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One of the most popular treks in the world! Combining Foothill Villages, High Mountain pass, Thorong La 17,599ft and Wind Swept Valleys.
If you’re interested in visiting one of the most magnificent places on earth, then join EMS to the Annapurna region of Nepal. The geological and cultural diversity of this trek is what makes it a once in a lifetime experience.
This trip circumnavigates the Annapurna Himal, so you’ll be witness to views of these giants that can’t be seen from anywhere else. Your adventure will expose you to everything from lush bamboo forests to arid high mountain landscapes. You’ll experience a non-technical climb over the famous Thorung La (17,599ft.), the highest pass visited by most travelers in all of Nepal. During the hike over Thorung La, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blazes of orange, as the sun rises, casting the white Himalayan peaks in a fiery glow.
After crossing over the Thorung La, we’ll descend to the village of Muktinath, which has been attracting both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims for centuries. Located in Muktinath is the Jwala Mai Temple, where a flame of natural gas burns from a trickle of water. Many Hindus believe that Brahma offered this miracle to the gods himself. You’ll get to explore other interesting temples in Muktinath before we descend into the Kali Gandaki river valley. No other river valley in the world has as great a distance from valley floor to mountain peaks as the Kali Gandaki. At one point, you’ll be 3 1/2 miles below the summits of the Annapurna peaks along side us. The austere beauty of this arid landscape in the shadow of Dhaulagiri (26,794 ft.) and Annapurna 1 (26545ft.) gives you the feeling living giants are watching your progress.
Once we reach the village of Jomsom, which is also the capital of the Mustang District, we are finished with our adventure. The next morning we’ll take a morning flight to Pokhara. The lakeside city of Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. Like a jewel Fewa Lake reflects the Annapurna Himal in its blue waters. We’ll stay right on the lake at one of the many lodges available. The next morning we’ll have lunch, before heading back to Kathmandu for your final day there.
And that’s only the short version of what we’ll see and explore, since many other villages and monasteries are situated along the way.
So don’t miss out on this life inspiring adventure.
Day 1- Arrive in Kathmandu (4,300ft)
(welcome meal provided)
Namaste! Today you arrive in Kathmandu and are met by staff members, then transported to your hotel in Thamel District. After everyone is checked into their rooms a group welcome meal has been planned to go over your instructions and schedules that are part of this trip. Everyone will be instructed on how much money to have for tipping and where to exchange money. After are meeting your guide will walk around the Thamel area with the group to make sure everyone knows their way back to the hotel and where the Internet cafes are located. After the short tour of Thamel your guide with leave the group to their own resources.
Day 2- Day sightseeing in Kathmandu (4,300ft)
Today everyone will take a tour of Kathmandu’s most famous temples & monasteries. After breakfast at 9:00am your guide will meet everyone in the hotel lobby. The first stop will be a tour of the Buddhist Gompa, Bodhnath, which is located in the Tibetan part of the city. This area is home to the cities Buddhist monks, Lama’s & nuns, along with religious colleges and retreats where people come from all over the world to study Buddhism. We will also visit a Tibetan rug factory, where Tibetan refugees make a living hand weaving wool rugs on immense looms. After visiting Bodhnath, we head to Pashupatinath, which is one of the most important holy sites in the valley to both Buddhist and Hindu. This is where cremations are done for Buddhists and Hindu’s then the ashes are thrown into the Bagmati River, which flows into the Ganges in India, taking the souls to Nirvana. If time allows we will stop other important sites. After our tour the group has free time to explore on their own.
Day 3- Bus to Besisahar (2,624ft), then short walk to Bhulbhule (2,756ft)
(B,L,D)
The only way to Besisahar is by either local bus or private coach. You will board the bus about 6:30 am, and the bus will head out of the Kathmandu Valley toward Pokhara, on the Prithvi Highway. The drive is beautiful, as you head down out of the Kathmandu Valley and into the countryside, where the main source of income is farming. The hillsides will be planted with greenery and small villages dot the landscape. As we leave the valley’s higher altitude the temperatures start to rise with the sun. You are now in the lowland and the days are generally much hotter than Kathmandu. We will stop for lunch at a halfway point and continue on, until coming to a secondary road that leaves the highway heading inland, until finally reaching Besisahar. The entire drive will take approximately 6 hours to complete.
Besisahar is the last stop on this road; although signs of the roads are being pushed farther inland is evident. This is the last you’ll see of any motorized vehicles until you finish your trek.
