Travel Tips When Traveling to Colorado Regarding Clothing and Weather

Traveling to Colorado. The land of the Pikes Peak and the fourteeners. It can be a glorious time had by all. There are many places to see: The Stanley Hotel, The Brown Derby, Downtown Denver and the 16th street mall. Further to the east you have the plains of Colorado, the Kit Carson Museum and Bent's Fort to name but a few. Wherever you decide to go make sure to pack the following: Sweater, hoodie, t-shirt, heavy jacket, heavy durable jeans, shorts and various types of shoes. One might wonder why all the light and heavy clothing. Colorado is notorious for having weather changes from a bright sunny day to rain, wind, hail and snow has happened to appear in May. To some of you outdoors people this may seem like a challenge and fun. And it is if this is home and you have the necessary garb.

But when one travels they seem to bring what is only needed for the excursion and leave the other items behind. This can turn out to be as much fun as going for your first skiing lesson without the skis. You have traveled to the ski resort, paid for your lessons and now you are ready to embark on your ski lessons without all the proper gear. Personally, I have seen this done as I used to ''turn'' or adjust ski bindings at Loveland Ski Resort and saw many people who had left that certain item at home or back at the hotel. So let's get back to the weather.

Often times Trail Ridge Road is not opened until around Memorial Day because of the massive snow fall that it receives and it closes Labor Day because of the potential driving conditions. So if you plan to travel to Trail Ridge Road, take heed and plan accordingly. Pikes Peak along with the Spanish Peaks can be very scenic but also have snow on the peaks as well. Again, the reason for the big coat. The Rockies, Sangre De Cristos and many other mountain ranges are phenomenal in their beauty in the summer. One must not forget the lakes where Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout can be caught. Do your homework and those who fly fish no doubt will be aware of which fly to tie. There is no other calming effect than mending a line at the head of the Arkansas River.

Amazing Wildlife Sanctuary Parks of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state in India with rich culture. Amazing forts, glamorous lakes, beautiful wildlife and splendid mansions encourage tourism in Rajasthan. This state has great geographical features suitable for amazing wildlife. It is known for desert in most territories, but it also has green forests in others. These topographical conditions are ideal for wildlife. Desert is an ideal place for reptile species while Rocky Mountains and wetlands are ideal for various species of birds and animals. Wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan are the most popular amongst others. Many tourists come to India for exploring these wildlife parks of Rajasthan. Here are some famous sanctuaries of Rajasthan.

Ranthambore National Park:

This sanctuary is situated at the junction of Aravali and Vindhya hills in Sawai Madhopur District. It is spread over 400 square km area. There are many water resources in this park those give huge relief in hot summer days. Animals are used to people around them and you can watch these animals in their natural habitat here. Tigers can be seen hunting even when tourists are watching. It is a dream park for photographer and wildlife enthusiast. This park is available with car rental service for jungle safari. It remains opened from October to May.

Sariska Tiger Reserve:

It is most visited reserve park in India. It is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan. It covers about an area of 800 square km. There are medieval buildings in this reserve which are also one of the main attractions of it. It was declared tiger reserve park in 1978 as a part of India's project tiger scheme. There are various carnivores such as leopard, jungle cat, Jackal and hyena in this park. It also hosts amazing bird-life. Peafowl, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Partridge and the Great Indian Horned Owl are the most popular bird species in this park.

Desert National Park:

This Park is situated in Thar Desert of Jaisalmer. It is one of the largest parks of India, covering 3100 square km area. Bird-life of this park is vivid and spectacular. Ardeotis nigriceps (Indian Bustard), an endangered bird species, is the main attraction here. You can see many eagles, buzzards, kestrel, harriers, falcons and vultures in this park. Jeep safari is available here to travel this park in a short duration. Best visiting time for this park is November to March.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park :

This is, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest bird's parks of India. It has both native and migratory birds. Besides birds, this park is also inhabited by Sambhar, boar, Chittal and Nilgai. There is a system of small water dames to control water level in different sections. There is a temple of Keoladeo within its boundaries.

Well, above-mentioned parks are such famous that nature's documentary films are made in these parks. You can see nature at its best here and you can catch glimpse of amazing wildlife.

Tailormade Wildlife Holidays to Peru

Considering heading to Peru on a wildlife holiday but can't quite decide on your exact itinerary? Why not talk to the experts and allow them to guide you towards the perfect Peruvian adventure. Tailormade wildlife holidays allow you to see and do exactly what you want to in the country you are visiting, which means you can focus on specifically the parts that appeal to you and create the ideal itinerary. Take advantage of their expertise and set off on a truly memorable journey.

Do Your Research Before You Go

Before you talk to your travel specialist, do some research and decide exactly which parts of the country you want to visit and what you would like to see - taking in to consideration the length of time you have, your budget and the focus of your trip. It is important that you know what you want, so your specialist can work with you to provide an itinerary with your requirements in mind.

Exploring the Natural Side of Peru

Peru is located in the central Amazon region and is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Consequently, it is home to a host of wildlife that includes over 500 species of mammal and 1700 species of birds. Added to this, the 300 different types of reptiles make this country the ideal destination for those with a love of the exotic. The often vulnerable and biologically diverse landscapes range from the driest on Earth to lush mountain valleys, cloud forests, swamps, grasslands and even snowy peaks. Home to the Jaguar, the Condor, the Andean Bear, the Guanaco and so many other threatened animals, Peru is the focus of much conservation attention. Thanks to increased awareness, education and money brought in from tailormade wildlife holidays, the country is taking huge strides in this regard.

Tailormade wildlife holidays that focus on the forests of the Amazon are best centred in the southern Amazonian state of Madre de Dios, where you can search for all manner of wonderful species, including the Giant River Otter, the Black Spider Monkey and the Amazon Kingfisher. This region is remote but that only adds to its charm, and you can spend as much or as little time here as you like on your tailormade wildlife holidays. The Amazon Rainforest Conservation Centre is at the heart of the area and is the main force behind the conservation efforts in the region. Lake Soledad has some incredible opportunities for sightings, and whether you are into mammals, birds, plants or insects, you will be spoilt for choice in this fascinating region.

Discovering the Treasured Wildlife of Tanzania

When we think of Africa, and Tanzania specifically, we immediately think of the animal life. Where else on our planet is there found such an abundance of wildlife? Tailormade wildlife holidays are great options for those wanting to visit Tanzania on a specialised and focused itinerary.

Tanzanian Treasures

Tanzania is an ideal destination for tailormade wildlife holidays as the country has so much to offer. All the parks and reserves are easily accessible and welcome tourists with great enthusiasm. The country, which is situated in East Africa, is virtually unparalleled in its abundance of natural resources and richly diverse habitats. The Great Rift Valley, the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and the enormous Lake Tanganyika dominate the landscape; the lake, which is a haven for all manner of mammals, birds and plants, including the indigenous wild orchids, is a great place to include on the itinerary of any tailormade wildlife holidays to Tanzania. You may even be lucky enough to sight a Black Rhino while on a visit here.

Wherever you travel in Tanzania there is a park or reserve, but the world famous Serengeti is the largest and best known. Spending a few days in this park could see you camping in organised wild camps around a log fire, or tucked up in one of the luxury safari lodges, which are built in keeping with the natural surroundings but blessed with modern conveniences. You'll fall asleep to the far off calls of the Hyena, and wake up to the wonderful dawn chorus synonymous with tales of this magical place.

The Serengeti is renowned for the mass migration of Wildebeest and Zebra that continually move through its lands, coming in from the Masai Mara in Kenya and travelling back again as the seasons change. This is the world's largest migration of mammals and is a spectacular sight to behold. Giraffe, Zebra, Cheetah, Elephant, Gazelle, Lion and even the Hippo could all be within your sights.

Tailormade wildlife holidays to Tanzania should also include visits to Arusha National Park, which lies at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. You may also choose to spend a few days in the Ngorongoro Crater, the magnificent natural feature that is home to a plethora of fascinating species. A trip to Lake Manyara for the birdlife alone can be a fascinating addition too.

On an adventure to this spectacular country, there are myriad opportunities to get up close to the animal life. Do a little research beforehand so you can use the time you have wisely, and focus on exactly what you would like to see.

