HIGHLIGHTS OF TIBET ACB - 1 OCTOBER 2011 DEPARTURE - ANYONE?

Hi Andrew,

 I just came across your post.  After enjoying Highlights of Northern India so much last year, I'm booked up for Highlights of China (ACH) in September.  Your latest trip sounds fantastic, I'll add it to my wish list and I'll hit you up for some tips if I ever go on it.   Make sure to write a review.  Hope you have a great time when it comes.

 Douglas

Hi Doug

For a second, I thought someone was going on this trip, well there must be as it's guaranteed so the minimum numbers must have been met.  Glad to hear that you enjoyed India.  I told you guys you would especially with a leader like Bally.  Sounds like you have got the travel bug too.  Highlights of China sounds excellent.  Look forward to seeing the photos.  Yes, you have a good time too.  Sure you will.

Andrew

Thanks for posting and bumping me up in the list,  I thought I was consigned to the bottom of the second page... Just returning the favour...  I was starting to worry I would be going to China on my own, but remembered that not everyone spends so much time fannying about on the internet as I do... hey, I work in IT, that's my job.  There's still a while to go, so here's hoping we get some bona fide responses soon :-)

Thanks.  I know! Not every traveller posts on these forums, but it would be nice to get to know each other before the trip.  Oh well, we shall see.  Roll on September and October! 

 

Hi Andrew

You have company ! We have recently booked this trip and are really excited about it , we just can't wait .

Regards - Julie

Hi Julie

At last! I'm not the only one travelling on this departure after all.  Good to hear that you and someone else has booked too as you mentioned "we".  I'm travelling solo.  Are you flying from LHR? 

Yeah, can't wait.  I am so looking forward to it.  I just hope I can handle any AMS if any.  I know it's just about 4 months away, but October will soon be here.  I'm guessing it's going to be rather cold in Tibet and  may be not so cold in Nepal. 

I am sure we will have plenty of questions nearer the time.  I have one question for you re: Visas.  Are obtaining yours prior to departure or just getting it when we arrive?  I think it's just the Nepal one that we need to get.  I understand from an Exodus rep that the Tibet visa is a group visa?  I may be wrong.  I'll have to double check my notes again.

Have you guys travelled with Exodus before?  This is my 3rd trip with them.  All have been wonderful too.   

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards

Andrew

 

Hi Andrew

I'm travelling with my husbnd Andy, so will will be a party of at least 3 !  and we are leaving from LHR .

You can take medication for the AMS, but according to the doctor, the side effects are very similar to the symptoms and could make a diagnosis slightly more difficult so we are still weighing up the options. We have never travelled to this altitude befor so it's all guess work really !  Have you been to these altitudes before and if so how did you find it ?

As for the visa to Nepal, the guys at Exodus say that it isn't worth getting them in advance as you have to queue up for the stamp anyway.

This is our first trip wuth Exodus, but i'm hopeful that it won't be our last as they have so many wonderful places to visit, our wish list is growing all the time ! 

We look forward to hearing from you

Kind regards

Julie

Hi Julie and Andy.

Cool. I shall look forward to meeting you both at LHR then.  You might have to put up a picture so that I know who to look out for :)

Yes, I heard that you can take medication.  I think it is called Diamox?  Likewise, I have been informed that you should not take it as preventative medicine for those reasons that you mention - it could mask the real symptoms of AMS.  I've not really travelled at altitude.  Though when I was in Uganda and Rwanda, we trailed up a high mountain, but I do not believe that it was anywhere near as high as where we will be travelling to.  I didn't notice anything different, but may not have been high enough to notice.  I have heard that the best thing is to take it easy and drink plenty of water.  Hopefully, we should be ok.

Agree about the Visa, just get it when we get to Nepal.

First trip with Exodus.  I am sure you will be impressed with them as I was the first time I travelled with them in 2009 then I was hooked, so beware!  As long as we get a good leader/guide then we should have a fantastic time.  A leader can make or break a trip.  I have been lucky thus far.  What oter trips have you got on your wish list?

Have you started buying kit for the trip or do you have everything already?  Thankfully no jabs to get this time round.  I have just booked my heathrow express tickets, then I will book my train tickets when they are available.  

I don't really have much to buy for the trip as I have most of it form previous ones.  The only thing I was a little unsure of is how cold it will be in Tibet.  October is meant to be quite cold, but are we talking like the winter that we just had recently?  I think it will be a mixed bag of summer and winter clothes.  What are your thoughts?

Have you got a decent camera?  I'm very much into photography so I'll be lugging my kit with me.  

Oh one more thing, did you add on the extension to Chitwan?  I thought about it, but didn't.

