Most cyclist before start their travel should learn:

• What bicycle use
• How to choose the right clothing
• The tips for good riding

More and more people have discovered the bicycle as a mean of transport ideal for their vacations. Who has tried it (with no doubts) thinks that a vacation with a bicycle is like returning children and play for an entire day in the open-air.

How do it? Here are the essentials good to know.

credit: amcd

Surely the best bicycle to chose is the one called “Hybrid” or “All Terrain”. A bike that combine its characteristics from the simple road bike and the MTB.

The hybrid bike is the queen of cycle tourism. The handlebar can be flat as the mountain bike, but preferably with extensions that allow you to change the position of hands.

The accessories for the bike

• Useful, often indispensable: Front and rear lamps
• Cycle-computer for partial and total distance, speed and instantaneous clock
• Mudguards: those in plastic  without the need for pins or screws
• Extension handlebar to change hands position on the handlebars
• Porter with fixed grants. The best are in aluminum. For long trips, as well as the rear, before the fork mount those type “low rider”.  The frame should be prepared with loops and holes.
• Bags: two rear and one on the handlebar for personal effects. Two front and low for long journeys. The objects heavier go placed on the bottom. Better waterproof, otherwise get plastic envelopes.
• Combined shoes and pedals, which provides a pedal round that optimizes performances
• To be ready for emergency repairs. It is essential the first aid bag with: kit for drilling (patches, glue, sandpaper), an inner tube, levers to pull the little tires, pump, English keys by 8, 10 and 15, pliers, screwdriver small cross, cables gear brake.

credit: Velaia (ParisPeking)

The wardrobe of the cycle tourist
If you face long trips, it is essential to know how to dress.

• Helmet: It is better to have it always in “mind”.
• Gloves: against possible irritation and blistering caused by prolonged contact with the handlebar. In case of falls, it will also protect your hands from excoriation.
• Sunglasses: lightweight and unbreakable, protect from sun, wind and insects.
• Shorts: those in synthetic fiber protect the perineum, the most requested area, ensure the just freedom of movement.
• Anti-wind jacket:  Windtex or Windstopper are good ones. These membranes allow perspiration outside the steam produced by the body and simultaneously are impervious to wind.
• Waterproof Jacket: Good, but expensive products in Gore-Tex.

Recommendations for a  good ride
Leaving for a trip or a vacation requires good physical condition. There is no need to be trained as those who practice cycling racing, but we must have a good background,  that is the ability to exercise action but not intense and prolonged standing habit of hours in the saddle.

Being  well trained will require planning some extra biking weekends before the vacation.

Another dowry fundamental for cycle tourist is adapt to climatic and environmental conditions. Do not scare before a climb, not attacking so bold (typical error of beginners), but rise gently without claiming to shorten the effort by increasing the pace.

Other enemy, perhaps worst of the climb, is the wind. Against him the muscles are not needed, it should be serenity: put the right gear, which allows a nimble pedal to pedal without haste.

credit: nnnnic

How to not stay Hungry
Cycling is mainly aerobic involving a great consume of energy extended overtime.

In particular during the pedal You must respect a fundamental principle:

When you’re riding you never have to wait thirst and hunger for eating and drinking, when the symptoms arrive it is already too late.

So, to avoid that legs lose strength, we must take liquids regularly, once every 15-20 minutes and solid foods easy to digest in small quantities but continuously, once every 40 or 50 minutes.

The salts should be taken especially after the effort, instead sugars should be easily assimilated.

In concrete terms?

In pockets and close at hand should never miss some fruit (an apple, a banana, energy bars made with dried fruit and cereals).

In borax instead goes much tea enriched with honey.

Like this post? And You, what’s your favorite tip about cycling?

The Etosha National Park is one of the main tourist destinations in Namibia. The streets of the park are all dirt but in good condition, and you can drive with a vehicle precisely.

The Etosha,  established in 1958, is one of the largest nature reserves in the world with its 22270 sq km. The park itself covers the Etosha Pan (6200 sq. km.) A lake that was formed by the Cunene river.

The fund of the Etosha Pan is covered for most of the year by a salty crust limestone. During the rainy season (from November to April) the basin is filled with a low layer of water  and extended (about 830 sq. km.). It forms many lakes that attract flocks of flamingos and many animals.

credit: Andries3

In the Etosha park there are over 300 species of birds and about 120 species of mammals of different sizes. It counts also 250 impala, 74 antelope Roan and 52 rhinos blacks.

To allow animals to overcome the moments of greatest drought, were activated 58 artificial water wells that are used during the dry season, and where you can watch animals in extraordinary amounts.

You can stay in the camps Namutoni, Halali, or Okaukuejo. In all three there is a puddle of observation in which, in the evening, you can admire elephants  and rhinos that drink not far from your camera.

credit: ecololo

Remember to book in advance, otherwise you will not find the place and you will be forced to fold on the lodge outside the park, more uncomfortable (although luxury) and less economic.

The roads inside the park are feasible even without off-road, and there is an obligation to travel at speeds limited to the continued presence of animals.

Milan is a city in Lobardy, Northern Italy. This metropolis is famous for its fashion houses and shops (such as along via Montenapoleone) and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in the Piazza Duomo.

When to Go: Milan has a humid subtropical climate. In respect of most of Italy, which is famous for a comfortable Mediterranean climate, Milan’s winters are typically damp and cold, while summers are warm and muggy at times.

Average temperatures are -3/+6°C in January and +15/+28°C in July. Snowfalls are fairly common in winter, even if in the last 15-20 years they have decreased in frequency and amount. Humidity is high during the whole year and annual rain averages about 1000 mm (40 in).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - credit: Welshdan

What to See: Milan is one of the major artistic centers of northern Italy. Worth a visit:

• The Dome, the world’s largest collection of marble statues with the widely visible golden Madonna statue on top of the spire, la Madunina (little Madonna), the symbol of Milan.
• Teatro alla Scala. Milan is also one of the most important centers in the world for lyric opera, with his famous Teatro alla Scala (La Scala).
• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a large, covered arcade linking the Duomo’s piazza with the Teatro alla Scala.
• The Castello Sforzesco
• The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
• The Palaeo-Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo
• The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, containing drawings and notebooks by Leonardo da Vinci among its vast holdings of books, manuscripts, and drawings, and is one of the main repositories of European culture. The city is also the home of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.
• The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper (L’ultima cena or Il cenacolo).
• The Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Poldi Pezzoli, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and the Musei del Castello galleries, which host a great number of pictorial masterpieces.

How to Arrive

Airports - The city has a large international airport known as Malpensa International Airport (MXP). It’s connected to the downtown with the “Malpensa Express” railway service (from Cadorna Station and central station ). Milan also has the Linate Airport (LIN), connected with bus line 73 (from S. Babila). A third airport is Orio al Serio (BGY), close to the city of Bergamo.

How to Move Around

Subways - Milan has 3 subway lines (M1 – red, M2 – green, M3 – yellow) and the system, called Milan Metro – “La Metro”, running for more than 80 km.

