INFO - རི RI GUIDES

རི Ri Guides Terms and Conditions and Legal

Please read the following carefully. By using the རི Ri Guides website and signing up to a རི Ri Guides trip, you are acknowledging and confirming that you have read and understood the following:

(If you have any questions, ask us at namgyal@riguides.com)

Disclaimer

Last updated: March 16, 2023

The information contained on http://riguides.com website (the "Service") is for general information purposes only.

རི Ri Guides assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on the Service.

In no event shall རི Ri Guides be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. རི Ri Guides reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modification to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.

རི Ri Guides does not warrant that the website is free of viruses or other harmful components.

External links disclaimer

http://riguides.com website may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with རི Ri Guides

Please note that the རི Ri Guides does not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 16, 2023

རི Ri Guides ("us", "we", or "our") operates the http://riguides.com website (the "Service").

This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use and disclosure of Personal Information when you use our Service.

We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy.

We use your Personal Information for providing and improving the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. Unless otherwise defined in this Privacy Policy, terms used in this Privacy Policy have the same meanings as in our Terms and Conditions, accessible at http://riguides.com

Information Collection And Use

While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to, your email address, name, phone number, postal address, other information ("Personal Information").

རི Ri Guides will not disclose any of your personally identifiable information except when we have your permission. You may edit any information that we hold on you by contacting us via phone, fax or email. Your information can be updated, corrected or deleted at your request at any time. We will never rent or sell your personal information.

Log Data

We may also collect information that your browser sends whenever you visit our Service ("Log Data"). This Log Data may include information such as your computer's Internet Protocol ("IP") address, browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages and other statistics.

Cookies

Cookies are files with small amount of data, which may include an anonymous unique identifier. Cookies are sent to your browser from a web site and stored on your computer's hard drive.

We use "cookies" to collect information. You can instruct your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service.

Service Providers

We may employ third party companies and individuals to facilitate our Service, to provide the Service on our behalf, to perform Service-related services or to assist us in analyzing how our Service is used.

These third parties have access to your Personal Information only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

Communications

We may use your Personal Information to contact you with newsletters, marketing or promotional materials and other information that may be of interest to you. You may opt out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from us by contacting us.

Security

The security of your Personal Information is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

International Transfer

Your information, including Personal Information, may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from your jurisdiction.

If you are located outside India and choose to provide information to us, please note that we transfer the information, including Personal Information, to India and process it there.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by your submission of such information represents your agreement to that transfer.

Links To Other Sites

Our Service may contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third party link, you will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise you to review the Privacy Policy of every site you visit.

We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services.

Children's Privacy

Our Service does not address anyone under the age of 13 ("Children").

We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your Children has provided us with Personal Information, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected Personal Information from a children under age 13 without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers.

Changes To This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page.

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

Legal Notice:

Information on this website is provided ‘as is’ without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.

While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information we advise that information on this website may contain inaccuracies or errors. Ri Guides may at any time and without notice make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or the programs described in this information.

In no event will རི Ri Guides be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or other consequential damages for any use of this website or any other hyperlinked website, including, without limitation, any lost profits, business interruption, loss of programs or other data on your information handling system or otherwise, even if we are expressly advised of the possibilities of such damages.

Cancellation:

If it becomes necessary to cancel your tour, you must notify རི Ri Guides immediately in writing. Once we receive your notice, cancellation will take effect. If you cancel, you will forfeit your deposit (US$500 for treks and US$1000 for expeditions). Also, if you cancel:

More than 45 days prior to the first day of the expedition, you will receive 50% refund of the amount you paid, with your deposit subtracted from that amount.
45 days or less than 45 days before the first day of the expedition, then the full price of the trip will be forfeited.

The trip price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. We recommend that you obtain cancellation travel insurance upon booking. If you can replace your spot by getting someone else to take that seat cancellation charges would be waived completely. You would only be charged the processing fee of 5%.

Delay, Cancellation or Change of Itinerary:

རི Ri Guides reserves the right to cancel any expedition prior to departure (including, but not limited to, by reason of too few people booking on any tour) in which case participants will be given a refund in full. However, you will not be entitled to make any further claim for any injury, loss, expenses or damage (either direct or consequential) or for any loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation (including but not limited to visa, passport and vaccination charges, or departure, gear purchases, airport and airline taxes). It is possible that a route change, postponement or delay (either in relation to departure or to the duration of the expedition) may become necessary due to inclement weather, snow and ice conditions, political restrictions or any other cause. In the event of a change, postponement or delay, participants have no right to refund of the tour price (in whole or in part) or other compensation for any injury, loss or damage.