Disney World's Extra Magic Hours

Often considered as one of the biggest advantages of staying at a Disney Resort hotel, the special EMH (Extra Magic Hours) option brings along a unique opportunity to enjoy the favorite WDW (Walt Disney World) parks in Orlando, Florida. Whether it's the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, the Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom, the excitement of exploring the parks during those special hours of the morning or late in the evening is a different experience altogether. For guests staying at any of the WDW Resort hotel and those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Downtown Disney Hilton, EMH offers the advantage of avoiding crowds, ride queues and wait times like never before. Truly, the prospect of enjoying a specific park one hour prior to the usual opening time or being able to stay late into the evening and have fun for another couple of hours even after the park is officially closed for the day is just awesome.

Given the special opportunities it is no surprise that the EMH option is a unique gift in the offing. But to get the best out of this popular vacation option is a bit tricky for many. It often requires a good understanding and careful planning to make the EMH really beneficial for you and your family during the trip. One should be aware that there are two types of EMH in offer - Morning EMH and the Evening EMH. The Morning EMH allows you to enter the participating Park one hour before it opens for regular visitors, the Evening EMH allows you to stay back late and enjoy amidst a much lesser crowd as others (those staying outside the Resort) left the Park already.

Again to make the EMH work in your favor, it is very important to consider you family first. Such as if your family is more comfortable getting up earlier during the trip then the Morning EMH may best suites your vacation plans or if you are among those who don't want to miss their early morning sleeps while in vacation, and love to enjoy staying up late night in the parks, perhaps the Evening EMH make a great option.

Moreover, it is also important to note that sometimes EMH may make no real difference to you. Since the number of active attractions in the park during the special hours is limited to a selected few, there is often the fear of facing huge gatherings during busier seasons on selected parks. But whether there is a gathering or not, the special hours will always enjoy a comparatively much quieter ambience than during those regular park hours. If you are a Resort hotel guest I think it is one of the most unique advantage you should not miss.

Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Bhutan. The country today is seen as one of the most sought-after destinations in South Asia, primarily because of its rich natural and cultural heritage. Bhutan's high-value low-impact tourism policy revolves around what is considered in the West as sustainable tourism. The policy has not only created the image of exclusivity but has also passionately promoted the idea of sustainable tourism.



Starting in 1974, the industry has made immense contribution to the national exchequer and is today the second largest generator of revenue for the government. A huge number of Bhutanese have found employment in the industry as guides, cooks, porters, drivers, food suppliers and hoteliers. Another huge impact of tourism is seen in the indigenous cottage industry that has helped hundreds of authentic handicraft outlets mushroom at major tourist destinations.

Most popular forms of visits are cultural, followed by trekking and adventure/sports tourism. White water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking are some of our most sought-after products. Bhutan's pristine environment was recognized globally when the country was named one of the top ten global bio-diversity hotspots. It's rich flora and fauna boast rare species like the endangered Golden Langur, White-bellied Heron, Black-necked Crane and exotic varieties of Rhododendron, wild Orchids and various medicinal plants.

Bhutan's strengths as one of the top tourist destinations have principally hinged on its traditional culture, religious festivals, pristine environment, and more recently on its efforts to redefine human progress through the degree of happiness of its citizenry. Bhutan's fourth monarch, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, declared that Gross National Happiness (GNH) is more important for a country than Gross Domestic Product. Therefore, strictly adhering to the principles of GNH, Bhutan has consciously sought to anchor the tourism sector on social, economical and environmental sustainability.

As the last bastion of tantric Mahayana Buddhism, Bhutan offers what most Buddhist nations cannot. In Bhutan, you will find a people who pursue happiness through the simplest and yet oldest of the means - prayers. In Bhutan, you will find the happy marriage of traditional and the modern. In Bhutan, you experience the vibrancy of a culturally rich society. In Bhutan, you will find public institutions experimenting with human happiness as the ultimate result of economic development.

19 Days of Heaven and Wonder - Everest Base Camp Trek

When you're in Nepal, you can't help but be completely captivated by the sharp contrasts, beauty, and the rich culture of the people living on the edge of heaven.

The Sherpa people live their daily lives in villages tucked against soaring, jagged pinnacles, walking trails lined with Mani stones, delicately engraved with Tibetan Buddhist prayers.

It's clear these people live a life intertwined with spirit and have an immeasurable bond with the land. A spiritual relationship with the grand mountain giants they call home.

High in these beautiful mountains, you'll find colorful richly garnished monasteries nestled amongst the rocky hillside valleys. Prayer flags fluttering in the breeze from the Stupas, or prayer rock mounds you'll encounter in every village that the Sherpa's pay homage to as they go about their peaceful existence.

I was lucky enough to experience both the physical and ethereal nature of the Himalayas, both of which leave an indelible imprint on your mind and spirit.



As we approach the first Stupa on our journey, our guide explains the cultural significance of these impressive formations. He takes time to enlighten us on the practice of walking the circumference of each one in an anticlockwise direction, a Himalayan protocol if you like, embedded in Nepalese Buddhist tradition.

We watch children dancing, smiley heads and shoulders bobbing around amongst their endeared and enduring animals at Namche Bazaar, another destination we stay at on our way to Everest Base Camp. Here we stay while we acclimatize to the altitude, and enjoy some Nepalese hospitality.

Most people who have seen images of the hiking trails in the Himalayas know the people in the mountainous regions have for centuries considered the wooly Yak a source of food and transport among many other things. It is the cliché of Himalayan wildlife because it's so often referred to in books and images about Tibet ad Nepal.

Yaks however, are not the most intriguing mammal stuck in my memory, but rather the Argali sheep. Their over-proportioned horns remind me of something you'd see in a Greek mythology book! There are also many monkeys, cats, lizards and the peacock-like national bird; the danphe. Definitely not the average dog, cat or squirrel you'll see at home.

The pretty rhododendron forests, which bloom at this time of year, in March are a bright crimson and green, in contrast to the gray, rocky and seemingly barren mountain tops dusted with snow. Amongst the landscape, if you look closely, we can see mountain animals dotting the ridges of the hillside.

As we make our way through open valleys, over deep river gorges and up the craggy mountain paths, we are rewarded with mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.

It's easy to forget the sense of achievement you feel at the time, when your senses are so full and alive from the tastes, sounds, sights, scents and total immersion in a world so different from the norm.

I loved the village atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, but with a sense of balance and harmony, as opposed to the chaotic feel of big cities in our day-to-day westernized culture.

Being here is a constant reminder about living in the present moment and appreciating all the little snippets of beauty that we walk right past without a thought.

A flower that you have never seen before, in its natural habitat might capture your interest, but a daisy in your garden at home is so easily passed by unnoticed.

Travelling to places where nothing is familiar, provokes your senses, and triggers your nervous system out of its programming into a state of full awareness. It's invigorating, and more than a little addictive!

Travelling on foot through the Himalayas is definitely one of those adventures you return home from, with a feeling that something in your consciousness has shifted. I'm not sure if it's the sheer physical beauty of the mountains and environment, or whether it's the spiritual nature of the land and its people that stays with you - maybe it's both.

Either way - the experience remains with me as a cherished memory and a reminder of what's really important in life.

The Himalayas - Great Giants of Nepal

Nepal is blessed with natural beauty and that's a fact! This is also because Nepal lies just on the laps of the mighty Himalayas. Out of the 14 highest mountains in the world - Everest (8848m), K2, Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8463m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Nanga Parbat, Annapurna I (8091m), Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II and Shishapangma; 8 are situated in Nepal either completely or bordering Tibet (China) or India.

Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri I, Manaslu and Annapurna 1 are the world's highest, 3rd to 8th highest and 10th highest in the world respectively.

While trekking in Nepal, it's easy to be enamored by the beauty of these mountains and the landscapes that surround them, from thick emerald valleys with roaring rivers and tropical waterfalls to peaceful alpine meadows and barren deserts - you name it, and it's there!

After hearing all this, you would definitely want to come to Nepal to witness the majestic Himalayas in all its glory! So, wish to know more about these 8 of the world's highest mountains?

