Getting Ready for your Nepal Trip

GETTING READY FOR YOUR NEPAL TRIP (Rhododendron Trek in Nepal).

Travel documents to apply for now:

Passport - Apply now. Do not wait until the last minute. A passport generally takes at least six weeks to arrive and costs around $55 (for a fee, it can be easily accelerated to 2-3 weeks).

Tourist Visa – Although a bit more complicated (I don’t recommend it), it is possible to obtain your visa in your own country before arrival at Kathmandu, time permitting.  If you choose this route, apply with Royal Nepalese Embassy (212-370-4133), send them a photocopy of your passport and a picture and tell them how long you will be staying in Nepal. Cost will range from $15 to $60 depending on your length of stay. Obtaining the visa in Kathmandu airport upon arrival is easier, at a cost of approximately $30 and a 30-45 minute wait in the “visa-lane.” Bring a small photo!

Medications - Begin filling prescriptions/supplements in plenty of time before departure to avoid stress and be sure to have an adequate supply for the entire length of time you plan to be away.

Driver's License - International license, if you plan to extend your stay and plan to be driving while

in Nepal (usually not recommended). Call your local AAA for information.

Tip: Begin wearing your new boots / shoes now!

BE RESTED. This is a long journey. The excitement can wear down your immune system. Your ability to enjoy and participate in this fabulous opportunity is going to depend largely on your ability to manage your health while you are traveling.

BE FIT. Our itinerary is designed to optimize your experience. We will be walking approximately six to 8 hours per day at an altitude ranging from 4,290 feet in Kathmandu Valley to 4,590 – 7,000 feet in the villages and  11,000-15,000 feet (for only 3 days) in the Himalayas.

LOCAL FOOD & WATER

It is easy to avoid illness while traveling in Nepal. Being mindful of where and what to eat is

a large part of the solution. While in Kathmandu, we will dine at local restaurants. Most are quite

familiar with “Western stomachs.” Even so, it is a good idea to check tactfully for droplets of water on silverware, dishes and glasses. Even one drop of water be infectious.

Never eat uncooked or unpeeled foods including salads, unless in a very reputable place. Avoid food prepared by street vendors. Drink only boiled (30 minutes minimum), treated, or hygienically bottled water with a sealed cap.

Do not use hotel tap water to brush teeth and avoid swallowing water during a shower.

While in the villages, CCODER’s staff will have trained our hosts in proper food preparation and sanitation procedures. They are eager to please their guests.

Extra water purification measures (optional) include Travelers' PUR Water Filter, iodine tablets, etc.

PERSONAL HEALTH KIT

• Extra pair of eyeglasses with prescription
• Medications in their original container with prescriptions
• Toilet paper for the truly-pampered (soft toilet paper is rare in Nepal). Use sparingly…
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Dental Floss
• Antibiotic ointment
• Band-Aids
• Charcoal tablets
• Acidophilus
• Lomotil or other preparation (Intesol, Colostrum- ask Dr. T) in case of diarrhea
• Ibuprofen or other pain pills, just in case
• Cold relief herbs/medicine/cough drops
• Antibiotic such as penicillin, just in case
• Moleskin to prevent blisters or special “band aids” to eliminate friction at existing blisters
• Sanitary protection (the “sponge” or “the Keeper” are recommended for sustainability and safety)
• Vitamins & other supplements, adequate supply (ask for Dr. T’s Document titled “Nepal Trip Health Protection” by sending him email, or by searching at www.ecopolitan.com)

OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS

• The Nepal Organizers will supply sleeping bags with inner liners and thin mattresses. If you wish to bring your own bag please let us know in advance.
• Pillow case - Can be stuffed with your jacket to make a nice pillow
• Air mattress - If you are particular about softness of the bed. Most beds are fairly hard. Most people    do well without bringing an extra mattress.
• 2 luggage locks - Ones with retractable cable are best (optional)
• Notebook/journal and ballpoint pens (for your own use or for CCODER only, not for beggars!)
• Small pocket sized notebook for handy access
• Important addresses/ business cards
• Photocopy of passport in separate bag
• Health insurance numbers
• Family photos (Nepali people love to see these!)
• US stamps - in case you meet someone heading back who can carry mail for you
• Eyeshades and Earplugs for sleeping (optional)
• Water purifying system (optional)
• Flashlight with fresh batteries & bulb – IMPORTANT to find your way (dynamo-operated or energy-efficient LCD lamps are best)
• Spoon and fork (very optional, trekking agency provides everything!)
• Jack knife (optional, NOT carry-on)
• Sunglasses (optional)
• Hat with sun visor
• Sunscreen or lotion (aloe gel and coconut oil are best, non-toxic)
• Small towel/face cloth
• Extra ziplock bags (they come in handy)
• Camera/film (quality unreliable along the way) with extra batteries (rechargeable digital is best)
• Small tape recorder if you have room. Digital cameras today have voice recording option as well.
• Shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, Lip balm, soap, etc: Non-toxic/truly natural/biodegradable kinds (available at Ecopolitan) are VERY strongly recommended! 
• Toothbrush
• Razor/blades (optional, blades NOT on carry-on)
• Wet Wipes (individually wrapped rather than liquid container) – be ecological please
• Roll of scotch tape (you'd be surprised) and paper clips
• Rubber bands and twist ties
• Clock with alarm (optional)
• Sense of humor- biodegradable (compost-able) a must