Force Majeure:

རི Ri Guides will not be liable to pay the participants the compensation/refund if it has to cancel or change the travel arrangements in any way because of war, riot, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances that may amount to force majeure.

Insurance:

We strongly recommend that you be covered by adequate insurance for the complete duration of your trip. Your insurance must include cover for; medical expenses, injury, death, cost of repatriation and evacuation via whatever means necessary including by helicopter/air ambulance. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, etc. We do not check insurance policies. We reserve the right to cancel your booking at any time before departure if we are not satisfied that adequate insurance is in place for you. All baggage and belongings are entirely at your own risk at all times and we will not take responsibility of loss, damage or accident to any luggage or property.

Medical, Rescue & Evacuation:

If your medical insurance does not cover rescue and evacuation insurance, we recommend you get it. Emergency rescue and evacuation can be very expensive in remote areas. Consider services such as helicopter evacuation and medical care.

Always consult the insurance company if you have any doubts or enquiries.

We do recommend Global Rescue for rescue and evacuation insurance on international trips involving high altitude and technical climbing.

You can purchase Global Rescue online at https://www.globalrescue.com

Responsibility / Liability disclaimer:

By my signature as set forth on the booking form I acknowledge and confirm the following:

I waive any and all claims I may now and in the future have against, and release from all liability and agree not to sue རི Ri Guides and its officers, employees, guides, agents or representatives (collectively its staff) or the licensor for any personal injury, death, property damage, or loss sustained by me as a result of my participation in an adventure trip with them, due to any cause whatsoever, including without any limitation, negligence on the part of རི Ri Guides, its staff and licensor. I am aware that your adventure trip, in addition to the usual dangers and risks inherent, has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which may include physical exertion for which I may not be prepared; weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected change; remoteness from normal medical services; evacuation difficulties if I am disabled. I accept all the inherent risks of the proposed adventure trip and the possibility of personal injury, death or property damage or loss resulting therefrom. I acknowledge that the enjoyment and excitement of adventure travel is derived in part from the inherent risks incurred by travel and the activity beyond the accepted safety of life at home or work, and that these inherent risks contribute to such enjoyment and excitement, being a reason for my participation. I agree that if I suffer injury or illness རི Ri Guides, can, at my cost, arrange medical treatment and emergency evacuation service, as they deem essential for my safety. In entering into this Agreement, I am not relying on any oral, written nor visual representations or statements by Ri Guides. or its staff or any other inducement or coercion to go on an adventure trip, hence, only of my own free will. I confirm that I have read and understood the terms and conditions of contract and this Agreement prior to signing it and agree that this Agreement will be binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and successors.

Medical + Travel insurance and Rescue

Fitness Health and Training

“...Greater fitness leads to more opportunity.” - Mark Twight.
“Training makes you weaker, recovery is what gets you stronger.” - Steve House, Scott Johnston.

We suggest that you train for at least six months prior to departure. If you get your mind and body in top condition, you can reach the high passes or the summit of a mountain easily and enjoy the journey getting there.

Improve your cardiovascular strength and muscular endurance:
- If you have more than 3 months prior to departure, go for long, slow runs on rolling terrain or go swimming and cycling.
- Within 3 months prior to departure, carry a weighted pack (increase the weight up to 18-25kg) up and down hills, stairs and mountains. The steeper the ascent the better and try to ascend at least 300m at each training session.
- To avoid knee stress while training, fill up water containers at the base of a climb and empty out the water at the top of your climb.
- Wear boots similar to what you’ll wear on the trek or expedition.
- Always listen to your body while training and rest prior to departure.

Improve your muscular strength:
- Regularly do core stability exercises - plenty can be found on the internet.
- Do the following 2 x a week to maximize your strength: box step-ups, squats and lunges and pull ups. Carry weights while doing these exercises when it becomes easy.

Improve your climbing and general outdoor skills:
Our expeditions suit people who have some high-altitude experience, basic glacier mountaineering skills (e.g., self-arrest and roped travel), climbing, trekking and camping experience.
Our trekking trips suit people who have trekking and camping experience.
- attend a basic mountaineering skills course
- go climbing regularly and build rope handling skills and an understanding of gear
- go multi-day hiking and camping.

