Visa Information
Nepal visa: A visa is required
to enter Nepal except for Indian nationals. A single entry visa
for 60days can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or
Consulate upon payment of US$ 30. You can also get a visa at the
point of entry upon arrival. Visitors who require single, double
or multiple re-entry visas can get them by paying an additional
US$ 25, 40 and 60 respectively. For extension of visas once you
are in Nepal, the Department of Immigration charges US$ 50 for
each additional month. Children under 10years are not charged
any visa fees.
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The Medical Kit
A basic medical kit proposed here that can be
purchased quite cheaply in Kathmandu will help trekkers be
reasonably prepared for most problems and can be considered a
kind of insurance. In most developed countries, prescriptions
are required for some of the drugs. An understanding physician
should give you these if you carefully explain why you need
them. Do not use these medications when medical assistance is
available nearby. When you are sick and there are appropriate
treatments, it makes sense to use them. By following the
suggestions given below, the chances are excellent that you will
recover, and the benefits of treatment far outweigh the risks.
If you are not getting better in spite of self-treatment, then
consider other alternatives, especially if the situation seems
grave.
Names of drugs are always dilemma. While the
official or generic names are generally the same throughout the
world, the advertising or brand names vary greatly from place to
place. The generic names are used here where possible.
The recommended medical kit- enough for a party
of two- includes the following:
Moleskin. Felt or foam (molefoam)
padding (about 1mm thick for felt, 2or 3 mm for foam) with
adhesive backing, used for the prevention of blisters. About
half a square foot per person should be enough. It is not
available in Kathmandu, but adhesive tape or zinc oxide
strapping can be used as a substitute.
Bandages. One roll of 2-in.
adhesive tape, and five to ten adhesive bandages per person for
small wounds.
Elastic Bandage.
One 3-in. roll for relief of strains and sprains.
Thermometer. One that reads below normal
temperatures (for diagnosis of hypothermia) as well as above
(for fever).
Miscellaneous. Scissors,
needle, or safety pin, and forceps or tweezers.
Plastic Dropper Bottles. One-ounce (30ml) size
for iodine. This is best brought from home. If your pharmacy no
longer carries empty plastic dropper bottles for dispensing
compounded ear, eye, or nose drops, buy a plastic dropper bottle
of nose drops and dump the contents.
Water Purification Chemicals.
Tetraglycine hydroperiodide or iodine in various forms. Vitamin
C powder masks the taste.
Nose Spray or Drops (optional).
Phenylephrine HCL (0.25%) for stuffed noses and sinuses. Put two
drops in each nostril two or three times a day when symptomatic
and when changing altitude. An alternative is oxymetazoline,
used no more than twice a day.
Nasal Decongestant (optional). For those
accustomed to taking these tablets for colds.
Antihistamine (optional). For
treating symptoms of colds and hay fever. If you do not have a
favorite, try chlorpheniramine maleate tablets (4mg).
Terfenadine and astemizole are expensive, non sedating
antihistamines you could try.
Aspirin or Similar Drug.
Twenty-five tablets (5grain, 325mg) of aspirin for relief of
minor pain, for lowering temperatures, and for symptomatic
relief of colds and respiratory infections. Ibuprofen (200mg) or
acetaminophen (paracetamol)are appropriate substitutes for those
who can't tolerate aspirin.
Codeine. Fifteen tablets
(30mg) for relief of pain, cough, and diarrhea. A good
multipurpose drug. It is customarily compounded with
acetaminophen tablets in the U.S.A.
Anti-motility Agents. Codeine,
as already mentioned, or loperamide (2mg), or diphenoxylate
compound tablets. Take twenty.
Antibiotic. The current
trekkers' wonder drug is probably ciprofloxacin, in 500mg
tablets. Expensive, but adequate for most of the infectious
bacterial causes of illnesses that might befall the trekker.
Take twenty capsules at least; the dose is one capsule twice a
day. An alternative is norfloxacin, 400mg tablets, taken three
times a day. A related cheaper drug, nalidixic acid, has been
used successfully in Nepal and is the drug of choice for
children for diarrhea. Other choices would best require that two
different ones should be carried, a cephalosporin (cefaclor,
cefuroxime, and cefadroxil are choices in the United States) and
co-trimoxazole. Carry a 10-day supply of a 250-mg cephalosporin.
