You are going to travel to a country with a culture, language, legislation, and level of development are different from yours, so it is necessary to follow some recommendations that we reflect here and try to travel with an open mind to understand a little better the culture shock that it means flying thousands of kilometers from our “home”.

0.-Climate:

We are at a slightly lower latitude than southern Europe, with a subtropical climate in Kathmandu but with a variation in altitude ranging from 150m to 5416m over sea level, so we will need clothes for 4 seasons. In addition the variation also goes in precipitations and humidity, we are in post-monsoon time and in the low zones it is probable to find rain, nevertheless, in the high zones the time will be dry and fresh. The route is very varied in altitude and therefore landscape and climate, the temperature can go from 30ºC in kathmandú to 0ºC crossing the Thonga la Pass at 5416m.

1.-Clothing and footwear:

Although the route is very varied it is convenient to be responsible with the luggage. At some stage they will have to carry part of our packages, it is recommended not to abuse luggage, which in many cases is not used and is also expensive to transport, so it is recommended:

Trekking shoes or light boot, cycling shoes (bikers), sandals or light footwear for walking Kathmandu or stay in the mountain hostels each stage. Sports sock (2/3 pairs)

Underwear (if possible technical material to facilitate perspiration sweat evaporation). Swimsuit.

Bermuda shorts (recommended multi pocket) / Technical long trousers for the mountain pass and at night (up to 0ºC). 2 Short or pirate shorts (Bikers)

2/3 Cotton / technical underwear. Multi-pocket shirt / shirt (very practical). Sweater long sleeve. Light fleece lining (nights). Softshell jacket (one with the inscription is offered) or light feathers (for the passage Thonga La if it was bad weather)

Cap and gloves semi light (up to 0ºC), Cap and bandana, Helmet (Bikers)

Raincoat for the lower area, Vest and sleeves (Bikers)

Glasses with good UV protection (up to 5000m)

* There is usually no laundry service during the tour, if there is one at the start hotels (Kathmandu, or at the end Pokkara)

** Do not include clothing change per day. We have time in the afternoon and we can do part of laundry.

*** It is not necessary ice ax, rigid boots, high mountain glasses, etc.

2.-Currency

The currency is the Nepali rupee. It is recommended to obtain the change at the airport or in the city of Kathmandu in a bank recommended by Makalu (best change). It will not be necessary to extract much, except for some start-end dinner, all expenses in the route are covered. The Euro – Rupiah exchange rate is usually around 1 € = 115 rupees. It will be enough to extract for some memory, some clothes, extra drinks, final tips or the entry visa at the airport.

3.-Visa

Tourist travel visa less than 25 days has a cost of 28 USD that is paid at the airport

4.-Vaccines

They are not mandatory to enter Nepal, although in some cases is recommend the following:

Tetanus-diphtheria
Polio
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid fever
It is recommended to visit your doctor or attend the International Vaccination Center of the Ministry of Health. There is at least one in each province and it is necessary to request an appointment to be attended: http://www.msc.es/profesionales/saludPublica/sanidadExterior/salud/centrosvacu.htm.

5.-Image

Nepal is one of the countries with the most reserves and natural parks recognized by UNESCO. It is recommended to take a photo/video camera, although during the Tour of the Annapurnas, recording with a drone, for example, requires special permission. It is also advisable to inquire/ask prior to photographing adults or children directly for reasons of privacy and intimacy linked to the Nepalese culture.

6.-Insurance

The flight carries insurance. During the expedition, it is necessary to extract a special multi-adventure life insurance that includes rescue. Check if your life insurance can contract this extension. But, we have found this specialist that includes rescue in altitude at a very good price. https://www.segurosescriba.com/

7.-Flight and luggage

For the trip, it is recommended not to abuse luggage since we have to be constantly transporting it. Turkish airlines allow up to 30k for the bike and 30k for the flight, of which up to 8 can be in hand luggage in these measures: 55x40x23. A good option is to carry a medium backpack to check in and a small one on board that includes the most necessary items: mobile phone, cameras, chargers, slippers that you will spend, underwear, passport, glasses, a change of underwear … If you are very minimalist, a half backpack can serve you for the trip and even upload it on board.

8.Conectivity

The sockets are the same as in Europe. In Kathmandu you will have wifi in the hotel and during the tour of the Annapurnas the guest hostals or mountain lodges usually have wifi although they only give it to guests staying. The coverage and speed is very limited in Nepal and the band is usually saturated. During the 7 days of the Annapurnas Tour there are areas without phone coverage.

9.-Accessories

Cap, glasses, sunscreen, charger, camera photos and/or action type (Go-pro), mask or caps if we have bad sleep. GPS (optional). Mobile. Light towel Basic toilet

Light backpack during the day (bikers/runners). Large backpack or travel bag (avoid rigid bag), to facilitate the portage

10.-Route.

During the route, the itinerary is marked by the park service but the organization is not authorized to mark each stage. It is enough to follow the track and know the town of beginning and end in each stage. It is recommended to race in a couple our groups in both BIKE and TRAIL RUNNING modes. Each stage has its feeding zone in route and finish line. If you get lost, return on your feet to the crossroads where you lost the road to take the right route.

11.-Bike.

For the bike trip is necessary to bear: basic tools, air pump, CO2 cartridge if you go with tubeless, front light, water bottle. Remember to  pack your bike well with cartoon, protector or a suitable bag during the flight, with the wheels deflated and without pedals

12.- Hygiene:

Although there are blankets and sheets in the mountain hostels, you can take a light sleeping bag if you prefer. Bring your own lightweight suede towel and wet wipes. Remember to bring a small toiletry bag