Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) —–8,848m
Kanchenjunga ——————-8,586m
Lhotse ———————————8,516m
Makalu ——————————–8,463m
Cho Oyu —————————-8,201m
Dhaulagiri ————————-8,167m
Manaslu —————————-8,163m
Annapurna ————————8,091m

The Himalayan range within Nepal fits into a geographic pattern as the culmination of a series of parallel ranges. The main mountain region, represented by the eternal ranges, lies about 90 kms north of the Mahabharat Lekh. The intervening space between the two parallel ranges is made up of the lower belt of the low hills (Pahar) and the higher belt of elevated ridges (Lekh) that provide the first intimation of the high snow continuous range but rather a chain of lofty ridges separated by deep gorges. Each of these mountain chains or Himals in turn sends out a maze of spurs studded with numerous peaks.

In the western and central Nepal, there is yet another mountain range that defines the boundary between Nepal and China. This border range has elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,000m with comparatively less rugged relief but a harsh climate. Between the main Himalayan range and these border ranges lie some of the elevated Bhot Valleys.

Much of the high country above 5,000 m is under the realm of snow and ice although the permanent snow line may vary according to aspect and gradient. Winter snowfall occurs up to an elevation of 2,000 m and is much heavier in the western part. While winter is harsh and bitter, summer is the season of alpine flowers and is the time of the year when the high pastures teem with grazing animals from lower valleys. For the mountain communities, it is the time for harvesting their main crop before their winter migration to warmer climates.

The Himalayan region abounded in glaciers. Most of the biggest glaciers lie in the eastern Himalayas. As the western Himalayas receive only a small amount of rainfall, barring the formation of vast snowfields, the source of some of the large rivers of Nepal are in fact glaciers.

Nepal’s largest glacier lies in the Mahalangur and the Kumbhakarna ranges. Khumbu is the biggest glacier and Langtang the longest. Kanchenjunga, Yalung, Nupchu and Lamtang are some other glaciers belonging to the eastern Himalayas. Tukche and Hidden valley glaciers belong to the central Himalayas but these are comparatively small. Eating into the land along their course, the glaciers have been partly responsible for changing the Himalayan landscape, and for evolving various geo-patterns ranging from big cirques and rock basins to hanging valleys and morainic ridges.

World Heritage Sites (Natural):

1. Everest National Park (1148 Sq. Kms)
2. Royal Chitawan National Park (923 Sq. Kms)

World Heritage Site (Cultural):

1. Swayambhu
2. Bouddha
3. Bhaktapur
4. Changunarayan
5. Pashupatinath
6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
7. Patan Durbar Square
8. Lumbini

National Parks

1. Royal Barida National Park (968 sq. Kms)
2. Langtang National Park (1710 sq. Kms)
3. Shey-Phoksundo National Park (355 sq. Kms)
4. Rara National Park (106 sq. Kms)
5. Khapted National Park (225 sq. Kms)
6. Makalu-Barun National Park (2330 sq. Kms)

Wildlife Reserve

1. Sukla Phanta Reserve (305 sq. Kms)
2. Parsa Reserve (499 sq. Kms)
3. Koshi-Tappu Reserve (175 sq. Km)

Conservation Areas

1. Annapurna (2600 sq. Km)
2. Makalu-Barun (2330 sq. Km)

Hunting Reserve
Dhorpatan (1325 sq. Kms)

Wildlife
This country harbors one of the world’s best habitats for one horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, and Show-Leopard, Clouded-Leopard, Red panda, Blue-sheep and long snouted fish eating Gharial. Other wildlife includes wild elephant, buffaloes, bison, blue bell, Brown, bear, Sloth bear, Leopard, crocodiles and many varieties of cat, dog, and deer and antelope families. And 840 different species of wetland, migratory and residential birds.

Endangered Species
Tiger, Rhino, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard Red Panda, Brown Bear, Asamese Macaque, Gangetic Dolphin, Wolf, Wild Elephant, Giant horn-bill, Swamp deer, Wild yak, Nayan, Tibetan antelope, Black buck, Four horned antelope, Musk deer pigmy hog, Hasps hare, Pangolin, Gharial, Indian bustard, Saras Crane, Impean Pheasant, Python.

