Epic Brahmaputra River Rafting Expedition
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12 Nights / 13 Days
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This trip has been designed by our CEO Akshay Kumar who made the world’s first descent of the river in 1990. Subsequently he has become the only person in the world to have run the longest stretch on the river thrice. One of his descents was filmed by David Breshears (IMAX Everest fame) and now forms a part of the BBC’s Classic Adventure series.
For this trip, we've teamed up with Aquaterra Adventures, who have been at the forefront of adventure travel and have opened up many fantastic river routes across India. This is a rare opportunity to run one of the world's great rivers with the 2 companies who know it the best and pioneered Brahmaputra river rafting expedition.
River Tsang Po originates at Lake Mansarovar in Western Tibet and runs 2000 miles across the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of 11,000 – 12,000 feet. Then it takes a sharp turn to the south around Namche Barwa, the highest unclimbed peak in the world, and cuts through the great Himalayan Range, carving for itself a deep and inaccessible gorge before it enters India. From here the river is called the Siang as it enters into the virgin and till recently forbidden state of Arunachal Pradesh. After cascading down 300 Kms. of grade 4 – 5 rapids the Siang enters Assam at Pasighat and is renamed as the Brahmaputra. The average width of the Brahmaputra is an amazing 10 kilometres.
Till as late as 1930s the source of the mighty Brahmaputra and its links with Tibet and the Tsang Po river were a mystery and enigma. Famous explorations by legends like Kinthup and his predecessors went a long way in solving the mystery of the “missing link”.
Exploring this wild and rugged country and rafting some of the most challenging white water sections on this planet, is truly a memorable experience.
For this trip, we've teamed up with Aquaterra Adventures, who have been at the forefront of adventure travel and have opened up many fantastic river routes across India. This is a rare opportunity to run one of the world's great rivers with the 2 companies who know it the best and pioneered Brahmaputra river rafting expedition.
River Tsang Po originates at Lake Mansarovar in Western Tibet and runs 2000 miles across the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of 11,000 – 12,000 feet. Then it takes a sharp turn to the south around Namche Barwa, the highest unclimbed peak in the world, and cuts through the great Himalayan Range, carving for itself a deep and inaccessible gorge before it enters India. From here the river is called the Siang as it enters into the virgin and till recently forbidden state of Arunachal Pradesh. After cascading down 300 Kms. of grade 4 – 5 rapids the Siang enters Assam at Pasighat and is renamed as the Brahmaputra. The average width of the Brahmaputra is an amazing 10 kilometres.
Till as late as 1930s the source of the mighty Brahmaputra and its links with Tibet and the Tsang Po river were a mystery and enigma. Famous explorations by legends like Kinthup and his predecessors went a long way in solving the mystery of the “missing link”.
Exploring this wild and rugged country and rafting some of the most challenging white water sections on this planet, is truly a memorable experience.
SIMILAR TRIPS YOU MAY ENJOY
When you travel with MHE, you can be assured that we are backed by many years in the business of providing safe and sustainable adventure trips. The staff you deal with in the office, all the way through to the guides and porters on trek, have years of experience in safe and enjoyable trekking behind them. We can advise you on the right gear, the right training, and no question is too crazy for us to answer.
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. And since we firmly believe that an "army marches on its stomach", our chefs on the expedition will try their best to cook up a storm!
We use the best available camping and safety equipment and try to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Please remember though, that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all CPR-trained and First Aid certified, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30 kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included. #NOHIDDENCOSTS
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. And since we firmly believe that an "army marches on its stomach", our chefs on the expedition will try their best to cook up a storm!
We use the best available camping and safety equipment and try to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Please remember though, that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all CPR-trained and First Aid certified, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30 kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included. #NOHIDDENCOSTS
Trip starts from: Dibrugarh, Assam
No. of days of the trip: 13
No. of rafting days: 06
Trekking Grade: Moderately Challenging
We are adventure lovers here at MHE and want to make adventure travel accessible to any one who yearns it. That is why we've introduced the Pay Monthly scheme. That's right, you can now pay in manageable monthly instalments for this trip! Simply call us for more details.
No. of days of the trip: 13
No. of rafting days: 06
Trekking Grade: Moderately Challenging
We are adventure lovers here at MHE and want to make adventure travel accessible to any one who yearns it. That is why we've introduced the Pay Monthly scheme. That's right, you can now pay in manageable monthly instalments for this trip! Simply call us for more details.
DAY 1: fly DELHI to dibrugarh
Fly from Delhi to Dibrugarh, which is 493 km from the Assamese capital Guwahati. Dibrugarh is the gateway to eastern Assam as well as Arunachal Pradesh. The airstrip at Dibrugarh is located in a quaint little village outside Dibrugarh called Mohanbari. This area of Assam is famous for its strong tea and its age-old tea gardens, which provide approximately 50% of India's Assam tea.
Overnight at Dibrugarh hotel. Meals: Dinner.
Overnight at Dibrugarh hotel. Meals: Dinner.
Day 2: DIBRUGARH TO PASIGHAT
The only way across the width of this river is by ferry boat. The spectacular ride takes about seven hours to complete as the river is spread across almost 12 km and interspersed by shallow sand banks. We will have enough opportunity to admire the rich migratory bird life and if we are lucky, we might even be followed by fresh water Ganges dolphins. The ferry ride culminates with a short 45 minutes drive to the small town of Pasighat at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas. Pasighat is Arunachal Pradesh's oldest town, only established in 1911. It receives annual rainfall of over 4 metres - no wonder the rafting is so awesome!