The dose for the cephalosporin is either one or two every 8hours
(cefaclor) or 12hours (cefuroxime or cefadroxil). If allergic to
penicillin, you might also be allergic to a cephalosporin, but
this is relatively rare. Erythromycin (250mg capsule) would be
the best choice for allergic individuals. Take forty. Bring
co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim 160mg and sulfamethoxazole 800mg)
in so-called double-strength tablets if not allergic to sulfa
drugs. Bring twenty of these tablets. Be aware that there may be
resistance to this drug in Nepal.
Antiprotozoan. Tinidazole is
the best drug to self-treat presumed Giardia or Amoeba
infections while trekking. It is not available in the United
States but can be purchased in Nepal. Take twenty 500mg tablets.
Antiheminth (worm medicine).
Six 100-mg tablets of mebendazole. one tablet taken morning and
evening for 3days will take care of most worm infestations in
porters. You won't be there long enough to require treatment in
Nepal.
Oral Rehydration Solution
(ORS, Jeevan Jal). A mixture of salts and glucose, this powder
is added to a liter of water to provide the appropriate drink to
rehydrate in almost any situation, but especially from diarrhea.
Not easily available in the United States- buy it in Nepal.
Altitude Medicines. Acetazolamide
(DiamoxTM), 250mg tablets, take twenty, and also dexamethasone,
4-mg tablets, take five. The first is to treat symptoms of mild
altitude illness, and the second is to take if someone has the
serious, cerebral symptoms. The first drug is appropriate to use
for prevention in suitable situations.
Gamow BagTM. A hyperbaric chamber for treatment
of serious altitude illness. Enquire to Chinook Medical Gear,
P.O. Box 1736, Edwards, CO 81632, phone 1-800-766-1365 or (970)
926-9277, fax (970) 926-9660. Recommended for parties in a group
trek to significant altitudes.
Anti-inflammatory Agent. To be
considered if you are prone to arthritic conditions or
tendonitis. Aspirin or ibuprofin are good choices; acetaminophen
is not meclofenamate. The latter is a good all-purpose pain
medicine.
Sunscreen Preparation. One
with a sun protection factor (or SPF) of at least 15 in order to
get adequate protection from the sun on snow slopes at high
altitudes. Sunscreens are best applied 1or2 hours before
exposure and reapplied after heavy sweating. Be sure to apply
them over all areas that can receive direct or reflected
sunlight, especially under the nose, chin, and eyebrows. Lip
balms containing effective sunscreens should also be used.
Topical Ophthalmic Antibiotic.
Good choices of ophthalmic antibiotics are those that contain
bacitracin, gentamicin, polymyxin, or tobramycin. Avoid any that
contain steroids such as betamethasone, cortisone,
dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, or others. If you
wear contact lenses trekking, be sure to bring antibiotic eye
drops.
Malaria Suppressant
(optional). Chloroquine, for instance, if you and your doctor
think it is necessary. Back to top
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Packing List
Packing for a foreign trip is never easy, no
matter how experienced or inexperienced you happen to be. There
is always something that you’re likely to forget and always
something that seems to get in the way of a “good packing job”.
The first time that you head to a foreign country is the
toughest- you don’t know what to expect. You aren’t sure what
you should be packing and you aren’t sure what things in the
other country will be like. You pack everything and anything
because you just aren’t sure! After you’re a bit more
experienced and have made more than one foreign travel trips,
you’ll get better at the packing part of it all- you’ll finally
learn that packing the least amount you possibly can is
the best way to go.
Of course, there is no possible way that I can
just throw a list your way that you should print out and go by
when you take your next trip to France, item by item. We’re all
different types of people with different types of needs… with
different types of items that we own and use. On top of that,
our trips might be for different purposes- you may be heading on
a business trip to London and need to bring suits for meetings
all day long and I may be heading to Sweden for the time of my
life- no dressy clothes needed. What I can do is offer a generic
list that will include most items that most people will use
while in a foreign country- from there, you make your own list
and add the things and items you use on a daily basis that might
not apply to me.
Making A List… Checking It 100 Times…
It’d be nice if we only had to check it twice.