1. Everest (World's Highest)

Well, you already know it's the world's highest, towering at 8,848m. What you may not know is that it keeps on inching up towards the sky at 0.1576 inches (about 4mm) every year.

Mt. Everest also goes by the name Chomolungma in Tibetan meaning 'Holy Mother' and Sagarmatha in Nepali, meaning 'Forehead of the Sky'.

Everest is situated in between the border of Nepal and Tibet (China), and on Nepal's side, it lies in the Solukhumbu district, Sagarmatha Zone. The Everest massif is the part of Mahalangur range of the Himalayas. Lhotse (8501m), Nuptse (7861m) and Changtse (7550m) that lies in Tibet (China) make up the massif.

The first successful climb of Everest was on 29 May, 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal.

2. Kanchenjunga (3rd Highest)

The name given to the third highest mountain in the world soaring 8586m into the sky means 'Five Treasure Houses of Snow'. The gigantic massif lies in the eastern part of Nepal bordering Sikkim, India.

The peaks that form the majestic Kanchenjunga are Kanchenjunga Main (8586m), Kanchenjunga West/Yalung Kang (8505m), Kanchenjunga Central (8482m), Kanchenjunga South (8494m) and Kangbachen (7903m).

The first successful attempt to climb Kanchenjunga was by the members of a British expedition, Joe Brown and George Band on May 25, 1955. The first ascent without use of supplemental oxygen was in 1979 by three British men Peter Boardman, Doug Scott and Joe Tasker.

Likewise the first solo ascent was by Pierre Beghin, a Frenchmen in 1983 and the first woman to climb Kanchenjunga was Ginette Harrison, a British in 1998.

3. Lhotse (4th Highest)

One of the peaks close to Everest is the world's 4th highest mountain Lhotse, connected by the ridge South Col. Lhotse in Tibetan means 'South Peak' and lies in between the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).

It stands tall at 8501m and is the least climbed mountain in Nepal. Besides the main peak of Lhotse, there are other two peaks of the mountain Lhotse Middle (East) and Lhotse Shar.

Lhotse was first climbed by Swiss expedition's Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss on 18th May, 1956. The south face of Lhotse is one of the steepest in the world and thus is equally challenging to climb; also there is no flat surface on top of Lhotse to sit down.

4. Makalu (5th Highest)

Mt. Makalu was named after Hindu god 'Maha Kala' a Sanskrit word, which is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Maha Kala means 'Big Black' and thus, Makalu is referred as 'The Great Black' for its distinct big black rock face.

Mt. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world, located in eastern Nepal bordering Tibet (China). It's also a part of Mahalangur section of the great Himalayas. It's an independent peak standing tall at 8463m and looks like a four-sided pyramid.

The peaks immediate to Makalu are Kangchungtse (Makalu II - 7640m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m).

Makalu was successfully climbed in 1955 AD by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition team.

5. Cho Oyu (6th Highest)

Cho Oyu is a Tibetan name given to the mountain meaning 'Turquoise God'. The mountain is also known as the 'Mighty Head' or the 'God's Head'.

Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world at 8201m and lies between the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).

The snowy mountain is considered as more easily accessible and easy to climb among the world's 8 Thousanders. Many climb Cho Oyu to have a practice at climbing an 8 thousander before attempting to summit Everest or other more challenging and technically difficult mountains.

The first mountaineers to successfully ascent Cho Oyu were Austrians Joseph Jöchler, Herbert Tichy and Pasang Dawa Lama from Nepal on October 19, 1954.

6. Dhaulagiri I (7th Highest)

Seventh highest peak in the world, Dhaulagiri I stands tall at 8167m high above the clouds in the north central Nepal. The name Dhaulagiri meaning 'The White Mountain' was given to the mountain for its massive peak covered in snow and ice all year around.

Dhaulagiri massif is the highest mountain entirely situated within the boundary of Nepal. The humongous Dhaulagiri massif consists of four major mountains Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, V and VI, Dhaulagiri I being the tallest and coming at number 7 to claim it status as one of the highest mountains in the world.

The other notable peaks that make up the massif are Churen Himal (Main, East and West), Putha Hiunchuli, Gurja Himal, False Junction Peak, Junction Peak, Peak Hawley (Pota) and Hiunchuli Patan.

It was first climbed on May 13, 1960 by the members of Swiss/Austrian expedition led by Max Eiselin - Kurt Diemberger, Peter Diener, Ernst Forrer, Albin Schelbert, two Sherpas Nyima Dorji and Nawang Dorji.

7. Manaslu (8th Highest)

The name Manaslu was given to the mountain from the Sanskrit word 'Manasa' meaning 'intellect' or 'soul', referring to the snowy peak as 'Mountain of Spirit'.

One of the mountains in the Mansiri Himal of the Himalayas in Nepal, Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain in the world towering at 8156m, and is located in Lamjung district of Nepal.

Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu from a Japanese expedition were the first ones to ascent Manaslu on May 9, 1956.



Manaslu is considered one of the most dangerous mountains to climb because of its rough terrain requiring experience in technical climbing and unpredictable weather.

8. Annapurna I (10th Highest)

The name Annapurna comes from a Sanskrit word which translates to 'Goddess of Harvests'.

The Annapurna massif consists of 6 major peaks over 7000m - Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna (7455m) and Annapurna South (7219m).

8 Things to Do Before Traveling to Nepal

Nepal is a traveler's country and a trekkers' paradise. People travel to Nepal from all corners of the world, whether to experience her rich cultural diversity and simple way of life or the abundance of natural beauty she is blessed with. It's only a matter of time that you would want to see the land in all its glory and what it has to offer for yourself.

Traveling to Nepal can be pretty exciting but nerve-wrecking at the same time. In all the excitement and flurry of preparations, here are the 10 things to do before traveling to Nepal:

1. Visa For Nepal -

A visa for Nepal can be issued either in the embassies and consulates of Nepal in a foreign country, or on arrival when entering the country either at Tribhuwan International Airport, or at the border of India and Tibet (China). However, it should be kept in mind there are certain nationalities that won't be issued a visa on arrival, so it is always wise to check first.

Your passport should be valid for six months as the Nepali visa usually allows you to enter the country for 3 to 6 months from the issued date.

Besides the Indian nationality, all foreigners must have visas to enter Nepal.

The nationals of China and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan) aren't charged visa fees. Also, children under 10 are provided with a free visa for entering Nepal.

2. Inform Your Bank -

If you are planning to use your credit and debit cards while travelling (which would be very convenient), do inform your bank about your travel plans, so that, they know that all the expenses showing up in a foreign country is actually yours, and that you haven't fallen victim to a scam.

Also, in case of theft or if you lose your cards, it'll be easier for the bank to freeze those cards for preventing any misuse in the wrong hands, and issue another one for your convenience. You don't want to be out of cash while traveling!

3. Travel Insurance -

Life is full of uncertainties, especially during travels. You never know what the next moment will bring, which is also part of the excitement and adventure involved in traveling. Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover all the expenses incurred because of theft, accident injuries and evacuation charges if you plan on doing some extreme sports.

Don't forget to inform your travel insurance company about your travel plans to a foreign country.

4. Custom Rules And Regulations -

It's very important to know necessary information on airport customs - what you're allowed to bring into the country or take out of the country. It gets to be a hassle when you bring in or want to take something with you when you leave, only to find that it's illegal or you have to pay extra duty on said items at the airport. Knowing a little about the restrictions will save you from a whole lot of bureaucratic annoyance.

5. Book A Hotel -

For the first day or two, stay at a hotel that you can book before you arrive in the country. It isn't fun trudging along the roadside with a heavy luggage looking for a nice place to stay after a long and tiring flight. Before you book a hotel, don't just depend on the pictures and what it says on their website; check for reviews from previous guests, as it again is a hassle to change hotels after a long flight if the one you booked turns out to be crap.

Book hotels for only a day or two to the place you'll be visiting, so that if it's unacceptable, you can always change it after staying for a day or two, and if it's good, you can extend you stay there.

6. Festivals -

Like festivals and celebrations? Then, check for festivals and events of sorts when you are in the country. During most big festivals there is a public holiday which means it's a bit harder to get around town, as there will be very less transportation options available, which too, are majorly packed. Plus, the hotels will be fully booked and are expensive. To fully enjoy the festivities without getting a hard time, make sure you have a good hotel to stay and know where and how to go around the place. If you've a guide or a friend who knows the place, it's even better.

