A successful and pleasant vacation or adventure trip depends on adequate preparation. Learn how to organize your air travel, hotel reservations, car rentals, visas, passports, and immunizations.

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