Practical Information

Seasonal Climate
Daytime temperatures may vary from about 28°c at lower elevations to around 10°c higher up. During the evening, night and early morning the temperatures will be considerably lower, possibly even dropping as low as -10°c in the higher elevations.

Visa Requirements
An entry visa is required by US, AUS, NZ, USA and CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult their travel agents or consular office.

Vaccinations and Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis against malaria. Although not compulsory travelers may wish to take immunization against Menningocal Meningitis and Japanese Encephalitis.

Special Note: Visa and Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be reconfirmed before departure.

Packing for a Trip
Luggage:
Airline Allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Trek Allowance: 22lbs/10kgs Maximum.

Walking Grades and Fitness:
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual's perception of his or her own abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades.

Treks:
are for the more serious hill walker and a higher level of physical fitness is required. Although we have designed our treks in such a way that most reasonably fit person can participate; some walking days are normally 6-8 hours (with plenty of rests) and may involve up to 900m(occasionally) or more in ascent and descent. You should be prepared for several consecutive days walking, often at higher altitudes, so stamina is important.

Altitude
The altitude of most treks makes our trip more suitable for the serious walker with experience of hill walking. We have included time for acclimatization and extreme cases of altitude sickness are rare. But if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in interest of safety the trek leader's decision is final.

Experience:
Bearing the above in mind, we ask for a synopsis of recent walking experience from people intending on the trip.

Medical Examination:
You should visit your GP and specifically mention the altitude the trek reaches, sometimes up to 5550m.

Luggage for Tours
One main piece of baggage and a day sack. You will find it more convenient to travel light outside Kathmandu. Any extra luggage might be stored in Kathmandu or other cities (according to tour itinerary, your leader/guide will advise you on this). Total Allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.

Clothing: You can expect to wear short sleeved shirts and T-shirts during the day in the spring and autumn months but it does get cool in the evening, so bring some warmer clothing as well (especially in Dec/Jan as these are the coldest months) It's worth bringing a good quality waterproof. No bright colored clothing for Chitwan. Do not wear Lycra tights or leggings or very short shorts as the Locals find these offensive.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes (e.g. trainers) and sandals, plus lightweight boots if you wish to take part in any walks. Also bring an old pair of trainers if you want to do the optional rafting.

Equipment: An umbrella to protect against the strong sun or rain. A torch. Binoculars for animal & bird watching or looking at mountains and a universal bath plug, is useful to have along.

Luggage for Treks
Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

• Main Luggage - The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and for storage in Kathmandu.
• Trek Kit Bag - Used whilst on trek for clothing and sleeping bag carried by porters.

Main Baggage:
You will arrive in Kathmandu with everything you need packed for the entire trip in a piece of luggage (normally a suitcase or rucksack). This main piece of baggage will become the receptacle for anything you will not need whilst on trek on the mountains and this is stored at the hotel in Kathmandu. Items you will need whilst on trek should be repacked into your trek kit back and your day sack/rucksack. Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given in Kathmandu but it may be useful to do a trail pack before you leave home. When doing your initial packing, please bear in mind the airline weight limit for luggage (normally 20kg).

Trek Kit Bag:
Before leaving Kathmandu there is time to re-sort luggage into what you need on trek and what can be left in Kathmandu. The porters or pack animals will carry your trek luggage including sleeping bag. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you will not need this much. The bag needs to be strong enough to cope with rough handling; we recommend ex-army kit bags, which can be obtained quite cheaply or a nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top. Rucksacks are unsuitable. We advise that you line your kitbag with a large plastic bag (heavy duty bin liner) to keep the contents dry.

Rucksack/Daypack:
During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage, which is being carried by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventually. Your daypack, which is carried by yourself, should therefore be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, spare fleece/jumper, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litter). Most people normally find this adds up to 2 to 3 kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film/s with you during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a larger pack than one which is overfull of with bits tied to the outside – aim for a 30-35 litre capacity pack. We advise you to line the sack with plastic bag to keep the contents dry. Other optional items in a daypack might be a diary or a book to read at lunchtime. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. Your daypack could be used as hand luggage on the flight to Nepal bearing in mind that shoulder bags are not practical for the trek.

Equipment to Bring
Being properly equipped in one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip. Please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide . In addition see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will be able to offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.