Snow Lion Journeys

Packing for the Trip

1. Try to get everything into either a backpack or a duffel, including your sleeping bag and ground sheet. They will supply us with a mat to go under the sleeping bag, which will help with the hard ground.
2. Take a day pack, a bottle for water, a flashlight, a bottle of iodine, camera of course, warm gloves, hat with a brim, and lots of sun block. You can buy white cotton gloves in Lhasa, which you will want to protect your hands from the sun. I would suggest a jar of Vaseline. Your skin gets very dry and the cosmetic stuff isn’t heavy enough. If you are apt to get constipated buy apricots both in Kathmandu and Lhasa.
3. Sunglasses are very important, but they are not likely to survive the trip. If you wear glasses bring an extra pair and be aware that both sunglasses and regular glasses may be horribly pitted by the time you return because of the amount of dust and grit in the air. Do not wear contacts after Lhasa. You could scratch your retina.
4. Whatever you pack, think in layers. I take one heavy fleece, one down jacket, one or two light fleece tops, 2 pairs of capaline underwear, one cashmere or wool cardigan, four pairs of heavy socks from Patagonia, 3 to 4 pairs of trousers, one pair of Nike or other hiking shoes, one pair of Tevas for night wear, one pair of water proof trousers and a water proof jacket. I also take a cheap plastic poncho. Something warm for night wear. You may never wear the down jacket but if you need it you will need it.
5. Everything, and I do mean everything, must be packed in plastic bags. Take extra ones. Our duffels will be loaded on yaks when we go around Mt. Kailash. Yaks have fleas. Fleas in your sleeping bag are not fun.
6. Any medicines you regularly take. Anything you would use for blisters. Detergent which is safe for the environment. Plan to take your batteries, the spent ones as well as the good ones, out with you. Headache medicine, Tylenol or aspirin. Expect to have a headache about 4 to 6 hours after landing in Lhasa. Some people use Diamox for the altitude. That’s up to you. Eye drops are useful because of the dryness of the air at that altitude. A diary.
7. You will be able to leave any summer clothes you bring at the hotel in Kathmandu. There's a great dress shop in Kathmandu, Yasmine's.
8. A towel, either a real one or one of those trekking towels. A washcloth if you want. It will be really disgusting by the end of the trip. Quick drying under pants. If you know of a good brand let me know. Travel Smith’s are not very good.
9. If you have any hair thingys, barrettes, clips, combs, etc., bring them or unused lipstick samples. They make great gifts. Also children's clothes and shoes. All of these are to give away. Do not give money or candy. However, balloons are good gifts.
10. Bring $125 American cash in small bills for tipping the staff at the end of the trip. You must have medical insurance for the trip. Get it for personal accident, medical expenses and hospital benefit. I need proof that you have this insurance. Before we go I’ll ask you to sign a disclaimer for me.
11. Take a number of passport pictures (at least 4) for a double entry visa, which, possibly you will be able to purchase in Kathmandu.
12. Anything you bring like tampons, or pre-soaped wash clothes in packets, be sure they are bio-degradable. We want to be as responsible as possible on our trip.