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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