How to break into a new pair of hiking boots

Please see below some comments by Lou on how to break into a new pair of hiking boots:

"Firstly, it takes 30 miles of walking to break in a new pair of hiking boots. It would be a good idea to do that before going on a trip like this one. Second, if people plan to purchase their equipment in the USA it should be noted that many things are seasonal. That is, you can buy things like down parkas between October and January after that is is hard to find many items because the shops move on to selling spring time items. Third, there are ways to find good buys online rather than paying full price in stores. Hope you find this info useful."

Kailash Yatra FAQs

ॐ

Critical questions to ask before making the decision:

Question: How much will it cost?

Answer: Roundtrip cost from Nepal-Mansarover-Nepal will be $3,500. This includes Guru Purnima puja at Mansarover. Airfares to and from Nepal are NOT included. For disciples residing in USA, we are working with Singapore Airlines to arrange for a group travel rate. We will provide you with that group code. You may book your flight with Singapore Airlines if you reside in the USA. Rough estimate for roundtrip airfare from JFK Airport on the East Coast and San Francisco Airport on the West Coast of USA to Katmandu, Nepal may be $1,600 and $1,400 respectively. If you are located in Europe or any other country, you will need to arrange for your own air travel to and from Katmandu, Nepal. If you are planning to visit India while you are in the region either before or after the yatra, please note that the above quotes do not cover those costs. The quotes above are strictly for the Mt. Kailash trip.

Question: How did we arrive at the $3,500 trip cost?

Answer: $3,500 is a rough estimate based on information passed on to us by the Indian travel agent. Any unforeseen increase in cost e.g. if the Chinese government decides to increase the visa cost etc will be passed on to the trip participants.

Question: What travel documentation do I need for this trip?

Answer: We will be traveling to two or three countries, Nepal, China and probably India, if you decide on a private trip to Nikora or sight-seeing in India. This means you will need travel visas to all three countries. Please e-mail or fax Jayshree a scanned copy of the first and last, inside page of your passport by January 15^th, 2010 to get started with visa process. One important thing to do right away is to check and make sure your passport is valid for six months beyond the proposed date of departure from your home country. In other words, your passport should be valid till January 31^st, 2011.

Important Note: You will not have to get your own visas. All visas for trip participants will be obtained by our travel agent in India through the use of the scanned passport pages that you provide to Jayshree

Question: How difficult is the trip?

Answer: This is an arduous trip. Devotion and faith in Guru is a necessary pre-condition but please make sure you understand the strenuous nature of this journey before making a commitment. Taking advice from your doctor and having a good financial situation should be a mandatory part of your decision-making process. You are responsible for your decision. A letter from your physician stating that you are healthy enough to make this arduous trip is required for taking part in this journey. This letter is of utmost importance, especially for people with heart, lungs and blood diseases. We will provide further details regarding altitude heights, how much walking is involved, temperatures etc on this blog

The Chinese government has stopped issuing visas to people aged 70 years or older so if you are in that age group you cannot join this trip.

Question: What is the time schedule?

Answer: All trip participants will arrive at Katmandu by 19^th of July, 2010 and depart from Katmandu on 2^nd August, 2010. This means US travelers fly out of JFK/SFO airports on 17th July and arrive back in USA on the 3rd of August, 2010 if you are not staying on to travel to Nikora, India. Please see this blog for detailed itinerary

Question: Can I fly on different dates from the rest of the group?

Answer: Yes, but you will need to make those arrangements yourself. You have to be at Katmandu on 19^th of July, 2010 to be able to join the rest of the group and similarly on the return trip depart with the group on 2^nd Aug, 2010 from Katmandu. If you plan your own itinerary then you might not be able to take advantage of the discounted group airfares which will translate into higher costs for you.

Question: How should I prepare physically for this trip?

Answer: Please consult your doctor before starting a training regime. We will be at high altitudes. Make sure you treat and recover fully from any acute existing medical conditions - especially dental conditions. You should also look into personal travel medical insurance.

Question: Who should be contacted if I have more questions about the trip?

Answer: Jayshree is the registrar for this event, her e-mail address is janahandel@yahoo.com

Question: I have decided to go on this trip and celebrate 2010 Guru Purnima at Mansarovar/Kailash with Ma and Bapuji. What is the next step?

Answer: Please let Jayshree know about your decision. Her e-mail address is janahandel@yahoo.com

Payment timelines are:

1. An initial non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place with the group when you register. Registration deadline is 15^th January, 2010. This initial deposit of $500 will be deducted from the total trip cost of $3,500. Please also e-mail a scanned copy of first and last page of your passport by this date to Jayshree at janahandel@yahoo.com or fax a copy to 925.706.9642

2. Payment of $3,000 is due in full by 15^th April, 2010 along a letter from your physician attesting to the fact that you are healthy enough to make this arduous trip

Checks should be written to "DYC". The mailing address is:

Jayshree Handel, P.O Box 4161, Antioch, CA 94531.

Please call Jayshree at 860.306.5316 if you wish to use your credit card.

Question: How do I keep up to date with all the new information regarding the Kailash trip?

Answer: We will post new updates on this blog. Please bookmark this site on your web browser.

Question: What personal belongings should I take with me for this trip?

Answer: A pair of walking boots for Kailash Parikrama, another pair of sport-shoes, woolen pullovers and sweaters, a pair of light weight trousers, windproof trousers, a sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck, a pair of woolen gloves with lining are best, two pairs of thin and two pairs of thick woolen socks, toilet items, camera, towel, soap, a book, sunglasses, flashlight with spare batteries, personal medical supplies, wind and sun protection cream and chap sticks as well as a cotton scarf to protect your mouth and nose from the dust. There is a weight limit of 6.8kgs (15lbs) on personal baggage for the pilgrimage portion of the trip. Please check this blog for updates

Question: Should I bring a small bag just for the pilgrimage portion of the trip?

Answer: Yes, a small bag not weighing more than 15 lbs should be brought for the pilgrimage portion of the trip

Question: What services does $3,500 cover?

Answer: 2 nights shared accommodation at a Hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast & dinner included. In Tibet (note: China visa covers Tibet) accommodation will be provided in Guest Houses on full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) basis. Accommodations can be either on twin sharing basis, double, triple or dormitory basis. This depends entirely on the availability of the rooms in the Guest Houses on that particular time and date. The trip cost will remain the same if you get either accommodation. We request that you be flexible regarding this.

The trip cost covers: Transportation in 4 Wheel Drive Land Cruiser, 4 persons in one Land Cruiser, excluding driver and guide, supporting truck for carrying Nepali staff such as cook, Sherpa, helper etc. All trekking equipments, such as 2-person sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, shower tents, sleeping mattresses, camp chairs and tables, all kitchen utensils and food supplies, Gamow bags ( which are used in case anyone suffers from altitude sickness ) and portable oxygen cylinders. All sightseeing tours with English- speaking Tibetan guide, Yak and Yak driver for client's luggage portage during the Parikarma, permits are also included. Down Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented.

SERVICES EXCLUDED: Mineral water, soft drinks, laundry, telephone calls & all expenses of personal nature, out-of-pocket expenses,Travel and Health Insurance, emergency evacuation, extra charges for hiring porters and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities.

ॐ शांति शांति शांति: