Program Guide

Packing Suggestions

• ☛ A complimentary duffel bag will be provided in Kathmandu, where you are required to repack the tems needed for the trek. You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at the hotel in Kathmandu until the end of the journey.
• ☛ Please pack all your clothing and other items in ziplock bags to protect them from rain and moisture. In addition, a backpack with a waterproof cover is required to carry daily essential items. It will be the only piece of luggage allowed in the bus during the travel. The rest of the luggage will follow on a truck.

We advise you to pack the following items:

• ☛ Clothing (6 sets – please avoid saris and dhotis.)
• ☛ Woolen sweater or jacket (1)
• ☛ Thermal Innerwear (2 pairs)
• ☛ Wide Rim Hat (1)
• ☛ Woolen Cap & Scarf (1 set)
• ☛ Thick Woolen Gloves (1 pair)
• ☛ Waterproof Gloves (1 pair)
• ☛ Sports Sandals (1 pair)
• ☛ Woolen Socks (3-4 pairs)
• ☛ Cotton Socks (2 pairs)
• ☛ Waterproof trekking shoes with a good tread/grip (Available at Decathlon stores in all major cities)
• ☛ Rainproof Pants (1)
• ☛ Rainproof Jacket with Hood (1)
• ☛ Lock for duffle bag
• ☛ Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures around 0°C (Optional)
• ☛ Camera (Optional)
• ☛ Down Jacket with Hood (Optional)

Please note that video cameras are not permitted.

* If you do not have a down jacket with hood, it can be made available to you on a returnable basis in Kathmandu. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you will be required to reimburse the cost of the same.

Other essential items

First Aid Medical Kit

• ☛ It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band aids, knee support, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other medication necessary.
• ☛ If you are being treated for diabetes, please check with your physician if any change in medication is needed due to the altitude and trekking involved on this journey.

• ❖ Currency

☛  The currency used in Nepal is Nepalese Rupees and Indian Rupees (Rs).
☛ The currency used in Tibet is Chinese Yuan.
☛  Indian Rupees, US Dollars and all other major currencies can be converted to Yuan in Kathmandu
☛  where assistance will be provided.
☛ We recommend you convert a minimum of Rs. 10,000 to Yuan for personal expenses.
☛  If you wish to hire a personal porter, it will cost approx. Rs. 8,500 for three days. Please convert this amount to Yuan in addition to the amount mentioned above.
☛  Credit cards are not accepted for currency exchange.
☛  Credit cards are accepted for purchasing items only in some shops in Kathmandu and Lhasa. We suggest you carry cash for all your purchases.

• ❖ Communication

Pay phones are available in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse and Saga. Airtel roaming works fairly well till Lake Manasarovar. The program coordinator will be equipped with a local China phone at Manasarovar and Kailash for emergency communication.

• ❖ Weather

Weather conditions from May to September in Tibet can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitation in July and August. The daytime temperature can be between 10° to 22° Celsius. However, the intense sun at high altitude can make it feel even hotter. There can be an incredible drop in temperature from early afternoon to evening time. The temperature at night can drop as low as 0° or -10° Celsius.

• ❖ Precautions

Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2,500 m) affects most people to some extent. With an increase in altitude, the human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope with the decreased oxygen levels. This process is called acclimatization.

• ☛ Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets are necessary to counter high altitude sickness. Please see your doctor for a prescription as it is mandatory to start taking these tablets three days before arriving in Kathmandu. This medicine must be taken for the entire duration of the journey.
• ☛ Those allergic to sulfa drugs can alternatively take Gingko Biloba, a natural supplement available at online stores.
• ☛ During the trip, participants will be given simple, yet unique and tested practices for faster acclimatization.
• ☛ A qualified doctor, especially trained to handle high altitude sickness and other conditions that may arise, will accompany the group throughout the journey. The doctor will be equipped with all necessary medications and equipment including life-saving oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags.

• ☛ Amenities

Information on Tibet – A Must Read

☛ Tibet, referred to as the highest region on earth, is also one of the least developed parts of the world. Being extremely remote and isolated, the facilities for pilgrims – although being upgraded – are still very basic. Modern amenities are very hard to find in the hotels and guest houses in Western Tibet.

☛ The quality of accommodation will vary from place to place. It may be necessary at times to share a room with a few others or participate in an outdoor toilet adventure, or go without a shower for a few days. Rest assured, in every instance we will provide you with the best accommodation that the place has to offer.

☛ Sometimes due to last minute changes in government rules or in case of natural calamities like floods, landslides, etc., a few changes in the itinerary may happen. We seek your understanding and cooperation at these times.

☛ We have successfully taken thousands of people to these sacred places for many years now, and we will always be there to support you and make the journey a pleasant one.