Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 1 Thame Legendary Yeti Mountain Home Comfort Trek Trip Dossier

12 nights l 13 days

www.yetimountainhome.com Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 2

Introduction Trip Details Trip Duration: Flying directly in to the high Khumbu, relish fantastic trekking 13 days / 12 nights under the eyes of many of the world’s highest mountains including including 11 days’ trekking Sagamartha, Mother Goddess of the Earth (Everest) herself. Thame Legendary takes us from the tiny airstrip at Lukla through Trekking Grade: the bustling Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar then climbs gently REFRESHING from the madding crowds of the main trail up to mystical Thame. Thame – the ethereal monastery swathed in mists; towering rock In a nutshell: faces; glistening mountain spires; juncture of ancient trading inspiring…. magical mountains, routes to Tibet and beyond - the cozy homesteads are home to ethereal villages, living legends…. many of ’s greatest mountaineers, inspiring Sherpa artists perfect for mixed ability groups, and many, many smiling faces. We spend a few days exploring trek hard and high or soft and these rich, vibrant valleys. Stretch out and trek high or wander steady freely, the choice is yours. Services: All accommodation, meals and A great short trek to get up into high places, explore ethereal internal travel included mountain monasteries and rich local traditions. This trek gives chance to stretch out and relish some fabulous Himalayan hiking but still plenty of time to relax and explore. A trip rich in Best time to travel experience and legend both along the trail and Thame, home to some of Everest’s greatest climbers, artists and perhaps even the Spring: Spring (March-June): elusive Yeti! come and visit when the rhododendrons and alpine flowers are in full bloom. Expect About YMH clear skies and sunshine in the mornings with some light cloud Yeti Mountain Homes are a group of luxury lodges situated in the cover later in the day. Khumbu / Everest region of Nepal. They are owned by a local family offering the full warmth of a traditional Sherpa welcome Autumn / winter: Autumn / Winter with the comfort of the best boutique hotels: crisp linen sheets, (October-January): at this time en-suites with hot showers, cosy lounges with log fires and well- of year the weather is normally stocked bars; local and international cuisine from our talented stable. Expect crisp sunny days chefs…. Yeti Mountain Home lodges offer a high-class, high and cold evenings. Note that mountain experience beyond compare. On the Thame Legendary October is usually very busy and trek you’ll stay at Yeti Mountain Home lodges in Lukla, Phakding, trails can feel quite crowded. Monjo, Namche and Thame. Have a look at our website www. Trip Group Size: From two to yetimountainhome.com for more details on each lodge. twelve of you.

Trip Grading: Who is this trip suitable for?

The Thame Legendary trip is designed for people trail and you’ll have Sherpa support every step of the who want a taste of the high mountain experience, to way. If you’re comfortable going on day walks in the be amongst the Sherpa community, to stretch out into hills in your home country (eg the Lake District, UK) or wild, magical scenery. It’s a great trek for people of maybe you swim, cycle, run or take an exercise class with some hiking experience and enjoy the challenge a couple of times a week you should find this trek well of moderate days out on the hill. And if you want to within your means. The best preparation for this trek explore more there are plenty of chances to head up is regular hill walking – getting used to continuous higher too. This is a REFRESHING grade trek: most moderate exertion on all types of trails; feeling super trek days are 4-5 hours long; we have steady gains comfortable with your gear and knowing how you feel in altitude, carefully paced to allow us to acclimatise; as weather, gradients and weariness change. Having the paths and tracks are a mix of wide, relatively even a hot shower and many other creature comforts to look and well-marked main trails to some more alpine style forward to makes each day’s trekking even more of footpaths on the higher hills. We ask that you have a joy! (And you can always indulge in a massage or a reasonable level of fitness, but you don’t need to other spa treatment at our Namche and Lukla lodges be an experienced trekker to enjoy this trip. Your trek to relax any tired or achy muscles) leaders will ensure we take a comfortable pace on the Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 3

What’s included: All accommodation; Short Itinerary meals, all transfers; all in-country transport; permits and Park fees; sightseeing; English Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu! Meet at the group hotel for speaking guide; one porter/ two clients; all staff briefing, drinks and dinner (D) insurances; drinking water on trek; a Yeti Mountain Day 2: Take the short mountain flight to Lukla (2,850m). Home trek bag; Khumbu and Kathmandu maps; Check in at YMH Lukla. Afternoon visits to a local school; Buddhist monastery and the Pasang Lamu Foundation hospital or take a short hike to a nearby hamlet (B, L, D YMH What’s not included: Your insurance Lukla) (medical, travel, evacuation); Nepal visa; tips for staff; personal equipment and gear; other personal Day 3: Trek to Monjo (2840m). Descending through the expenses; emergency evacuation; money for rhododendrons we follow the Dudh Khosi river to Phakding where we’ll have lunch. Criss-crossing glacial river our trail souvenirs; drinks; any massage treatments takes us to Monjo and the gateway to Sagarmartha National Park. Around 5hrs trekking (BLD YMH Monjo). Extensions and extra days: You may Day 4: Trek Monjo to Namche Bazaar (3,440m). After like to extend your stay in Nepal at either end of passing through the Gateway, down to the village of Jorsale the trip. If you are coming from the Americas or we leave the river side and head steadily uphill through the have flights that arrive late evening, you may like pine forests to emerge at the high mountain town of Namche to add on an extra day at the start of the trip to rest Bazaar. 4 to 5hrs’ trekking. In the afternoon we rest and up and work through any jet lag. It’s also a good acclimatize with a brief orientation walk around the town. time to do any extra shopping for trekking clothing (BLD YMH Namche) or equipment. Nepal offers many wonderful sights Day 5: Around Namche (3440m): a day to acclimatise and and activities besides trekking: you may wish to get to know the bustling Sherpa capital. We head slowly spend some time with yoga practice at a Buddhist up to a fabulous view point to absorb the splendour of monastery centre in the Kathmandu valley; jungle Everest and the majestic peaks around then back to visit to safaris in the Chitwan National Park where we have the fascinating Sherpa Museum. Afternoon free (BLD YMH a spa resort, Kasara; lakeside walks, paragliding Namche) and mountain biking around the peaceful Day 6: Trek to Thame (3800m). Turning away from the main resort of Pokhara; rafting and bunjee jumping at Everest trail we head out past Namche’s gompa to join The Last Resort a few hours from the capital – a high alpine trail contouring Nepali flat style along and something for everyone. Please contact us (info@ gently up through pine forest and meadows to the hamlet of yetimountainhome.com) and we’d be happy to talk Thamo. From here it’s another couple of hours to the ethereal Thame village. Around 5 hours trekking (BLD YMH Thame) through some options for you. Day 7 and 8: Thame day hikes and exploration: there are many options for these two days – continuing up the valley A Typical Day on the Thame towards the Nangpa La, the yak traders’ route; hiking up to a small peak or exploring the monastery and village… talk Legendary trek with your guide and decide. (BLD YMH Thame) Wake up to a hot drink brought to your room by Day 9: Trek to Monjo via Namche: we return down the valley our lovely Sherpa team. Pack your bags and get to Namche for lunch and a last visit to the bazaars. From ready for the day then potter down to a leisurely here it’s down, down, down to the Dudh Kohsi then up and breakfast. The porters will arrive as you’re out of the National Park to our evening stop at YMH Monjo. breakfasting to carry your trek bag up to our next Around 5-6 hours trekking (BLD YMH Monjo) overnight stop. We’ll walk for an hour or so before Day 10: Our last full day in the mountains. We swing back taking a break and of course there are lots of and forth across the river for a couple of hours to reach wonderful views, people and interesting things and Phakding where we’ll take a short break. There’s a sting photo opp stops along the way too. We usually in the tail as we make the short ascent to Lukla and a take a lunch along the route then continue on celebratory evening (2,850m) 4-5 hrs trekking (BLD YMH the trail to reach our next lodge so you have time Lukla) enough to relax for a while. In Namche and Lukla Day 11: A short flight back to Kathmandu. Check in at the masseur is on hand for appointments: you may our hotel. Free afternoon then dinner at one of the city’s like to book in for a treatment. Or you might feel like restaurants (BLD hotel) exploring the local village and hills maybe with your Day 12: A half day of sightseeing and then some time to guide or maybe by yourself. We re-group again shop, relax or explore on your own. A final farewell dinner at for drinks around the fire. We finish the day with a Le Sherpa, our acclaimed Lazimpat restaurant (BLD hotel) three course meal – local style or Western there’s Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu. We transfer you to the plenty of variety and lots of taste! We tend to drift international airport or to the start of your extension trip (B) off to bed fairly early although a quick peak outside at the night sky, particularly higher up where the heavens are really ablaze with stars, can be a late *BB = Bed & Breakfast / AP= Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner / YMH= Yeti Mountain Home night treat before sleep. The price is based on 4 person Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 4

