel, bright & modern)
Fusion Bar (Dwardika's)
Rum Doodle (Everest bar, this incarnation it's third or fourth ...)
PASSPORTS & VALUABLES ON TREK
You should carry all of your on-trek cash, your PP and valuables with you in your daypack at all times during the trek (not in your duffel bag). You can also check valuables at the Kathmandu Guest House (see above).
MONEY & ATMS
There are many ATMs which accept almost all debit and credit cards around Kathmandu as well as many money changers.
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 international per minute fee is 250 NRP (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. Kim has First Aid, CPR and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certifications as well as many years of experience with altitude in the Himalaya but is 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 OWN safety.
DO bring all prescription medications and good rehydration/electrolytes. We advise bringing your own Diamox, Ciprofloxin, Azithromyacin & Augmentin. We have all of these with us but the Western versions are always better than the Indian equivalents.
PAC BAG & OXYGEN
We carry a Portable Oxygen Chamber, or Gammow Bag, with us on many treks. There is no charge for use of the PAC bag but oxygen is $300 per canister (cost price, pass on to insurance company).
RENTALS
We have Western down jackets to rent for $1.50 per day. We also have good ‘Kathmandu North Face’ super-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 well. I’ll take a look at what everyone has when you arrive. Inexpensive and/or good quality duffels are available in Kathmandu, but it’s best to invest in a strong, waterproof duffel such as a North Face. You can leave/store extra gear in Kathmandu at the Kathmandu Guest House storage room free of charge. Valuables can be stored at the Kathmandu Guest House in private safety-deposit boxes for 2 NRP per day.
YAKS, HORSES OR PORTERS?
We have either porters, 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.
EXTRA GEAR
If anyone has old/extra/used gear of any sort, bring it along if you have room in your duffels. We have many children of all ages that we sponsor or help in various parts of Nepal (some belong to our staff) and they all have brothers and sisters, mostly from the ages of 5 – 15, as well as several newborns. We help them out with clothes quite often, which are much needed as their families are poor.
Our porters & staff also appreciate ANY sort of clothing, from old shirts, jackets, pants, fleeces, shoes to your old trekking socks. Again, if you have room, bring it along, but nothing too heavy or bulky as weight is often an issue. We often have a raffle on the first day of the trek, and each porter will get at least one ‘new’ thing, which is fun. ANY old sunglasses are perfect to bring along.
You can also bring pencils, sharpeners, erasers, pens, hair ties, socks and things for kids. Be creative but thoughtful as many of the villages are remote, and while we encourage trekkers to bring essentials, we don’t want to drop a load of junk on unsuspecting villagers. Balloon, pen and Bon-Bon are the cries heard on the trail these days.
Most Nepalis are quite a bit smaller than their Western equivalents …
NOTE: check your baggage allowance before leaving home!
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/rehydration packets 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.
Gourmet instant coffee is fantastic for the afternoons/evenings. We only 'press' our freshly ground coffee in the mornings ...
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.
*** Nothing besides your personal snack food is required, but it’s fun to see what everyone comes up with! Almost all basics available in Kathmandu, so no need to over-load.
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.
*** We can’t get Zip-lock bags in Nepal, so would happily take a box off people if they wouldn’t mind bringing them out.
Everest Treks (Lodges) ...
WHAT WE NEED IN KATHMANDU
- 1 PP or visa sized photo
- A copy of your travel medical insurance (just one sheet with policy number, name and international contact numbers)
- A copy of your Passport (front page)
- A copy of your Nepal Visa
CASH
You’ll all want cash with you during the trek for drinks, showers, snacks, candy bars, biscuits, beer, battery charging etc. There’s some good shopping in Namche, as I mentioned, and sometimes a chance to buy locally made products. For tipping the crew we recommend about $100 per person in Nepali rupees. There are ATMs in KTM which give you $500 per go, and many money changers, banks, etc. In Namche you can change TCs or cash, and some other places cash. I’ll also have extra rupees with me if anyone runs out and needs to borrow. $250 is a good amount to change when you arrive in KTM.