Nepal has four distinct seasons. Spring, from March to May is warm and dusty with rain showers. Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green. Autumn, from September to November, is cool with clear skies, and is the most popular trekking season. In winter from December to February, it is cold at night and can be foggy in the early morning but afternoons are usually clear and pleasant, though there is occasional snow in the mountains.

Weather condition in Nepal varies from region to region. Summer and late spring temperatures range from more than 40 Degrees Celsius in the Terai to about 28 Degrees Celsius in the hilly region of the country. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a mild 23 Degrees Celsius to a brisk 7 Degrees Celsius while the central valley’s experience a chilly 12 Degrees Celsius maximum temperature and a minimum temperature often falling below freezing point.

Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Katmandu Valley situated at an altitude of 1310 m, has a seasonable but equable climate with average summer and winter temperatures of 27 Degrees Celsius to 19 Degrees Celsius and 20 Degrees Celsius to 2 Degrees Celsius respectively. The annual rainfall in Katmandu generally exceeds 1300 mm. The mean annual precipitation ranges from more than 6000 mm along the southern slopes of the Annapurna range in central Nepal to less than the 250 mm in the north central portion near the Tibetan plateau. Amounts varying between 1500 and 2500 mm predominate over most of the country. On an average, about 80% of the precipitation is confined to the monsoon period (June-September).

New Year (Nava Varsha)
The Nepalese New year’s Day usually falls in the second week of April. i.e. the first day of Baisakh. The day is observed as a national holiday. The people celebrate it with great pomp and show. On this occasion, Bisket Jatra is held in the city of Bhaktapur.

Buddha Jayanti
In Nepal, Buddha Jayanti is observed by both Hindus and Buddhists. In the Kathmandu valley, the celebration centers around the ancient Buddhist Shrines of Swayambhunath, situated on a hill west of Kathmandu, the light of butter lamp blazes all through this night as it has for over 2000 years. It is a night of fasting and chanting. Morning finds the stupa gaily decorated with fluttering prayer flags. Thangkas and religious paintings are unrolled and displayed in front of the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries around the stupa. Monks performs long rituals and walk in procession with horns, cymbals and colorful head-dresses. On the other side of town, at the immense white stupa of Boudhanath, crowds of Tibetans, Tamangs and Sherpas gather for merrymaking. An image of the Buddha is mounted on an elephant leading a procession which circles the stupa and winds through the streets to another stupa. Large symbolic lotus petals are painted on the stupa with yellow dye made from pounds of expensive saffron. Prayer flags fill the air, and when night falls, the stupa and balconies of monasteries and homes sparkle with the light of thousands of candle and butter lamps. It’s a time of joy and devotion and a time of thanks to the prince who left his palace to bring to the world the teachings of great compassion.

Dashain
Dashain is also known as Durga Puja, for it is the worship of Mother Goddess Durga. It is Nepal’s longest and most lavishly celebrated Hindu festival. Like Christmas, it is the holiday when families unite to exchange blessings and gifts, to spread goodwill and to forget feuds and quarrels. Everyone wears new clothes, feasts are spread, and the businesses and government functions come to a pleasant halt as one and all make festive visits to their relatives’ homes.

Throughout Nepal during the two weeks preceding the full moon of September or October, Hindu as well as Buddhist households celebrates Dashain. In villages throughout the country, in the homes, streets and temple courtyards of Kathmandu valley, the great Goddess Durga is propitiated with elaborate dances and ritual animal sacrifices. For it was Durga, in a momentous victory, who saved the world form evil forces. The gods and goddesses of Hinduism take may alternative forms. Durga, Divine protectress, is represented either as a simple holy water pot or in her full powerful form with 18 hands holding 18 weapons. Durga also manifested as ferocious Kali with a protruding tongue and necklace of Skulls; or as Taleju-the fearsome protector Goddess of Nepal; or as Kumari, the gentle virgin Living Goddess. Durga is compassionate when treated to generous offerings of blood and spirits, but she is vengeful is scorned with neglet; thus the fervor with which Hindus celebrate Durga puja.