7. Flexible Trip -

It's better to keep a couple of days extra, just in case. There are high chances for delays due to poor weather, transportation delays or sheer bad luck. It can also be that you want to enjoy more of the trip and want to either switch or add an activity or a place on your itinerary in the middle of your travels. Having a rigid itinerary can backfire and is taxing.

When you are already coming with an open mind, try and keep your itinerary open for inevitable changes too!

8. Exchange Rate -

It's a good idea to have the knowledge about the current exchange rate of the country, if you plan to exchange the currency or are in a place where there are no ATMs.

9. Learn About Nepal -

Before landing directly here, read up a bit about Nepal and its people, culture, etiquette, food and what you can expect during your stay. Being clueless can send you in a culture shock and/or you can have unpleasant repercussions. To avoid this, learn at least how to greet in the local language; this can act as an ice-breaker while trying to interact with the locals.

10. Register With Your Embassy -

It's definitely a wise decision to register with your embassy back home and inform them about you travel plans to Nepal. Provide them with your personal information, next of kin, picture, date and time of your arrival and departure in Nepal, travel itinerary and so on. If you come across any problem or get into an accident then the embassy will be able to help you smooth out all the bureaucratic formalities.

Traveling In Nepal

When traveling to a country where you have very little or nothing in common to things back home, experiencing culture shock is quite natural. Especially in Nepal, if you've come to trek the glorious mountains or experience Nepal's unique culture, some things are bound to shock you!

From the moment you land in Nepal's only international airport - Tribhuwan International Airport, you'll start wondering how it all works- from the immigration procedures, to the baggage handling and finally to the transportation system available to get you into the city, as everything is in utter disarray!

Finally when you've got your luggage and found your transportation and when you think the chaotic part is done with, you'll be out of the airport and into the chaos of the city!

TRAFFIC AND ROAD RULES

Since Kathmandu's narrow roads see five times more vehicles than their capacity, you're sure to get stuck in a few traffic jams.

The culture shock that started as soon as you landed will continue on the way from the airport to your hotel as you'll be witnessing sights you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world.

You will notice everyone and everything in the middle of the roads including cars, buses, bicycles, motorbikes, people, cows, dogs, garbage, and other oddities.

Seeing all this chaos unfold in front of your eyes, you might think that there are no rules at all, but there are - It just takes time to grasp them! The locals throwing these rules out the window doesn't help either, but you'll get used to it soon enough.

You'll see people crossing the streets in every possible direction, whenever and wherever they can, not even looking out for oncoming traffic and very few using the zebra- crossings!

For those wanting to drive on their own (although it is advisable not to if you're staying for a short period of time in Kathmandu's traffic), and for those who don't know, we drive on the left side of the road and not the right.

There are no checks on speeds within the city and so public transportation here are infamous either for their heart-stopping speed or for going at a snail's pace.

You will never know until you get on one, and usually they are fully packed! Also, get ready to listen to a LOT of Bollywood and local songs on full volume while traveling on buses and on mobile phones of fellow passengers.

Buses/micro-buses will stop at any given place, if there is no traffic cop nearby. All you need to do is wave your hand- as if you were hitchhiking but without the thumb, which indicates that you want to get on the bus.

Just watch out and maybe step back as the bus approaches you as you never know, they stop so close - they might just hit you!

POLLUTION

Thousands of vehicles in a small city means there's going to be pollution. An increasing number of people have started wearing masks to protect themselves from the thick black smoke of the vehicles or just from the dust in the air.

The constant loud honking sounds will not escape your notice either!

You will get another sense of shock after you see the number of cows and street dogs roaming around the streets and grazing, eating and sleeping on large heaps of garbage thrown on the side of the road.

You should also know that street dogs of Kathmandu are notorious for their relentless barking and howling in the nighttime.

Also, the locals wake up pretty early in the morning and there's bound to be a lot of racket from early mornings if you're staying in the heart of the city.

So get your earplugs ready!

And also, there are crows and pigeons EVERYWHERE so you may get some bird-poo on you. Carry some wet-wipes while you're traveling, just in case.

BLACKOUTS / LOAD SHEDDING

Load shedding schedule - everything you do here is going to depend on this!

This may be a new term for you, but in Nepal, there are blackouts that last for 16-18 hours each day during dry seasons. Load shedding is the term used for these blackouts.

Ironically, Nepal is the second richest country in the world for water resources!

If you're staying in a good hotel that has inverters or generators, there is nothing to worry about, but most of the smaller places don't have the backup power, which makes it hard for you to get your work done or to charge your electronics.

So be wary of the timings of the load shedding.

Also, you don't want to be stuck in the bathroom in the dark!

NO SHOES

When you visit any temples or holy places, you'll notice clear signs stating that you are not allowed to enter the premises or its inner sanctum wearing shoes or carrying leather items.

Also, the shoes have to remain outside the door before entering someone's home, as shoes are considered dirty which would make the home dirty as well. And this is 100% correct in Nepal's case- just look at the roads outside!

People here tend to get annoyed or even angry when they see shoes or sandals upturned, as they believe it brings in misfortune. Always keep them upright!

STRIKES / BANDHS

Strikes, bandhs or chakka jams (no transportation) used to be commonplace, although they haven't happened recently.

But when they do, everything comes to a standstill in the city; there is no transport, no schools or offices, the shops are closed, so chances are you're going to find yourself in a situation where you cannot do anything or go anywhere, unless you're staying in a place like Thamel, where the cafes and bars are always open.

If this happens, just go out and do what the locals are doing or see how they cope with these bandhs. You will see most of them walking to places. Get help from your guide or ask locals for help who will be more than happy to help you.

FOOD

As for the food, the locals have 'Dal Bhat'- which is lentils and steamed rice, almost every day- twice a day! Do not use your left hand which is used for cleaning up after defecation, and is considered dirty.

When eating out, ask for spoons, fork or chopsticks for your convenience. Please be patient; usually the restaurant's service can be awfully slow. Also, please don't yell and demand the food to be changed because it's not exactly how you thought it would be when you ordered it - it's considered rude, and almost all of them will say it cannot be done.

Be open to trying new things. After all, you're in a new country!

SMELLS

The aroma of incense, sweets, spices and other delicious food or the nasty smell of garbage around the city is sure to overwhelm your olfactory senses, so you need to be prepared and get a mask of your own before heading out to explore the city.

RESTROOMS

Besides the houses and hotels in the city, there are no showers in the rural areas. People wash themselves by pouring water over their bodies from a mug with water from a bucket. Also, in rural areas, you might need to wash and do your laundry in public.

Also, here you'll find more eastern style "squatting" toilets rather than the western style "sitting" toilets, and people use water to clean themselves rather than using toilet paper. You might particularly have a hard time with this one!

Toilets in Nepal are generally dirty and very smelly, even the ones in good cafes or restaurants. Keep your expectation low when going to one. Just because it's a good place doesn't mean the toilets will be clean or without any nasty odors.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Public display of affection, specially hugging and kissing your partner, is frowned upon. However, it's okay to hold hands. Also, it's common to see same gender people holding hands walking down the street and it doesn't necessarily mean that they are in a same-sex relationship.

TOUGH LOVE

Don't be alarmed if you see some parents scolding and hitting their children with brooms or sticks or even their hands. It's an old way of disciplining children here and it's wise not to intervene.

ANIMAL SACRIFICES

In Nepal, animal sacrifices during festivals are very common. Some are even done publicly in courtyards of temples or homes, and many people come just to witness the sacrifices, and worship the gods afterwards. For example - Dashain!

PUNCTUALITY

The phrase "Nepali Time" is often sarcastically used here to mean that nothing ever gets done on time or no one ever reaches anywhere on time. So expect delays everywhere you go and with any of your meetings. Sometimes, it even takes 1 or 2 hours to get a simple task done.

HAWKERS, BEGGARS AND STREET CHILDREN

Hawkers surrounding you, asking you to buy their stuff, and beggars asking for money can be annoying. The thing to do is, politely and resolutely say 'No' and walk away, or just ignore their calls and keep walking straight ahead.

