A Note about Trip Grading
The grading system for all our trips is that most commonly used in the Himalaya. However, it may be very different from any system you have come across before. Also, it is virtually impossible to have a ‘foolproof” system, as everyone has different expectations and perceptions of their own fitness levels, as well as coming from different cultures and countries where words and labels may have very different meanings. While it is certain that you will return home both physically and mentally refreshed from your Nepal Mountain trekking.

Please bear all that in mind when preparing for your trip, both physically and mentally, and consider this as well:

• No trek or walk in the Himalaya is an afternoon stroll: they all involve going up and down at altitude spending extended periods of time at altitude, particularly when it’s a new  * * experience, affects everyone differently.
• Even if you live in a flat place you will benefit from some preparation before you come, no matter what your age. You should at least walk up and down stairs in your trekking boots, if you’re not doing some aerobic activity, cycling, swimming or brisk walking.
• Smokers may find it harder going than expected; Alcohol and Altitude don’t mix.
• The unpredictable and changeable nature of conditions in the Himalaya can make even the easiest trek harder.
• We rank our trips in 8 grades, and the higher the grade, the more challenging the trip.

 
Maps
A wide range of maps are available from booksellers in Kathmandu. However all clients are supplied with trek & city maps on arrival in Kathmandu. Pilgrims Book Shop, Mandala Book stores are internationally recognized book stores in Thamel, Kathmandu.


Stay Healthy and Happy
Kathmandu has the World class medical services, your hotel will have a doctor on 24 hour call, Adventure Access’s Guides are trained in mountain First-aid and carry a comprehensive First-Aid kit on every trek. But you will be in areas with free health services and Guides are not doctors or mind readers! Please inform your Guide of any existing medical condition and/or prescription drugs you’re taking before the Trek and don’t take so much as an aspirin at altitude without informing/consulting him/her. Stomach problems are the biggest concern for visitors, and rightly so. Our hygiene standards are very high, so all food and drink supplied by Adventure Access is safe. Still, make sure your water bottle is properly sealed and that the lip is clean. Use your own mug in tea houses. Alcohol and altitude don’t mix, so please exercise moderation. Keeping warm is one of the keys to staying healthy at altitude. So, change into warmer, dry clothes as soon as you stop for the day. Wear layers to bed and to start in the morning, so that you can “peel off’ as you warm up. Wear a ‘beanie’ and scarf at night as most body heat is lost through the head and neck. Wear bed socks. Take two pairs of gloves/mittens on high altitude treks, to always have a dry pair. If it looks like rain, put on your rain gear in advance, rather than get wet and cold. Thermarests are heaven on high altitude and winter treks.

Please bring a personal First Aid Kit containing:

• Full Block Out Sunscreen.
• Lip salve
• Moisturiser
• Band aids
• Antiseptic cream
• Insect repellent
• Cold/flu suppressant
• Throat Lozenges
• Aspirin or Equivalent
• Muscle rub * Nail scissors
• 100 mm(4 inch) elastic bandages
• Elastic knee/ankle supports, if needed
• Wet Wipes.

Your doctor will probably advise more, you won’t need it.