Shoes - Whatever hiking shoes you choose, make sure they’re well broken in before you arrive in Nepal. Ankle support is a must, to reduce the likelihood of ankle strain. Think about a good quality hiking boot, preferably water resistant and warm, with enough room for warm socks (we may walk several hours in patches of snow). Also, consider whether you might need extra knee or ankle support and bring this with you as a precaution. On the trail, you will be carrying only your small daypack (camera, water, and sundry items you must have with you, such as your passport, money, and tickets). Porters will be carrying the larger packs.

Extra pair of shoes: Rubber thongs, slip on shoes or heavy duty socks are ideal for inside the house. You will be asked to leave your street/road shoes at the door.

Clothes - Cultural appropriateness is an important consideration with regard to the clothing you bring with you. Bare skin (especially of women) is generally considered unacceptable in the villages, except when washing in the river or public water, where some modesty is still expected. For men long pants are (usually) preferred to shorts, and shirts are to be worn at all times (except when washing/bathing). For women, pants are acceptable on the trail AND you will find yourself more comfortable than in a skirt. A versatile wrap (or button-front) skirt of soft cotton or rayon is ideal when needed to throw on quickly over your pants or leggings. One that hooks or ties is even easier: Conservative attire is generally preferable.

Ideally, you will need the following clothes for the majority of the trek:

• (4 or more) pairs of cotton or wool blend socks plus (2) pairs of polypropylene liners
• (3 or more) pairs of underwear plus silk thermals for unexpected chill
• (1-2) lightweight, comfortable hiking pants; we've found that soft cotton jersey such as a sweat pants will work well
• (1-2) nightshirt
• (2-3) tops/shirts, one a turtleneck
• vest with pockets, fleece or Polar Tec vests are great, lightweight & warm
• scarf or bandana
• pair lightweight warm gloves
• hat
• belt (sometimes great to have to hang things from)
• windbreaker/raincoat with hood
• adaptable sweater
• adaptable shirt

For the 2-3 days at high altitude (tolerably cool days, very cold nights):

1-2 pairs long Jones, 2 skiing undershirts (be prepared for multi-layering), liners for gloves, and cold-weather (skiing) hat

Money and Expenses:

Cash: it is recommended not to bring brand new bills and to carry a selection of small denominations.

Not included in the trip cost are the following:

• Airport overnight stays (depending on the individual’s flight schedule and itinerary)
• Several meals in Kathmandu: You can expect to pay between $2 and $5 for a full delicious meal that includes dessert and beverage. $10 for a meal in Nepal might be considered very extravagant and perhaps bordering on obscene. In Thailand, all meals are included.
• Taxi fares are inexpensive.
• Visa ($30) and Departure Tax at Kathmandu around $25. Departure tax in Thailand: $12.
• Tips to our guides, porters, and kitchen staff ($20-30 per person). Donations to CCODER (optional). Tips in Thailand ($20-25 per person).
• Treasures to bring home with you: Count on between $50 and $500. You will see so many wonderful things. Exchange rates in Nepal are approx. 70 Rupees to US$1.00 and this varies daily. In Thailand, it is approx. 40 Baht per US dollar.

HELPFUL READING

(if you have no time to read before the trip, no worries! We will cover all the important stuff!)

• Moran, Kerry. Nepal Handbook, Moon Travel Handbooks. 1996.
• Bezruchka, Stephen. A Guide to Trekking in Nepal. Sixth Edition Mountaineers Seattle 1991
• Armington Stan. Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas, Lonely Planet, Australia 1985
• Insight Guide's Nepal. APA, Hong Kong, 1985.

PACKING

HOW TO PACK: Bags: Carry two (2) bags: One day pack for water, camera and daily incidentals and one large bag with all your belongings. In a pinch, you can wear the large one on your back, the smaller one strapped at your front, and you will still be quite comfortable with the weight. During the trek, the porters will carry the large bags. We highly recommend a convertible backpack with shoulder straps. Also, bags that are somewhat worn are less conspicuous in third world countries. NO SUITCASES PLEASE. From experience, it is best to carry less than 30 pounds. 20 to 25 lbs. is the recommendation of most seasoned travelers.

Size/Weight Restrictions: Allow for only one carry-on bag. Two (2) pieces can be checked, size not to exceed 64 inches (that is, height and length added together) and weight limited to 70 lbs. each.