Milan also has one of the most extensive tramway systems in the world, with more than 286 km of track, and 20 lines. The local transport authority (ATM) transported more than 600 million passengers in 2003 .

Railways - Milan is the second railway hub of Italy, and the five major stations of Milan, among which the Milan Central station, are among Italy’s busiest. Regional railways are the ferrovie nord.

The Mekong is one of the world’s major rivers. It is the 12th-longest river in the world, and 7th longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,350 km (2,703 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km².

From the Tibetan Plateau it runs through China’s Yunnan province, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. All except China and Burma belong to the Mekong River Commission.

China has allowed travel on the Mekong, and Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam also have made river touring easier. Several boutique travel operators have started running boat trips on the Mekong and its tributaries. International interest in river trips appears to be growing. A report by the Passenger Shipping Association showed that globally, river cruise bookings rose over 20 per cent last year. [#]

For travellers who don’t want to paddle, several cruise operators now offer trips on the Mekong. Pandaw Cruises runs replicas of colonial-era teak steamers, with diesel engines, on seven- and nine-night trips between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, the port closest to Angkor Wat, turning off the Mekong on to the Tonle River and Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South-east Asia.

Suggested Itinerary: Cambodia Mekong Discovery

1. Siem Reap
2. Angkor
3. Bantey Srei
4. Tonle Sap
5. Siem Reap
6. Kampong Thom
7. Stung Treng
8. Kratie
9. Phnom Penh
10. Siem Reap

The ideal time to travel the Mekong is in early dry season, November to January, before the waters run low. This is also the coolest time of the year in South-east Asia, though as a result airfare can be more expensive.

credit: T-Oh! & Matt

The Mekong river is famous for the Mekong giant carp. It is the biggest species of carp in the world. It is also one of the biggest freshwater fish in the world. It has beautiful scales that change colours depending on the lighting.

General Description

[Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples - credit: Emilio Giordano]

Italy is in Mediterranean Europe, bordering France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. The country, which is a peninsula, is surrounded by the Ligurian Sea, the Sardinian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, the Sicilian and Ionian Sea in the South, and Adriatic Sea in the East.

Italian is the major language spoken by most of the population, but as you travel throughout the country, you will find there are several distinct dialects corresponding to the region you are in. Italy has a diverse landscape, but can be mainly described as mountainous including the Alps and the Apennines mountain ranges that run through it. Italy has two major islands as part of its country: Sardinia, which is an island off the west coast of Italy, and Sicily, which is at the southern tip of the boot.

Italian Regions

• North-West (Nord-Ovest) - Valle d’Aosta, Piemonte, Lombardia, Liguria
• North-East (Nord-Est) - Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto, Trentino Alto-Adige, Emilia-Romagna
• Centre (Centro) - Toscana, Marche, Lazio, Umbria
• South (Sud) - Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria
• Islands (Isole) - Sicily, Sardinia

Popular Places

• Florence
• Milan
• Naples
• Palermo
• Rome
• Turin
• Venice
• Verona

Before You Start Your Trip

Below a list of tips and resource useful for adventure travellers (for the general traveller too).

• Decide what will be your destination and trip
• Try to read as much as info possible
• Verify how much physical challenge you’ll need
• Verify how many attractions you could see by staying in one area
• Make a list of all the activities you want to involve
• Search for review or comments of people who’ve already taken the trip
• Take general info about climate
• Try to learn some basic words
• Take care of your health (emergency, foods to eat, hospitals, etc…)
• If you travel with children don’t plan too much each day

What to Bring

• Make photocopies of important documents (Check, passport, visa, etc…)
• Consider what allowable needs you can carry-on luggage
• Buy comfortable walking shoes
• Rain Gear
• Photography & Electronics
• Carry with you some medications: Antidiarrhea medicine, aspirin, extra tampons, travel packages of Kleenex, antibacterial hand cleaning gel

Clothing and equipment

• Bring a long-sleeved shirt or sweater
• Include:
• Shorts/tights
• Quick-drying jerseys
• Drytex socks
• Stiff-soled shoes
• Cycle gloves
• Rainwear

If You are a biker

[Tuscany - credit: discopalace]

• If you have to transfer your bike with you by train be sure:
• To buy a ticket for your bike
• To know which trains allow bikes
• To know which car the bike will go in
• Trains don’t wait in stations for long
• Breaking away from a group bike tour is the only way to see Italy!
• Take care of equipment to take with you
• Verify if there are bike services along the trip
• Verify if there are markets along the trip
• Verify if you can put your bike in a garage
• Make sure that you drink enough water

If You are a Walker

credit: pmecologic

• Walking is an enjoyable way of seeing the small towns of Italy and their scenery
• Make sure that you drink enough water
• Try to hike with at least one partner if you are unfamiliar with an area
• Use a GPS to help in your itinerary

How to Backpack Through Italy

• Buy a Eurorail pass or a Trenitalia pass. Trenitalia is the inter-Italy train system, which is ideal if you are not leaving the country.
• Start your backpacking trip in Italy in the North, in Venice. After the obligatory gondola ride, explore the winding streets of this ancient city.
• Take the train west to Milan. Here you will find a bevy of churches and cathedrals, including the Church of San Maurizio and the Basilica of San Satiro.
• Travel south to the Renaissance capital of Europe, Florence. Revel in the magnificent architecture of the church of San Lorenzo and Canon’s Cloister.
• Continue to Rome, the capital of Italy. Here the Ancient World comes alive. Visitors can see the Coliseum and the Pantheon.
• Head south to Naples, a rough-and-tumble city on the Amalfi Coast. Here you snap pictures of Mount Vesuvius in the distance and enjoy a real Italian pizza.
• End your trip at the toe of Italy, Messina. Enjoy the balmy Mediterranean Climate and magnificent ocean views.

How to choose the travel agency

• Choose little incoming tour operator with small amount of business. When they start to make “big numbers” the standards of quality goes down
• Check to see if the package vacation includes health insurance policy covers illness or injury overseas
• Do a research on different adventure travel organizations and operators and try to compare the services, prices and then negotiate.
• Sometimes a low price is not only a good and trusted service…
• Get a copy of the travel operator’s terms and conditions

Suggested Itineraries

Bike Tours

[Cycling in Asti - Piedmont, Italy]

Around the Po river form Milan to Verona - This tour will let you discover the sweet countryside in the Po Valley, riding between Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto, enjoying the natural landscape that has been setting so many masterpieces of literature and Italian movies. Welcoming villages, suspended between past and present, typical farms and courts scattered in the fertile plain. You will then find out some important cities, each one with its typical characteristics and cast of features, but united by the richness of monuments.

Bike tour in Eastern Sicily The secrets of Sicily - A varied bike tour, according to your own rhythms and interests through Eastern Sicily. You will cross Noto’s Valley, from 2003 included in Unesco World Heritage List. Following the vestiges of ancient cultures, this tour joins the discovery of beautiful untouched areas, such as Cavagrande – deep gorges cut on the rock by a river - and Vendicari – a protected piece of white beach where many different species of birds build their nests - with the visit of some of the most ancient Sicilian towns.