For those with weak knees, use trekking poles and/or bring an athletic knee brace to take weight off or support your knees.

Inform your doctor. Get a full medical checkup prior to any training and inform your doctor about your trek/expedition. Get appropriate immunizations prior to departure.

Please email རི Ri Guides: namgyal@riguides.com
- Inform us of any physical conditions
- To ask any questions about your fitness or training.

Health

Altitude Sickness (AMS-Acute Mountain Sickness) and Health

Climbing or trekking above 2500m can affect any person with altitude sickness. Although minor symptoms can occur even at altitudes of 1500m. You will feel at least one of the minor symptoms when you are above 3000m, its quite normal. With proper knowledge and taking precautions you can avoid altitude sickness. The incidence of altitude illness, which varies from one individual to another, is directly related to the rate of ascent. It's also significantly related to how long a person stays at that height. Being physically fit does not stop you getting sick.

Acclimatization:

Our itineraries are built keeping in mind the acclimatisation process. We will also give you a briefing about acclimatisation and altitude sickness before the trek or climb and would also advise you to read up about altitude sickness, so that you can be familiar with the symptoms and do not ignore them.

Note: Two full days of rest is a must and make sure you drink lots and lots of water and other fluids.

Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS

Altitude illness is physiological reaction of the human body to the low oxygen pressure ('thinner' air) that occurs at high altitude. Atmospheric pressure is half that of the sea level, which means half the amount of oxygen. Although minor symptoms such as breathlessness may occur at altitudes of 1,500 metres (5,000 ft), AMS commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 ft). The key is to go slower with gradual ascent (300-500m/day), as it is not the altitude but the rate at which one reaches higher altitudes which causes the problem.

Normal symptoms at altitude

Don't expect to feel perfect at altitudes of more than 3000m. These are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect BUT NOT worry about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

Periods of sleeplessness

The need for more sleep than normal, often 10 hours or more

Occasional loss of appetite

Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude

Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night

Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally - consider taking Diamox

The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 4000m

Your nose turning into a full-time snot factory

Increased urination - many trekkers have to go once during the night (a good sign that your body is acclimatizing.

Mild Symptoms

You only need to get one of the symptoms to be getting altitude sickness, not all of them.

Headache - common among trekkers. Often a headache comes on during the evening and nearly always worsens during the night. Raising your head and shoulders while trying to sleep sometimes offers partial relief. If it is bad you may want to try taking a painkiller: paracetamol/acetaminophen (tylenol) or Ibuprofen. Never take sleeping tablets. You could also take Diamox: see below. Headaches arise from many causes, for example, dehydration, but if you develop a headache assume it is from the altitude.

Nausea (feeling sick) - can occur without other symptoms, but often nausea will develop with a bad headache. If you feel better in the morning take a rest day, or if you still feel bad descend.

Dizziness (mild) - if this occurs while walking, stop out of the sun and have a rest, snack and drink. Stay at the closest teahouse.

Lack of appetite or generally feeling bad - common at altitude due to too rapid an ascent.

Painful cough or a dry raspy cough.

In other words anything other than diarrhoea or a sore throat could be altitude sickness. Assume it is, because if you have a headache from dehydration, ascending further is not dangerous, but if its due to AMS, the consequences could be very serious. You cannot tell the difference, so caution is the safest course.

Do not try to deceive yourself and accept that you body needs more time to adapt.

Basic rule: NEVER GO HIGHER WITH MILD SYMPTOMS

If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, then stop and relax with your head out of the sun and drink some fluids. If the symptoms do not go away completely then stay at same altitude. Or if symptoms get worse, GO DOWN.

A small loss of elevation (100-300m/328-984ft) can make a big difference to how you feel and how you sleep - descend to the last place where you felt good. If symptoms develop at night then, unless they rapidly get worse, wait them out and see how you feel in the morning. If the symptoms have not gone after breakfast then have a rest day or descend. If they have gone, consider having a rest day or an easy days walking anyway.

Continued ascent is likely to bring back the symptoms. Altitude sickness should be reacted to, when symptoms are mild - going higher will definitely make it worse. You trek to enjoy, not to feel sick.