First of all, make sure that you do make a list- it’s one of the
most important things you can do before packing. I know too many
people who just go about the day and stuff things into a
suitcase before they leave- so not the way to go! You’ll end up
forgetting too many things. Make the list a few weeks in advance
(or longer) before the actual trip- you’ll be much happier this
way. I often find that when I pack and make a list at the last
second, I’m walking around the house and saying to myself
“H-e-l-l-o Erika… how could you forget this?!”
Making sure that you pack each and every little
thing that you need is pertinent- heading to a foreign country
can (and often does) mean higher prices for the things that may
cost very little in a local grocery store at home. On top of
that, who wants to spend the day at a grocery store in Stockholm
trying to decipher the price on a tube of toothpaste that you
forgot? Not me. Even though you need to make sure that you bring
everything along with you, you also need to make sure that you
don’t bring the things that you just won’t be using. Another
extremely important thing that you need to do is find out how
much luggage you can bring along on the trip- don’t think (if
you’ve never traveled before) that you can bring along 5
suitcases weighing any amount you want them to weigh, you can’t.
You’re restricted. The amount of luggage and carry-on’s that
you’re allowed to bring is different for each airline- make sure
you check this before you pack and leave. Not only might you be
limited the amount of luggage, but you might be limited to how
much it weighs- make sure you find this out. If you are limited,
you’ll need to make sure you pack carefully- yet making sure you
don’t forget things.
Foreign Travel
Foreign travel is, obviously, different than
travel would be within the USA. Before your trip out of the
states (or into the states if you don’t live in them), make
absolute sure you find out the “rules and regulations” of the
country you’re headed into.
• Passport- It’s a 99% chance that you’ll need
a passport when you head into another country- make sure you
have one! Make sure that, if you don’t already have one, you get
it taken care of as soon as you find out you’ll be taking a
trip- passports aren’t made in one day. You don’t want to be
stuck without one because you waited until the day before to get
your snapshot taken- you won’t be getting on the plane. Make
sure that you’re fully prepared when you go to get your
passport- make sure you bring the needed identification (birth
certificate with a U.S. State or county embossed seal, your
naturalization/Citizenship certificate), a picture (taken at a
“passport shop”), a driver’s license or Military I.D. issued
over six months ago, a completed passport form and the cash to
pay for the passport (I’m not sure what the current fee is since
mine hasn’t expired, yet, from years ago). If you’re passport
will be expiring soon (within 6 months) make sure you re-new it…
the country you’re heading to may not let you in because the
expiration date is so close.
• Visa- Depending on the country you’re heading
to, make sure you get your visa if it’s needed (an endorsement
on your passport). For the country that I visit each year
(Sweden), I do need a passport but not a visa because my stay
does not extend 90 days (although I wish it would). Make sure
that you allow several weeks time if you need a visa… unlike a
passport (which can take 3 months to process) a visa may only
take a few weeks, but you don’t want to take any chances.
• ”Drugs”- Before you go “drug happy” and pack
your aspirin for your headaches and your Midol for your cramps,
make sure you check out the ‘medications’ you can bring with
you- what may be perfectly fine and legal here in the US, might
not be ok for you to bring into a foreign country. If it is ok
to bring in, make sure that you don’t just stick a few in a
baggy for easy access and less space when you have that terrible
headache- bring the medication in the bottle it came in to
prevent any problems. If you’re on a prescription for something
you have, make sure to bring a doctors note along with it.
The Usual Stuffs
Of course, when packing you’ll need to bring
the basic things that you would bring whether you’re traveling
to Florida or South Africa.