For each of the first nine nights, the narrow lanes surrounding Patan’s Durbar square pulsate with masked dancers aglitter in jeweled costumes, each personifying one of the eight mother Earth goddesses, the Asta Matrika. It is celebrated upto 10 days.

Deepawali (The festival of Lights)
Deepawali, which literally means “the row of lamps” is celebrated as the festival of lights. This festival is also known as ‘Tihar’ which lasts for five consecutive days and is observed in honour of Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and good luck. It is the friendliest of festivals observed throughout Nepal and also India. Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity and good fortune is invited into every home. All people enjoy five days of feasting and family gatherings. It also heralds the advent of autumn in Nepal.

Laxmi puja is observed on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. This is the third day of Tihar when the secret cow is worshipped with great honor. Hindus worship and regard cow as their holy mother. So everybody worship the holy cow in the morning with garlands of flowers and apply red tika on her foreheads.

A few days before Tihar, preparations are seen in full swing for cleaning and whitewashing to add new look to houses and buildings. During this festival houses, shops, offices, factories and mills are brightly decorated with lights and traditional lamps. It is a time of lights and tinsel decorations. This type of illumination is done for three consecutive days, beginning from the first day of Tihar. But special light arrangements are done on the day of Laxmi puja. Flickering oil-traditional lamps lighten al courtyards, doorways, roof-tops, verandahs and windows. People stroll around in new clothes and buy sweets and gifts. In this way, this festival gives glimpse of a traditional Christmas.

Teej (The festival of women (August to September)
Teej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by women in Nepal. Teej is an annual festival. Married women observe Teej to honor lord Shiva and for long and healthy life of their husband. According to Hindu mythology Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva on this day. According to the holy books, the Goddess Parvati fasted and prayed fervently for the great lord Shiva to become her spouse.

Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. This is why women also fast on this day for their husbands or for their husbands to be. Unmarried girls also observe fast on this day for a good husband. Red color is an eminent part of this festival as it is considered auspicious for women observing Teej Fast and so most of them dress up in red or bridal clothes.

Teej celebrations last for three pious days. Women are busy shopping for this festival buying new clothes, bangles, and preparing dishes they have the day before the fasting day. Teej is the only fasting day that women are not allowed to have anything the whole day including water.

Maha Shiva Ratri (February-March)
The night of Lord Shiva, where tens of thousands of devotees and pilgrims from all over Nepal, India and other parts of the world converge at Pashupatinath temple.

During Shivaratri the temple of Pashupati Nath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, becomes all spruced up in anticipation of the arrival of Sadhus, Yogis and other holy men as well as hundreds of thousands of devout Hindu pilgrims. The fact that all devout Hindus believe a visit to the holy Pashupati Nath temple will absolve all past sins and the preference to make this pilgrimage during the time of Shivaratri, the most auspicious of Shivaratri festivals, is one of the main reasons for the annual congregation of this vast multitude of humanity.

The days before and after Shivaratri sees the collection of vast numbers of people from all walks of life as well as providing a Kaleidoscope of many different ethnic and tribal races of Nepal and India. People fill roads around Pashupati Nath temple-holy men, some half clad, some covered in ash but entirely nude; pilgrims in their distinct and colorful tribal costumes; vendors selling practically everything from vermillion powder, Rudraksha beads, Monkey nuts to Coca cola and snacks. The curious foreign tourist also forms part of this vast collection.

People gather on the hillside across the river from the Pashupati Nath temple as well as around the vicinity of the temple complex, in groups around campfires and in making shift shelters, singing Bhajans, reciting mantras, discussing various religious topics while maintaining a fast and a vigil in anticipation of the religious ceremonies. Some with photographable hairstyles dot the area, serene and trance-like, emulating Lord Shiva himself, who it is believed to smoke ‘Marijuana’.

Holi (The festival of colors)
Holi or Faagu, the festival of color, falling in the month of March, Faagu Purnima (Full-moon day), according to Nepali calendar, is a colorfully distinct and unique festival in Hindu culture, celebrated amid greater jubilance and festivity by the Hindu youth-boys and girls in particular.

