checklist for bhutan - windhorsetours.com · trekking checklist guide for bhutan © wind horse ......

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T RE KKI NG C HE CKLIST GUI DE F OR B HU TA N © WI ND HORSE HOLI DA YS * W WW. WI NDHO RS E TOURS .COM

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Updated Sep 2013

(Please read in conjunction with Wind Horse

General Bhutan Pre-Departure Guide

Prepare For Your Trek

Training

Himalayas range governs the landscape of Bhutan. Basically all the treks in Bhutan are high altitude one. Even supposedly the easier one (Druk Path Trek) covers 3570 m (11712ft) elevation at the best. Snow man Trek which is considered as one of the most challenging trek in Asia, involves traversing trails above 5000 m (16400 ft.). Ac-climatization and minimal level of physical and mental conditioning is imperative. It is highly recommended for you to have some prior trainings which include long walks, uphill and downhills - the steeper the better. During your training, try to bring some load / backpack perhaps after the first 1-2 weeks of initial training. You should train in the shoes that you will wear for the trek to get your feet most comfortable with it. Allow for 1-3 months of training ahead of time. Care should be taken when walking along the roads. For comprehensive details please visit the link below.

http://www.windhorsetours.com/company/news_detail.php?nid=281

Dressing for your Trek

The key to being comfortable on trek is to adopt a system of several layers rather than one item of bulky warm clothing. Sun hats are an essential item.

Temperatures can drop very quickly in the evening at altitude and you will need to put on a number of layers once the walking has finished for the day.

Generally speaking, you may be comfortable with one layer of outer clothing and ther-mal underwears but if it should get colder, you can use your trekking trouser and Out-er Shell Jacket, combined with warm fleece Jacket and fleece pant and thermal under wears. A large amount of body heat is lost through your head, so just as important as warm body clothing is a warm hat, together with the hood of your waterproof jacket. Never forget that your waterproof jacket (which should never leave your day-pack) makes a very effective outer warm, windproof layer and is likely to be as often used as such as for its waterproof qualities on a non-monsoon Himalayan trek. The vapor-permeable quality of breathable fabrics is particularly valuable in this respect.

Useful Trekking Tips

Pack your clothes and sleeping bag in plastic garbage bags or different colored stuff sacks inside your kitbag. Not only will they help keep everything dry, no matter the weather, they'll help keep your gear sorted too. It's also a good idea to bring some Ziploc bags for organizing and keeping smaller items clean and dry. Bring one or two bandanas or a similar size scarf. They are great to protect your head and/or neck from the sun, can serve as hand towels or handkerchiefs, and when tied so it covers your mouth and nose will help keep out dust from the trail or the cold, dry mountain air that gives most people in high altitude a persistent cough.

If you are prone to blisters –or your boots are still not totally broken in, prevent blisters instead of treating them. Before you start hiking, put Compeed (from Band-Aid), Se-cond Skin, or moleskin where needed. You may want to use sports tape to tape the Compeed or Second Skin to your feet to keep it in place.

http://www.windhorsetours.com/company/news_detail.php?nid=281

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Essentials

Sleeping bags: For the high altitude treks, down filled sleeping bag de-

signed with temperature rating of 10F (which is around -12C) and lower if you tend to sleep cold. This is recommended for most of the treks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari Laya, Drukpath, Dagala and Bumthang trek. For higher passes trek and longer duration ones like Snow man trek, you will need a warmer sleeping bag. You can rent the sleeping bags locally but the qualities are not that good.

Please let us know ahead of time if you cannot bring one, so we can provide one at a reasonable rate.

Sleeping Bags Liner: Sleeping bag Inner liner made of fleece or cotton is highly recommended that can be easily

washed and dried while in the trek. Most importantly it provides additional warmth, if the temperature should drop and keeps the sleeping bag clean.

Pillow: Small blow pillow is provided. However you may consider bringing your own comfortable small trek pillow.

