Notes for Trekkers:
While it is extremely important that you are in good physical shape before you embark on a trek amongst the world's highest mountains, it is equally important that you be mentally prepared and accept that when you are trekking you will be away from "civilization" and the comforts of home. Trekking is an adventure travel. You must be prepared to go without some of your favorite ingredients in your diet and perhaps to get really tired after a long hard day over a mountain pass and know that there is no hot shower at the end of day and to have things not quite work out as you expected. If not, you will not enjoy your trekking holiday.
This is not to try to discourage you, trekking in the Himalayas is most rewarding if you are fit. You will be able to enjoy stunning and majestic mountains, meeting nomads and villagers, camping in pleasant valleys and enjoying the companionship of those who have chosen a similar holiday to you. We hope the following information is useful to you in preparing for your trekking holiday.
1. HEALTH AND FITNESS
Fitness for Trekkers
Greater fitness will allow you to adjust with ease, leaving you to enjoy yourself and your surroundings. Exposure to cold and sickness is also increased. We suggest you begin a fitness program at least 3 months before departure. Take part in regular activities such as cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis, walking and bush walking. This requires sustained effort. Walking up and over hills is also a good preparation.
All trekking demands a certain level of fitness that will enable you to put in a good day's walking up hill and down dale. Most treks do not exceed more than 800 meters ascent in one day (except grade A and B treks). Everyone can walk at their own pace so there is plenty of time during the day to cover this distance; the physical exertion, though strenuous, is not sustained. There will be plenty of time to rest.
Remember that most people who are in good health and who follow our preparation suggestions will have no problems. Once you finish your trek, you will immediately feel the exhilaration and enjoyment that is intrinsic in the Himalayas.
Mountain Sickness (Altitude Sickness)
This occurs as the result of failure to adapt to high altitude and can affect any one regardless of their age or state of fitness. It usually occurs at any altitude over 2000 meters. In general you should not ascend more than 300 meters per day, above 3000 to 4000 meters, until you have acclimatized. Poor acclimatization produces headaches, nausea, sleeplessness and irregular breathing and swelling of fingers and glands. The treatment is to descend as soon as possible. A descent of 1000 meters normally brings rapid improvement and recovery. Through experience, we have planned our routes carefully to account for proper acclimatization and occurrences of mountain sickness are rare. However, we would recommend that anyone who develops a headache at high altitude, must consider it as an early sign of mountain sickness and inform your trek leader immediately. People do get headaches for other reasons at altitude, but since there is no way to distinguish these from mountain sickness, they should be treated the same to ensure you wellbeing.
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2. PRE-INFORMATION
We will provide you the detailed information regarding you trips and arrival in Kathmandu or send you by mail or fax upon request.
3. CLOTHING FOR TREKKERS
Boots/Sand Shoes/Running Shoes:
A pair of boots must be comfortable and have good ankle support. It is essential to break new boots in well before departure. They should not be mountaineering boots, but walking boots. Handy and comfortable SANDSHOES or running shoes for wearing around the campsite are recommended.
Anurak/Parka Jacket:
A waterproof / windproof jacket is advisable advise able for those on long high altitude treks. These can be hired at a very reasonable cost in Kathmandu. From one of the many trekking shops.
Woolen Shirts & T-Shirts & Thick Pullover:
T-shirts are usual for everyday wear at lower altitudes, two or three are enough. One light and warm shirts are good for high altitudes and a light long sleeved shirt as protection against sunburn. Thick pullovers are comfortable to wear in the early mornings and after sundown in camps.
Shorts/Skirts/tracksuit:
Ideal for wearing during the day. Women may find culottes a better alternative. Knee length, woolen trousers are recommended in preference to jeans, as jeans restrict walking movements.
Other Garments:
Underwear, gloves, socks, swimsuit, woolen hat/cotton sun hat etc.
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4. EQUIPMENT FOR TREKKERS
Small Day Pack:
Essential for carrying personal items with room to carry pre packed lunch on excursion days.
Water Bottle:
A sea label minimum one liter water bottle (three liter cap. Is preferable at high altitude.
SUNGLASSES/SNOW GOGGLES:
KNIFE: Swiss army types are ideal.
TORCH: With spare batteries and bulbs.
SUNBURN CREAM, LIP SEAL WALLET/MONEY BELT:
PLASTIC BAGS:
TOILETRIES:
TOWEL/SHAMMIE:
PERSONAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Any special medication that you may require is you own responsibility. You must ensure you bring sufficient quantities for your trip.
COTTON INNER SHEET: To be used inside your sleeping bag.
5. EQUIPMENT WHICH IS PROVIDED
MATTRESS: FOAM MATTRESS
KIT BAG:
An elongated canvas bag about 305 cm in diameter and 75 cn long in which to pack your clothing, equipment and sleeping bag is provided. This is carried by the porters. It is also advisable to bring padlocks to secure it.
TENTS:
Two-man, high quality, mountain expedition approved tents with sewn-in ground sheets and zipper openings are provided which provide ample room for two persons.
TOILET PAPER/LATRINE TENT:
MESS TENT:All the food is provided for you on the trek using fresh produce as far as possible. Indian, Nepalese and Continental cuisine's are prepared by our professional cooks.
Please do not bring excess clothing and equipment. Items that are not needed on the trek such as your suitcase may be stored at the hotel while you are trekking.
Sherpa Society Trekking & Mountaineering Pvt. Ltd. [2008] |
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"Travel in Nepal and its Himalayan counterfparts offer a wealth of Geographical splendor, lush rice paddies, cascading waterfalls, thundering white water rivers, majestic snow-capped peaks, and the expansive Majestic plains of the Tibetan Plateau. " |