You'll find the sight of street children sleeping on pavements and sniffing glue (supposedly lessens hunger) a bit disturbing but you have to face the facts that Nepal is a developing country and there are many issues it's struggling to get control over; poverty being the topmost on the list.

CREMATION

Another sight that may shock you when you go to visit Pashupatinath Temple or near the banks of the holy river Bagmati, is that unlike in the west, we burn the bodies of the dead in our culture. It may be quite disturbing for some too.

Another thing is that the said holy river including others that flow through the cities and populated settlements are extremely polluted.

Also, most Sadhus (holy men) will charge you some fee for taking their pictures.

GET IN LINE

Due to the shortage of clean drinking water in Kathmandu, people can often be seen in a line with 2 or 3 buckets with them at public taps, or you'll see big water tankers that go to houses and fill their underground tanks.

The other line you'll see is for petrol. You'll find that there is often a shortage of petrol in Kathmandu and this can be very clear when you see long lines of motorbikes and cars at the gas stations. These can also be another reason for the traffic jams in Kathmandu.

CHAUPADI

When women have their periods (menstruation days), they are considered impure and are kept apart from the family members; this tradition is called 'Chaupadi' and is more prevalent in far and mid-western Nepal where women are kept alone in the sheds!

You may encounter its less strict forms all over Nepal. In the cities, it's getting more relaxed with time, but still many strictly follow the rules where they are not allowed to enter the kitchen, temples or even touch their elders.

Initially, this started so that women could get some rest during their periods, and avoid all the heavy lifting and house-hold chores which require a lot of hard work.

STRONG AND ACTIVE WOMEN

You'll be pleasantly surprised to see more women doing household chores, taking care of children, farm work and even their small businesses, whereas you'll find men just idly passing days just sitting around or playing cards and/or smoking all day especially in rural areas.

In construction sites, you'll come across many women toiling away with their male counterparts, carrying heavy bricks and cement on their heads while wearing colorful kurta-salwar and/or saris.

OTHERS

There are still many things that might take you by surprise or even shock you, such as being groped in public transport or crowded parts of Thamel, locals throwing trash wherever they like- even out of a moving car, which may smack you in the face, and spitting in public which is gross no matter which corner of the world you come from!

You may find it rather funny when you hear people having loud conversations on their mobile phones, sometimes with their speakerphone on!

In Newar communities, you may come across and be bewildered with the ritual of Ehee and Bahra Tayegu in which young girls are 'married' to a fruit in former and to the Sun in latter. This is done so that they don't have to live a harsh life of a widow if their husbands die and/or they can get remarried.

Different experiences have very different effects on different people. You never know what will affect you and what won't. The best coping mechanism to deal with and overcome culture shock anywhere is to keep an open mind.

Racing Down World's Highest Mountain - Everest Marathon:

Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon (THEM), also known in short as Everest Marathon was started in honor of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary - the first people to stand on the top of the world, at the zenith of Mt. Everest (8,848m) on 29th May, 1953.

The idea of a marathon at the base of the Everest was the brainchild of Jan Turner who came up with it in the year 1985 on an expedition to the Everest Base Camp. Everest Marathon may have had a humble beginning, but today it's recognized worldwide, with enthusiastic trail runners from all corners of the world, flocking to Nepal to be a part of this event.

The Himalayan nation hosts Everest Marathon on May 29 every year, continuing successfully since 2003. Hundreds of participants from over 20 different countries come for the marathon every year.

THEM is also the highest marathon in the world, which takes its runners to the altitudes as high as 5,300m above sea-level. The highest altitude is 5,545m at the top of Kala Patthar, with awe-inspiring 360 degree views of the majestic Himalayas - Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori including the world's highest - Mt. Everest.

This marathon is only for the trained and experienced runners who run cross-country trails and longer routes. But that does not mean you cannot still come to witness this spectacular event and cheer the runners on.

GETTING TO THE STARTING LINE

To get to the starting point of the Everest Marathon, participants first have to trek all the way to the Everest Base Camp, which means you'll have the opportunity to experience trekking in Nepal as well - a 14 days trek to be exact.

The trek is through Sagarmatha National Park with its unique landscape and wildlife. Be on the lookout for some! Now this is what I call - killing two birds with one stone.

Participants of the marathon, therefore, have to be in Nepal three weeks before the race starts, to clear all the formalities, to prepare for the rough terrains of this Himalayan country, and obviously to trek all the way to the starting point!

Runners can opt for either camping or staying at lodges while on the trek to the Everest Base Camp, or they can mix it up like in the base camp as there are no lodges there.

On the trek, runners get to visit monasteries like Pangboche Monastery, a 17th century gompa, and also the oldest one in Khumbu, along with Tengboche Monastery which is the largest gompa in the region. Exploring these unique sites that are a reflection of Tibetan Buddhism, with their stunning architecture and artifacts on display add to the overall experience of an already great adventure.

Before and/or after the trek to Everest Base Camp, participants also have a chance to absorb the Nepali culture, traditions, architecture, arts and crafts. Everest Marathon participants are taken on a tour of the world heritage sites in the valley to mystical places such as the Pashipatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath along with Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square, all in the compact capital, Kathmandu itself.

Running Down Everest Base Camp

Not that the view of the Kathmandu valley from the flight isn't incredible, but the view from the flight to Lukla with the great Himalayas certainly will be just as spectacular, if not more.

For the faint of hearts, landing at the Tenzing - Hillary Airport aka Lukla Airport will be as much of an adventure as the trek to Everest Base Camp itself. This part of the journey will get your adrenaline pumping in no time.

The marathon starts from the Everest Base Camp and ends at Namche Bazaar covering a distance of 42 KM. This means you get to race down all the way from the bottom of the Everest! The trail is downhill for a major part of the marathon, but there are some uphill paths too, specially two steep ones. The path for the marathon is the trekking trail itself.

Everest Marathon is done in such high altitudes that there needs to be extra attention given to the health of the participants. For this, there are water stations, rest stops and medical check posts built-in varying distances on the marathon trail.

There is even an emergency evacuation facility for the ones who can no longer participate in the marathon due to health issues or injuries. A lot of thought is also given to the security on the race and a number of marshals will be seen on duty along with marathon guides to assist the runners if needed.

Additionally, electronic wrist bands are provided to all runners to keep track of them on the trail. Before the start of the marathon, all the participants are checked by professional medical teams to see if they are fit to take part in the race after the trek. Ice and snow on the trail add to its difficulty level besides the obvious high altitude.

Besides the expeditions who are looking to climb the highest mountain in the world, other trekking groups are not allowed to stay overnight at the Everest Base Camp site. So, spending a night at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall is just one of the unique things, participants of the Everest Marathon get to relish.

There are pretty amazing world records set on Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon, a prominent one being the highest marathon in Guinness Book of World Records, itself. Another is set by Deepak Rai, a Nepali runner in the year 2006 AD for the shortest time - 3 hours, 28 minutes and 27 seconds. And for a foreign runner the record for fastest time is 4 hours 50 minutes and 10 seconds by Antoine Bonfils of France. Similarly, Timothy Watson made the record for shortest time among his fellow countrymen of UK, with 5 hours 45 minutes in 2014.

For Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon participation, runners have to sign up for the extra-ordinary event here.

Besides, the Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon, there is another event popularly known as the Everest Ultra Marathon which started from 2010. The Everest Ultra Marathon involves covering a distance of 65 km starting from Gorak Shep and ending at Lukla.

This one is definitely for the hardcore runners!

Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon & Everest Ultra Marathon Facts -

Highest Marathon in the World!

Held on May 29 every year

Highest Altitude: 5545m Kala Patthar

Days: 1 Day

Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon

Start Line: Everest Base Camp

Finish Line: Namche Bazaar

Marathon Distance: 42km

Everest Ultra Marathon

Start Line: Gorak Shep

Finish Line: Lukla

Marathon Distance: 65km

Even though Tenzing - Hillary Everest Marathon and Everest Ultra Marathon may not be for everyone, extreme sports enthusiasts and trekkers alike can still go on an adventurous journey and create unforgettable memories together in the high Himalayas.