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). You’ll want something warm for the evenings like fleece layers and down although the lodges all have wood/yak-dung stoves, and it gets HOT, usually much too warm for down booties or expedition down jackets.
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.
NOTE: Most gear is available in Kathmandu, from real to fake (and there are real North Face, Mountain Hardwear and various other gear shops now in Kathmandu, so bring your credit card.
GEAR LIST
(THIS IS MEANT TO BE A GUIDELINE, YOU DON'T NEED TO FOLLOW IT EXACTLY)
NOTE: YOUR DUFFEL BAG CAN’T BE ANY LARGER THAN A NORTH FACE XL (140 L, 32” x 19” x 19”)
ONE DUFFEL BAG PER PERSON PLEASE!
Strong, waterproof DUFFEL BAG (North Face are perfect, available online)
35-45 Liter Daypack (with Rain-cover)
WARM Sleeping Bag
Down Jacket
Trekking Boots
Sneakers/Light shoes (optional) or Crocs (for evenings & washing)
2-3 Pairs Trekking Pants3 T-Shirts
3 Long-sleeve Trekking Shirts
Fleece Jacket and/or Vest
Soft or Hard-shell JacketGortex or Wind/Rainproof Jacket & Pants
Fleece/Thermal Top & Bottom (for the evenings)
Light Long Underwear (optional - to sleep in, or to layer under clothes)
4 Socks
Hat & Gloves
Baseball Cap and/or Wide-rimmed Hat
Sunglasses
Nalgene or Sigg Water-bottles (2) IN ADDITION TO a Bladder (Bladder optional)
Toiletries, Sunscreen & Personal medical supplies
Watch (or small clock with alarm)
Extra Batteries & Chargers
Headlamp
Water-purifying Tablets or Filter/Pump
Trekking Poles (optional)
Gators (optional)
Yak Trax or Microspikes (optional – see links below)
http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php/
http://yaktrax.com/
Down Booties (optional, but recommended)
Compactable Washing Bowl (optional, for clothes)
Snack Food & Re-hydration/Electrolytes
Laundry Detergent (Kathmandu) or Bio-degradable Clothes Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Small Solar Panel (optional, recommended for iPods)
Book(s)
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 …
Zip-lock
BagsRehydration/electrolyte powder
SNACKS!
SUGGESTED MEDS:
See Medical section. We suggest bringing with you as Western is much better than the Indian equivalent: Diamox, Azithromyacin, Ciprofoxin & Augmentin. Bring COMPEED BLISTER covers, bandages, good wrapping tape & knee or ankle supports if you tend to have issues. Bring good electrolytes (Emergen-C) and/or rehydration. The local versions aren’t very appealing.
AIR MATTRESSES
You DON’T need one, there are comfortable mattresses in all of the lodges.
TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are very good to have for crossing rivers and going up/down steep passes, saving knees, but not essential.
MEALS
You order what you like from the lodge menus, three meals per day. NOTE: We provide 1-2 items off the menu for breakfast, 1 for lunch and 2 for dinner (soup & main course/main course & desert). We also bring hot drinks (see below) and often provide snacks before dinner. Other packaged snacks from the lodge shops you buy yourself, as well other optional items such as bottled water, beer, soda, juice, candy bars. Bring something from home to share on a cold day if you’d like …
JAVA & CHAI
We serve fresh pressed French Roast from Himalayan Java in Kathmandu in the mornings. If anyone has a favorite roast, we love a variety of GROUND coffee (for a French press, dark roasts keep well). We also have a large variety of herbal teas and Jasmine tea with us.
GROG & DRINKS
Sodas, juice, beer, bottled water are all available at the lodge shops along the way. If you like wine, a good variety is available in KTM. (But no drinking until we are acclimatized …). We provide filtered drinking water though out the trek, but not bottled or boiled water.
NOTE: We don’t provide hot-water bottles for sleeping at night, so if you do want one you can pay directly to the lodge for these.
BATTERIES
There are now many places to recharge batteries in the Everest region so bring your camera battery chargers. BUT we recommend always bringing extra batteries as it takes time to charge and there is often a line, charging is not always available and it can get VERY expensive to charge your batteries up higher!