The town itself is built along one street with all the stores and lodges lining it. Some feel as if they just stepped back to the old “Wild West”, with the amount of donkey’s lining the streets, along with horse’s tied to posts. Once we’ve gotten our group organized we’ll head out of Besisahar for a short walk to the riverside village of Bhulbhule for the night.
Day 4- Bhulbhule (2,756ft) to Syanje (3,609ft)
(B,L,D)
Today starts out cool but things will quickly heat up to 85 degrees or more, so an early start is necessary to hike in some comfort. Everyone will be expected to make frequent water stops and move at a moderate pace. The trail is hilly you walk through many villages that offer lodging and food for the weary traveler. The hillsides are terraced and planted with rice, along with fields of maze. You will be surprised at the amount of Nepalese people you will encounter on the trail the first day; this is due to the fact you’re still close to the only road out of this area.
We will walk for about 7 hours today until reaching the village of Syanje, a welcome site after a long hot day. Everyone will still be able to take a shower and wash out their sweaty clothes.
Day 5- Syanje (3,609ft) to Tal (5,577ft)
(B,L,D)
We will need to get another early start, as again the temperatures will climb well into the 90’s. Refreshed and rested our day starts downhill through terraced maze fields and orchards of guava and lemon trees. After lunch the trail undulates along until reaching the village of Chamje.
Everyone will once again be able to shower and wash out sweaty clothes.
Day 6- Tal (5,577ft) to Bagarchap (7,087ft)
(B,L,D)
We start today’s trek by crossing a long medal suspension bridge, keeping next to the river, as the valley becomes a narrow gorge. The trail along the river has magnificent views and after about 3 hours we cross over to the Manang District and the culture, architecture and climate really start to change. The people that live here are Buddhists of Tibetan ancestry; mud and thatch houses give way to stone buildings with flat roofs. The vegetation changes from subtropical to alpine, as pine and fir trees surround you. We will stop for lunch in the village of Tal, another village right out of an American Wild West movie. Here you will see your first Mani wall in the middle of the path. After lunch we continue on through pine covered hillsides until reaching the village of Bagarchap. The village of Bagarchap is a very pleasant, with peach & apple orchards, and small streams running through it. Tibetan influence in this area is obvious; there are stone houses with firewood stacked on their flat roofs and above the village is the first Buddhist monastery and temple you’ll encounter. On December 1994, the Diki Kalsang Gompa was accidentally burnt to the ground but as been rebuilt. Everyone will have the opportunity to wander around Bagarchap and check out the Gompa.
Day 7- Bagarchap (7,087ft) to Chama (8,760ft)
(B,L,D)
Before today only glimpses of the Annapurna Himal (mountain range) could be seen, but now Lamjung Peak (22,734-ft) is in full view, which starts the procession of higher more impressive peaks. Our day will be spend walking through wide open plains of pine and fir trees, changing to deep forest area’s that have maple and oak.
The village of Chame is the largest village you will see until reaching Muktinath, on the other side of the Thorung La. There is a bank, post office, health post and its own hydroelectric power plant built in 1980, along with many shops and teahouses. The villagers seem to just hang around waiting for tourists to pass, whiling away the hour’s playing board games. This is a great place to shower and pick up some extra snacks for the days ahead.
Day 8- Chame (8,760ft) to Pisang (10,500ft)
(B,L,D)
Today might possibly be the most striking day so far. As you leave Chame the trail will climb and descend and many detours will be encountered, due to trail improvements and destruction from the Marsyangdi. As you climb higher and turn a corner in the trail, everyone will be witness to an immense slab of granite rock, that must be at least 4 thousand feet high and a mile or so across. This laid back slab of granite has been likened to an immense wave of water and it will stop you in your tracks! This unnamed wall of granite seems to have the same immediate affect on everyone, as you’ll find yourself just staring at it wondering if can be climbed, or has been climbed. Once you’ve pulled yourself away from “the wave” you’ll head uphill through a very beautiful pine and fir forest with very level trails. This is a great place to stop and eat a snack or just rest. After about an hour of walking you’ll emerge in the Manang Valley, an arid pine and brush plain. From here onward the main mode of transportation for the locals is by horseback, and archery is still practiced here. Now you’re sure you’ve just stepped back into the Wild West. The village of Pisang is situated in a very nice spot in the valley and we’ll enjoy and evening here.