Note also that there is a time lag between arriving at altitude and the onset of symptoms and in fact it is common to suffer mild symptoms on the second night at a set altitude rather than the first night.

Serious Symptoms

Persistent, severe headache.

Persistent vomiting

Ataxia - loss of coordination, cannot walk in a straight line, looks drunk

Losing consciousness - cannot stay awake or understand things very well

Liquid sounds in the lungs

Very persistent cough

Real difficulty breathing

Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest

Coughing blood or pink goo or lots of clear fluid

Marked blueness of face and lips

High resting heartbeat - over 120 beats per minute

Severe lethargy and drowsiness

Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse

Ataxia is the single most important sign for recognising the progression from mild to severe. This is easily tested by trying to walking a straight line, heel to toe. Compare with somebody who has no symptoms. 24 hours after the onset of ataxia a coma is possible, followed by death, unless you descend.

Basic rule: IMMEDIATE AND FAST DESCENT WITH SEVERE SYMPTOMS

Take as far down as possible, even if it is during the night. The patient must be supported by several people or carried by a porter/horse - his/her condition may get worse before getting better. Later the patient must rest and see a doctor. People with severe symptoms may not be able to think for themselves and may say they feel OK. They are not. They may become combative; ignore.

Medical Conditions

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) - this is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It causes the first 4 symptoms of the mild, and the severe symptom lists.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) - this is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, and since you are not a fish, this is serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms.

Periodic breathing - the altitude affects the body's breathing mechanism. While at rest or sleeping your body feels the need to breathe less and less, to the point where suddenly you require some deep breaths to recover. This cycle can be a few breaths long, where after a couple breaths you miss a breath completely, to being a gradual cycle over a few minutes, appearing as if the breathing rate simply goes up and down regularly. It is experienced by most trekkers at Namche, although many people are unaware of it while sleeping. At 5000m/16,404ft virtually all trekkers experience it although it is troublesome only for a few. Studies have so far found no direct link to AMS.

Swelling of the hands, feet, face and lower abdomen - remove rings. An HRA study showed that about 18% of trekkers have some swelling, usually minor. Females are definitely more susceptible. It is not a cause for concern unless the swelling is severe, so continuing ascent is OK.

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

This is a mild diuretic (makes you pee a lot) that acidifies the blood which stimulates breathing.

It is suggested that most people trekking above 3500m should take it using the logic that it has the potential to reduce the number of serious cases of AMS: the benefits may outweigh the risks. This topic still requires in depth research. Diamox is a sulfa drug derivative, and people allergic to this class of drugs should not take Diamox. People with renal (kidney) problems should avoid it too. (It also sometimes ruins the taste of beer and soft drinks). The side effects are peeing a lot, tingling lips, fingers or toes but these symptoms are not an indication to stop the drug.

The fully accepted recommendations are to carry it and consider using it if you experience mild but annoying symptoms, especially periodic breathing that continually wakes you up. The dosage is 125 to 250 mg (half to a whole tablet) every 12 hours. Diamox actually helps the root of the problem; so if you feel better, you are better. It does not simply hide the problem. However this does not mean that you can ascend at a faster rate than normal, or ignore altitude sickness symptoms - it is still possible to develop AMS while taking it. Note that it was recommended to start taking the drug before ascending for it to be most effective. For starting a trek in Leh this is not necessary, but it does help.

Diamox is not an antibiotic, and so while it works well taken regularly, it doesn't have to be taken regularly.

Precautions

DO discuss your trek fitness and suitability with your doctor before your trip.

Precautions

Anyone with heart, lung and blood pressure abnormalities or a continuing medical condition should have a check-up and get a medical opinion before booking a Himalayan trek. We suggest anyone over 50 years old get a professional check up that includes a heart stress test. Many recently-retired people made it to the top of many mountains and pass above 5000m, so age need not be a barrier. The older you are, the more important prior fitness preparation is.

Asthma:

This is no reason to avoid trekking. Look after your medication - wear your inhaler on a chain around your neck or keep it in a pocket. There is still the normal risk of a serious attack so brief your companions and trek leader on what to do.

Diabetes:

If it is *well-controlled* diabetes is no reason to avoid normal trekking. You cannot afford to lose the medication so keep it with you at all times and warn you friends on the procedures in case there's an emergency. Your increased energy expenditure will change carbohydrate and insulin levels so it's very important to monitor your glucose levels frequently and carefully and to keep blood sugar levels well controlled.