Regards 

Andrew

Hi Andrew

we are starting to get organised for the trip, and thinking about what to pack clothes wise, it's a little tricky but hopefully we will get the balance right !

I'm interested to hear about your photography, we have a couple of fairly decent cameras - 1 digital SLR and one tiny more up to date pocket camera which takes great panoramic shots.  What type of lenses are you thinking of taking with you ?

We also thought about the Chitwan trip but also decided against it .

Reagrds  Julie

PS will try to put a picture up, but as you can tell from the (male ) silhouette i'm not great with the technology :-)

Hi Julie and Andy

Yes, likewise. I am starting to prepare and organise for the trip.  I think it will be cooler or cold in Tibet because of the season and the altitude, but a lot wamer in Nepal.  I will be taking a mixture of summer and winter clothing.  

Cool, some fellow photographers!  I plan to take my DSLR with 3 lenses:  50mm, 24-105mm and 17-40mm.  I will probably take my compact camera too.  I was debating whether to take my tripod, but think it may be too much to carry.  What do you think?  I'm starting to think no.

Any more thoughts on medication to counter AMS?  Is Diamox available from GPs?  My friend is going to Peru tonight and said that he is just going to take aspirin.  I'm not sure.

Would be good if you can put a picture up, so I can recognise you.  It's a shame that the group is not talking on here.  I hear that there are only 2 spaces left on this departure.  

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Andrew

Hi Andrew

It's funny you should mention the tripod, we are having the same concerns, i think that if we can fit it in we will probably try to take it with us, but we won't be sure until we pack the bags !

I'm pretty sure the doctor will prescribe Diamox, but we just can't decide wether to take it or not. I think we  will look up the benefits of asprin as you friend is taking it , he clearly knows something we don't.

I agree it would be great if we could chat with other menbers of the group, and hopefuly they will join in soon as there are only 9 1/2 weeks to go !!!!

Speak to you soon

Andy & Julie

 

Hi Julie/Andy

What a coincidence!  If you're considering taking a tripod, you must be serious photographers! ;).  I am still undecided whether to take mine or not because I was concerned if I would need it and also get the time to set it up etc and also there is the issue of weight and baggage allowance.  Please do let me know if you do end up taking it with you as I may decide to in the end.  Ideally I would love to.  Might have to have a trial pack to see for sure.

QUESTION FOR AN EXODUS STAFF MEMBER:  Please can you tell me if previous travellers on this trip have taken their camera tripods?  Would you advise to do so?

I will do some research into the diamox medication and let you know.  I think most people are fine with asprin.  I shall ask my mate when he returns from Peru, though where we are haeding is at a much higher altitude.  I have been checking out various Youtube videos to get an idea of what to expect and also the type of clothing travellers are wearing especially for EBC.  Travellers seem to be kitted in season 3 jackets/wind cheaters (to keep out the wind).  The videos are very interesting and exciting especially when we know that we are going to be there in 8 weeks time.  Another tip worthy of note when we are in the more colder parts of the trip, is to keep your camera batteries on your person at night to keep them warm as the cold temperatures will drain them very quickly.

Have you decided which lens to take with you?

Have you bought all that you need now or do you have more things to get?  I'm pretty much done really.  I am taking a sleeping bag for the night at Rongbuk Monastery.  It states on the trip notes about taking water purification tablets.  Do you think that will be necessary?  I would have thought bottle water could be purchased, unless they mean at the more remote parts of Tibet?

I am sure more questions will spring to my mind nearer departure time.

Speak to you soon.

Andrew

 

 

Andrew

Hi Andrew

We are pretty well up to date with the clothing ( i think !! ) and the camera equipement, although i must read up about best settings for the the conditions we will be in ect to refresh my memory...

As for the tripod, we are going to do the same as you and pack the bag with the essentials and see how much room is left.

Obviously we'll take the standard lens and would like to take the 300mm as well, but in the end it will all come down to weight and room.  The new 'panoramic' pocket camera looks like a good buy and will be our substitute for the wideangle lens....oh so many thing sto think about.

To be on the safe side we will take some water purification tablets with us, but i don't really think we will need them, as all the bloggs i'v read suggest that bottled water is readily available.

Best wishes

Andy & Julie

Hi Andy and Julie

I note that there is now only 1 space left.  I've paid the balance now, so just probably buy a few more things for the trip such as water purification tablets, imodium, etc.  I have booked an appointment with the nurse to check for medication for altitude sickness.  I'll let you know the outcome.  I should hear back from them within a week or so.

I asked an Exodus Rep re taking a tripod.  She said it was entirely up to us if we wish to take one.  She also said that there are some travel tripods that are lighter/smaller.  She also said that we may not wish to take one as to avoid faffing about with a tripod at altitude, which is what I was thinking too.  Still not decided.  My previous trips I didn't take my tripod and came back with some superb photos, so I'm debating whether to or not.  I did see a youtube video and people had them at Rongbuk Monastery. Who'd have thought it would be such a hard decision!  