Pisang is also the starting point for a very popular climb, Pisang Peak (19,982ft), which is one of the peaks we offer for people with basic mountaineering skills to summit.
Day 9- Pisang (10,500ft) to Manang (11,614ft)
(B,L,D)
Welcome to the open arid plains of Manang Valley. As you walk along today, you’ll be leaving the pines and other trees behind, giving way to low brush, rocks and a dry breeze. Now you are heading above tree line, with white peaks towering all around you and dark blue skies above. The walk today will be exciting as you gradually head into the mountains and the people look like someone you’ve maybe seen in National Geographic Magazine. This area has been influenced by tourism to some extent, but you still sense that this is a very wild place, as you pass long walls of Mani stones, Gompa’s and view villages of mud and stone with flat roofs, perched on the hill sides. As the day processes the valley narrows until you see Manang, sitting like a fort overlooking the river. Directly across from Manang you’ll see towering pinnacles of sandstone, with small caves craved into them. It is believed that Buddhist monks used to live in these caves, 500 years ago. Over looking everything here is Gangapurna Peak (24,550ft) and its glacier that visited while we’re here.
We will stay two nights in Manang so everyone can acclimatize to the altitude. We are fortunate because there is a health outpost here that gives evening talks on altitude sickness that is very informative, along with other great things to see.
Day 10- Rest day in Manang (11,614ft)
(B,L,D)
Since we will be spending the today in Manang everyone is welcome to shower and wash a few things out. Just keep in mind that the days only get colder from here and heavy clothing may not dry. This will be an active rest day, and everyone will need to get out and get some walking in. There will be a few choices for hikes today, some easy and others more difficult. If your not feeling well this might be the time to start taking Diamox and rest. Always let your guide know if your not feeling well, since we are near the health post this is the time to make sure your doing ok.
Day 11- Manang (11,614ft) to Yak Kharka (13,055ft)
(B,L,D)
As you leave Gunsang the trail is wide open and almost looks like a road as it winds along the hillside and heads upward. You are now deep in the mountains with ridges, mountain passes and high peaks all around you. As you follow the trail fewer villages are encountered and you really get the sense that any small village is only build for tourists. The sky is blue and the sun is hot, even in December on this trail, as you get the full affect of a thinner atmosphere. You will arrive in Yak Kharka at about 3:00pm and there isn’t much here to see except a few new and very old lodges. This is only a way station to the pass and every item of food has to be transported by donkey to get here.
Day 12- Yak Kharka (13,055ft) to Thorung Phedi (14,596ft)
(B,L,D)
Today you will walk to the base of the Thorung La (pass), which is called Thorung Phedi, and literally means “at the foot of the Thorung”. Above the village a trail makes its way up a spree-covered hillside until disappearing over the rocky opening at the top. You will be able to see the trail some distance before you reach Thorung Phedi and if it is still early you’ll be able to see a line of people walking slowly along. Unfortunately the rocky opening at the top isn’t the pass, but just one of many false passes. If you’ve read about the teahouses at Thorung Phedi in travel books written before 2000 you’re going to very surprised, because the old teahouses have been taken down and new very clean ones built in their place. Now you can get a room with a private bathroom, quite a difference from just 5 years ago. The food is also very good with great French toast, cheese bread and fried potatoes. Everyone should be feeling some effects of the altitude now and mild headaches are typical, but can be relieved with aspirin or Tylenol. You are free to wonder around, but since there isn’t much to see except rock and snowy peaks most people just sit in the dinning room and visit with other travelers or play card games.
Day 13- Thorung Phedi (14,596ft), over Thorung La (17,599ft) to Muktinath (12,467ft)
(B,L,D)
Today is the big day and most people in the lodge will be discussing when to leave and what the pass will be like. The teahouse owners here get constant information on the pass and will keep everyone informed on the weather conditions at the top. If all is going well we must get a very early start, departing by 5:30am, so we have plenty of time to reach Muktinath before dark. From the Phedi only the spree trail can be seen as it climbs until disappearing between a few rocks and the bulk of the trail cannot be seen. Once through the rocks you’ll see that another set of teahouses have been built, giving people another option to staying lower down at Phedi. But these teahouses are dirty and very cold and the people that stay here usually get ill due to poor conditions. Now past the last set up buildings the trail winds its way up and over a few different glaciered ridges and many false summits. But instead of just looking down at your feet you should be taking in the views of these mountain peaks that can only be seen from this trail. The Nepalese government as of 2002 has opened many of these peaks for climbing and in the further you’ll be able to see expeditions off in the distance. After about 5 hours of walking you finally reach the Thorung La at 17,599ft. A large pile of rocks mark the spot and prayer flags are blowing in the breeze. A small rock hut has been erected here and serves noodle soup and tea to hungry hikers. We will eat something here before starting our way down hill, to Muktinath. On this day you will have a 2,000ft altitude gain on the way over the pass and a 5,000ft descend in altitude on the way down the other side. It takes approximately 9 hours to cross the pass and reach Muktinath.