Clothes- It’s not wise to forget these, and I’d
be a bit freaked out if you did. Pack wisely when it comes to
your clothes- there is absolutely no need to pack your whole
wardrobe, there’s no need to pack 23 pairs of pants when you’ll
be gone for a few weeks just because you won’t know which ones
you’ll want to wear when you wake up in the morning. Make sure
that you bring clothes that you can mix and match so you’re not
stuck with one sweater that will only go with a specific pair of
pants- you’ll be wasting a lot of room this way. To save some
space, pack your socks underwear and bras (and whatever else you
can fit) into your sneakers. More detail
CLICK HERE
Toiletries- Things such as your soap, facial
cleansers, hair care products, sunscreen, razor, shaving cream,
nail files, nail clippers, deodorant, tooth brushes and
toothpaste, dental floss and all of your makeup are things you
won’t want to forget. Just make sure that you tighten all of the
jars, lids and tops… you’ll be sorry if your nail polish remover
leaks on your favorite shirt. It’s a good idea to just take what
you need- there’s no need to bring along 6 different lip sticks…
for a few weeks (or however long you’ll be away) you can deal
with one or two. Put the things that you can into a small
plastic bottle of your own- all of these beauty products and
toiletries can be heavy if left in original large sized jars of
pumps, etc. If you’re staying in a hotel, it might be a wise
idea and make a call ahead to them and see what toiletries they
have in the bathroom for you.
Money- when traveling to a foreign country,
it’s obviously pretty stupid of you to bring your Filenes card
with you when there isn’t one located in Africa. It’s also not
wise to bring a Discover card because it’s probably not
accepted. However, do bring your Visa or Mastercard if you have
one- this is better to use than cash in foreign countries. Don’t
forget your traveler's checks if you’re using those and your ATM
cards.
Electric Stuffs- if at all possible, make sure
you can try and avoid bringing any types of products that need
to be plugged in (hair dryers, curling irons, alarm clocks,
etc). Towel dry your hair instead of blow dry, have the hotel
give you a wakeup call instead of bringing an alarm clock. Most
of the countries out there use 220 volts at 50 Hertz but some
use 110 volts at 60 Hertz. On top of that, all sockets are
different and what you plug in at home, might not fit into a
socket found in a hotel in India. Of course, adapters and
converters can be purchased for this slight problem but it’s
money and space that’s not completely necessary.
Camera/Video camera- definitely one of the most
important things you can bring along. A foreign trip may be a
once in a lifetime opportunity into a world that you’ll never
venture again. To capture this trip and provide memories, and
moments for the rest of the family to see (who weren’t as
fortunate to go with you)- take a lot of pictures. Don’t forget
the film!
Plane Stuff
If you’re like me and hate planes, you’ll want
to bring things to occupy you- if you love planes, you still
might want to bring things to occupy you; books, magazines and
paper and pen/pencil should keep your attention for awhile. Make
sure you bring gum for the horrible ear popping that occurs when
you’re changing altitudes and getting higher.
Final Ramblings
Packing is what you make it- if you wait until
the last minute and rush around without a list, you’ll be
stressed out before you even hit the airplane. If you plan weeks
in advance, start your list early and pack as close to your
leaving date as possible, you’ll be less stressed and worried
that you forgot something.
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Clothing:
Clothing considerations differ widely from trek
to trek. A short hike up in the middle of August could be
undertaken in shorts, T-shirt, a warm pullover, sandshoes and a
sun hat; a higher altitude say above 3000m in June, however,
would require a far more comprehensive clothing list. One of the
most important considerations is the manner in which you trek.
In all mountain areas you should be prepared
for inclement weather. On the other hand, excessive clothing
takes some of the simple delight out of the trekking and it can
also be very expensive. Remember that most of the clothing that
you would take on a weekend bushwalk is also suitable for
trekking the Himalayan foothills. During the period in which you
will be walking in Himalayan Kingdom, heat will be just as much
a consideration as the cold. For the majority of treks you will
not be walking in snow, and it is not necessary to equip
yourself with double boots and heavy down gear as if you were
about to climb Everest. A sturdy pair of boots is always
recommended, as is a good wind-and waterproof jacket and a
comfortable backpack which is adequate for your needs. An
invaluable extra is a sturdy walking stick - useful on muddy
trails and for warding off over-friendly shepherd dogs.
If you are travelling exclusively in Himalaya
and are not prepared to carry huge quantities of trekking gear
around all the time, you can practically equip yourself in
Nepal. A local tailor can make up a pair of shorts and
comfortable long trousers in an afternoon. Raw wool pullovers,
long johns, string vests, gloves, socks, and balaclavas can be
purchased in the bazaars, while local hunter boot
Clothing Checklist
Walking Boots: These are the
most important item when considering your trekking gear. Boots
must give good angle support and have a sole flexible enough to
meet the anticipated walking conditions. A sole fitted with a
three-quarter length shank is not necessary unless you intend to
tackle extensive snow and glacial terrain. Ensure that your
boots are well walked-in beforehand, and don't forget to bring
spare laces and some waterproofing application such as Dubbin.
