Nepal – Altitude
The heights in Nepal are not to be taken lightly. The high altitude can definitely be a problem for many people. Everyone adjusts differently to the altitude as I found out on our hike. Studies have estimated that 30 to 40 percent of all hikers on the Everest trail will develop some sort of altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness. Out of the 16 people on our trek, I would say that only 3 or 4 … [Read more...]
Nepal – Medical Kit
The medical kit is an essential part of what you or your porter carries on the trail. Some of these items may be much appreciated when you are feeling terrible on the trail. For more information on what to take for altitude sickness, the correct milligrams, and other medications consult your physician. See the Sanitation section for more information. Some of the minimal items are listed below: Water disinfectant: Iodine … [Read more...]
Nepal – Immunizations
Some of these shots are required, some are recommended. General Diphtheria-tetanus - you should have had a booster shot within the last 10 years. Gamma globulin prevents Hepatitis A and also has some effects against tetanus, rabies, and measles. One interesting note that I read in one of the pre trip literature packets is that the World Health Organization has established that there has not been a case of reported AIDS in over 20 … [Read more...]
Nepal – What to Bring
Besides the medication and medical kit there is quite a bit that the trekker can bring. If you are going to hire a porter, put what you can into your bag and worry less about the weight. If you are going to carry your own pack you must prioritize what is really important to you on backpacking trips, and consider weight as a factor. If you are not planning on backpacking this list will still help you in your packing. Some of these items may be … [Read more...]
Nepal – Sanitation
The sanitation both in Nepal and on the trail in the Himalayas leaves something to be desired. I would say that most members of our 16 party group had some sort of food poisoning or upset stomach due to the food. There is a lack of sewer systems which results in a much higher degree of diarrhea. No water in Nepal should be trusted by the Western traveler. Even the tap water in Katmandu is suspect. There are certain ways around drinking the local … [Read more...]
Nepal – Trek Lodges
There are lodges scattered about every 1/2 hour to 1.5 hours along the trail. Most of these lodges are merely stone huts that become less and less clean and inviting the further up the trail. All of the lodges are stocked with drinks and supplies. Often because of the less extreme night time temperatures at the lower elevations you could sleep in your sleeping bag outside of the lodge. Inside, the rooms are often upstairs. The beds are … [Read more...]
Nepal – Food
This was the important part of the trip for me. I like to eat! However by the end of the trek I could barely stand the sight much less the taste of the Nepali Himalayan food. First of all let me describe how the food is cooked and the process of a hungry tourist trying to get food. After a long day hiking on the trail you arrive at the lodge, more often then not, in the dark. There will be a few tourists or maybe none at all depending on the … [Read more...]
Nepal – Yaks
Yaks to the Nepali's are like cars to most people. They use Yaks for everything. The Nepalese people in the mountains and outside of the main towns get their milk from Yaks which can be used to make a variety of dairy products. In addition these animals produce their fuel, wool for clothing and are transportation. Disturbing a Yak is not to be taken lightly. Yaks are sacred in the mountains. Yaks are larger and stronger then domestic cattle and … [Read more...]
Nepal – Itinerary
The following is an itinerary for our hike from Lucla to the top of Kala Patar. The time allowed for this hike was a bit short. An extra day or two would help some people better acclimatize to the high altitude. General Day 1 Fly into Lucla (9,100 ft). Get porters and start hiking up the trail. From Lucla it is a 2.5 hour hike to Pakding at 8,600 ft. From Pakding it is a 2 hour hike to Mondzo at 9,300 ft. Then from Mondzo it is an hour … [Read more...]
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