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Welcome to Nepal! On arrival in Kathmandu you’ll be met at the airport by our representative (they’ll have a YMH signboard and be waiting outside) There’s a short drive to the Gokarna Forest Resort, our peaceful haven on the outskirts of Kathmandu. This is your hotel base before and after trek. We’ll meet the group and our guide for pre-dinner drinks and a trip briefing in the early evening then move on to dinner in one of the Gokarna’s delightful restaurants. (D) Gokarna Forest Resort is located inside the serene Gaurisankar and Menlumtse ‘gateway’, is just meters from temperate Gokarna Forest, the before getting your first our lodge gate. Passing former private Royal hunting glimpse of Everest on the flight. through the whitewashed grounds of the Kings of Nepal. Our staff will meet us at the archway we head gently A winding road climbs leads airport to escort us (and bring downhill on pitched stone trails through the forest up to the our luggage) through this long through low rhododendron main complex, comprising a winding one-street town to our forest, past small ‘garden’ mix of subtly majestic Malla lodge. Check in, refresh and farms and old and new hamlets period architecture, Rana enjoy lunch. When the sun to the banks of the foaming period lodges, and sanctuaries shines (and it very often does Dudh Koshi river. There will be harmoniously blending with here!) we’ll take lunch on the plenty of short stops to meet nature. Further on exotic terrace with views over the the locals, take photographs Forest View cottage rooms gateway to the Khumbu. In the and just soak up the scenery are set beside a century old afternoon we visit a school, the and the clear mountain air restored Hunter’s lodge. A Buddhist monastery (gompa), as we meander along, the quiet peaceful haven set the Pasang Lamu Foundation undulating trail glimpsing between ancient towering hospital and take a short walk views of 6000m snow-capped trees with glimpses of the round the locale. For anyone peaks high above. Passing Itinerary second fairway in the who’d like to stretch out a bit the enormous mani stone at valley below make the perfect more we can direct you on a Thado Kosi we meander up getaway for a few days of golf, walk up to a nearby hamlet. through the many chortens relaxation and rejuvenation (BLD) and prayer wheels of Sano at the Spa, enchanting forest and along to our destination Day 3: Trek to Monjo (2840m) walks, and time close to nature. of YMH Phakding in time for 4-5 hours trekking Day 2: Flight to Lukla (2850m) lunch. After soaking up the Our trekking crew meet us at sun on the terrace we continue We make an early start to take the YMH Lukla after breakfast. on to the village of Monjo. a spectacular, short mountain We’ll spend a little time on The gently undulating trail flight to Lukla, the start point introductions, getting to know follows the right bank of the for our trek. Watch out for the each other and sorting the Dudh Koshi through Phakding Langtang and Jugal ranges bags out before setting off. The village before the first of then the Rolwaling Himal, trek start proper, the Khumbu several river crossings today Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 5