On this day, all young and old, usually garbed in white costume, wearing red-powder on their foreheads, and varieties of liquid colors thrown on their white Pyzama or Pant Shirts, wander in groups from place to place reaching their friends, relatives, kith and kin, hugging each other, receiving and offering the red-powders on foreheads. The mood and the atmosphere is one of the state of happiness, victory.

In similar fashion, the young girls and women of the household, too, play Holi among themselves, some with their male relatives, friends and kith and kin.

To add intensity to the Holi mood or to forget their sufferings, perhaps the youth consume Opium paste called Shiva buti or ghotta which adds momentum to the festivity. The revelers sing and dance in a complete state of happiness wearing strange look, a bizarre appearance, resulting form applying of several colors on their faces.

The significance of Holi festival, like other Hindu festivals in Hindu mythology, is of greater theological importance. The tradition in the Terai of Nepal and India has it that a day before Holi festival is ceremonially observed, the local youth collects, to some extent, steal wood and timber in the evening from vicinity and, pie them up in some isolated field where they, after observing some rituals, set the wood on fire.

Krishna Astami (July-August)
It marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, impressive ceremonies are conducted at the Krishna Temple in Patan and at Changu Narayan.

Gai Jatra – Cow festival (July to August)
It is a carnival that lasts eight days. Dancing, singing, comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its highlights.

Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra(May-June)
This festival is the biggest socio-cultural event of Patan. The wheeled chariot of a deity known as Bungdyo or Red Machchhendranath is made at Pulchowk and dragged through the city of Patan in several stages till it reaches the appointed destination. The grand finale of the festival is called the ‘Bhoto Dekhaune’ or the “Showing of a vest”. A similar kind of chariot festival to Machchhendranath(white) is also held in Kathmandu city in the month of March-April.

Lhosar
This festival is most impressively observed in the month of February by the Sherpas. They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. These dances can be seen in Khumbu, Helambu, and other northern regions of Nepal and also at Boudhanath in Kathmandu.

Ghodejatra(March-April)
Known as the festival of horses, it is one of the exciting festivals of Kathmandu. Horse race and other sports take place at Tundikhel on this day. In other parts of the city, various deities are carried shoulder-high on Palanquin to the accompaniment of traditional music.

Inrajatra (August-September)
The festival of Indra, the God of rain, is observed with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu valley. The festival lasts for eight days. The Chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in Procession through the main streets of Kathmandu. The festival is specially noted for the echoes of drums and dancing feet of the masked dancers almost every evening.

Religions are an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples, images, carved paintings are to be seen everywhere.  Majority of the people are Hindu in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country.  Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected through out Nepal’s history.

The 2001 census identified 80.6% of the population as Hindu and Buddhism was practiced by about 11% of the population (although many people labelled Hindu or Buddhist often practice a syncretic blend of Hinduism, Buddhism and/or animist traditions). About 4.2% of the population is Muslim and 3.6% of the population follows the indigenous Kirant religion. Christianity is practiced officially by less than 0.5% of the population.

Hindu and Buddhist traditions in Nepal go back to more than two millennia. In Lumbini, Buddha was born, and Pashupatinath temple, Kathamandu, is an old and famous Shiva temple of Hindus. Nepal has several other temples and Buddhist monasteries as well as places of worship of other religious groups. Traditionally, Nepalese philosophical thoughts are ingrained with the Hindu and Buddhist philosophical ethos and traditions, which include elements of Kashmir Shaivism, Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, works of Karmacharyas of Bhaktapur, and a variety of tantric traditions. Tantric traditions are deep rooted in Nepal, including the practice of animal sacrifices. Five types of animals, always male, are considered acceptable for sacrifice: water buffalo, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks.

With a multiplicity of groups, Nepal has several cults, and gods and goddesses, which co-exist with the major religions. In its long cultural history, Nepal has always remained a land of religious harmony.

Hinduism
Hinduism has a basic trinity of three gods; Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Most Hindus, while revering Brahma, do not usually include his worship in religious ceremonies. Vishnu and Shiva, however, are very important to all the Nepalese Hindus.