Cycling along the Po river - If you like the charming scenery of Alps and the spectacle of nature, if you wish to hear its sounds, to watch animals living in their own environment, to see the harmony of colors, to plunge into a green world, we’ll take you to discover the secrets of some of the most beautiful parks in Piedmont, the first region in Italy to create protected areas. It is possible to prologue this itinerary up to Po delta crossing Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna.

Gran tour from Florence to Siena to Pisa - Here is a winning proposal to discover one of the most famous Italian regions, Tuscany. An area which is famous earth for its wines, its cities of art and the warm welcome of its inhabitants: the right combination of emotions, scents and traditions to be discover by bike.

Tasty Piedmont - Piedmont is a real paradise for gourmets. Prestigious white wines, delicious chocolate and a sweet landscape of hills covered by regular rows of wine yards; in the distance the majestic circle of the alps. Piedmont is elegance and style. The best example is the chef town, Turin, first capital of Italy 150 years ago, where the influence of the French style is obvious, that’s why Turin is called “little Paris”.

Walking Tours

[Trekking on the top of Mount Etna, Sicily]

Etna and the Aeolian Islands Volcano Trek - The Aeolian Islands Archipelago is made up of 7 islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. Islands of wild aspect fall sheer into the sea, offering visions of beauty.

From Modena to Massa Carrara on the Dukes road - The Vandelli road begins to be built as a will of the Duke of Modena, Francesco III d’Este who wanted to have a safe access to the sea in the territory of its duchy. So the mathematician Domenico Vandelli was asked to draw the layout of a road for carriages, to cross the Apennines; after 10 years of work, the road was completed in 1751.

The Chianti from Florence to Siena - From Piazza della Signoria to Piazza del Campo, a trek to join two of the most important Tuscan cities from the historical and artistic view. Florence, the city of Leonardo, Giotto, Dante and Brunelleschi, and Siena, native land of the “Palio”. These two jewels have in common they belong to one of the most famous areas of the Tuscany: “The wine road”, that you will cross leaving Castellina in Chianti and walking along paths and roads surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Suggested Attractions: Nature and Parks

Italy has 23 National Parks, 89 Regional Parks, 270 Regional Reserves, 142 State Reserves, 47 Marsh reserves and 7 Marine Reserves, which are protected zones managed either by the State in some form - Regional Councils, Provincial Councils and Municipalities - or by the environmental and protection associations such as Italia Nostra, WWF, Lega Ambiente, Greenpeace, LIPU, Touring Club, etc.

Top Italian National Parks

Parco Nazionale Appennino Tosco-Emiliano - Between Cisa and Forbici Passes, the woodland ridges separating Tuscany from Emilia give way to a mountain environment. The summits of Alpe di Succiso, Mt. Prado and Mt. Cusna go beyond the 2,000 meters, forests give way to rocks, lakes, and high-mountain grasslands. At lower altitudes, on the side of Emilia, the surly Pietra di Bismantova dominates the landscape with its vertical walls.

Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi was created to protect a territory of extraordinary landscape and naturalistic value. The Vette di Feltre and Mount Serva were already famous for their flora in the 18th century. The presence of rare species and of a great variety of natural environments is mainly due to the geographical position of the territory.

Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, which is part of the Unesco world heritage, has environmental and cultural features which are essential to safeguard: overhanging coasts over the sea with bays and small beaches, thousands of kilometers of dry-stone walls enclosing the terraces where vineyards are cultivated, the characteristic rustics, the medieval quarters, the sanctuaries, the panoramic paths over the sea and the slopes.

Parco Nazionale del Gargano - From a biological point of view, the Gargano promontory is an island, divided from the peninsula by the Tavoliere delle Puglie. It is rich in karst structures like caves and dolines. While in the past the promontory was covered by forests, now they form only the 15 per cent of its surface: the most important wood in the Park is the Foresta Umbra.

Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio, of great geological and historical interest, has been proved to safeguard the values of the territory, use suitable means to allow a correct integration between man and environment, promote environmental education and scientific research activities.

Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio is the largest not only among the historical Italian parks, but also in the whole Alpine chain. It stretches in the heart of the Central Alps and includes typical valleys shaped by acting ice and water flowing down from the imposing massif of the Ortles-Cevedale group.

How to travel on a budget

• Compare and Call to several adventure-travel companies and ask detailed info
• Book in lower season (Feb-May or Sept-Jan) and as much as earlier possible
• Verify the services included and if prices are comprehensive of taxes
• Verify how many attractions you can visit
• Book directly with the tour operator that organize the tour (not third party agencies or similar). You could negotiate a better price
• The best you could do is to search for a local tourist board to find all you need without buying a guidebook

Tips to travel in Italy

• Plan a lot of walking
• Keep all of your receipts for purchases of goods or services
• Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
• Hire a local guide - you’ll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
• Use public transport, hire a bike or walk - its a great way to meet local people
• Not all places allow picture taking. Museums, especially
• Remember that American and European DVDs and VCRs have different formats
• Serious crime is rare, however pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common in large cities
• Italian tap water is sometimes heavily chlorinated, so it’s best to drink bottled water
• European voltage is different from that of the United States

How to Arrive in Italy

Most of midrange international flights arrive to the following Italian cities:

• Milan - with 2 airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN); in addition, Bergamo (BGY - Orio al Serio) is sometimes referred to as “Milan Bergamo”
• Rome - with two airports: Fiumicino (FCO - Leonardo Da Vinci) and Ciampino (CIA)
• Bologna (BLQ – Guglielmo Marconi)
• Naples (NAP - Capodichino)
• Pisa (PSA - Galileo Galilei)
• Venice (VCE – Marco Polo)
• Turin (TRN – Sandro Pertini)

How to Get Around

Given the excellent network of cheap bus and train services in Italy, both are a great, stress-free way of seeing the country - and of being part of the great Italian travelling public.

Bus travel is the less expensive of the two, but as there are many different operators it is less straightforward than train travel. Your own wheels give you the most potential freedom and flexibility, although both fuel and autostrada (motorway) tolls are expensive. Domestic air travel can be costly and is worth it only if you are short of time.

Buses are fast and reliable, whether they are traversing local routes linking small villages or zooming along autostrade between cities.

Weather and Climate

Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are fairly few crowds. Try to avoid August, as this is the time that most Italians take their vacations, and many shops and businesses are closed as a result.

Italy’s climate varies from north to south and from lowland to mountain top. Temperatures at sea level tend to be similar around the country, with altitudes creating steep changes between summer and winter. Winters are long and severe in the Alps, with snow falling as early as mid-September.

Storms develop in spring and tend to last to autumn, making summer the wettest season. The northern regions experience chilly winters, hot summers and regular even rain distribution, while conditions become milder as you head south. The sirocco, the hot and humid African wind that affects regions south of Rome, produces at least a couple of stiflingly hot weeks in summer.

