Yoga Trek

Your gear in the duffel bag is carried by Porters or pack animals and is not available to you during the day. Your day pack should contain all that you need.

Each evening your Guide will inform you of any special requirements of the following day. Generally you will need any warm clothing recommended, water bottle, camera gear and personal items such as sun screen, lip salve, etc.

Consider carefully what you bring each day because you cannot put anything back in the duffel bag and you want to carry the lightest load possible! Unless you are carrying excessive amounts of camera equipment, your load will only be a few kilograms and is almost unnoticeable if you have a comfortable day pack.

"Don't feel guilty when you see the loads that the porters carry as they are by comparison enormous. This is the traditional method of transporting every thing in Nepal and provides much needed employment, and therefore brings wages into the community."

Unfortunately there are a few unscrupulous porters who try to take unfair advantage of their kind-hearted western clients. If a shivering, barefoot porter appears before you, chances are it is because he is trying to elicit sympathy, clothes or even money unfairly and not because he doesn't have the gear. Please report any such incidents to the Guide, who will remedy the situation.

The ideal currency is US dollars in travelers cheques for increased security and convenience, preferably from major companies such as Visa, American Express or similar, Local bank travelers cheques will possible not be recognized and changed. have more smaller denomination cheques, (less than US 100) so that you will not be left with excessive amount of Rupees.

In general, it is very hard to advise on the correct amount to bring as everyone has different budgets and different ideas of what souvenirs are going to be bought. However on trek you will probable spend between 500 - 800 Rupees (US$ 8.00 - 15.00) per day for lunches, soft drinks, chocolates, etc. If you drink and smoke you will have to add a little more. At the time of writing, water was Rs 235 a bottle and toilet paper Rs, 75 a roll, in the Everest region, and some other highest regions.

In Kathmandu accommodation is based on a bed and breakfast basis so allow for lunches and dinners, generally this is about 600-800(US$ 8.00 - 15.00) per meal in the tourist area of Thamel. All the major hotels have excellent Western style restaurants, but tend to be more expensive.

For shopping the amount will vary greatly from person to person. If you are contemplating larger items - carpets, jewellery etc. up to US$ 500 could be spent.

In an unlikely event of delays in flight for any reason, please keep a separate amount US$ 200 - 300 if you are in a larger group, for a helicopter option, If you are on a smaller group the amount could be higher. This is absolutely optional.

Keep a separate record of your cheque numbers to assist with quick replacement should you lose them. Travelers cheques may be cashed most easily at major hotels.

The list is comprehensive and includes all items that you should bring to cover all possible conditions on your Trek. It is likely that not all these items will be needed and some will stay in your duffel bag.

But mountain weather is fickle and can change suddenly so it is essential that you bring everything. All clothing should be of natural materials such as cotton or wool except for the newer clothing made especially for the outdoors such materials as polypropylene for thermal underwear, pile or fleece for jackets and pants and so on.

We advise that for any purchases you visit a reliable and experienced out doors supply outlet.

Any such gear list, while being comprehensive, is also general. If you are one of those people that " feel the cold" then it would be worth considering an extra layer of clothing.

Like wise, if you tend to drink a lot of fluid during the day then please increase your water bottle capacity or number.

Duffel Bag - The ideal (perfect, best) way for porters and pack animals to carry gear. Please note that hard items packed in the duffel bag should be wrapped in cloth, etc for comfortable carrying.

Duvet Jacket - Either Down or Dacron fill. depending on the season. Very warm and light. For around camp in the mornings/evenings and on very cold days. Makes an excellent pillow at night.

Sleeping Bag - Either a Down or Dacron fill depending on season.

Inner sheet - A flannelette or thermal inner sheet to keep your sleeping bag clean and fresh.

A poncho - Very useful for sudden showers and fits easily in your day pack. If you already own a rain jacket and pants we recommend that you bring them with you.

Water Bottle - 1 liter minimum, aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene are the best. Make sure they do not leak.

Day pack - Medium sized, comfortable and with a waist strap or (better) padded waist belt.

Snow - Gaiters - To keep boots dry.

Snow Goggles - Good quality Bolle, Rayban or similar to protect eyes from glare.

Sun Glasses - Good quality.

Bag Lines - Large and thick garbage bags to line and water / dust proof the duffel bag

Stuff Bags - Smaller plastic bags to separate items in the duffel bag and as rubbish bags.

Sewing Kit - For emergency repairs.

Money Belt - For security on the trail and around town

Towel - Medium sized lightweight or a "pack Towel"

Torch - Campers style lightweight headlamp, leaves the hands free.

Disposable Lighter - For burning toilet paper, rubbish.

Penknife (camping knife) - Swiss Army style - has many uses.

Medical Kit - As you want "Staying Happy & Healthy"

Thermarest - or similar self -inflating (blowup, go up) mattress, for decadent luxury.

Camera Gear - Crazy if you don't

Diary - To record one of the best experiences of your life

Games - cards, chess, books etc. for the evenings

Umbrella - Not only for rain, makes a great sunshade and provides privacy at toilet stops.