Vishnu, whose primary duty is to assure the preservation of the world and all living forms, is believed to have visited the earth ten times as “avatars” or incarnations. He is also believed to have come to the earth as a Varaha, as Prince Rama, as the god Krishna and as Lord Gautam Buddha.

Shiva, the Destroyer, is believed to have three forms-Natraj the god of artistic skill, an anthropomorphic form and the Lingam form, the latter being the most famous Lingam is situated in the north-west of Katmandu. In front of any Shiva temple, one usually sees a statue of Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva’s vehicle. In anthropomorphic form, Shiva is depicted with his consort Parbati and usually holds a trident and a small drum. Another popular form of Shiva is terrifying Bhairav, who himself has a number of different forms.

Another widely venerated god is Ganesh, one of the sons of Shiva. Ganesh is revered in Nepal as the god of wisdom and the deity responsible for deciding between success and failure.

In practice, the Nepalese Hindus may choose one particular god as a favorite deity to be worshipped daily, or more likely will give due deference to all the above-mentioned gods and goddesses, along with many other incarnations and deities. Nepal’s many Hindu festivals are dedicated to dozens of different deities and celebrated by all Hindus, as well as Buddhists.

Two of Vishnu’s other incarnations- Rama and Krishna-are especially important to the Hindus. Rama and Krishna are the heroes of the classic Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharat respectively.

Buddhism
Beliefs and practices of Buddhism in Nepal date back to the time of its founder, Prince Siddhartha Gautam who was born in Lumbini in the southern Terai region of the country in about 543 B.C. Up to the age of twenty-nine, the young prince led a very sheltered life in the royal palace of his father, completely unaware of the problems and suffering of everyday life outside of the palace walls.

One day, he convinced his charioteer to take him outside the palace and was shocked at the sight of an old man, a cripple and a corpse. The realization that there was much misery and unhappiness in the world persuaded the prince to abandon his luxurious life in the royal palace in order to search for enlightenment and the real meaning of life.

For many years, Gautam wandered from place to place looking for a solution to the problems he saw all around him. Finally, while meditating under a Pine tree, he became spiritually enlightened. Henceforth known as Lord Buddha or the “the enlightened one”. He began to preach the “Four Noble Truths” to all who would listen. According to this doctrine, people suffer because of their attachment to things and the root of all the problems is desire. These desires and consequently, all problems and sufferings, can be totally eliminated by following the “eightfold path”-right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort right mindfulness an right meditation.

Buddha journeyed from place to place, teaching and converting hundreds of followers and died at the age of eighty. However, his many disciples continued spreading his teachings. At the same time Buddhism splitted into two main schools of thought: Hinayana and Mahayana. The Followers of Hinayana do not worship idols of Buddha as the enlightened prince taught against idolatory. Very few other Nepalese Buddhists have adopted the Hinayana school of thought, choosing rather to follow Mahayana teachings. One of the central beliefs of Mahayanists is that one can achieve nirvana by following the example of Bodhisattvas, Bodhi meaning enlightenment and Sattva meaning essence.

Tantrism
Both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal have been strongly influenced by the beliefs and practices of Tantrism. “Tantra” is a Sanskrit word referring to the basic warp of threads in weaving. Difficult to define due to its varying types and forms, Trantrism is a religion of moral percepts, meditation, yoga, mantras and a philosophy that believes in interwovenness of all things.

Tantrism has greatly influenced Nepalese Buddhism by creating the path of Vajrayana, the Path of the Thunderbolt. The main object used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals is a small thunderbolt-like sceptre that is said to represent the infinite in three dimensions. A large thunderbolt or Vajra as it is commonly referred to, can be seen at the entrance of Swayambhu temple at Katmandu on the top of a long flight steps.

There are basically two types of Tantric gods and goddesses: Dharmapalas and Yidams. The former is often depicted with flaming red hair, several arms, legs or heads and three eyes. Yidams are tutelary deities often found depicted in thangkas; like their Dharmapala counterparts, they are ferocious deities with many hands and fearsome weapons.