Money-wise, are you guys taking US dollars and converting it once there or are you exchanging before you go? 

Talk to you soon.

Andrew

Hi Andrew

Have you seen the nurse yet ?  did she have a view on the rabies vaccination ? We are thinking that maybe we should have it done. Any thoughts ?

Best wishes

Julie

Hi Julie

Not seen the nurse, but telephoned her and I have no requirements as my basic vaccinations such as tetnus, etc are up to date.  She also said that I may need Malarone (anti-malarial tablets), but I am sure that the trip notes do not mention anything about malarone.  I have asked the nurse to double check.  It may be a precaution for Nepal, but certainly not Tibet?  We shall see.  I really don't think malarone is required.  I didn't ask about rabies vaccination.  I went to India a few years ago and did not have a rabies vaccination nor malarone tablets.

I asked her about Diamox for altitude sickness and she said it was best to ask a pharmacist, so I will go to Boots to enquire about this and let you know.

Are you taking all your trio money in US dollars?  I think I will take most of it in US dollars with some sterling.  Not sure how much to take actually.  We have to account for all meals snacks save for breakfasts, which are provided.  Would you say £600 is enough?  

Any more thoughts on to tripod or not to tripod?

Thinking Tibet is going to be very cold especially EBC/Rongbuk.  Probably taking 65% winter clothing and 35% summer clothing.  I haven't trial packed yet, so will do that soon.

Looking forward to it!  Can't wait to see Chomolungma (Everest) with my own eyes.  Pray that it's a clear day!

You both excited?

Speak to you soon. 

Andrew

Hi Andrew

I think you are right in syaing that the Malarone should not be needed, but we have decided to go with the rabies vaccination. ( starting next week :-(  )

We have most of the clothing sorted out now, but are debating on the down jacket, are you taking one ? 

I expect we will take US dollars, as i think these will be the easiest to use, although i'v read that euros and sterling are accepted in some places as well.  But it's probably best to stick with a more universal currency.

At the moment, we are thinking that we will probably not take the tripod, as it's quite bulky and I can see that it could be more trouble than it's worth.  _ Maybe a monopod would be a better idea - i might add ithat to the shopping list !

We are getting really excited now, only 5 1/2 weeks to go !!!!!

Andy & Julie

Hi Andy & Julie

Hope you're both well.

I asked a exodus rep about Malerone and rabies vaccinations and was informed that they are not necessary so I'm not bothering with either.  I am also not bothering with Diamox; just going to take asprin instead.  Diamox only masks any symptoms anyway as the only relief from extreme AMS is to descend.  So that's medication sorted.  Just taking the usual immodium and asprin, head ache tablets. 

I also enquired about the water pruification tablets as noted in the trip notes.  We don't have to take any and Exodus have said they should ammend the notes.  Bottled water is readily available.

I did debate whther to take a down jacket.  I have decided against taking one.  I will be taking my season 3 wind cheater jacket/water proof - basically a lightweight berghaus jacket.  I will also be taking fleeces and other winter clothing, so should be ok without the need for a down jacket.

I also enquired about currency.  The rep said that sterling is fine, though like you say, US dollars is better and more universal, so I will be exchanging most of mine into US dollars with some sterling too.

Tripod saga -  At the moment, I'm going to take it, but that may change.  I still have not had a trial pack, so will try and do so this weekend.  You could always take the tripod and leave it in the 4x4 and use it when required.  It will be the first Exodus trip that my tripod has tagged along to.   Good idea! or even a monopod.

Did you watch the programme on BBC 2 the other week?  It was all about Mallory and Irvine's Everest Climb.  Really spectacular and quite scary too, not that we will even come close to climbing it, but just to see it with our own eyes will be amazing!  I do hope mother nature is kind and gives us a clear view of her!

Time has flown by, only 5 weeks to go.    So, no Visas to get as they are sorted upon arrival - both Nepal and Tibet is a group one sorted by Exodus.  We need some passport photographs though at least 3, I think.

Can you think of anything else that will be needed other than mentioned on the list?

Are you both travelling far to get to LHR?  I am travellling from Yorkshire and should be at LHR for 16:00 or so.  I know the flight is not until the evening, but I like to give myself time and not rush about.  You must post a picture so I can find you, or I guess you can find me at terminal 4?  Are either of you on facebook at all?

Looking forward to meeting you both. 

Best regards 

Andrew

Hi Andrew

I think we are pretty much sorted now, and we are planning to do a trial pack this wekend, then I hope we will be redy to go !!