BOOKS
Bring one or two to read. We’ll have a small ‘library’ of Everest books with us. You can trade, buy or sell them in Namche as well as at some other spots.
WASHING & SHOWERS
Showers are almost always available at the lodges, but they’re not cheap, so budget some extra cash if you like to shower! You can have (at no cost) a ‘warm washing bowl’ to wash up with. As for clothes, bring a small package of soap powder, and you can either wash your clothes yourself or give our porters some money to wash them for you!
Camping Treks ...
WHAT WE NEED IN KATHMANDU
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 in Nepali rupees. There are ATMs in KTM which give you $500 per go, and many money changers, banks, etc. I’ll also have extra if anyone runs out and needs to borrow! (I’m a shopper, so always ready for a good buy, from yak-hair blankets to silver tsampa spoons).
STAFF
Our co-guide is Lhakpa Dorji Sherpa from Thame, in the Everest region. Lhakpa is an experienced mountain guide, has his own Nepal trekking website (www.khumbuadventures.com), has been working and trekking with us for many years in Nepal, India & Tibet.
Our Nepali cook, Junar, is a genius in the kitchen (tent) and helps set up camp, cross rivers or anything else that needs to be done. Kiran is our assistant guide and ‘sherpa’, a wonderfully caring person. Suresh , all smiles, is our other ‘sherpa’ and helps with everything to do with our dining tent. Yam is our assistant cook, another lovely person. The rest of our Nepal staff varies depending on the trek or region. We have a group of Tamang porters who almost always come on our porter treks with us …
It’s an amazing group of guys, and I’re extremely lucky to have them working with me …
OUR DINING TENT
Our signature dining tent is our Tibetan Style Festival tent (called a Gur in Tibetan), similar to a yurt but rectangular, a white canvas tent which opens up from the entire front end for amazing Himalayan views. Our ‘Central Asian’ style set-up inside includes patterned Indian dhuries (woven cotton rugs) over mats on the ground, camp chairs and a low table filled with all sorts of delicious food for snacks and meals. Open as soon as we get to camp in the afternoons!
TENTS
Everyone gets their own Big Agnes or Mountain Hardwear tent; singles have a 2-person tent and couples share a larger, 3-person version. They are new tents, easy to put up, airy, and have doors on both sides for great Himalayan views!
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.
*** Most gear is available in Kathmandu, from real to fake (and there are real North Face, Mountain Hardwear, a mixed brands & Young Ones shops now in Kathmandu, so bring your credit card…
GEAR LIST
(THIS IS MEANT TO BE A GUIDELINE, YOU DON'T NEED TO FOLLOW IT EXACTLY)
NOTE: YOUR DUFFEL BAG CAN’T BE ANY LARGER THAN A NORTH FACE XL (140 L, 32” x 19” x 19”)
ONE DUFFEL BAG PER PERSON PLEASE!
Strong, waterproof DUFFEL BAG (North Face are perfect, available online)
35-45 Liter Daypack (with Rain-cover)
WARM Sleeping Bag
Down Jacket
Trekking Boots
Thermarest/Air (or Down) Mattress
Sneakers/Light camp shoes (optional) or Crocs (for evenings & washing)
Good Hiking Sandals (REQUIRED ONLY for Ladakh, Mustang & Dolpo Treks)
2-3 Pairs Trekking Pants3 T-Shirts
3 Long-sleeve Trekking Shirts
Fleece Jacket and/or Vest
Soft or Hard-shell JacketGortex or Wind/Rainproof Jacket & Pants
Fleece/Thermal Top & Bottom (for the evenings)
Light Long Underwear (optional - to sleep in, or to layer under clothes)
4 Socks
Hat & Gloves
Baseball Cap and/or Wide-rimmed Hat
Sunglasses
Nalgene or Sigg Water-bottles (2) IN ADDITION TO a Bladder (Bladder optional)
Toiletries, Sunscreen & Personal medical supplies
Watch (or small clock with alarm)
Extra Batteries & Chargers
Headlamp
Water-purifying Tablets or Filter/Pump
Trekking Poles (optional)
Gators (optional)
Yak Trax or Microspikes (optional – see links below)
http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php/
http://yaktrax.com/
Down Booties (optional, but recommended)
Compactable Washing Bowl (optional, for clothes)
Snack Food & Re-hydration/Electrolytes
Laundry Detergent (Kathmandu) or Bio-degradable Clothes Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Small Solar Panel (optional, recommended for iPods)
Book(s)
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 …
Zip-lock
BagsRehydration/electrolyte powder
SNACKS!