Trekking in the Wild Country - Base Camp Trek

Desire to be greeted with spectacular scenes is only natural, and one obvious choice to go to would be any place in the country of the Himalayas. One such country is Nepal, known as a traveler's (specially a trekkers') paradise, situated on the lap of the majestic Himalayas!

There are several unique and amazing options for trekking in Nepal, one of which is slowly but steadily garnering much attention in recent years - Makalu Base Camp Trek.

Makalu Barun Valley in Nepal is one such place that has its own allure which makes it distinct from other regions in the country. For this uniqueness, many trekkers and adventure-seekers lace up their trekking boots every season.

Well, where do I start with the trek that is rapidly being popular as the new Annapurna Circuit Trek!? Let's just start from the basics.

MT. MAKALU

Mt. Makalu, the 5th highest mountain in the world is located in eastern Nepal. It's one of the 8-thousanders that lie in the Khumbu region, where the world's highest - Everest, also lies.

It's an independent peak standing tall at 8463m. The peaks immediate to Makalu are Kangchungtse (Makalu II - 7640m) and Chomo Lonzo (7804m).

Mt. Makalu got its name from the Hindu god Maha Kala in Sanskrit, which is one of the forms of Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Maha Kala means 'Big Black' and thus, Makalu is referred as 'The Great Black' for its distinct big black rock face.

This mountain is quite challenging to climb and requires mountaineering expertise. Makalu was successfully climbed in 1955 AD by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition team.

MAKALU BASE CAMP TREK

Makalu Base Camp trek, as the name suggests, is a trek to the base camp of the fifth highest point in the world - Mt. Makalu. It takes trekkers at the foot of this mountain and passes through one of the most magnificent landscapes on earth.

October - November and March - May is a great time to go for the trek. The base camp lies near the tranquil lake of Barun Pokhari at 4950m. The trek to base camp and back can be completed in around 18 days.

The highest elevation on this trek is 5250m, with a viewpoint on the lower slopes of Peak 3 (6477m) near Shersong (4660m).

This trek starts and ends at Tumlingtar, passing through several places on the trail as Chichila, Num, Sedua, Tashigaon, Khongma, Mumbuk, Yangle Kharka, Merek, Shersong and Khandbari.

There are strict rules and regulations that are there to protect and conserve both the natural environment and the unique culture of the region, which the trekkers need to follow. One of the rules is to only camp at designated camping sites for the trek.

On the trek, there are three passes - Ghungru La (4050m), Shipton La (4216m) and Keke La (4150m) en route from Khongma to Mumbuk. While crossing these passes, trekkers get to witness magnificent views of the Himalayas, which is also the reason why trekking in Nepal is so well-loved.

It has astounding views of Makalu, Chhamlang (7319m), Baruntse (7220m), Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8501m), Peak 3 (6477m), Peak 4 (6720m), Peak 5 (6404m), Peak 6 (6739m), Peak 7 (6105m) and Hong Chuli (6833m).

Although in recent years, tea-houses and lodges have sprung up along the trail, the Makalu Base Camp trek is best experienced as a camping trek. However, these establishments provide very basic necessities in terms of food and lodging. So, trekkers need to rough it up when stopping in these tea-houses that are few and far between throughout the trail.

Do not hold any expectation on these lodges to offer luxurious facilities, like that of Everest and Annapurna tea-houses with hot showers, chocolate pies and what not. This trek throws all personal comfort out the window!

So, it's best that trekkers are self-sufficient to confront the harsh terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Trekkers need to be prepared with the mindset of being safe rather than sorry on this particular trek.

Makalu Base Camp trek walks around one of the most remote parts of the country, into the vast wilderness, so, there has to be at least two trekkers venturing out in this land, at a given time.

This trek is definitely for the more experienced and hardy trekkers who can adjust to any kind of environment without any complaints, especially about how its facilities are not like that of Everest or Annapurna, and who can enjoy the basic lodges or even the lack thereof.

MAKALU BARUN NATIONAL PARK AND CONSERVATION AREA

Makalu Base Camp trek lies in the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. This national park is in Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts with an area of 1500 sq. km. in eastern Nepal.

The land is teeming with wildlife such as Lynx, Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrel, Jackal, Clouded Leopard, Deep-blue Kingfisher, Blue-naped Pitta, Eagles, Raptors, White-naked Stork and many more.

The trek makes its way through the Himalayan glacier valley of Makalu Barun. The Barun River Valley is covered in lush green forests with colorful rhododendron blooms and refreshing waterfalls. The landscape drastically changes to alpine meadows and barren land of rocks and gravel as you move further up north on the trail.

some for Travel Packing Tips

Packing bags play a significant role in the outcome of trips especially if you do not travel very often. Tips on travel packing have never been as valuable as it is now. With the baggage fees on rise, traveling light is the best way to go now. Now the question is how to cram all the essentials in one bag? The following tips on traveling will help to decide on the ways to pack like a pro.

1. Make a Checklist of All the Items to Carry

This list will include everything from clothes, shoes and toiletries to paperwork like guidebooks, maps, reading materials and hotel, as well as rental car details. This list will also help to pack the things back while returning home since all the items you have are in this list. Do not neglect any item. Some of the commonly forgotten items include toothpaste/toothbrush, sunglasses, socks, sunscreen, hat and deodorant. Consider the weather as well as activities you will be taking part in before listing the items.

2. Plan the Outfits Well In Advance to Avoid Over- Packing

By knowing what the weather will be like, being precise is possible. If not, it is better to carry versatile items like light jackets and cardigans that go with multiple tops. Some three-quarter sleeve shirts are also better to carry. This will help to adapt to changing conditions. Layering is a great idea as this does not just helps to deal with changing weather but can also help to disguise if you are using the same item repeatedly. Make sure that all the items you are carrying goes with several other pieces. This will help creating an array of mix and match pieces. Always remember to pack an extra empty bag. You can use this bag to carry the dirty items. This will keep from mingling the dirty clothes with the fresh ones.

3. Downsize All the Things

Carry the smallest available size if you have to carry your ointment, gel or cream. There are many hotels that give soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and toothbrushes free of charge. Even if they do not offer, you can get them from the adjoining areas. So, if you have to carry them, carry the smallest size available.

4. Place All the Heavy Items at the Bottom of Bags

Struggling with rolling luggage that flips and twists continually will be a trouble. While packing luggage, check all the items thoroughly. Be thorough as no one loves to go through the bag all again to find whether all the things are there.

Always remember that trips are for having fun and not to stress self. So, start packing well in advance to avoid a rush later.

Danger Adventure - Altitude Sickness

Every year there are thousands of trekkers who make the journey around the world for the sole purpose of finding adventure in the higher altitudes. Adventure will certainly be found, but it comes along with dangers posed by such altitudes.

One such danger is Altitude Sickness, which if ignored or left untreated can be fatal. Trekkers, especially the ones who are trekking in higher altitudes for the first time, don't seem to realize this threat as one that can lead to certain death.

Because there are thousands of people who have successfully completed many different treks without much problem, they think it's easy and don't realize the gravity of the matter. Altitude Sickness is not the same for every individual!

THE GOLDEN RULES

There are three simple rules set by Dr. David R. Shlim that trekkers must follow:

1. If you feel unwell, you have altitude sickness until proven otherwise.

2. Do not ascend further if you have symptoms of altitude sickness.

3. If you are getting worse, then descend immediately.

Another important rule is - Learn the early symptoms of altitude sickness and know when you have them. Stay alert! There may be a person in the group with symptoms of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness may hit you when you are above 2500 m (8000 ft) from sea level. There are three kinds of altitude sickness:

1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

2. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

3. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

One often suffers from HACE and HAPE at the same time, making things even more complicated. HAPE and HACE have similar symptoms to AMS, but getting it means one has reached critical condition.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

If you suffer from mild AMS, it will feel like a hangover. However, you wouldn't have had any alcoholic drink, so that's out of the question. Treat these headaches as AMS until proven otherwise. Remember the mantra - Prevention is better than cure.