Health and Safety

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.

Using insect repellent with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs to be applied more often. Wearing long-sleeved shirts which should be tucked in, long pants, and hats to cover exposed skin. When you visit areas with ticks and fleas, wear boots, not sandals, and tuck pants into socks.

Be Careful about Food and Water. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).

Other…

How can I telephone outside Italy?

To call abroad from Italy there are several systems like a prepaid telephone card. From an Italian phone, you can phone with a prepaid domestic telephone card, bought in a tobacco shop (Tabbacchino), newsagent (Giornalaio) or bar. You can also use the umts and gsm or internet voip for you calls.

Phone Calls: To find places where phone you can try in larger cities in the internet access points and in hotels.

For international calls you can use phonecards of foreign carriers. Here are access numbers in Italy for carriers of some countries:

• AT&T 800-172-444
• BT Albacom 800-172-442
• Japan Telecom 800-172-244
• Sprint (MCI) 800-172-405, 800-172-406
• Telecom NZ 800-172-641

To set up your cell phone with an Italian service, Italy has 4 carriers: Vodafone, TIM, H3g and Wind. To phone with these you can buy prepaid phonecards that start at 10 Euros.

What are the driving license requirements in Italy?

To drive in Italy, you should get an international permit from automobile clubs, if your license is not from a

European union nation. You can drive if you are 18 years old. Traffic is limited in certain period of the day: In the morning between 8-9 o’clock and in the evening between 18-20 o’clock. Top

To hire a car the U.S. and Canadian travellers need an international driver’s license. To apply for an International Driver’s License, visit any AAA branch.

To remember: Italy uses international road signs, you have to drive on the right and passing on the left. The speed limit is 50kmh (30 mph) in Cities, 90kmh (56 mph) outside the cities, 80Kmh (130kmph) in the highways.

What are the visa requirements to travel in Italy?

The visa requirements depend on where a tourist come from. For people coming from European Community there are not requirement to stay for three months. People coming from Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, U.S.A., can stay in Italy for 90 days with passport without a visa. Usually it’s not difficult to get these documents.

• Language: Italian is the official language. However, English is widely understood.
• Time Zone: Six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time.
• Credit Cards: All major credit cards are accepted.
• Currency: The Italy’s official currency is Euro. It is based on the decimal system. The Euro sign is €.
• Money Exchange: You can change money at the hotel or at the nearest banks, from 9:00AM to 1:30PM and 3:00PM to 4:00PM - Closed on Weekend and national holidays.
• Voltage: The electrical current in the hotels is 220 volts, 50 cycles. To convert local power to U.S. standard you’ll need a transformer. For plugs you’ll need an adapter.
• Shopping: Shopping hours are from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and from 5:00PM to 8:00PM from Monday through Saturday. Businesses are closed on Monday mornings and Sundays.

Resources:

• http://wikitravel.org
• http://www.american.edu/ted
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel
• http://www.enit.it
• http://www.parks.it
• http://answers.yahoo.com
• http://www.ehow.com

credit: Argenberg

Nepal is a landlocked nation in South Asia. It is bordered by the Tibet (Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China) to the northeast and India to the south and west. Bhutan separates it by the Indian state of Sikkim and from Bangladesh by a small strip of the Indian state of West Bengal (known as the “Chicken’s Neck”). The Himalaya mountain range runs across Nepal’s north and western parts, and eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest. Founded and unified by Pranav Sharma in 17th Century.

For a small country, Nepal has a diverse landscape, ranging from the humid Terai plains in the south to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, which make it a major tourist destination. Hinduism is the main religion of the Nepali people, but the country also has a strong Buddhist tradition; Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama is in the southern part of the country bordering India.

credit: ilkerender

The capital Kathmandu is the largest city in the country. The official language is Nepali and the state currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Nepal’s flag is the only current national flag that is not quadrilateral in shape; its shape is a double triangle. This flag is like most Hindu flags - a pennon. It’s a common believe that, God Vishnu organized the Nepali people and given them this flag, with the sun and moon as emblems on it.

Nepal has 14 zones and 75 districts, grouped into 5 development regions. Each district has a permanent chief district officer responsible for keeping law and order and coordinating the work of field agencies of the various government ministries.

The 14 zones are:

1. Bagmati
2. Bheri
3. Dhawalagiri
4. Gandaki
5. Janakpur
6. Karnali
7. Kosi
8. Lumbini
9. Mahakali
10. Mechi
11. Narayani
12. Rapti
13. Sagarmatha
14. Seti

Some History:

Landlocked between India and China with some of the most rugged topography on earth, Nepal was never colonized and remained isolated from outside influence until 1951. Since opening its doors, Nepal has made a remarkable transition from an isolated medieval kingdom without the most rudimentary infrastructure to a modern nation state.

credit: Parahamsa

The country is in the middle of a major political transition. The Maoists have won the Constituent Assembly election held on 10 April 2008. This raises the prospect of the current king, Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev giving up the title and throne, making him the last ruling monarch. Nepal would then be a federal democratic state with an elected head of state. The Assembly will also decide the format of the next elected government (psbb). More…

Climate:

Nepal has a Monsoonal climate with four main seasons - though traditionally a year was classified into six distinct climate periods: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Haemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter).

Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:

• Heavy monsoonal rains from June to September - the rains are lighter high in the Himalayas than in Kathmandu, though the mountain peaks are often lost in cloud.
• Clear and cool weather from October to December - after the monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to visit the mountains.
• Cold from January to March, with the temperature in Kathmandu often dropping as low as 0°C at night, with extreme cold at high elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter, but it is cold and snowfall may prevent going above 4,000 - 4,500 meters. The Jomosom trek is a reasonable alternative, staying below 3,000 meters with expected minimum temperatures about -10°C and much better chances of avoiding heavy snow.
• Dry and warm weather from April to June - there is a plenty of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of colour to the landscape. Terai temperatures may reach or exceed 40°C while Kathmandu temperatures are about 30°C.

Travel Preparation:

Travel Preparation Information from Instructor

Before You go:

• Plane Preparation: Set date and make ticket arrangements early
• Check Passport Expiration Date - renew if yours expires before September 2007
• Nepal Travel Visa ($30): can apply for ahead of travel (see links) or when arrive in Kathmandu

Entry - Exit Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travellers may get visas before travel or purchase two-month, single-entry visas or two-month, multiple-entry visas on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at the following land border points of entry:

Kakarvitta, Jhapa District (Eastern Nepal); Birgunj, Parsa District (Central Nepal); Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District (Northern Border); Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi District, Western Nepal); Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal); Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali District, Far Western Nepal); and Gadda Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur District, Far Western Nepal).

(For U.S Citizens) Visas and information on entry/exit requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of Nepal at 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at (212) 370-3988.