Day 14- Muktinath (12,467ft) to Jomsom (8,891ft)
(B,L,D)
After breakfast we’ll head to Jomsom for the night, so that we can catch our flight out the next morning.
Day 15- Flight to Pokhara
(B)
Everyone should be ready to take the 7:00am flight to Pokhara. After we land in Pokhara we’ll head to a lakeside resort. We’ll be spending the night in Pokhara. Everyone is free to do as they’d like while in Pokhara.
This day will be used as an extra day incase we can’t cross Thorong La, or if our flight from Jomsom is delayed.
Day 16- Morning flight to Kathmandu (4,300ft)
(B)
We should arrive back in Kathmandu before noon. This will be your last day in Kathmandu and everyone is free to explore the valley. If you’d like some direction on what is available to do our staff can help you get started. Most people are busy this last day shopping and taking in some last minute sights. A farewell dinner is planned for the evening.
Day 17- Extra day in Kathmandu
(B)
This day is set aside in case we miss our flight in Jomsom, or can’t cross the pass and are held up.
Day 18- Departure for home
(B)
After breakfast, you should have all your belongings out of the room and down stairs. Everyone should be ready to depart for the airport no later than 2.5 hours before your flight departure.
Lodging in Kathmandu is a standard room (double occupancy) B/B basis hotel, right in the middle of the Thamel tourist district.
Depending on group size we’ll either use the local teahouses for lodging and meals, or camping during the trek. Teahouses are family run lodges with separate double rooms, inside toilet and large dining room with fireplace.
If camping you’ll be sharing a 4 or 3 person tent for two people. If you’d like your own private tent please let us know, extra fees will apply. Three meals a day will be prepared for you by our great cook and staff. You’ll have a dining tent, toilet tent, mattress, and porters for your gear.
Transportation to the start of this trek is by private coach to the city of Besisahar. You’ll be transfered to/from airports in either a bus or van.
Breakfast included in Kathmandu at hotel, all meals during trek. All meals during the trek are either cooked by our wonderful staff or in teahouses by the owner. You’re most likely wondering what meals will the like while trekking. Below we’ve listed some of the items served.
Breakfast: Oatmeal, eggs many different ways, pancakes, toast, jelly, peanut butter, rice pudding, coffee, tea, coco.
Lunch: If camping our staff with prepare a hot lunch on most days. On longer days our staff will prepare you a pack lunch. When using teahouses we’ll stop in a convenience teahouse and order off the menu for lunch. Some items are; tuna, egg, ham and cheese sandwhichs, veggies, fruit, crackers, canned meats and french fried potatos, soups and macaroni stir fry.
Dinner: This is the largest meal of the day and our cooks go all out to serve up something impressive. Dinner starts with a light soup, main dishes are; spaghetti, chicken, chinese style food, Nepali food, cheese macaroni, stir fly vegetables and potates in everyway thinkable. We always follow dinner up with a dessert like, cake, apple pie, fruit, puddings and then coffee, coco and tea.
 In country transfers
Internal flights, w/airport taxes
Welcome meal upon arrival
Hotel in Kathmandu (double occupancy)
All accommodations during trek, either tents or teahouses
3 meals daily during trek
Guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour, w/entry fees
Government certified English speaking Nepalese guide
EMS Group Leader
Reliable portage staff
Assistant guides and other staff as needed
“First Need” water purifiers for group use
Group medical kit
Special ACAP National Park permits
 Nepal Visa $30, can be purchased upon arrival
Airport departure tax (Rs1695 = $26)
Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
Showers during the trek at local teahouses
Soft drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, or any extra meals outside of the three meals provided during the trek
Anything of a personal nature, laundry, phone calls, e-mail etc.
Evacuation, travel or medical insurance
Tipping
Trip Cancellation insurance
Any extra costs if you decide to leave the group
Tribhuvan International Airport; Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal has only one international airport. This is a modern airport with daily flights from Bangkok and other counties. If flying from the east coast you have a couple of choices, either going through Heathrow, LAX, or a direct flight to Bangkok from JFK.