Sleeping Pad On all camping treks, we provide foam mattresses. However, if you care for extra comfort and have

a sensitive back, bring a self-inflatable trek mat.

Shoes/Boots: It is critical that you have proper trekking boots with full ankle support. Your shoes are the one of

the most important piece of equipment for enjoyment of your trek. Make sure that they are waterproof, well broken in, comfortable and not very heavy.so that it doesn’t compromise with ability to hike. We also recommend you to bring training shoes/all terrain sandals - for comfort in camp and as a substitute for your boot if something should happen. When selecting your boots, ask for a pair of boots that have Cambrelle lining or similar material that keeps your feet cool, dry, and comfortable. Gore-Tex waterproof boots are best for high altitude trekking.

Luggage & Day Pack:

There are three main items of luggage bag you need to consider – a day pack, a duffel bag (or suitcase for non-trekking trip), and a small clutch bag, if you wish.

Day pack you bring on the trip is important for a number of reasons. Aside from using it for your airplane carry-on luggage, the pack needs to hold all the items you might need for a 40º change in temperature while you are trekking or on a day hike. You will also want the pack to hold your water bottle, possibly your camera, and any other snacks or personal items you wish to carry. For trekking should be comfortable with well-padded back support and a shoulder strap to waistband that equally transfers weight between your shoulder and hip. Day packs that have a wide bottom which transfers all the weight onto your hips are uncomfortable during hikes. (This should be not too big, but large enough to fit your cameras, water bottle, tissues and rain/Sun gears and clothing that you will need during the day. You will be carrying this the whole day, so make sure it is comforta-ble and water resistant or water-proof.

Kit/Duffel bag: Suit cases are difficult and may break when carried by ponies/yaks so bring a strong Duffel/Kit water proof bag that can fit in your clothes and gears and no larger than 17"x13"x30 (We can put sleeping bags separately if it does not fit in your duffel bag). You may also consider bringing small lockable suitcase / bag for leaving clothes in the hotel or in our office while on trek.

As such we do not limit the number of bags or weight you bring on the trek. However, you must remember, it is possible that you may have to carry this bag, in case the pack animals just go missing at night ! Inside go all the gear and clothes for your trek. Since the bag will probably look as though a herd of yaks walked on it by the end of the trip, it should be made of sturdy material. Bags that open lengthwise are preferable to top load-ing bags.

Water bottle – a sturdy light weight metal or plastic that won’t spill. We recommend also bringing water purifying

filters or tablets. Boiled waters are provided at the campsites but often it is difficult to stock-up for whole day. If you have your own water purifier in form of tablets or filter pumps, you won’t have to carry heavy load of water in your day pack.

Towels Face/wash towels are not provided. Handkerchiefs (optional). For your own

hygiene, we do not provide towels on treks in Bhutan. Bring quick drying camp towels. Sa-

rong for women is useful when washing/changing

Rain and Sun gear including hat and Sunscreen ointment against high UV.

Things to Bring

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Bring a light rain poncho that covers your back pack if you jackets, pants and back-pack are not water proof.

Bring Sun Hats..

First Aid Kit: in addition to the list contained in the General Bhutan pre-departure, you

may bring the following: elastic bandages, blister patches. Some people also bring to bring Diamox for high altitude sickness.

Torch light: in place of the flash light, you may prefer head torch. You may find some

nifty LED based torches which only needs 1 AAA battery, very bright and lasts long

Toiletries : same as per general Bhutan Touring list

Spare batteries: Generally there is no electricity along the trekking routes and so you

need to bring supply of spare batteries in your checked luggage. For lights, cameras and other gadgets.

Trekking poles (telescopic are recommended). If you don’t bring one, our crews can

carve a stick if you need one.

Pocket money: It is a good idea to carry some pocket money during the trek. To tip for the crew and to make any purchases along the way, although there is not much places you can spend money on the trek.