Health:

• Clothing
  • Modest clothes that cover the pelvic area, loose slacks with long tops are culturally proper as well as cool
  • Sneakers, walking shoes, or something easy to take on and off (take off shoes when entering a home)
• Exercise - walk 20 minutes/day to prepare for village walking and bicycling
• Visit with personal doctor about inoculations and any health concerns
• Digestive aids you may want to bring with you:
  • Black Walnut pills (start 4 days before travel)
  • Garlic tablets
  • Water purification tablets
  • Acidophilus pills

Medical care in Nepal is limited and is not up to Western standards. Typical travellers’ complaints can be addressed by the clinics in Kathmandu, and some surgeries can also be performed in the capital.

How to Get Immunizations for Nepal: Hepatitis A, typhoid and polio are recommended for all travellers, except infants and pregnant women. Rabies or Japanese encephalitis vaccinations may be necessary for extended trips or when there is a risk of exposure. Find out the current yellow fever vaccination requirements and malaria for Nepal at the World Health Organization Web site.

Be careful in selecting food and drink. Avoid leafy vegetables known to carry parasites. Also be wary of vegetables may have been washed in tap water. Select only fruit that has a skin that can be peeled.

Safety and Security:

• Recommended First Aid kit (with antibiotics)
• Be sure to bring all regular medication (especially EpiPen if severely allergic to bee stings,.)
• Travel Insurance

Visitors should avoid walking alone after dark and carrying large sums of cash or wearing expensive jewellery. Women travellers should not to wear revealing clothing in public places as this can be culturally offensive to Nepalese. In addition, visitors should consider exchanging money only at banks and hotels and limiting shopping to daylight hours. There have been several reported incidents in which tourists have had their belongings stolen from their rooms while they were asleep.

Valuables should be stored in the hotel safety-deposit box and should never be left unattended in hotel rooms. Travellers should be especially alert at or near major tourist sites, where most pickpocketing occurs. Passports and cash should be carried in a protected neck pouch or money belt–not in a backpack or handbag. Nepali police forces have limited resources and lack enough staff to effectively enforce law and order. Their services are not up to Western standards. Many cases reported to the police remain unresolved.

Get In:

By plane - Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport is just outside the Ring Road in Kathmandu. The terminal is a one-room brick building with a large wooden table serving as both customs and immigration. Two month tourist visas are available on arrival. Money can be changed as well, but these services are only available directly after scheduled arrivals.

Outside the airport, all ‘representatives’ of the tourist industry are required to remain 10 meters from the front door. This does not prevent them from waving large signs and yelling in an attempt to encourage you to choose them as your guide/taxi/hotel/luggage carrier. Make your choice before crossing the line, or better yet, arrange your first night’s accommodation before you arrive and ask the hotel to send someone to meet you. Many hotel and guest houses offer complimentary pick up and delivery from the airport.

Taxis are also available. As always, negotiate the price before with the driver. A taxi ride to Thamel or Boudha should be around 250. Otherwise, order a taxi at the prepaid booth inside the airport, which costs 300 NRS. This is more than the normal taxi rate, but it saves the hassle of long negotiations.

Getting Around:

City Buses - There are many buses, minibuses and microbuses available at Ratnapark (old Bus Park) which leave to different destinations in the valley. Safa tempo run by battery is available in Kathmandu for commuters.

Metered Taxi - Consult Kathmandu Valley map to find out the direction of your destination. Hail a taxi, which is easily recognisable by its taxi sign on top and black license plate. As a rough guide, a trip inside the city will cost anywhere between Rs. 20/- to 200/- (depending on the distance). No tip is expected. A metered taxi from the airport to downtown will cost about Rs. 200 to Rs. 400. Private taxis may charge slightly higher than the ordinary taxis. There is also an arrangement of Night Taxi service performed by the major hotels. The fare is slightly higher than the metered taxi. One can rent a private car through a travel agent or a car rental company.

Hired Mountain Bike/ Ordinary Bicycle - Mountain bikes and ordinary bicycles are cheap and the best form of transport for economy tourists. One can hire them at Thamel, Rani Pokhari and Jhochhen.

Long-Distance Bus Service - Long-distance day or night bus services are available from Kathmandu to all cities of Nepal. A new bus park has been built at Gongabu on the Ring Road near Balaju from where buses leave for the different destinations. Six seater Sumo Ta-ta van, 12 seater van and air-conditioned minibus also available for long-distance travel.

Attractions to Visit:

photo credit: ilkerender

• Annapurna Conservation Area: The Annapurna Region lies toward the north of central Nepal. The region has been recognized as one of the World’s best trekking trails. The highlights of this trek are the Annapurna Peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Machhapuchre.
• Everest National Park: The Everest Region is found in north-east Nepal. The most visited part is the Solu-Khumbu district, home of the famous Sherpas and the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest at 8,848 m.
• Langtang National Park: The Langtang area is towards the north of Kathmandu valley. The scenery here is spectacular and the trek more adventurous as the areas are visited by fewer tourists.

Activities To do:

credit: tboothhk

• Jungle Safari - Royal Chitwan National Park offers elephant rides, jungle canoeing, nature walks, and birding, as well as more adventurous tiger and rhino-viewing.
• Parties - “The Last Resort”, near the Tibetan border, has frequent Full Moon Trance Parties, lasting 2-3 days. Watch for posters and check music shops. Pokhara has started featuring its own brand of Full Moon raves and interesting Western takes on Nepali festivals.
• Massage - “The Healing Hands Center”, in Kathmandu, has monthly five-day, ten-day and one-month Ancient Massage courses.
• Mountainering - Climbing allow to scale the Nepal Himalayas is issued in all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. You’ll need certain official documents to seek permission for climbing peaks. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officer for expedition. Fees or ties depend on the altitude of the peak starting at US $ 1,000 for peaks below 6,501 meters and rising by US $ 500 for every 500 meters.

credit: Mustafiz {FREE TIBET}

• Rafting - Nepal has earned the reputation of destinations for white water rafting. Cruising down rushing rivers of crashing waves and swirling rapids can make up excitement of a lifetime. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three-week trips to trips of two or three days.
• Ballooning - Sail above the Kathmandu Valley and get your camera-ready. These is a grand balloon with 20 person gondola. Your ballooning tour comes complete with a full course breakfast.
• Canyoning - The latest adrenaline cocktail of choice is canyoning, an activity that involves abseiling, sliding, jumping and climbing down canyon walls alongside waterfalls to deep pools below.
• Rock-climbing - The growing Himalayas will also tempt those that want to be tethered to them - or do you want to free climb? Whatever your pleasure, these young mountains are sure to offer enough finger-clinging holds to give a lifetime of memories. Most trekking outfitters offer all the gear you’ll need for mountaineering. But for more specific climbing needs, consider coming loaded with your own gear.

Trekking

credit: Matthew Winterburn

Treks around Anapurinana Mountain are some of the most popular routes. This is because of the view, meaning it is possible to find guest houses regularly around the circuit. This trek takes several weeks to complete, although there are several shorter routes that cover some of the more scenic sections of the trail.