If you can’t book the first date for arrival, it’s better to come earlier, or one day later. You will be responsible for any changes that incur an increase in cost. If you need assistance with your travel plans, please contact us.
Nepal visa procedure
During your last flight into Kathmandu, the crew will hand out Nepal visa application forms. Fill the form out and have it ready with, passport size photo (b/w or color), passport and $30 USD in exact change. Please make sure your passport will not be expired at least 6 months once you’re to arrive home. You’ll also need to have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.
Spending money
Usually $500 USD will get you through this trip. You will be paying for your Nepali visa upon arrival, which will come to $30 USD, along with airport snacks while in transit. You will also be responsible for your lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu and your drinks while in any hotels. Check the daily itinerary for which meals are included. A general guide for meals is $25 pp should get you through a day of meals, unless you drink alcohol and soft drinks.
Tipping of staff
Each person should plan to tip the trekking staff. If you set a side $100 USD, this should be enough to tip all the staff. Each member of the group will put in the kitty their $100. Your EMS guide will explain the tipping scale, if you want to give away items of clothing or a larger tip to an extra special staff member that is fine and should be done discretely.
Food, snacks and drinking water
While in Kathmandu breakfast is provided. You’ll be responsible for lunch and dinner. While trekking three meals a day will be provided. We suggest you should still bring along personal snacks for hiking. Some of the things other groups have liked are, individually wrapped chocolate, some type of energy bar and hard candy. You can buy anything you’d desire in Kathmandu. Your drinking water will be purified for you anytime you need it. While staying in Kathmandu, you’ll need to purchase drinking water. You will need to bring some type of hydration mix to add to your water. This can be Gatorade or other sports drink mixes.
Calling & e-mailing home
While in Kathmandu you can use the local internet cafe’s to write or call home. We don’t suggest you bring a laptop because there are plenty of internet locations. It is best to tell your family that they can expect a call or e-mail once you depart on the trek. Remember at times you’ll be in very remote locations and loved ones should not expect calls, or e-mail. We do have a satellite phone for safety, but not as a phone service. Once you sign up for the trip instructions will be given for your family in case of emergency. However, remind them it might take several days for any news of an emergency to catch up with you. Therefore, it is best to have a family talk about this before you sign up.
Early departure from itinerary
Since trips travel to many different locations, any change from the itinerary might not be possible. If you have an emergency, we’ll assist you with necessary transportation and reservations to return home. Any changes will be charged accordingly since this will mean that you diverted from the original itinerary. We do have local staff at our disposal to assist us with any arrangements.
Emergency contact numbers for your family
Once you’ve booked your trip with us, we’ll send you by e-mail or snail mail, all contact information in the country you’ll be visiting. These contacts should only bee used if the situation is a real emergency. Make sure your family is aware that even with an emergency it might take a day to track you down.
Single supplement fee
Anyone traveling alone should be prepared to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement fee is usually set for guests requesting a private room or tent. Single supplemental pricing depends on the direct lodging costs and other costs (more staff) to carry extra tents.
If you join a group departure and aren’t coming with another traveler, we will do everything we can to match you up with another traveler on the same trip, but in the event that no suitable match is found, you must be prepared to pay the single supplement fee.
This list includes the minimum clothing necessary to travel on this trip. Each person is restricted to a 28 lb. luggage limit (which includes your sleeping bag) for the trek. Remember that cotton isn’t the best choice in clothing of any kind for a trek, because it robs your body of warmth and dries slowly.
We’ll go over your equipment in equipment before departing for your trek. You will be able to leave your travel clothing behind at the hotel.
Hiking Boots- One pair of medium weight hiking boots, well broken in and waterproofed and proven not to give your feet any blisters. Don’t bring old worn out boots that don’t have good soles, or broken shoelaces.
Gaiters- Make sure your gaiters fit over your hiking boots and are full length and waterproof.
Camp Footwear - One pair of sneakers or Teva-style sandals
Socks- 5 pairs of socks made of synthetic materials or wool blend. Next to the skin, some people like thin polyester or polypropylene socks to transport perspiration from the foot to the outer socks.