SUGGESTED MEDS:
See Medical section. We suggest bringing with you as Western is much better than the Indian equivalent: Diamox, Azithromyacin, Ciprofoxin & Augmentin. Bring COMPEED BLISTER covers, bandages, good wrapping tape & knee or ankle supports if you tend to have issues. Bring good electrolytes (Emergen-C) and/or rehydration. The local versions aren’t very appealing.
AIR MATTRESSES
Required! (We have a few to rent if you don’t have one …)
TREKKING POLES
Trekking poles are very good to have for crossing rivers and going up/down steep passes, saving knees.
CAMP CHAIRS
We have Crazy Creek camp chairs for everyone, and use them inside our dining tent on Asian style rugs and mats, very cozy and comfortable. Bring them outside by the stream with a book on a rest day, or out in the sun for breakfast if it’s nice …
TREKKING NOSH
Our food is perhaps THE best you’ll ever get on a camping trek anywhere in the world, no expense barred and (well, maybe) a money-back guarantee if you don’t gain some weight during the trek. We serve three home-made meals a day plus a snacks in the afternoon (and once in a while host a ‘Happy Hour’), use fresh produce (some of which we pick-up en route), all prepared by our amazing cook, Junar. And often assisted by Kim & Lhakpa. The meals are truly delicious and of the highest quality available in the region; some things even brought in duffels from overseas. Our meals are mostly vegetarian, but we do cook meat (in addition to the veg fare) once in a while. We try to provide as much of a ‘gourmet experience’ as possible, and I think most people come away from the treks remembering the great variety of food served, from Indian to Italian, Tibetan to Thai.
Fresh brewed coffee, Indian Chai & herbal teas are available in the dining tent from breakfast to late evening. Breakfasts include eggs, breads & toast, muesli, pancakes, French toast, cinnamon rolls and anything else you can come up with. Our lunches are packed, not cooked en route, and include bread, cheese, humus/beans, rice pilau/fried rice, fried noodles, samosas and other delicacies. Dinners range from Indian & Nepali to Mexican, Thai & Italian, often topped off with an apple/mango cobbler! We give boiled water in the evenings for your water bottles. Let us known about any dietary restrictions.
JAVA & CHAI
We serve fresh pressed French Roast from Himalayan Java in Kathmandu in the mornings. We also serve Indian Chai and/or Kashmiri. We have a large variety of herbal teas, flavored Dilmah teas, black tea and Jasmine tea as well as hot lemon and hot chocolate. Enjoy!
GROG & DRINKS
Cokes, juice, beer, etc, sometimes available at shops along the way. If you like wine, we can pick up a box of wine from KTM, or a bottle of run, and pack it into a Nalgene bottle. (But not until we are acclimatized …).
WASHING
We give you a warm bowl of water in the mornings (and the evenings if you want) for washing up, and there is always a bucket of water with soap and a towel next to the dining tent. There are always streams nearby, and a favorite past-time becomes finding the perfect wash-spot. A plastic, foldable wash bucket is a great idea for campsite. Bring a small bag of powdered soap from Kathmandu for your clothes, and you can always get one of our staff members to do your washing for you for a small fee if you want!
BATTERIES & SOLAR PANELS
Bring your camera battery chargers and an EXTRA battery or two for your digital camera. We have solar panels and inverters that you are free to use if they are free; satellite phone has first priority. If you have your own solar panel, DO bring it, especially if you want to charge your iPod.
BOOKS
Bring them along, and we’ll have a small ‘library’ of relevant books with us …
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/