AMS may just feel like a hangover, but you SHOULD NOT underestimate it. If left untreated, AMS can become HACE or HAPE in just a few hours, which in turn can cause death of the person within the next few hours. AMS should be taken as a warning sign that if you are careless and ignore it, you could suffer from either HAPE or HACE or worse, both!

AMS SYMPTOMS

- Headache

- Nausea

- Fatigue

- Dizziness

- Lack of sleep

- Vomiting

AMS TREATMENTS

The best treatment for AMS is prevention. Walk at a slow pace and don't be in a rush to climb higher up. But, in case you suffer from AMS, here's what you do -

If you have mild AMS:

- Rest and DO NOT go any higher!

If you have severe AMS:

- DESCEND! DESCEND! DESCEND!

- Take Acetazolamide (Diamox) as prescribed

- Dexamethasone as prescribed

- Use oxygen or Pressure Bags if available

HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE)

HACE is where AMS has become severe. It's very uncommon that HACE would occur without a person suffering from AMS first.

In HACE, a person's brain is filled with fluids that should not be there, obviously! The fluids just increase the pressure of the brain and squeeze it, creating complications in a well-functioning brain. The person suffering from HACE may act out of his/her character not normal for them like being lazy, showing excessive emotions or even being violent!

HACE SYMPTOMS

- Severe headaches (even painkillers don't provide any relief)

- Acting out of character

- Confusion

- Clumsiness

- Stumbling

- Drowsiness and unconsciousness moments before death

HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE)

HAPE is where a person's lungs are filled with excessive fluids, making it difficult to breathe. Even when resting at high altitudes, it is NOT normal to suffer from breathlessness. This should be taken as a sign of HAPE, if a person is breathless even when resting.

HAPE starts normally after spending 24 - 48 hours in new altitudes. And this one often comes without getting AMS first.

HAPE SYMPTOMS

- Coughing

- Tiredness

- Fever

- Cannot lie flat

- Breathlessness even while resting

- Excessive breathlessness compared to physical activity

HACE and HAPE TREATMENTS

The best treatment for HACE and HAPE is prevention, walk at a slow pace and don't be in a rush to climb higher up. But, in case you suffer from either HACE or HAPE or worse- both, here's what you must do:

- DESCEND! DESCEND! DESCEND!

- Carry or at least help the victim get to a lower altitude

- Take Acetazolamide (Diamox) and Dexamethasone as prescribed

- Use Oxygen or Pressure Bags if available

- Further medical follow-up

FACTORS THAT RAISE THE CHANCES FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS

If you are not careful, your chances of getting hit with altitude sickness increases. Below are few of the factors that are likely to raise the risk of you getting altitude sickness:

- Individual vulnerability

- Climbing faster and higher than desired altitude

- Excessive physical exertion

- Drinking less water and fluids (cause for dehydration)

- Drinking alcohol, smoking or taking sleeping pills

MEASURES TO PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS

The saying "Prevention is better than cure", is more apt here than anything else. The following measures are simple and highly effective for prevention of AMS:

- Do not ascend rapidly to high altitudes

- Walk at a slower pace and rest for a long period to acclimatize every 2 to 3 days

- Drink more water and fluids (avoid being dehydrated)

- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking

- Do not carry a heavy backpack

- Look after each other

- Stay alert for the symptoms of AMS

- Never leave or send a patient to lower altitude alone

THINGS THAT ARE COMMON IN HIGH ALTITUDES

There are certain things that one may show some concern over, but are normal for higher altitudes:

- A little puffy hands and feet

- Frequent need to pee

- Lack/poor quality of sleep

- A little faster and heavier breathing

- A bit faster heartbeat

- Regular dreams in sleep

ACCLIMATIZATION

It's not that we cannot trek or even live in the high altitudes, thousands of trekkers and the locals who have adapted at those altitudes have proved that. But, the thing is, for us to be able to trek in high altitudes, our bodies need to get accustomed to the environment there, which might be completely different from where came from.

For adapting to high altitudes, our bodies need to make some adjustments to how it functions and these can adjustments might be made by breathing a bit faster, peeing more frequently, heart beating a bit faster and body making more red blood cells.

Thus, there are days for acclimatization, at different points in all the trails at higher altitudes while trekking.

Acclimatization is different for every individual. Some acclimatize in just one day and some may need two or more days, so take the time your body needs to adjust to new altitudes before heading to even higher altitude than you are at now.

Even the fittest and toughest of the group can suffer from altitude sickness as there is less oxygen and less pressure in the higher altitudes.

There is surely a great adventure that can be found while trekking. But, one should certainly not take the dangers that come along with it lightly.

Here's to a safe and adventurous trek!

Safety First! Be It Trekking or Hiking

In an organized group-trek, you can be assured that your guide will have all the necessary items in a first-aid kit for emergencies. But, it still is a good idea to carry your personal first-aid kit as those contents will have essentials that are customized to your needs and can come handy in various situations.

For your personal first-aid kit, make sure you have following items:



Even if the stream or tap water looks clean enough to drink, don't! All water except for bottled mineral water must be purified before consuming. You don't want to get sick mid-way on a trek. This way it also reduces the risk of you suffering from Traveler's Diarrhea, if you are trekking in a foreign country.

Diamox for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) -

While trekking in high altitudes, if you feel unwell, it can be for various reasons but unless proven otherwise, you should assume it's because of altitude sickness. So, do keep Diamox within your reach, it's fairly normal to get hit a case of AMS when hiking at higher elevations, mainly 2500m above sea-level.

Painkillers -

Trekking in high altitudes isn't an easy feat. You'll have to walk for 5 - 6 hours each day for many days. Painkillers will help reduce the pain and help you to keep moving on.

Medicines -

You never know what illness may affect you on a trek. Keep medicines for diarrhea, constipation, fever, skin, eye and ear problems ready. DO NOT forget to take personal medications for your ailments and allergies, if you have any!

Tapes and Bandages -

Get different size tapes for cuts and bruises; they'll prevent the affected areas from getting infected. If you get injured with big cuts or have a sprained muscle, you can tie these bandages in the affected area and reduce the swelling and protect it from further damage.

Tricks to Plan a Great Trip

Planning a trip is a daunting task. It is difficult to pin point the areas to begin and decide on the steps. Things often seem overwhelming here and the task acquires more difficulty if you did not take part in something similar before. By planning properly, you can enjoy a hassle free trip.

Let us now go through some tips that will help to plan the best possible trip:

Choose the Venue with Care: As soon as people think of going for a trip, they have a place in mind. Decide on a specific place. Conduct research on the destination and discuss it with the fellow travelers. Websites are great places to browse journals, travel photos, as well as videos that real people posts sharing their experience. Keep the weather and climactic conditions in mind. It is also advisable to consider the merits and demerits of the destination and recreation and transport facilities available.

Decide on the Time Properly: Various things decide this and the most significant facet that comes in here is the schedule of the trip. Find out how much time you can take off from work. Apart from the constraints, also consider global factors like whether you will prefer to visit the destination in the off-season or when the tourism is booming. No doubt, several discounts are available during the off-season but you also need to understand that there will be some problems too. You may also fail to visit some of the destinations if you visit in the off-season.

Never be Rigid with the Itinerary: Planning well in advance tends to backfire since vacations rarely go according to plan. Plan keeping the hints of the tour operator in mind but be flexible. Mark the places you need to visit as well as the things you intend being a part of. Keeping the schedule in mind, find out the time you have in your hand for each destination. Make a list. Jot down all the places you want to visit. This list must include the museums, restaurants, malls and all other places of interest. This will not just give you the idea but you will also not even feel lost as soon as you arrive at a destination.

Assess the Costs Beforehand: Do you want to stay put in a five-star luxury hotel or intend to stay in the comparatively cost-effective ones? You need to find the amount you can shell out and then allocate resources. Take some time to figure out the charges that you may inculcate. This will include the airfare as well as gasoline charges. Always overestimate and not underestimate costs. There are always costs that you fail to foresee but inculcate later. In case you find out that the trip will cost you more than you intend to spend, cut down your trip.

Before you start your trip, make sure to check out on passports and other essential documents. Now, you can begin your trip and have a great time. This is the easiest part. Relax and enjoy a great trip.