Trekking clothes:

Jackets: Shell jacket - a lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood that can withstand wind, rain and snow weather conditions. Gore-Tex® or similar material is pre-ferred.

In addition to this outer shell, you must bring one additional warm jacket such as a Polarguard or fleece or light down/fibre pile jacket. The combination of the two with one mid to heavy weight thermal can withstand most cold during the trekking season in Bhutan.

Although not required, a Down jackets are great when hanging out at camp and we do highly recommend that you bring a down for high altitude trips.

Trekking trousers

Shell Pant: one waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water resistant zippers + good pockets. Gore-tex® or similar material.

Trekking Pant: Light weight trekking pants and shorts. Jeans are ok but if you get wet, it takes time to get dry. Best is to bring those lights trekking trouser (preferably those zip-off pants) that dry quickly such as those made by North Face, Columbia etc. Include at least 2 pairs).

Fleece or wool trousers also to wear in the evening and at night

Trek Shirts: Light quick dry – full sleeve against sun and cold- may be same material as

pants). Bring at least 3 of those for treks more than 5 days.

Thermal Wear: Bring thermal underwear (s) for wear at night and few light cotton under shirt for day.

Socks: Thick, warm wool hiking socks: Proper trekking socks are recommended. If you

bring couple pairs, you can wash and dry them around camp fires.

Gloves or mittens are necessary for morning and for nights. Bring a

heavy duty !.

Warm Hat: comfortable, warm hat such as one made from Polar Fleece

or wool that covers your ears.

Outer Shell Jacket

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Optional

Personal Snacks & Food: Food tends to get monotonous after a bit, so consider bringing some of your favour-

ite food/snacks. Glucose tablets, energy bars, sweets, personal 'goodies' - snacks. Packets of instant decaffeinated coffees, herbal teas or artificial sweeteners (they are not readily available). Consider powdered Gatorade or similar electrolyte rebooting drinks. Life saver candies, power bar etc.

Pocket knife such as Swiss knife

Whistle

Ear Plugs

Lighter

Gaiters (helpful when muddy or going through wet areas)

Binoculars

Provided on Wind Horse Treks in Bhutan

Kitbag (duffel) that fit in your Kit/Duffel bags to provide additional protection from rains and scratching. This is loaded on the pack animals such as mules/horses and yaks.

Local Wind Horse Guide,

Cook and assistant (s) depending on number of people

All camping and cooking equipment (Tents: 2 Person sleeping tents, a Kitchen tent, Toilet tent (with simple dug-out pit) and dinning tent for large groups. For small groups, part of Kitchen tent may be used as dining tent. All cooking equipment, food and fuels (LPG gas).

Sleeping Mats (trekking kind)

Small trekking air-blow pillows

Basic First-aid Kit

All plates, cups and silver ware.

Camp lantern for dinning and Kitchen

Pressure bags (Gamow/PAC) for high altitude treks for large groups of more then 4 guests. This can be rented for smaller groups.

A Typical Day on Trek

The day normally starts with an early cup of tea.

Breakfast is usually a cereal, eggs, toasts, Juice and tea or coffee (instant coffee) around 8AM.

Start walking after breakfast. Everyone is free to walk at the pace which is comfortable for them (staying close without separating by great distance), stopping along the way to explore villages or temples and take photographs. In larger groups, you may consider bringing a small two way radio to communicate among your friends.

Lunch stop is around noon. Depending on the length of that day, you are served hot or cold lunch. Hot lunches are usually noodles, bread and soup with tea and juice. Cold lunches are usually simple sandwich with Juice, fruits and cookies.

Generally one arrives at the campsite around 4.00 p.m. Afternoon tea and biscuits are then served

Around 6-7PM the evening meal is ready.

There is ample supply of hot water; for tea/coffee, to fill up your water bottles and for the hot water-bag to warm your sleeping bags.