on wire suspension bridges. The afternoon is free to explore maybe in the nunnery to join Continuing through pine forest the shops and cafes of this the women devotees in their and small villages we come to delightful little town. Your guide simple homes. Thamo is also a break in the trees to catch will take you to a wonderful the home Ang Rita Sherpa, sight of the mighty Thamserku viewpoint to see the ‘rockstars’ who holds the record for (6623m) towering way above. of the mountain world spread scaling Mt Everest ten times A couple more hours of out before you: , Nuptse, without oxygen. From Thamo woodland trails and swaying Everest, Ama Dablam... they we continue our gradual bridges brings us to the small ring the deep valley sides ascent up through the hamlet village of Monjo. Our lodge in a magnificent arena. You of Samden. We drop down for the night is located above should also be able to see the now to cross the Bhote Koshi the village with spectacular monastery at Tengboche and river as it gushes through some views of Thamserku and the trails to Everest. We leave high rock steps tumbling down KusumKangri. Gather again the shimmering peaks to visit falls and whirlpools. Standing for pre-dinner drinks round the the Sherpa Cultural museum on the bridge can be quite fire followed by evening meal. with its treasure trove of deafening! There’s a final half (B,L,D YMH Monjo) delights and intriguing insights hour climb to reach Thame into the lives, homes and loves Village and our lodge. (BLD Day 4 Monjo to Namche of the Sherpa people. YMH Thame) (3440m) 4-5 hours trekking After lunch you are free to Days 7 and 8 Thame day A short walk from our lodge head down to the Namche hikes and exploration brings us to the gateway to market to browse the shops, the Sagamartha National There are many options for our chat to the locals and maybe Park. We stop to have a look walk today – continuing up the pick up a souvenir or two. at the interesting 3D map and valley towards the Nangpa La, You may also see the Tibetan information boards whilst our the yak traders’ route; hiking up traders who make a yearly guide sorts out our permits to a small peak or exploring the journey over the high passes and entry. From here we’ve monastery and village… talk from the Tibetan plateau with another 40 minutes or so with your guide and decide. their yaks laden with goods to along the sides of the Dudh Thame is a wonderful high sell at the markets. Late in the Khosi before crossing the mountain village, with its gentle afternoon there’s an option to Bhote Khosi, raging in form a pastures, rambling alleys, visit Namche Monastery. The side valley, and beginning our small artists’ community and monastery is about 80 years climb to the Sherpa capital of even a yak farm. The village old and has beautiful Thanka Namche Bazaar. The trail zig- is overlooked by the 14th paintings of Tibetan deities. zags up away from the river, century monastery 200m along You are most welcome to burn gradually ascending to the tree a rocky ridge. The hike up is a butter lamp for your loved line opening out into a high definitely worth doing, to touch ones. (BLD YMH Namche) mountain bowl and the vibrant the ancient mani stone walls, village of Namche. We pass Day 6 Trek to Thame (3440m) admire the fragile thankas through the many tiny shops and timeless wall paintings. If Turning away from the main and colourful stalls picking our you wish to climb higher ask Everest trail we head out past way slowly up hand cut stone your guide to take you up the Namche’s gompa to join a steps to our wonderful Yeti slopes of Sumdur mountain. If high alpine trail contouring Mountain Home Lodge. This you wish to stay low how about Nepali flat style along and is our first night above 3000m visiting the yak farm or some gently up through pine forest so it’s important to take it easy local homes or heading along and meadows to the hamlet and let your body adjust. Relax the wide valley bottom towards of Thamo. This trail forms with a tea or coffee and maybe the Tibet border for views of part of the entry route to even take a massage in our the Nangpa La and . Tibet, which passes near spa. (B,L,D YMH Namche) (BLD YMH Thame) the 8,012-metre peak of Cho Day 5 Around Namche Oyu, first climbed in 1954. It Day 9: Trek to Monjo via is also the historical route that Namche Today it’s important to gain the Sherpa’s migrated from a little height to help our We return down the valley, eastern Tibet 800 years ago. bodies’ acclimatize. And to most likely taking a slightly We’ll stop for lunch at Thamo, see some magnificent views! different route to that of the Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 6

ascent some days earlier. Arriving in Namche we’ll have ARRIVING IN time for a wander round the bazaars and a light lunch before heading down through the pine forests to the valley KATHMANDU warmth. Look out for Damche, our stunning national bird – a very colourful type of pheasant, sometimes found We fly in over the peaceful searching for food on the forest floor. And of course don’t Kathmandu valley and take a deep forget to look around and enjoy the views from this new breath before confronting the chaos and very different perspective (BLD YMH Monjo) of Kathmandu airport. Once outside Day 10 Trek Monjo -Lukla (2850m) the airport terminal you will be met by Yeti Mountain Home staff and Our last day trekking, with a bit of a sting in the tail!. transferred to your hotel Upon arrival Regaining the river side we are back and forth across at the hotel your Group Leader will the glacial torrent making our way back past Phakding. give a short Briefing on preparations From here it’s around a three hour walk to Lukla, with the for your trip and the program for the last hour or regaining 200m+ height – it’s uphill. On the next few days. Your international way we’ll have some drink stops and a chance to visit tickets will be collected for Chaurikharka High School and Kyongma Monastery. reconfirmation of your onward flight On reaching Lukla we could take a quick stop for a and your passport will be collected congratulatory group photo at the ‘gateway’ arch then for the issue of your trekking permit. we’ll check-in to our lodge for lunch and a rest. We celebrate our success on the trail with a final dinner at Your free time in Kathmandu will YMH lodge. (BLD YMH Lukla) normally be spent on last-minute purchases and getting organized Day 11 Fly Lukla to Kathmandu 35min Flight for the trip. Your time in Kathmandu Wave goodbye to the Himalaya on a short, but after your return from your trip will be spectacular flight back to Kathmandu! In clear weather free for sightseeing and shopping. You also may like to think about this can be one of the highlights of your tour, with amazing booking a Mountain Flight. This flight views of the surrounding mountains. offers spectacular views of the entire On arrival in Kathmandu we’ll transfer to Gokarna Resort. eastern Himalayan range, including Then you’ve free time to relax or head into the city. We find Everest. Our office in Kathmandu most people want to simply unwind and enjoy the hotel can organize this. Just ask your Tour facilities – whatever you choose, we’ll help! (BLD hotel) Leader. The cost is currently $US 190 -including airport transfers. Day 12 Kathmandu Please note: Kathmandu airport After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the hotel we’ll can be a confusing place so we be met by our guide for our day trip to a few of the will briefly explain the routine here. Kathmandu valley’s most spectacular and important Once you have passed through sights and some vibrant, colourful markets. With a meld Immigration at Kathmandu airport of three ancient capitals and their associated palaces, please collect your baggage from temples and markets Kathmandu has a lot to offer the baggage belt and proceed culturally and historically. The exact itinerary may change directly to the Customs officers. depending on the local conditions but we shall most Once cleared go out the two sets of likely visit: Bhoudnath stupa; Pashupatinath, one of the doors where a Yeti Mountain Home most important temples in S Asia to the Hindu God Lord staff member will be waiting for you - Shiva; Bhaktapur’s Durbar (Kings) Squares, a complex just look for our sign or your name. of palaces and temples which was formally the social, religious and administrative focal point of the ancient city. Airport porters are usually very quick Meet again for a farewell dinner at our very own Le Sherpa to pick up your bags and head out restaurant: a truly lovely last night (BLD hotel) the Doors. Don’t worry - just keep the porters in sight and the porter fee Day 13 Final day will be paid by Yeti Mountain Home We’ll transfer you to the airport in good time for your staff outside the terminal. international flight or onward to your extension trip. YMH services end after breakfast Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 7

