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Program Guide

How to Prepare Yourself

Physical and mental fitness is essential 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 and develop a walking habit, at least a month prior to the trip. We strongly recommend:

  • Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km or 3 miles.
  • Those who have already taken an Isha program are advised to maintain a daily practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya/ Isha Kriya / Hatha Yoga / Shakthi Chalana Kriya.

Packing Suggestions

DUFFEL BAG

A complimentary duffel bag will be provided in Kathmandu, where you are required to 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. Please protect all your items from rain and moisture by packing them into ziplock bags.

BACKPACK
  • A complimentary 20L backpack will be provided for you to carry daily essentials for day travel.
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
  • It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band aids, knee-cap, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other medication necessary.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
  • Clothing – 6 sets (please avoid saris/dhotis)
  • Thermal inner wear – 2 sets
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Waterproof gear (not water-resistant)
    • Trekking shoes with good tread/grip
    • Jacket with hood
    • Pants
    • Gloves – 1 pair
  • Woolen Clothing
    • Jacket
    • Cap
    • Scarf
    • Gloves – 1 pair
    • Socks – 3-4 pairs
  • Down jacket with hood
    (If you do not have one, it will be
    available to you on a returnable basis in
    Kathmandu)
  • Sports sandals
  • Quick-dry towel (not regular towel)
  • Toiletries
  • Thermos – for hot beverage
  • Lock – for duffel bag
  • Sleeping bag (for temp. around 0°C) –
    optional
BACKPACK ITEMS

TO CARRY AT ALL TIMES

  • Passport
  • Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Socks – 1 pair
  • Water bottle (1 litre)
  • Snacks – chocolates, dried fruits, nuts, etc.
  • Castor oil (50 ml) – helps to lubricate dry nostrils at high altitude
  • Medical kit
  • Lip balm
  • Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • N95 face masks
  • Wet wipes
  • Toilet paper
  • Powerful flashlight/headlamp – with extra batteries
  • Camera – optional
    (Professional video cameras are not permitted)
  • Quick-dry Towel (not regular towels please)
Medical Kit
  • It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band aids, knee-cap, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other medication necessary.
  • The currency used in Nepal is Nepalese Rupees and Indian Rupees.
  • You can only use 100 and smaller Indian rupee notes in Nepal. Higher denomination rupee notes are illegal to use.
  • US Dollars and all other major currencies can be converted to Nepalese rupees. You can either do the conversion at any international airport or we can assist you with this in Kathmandu
  • Wi-Fi will be available in Kathmandu and as we make our way to the more remote areas, the connectivity will become limited.
  • The program coordinator will be equipped with a satellite phone for emergency communication.
  • Kindly make the necessary arrangement so that you can be on this journey with a focus on turning inward. As Sadhguru has said “If you are a pilgrim, you are using this outward journey to make an inward journey.”

Temperature and Weather

Weather conditions from May to September could be between 10 and 22°C in the daytime. However, the intense sun at high altitude can make it feel even hotter. The temperature at night can drop as low as 0 to -5°C.

Precaution at High Altitudes

It is very essential to acclimatize 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. With an increase in altitude, the human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope with decreased oxygen levels. This process is called acclimatization.

To acclimatize well, we recommend the following

  • Diamox (Acetazolamide) is proven to be the most effective way to counter High Altitude Sickness.
  • It is important that you start taking this tablet 2 days before arriving in Kathmandu. Please see your doctor for a prescription.
  • A qualified doctor will accompany the group to provide medical care and support.

As this sojourn includes time spent in urban, rural and remote areas in Nepal, the accommodations and amenities will vary throughout the journey.

From five star hotels and guest houses to camping in the care of our sherpas and guides in some of the most spectacular regions of Nepal, you can rest assured, in every instance we will provide you with the best facilities possible.

Passport

  • Passport with a minimum validity of 180 days from the last date of the sojourn, is required
  • Handwritten passports are NOT valid.

Visa Process

For Indian Passport holders

  • Indian Passport holders do not require an entry visa for Nepal.

For Non-Indian Passport holders

  • Non-Indian passport holders will require a 30-days multiple entry Nepal visa which can be availed upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
  • A payment of $50 along with a passport size photo will be required at the time of visa application. Payments can be made by credit card or in US Dollars
  • In case you plan to visit India before or after the sojourn, a visa is required in advance. Please check indianvisaonline.gov.in for more information
 

Isha is not a tour company, yet we offer this sojourn with the intention of providing you with the opportunity to experience these sacred places in their true depth and dimension.