The high Himalayan settlements of Tibetan speaking people are found perched precariously on mountain ledges and slopes. Life here is delicate balance of hard work and social merrymaking, tempered by a culture deeply steeped in ancient religious traditions. The best known of the high mountain peoples are the Sherpas who inhabit the central and eastern regions of Nepal. The Sherpas have easy access to Bhot (Tibet) for trade and social intercourse and therefore Tibetan influence on their culture and civilization remains distinct. The midlands are inhabited by various Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan speaking hill and valley people, for example the Brahmins, Chettris, and Newars. While the Brahmins and Chettris are widely distributed throughout the country, the Newars are mainly concentrated in the Katmandu Valley and other towns.

The Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Magars, Sunwars, Jirels, Gurungs, Thakalis, and Chepangs are other Tibeto-Burman speaking Mongoloid peole found living in the middle hills. They each have their own distinct social and cultural patterns. The the lowland Terai are inhabited by people such as the Brahmins, Rajputs, Tharus, Danwars, Majhis, Darais, Rajbansis, Statars, dhimals and Dhangars. Though Nepal is a veritable mosaic of dozens of ethnic groups, they are bound together and by the ideas of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance to form one unified nation.

If you don’t yet have an insurance policy you can purchase a comprehensive travel and adventure insurance policy form here directly.

All the travelers need to be in a good physical healthly condition in order to participate in the travel tours and trekking experience. If in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in the trip details thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

There are no specific health requirements for our trips. However, you should consult with your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions before your departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. For travelers over 70 years, a completed and signed Self Assessment Form is required.

We are very aware of the health issues raised by Bird flu and Swine flu and these have been taken into consideration for all aspects of the trip you are about to take. We also reserve the right to make changes to any itinerary in the very unlikely occurrence that an area should suddenly be deemed to be unsafe because of an outbreak of bird flu, swine flu or other disease.

Physical Preparation
For the trekking expedition trips the general rule is that you will need to be very fit and the more preparation you have done for it, the more you will enjoy it. You will be walking at altitudes of up to approximately 5545 meters above sea level and it will be physically demanding. You will be walking with your day pack, with the possibility of extreme variations in temperature. We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the months before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Doing mountain trekking is same as climbing long stair cases with a pack, try putting a few bricks in your pack for real training . Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trek to its fullest.

Safety
Nepal is one of the most tourist friendly countries in the world. In fact, many consider Nepal to be the Mecca of trekking & tours. Many governments provide a regularly updated advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We also provide a brief notes if there is any safety measures to be taken from your side during the trip.

Please use your own good judgment when selecting any activity as all involve certain level of risk. Please also note that your tour leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. We advise all travelers to travel with authorized guides, and ask for advice without any hesitation. If you are planning a difficult trek, please make sure you have an insurance that covers helicopter rescue from high altitude area. You can purchase such travel adventure insurance at low cost here.

Safety precautions

•    Take a moment to read through the travel information provided by your government before travelling.
•    Register with your embassy or consulate in Kathmandu upon arrival
•    Never trek alone, take a guide or at a fellow trekker
•    Register your route at the entrance to the parks or conservation areas
•    Always stick to the rules & customs of the land, as well as your itinerary details.
•    Trekker on high altitudes may experience altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness. Report any discomfort like nausea, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath to your tour leader immediately.

Preparing for a trip or vacation
Traveling broadens our perspective of the world in which we live. Going to foreign countries provides exposure to different cultures, different food, and different languages. Even in some popular “civilized” travel destinations, it is easy to become a victim of thief’s and criminals who will take your luggage, assault you to steal your jewelry and valuables, or cheat you in the price of services. Your best protection is to be alert, book your tours through travel agencies, and never travel alone to an unfamiliar destination. Make sure that you know the traditions of the land where you want to travel before you start your trip.

Travel arrangements
Scheduling your trip involves careful planning. Our Travel consular’s can help you to organize some of your preparations. First of all, take care of your travel documents. Some countries require only passports, but others require passports and visas. To get the best deals for your transportation and hotel accommodations, you will need to make your reservations well in advance of your travel. The best bargains can be obtained during the off-season when demand has diminished.