What Makes Nepal So Special? The epic scale of the Everest and BACKGROUND ON mountain ranges naturally make these the two most THE REGION popular regions for trekking in Nepal – some of these Nepal is situated in the routes, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the central region of the Greater Annapurna Circuit, are regarded as being among the Himalaya and it contains more of the worlds highest best walks in the world. Venture further afield into ‘Wild mountains than any other Nepal’ and you will find pristine mountain scenery, country. These include Makalu, Lhotse, Annapurna, remote villages and a culture still relatively untouched , and of by tourism. course, Everest. As in Bhutan and Sikkim, the brief but Our tours in Nepal will always spend plenty of time heavy monsoon nourishes in the fascinating city of Kathmandu and give you a an abundance of exotic vegetation which cloak the hills genuine taste of traditional Nepalese culture. If you are with bamboo and a multitude lucky enough to visit during a Buddhist festival you will of other plants, flowers and be a part of an unforgettable celebration, and we also trees. Pleasant rural villages are linked by paths through include an exciting rafting trip down the Seti River and a paddy-fields, forest and yak- game-viewing trip to the famous Chitwan National Park pasture, giving trekkers access to the foothills and mountains on our Nepal Tour. beyond. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 8

The Land industrial towns in Nepal, remaining as figureheads. The including Biratnagar, Butwal, Rana grip on power became The Kingdom of Nepal lies and Bhairwara. About ninety hereditary until the 1950’s along the central section of the per cent of Nepal’s inhabited when with the help of the Greater Himalaya, bordered land area is farmland and Indian Government the Ranas by Tibet to the north and India much of this is in the form of were overthrown and the Shah to the east, south and west. terraced paddy-fields, which king restored to the throne at It encompasses many of the reach high into the Himalayan the head of a parliamentary world’s highest mountains, foothills. A similar proportion of government. This government including Nepal’s 18 million population was dismissed by the king (29,128 ft./8,878 metres) which are farmers. who restored the absolute lies on its northern border. The monarchy. Throughout the 60’s, terrain and climate define three 70’s and 80’s the monarchy distinct regions. The southern History fought to retain its control lowlands (Terai Region) of over power, but as the result Nepal has a hot, tropical Indian For centuries Nepal was divided into principalities, of mass demonstrations and climate. The central hill areas with support from India the have a cooler sub-tropical with the Kirats in the east, the Newars in Kathmandu Valley king agreed, in 1989 to a climate and the northern region constitutional monarchy. In the has an alpine climate. The and the Gurungs and Magars in the mid west. The Kirats following years there was an latter two areas are dissected unsatisfactory and unstable by deep valleys, formed by ruled from 300BC, and were followed by the Lichhavis swing between the middle of run-off from the monsoon and the road Congress Party and snow melt-water. whose descendants today are the Newars. During this the Communist party which The Himalaya range runs along period art thrived in Nepal and made continuity of policy or the northern border of Nepal many of the beautiful wood progression in the country and makes up 16% of the total carvings and sculptures that almost impossible. land area of the country. Some fill the country were produced. On June 1st 2001 Nepal’s of the country’s most rare and With the end of the Lichhavi history took a violent and tragic beautiful animals live in this dynasty around 1200 the Malla turn. Crown Prince Dipendra region, including the snow Kingdom arose lasting for shot 9 members of the royal leopard and Danphe bird. around 600 years. At the end family including his father, King The hill region, made up of of this period at the end of Birendra and his mother Queen the Mahabharat and Churia the 18th century the disunity Aishwarya before turning the ranges cover 65% of the land in the country was halted gun on himself. Dipendra was and climb in elevation from by the Gurkha king Prithvi made king but died due to his 500-3000m. The eastern hills Narayan Shah who conquered injuries the following day. As a receive more monsoon rain, Kathmandu and united the result, King Birendra’s younger while in the west the rivers run country into one kingdom. brother Prince Gyanendra with meltwater. Recognising the threat of was declared King. King the British Raj he ordered Gyanendra attempted to put The low lying terai covers 17% foreign missionaries out of the his stamp on the country as of the country, and consists country and for 100 years the head of state with varying of farming land, sub tropical borders were shut to visitors. results. forest and marshes. Just under In the mid 19th century the 50% of the country’s population During the last few years Nepal Prime Minister Jung Bahadur lives in the Terai region, and has been destabilised by a Rana had become absolute it contains almost all of the Maoist insurgency and this ruler, with the Shah kings was further exacerbated by Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 9

the king’s attempt to impose The two religions coexist, The Kathmandu Valley is autocratic rule in February and many Hindu temples inhabited by commercially and 2005. Conditions deteriorated share the same complex as artistically minded Newars, further until in Spring 2006 the Buddhist shrines. Hindu and who practice a mixture of Nepalese people finally took Buddhist worshippers may Hinduism and Buddhism the initiative and the king was likewise regard the same god and whose ancestors are forced to stand back while with different names while responsible for the creation democratic government was performing religious rites. of Kathmandu, Pathan and reinstated. At the same time At the same time there are Bhaktapur. Other groups a peace process was started localised and minor religions, included the Gurungs of the under UN observation and the such as the animism of the central Nepal hills, the Khas Maoists have been brought Tharus and the ancestor of western Nepal whose own into the government and have worship of the Kirats that have language, Nepali, is the official dismantled the parallel structure in turn influenced the two language of the country. of administration that they had major religions to produce a Tharus are the main ethnic established in many areas. unique vibrant and generally group on the Terai. They have peaceful synthesis of beliefs their own animist religion and Elections held in early 2008 in modern Kathmandu. In the are immune to malaria. In total brought a constitutional capital the main Hindu temple there are thirty five different assembly into power dominated is the Pashupatinath complex, tribal groups, and thirty four by Maoist representatives the main Buddhist stupas languages or dialects. The whose priority was to rubber are at Swayambhunath and official language, Nepali is stamp the abolition of the Boudhanath. derived from Sanskrit and is monarchy. In May 2008 the similar to Hindi. It is written in Assembly formally voted script known as Devanagari. to bring to an end the last People Hindu monarchy in the world and thereby consigned King The deep valleys and high Economy Gyanendra to the status of ridge lines throughout Nepal citizen. His palace becomes a account for the emergence Per capita GDP is just U$260 public museum and all former of isolated ethnic groups. per year, making Nepal one Royal institutions have lost They can be distinguished of the poorest countries in the that part of their name. The geographically. The sherpas world. GDP growth averaged emergence of a democratic are of Tibeto-Burman stock around 5 percent during republic has has brought much and occupy the higher regions the 1990s but the political needed peace and stability to of central and eastern Nepal. instability of the last 5 years Nepal and there is considerable They are mostly Buddhist, with has seen this drop to an optimism about Nepal’s long some Bons. In the mid hills average of around 3 percent. there are a variety of ethnic term political future. Agriculture is the mainstay groups, including the Kirats of the economy, providing a who live in eastern Nepal. livelihood for three-quarters of Religion They are traditionally ancestor the population and accounting worshippers, but now are Nepal was for many years a for 40% of GDP. Industrial mainly Hindu, and ruled the Hindu Kingdom, and ninety activity mainly involves the Kathmandu Valley and their per cent of the population processing of agricultural eastern Kingdom for 1000 are Hindus. In the northern produce including jute, years from the 7th century AD. mountainous areas Buddhism sugarcane, tobacco, and grain, The Gurkhas are part of this becomes predominant. and the manufacture of carpets, group of peoples. clothing and leather goods. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 10