Overnight at Pasighat in tents/ local guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight at Pasighat in tents/ local guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3: PASIGHAT - YINKIANG 150 KMS / 7 HRS
After breakfast we start our 2-day long drive to the put in point - Tuting. Today we venture into the dense and tropical Arunachal countryside. A drive along the lower sections of the Siang runs parallel to the famous Namdapha National Park. A scenic seven hour drive along the Siang valley, through Adi villages and lush tropical forests will bring you to the District Headquarters at Yinkiang.
Overnight in tents/local rest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in tents/local rest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4: YINKIANG - TUTING 140 KMS / 8 HRS
The beautiful valley of Tuting is a military post as well as the starting point of our river rafting trip. Tuting is extremely close to the China border. All the initial expeditions on the Siang had to trek for four days to reach this point, as the road to Tuting has only recently been opened. You will reach your campsite at Purang by teatime.
Overnight in tents/guest house at Purang. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Overnight in tents/guest house at Purang. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5: REST DAY
A rest day to relax after the long drives, sort out gear and walk around the Tuting bazaar and village and mingle with local tribals. Use the spare time to identify your rafts and gear. Also, go through a safety briefing followed by instructions on paddling commands and rescue procedures.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6 RAFT TUTING - PANGO 5-6 HRS
This morning, we encounter the big monster grade 4+ Ningguing rapid and continue past another grade 4 rapid - Pulsating Palsi - to reach Pango where we set up camp for the night. The camp is located above yet another big rapid to be encountered the following morning.
NOTE: We reserve the right to begin the rafting trip at Purang Nallah, 20 mins by river downstream of Tuting, if guide discretion demands that the Ningguing rapid be excluded from the run. This right will be exercised in the best interest of the trip, and everybody’s safety.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
NOTE: We reserve the right to begin the rafting trip at Purang Nallah, 20 mins by river downstream of Tuting, if guide discretion demands that the Ningguing rapid be excluded from the run. This right will be exercised in the best interest of the trip, and everybody’s safety.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 7: RAFT PANGO - CHERRING 5-6 HRS
Today, we scout and raft down the Pango rapid and enter the Marmong Gorge, one of the most beautiful and remote jungle gorges in the world. It has steep impenetrable tropical forests on each side. We raft till the Rikor village and set up Camp above the village. Rikor is a small hill village still living in the stone ages. The simple people here will open up their heart and houses to make you feel at home. If we are lucky we can even join them in a hunting trip into the forest. These villagers still use poisoned arrows and spears for hunting. We will enjoy an evening of Ponung dances and the local millet wine called Apang.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 8: CHERRING - YINKEONG/ALUBADI 6 HRS
Today will be one of the biggest whitewater days on the river. We will negotiate a big Class 4 at Rikor followed by the Zebra Rock rapid following a few kilometers downstream. Half a kilometer downstream, we encounter another big Class 4+ rapid on a bend. We raft past Ramsing and several rapids including a Class 3 + followed by a 3 kilometre float till Alubadi beach.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9: RAFT ALUBADI - GEKU TWINS CAMP 5 HRS
A short day on the river - we begin with the huge "Breakfast rapid" with a history of raft flips, followed by milder ones all the way till the suspension bridge at Yinkeong. We raft down the "Karko Killer" and make camp at a beautiful site near Geku.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10: REST DAY
A day in hand to rest in Geku. Read a book, wash some clothes or just relax those tired limbs! We will also use this time to re stock our supplies. In the evening we will join a local cultural event in a local family house.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 11: RAFT GEKU - below sangam 6 HRS
After Geku, we begin a long float till a Grade 3+ rapid above the 65 Bridge at Dite Dime. An easy day with long float sections. We pass several Adi tribal settlements on the way and past the first major confluence of the Siang River with the Siyom River after the suspension bridge at Boling. We pass the flood-rutted guesthouse of Yembung and float to our camp near Rottung Village in time for a hot lunch. We pass several Adi tribal settlements on the way and float past the confluence of the Siang River and the Siyom River. We transfer all or gear into travel bags from the dry bags, and wash up at a nearby fresh water spring.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in expedition tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 12: RAFT ROTUNG - PASIGHAT 3 HRS
We begin the final run to the plains at Pasighat by negotiating the last rapid on the trip at Ponging. The Siang seems to gather a lot more volume as we float into Pasighat where we beach our rafts for the last time on this trip. Transfer to rest house at Pasighat.
Overnight in rest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight in rest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 13: PASIGHAT - DELHI
After breakfast, drive to Boghiwheel Ghat and take the ferry across to Dibrugarh. Transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. Trip ends.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Cost Per Person Inclusive of All Taxes
₹ 1,46,970/- per person - For Rafters
₹ 1,29,375/- per person - For Kayakers
Costs Include:
- Flight ticket Delhi-Dibrugarh-Delhi.
- Accommodation in hotels and lodges, local rest-houses and expedition tents on twin sharing basis.
- All meals while on the trip - 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, and 12 Dinners.
- Restricted area permit and fee.
- Lead safety boater, professional guide fee and camp staff.
- All transfers by jeep / coach once you reach Dibrugarh.
- All sightseeing.
- All rafting equipment, including guide, crew, wet suits and life jacket.
- All camping equipment.
- All government taxes included.
Costs Do Not Include:
- International/Domestic air fare or train fare.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations, illness and any other costs beyond our control.
- Any hike in air fare/fuel cost/taxi rates.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses of a personal nature - end of trip tips and gratuities, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
- Visa fees and international airport charges.
- Delhi hotels and airport transfers.
Gear List and Travel Tips
What we supply for your trip:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local guide and leader of the crew (which depends on group size):
Guides and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help.
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2 minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get teal food in a home cooked style. And plenty of it!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that the local area benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm hearted local hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways.
What we supply for your trip:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local guide and leader of the crew (which depends on group size):
Guides and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help.
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2 minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get teal food in a home cooked style. And plenty of it!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that the local area benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm hearted local hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways.
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