Jacket: Unless you have a very
tight budges it is worthwhile investing in a top range Gortex
jacket. This will serve your needs in the Himalaya, and be an
invaluable asset on any outdoortrip you undertake when you
return.
Down Vest: Recommended for
those chilly mornings. If you already have a full down jacket
then there is no harm in bringing it along, although the
temperatures on your trek are seldom likely to call for its use,
unless you really feel the cold.
Wool Shirt or Pullover: A
thick woollen shirt is worth its weight in gold. This is an item
that does not cost the earth but can contribute greatly to your
total wellbeing. As an alternative, raw wool pullovers can be
purchased locally in Kathmandu.
Breeches: A pair of woollen
walking breeches is ideal. Ex-army woollen pants are another
option. Pile trousers provide a satisfactory alternative, or
even track suit bottoms if you are not likely to be going above
3500meter. A lighter pair of reinforced cotton ex-army pants is
also a useful item. Jeans are totally unsuitable in wet
conditions.
Over Trousers: A strong nylon
pair is indispensable in wet weather.
Shorts: Ideal for most
trekking, although they should not be worn in villages,
monasteries or other places were they may cause offence to the
locals.
Shirts: T-shirts are OK, but
include some cotton shirts with collar and sleeves to give
much-needed protection in the sun. Ex-army shirts with plenty of
pockets are ideal.
Thermal Underwear: Both the
vest and bottoms can make a significant difference to comfort. A
double layered vest is especially recommended, particularly if
you are unsure of the adequacy of your sleeping bag. Also
inlcude a normal guality of regular underwear for the trek.
Gloves & Balaclava: Both items
can be purchased locally. A balaclava is particularly important
as considerable body heat is lost through the head.
Socks: A sufficient supply of
thick and thin pairs should be taken. Use cotton inner socks and
woollen outer socks when on the trail.
Sandshoes: For campsites and
days when you have blisters.
Sunhat: Absolutely essential.
Tracksuit: A bit of luxury for
sitting in the mess tent in the evening
Snow Gaiters: Recommended,
especially during the early part of the season when there is
likely to be snow on the passes.
Snow Goggles/Sunglasses: Good
quality snow or ski goggles are necessary to combat the side
glare on the snow. Even if you are not actually walking on snow,
the side glare from snow on the ridges can make goggles
necessary. For non-snow conditions sunglasses are adequate.
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EQUIPMENT
Holdall: A strong duffel bag
or holdall is necessary for carrying your gear on the
packhorses. The bag should be large enough to contain all your
personal gear.
Stuff Bags: To protect your
clothes from elements you should bring a few stuff bags, as most
holdalls are not totally waterproof. Strong plastic bags are an
ideal alternative.
Backpack: Internal frame
backpacks are ideal for longer walks. Ensure that the sack is
large enough to carry your toilet gear, camera, waterproof
jacket and sweater, as the packhorses may not be at hand during
a sudden change of weather. It is not recommended to bring a
large backpack as a means of packing gear onto horses, as the
condition of the backpack will deteriorate rapidly after a few
weeks of rough treatment by over-zealous horse handlers.
Water Bottle: An aluminium or
ex-army make is recommended, although plastic bottles can be
purchased locally.
Swiss Army Knife: The pride of
any shepherd's possessions, and always useful for peeling fruit
and opening tins; one with a small screwdriver is invaluable for
carrying out camera repairs.
Torch (Flashlight) & Candles:
Available in Kathmandu. but don't forget spare batteries and
bulbs.
Umbrella: For the rain, and
shielding yourself from the sun; also handy when making discrete
calls of nature. Available locally.
Miscellaneous: Toiletries,
toilet paper, waterproof matches, sun block, towel, laundry
soap, sewing kit, safety pins, and length of cord, and some
small plastic bags to carry toilet paper and litter until you
can dispose of it properly.
Optional Extras:
Altimeter, compass, binoculars, notebook and pens.
For more information and itinerary please contact us at : info@nepalvisitor.com |