What is required for trekking in September, October, March, April and May.

Walking Boots - Lightweight, water proof, make sure they fit correctly with plenty of toe room. Wear in well before Trek.

Socks - 4 pairs each thick wool / blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - make sure boots fit such combinations

Running / Tinnis Shoes / Sandals - Good for in the lodge.

Waterproofs - Thigh length jacket with an effective hood. One that is water / windproof! Gore-Tex or similar material.

Snow-Gaiters - to keep boots dry.

Wool sweater - Lightweight

Jacket - pile or fleece as alternative or in addition to sweater. Light weight and dries very quickly

Pants - Lightweight long trousers or shorts. Jeans are not suitable. Long skirts (women) are culturally more acceptable.

Track Pants - For camp wear and colder days

T-shirts - 2 or 3

Shirt - Lightweight, collared long sleeve to protect from sun.

Hats - Wool or pile 'beanie' with ear flaps or balaclava for nights. Peaked 'French Legionnaire' style sun hat gives neck protection during the day.

Gloves - Wool / Pile

Scarf - Wool / Pile

Underwear - As required

Thermal Underwear - Lightweight top and trousers.

Swimsuit - Essential for outdoor bathing. A sarong can be substituted for both swimsuit and towel.

Please note though that there are no bathing facilities in the Mountain region , except the rivers, whose waters are normally very cold.

What is required for trekking in November, December, January and February.

Walking Boots - Light weight, waterproof, make sure they fit correctly with plenty of toe room. Wear in well before Trek.

Socks - 4 Paris each thick wool/blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - make sure boots fit such combinations.

Running / Tennis shoes / Sandals - Good for in the lodge.

Waterproofs - Thigh length jacket with an effective hood. One that is water / windproof, Gore-Tex or similar material. Over pants as above with side zips for putting on over boots.

Snow-Gaiters - To keep boots dry

Wool Sweater - 1 heavy weight or preferably (if possible, rather, first), 2 light weight

Jacket - Pile/fleece in addition to sweater. Lightweight and very quick drying.

Pants - Lightweight long trousers or long shorts. Jeans are unsuitable. Long skirts for women are culturally more acceptable.

Track Pants - 2 Heavyweight for walking and lodge wear- preferably 1 heavy track pants and 1 wool/pile trousers.

T-shirts - 2 or 3

Shirt - Lightweight, collared long sleeve to protect from sun.

Hats - 1 wool or pile 'beanie' with ear flaps or balaclava for evenings. 1 peaked usn hat for day wear. "French Legionnaire' style for neck protection.

Gloves - Wool / Pile, silk or "Thermal' glove liners'.

Scarf - Wool / Pile

Underwear - As required

Thermal Underwear - Long Medium / heavy weight top and trousers.

Swimsuit - Essential for outdoor bathing. A Sarong can be substituted for both swimsuit and towel.

Please note though that there are no bathing facilities in the Mountain region , except the rivers, whose waters are normally very cold.

Yoga Mat

Meditation Blanket

Drinking Water Bag (only if available)

Some Medicine

Keeping warm is one of the keys to staying healthy in the Himalayan. so on trek, tour or rafting.

Change into warmer, dry clothing, as soon as you stop walking / rafting.

Wear layers of clothes to bed and when starting out in the mornings, so you can remove something, as you warm up.

Most body heat is lost through the head and neck, so wear a "beanie" and scarf or high-necked sweater at night.

"Booties" (available in kathmandu at very reasonable prices) will keep your feet very warm in the sleeping bag.

Take two pairs of gloves / mittens on high altitude & winter treks, so you'll always have a dry pair.

If it looks like rain, put on your rain gear in advance, rather than get wet and cold.

Thermarests are heaven at high altitude or in winter.

While we carry a comprehensive First-Aid-Kit, we advise that you bring a personal kit for use in Kathmandu and for your day pack on trek as follows:

Sun Screen - The sun can be fierce (angry, violent, stern) at altitude even on cloudy day sand we advise a full block-out lotion. In snow conditions you should be careful of areas under the chin and nose

Lip Salve - With built in sun-screen / moisturizer.

Moisturizer - The air at altitude is very dry and your skin needs careful attention.

Band-aid strips - For minor cuts and scratches.

Antiseptic - Betadine Creme is best.

Personal Insect repellent

Staminate or similar powder - Good for adding to your water bottle as a refreshing drink and as rehydrators.

Cold and Flu suppressant

Throat lozenges - To combat dry throat at altitude

Aspirin or equivalent

Muscle Rub - Deep Heat, Tiger Balm or similar.

Nail scissors

100mm (4inch) elasticised bandage.

Elasticised knee / ankle supports - As required

Wet Wipes - Refreshing and hygienic.

Tissues - Soft, bio-degradable. cold air at altitude tends tomake noses and eyes stream, even if you don't have a cold. local toilet paper is unsutable for use as tissues.

Your doctor will probably advise that you bring more medications than this they will not be required. Please ensure that you do not take any medication, even simple aspirin, before consulting your Guide.