packing and other tips

Packing


  • Good trekking shoes : good sole grip, ankle support
    • there are many brands availahle
    • pls ensure that the fit is comfortable and you use the shoes for at least a few days before the trip
    • should should be water proof [preferable] or water resistant and should be able to protect from light snow as well
  • Clothes [take at least one set more than the recommended number, to take care of changes in the schedule, that is very likely]
    • normal : for kathmandu weather 
    • warm [thermals, down jacket] - enough for the parikrama
  • medicines [other than your normal medication]
    • Antacid [digene, pudin hara etc]
    • crocin or variants
  • Mug [for use in toilets]
  • Flask
  • optional: if you need a western toilet adaptor [get a folding stool type with a western seat]
  • coconut oil [to prevent lips / nose from drying]
  • for parikrama [minimize the load to be carried, even if you plan to engage a porter]
    • spare clothes [if you get wet]
    • medicines for 3 days
    • snacks [energy bars, dry fruits, chocolates etc] ; there could be a tendency to over pack; it is not a picnic and you may not get much time to stop, relax and eat leisurely on the way
    • water
    • blanket [optional]
    • walking stick
    • sweaters
    • rain coat, down jacket
    • hand sanitizer, toilet paper rolls
    • torch, batteries
    • some camphor, ginger, Amla

Other tips:
  • Delhi Kathmandu flights tend to get overbooked; it is better to check in in advance if you can
  • Buffet meals tend to get over fast depending on the menu and the hunger levels of the group; fill all you need in the first round itself
  • since most flights are low-frills, plan to carry food for your flights, particularly if you have connections that are close and you may not get time to eat during transit
  • make your booking for domestic and international on the same PNR, to enable checking luggage in directly. while it is possible even if you have multiple PNRs, not all airlines / agents are aware or would be willing to do this; when they do, it is likely to upset other waiting passengers behind you!

some DOs and DONTs:

DO / Be:
  • prepared for the unexpected; from the overall schedule to individuals forming a team
  • cheerful; there would be times when you might feel low - headache, cold etc - or feel pulled down by others who are not feeling all that good
  • friendly and make new friends - there would be people from different backgrounds / regions in the tour group; make as many friends as possible
  • keep money for 'optional packages';
    • the costs for services such as porters / ponies varies from year to year; you might have got an indicative figure from the agency, but that may have changed
    • some optional costs are bundled: when you take a pony, you must also engage a porter, if you have a bag to carry, as the horses will not carry you and the luggage!
  • take skeptics with a pinch of salt, but be prepared
    • you would hear stories varying from ecstasy to gloom based on individual experiences
    • while they could be true in their situation, it may not apply as-is in your situation
  • be willing to pick some 'contra-time' - like some stock investment advisors say - for routine activities : such as finding free toilets! so that you need not lose your cool!
  • carry some 'bindi's / bangles / pens to give to children / women along the way as they come asking for such items
  • travel as a group [even if it just 2 of you] and stay together with the larger group
  • pack items by individual, even if you plan to travel as a team
    • for instance, the snacks for the parikrama may be consumed individually, as it may not be like a picnic, when all of you would be together and eat together
  • carry enough toilet paper for the parikrama
DONT:
  • panic
  • keep complaining
  • read too much before your trip [including this blog!]
  • keep asking questions to the guide sherpa
  • book independent tickets [so that you have the same PNR for all segments of your trip]

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