CITIES Everest Region - KATHMANDU Temperature Altitude: 1370m Population: 1,081,845 TRIP timing for your next destination. Your trek Kit bag will then be Kathmandu is the capital of ORGANISATION taken and tied up with other Nepal and the Kathmandu Your Group Leader will meet gear into a load Which heads Valley is the political and you at Kathmandu airport and off early with the porters and cultural heart of the Kingdom. accompany you on the bus to will not be available to you until the next lodge that evening. Founded in the 8th century your hotel where your pre-trip briefing will be given. After this You are usually on the trail by AD by King Gunakamadeva Briefing she/he will generally 8.30 am latest and, following at the join of the Bagmati and be available at breakfast each a good morning’s walk. There Bishnumati rivers the founding morning at the hotel and at will be plenty of time for photo point is the Kashta (wood) pre-arranged times each day stop and hot lemon tea stops. You will get to your next lodge Mandap (temple), built where should you need assistance with anything. by 12.30 pm or latest 1 pm – two old trade routes crossed, lunch at the lodge and in the and now the oldest building On the morning of your afternoon you will be taken in the city. The unification of departure for your trek or tour by your tour leader for a visit please ensure that you have the Valley in the 15th century to the local village and the deposited your valuables in monastery. by Jayasthiti Malla made the hotel safe and received a Kathmandu the administrative receipt. Before breakfast you After your explore of the centre of the area, and it grew should bring all your baggage surrounding area and villages down to the hotel lobby. If you you can go and have a lovely from there. The europhile first wish to store anything in our hot shower and get ready for minister of Kathmandu in the safe storage in the hotel in the HAPPY HOUR at 6 pm – 7 19th century, Jung Bahadur Kathmandu pm . Rana, built many classical while you are out of Kathmandu Happy Hour you get a free soft looking buildings and palaces please ensure that it is clearly drink or a local rum paunch in the city, in contrast to those labeled with your name and or a can of beer with hips of of Newari style that existed the name of your trip and put it snacks. Its also a lovely to time to recap on your memories before. The urban sprawl that in a separate pile to that being taken with you. of the day with your fellow makes up modern Kathmandu trekkers. is in fact two cities, Pathan Dinner is usually served around and Kathmandu. Kathmandu 7 pm. Remember to bring in turn is divided into two area, Daily trek your water bottle to the dining the Old City is between the routine tent so it can be filled by the main north south running road kitchen staff during inner. You will be woken with a (Kantipath) and the Bishnumati Trekking evenings afford some beautiful cup of tea or fresh of the best memories of your to the west (also running coffee brought to your rooms at trek, whether it is sitting around north south), while to the east around 6 – 7 am. talking, playing cards, chatting of Kantipath is the New City. Breakfast will be ready at the with the staff or joining in some Kantipath runs away to the dinning hall, After breakfast singing and dancing with the south across the Bagmati river you will be briefed by your tour local people, it is always a very to Pathan, now incorporated leader about the route and the special time. into greater Kathmandu. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 11

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Joining in Kathmandu Changes in Travel Arrangements and People joining in Kathmandu (LAND Unscheduled Delays ONLY PASSENGERS) should Should you voluntarily decide to alter your travel contact the Yeti Mountain Home arrangements after commencement of your trip, Yeti representative in Kathmandu for Mountain Home is not responsible for any additional charges information about joining your group. involved. Our staff will assist you if possible but you are Pasang Sherpa responsible for organizing these arrangements yourself. Phone: +977 1 4438570 Delays may occur due to weather or transport difficulties and Mobile: +977 9813905863 Yeti Mountain Home will do its best to rectify the situation. Please understand that in this part of the world delays and Email: [email protected] waiting are commonplace and whilst we do our best to keep Skype Id: yetimountainhome to schedule it is not always possible. We are sure you will appreciate this and accept it as part of the whole

Accommodation SHOPPING

Yeti Mountain Home uses several excellent There are a number of specialized 5 Star hotels and on arrival in Kathmandu handicrafts produced in Nepal – pottery you will be transferred to one of these. from Bhaktapur, distinctive weaving from Services at all our hotels include - various regions of Nepal, hand-knitted restaurants, shops, postal and room service, woolen sweaters, Tibetan rugs and carpets, security boxes and laundry services. jewelry and brassware. These and a variety of goods from many other parts of the Himalaya are available in the bazaars. In particular Kathmandu has a number of excellent bookshops dealing specifically on CULTURAL Himalayan climbing, history and culture. CONSIDERATIONS The Thamel area of Kathmandu offers a wide range of shops specializing in trekking Nepal has only been opened to the West and climbing equipment, should you since 1950 and despite the veneer of need to rent or purchase some last minute westernization it is still a very traditional items for your trek. They also have Credit and religious society. As guests we must cards widely accepted but some add the respect this and respond sensitively. Whilst commission charges to the cost of your the Nepalese will never rebuke you for purchase. There are ATM available in al unknowingly offending them it is always major cities of Nepal. desirable to try to respect as many of their customs and beliefs as you can. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 12

During your stay in Nepal the CONSERVATION following, at least, should be Nepal’s environment is extremely fragile. observed: Its rapidly increasing population is putting immeasurable pressure on the country’s l Women and men should not wear high cut environment and resources and it is our shorts. Long, baggy shorts are acceptable to responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of local people and we advise women to wear our presence. De-forestation is Nepal’s greatest lightweight skirt or trousers. Tops that expose environmental problem and we use cooking gas the shoulders are similarly unacceptable. for all cooking at the lodges. We do not have l Nudity is totally unacceptable so please wear campfires and we strongly discourage trekkers a swimsuit or sarong when bathing. from buying wood-fuelled hot showers in lodges along the trail. Yeti Mountain Homes have Solar l Overt public displays of affection are hart Solar system for heating our hot water for hot discouraged. showers. l When entering any Nepalese home, monastery or temple always remove your shoes. Disposal of Rubbish l Most Hindus cannot eat food that has been We recommend that each trekker keep a small touched by a foreigner. plastic bag in their daypack and in the lodge to collect personal rubbish during the day. The l It is extremely offensive to throw rubbish into lodge will dispose the rubbish by burning it . any cooking fire. Any non-burnable or non-biodegradables - eg. l For religious reasons Nepalese people are Batteries and plastic bottles - should be kept and offended by being touched on the head and taken back to Kathmandu. similarly never direct the soles of your feet at a person or a religious shrine. Washing and Toilet Facilities l Many Hindu temples may not be open to non- Hindus, so always ask permission. We highly recommend you bring bio-degradable soaps, shampoos and washing liquids/soaps (try l Begging is a harsh reality of life in the Third your local camping or health food shop). World but it is something, which the Nepalese believe should not be encouraged, especially During the day ensure that toilet stops are made by Westerners who do not understand the far off the trail and that all toilet paper is burnt or occasions when it is appropriate. Giving buried. We recommend that you bring a cigarette money to street beggars should always lighter for this purpose. Sanitary napkins and be avoided. Handing out pens, balloons tampons should be kept in a plastic bag during and sweets to children in the villages only the day and only disposed of in the toilet tent at decreases their respect for us and is to be night. strongly discouraged. Tourists, albeit with the best of intentions have created this situation. The best things to share with local people LANGUAGE are photographs of your country and family. Nepali is the national language of Nepal. They love to look at these things as they are However there are also over thirty different ethnic relevant to their own lives. languages. Your Group Leader and Sirdar will l Last but not least, remember that in Nepal speak good English and the other staff will have punctuality has little meaning and patience varying degrees of expertise. Nepalese people and a sense of humor are great assets. Leave are always very willing to help you learn their your watch at home and take things as they language and it is a great ice-breaker. come! Once you have become accustomed to the pace of Nepal you are likely to reassess your frantic Western schedule! Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 13

PHOTOGRAPHY Please make sure that your NAME is clearly legible and it is indicated on the front of the When taking photographs of local people please envelope that you are a member of a. trip, the ask their permission first and respect their wishes. NAME OF THE TRIP and JOINING DATE. Mail to All you need do is hold up your camera first Nepal usually takes between 7 to 10 days, but and wait for a response. The old people often can often take longer. do not wish to be photographed but generally the Nepalese are very good-natured about it. Telephone communication from Nepal is We suggest that you purchase your film before available from either the major hotels or any leaving home. Film is available in Kathmandu one of a number of public communications but it is often out of date and poorly stored. shops. Reverse/collect calls are not possible High quality print film processing is available in from Nepal. Mobile phone pre paid Sim Card Kathmandu and is slightly cheaper than overseas. can be purchased from the airport. There is also a roaming system, which you will be able to Nepal affords unparalleled opportunity for connect in your phone. Fax and email services photography - whether it’s an instamatic or are also readily available. an SLR, ensure that you are familiar with your camera well before your trek. For people with SLRs we recommend a zoom lens to enable you to photograph anything from faces to mountains. A UV and Polarizing filter are also highly recommended. Ensure that you have enough film - it is always better to MONEY MATTERS overestimate film stocks than miss out. For the keen photographer a roll a day would be the Your tour cost includes:

Average usage. A small camera cleaning kit is l 5 Star Hotel accommodations in Nepal on a also a good idea. twin share with Breakfast Basis for the nights listed in the trip itinerary.

l All internal transport by private bus, jeep, and TIME & COMMUNICATION car.

Nepal is about 5 and 1/2 hours ahead of GMT, l Gear package including kit bag & walking 4 and 1/2 hours behind Australian Eastern poles (for use on the trek only),

Standard Time and 10 and 1/2 hours ahead of l Accommodation in good quality comfort” Yeti American Eastern Standard Time. Mountain lodge” on full board on trek with all Mail may be sent to our office representative in attached bathrooms and hot showers. Kathmandu: l All meals including Non Vegetarian and Vegetarian while on trekking.

l Happy Hour from 6- 7 pm. Includes 1 drink Traveller’s Name and snacks. (Family Name in capital letters or underlined) l Porters to carry all personal and group Yeti Mountain Home equipment. l Group Leader. Pasang Sherpa l Emergency medical kit. Phone: +977 1 4438570 l International and domestic airport transfers Mobile: +977 9813905863 l Porter and staff insurance Email: [email protected] l Welcome dinner with drinks Skype Id: yetimountainhome Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 14

Your tour cost does not include: re-converting your Rupees to foreign currency on your departure. A maximum of 15% of the l Items of a personal nature such as postage and laundry. total exchanged can be converted to dollars on departure. l Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu. l Alcoholic beverages. l Airport taxes on departure from Nepal. You can also use ATM machines l Travel Insurance. all over Kathmandu Valley l Visas and visa extension costs. l Excess baggage Currency l Helicopter Evacuation flights from the The unit of currency is the Rupee, which is Mountain area due to accident or High divided into 100 paisa. Denominations are Rs Altitude sickness ( please note that your Travel 1,000, 100, 50, 20, 10,5, 2 and 1 in notes and Rs insurance covers Mountain Rescue Helicopter 1, paisa 50, 25, 10 and 5 in silver. services as they are expensive . USD 1800.00 per hour.. Tipping Tipping is a completely personal and optional Money to Bring with You matter. But for those who wish to tip and/or consider the service exceptional the following is US$ 500 TO 700 will generally be enough for recommended as a guideline: the duration of your trek. The amount required in Kathmandu for meals, sightseeing and transport In Kathmandu 50 Rs for bellboys, waiters and will generally be covered by about US$30 a day. porters is appropriate. At the end of a trek, if For shopping the amount will vary greatly from your group thinks that the staff has done an person to person. If you are contemplating larger outstanding job, a group tip would be greatly items - carpets, jewelry etc - up to US$500 could appreciated. Your Group Leader will advise you in be spent. more detail regarding this matter. However, as an over all guide we offer the following suggestion – Carry your money in traveller’s cheques, such USD130 each per person is sufficient – as American Express or Thomas Cook. Local bank travellers cheques are very difficult to cash. Travellers cheques are most convenient in US$. Security Keep a separate record of your cheque numbers All passports and air tickets will be held by to assist with quick replacement should you our office in Kathmandu as they are needed to lose them. Travelers cheques may be cashed reconfirm your ongoing flights. Valuables, excess most easily at major hotels and it is generally cash and travellers cheques should be left in not possible to cash them out of Kathmandu. the hotel safe during your trek.(Ensure it is all On arrival we recommend that you wait until the together - eg in an envelope and labeled) Whilst hotel to change money as the bank at the airport on the trek your money and camera should be is usually very crowded and the exchange rate kept with you at all times. Do not leave them lying difference is negligible. around unattended in camp or along the trail. Theft is not a major problem in Nepal but it is a When receiving Nepalese currency always check poor country and temptation should be avoided. that none of the notes are TORN as locals will not accept them. Also try to ensure when exchanging money that a proportion of your local currency is Airport Taxes in small denominations, as in the smaller villages These are your responsibility and are not included locals are sometimes unable to change 50.100 in your tour costs. The departure tax from Nepal and 500 Rs notes. is currently 1700 Rs (USD 26) Please check Please Note: When exchanging money at with your travel agent weather your airport tax banks or hotels always ensure that you are given from Katmandu is included on your International an exchange receipt, as this is essential for Ticket. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 15

