How to Prepare Yourself
Physical and mental fitness is essential for this sojourn as you will be travelling to a region of high altitude and extreme weather conditions. To make the most of this program, you should start an exercise regime at least a month prior to the trip:
Packing Suggestions
DUFFEL BAG
A complimentary duffel bag will be provided in Kathmandu, where you will repack the items needed for the sojourn. You will leave the rest of your luggage behind at the hotel in Kathmandu until the end of the journey.
BACKPACK
- A complimentary 25L backpack will be provided for you to carry your daily essentials.
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
- It is important to pack a personal medical kit with medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion and other common ailments.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS (a detailed packing list will be shared with you upon registration)
- Clothing – 6 sets (please avoid saris/dhotis)
- Down Jacket with hood
- Thermal inner wear – 2 sets
- Rain Pants
- Woolen Cap
- Scarf
- Gloves – 1 pair
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Trekking shoes with good gripv
- Socks
- Toiletries
- The currency used in Nepal is Nepalese Rupees.
- The currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan.
- US Dollars and all other major currencies including Indian rupees are accepted in Nepal but not in Tibet. If you wish to convert money to Chinese Yuan, you can either do so at any international airport or in Kathmandu.
- Wi-Fi will be available in Kathmandu but as we make our way to the more remote areas of Nepal, connectivity will become limited.
- The program coordinator will be equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication.
Temperature and Weather
Temperatures in Nepal and Tibet from May to September will be between 10 and 22°C in the daytime. However, the intense sun at high altitudes can make it feel much hotter. The temperature at night can drop as low as -5°C.
Precaution at High Altitudes
With an increase in altitude, the human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope with decreased oxygen levels. This process is called acclimatisation. It is very essential to acclimatise well for high altitude to remain healthy and ensure a comfortable journey. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2,500m) affects most people to some extent.
To acclimatise well, Diamox (Acetazolamide) is proven to be the most effective way to counter High Altitude Sickness. More information will be provided closer to the sojourn
As this sojourn includes time spent in urban, rural and remote areas in Nepal and Tibet, the accommodations and amenities will vary throughout the journey. From five star hotels and guest houses to camping in the care of our volunteers in some of the most spectacular regions of the Himalayas, you can rest assured, in every instance we will provide you with the best facilities possible.
Passport
- You will need a passport with a minimum validity of 180 days from entry into Nepal.
Visa Process for Nepal and Tibet
- Indian passport holders do not require a visa for entry into Nepal.
- Non-Indian passport holders will require a 30-day multiple entry visa for Nepal which can be availed upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
- Special permits and visas necessary for travel to Tibet will be provided by Isha.
Isha is not a tour company, and we offer this sojourn with the intention of providing you with the opportunity to experience these sacred places in their true depth and dimension.