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Climate /Weather

Like the rest of the Himalaya, Bhutan generally has a temperate climate with typical northern hem-isphere seasons but altitude makes distinct variations. The two main trekking seasons in Bhutan are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), avoiding the summer monsoon and the winter cold. Days are normally warm and sunny but as soon as the sun goes down tem-peratures can plummet and can reach below freezing in high camps.

In the Himalaya, conditions can be unpredictable. While we endeavor to run all activities as they are described, our guides may suggest an alternative if the weather changes. This is for your comfort and safety.

Health and Fitness Requirements

We recommend that you begin a fitness program as soon as you have decided you are going trekking. Hill walking, cycling, running and swimming are the main exercises to help prepare you for a trek. If you suffer from severe muscu-lar, chest, heart or bronchial disorders, are a severe asthmatic, diabetic or have high blood pressure, you are strongly advised to seek medical advice before booking. We carry a medical kit (basic) of what is available locally over the counter and highly recommend that each person carry a personal first aid kit.

The Effects of Altitude

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can begin to affect people. It is caused by going too high too fast and in some cases can be fatal if the warning signals are ignored. It is important to take care, allowing your body time to adjust to the smaller quantities of oxygen. Some people acclimatize quickly; others take longer. Very few people are incapable of acclimatization, given sufficient time. All our small group trips are designed with easy days at the start and some be-come more challenging towards the end, after acclimatization has occurred.

Besides a proper acclimatization, the following is important in adjusting to high altitude and staying healthy during your trek:

• Get in the best possible shape you can before the trip

• Begin your trip in good health

• Drink lots of water - more than you feel you need to.

• Eating is important. Diet should be high in carbohydrates and protein.

• Understand the concept of altitude acclimatization.

• Recognize – and never ignore - the symptoms of altitude illness.

• Take it easy and try not to overexert.

Try to relax and listen to your body. If you are concerned about the effects of altitude, please speak with one of our guides.

For groups larger then 4-5 guests, we provide Gamow or PAC Pressure bags. For smaller group size, you can rent you one. These bags are pressurized by pumping the air and therefore in effect it is same as bringing the person to a lower altitude.

IMPORTANT NOTE – PLEASE READ

The information in these notes is given in good faith, and covers the average range of conditions likely to be found on a trek. We

highly recommend that you read lot about the country (books and internet resources) for realistic expectations. Wind Horse does

not frequent the trails covered on trips and there may be changes at any given time. You have the responsibility to choose a trip

that is appropriate to your desire and fitness.

Incase of any changes in the itinerary due to your own choice or due to unavoidable situations beyond our control, such as the

weather or political situations, any additional cost incurred must be paid locally. We highly recommend that you have adequate

travel insurance to cover for your illness, cancellation or change and other costs including but not limited to emergency medical

evacuation.

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Wind Horse Sales Office - Phuentsholing

Lower market, Samphel Building, near KMT,

Phuentsholing, Bhutan

P.O. Box 203

Telephone + 975 (5) 252704/251241

Calling from India: +91- 865 3797 592

Contact

Mr. Jambay Dorji +975 - 77107844 (mobile)

Mr. Anand Thapa +975 - 17235185 (mobile)

Wind Horse (Bhutan Operation Head Quarter):

(When in Bhutan, contact Thimphu office)

Wind Horse Tours, Treks & Expeditions

Below Motithang Higher Secondary School

Motithang, Thimphu, Bhutan

Post Box No. 1021

Phone: +975 (2) 326026 / 333895

Fax: +975 (2) 326025

Contact

Mr. Kinga Dechen +975- 17117477 (mobile)

Mr. Rinzin Jamtsho +975-17612043 (mobile)

Wind Horse Sales Office – Minneapolis

6415 Vincent Ave. S

Minneapolis, MN 55423

Phone: +1 612.869 4949

Fax: + 1 612.861.1996

Contact

Mr. Ugen Tshering +1 612.865.8799

checklist for bhutan - windhorsetours.com · trekking checklist guide for bhutan © wind horse ......

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