DOCUMENTATION MEDICAL MATTERS

Visas Any passenger undertaking this trip is All nationalities require a visa for Nepal. It is your required to provide us with a medical responsibility to obtain your own visa. Please visit this questionnaire completed by your website for Nepal Visa information: physician. This form is included with these www.nepalimmigration.gov.np notes. Please have it completed and returned to us not less than 3 months prior NOTE - If you are planning to stay on in Nepal and need to extend your visa you will need an extra 2 passport photos. to departure. If you book within 3 months this form should be returned within 2 weeks of booking. Trekking Permits /Passport Photos As regulations change frequently in Nepal it is strongly Vaccinations advised to always carry 2 spare passport photos For entry into NEPAL there are no statutory with you, in case more than the specified number vaccinations. However, we advise are required. Also please ensure that you have these vaccination against typhoid, tetanus and passport photos on you at the time of the group hepatitis. An injection against cholera is briefing at the hotel on arrival. It causes delays if you officially no longer considered necessary need to go to your main baggage to get them for your unless an outbreak has been reported in trekking permit. the area you may be travelling - you should check with your doctor or medical centre Travel Insurance for current information. We also strongly Yeti Mountain Home INSISTS you take out a personal suggest that you are inoculated against insurance policy to cover you against sickness, meningococcal meningitis. accident, and loss of baggage, cancellation and in the unlikely event that you need emergency evacuation by plane or helicopter due to illness or accident. We offer We believe that there is no an excellent policy (see enclosed brochure), which Malaria risk in Kathmandu will cover this or send us a photocopy of your own policy prior to departure. Please check to see whether your own policy covers evacuation due to unforeseen For Malaria: You don’t need to take any bad weather. Tickets and vouchers will not be issued Malaria Tablets on this trip to Everest without this proven insurance cover. Trekking and visiting Kathmandu. You only need to take Malaria Tablets if you are visiting the CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK Baggage which lies on the southern belt of Nepal. We are only allowed a 15 kg baggage allowance per It is your responsibility to bring sufficient person for the flight to all airports like Lukla, Jomsom, quantities of any specific medications which includes both main and hand baggage, when you require. Consult your doctor before flying out of Lukla or Jomsom and other mountain departure so that he/she knows the airstrip. We suggest you wear all your heavy clothes conditions under which you will be taking and boots and keep your baggage to a minimum. the medication. Advise us of any side effects of any medication you take and Please note: of any dietary requirements related to On all our trips a day in the field is deemed to equal a day in taking them and be sure to let your Group Kathmandu. Thus, if you are scheduled to have three nights in Leader know of any drugs to which you are Kathmandu at the end of your trek and you are delayed a day in Lukla, you will then have only two nights accommodation available allergic. On most trips you will be isolated in Kathmandu. The extra night on the trek cancels out the night in from modern medical facilities, so attention Kathmandu. to medical matters is vital. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 16

Immunisations 6. Rabies is present. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. At least 6 weeks prior to departure you will need to consult your doctor to work out 7. All water should be regarded as being potentially an immunisation schedule relevant to your contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing destination country. For the Himalayas, you teeth or making ice should have first been boiled should be immunised against the following: or otherwise sterilised. Milk is not pasteurised Special Certificate and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk Precautions Required is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with sterilised water. Avoid Yellow Fever No 1 dairy products, which are likely to have been Cholera Yes 2 made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked Typhoid & Yes - meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, Polio salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Tetanus Yes Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Malaria 3 Only if u are visiting the Chitwan 8. There has been a sharp rise in visceral leishmaniasis, and trachoma is fairly common. National Park. Hepatitis 4 - Personal Medical Kit Meningitis 5 We suggest that each passenger bring: Rabies 6 - l Sunburn cream, one to block out the sun and Food & Drink 7 one to apply should you become burnt. Other 8 l Lip-eze to cope with dry or cracking lips. 1. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is l Band-Aid strips. required of travellers coming from infected l Insect repellent.

areas (not from the UK). l Staminate, or a similar powder preparation. Good for adding to your water bottle as a 2. Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, refreshing drink and for fluid-replacing purposes. a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Nepal. However, cholera l Moleskin or leucoplast for blisters/tender skin is a risk in this country and precautions are (cont.....) essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought l Throat lozenges or a bag of glucose sweets.

before deciding whether these precautions l Antiseptic Solution, such as iodine. should include vaccination, as medical l A general antibiotic treatment such as Bactrim, opinion is divided over its effectiveness. antacid tablets, antidiarrheal such as Imodium, 3. There is no malaria risk in the Kathmandu indigestion preparations. Valley or in the region in which you will be l Cold and Flu suppressant.

travelling. The risk, mainly in the benign vivax l Aspirin or equivalent headache remedy. form, exists throughout the year in rural areas l Deep Heat Muscle Rub of the Terai districts of Dhanukha, Mahotari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupendehi, l A pair of nails scissors. Kapilvastu and especially along the Indian l 4”crepe bandage

border. The malignant falciparum form l Elasticized knee and/or ankle support is a great resistant to chloroquine has been reported. help to people who Experience strain in those areas. 4. Hepatitis A, B and E occurs. You should seek specialist advice from your doctor concerning immunisation. Teeth Modern dentistry is unknown in the mountains of 5. Meningitis has been reported in some areas Nepal, so have a checkup before departure. Tooth and you should seek specialist advice from fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and your doctor about this risk. high altitudes, so have them checked. Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 17