We heard about ' The wildest dream ' some time ago, I think it was first shown via the imax cinemas , and couldn't believe it when we noticed it was on TV  - we still can't believe that we will be at base camp in just a few weeks time.  It was an amazing film, and has sharpened our appetite even more.

In addition to the recommended list, I'm planning to take a supply of snack bars - just in case we get stuck along the way, but that is purely precautinary, and it will give us a back - up if needed.

I expect we will also arrive at the airport late afternoon, for the same reasons as you ! we will keep a lookout for you, i do have a facebook account but i'v only set it up for this trip - and guess what - i couldn't sucessfully load a photo to that either !! so there's not point in giving you that .  All I can say is that we will be the couple wearing the big grins  :-)

We look forward to meeting you too - best wishes

Andy & Julie

 

Hi Andy & Julie

I'm pretty much sorted too.  I received my final joining instructions today.  Did you?  I had a trial pack over the weekend.  How did yours go?  I have decided against taking the tripod - too much faffing about and the weight too.  I just don't see myself setting it up along the way.  If need be I'll improvise.  Some snack bars is a good idea.  Possibly some Kendal mint cake too.  I'll do the same.  I have printed off my checklist and will go through that to double check. 

Did you say that you're both taking down jackets?  

Keep a look out for me and approach me when you see me!  I'll be wearing traditional Tibetan attire so you shouldn't miss me. I'm only joking, of course.

Not long now...counting down the weeks.  It feels like winter already in the UK.

See you both very soon.

Andrew

Hi Andrew

Only 11 days to go !!!  Our trial pack went well and we are pretty good on weight, so we are happy about that.

We don't have down jackets as such, but loads of warm layers which we hope will suffice - i think that after reading so many articals on trip adviser / internet forums and speaking with the reps at exodus, that we will be ok at that time of year. if the departure date had been later then we would have taken a different view.  - how about you ?

Looking forward to meeting you

Andy & Julie

Hi Andrew,

Just wanted to say have a great holiday when it comes, won't be long now.  I'm off on Saturday, I hope China lives up to my expectations, I've heard it will.   Make sure you get some good pictures, I'm very intrigued about your trip.  Might sonsider it myself, although I really fancy the Inca trail too, as well as going back to India at some point... got loads of places on my list.  Anyway, enjoy yourself!  All the best,

Douglas 

Hi Andrew, I was on the India trip, same as Douglas, last year and you were really helpful before hand - thanks!

Hope you have a great trip - appeals to me - will be interesting to see how tough the walking is.  Hope you upload some photos as you have put some beautiful ones up of previous trips - so looking forward to that and also reading your review (if you write one).

I'm torn on which holiday to do next year, I'm leaning towards Bhutan or Bolivia - though with Explore rather than Exodus - I went to Nepal with Explore and they were fantastic - ah decisions decisions!!

 Anyway - have a great trip and hope to see some great pics on your return!

Catherine 

Hi Andy & Julie - 10 days to go now.  It seemed like it was months away when I booked this trip.  My trial pack went ok too, but I keep thinking that I have forgotten something.  I'm under 20kg which is good.  Same here, just layering the clothing.  I have yet to pick up some snack bars too.  Will be seeing you both next saturday at LHR - Look forward to it.

Doug and Catherine - Thanks a lot.  I'll tell you both all about it upon my return.  Doug - Have a great trip to China.  Tell me all bout it and I look forward to seeing the pics.

All the best.

Andrew

Hello all:

  My name is Joel, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I am registered for this trip.

Do you think the Tibet trip may be affected by last week's earthquake in Sikkim?

Hi Joel.  Good to hear form a few more fellow travellers on this trip.  Look forward to meeting you.  I guess we will see you in Nepal?  

Antidot, are you also on this trip? If so, look forward to meeting you also.   Thanks for the information about the recent earthquake in Sikkim.  I have made enquiries about this with Exodus and have been reassured that there are currently groups in Nepal/India and they have not been affected.  As far as they know, the trip is unaffected.  They will of course let us know should the circumstances change.  

Hi Andy and Julie - I think I will have a another trial pack this weekend just to double check I have everything.  Oh one other thing.  I have decided to take a gorillapod as a tripod.  Have you heard of them?  They are ideal for travelling and compact and light.  They basically wrap their legs around anything to create a stable platform.  They don't extend beyond 15cm, but it will be useful to have and beats lugging my heavier tripod.  Check out this link.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000KFRSG4/ref=asc_df_B000KFRSG44542123?smid=AB1G3E1CLLT4H&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22242&creativeASIN=B000KFRSG4

This time next week I will be heading to LHR and meeting you guys!  Looking forward to it now!

You both set now?

Cheers

Andrew

 

Andrew