Factors to Packing For a Trip

Packing bags for a trip is a tough task. People find this task tough because there are many things to consider for a trip. Travel lovers are always excited about their upcoming trips. But when it comes to packing their bags, things appear confusing. Then, they end up the task by packing unnecessary items. But bad packing can cause various kinds of trouble throughout their journey. That is why packing effectively is important for every traveler. Here are some of the most effective things that people have to keep in mind.

• Backpacks Are Better Than Suitcases:

Gone are those days of traveling with a suitcase. In recent days, travelers are much more comfortable with backpacks than the old suitcases. Trolleys are also a good option. But if possible, avoid traveling with trolleys. Backpacks are easy to carry and allow travelers to walk and run smoothly in their journey.

• Do Not Pack Heavy Items:

There are many regular use items that people need to carry. There are small packs available for all the products. Small items are easy to carry in bags. Light weight items are favorable for journey. Travelling to different countries are extremely pleasing and enjoyment increases further with convenience. Light backpacks help to have a comfortable journey.

• Pack All The Necessary Items:

Make sure that there is no unnecessary item in the bag. Some of the mandatory items that travelers need to take with them are- camera, torch, umbrella, portable charger, extra pair of shoes, standard plug adapter, etc. There are many destinations where tourists can wear the traditional dresses. So, there is no need of carrying too many extra clothes.

• Cash Is Always Better Option:

The most vital thing to consider is the cash. Try to carry as much cash as possible. In foreign countries, there are few ATM booths available. Credit and debit cards are not popular either. Fresh notes are best options to carry. Do not fold the notes. It will surely help the travelers in their journey.

• Remember The Local Culture:

Remember the traditional culture of the destination. It is better to garner knowledge on the destinations' cultural practices before visiting it. Carry a translating app in the phone to understand their language. Internet is a great option for travelers to gather information about their upcoming tour and desired destination.

These are things that help travelers to get ready for their upcoming trip. Keep these in mind to avoid troubles while enjoying memorable vacation to some of the exotic destinations of the world.

Bundi - Ideal Destination for History Lovers

Rajasthan is an incredible state in India that is famous for rich heritage, vibrant culture, and exciting sightseeing places. It has been a land of kings and its majestic monuments reflect their heroism and chivalry. These monuments are testimonials of the wonderful architecture of this state. Many tourists can be seen availing travel packages from Rajasthan tour operators to explore these exciting places. Bundi is one of the most popular cities in this state that is located at the base of a large hill and has a beautiful lake in the center. The tourist attractions of this city include medieval forts, mansions, palaces, and temples.

Some popular monuments of this city are mentioned below.

Taragarh Fort:

This fort was built in 1354 and its name means "Star Fort." It is positioned at the slope of a high hill and gives a panoramic view of this city. There is a giant gateway to enter this fort. Laxmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza, and Gagudi Ki Phatak are the gateways to enter the court. These gates have wonderful elephant carvings.

This fort has various tunnels, which have played significant roles at the time of war as it gave a secured exit for the kings and other dignitaries. However, tourists are not allowed to enter these tunnels because there is no map available for these. This fort has various battlements along with ramparts. It also has a big cannon and reservoir. The mural paintings of this fort still have the charm of the Rajput era.

Bundi Palace:

It is a tourist spot of this city that has a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Located next to the Taragarh Fort, this palace is a wonderful example of workmanship. The murals reflecting rich traditions are the main attractions of this palace. Tourists are not allowed to visit all parts of this palace and they can only visit "Chitrashala" segment. This segment has various miniature colorful murals, depicting "Raaslila" and "Ragamala". Visitors can get permission from the secretary of the Maharaja of Bundi for exploring other parts of this palace.

Bundi Palace gives wonderful sight when illuminated during night.

Sukh Mahal:

Built during the era of Ummaid Singh, this main purpose behind its construction was to provide free hand activities to the princess. It is located at the bank of the Jait Sagar Lake. This place is surrounded by a beautiful garden, giving a wonderful view. It has an underground tunnel leading to the old palace. This tunnel was constructed in order to provide a safe exit for King in case of enemy attack.

Well, these are popular monuments of Bundi, making this city one of the most favorite destinations for history lovers

Aspects That Make Travel And Special

Most people find it dreadful, to even imagine traveling solo, mostly because of the fear of feeling lonely. This is the prime reason for which most of them plan vacations and trips with families, friends or groups with common interests. Traveling solo has its own set of risks, but leaving them apart, there are various positive aspects that make single travel truly unique and special at the same time.

When it comes to comparing the advantages and risks of traveling solo, then the former will surely win over the latter. Starting from the joy of traveling off the track to getting an opportunity to relish the real flavours of freedom in a new way; solo travel gives a new meaning to exploration. The following are some of the major aspects that make single travel truly unique and special.

• Exploring the Hidden Aspects of Individuality

Traveling solo opens up the barriers of expression. A person spends time with the inner self. This helps in exploring the hidden aspects of individuality that often stay concealed due to the day-to-day goals and responsibilities. Solo travel is a way to escape in a world where there are no responsibilities, workloads or negativity of daily life. Thus, it helps one to become familiar with the inner thoughts and feelings which give an entirely different meaning to traveling.

• Speaking to Strangers and Making New Friends

Solo travel is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Interacting with people becomes a daunting task when one travels in a group because the priorities stay confined. Whereas, traveling solo provides the traveller with an opportunity to interact freely with the locals and natives. This helps one to gain a complete idea about the cultures and customs of the place.

• Escape to Peace and Freedom

Traveling single does not need any necessary bindings of time and other goals. One gets an opportunity to set own goals and priorities without the fear of time management. This is not at all possible with group travels where there are multiple opinions and preferences prevail.

• Challenging the Fears and Overcoming the Insecurities

Solo travel helps a person to challenge all the fears and overcome all the insecurities that work as hurdles all throughout life. While traveling solo a person takes decisions based on the individual preferences and planning. Thus, it helps one to become confident, as well.

Apart from these advantages, traveling solo helps a traveller to save a significant amount of money, and it also provides an opportunity to experience new things.

travel for an Orlando Christmas Vacation

With the kids out of school and parents all set to welcome the most celebrated holiday season of the year, Christmas is undoubtedly the biggest festive occasion alive. And when it comes to celebrate the same in Orlando, the experience just gets even more special. In fact nothing is merrier than joining Santa during an Orlando Christmas Vacation. For years the world-famous Parks here welcome the occasion with the best of spirit, fun and fantasy. Packed with a plethora of premier Christmas events and shows, the Parks come to life like never before. Whether it's the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Holiday's Around the World at Disney World, The Grinchmas or Macy's Holiday Parade at the Universal Orlando, the SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration or the Christmas Bricktacular at the Legoland, Orlando dazzles with unparallel festive delights throughout the holiday season.

Despite being the busiest season of the year, a visit to any of the theme park during Christmas holidays is always a special treat for any. Whether it's the WDW (Walt Disney World) or Universal Studios, the SeaWorld Orlando or Legoland, everywhere the festive spirit comes to life like never before. While Christmas is celebrated with all the fun and glory worldwide, the merry-making gets even more special for fans and guest at the Orlando Theme Parks. Truly, the opportunity to unfold such dazzling surprises with Santa in the midst of the world's happiest and inspirational backdrop is a dream come true experience.

The Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom is a premier Christmas event that WDW has to offer. Held annually, on select nights from November through December, this one of a kind themed celebration is truly a must visit festive extravaganza. As the entire Park transforms into a winter wonderland with sparkling castle projection shows and magical snowfall, amazing character processions, live entertainments and more, it seems a Disney World vacation has never been so special. The Macy's Holiday Parade of Universal Studios Florida on the other hand is just another incredible holiday Procession with amazing bands, performers, floats and more that tend to make your Christmas vacation a treat to remember forever.

Moreover, the SeaWorld's Christmas Celebrations, held on select nights, from November through December is another fun-filled holiday attraction that the marine fans can look for. The free-ticketed event is in fact a true Christmas delight for kids and families to celebrate amidst the world most inspiring marine backdrop ever. At Legoland, it's the Christmas Bricktacular that offers the ultimate holiday for guests. Held in December the unique event is a great fun-for kids to celebrate the special occasion.