ALTITUDE Equipment checklist

For treks going above 5500 m we are very careful The following is an equipment checklist. It covers with acclimatization to altitude. Our trekking what we consider Essential items but you can add schedules have been carefully designed to to it if you think it necessary. Generally, however minimize the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly we find that trekkers tend to bring more than they and ensure an adequate number of rest days to need so try to keep it to a minimum. enable safe acclimatization. It is still possible for l LIGHTWEIGHT WALKING BOOTS (Merrell/ mountain sickness to occur, so a close watch Appalachian or Scarpa)Be sure to wear them is kept on each group member by the Group in well before your trek.- Ensure they have Leader, who is trained in recognizing early plenty of toe room. symptoms of acute mountain sickness. l A PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES OR JOGGERS. These symptoms include bad headache, nausea, lethargy and, in extreme cases, ataxia or loss of l RAINPROOF JACKET WITH HOOD Get a co-ordination and severe breathlessness on rest. good one that is guaranteed waterproof and A mild headache and breathlessness are not windproof, preferably thigh length. Gore- uncommon at altitude but in combination with any Tex or the new Reflex are excellent but a of the above more serious symptoms, immediate little expensive. If you have one, which may descent is imperative. If you or your friends be suitable and want advice before buying display any of these symptoms please make sure please call us. that you inform the Group Leader immediately. It is essential at altitude that you keep your fluid l POLARFLEECE JACKET highly intake up and it is important that you drink at least recommended. These are excellent to wear 4 liters of liquid per day. while walking. They are light, warm even if wet and dry quickly. Very useful at home after the Your Group Leader can advise you more trip also. thoroughly regarding altitude problems. If you wish to know more about acute mountain l A PAIR OF LIGHTWEIGHT PANTS OR LONG sickness a pamphlet is available free from the SHORTS FOR DAYTIME WEAR. Jeans are not Himalayan Rescue Association in Kathmandu recommended for trekking. A light skirt is an or refer to any of the trekking books in our excellent alternative to shorts for women and Recommended Reading list. culturally much more acceptable.

l 1 PAIRS OF WARM TRACK PANT and Trekking pants.

EQUIPMENT & BAGGAGE l THERMAL UNDERWEAR We recommend long CHECKLIST sleeved vest and long-johns.

General considerations: l WINDPROOF/WATERPROOF OVERPANTS

1. Keep the weight and bulk down to a minimum. l 3-4 COTTON T-SHIRTS and long shirts Baggage allowance on most international l LIGHTWEIGHT LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT flights is 15kgs Especially for those prone to sunburn. 2. Don’t bring a lot of clothing for cities. One or l Light Fleeces GLOVES AND FLEECE BINI two changes is all you will need and casual

clothing is acceptable at all hotels. l SUNHAT If you burn easily we recommend a scarf or something to cover your neck. 3. Minimize expense by checking what you

already own. Yeti Mountain Home provides l THONGS OR SANDALS for camp. you, in Kathmandu walking poles and Trekking Kit Bag 60 litres for the use on the trek. l 3-4 PAIRS OF TREKKING SCOCKS Thame Legendary www.yetimountainhome.com | 18

l UNDERWEAR and SWIMSUIT What You Carry l SUNGLASSES You should consider carrying extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, l 2 WATER BOTTLES (each should be one liter valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, capacity) -we recommend Sigg or Nalgen lipeze etc. brands. All group gear is carried by porters or pony. l DAY-PACK You need a decent sized pack to carry items you will need during the day, such as camera, water bottle, sweater, sunscreen. Ensure it has comfortable and strong shoulder RECOMMENDED READING and waist straps. A 25- 30 liter capacity pack Guide books is best, especially for the summit day. Lonely Planet Guide, ‘Trekking in the Nepal l 2 EXTRA LARGE/EXTRA THICK PLASTIC Himalaya’ - Stan Armington GARBAGE BAG LINERS These should ‘Trekking in Nepal’ - Stephen Bezruchka be used to line your Tenzing Himalayan Expeditions kitbag to ensure your gear stays Insight Guides -’Nepal’ absolutely dry. Novels l SMALL PLASTIC BAGS OR STUFF SACKS Tenzing and the Sherpa’s of Everest ( Judy and OR PILLOW CASES To separate and keep the Tashi Tenzing (2001) gear in your kitbag in order. Also good rubbish ‘The Snow Leopard’- Peter Matthiessen (Picador bags each day on the trail. 1978) ‘Nepal’ Vol 1 & 11 - Perceval Landon, 1928 l SMALL SEWING KIT ‘Man of Everest’ -Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (George l MONEY BELT G. Harrap 1955) l TOILETRIES Try to buy bio-degradable soap ‘Everest’ - Walt Unsworth (Penguin 1981) and shampoo, usually available from camping ‘Everest : The West Ridge’ - Thomas F. Hornbein or health food stores. Note: toilet paper is (Allen & Unwin 1980) provided on the LODGES. ‘Everest The Hard Way’ - Chris Bonnington l HEADLAMP and SPARE BATTERIES (you may ‘Annapurna’ -Maurice Herzog (The Reprint like to bring a small flashlight also) Society 1954) ‘Annapurna : A Woman’s Place’ - Arlene Blum l CIGARETTE LIGHTER - for burning toilet 1980 paper and rubbish. ‘High Mountains and Cold Seas’ -A biography of l PERSONAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES H.W. Tilman 1982 l CAMERA and FILM and chargers ‘That Untravelled World’ - Eric Shipton 1969 ‘The Way of the White Cloud’ - Lama Anagarika l WOOL SCARF, PENKNIFE, PERSONAL DIARY, Govinda (Buddhism) PLAYING CARDS, GAMES, BOOK ETC. ‘The Gurkhas’ - Byron Farewell (Penguin 1984) l UMBRELLA -*Optional. Makes a great ‘The Kanchenjunga Adventure” - F.S.Smythe 1946 sunshade at lunch! Prepared: undated :FEB 1 2013

Yeti Mountain Home P.O. Box: 3124, Baluwatar-4, Gairidhara Kathmandu, Nepal Telephone: 00977 1 4000711 (hunting line) Fax: 0977 1 4000712 www.yetimountainhome.com