For a streamlined trek, try Helambu Langtang Trek, which starts out in Kathmandu. Though this trek lacks the breathtaking views of the Anapurinana trails, it has plenty stopping off points, comfortable guest houses, and more contact with locals the more remote treks. Those travellers who want to see more of Nepal’s colourful folk culture would enjoy this trek, as there are enough opportunities to mingle with locals.

Popular “Lodge” trekkings in Nepal are the Everest treks, the Annapurna Region treks and the Langtang and Helambu region, where “Tea-House Trekking” is the most easy way to trek also without needing support. The day’s hikes are between guesthouse-filled settlements or villages: there’s no need for tents, food, water or beer, plus luxuries such as apple-pie, can be bought along the way. The physical needs go from soft treks to strenghtenous ones.

Facilties available in remote areas are less extensive than in the more popular areas. It may be advisable to visit such regions with organised groups, including guide, porters and full support. Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, Mustang and Humla are in remote areas. Many of them want also special allows.

• Everest Base Camp Trek: Stunning scenery, Wonderful people. See ‘Regions’ - Khumbu
• Annapurna Circuit: A 3-4 week trek around the Annapurna mountains.
• Jonsom-Muktinath Trek: The last week of the Annapurna Circuit, done in the opposite direction. Known as the “Apple-Pie Trek” partially for crossing the apple growing region of Nepal, and partially for being one of the easier treks.
• Helambu Langtang Trek: easy Trek from Kathmandu
• Mera Peak Climbing: Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Kangchenjunga (8586m), Nuptse (7855m), Chamlang (7319m).
• Island Peak Trek: The Island Peak trek in the Everest region takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas.

Suggested Itineraries:

credit: flicksta

Annapurna Sanctuary - Lovers of freedom and independence, discover Nepal freely, with some friends or couple! No tour leader but a detailed road book with itinerary and map for support. During the trek, your luggage are carried by a Sherpa from Lodge to Lodge. At the feet of breathtaking south face of Annapurna (8091m) of 4000 m high, the sanctuary of Annapurna is a magic place, huge cirque towered by giant peaks and wonderful glaciers.

This mountainous highland environment can be reached by trekkers thanks to a good trail that drives you from rice paddies to Rhododendron forests to reach finally a mineral universe of moraines and chaos of rocks. Evening, you will get accommodation in local lodges and get chance to prove the daily life of the Gurung inhabitants of the high Himalayan valley.

Nepal and Tibet From Lhassa To Katmandou - This itinerary dive us nto Tibetan tradition through discovering main cultural sites of central Tibet. Lhassa deep us immediately into Tibetan and Buddhist land with its many sites dedicated to spiritual thinking:

The Potala palace and its impressive statues and tankhas collection, the great monastic universities of Sera and Drepung where monks still practice philosophical debates, Jokhang temple set in heart of old town…

Heading to everest, we start to cross the high Tibetan plateau at more than 4000 meters high. The villages of Gyantse, Shalu, Shigatse, Sakya are along the way as many cultural stages. The Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma tower the surroundings. Slowly the landscape shift and dry land vanishes. Coming back in Nepal on the road to Katmandu the difference between nepali villages, luxurious vegetation and rice and Tibetan high plateau is striking.

Travel Tips:

Here are some tips from the Nepal Tourism Board to help you follow the country’s customs:

• The form of greeting in Nepal is “NAMASTE” and is performed by joining the palms together.
• Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
• Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or a hand being used for your eating to touch other’s food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people’s plate and do not drink from other people’s bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
• Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
• While travelling dress properly. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
• Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners or non-Hindus to enter.
• Leather articles are banned to be taken inside the temple precinct.
• Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
• Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
• Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned on. Do not do something that is alien to our environment.
• Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean “Yes”.

credit: Wonderlane

• Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs.
• Trekking organized through recognized Trekking Agent ensures comfort and convenience, safety and security and affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experiences on the mountains, people and in rural Nepal.
• All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel, and trekking agents bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and keep all exchange receipts with you.
• Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as mush as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment.
• Avoid dispute with local people, most when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
• Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
• Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of kerosene for cooking to Trekking Agents.
• We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel changes and deviations, rescues and evacuations.
• It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while travelling in Nepal for females. If you do not have a partner trekker as companion, you should not engage a guide/porter except through a third-party who has responsibility for the person engaged.
• All the information mentioned here is subject to change, so do not forget to do your own homework.

Travel Warnings:

A Travel Warning remains in effect because the U.S. Department of State continues to consider the security in Nepal. Despite signing the November 21, 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Maoists and other political movements continue extortion, abduction and killing. Since April 2006, many groups using violent methods to advance various political goals have formed in Nepal.

Business people (both Nepalese and foreign) and tourists who resist Maoist extortion demands have been threatened, sometimes assaulted, and risk being detained. Maoist demonstrators have stopped and sometimes attacked vehicles, including those of the U.S. Embassy. Since early 2007, the Maoist Young Communist League (YCL) has harassed and attacked settled tourist facilities and infrastructure, and has threatened Kathmandu-based personnel of a U.S. non-governmental organization. In May 2007, YCL cadre attacked with stones a UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) vehicle carrying the UNHCR Resident Representative and the U.S. Ambassador in Jhapa District in the Terai.

Nepal News

5 killed, 17 injured in Nepal accident (Hindustan Times)

COMMENT ON THIS ! Your Views! Five persons, including a woman, were killed and 17 others were seriously injured on Friday afternoon when a passenger bus plunged into a river at Tanahu district in Central Nepal. [Link]

Bomb in southern Nepal kills child, wounds three (EARTHtimes.org)

Kathmandu - A child was killed and three people were seriously wounded when a powerful explosion ripped through a stage at a cultural festival in southern Nepal, police said Friday. The bombing in the town of Gaur in the Rautahat district, about 100 … [Link]

Nepal PM Prachanda offers to quit (The Times of India)

KATHMANDU: Facing strengthening public anger over the murder of two youths, allegedly by his own party cadres, and facing a persistent challenge to his leadership from his own comrades, Nepal’s Maoist prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda offered to quit on Friday, only three months after having assumed office. [Link]

Nepal PM Prachanda offers to quit (The Times of India)

KATHMANDU: Facing strengthening public anger over the murder of two youths, allegedly by his own party cadres, and facing a persistent challenge to his leadership from his own comrades, Nepal’s Maoist prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda offered to quit on Friday , only three months after having assumed office. [Link]

After people's war, Nepal Maoists begin peer war (New Kerala)

By Sudeshna Sarkar, Kathmandu, Nov 21 : Twelve years ago, Nepal's Maoist party decided to quit parliament and wage a war against the state with the aim of establishing a people's republic. Now, after coming to power, the former guerrillas are geared for a new battle. [Link]

About 750 women personnel to guard Indo-Nepal border (Calcutta News)

India's paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will deploy about 750 women constables at the Indo-Nepal border soon to check human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities, an official said Friday. [Link]

About 750 women personnel to guard Indo-Nepal border (New Kerala)

Patna, Nov 21 : India's paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will deploy about 750 women constables at the Indo-Nepal border soon to check human trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities, an official said Friday. [Link]