Down booties- One pair of down booties to wear at night or around camp (Optional)
Long Underwear (top and bottom)- 1 pair, made of CoolMax, polypropylene, or other synthetic (no cotton blends
Underwear- 5 pair, synthetic (no cotton blends)
Bra/Sports bra- two, synthetic (no cotton blends)
Shirts or Tops- one short and two long sleeve shirts
Fleece Pullover and Pants- 200 weight Polartec® or Powerstretch® tights and top
Jacket- One warm jacket with Down, Hollofill or similar high loft insulation. This layer fits underneath your rain and wind parka.
Fleece Jacket- One / a lighter fleece jacket to be worn during the day, or for layering
Hiking Pants- Two pair. Some people like the kind that you can zip the legs off. These are good for warm afternoons. Please, no jeans.
Shorts- One pair
Gortex/Waterproof Rain Parka and Pants- This is considered the outer layer (rain gear). The parka should be waterproof with hood and pit zips. The pants will go over fleece pants or long underwear, and must be waterproof (side-zip style is optional).
Gloves- 1 pair of liners/1 pair of warm gloves. Make sure that your gloves liners can fit inside mittens or other heavier gloves.
Mitts w/double liners- For climbing Kili, heavy wool, pile or synthetic lined Gortex over mitts are preferred. Make sure you have room for your synthetic gloves inside your mitts.
Hand Warmers- Two sets of chemical hand warmers
Headgear, a.k.a. Hats- During the day you’ll need a hat with a brim to protect your face from intense sun, and at night a fleece or wool hat for warmth.
Balaclava- For high altitude trips, A head layering system works best: first a Capilene balaclava, then a neck gaiter, and finally a baseball hat or fleece hat.
Sunglasses- Two pair / One pair with dark lenses, the next pair should be glacier glasses, with side shields. All treks that travel over 10,000 ft. or mountaineering trips require glacier glasses, this is a very important piece of equipment. The eye is particularly vulnerable to the brilliance of mountain skies and reflections off snow. Sunglasses must be worn at all times during the day. When purchasing sunglasses, try them on and look in a mirror: if you can see your eyes while wearing them, choose another pair. Glasses should have no more than 8% light transmission and make sure they have 100% UV protection.
Headlamp- One / Bring extra batteries and bulbs. Headlamp must be bright enough to see at night or incase of emergency. Small flash light is useful.
Water Bottles- Two bottles/We prefer wide mouth 32oz Nalgene brand. Camelback type hydration system, only for hikes, not on mountain, the water tube will freeze.
Bandanna- Two / since there isn’t a lot of toilet paper to go around we can use your Bandanna to blow your nose. Also is good to hear as a neck over for sunburn, and over mouth for dust.
Sunscreen and Lip Protection- One tube of sunscreen and two chapsticks, both SPF 30 and not older than 6 months/You should carry these with you during the day.
Insect Repellent- One bottle of insect repellent cream in a tube.
Baby Wipes- Amount depends on time traveling. One large container will last 3 weeks. Make sure these are stored in a zip lock plastic bag, they sometimes leak.
Camp Towel- One, large/This will be for drying after showering. The brand I use is called "Pack Towel," and can be purchased at EMS. These must be washed before use, so check out the instructions.
Hydration Mix- Plan water doesn’t replenish the electrolytes lost while sweating, working hard hiking, or during very hot weather. It can also get pretty boring to drink for three weeks. You should purchase something like Gatorade, to put into your drinking water while on trek or safari. Gatorade can be purchased in small one-day packets.
Toiletries- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, lotion, fingernail clippers, etc. Try to find organic brands that won’t hurt the environment. Women must remember to bring sanitary napkins or tampons. Your toiletries should all fit into a small kit. Don’t bring large bottles of shampoo or other items, you can purchase small size bottle specifically for travel use. If you’re traveling on this trip with a friend, it is then possible to share things like toothpaste and sunscreen.
Toilet Paper- Hotels will have toilet papers, but during the Kili phase, you’ll need a roll or two of paper. Keep in zip lock bag.
Ear Plugs- 2 pair / Good for blocking out barking dogs or a snoring tent mate.
Trekking Poles- One pair telescopic poles with baskets at the bottom
Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer- One small bottle to carry with you during the day. Most people assume that they’ll get "the toilet two step," because of the food, or from the water. However, much of the time, it was your own hands that made you go running for the bathroom.
Camera- If you’re thinking of purchasing a new camera, try to buy one that takes double A over the counter batteries, not rechargeable ones.