Along with your passports and visas, you may need to take along vaccination certificates, and prescriptions for any special medicines that you need. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with your medicines. Some medicines sold over the counter in the United States may be considered illegal in other countries and vice versa. There is nothing more unpleasant than starting a vacation on the wrong foot by having to explain to the customs authorities why you are carrying so many “drugs”.

As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport with plenty of time to manage the check-in congestion. Also, don’t exceed the container size limits of carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, otherwise, your toiletries will be confiscated. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce (84 milliliters) or smaller containers, and they must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Watch your Cash!
When traveling, stay aware of your surroundings to avoid being a victim of pickpockets. Do not travel with more than two credit cards, and notify the card companies that you will be traveling so that they will not put a hold on the cards when they start seeing charges from unfamiliar places. If you don’t have access to a hotel safe, use a money belt  or neck wallet  under your shirt to hold your passport, travel tickets, and extra cash. Only carry in your wallet what you will be using for the day. If you run out of money in your wallet, go into a bathroom, and lock the door to retrieve extra money from your money belt. In crowded places, it is better to carry your wallet in a front pant pocket rather than in a back pocket that can be picked more easily.

Adventure Trekking Checklist
Suitcases are not recommended by us as most travelers carry their luggage in backpacks, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips. Most of the utilities items can be purchased in Kathmandu, Nepal, and so if anything is missing, our guide shall help you in buying the missing items.

Basic items for trekking will be provided by our agency if the charges are included in the price list. Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking – you can leave luggage behind at the hotel and collect it at the end of the trek. Porters are provided for the trek, the recommended baggage load to be carried by a porter can NOT exceed 10-12kgs per person.

Please note that sleeping bags, packs of various sizes, cold weather clothes (for all treks) are readily available to buy or hire in both Kathmandu and Pokhara at very reasonable rates. Most items will be hired for you from our office. Before departing, make sure you have enough Nepalese currency to purchase extra item not covered by our list.

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

1. Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate (if available), air tickets, and our voucher of payment, etc.
2. Health requirements arranged
3. Money: traveller’s cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
4. Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
5. First aid kit
6. Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
7. Prescription glasses and contact lens solution if required
8. Alarm clock
9. Torch/flashlight
10. Travel plug/international adapter
11. Insect repellent
12. Refillable water bottle and water purification method
13. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
14. Swimming costume
15. Lightweight travel towel
16. Ear plugs/eye mask
17. Comfortable walking shoes
18. Local language phrase book
19. Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries
20. Personal audio player with spare batteries
21. Raincoat/umbrella
22. Waterproof jacket
23. Extra warm clothing during winter (December to February)
24. Personal hygiene products such as tampons can be bought locally, but your choice may be limited.

Recommended to bring for the trek:

1. 4 season sleeping bag (Oct-Feb) – this can be hired locally
2. Several pairs wool blend and thin cotton socks. Bring extra during winter months (Dec-Feb)
3. Running/tennis shoes or sandals, for wearing around tea houses or camps
4. Waterproof, thigh-length jacket of GoreTex or similar material
5. Wool jumper / sweater / fleece. Light weight during summer, 1 heavy weight or 2 light weights during winter months. Down jackets are great in winter.
6. Pants: lightweight long trousers, a pair of long shorts, tracksuit pants to wear around tea houses or camps. Warmer trousers during winter months. Jeans are not suitable.
7. T-shirts/shirts: 2 or 3 short sleeved, 1 long sleeved to protect you from the sun
8. Hat: Sun hat or cap for day wear. Wool hat or beanie covering the ears during the winter months
9. Water proof gloves
10. Thermal underwear as they are light and easily washable
11. A sarong is also useful while bathing – can be bought cheaply in Nepal
12. Cotton headscarf/bandanna
13. Basic toiletries
14. Biodegradable soap
15. Hygienic hand wipes
16. Penknife, Swiss Army style
17. Lip balm
18. Plastic/waterproof bags to use as rubbish bag while trekking & to keep clothing dry
19. High energy foods such as nuts and chocolate
20. Waterproof pack cover