Indian embassy downplays attack on diplomat's car in Nepal (New Kerala)

Kathmandu, Nov 21 : A day after the car of an Indian diplomat was stoned by a mob in Kathmandu, the Indian embassy here tried to downplay the incident Friday, saying that it was not a specific 'attack on an Indian diplomat or Indian interests or property in Nepal'. [Link]

Divisions cloud meeting of Nepal's ruling Maoists (TODAYonline)

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda. Nepal's ruling Maoists began a national meeting Friday to hammer out their political future, with leftist hardliners arguing for greater state control in all sectors. [Link]

Divisions Cloud Meeting Of Nepal's Ruling Maoists (Nasdaq)

KATMANDU, Nepal (AFP)–Nepal's ruling Maoists began a national meeting Friday to hammer out their political future, with leftist hard-liners arguing for greater state control in all sectors. [Link]

Divisions cloud meeting of Nepal's ruling Maoists (AFP via Yahoo! News)

Nepal's ruling Maoists began a national meeting Friday to hammer out their political future, with leftist hardliners arguing for greater state control in all sectors. [Link]

Global Economic Crisis and Nepal (Nepalnews. com)

Nepal will have insignificant impact of the global crisis because its domestic economic activities are sluggish which implies that it is already in the nearest point of recession. But there will be greater impact from the present global economic crisis. [Link]

How much money for a month of travel in Nepal?

I would expect this much per/day:

• Lodging = $25 (you could probably find cheaper though since you’re staying so long)
• food = $15
• Misc. travel, taxis, bus,. = $5/day (again, could be much cheaper if you walk or ride bike, which I would probably do; or if you travel long distances it may be more. Of course, some days you may not travel at all).
• Extra misc. = $5

So, you could probably expect somewhere between $35-55/day, depending on how much you plan to do.

30 days in a month x $40/day = $1200 (more or less)

Equipment and what to bring:

Your trekking agency will provide equipment like sleeping bags, foam mattresses and tents. All you need to bring is your personal gear. We’ve seen porters make in through mountain passes in flip-flop sandals while carrying loads for two travellers. Nevertheless, we want you to enjoy your journey so use the lists (and your porters’ muscles) below as guides.

Small Requirements

• Lightweight walking boots. “Walk them in” before arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
• A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
• 1-2 pair of loose-fitting long shorts/skirts.
• 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
• 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is suitable for avoiding sunburn.
• A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woollen socks.
• Underwear: normal quantity
• Swimming suit
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses and strap
• Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Kathmandu and some village in the mountains.
• Small headlamp and flashlight/torch with spare batteries
• Personal medical supplies - don’t forget band-aids and twizzers
• Army-knife and sewing kit
• Sunscreen, sunblock, suntan lotion, zinc-oxide…? This is essential in the Winter when skys are clearest.

Winter Requirements

• Warm jacket. Fibrefill or down should be enough. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
• Sleeping bag to -15 C or sleep sheet (if renting or agency supplied)
• Woollen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February, These items are essential. Thick sweaters can be bought in Kathmandu.
• Windproof/Waterproof trousers. Need on all treks going above 3,000 meters.
• Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are worthless.
• A woollen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
• A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woollen are best.
• Snow Glasses and strap
• Snow gaiters can be essential

Some add-ons

• Camera & Film
• A pair of slip-on shoes or sandals. To wear in the camp, in bathroom and toilet tent or when the boots are wet.
• A rainproof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
• A sweatsuit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
• Duffel bag or kitbag to carry gear while trekking.
• Daypack. This is a small backpack to carry personal requirement for the day for example, to toilet items, camera, film, towel, soap, a book.
• Spare bootlaces.
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
• Wallet and money belt with compartment for coins.
• Spare flashlight bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
• An umbrella is useful as a walking stick, a sunshade and for rain.
• Reading materials, game items, music, notebook, rubber band, pen and pencil envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), A small pillow or headrest (optional) Thermarest (optional) - an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, enough quantities of passport photographs.
• Duct-tape, superglue and small mirror can be handy
• Travel locks and chain to secure luggage and lodge door
• Hot-water bottle - unless your mate’s comin’ along

Resources:

• http://mysite.du.edu
• http://travel.state.gov
• http://www.loc.gov
• http://en.wikipedia.org
• http://wikitravel.org
• http://www.welcomenepal.com
• http://answers.yahoo.com
• http://www.visitnepal.com

Experts noted violent strombolian activities but no danger to homes.

Catania (Italy), May 10 - Mount Etna is erupting again, a new eruption from the south-east crater anticipated by a strong strombolian activity with emission of ash and lava.

The effusive activity of the lava flows arrives to the base of the crater. The volcano launches incandescent lava fountains high hundreds of meters.

The eruption is constantly under the control of the “Civil Protection” and the Institute of geophysics and volcanology of Catania.

They do not report threats to the towns.

After releasing the first section of Beginner’s guide to approach hiking, I’ve send it to some of the best hiking experts that have an active blog.

Here you are what they replied me…nothing else

Jon’s reply:

The posting looks pretty good to me. I’m not really a hiking expert so I haven’t got a lot to offer in terms of questions. I did see a comment about swollen hands when hiking. This happens to runners too and it seems to be related to dehydration and low electrolytes. Proper hydration and electrolyte intake may help hikers too.

Rick’s reply:

In North America we …

+ Never take “tinned” food
+ Never take jeans

About 30% of hikers here have given up on boots. (Including me.) Instead we wear walking shoes, sometimes called Approach Shoes or trail runners.

Other than that, it looks good.

You could add a question something like, How do I reduce the weight of my pack?

Possibly, …

Should I day hike, or do a multi-day hike? It takes much more experience, gear and pack weight to multi-day. Beginners should start with day hikes. Or base camp day hikes.

Rick writes for the blog http://www.besthike.com/blog

Olga’s reply:

That’s a great post - you provided a lot of good information! I don’t think I could add anything other than woman might want to be sure to wear a supportive bra or a sports bra to keep “things” under control!

You can follow Olga here http://olgathetravelingbra.blogspot.com

Sara’s reply:

The post is really good. You might want to add something about dealing with wild animals (bear, wolf, cougar, etc.).

Cheers to a great new year!

You can read her website http://www.saraost.com

Wade’s reply:

That’s an excellent resource! The only thing I can think of (it’s actually pretty complete as far as I can tell) would be tips on winter hiking. Things like the “cotton kills” axiom, and maybe some suggestions on rain gear? Either way, I’d love to post about your list and put up a link on the great outsmores if that’s OK with you.

Wade write for the blog http://outdoorsblogger.com

Chris reply:

Here are some ideas for your post; you can decide if they are valuable or not:

Calories burned: how many miles can I hike — for both of these questions the answer varies a great deal depending on the pitch and the surface. People have to be much more conservative in their estimates of how long it takes if they are ascending hills or mountains, or if the trail surface is really rugged.