Books, Tape Player, Journal, Cards, etc.- On all treks there will be time to read, listen to music, and reflect on your day. Because of weight allowances make sure whatever you bring is lightweight and won’t break. All extra gear will be left back at the hotel.
Sleeping Bag- High quality with hood rated to zero degrees F. If you don’t already own a sleeping bag we suggest purchasing a down bag because of weight.
Large Cargo/Duffel Bag w/TSA approved lock– One large 6000 cubic inch bag. All your gear should fit inside this bag. Make sure your bag has been waterproofed or treated, with no holes, or broken zippers.
Day Pack w/rain cover- Your daypack should have some type of internal support to help carry the weight. The best size backpack is a 2500 to 3000 cu in. There should be places to strap on your trekking poles and for your water bottles. Your pack must fit you correctly and feel comfortable with a weight of 10 - 15 pounds. We suggest you go for a hike with some weight inside your pack to make sure it fits properly. If you don’t have a back that you think will work, visit your local EMS store for help with choosing a new pack. The experts at EMS can help you with purchasing a new pack. EMS also has “women” specific backs that fit a woman’s body.
Compression stuff sacks- These help to maximize space. I usually use three stuff sacks: one for my hiking clothing, technical clothing and socks and underwear. In addition, this protects your clothing from getting that popped bottle of shampoo all over everything.
Trash Bags- Four 32 oz. 3 ply garbage bags. These can come in handy to cover your daypack during a downpour or for dirty clothes. In addition, you can put your stuff sacks into a bag to keep things dry.
Money Belt- to wear under your pants
We will have gauze, tape, aspirin, medicated soap, antibiotic ointment, antacid tablets, some antibiotics, painkillers, eye treatments, anaphylaxis kit, Imodium, and Diamox. Because of liability problems, prescription drugs will only be dispensed in emergencies. We suggest you bring the following medical items. Please discuss this with your physician.
** These drugs are recommended by Peter H. Hackett, M.D., in his American Alpine Club publication "Mountain Sickness Prevention, Recognition and Treatment."
Intestinal disorders: Compazine**, 25mg rectal suppositories: for severe nausea, vomiting. Imodium to decrease diarrhea and cramping. Tetracycline, Cipro or Bactrim antibiotics: for initial treatment of severe diarrhea. Activated charcoal has proven to be an effective first stage treatment.
Cuts and scrapes: It's wise to bring a supply of "Band-Aids" to treat those abrasions that sometimes occur.
Infections: Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions. Erythromycin or Amoxicillin tablets for skin or soft tissue infections.
Blisters: It is wise to bring your own small supply of blister treatment items to insure that you avoid letting any blister get out of hand, "Second Skin" and moleskin are recommended
Headaches: Tylenol and Tylenol with codeine** to help relieve possible altitude headaches. Nothing stronger than codeine should be taken for fear of masking potential severe altitude problems while on the mountain.
Insomnia: Halcion** 15mg tablets. In high altitude, mountaineering restlessness is not uncommon and sleep is very important. Halcion is a light sleeping pill, we do not recommend using any sleeping pills above 15,000 feet. We have also found Melatonin to be very helpful for jet lag.
High Altitude Sickness: Diamox** (Acetazolamide) 250mg tablets to be taken twice a day from arrival in Arusha. This drug is widely used in high altitude mountaineering and is highly recommended.
Carry-on for the flight
Here is a list of things you should bring on the plane with you. If your bag is lost in transit, you’ll need a few basics to get by. You can put these things into your backpack and tighten down all the straps to make it smaller and check in your large cargo bag, or you can bring a rolling carry-on and see if all with fit. Hiking boots should be worn on your flight. Many international flights provide you with socks, or slippers to walk around the plane in, for the flight. You can take your boots off once on the plane and place in the overhead compartment.
2 pair of hiking socks
2 pair of underwear
All prescription drugs and headache medicine.
Decongestant – Sudafed works well to keep your sinuses open on long flights.
Change of clothing, pants and shirt
Headlamp
One pair of dark sunglasses
One water bottle
Tooth brush w/paste
Reading materials
I-pod or other media player
Pre-Departure Checklist
Remember your US passport
Bring correct change for your visa $50
At least two passport photos
Cash – Bring small bills, some one-dollar bills for carts at airport and tipping.
Dentist – Make sure you don’t have any dental problems before heading out.
Give the itinerary to your family with contact numbers that will be provided.
Make sure to be well hydrated before your flight.
Emergency Insurance information
Plane tickets
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