Here in the Northwest we sometimes hike in rock slides and streambeds, which take FOREVER to get through… it can take an hour to go half a mile. To me this is important, because people should not expect to be home before dark assuming they can cover 3 miles per hour in all terrain.

Drinking water: another tip for all endurance sports is to start drinking more water 2 or 3 days before a long hike or long trip. Hydrating only on the day of the trip is not as effective.

Shewee! Ha! In the US, women just duck behind a tree.

Knee injuries: This I have experience with. Use spring-loaded hiking poles! By incorporating your arms you can take a lot of pressure off your knees. This is important in the mountains (but not very important on flat hikes). I once hiked for four days with poles, carrying a huge pack (50 pounds), and just a few months after knee surgery. I was fine because of the poles.

Mosquitoes: in the US, our mosquitoes are effectively deterred by any repellent that contains DEET. Other repellents do not work. Another tip: keep moving!

Shorts or jeans? Here we say: cotton kills! Jeans absorb water too easily and don’t keep you warm. Better to wear shorts, and if it’s cold, wear nylon leggings (bottom long-underwear) under the shorts. Also, fleece pants are very warm and dry. Jeans would only be OK for short hikes in dry weather, although I would never wear them. Over here, we don’t have many days when it’s certain to be dry in the mountains.

What you must bring: In the US we call this the Ten Essentials. You can find them here from Wikipedia

Boots: you say when they are broken — you mean, broken IN!

Hot drinks: now there are special mugs with small heaters attached. Not essential, but in cold weather this is a great way to stay warm.

Rattlesnakes: always keep your eyes and ears open. They are easy to see or hear, as long as you are paying attention. I’ve only ever seen them heading in the other direction, they don’t want to deal with us.

[Ah, I see you have a section on hiking poles. Good stuff.]

Good luck Enrico!

Chris writes for the blog http://www.podiumcafe.com

Chris Townsend’s reply:

It’s difficult for me to answer your query as much of your answers to the questions are opinions, some of which I agree with and some of which I don’t. For example I don’t wear two pairs of socks, which I find uncomfortable and can lead to blisters. However that’s not to say that two pairs aren’t right for some people.

Blisters are caused by poorly fitting footwear so anyone prone to blisters should first check the fit of their footwear. I cover this in detail in my Backpacker’s Handbook and you can also find a piece by me on the web here.

With regard to water I only drink half a litre or more an hour in extremely hot weather. Most days out I don’t drink more than a litre while walking, and maybe half a litre before the walk. Again, everyone is different here. I don’t think the “how to purify water” solar still is much use as it involves materials unlikely to be carried on a walk and anyway would only work in sunny weather.

It certainly wouldn’t be any use here in Scotland most of the year! Mind you, I don’t treat water in the hills here but drink straight from streams. For emergency purification drops or tablets like Aqua Mira or iodine are best.

With regard to the distance people can walk I think it’s worth mentioning type of terrain, amount of ascent and weight carried as these all make a difference. Some people can walk at 4mph on the flat.

Trekking poles can help take the strain off the knees and properly fitting footwear with supportive footbeds are important. “Comfortable” footwear can still be bad for your feet, ankles and knees.

Food for a multi-day hike - I would never carry cans, they are just too heavy. Dehydrated foods in packets are far better. There’s no need for more fat - carbohydrate is what speeds you along the trail - and simple sugars give an energy rush followed by a slump - I’d suggest complex carbohydrates instead.

What’s best shorts or jeans? Jeans are generally never recommended as being cotton they are cold when wet and take ages to dry. Synthetic or cotton/synthetic hiking trousers are much better.

Your well known brands of boots presumably applies to Italy. Only Hi-Tec are a big name in the UK. Here you’d list Scarpa, Brasher, Meindl, Zamberlan, Berghaus, Contour, Karrimor, Inov8 and others before the ones you list.

How to stay warm at night - in cold weather I often sleep with my mouth and nose inside the sleeping bag. I never sleep in a hat.

Rattlesnakes can be found on trails! I’ve gone off trail at times to avoid them.

I could write much more. Overall I’d suggest researching some of your answers more and making it clear when you’re stating a fact and when an opinion. You have a great many questions here - the answers could take up a book!

Good luck with your posts.

Best wishes, Chris http://www.christownsendoutdoors.co.uk

Venture tree reply:

Thanks again for keeping in touch. I read your QA on hiking and could not think of anything to add to your blog. I looks like you covered pretty much most of the essential information for hiking and backpacking. Great Job, by the way! The only thing that I could think of adding is a map and compass QA. maybe some info about map reading would be helpful.

Let me know if this helps!

Venturetree Team Nashville TN http://venturetree.blogspot.com

Jamie’s reply:

Sorry to get back to you so late, but I found this post to be very informative about an activity that I truly enjoy…trekking!

Weight Distribution: The only things that I can comment on, or have something to add, is with packing your pack’ and ‘training’. I took a class in university on trekking (believe it or not!) and I found the advice very helpful about packing, with great emphasis on even weight distribution, with the ‘base’ of the weight as low as possible, as when something heavy, say, a stove, or fuel, is higher in the pack, it creates pressure, or strains the back.

Itinerary and Water…..2 Essentials: Also, when organizing a hike, at least in North America, it’s always a good idea to leave an itinerary with friends. So, if somethings goes awry, it won’t go unnoticed. I try to make sure I have a water source mapped out, as well as packed water in advance, when trekking in arid regions, such as the American Southwest (Arches National Park, for example). Or, when traveling in pairs, one person would carry tent,food,stove, etc….while the other person carried 2-3 gallons of water.

Layering Clothing: I’ve found from personal experience, that it is best to layer clothing, limiting clothes to those which allow your body to ‘breathe’. Neoprene, thermal long underwear as a base, used with a ’shell’ gore-tex jacket for inclement weather, such as rain or snow. I save space by packing two pairs of socks, a heavy and light pair, using them as gloves as well. I usually skimp on clothing if I am making a longer, multi-day trek, saving space for more food! Another thing, try to avoid cotton shirts, as they absorb moisture, and are less than ideal in winter conditions.

Well, that’s about it!. On a personal note, I’m moving to Bulgaria sometime next year, and cannot wait to go trekking in Europe. I’ve done a great deal of trekking already in ‘the Americas’….Keep up the good work with your blog!! All the best, Jamie

You can read more on Jamie’s blog http://fublitz.blogspot.com

Bryan’s reply:

I’m reading through the post, but I thought I’d offer a few suggestions.

The video on the solar still may be particularly useful in a survival situation, but I always carry a water filter/purifier while backpacking. For day hikes I might carry it too, but if not, I always carry purification tablets like iodine for emergencies.

I would add to the question on avoiding knee injuries this bullet point. Consider using trekking poles. This will ease the impact on your knees.

I would add to the question on avoiding blisters Stop once in a while and remove your boots and socks. This will help your feet air out as well as give you an opportunity to notice any hot spots where a blister may soon form.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. I’m sure there’s more and I’ll review it again tomorrow.

Bryan Young