High blood pressure (hypertension):

Blood pressure will fluctuate more and be higher than usual while on a trek. You should seek the advice of a doctor who is aware of the history of your condition.

Previous heart attacks:

Studies have yet to be conducted but it is likely that the level of exertion required on a trek is more significant than the altitude factor. Seek the advice of your doctor.

Epilepsy:

There is a moderately increased risk of a seizure at altitude, but is not a reason to stop you trekking. You companions must be briefed on all the relevant procedures.

Past history of chest infections:

If you are prone to these then bring the medicine you are normally prescribed.

Immunizations

This information is given in good faith but with NO responsibility.

The best people to consult about the vaccinations are clinics specializing in travel medicine.

Malaria:

Carried only by the lowland Anopheles mosquito, malaria exists in below 1000m/3281ft), and across much of the rest of rural Asia. There's no risk while trekking.

There is NO malaria in the regions we trek in. The risk of picking up malaria in Delhi or en route to/from Manali is extremely small, probably not worth worrying about. You should use mosquito repellent.

Hepatitis A:

Usually passed on in contaminated water; immunization is considered a must by most doctors unless you have had hepatitis A before. The vaccine is Havrix and a full course will give up to ten years protection.

Hepatitis B:

This disease is avoidable since, like AIDS, it's passed by unsafe sex or contaminated blood products. A vaccine is available.

Meningitis:

Occasional cases of meningococcal meningitis occur in Nepal. It is an often fatal disease but the vaccine is safe and effective and should be obtained.

Cholera:

The World Health Organization no longer recommend this vaccination.

Typhoid:

Prevalent in Nepal and India and if travelling extensively vaccination is recommended. It is less necessary for trekking.

Tetanus-Diphtheria:

This vaccine is recommended if you have not had a booster in the last 10 years. Many doctors advise a tetanus booster every time you intend to travel for any length of time.

Polio:

If you escaped immunization as a child a series of vaccinations is recommended. If you have not had a booster as an adult, one may be required. Check with your doctor.

Measles, mumps and rubella:

If you did not have these diseases (or the vaccinations) as a child you may need a vaccination.

Rabies:

This deadly virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected animal, usually a monkey or dog. The risk of being bitten is small but it has happened. A vaccination is available but even if you've had it you'll then need a follow-up course of two further injections. If you've not been vaccinated and are unlucky enough to be bitten, a series of six injections should be started within a week or so of being bitten.

Staying healthy while climbing/trekking

Trekking is a wonderful experience but sickness is sometimes a problem. If you do get sick consult with your leader or guide.

Arrival

Changing time zones knocks people, add the stress of finishing up at work and many people arrive feeling slammed, needing a holiday. This is the time you are most likely to get sick; try to take it easy, and definitely take multivitamin tablets. If travelling from America the flights are particularly long and a brutal time change; we recommend arriving a day earlier to recover. We still arrange an included airport transfer and an extra night at the hotel is cheap.

Drinking water

Do NOT drink tap water anywhere except where we specifically discuss. Use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth even. While trekking we provide filtered and/or boiled water, and our kitchen crews are serious about hygiene.

Diarrhoea

This is a common problem in developing countries. In normal circumstances when you get diarrhoea you visit a doctor and they conduct some tests and this is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis. However while trekking obviously this is impossible so you may have to be your own doctor if there is no real doctor close by, and consult with your leader.

First, diarrhoea will not normally kill you so urgent treatment is not necessary nor always recommended. Many people over-react and start taking drugs at the first loose stool. Instead wait a few days and see what happens.

Unless it is particularly severe, for example food poisoning, there is no need to stop trekking, just drink lots of water (preferably with some with electrolytes/oral rehydration solution) and listen to your body: if you feel hungry, eat, and if you don't then take lots of soup and light foods. If the diarrhoea is still definitely troublesome after a few days and you are fairly sure of what type it is then you may want to treat it, do consult with your leader.

If you have a pre-existing condition such as stomach ulcers, gall bladder problems, previously perforated intestine etc, be especially careful with self-diagnosis and treatment.

Dehydration

While trekking lower down in the valleys it is hot and you sweat a lot so it is important to replace the fluids you lose. Dehydration make you feel tired and lethargic and can give you a headache. The symptoms are similar to AMS so the easiest way to avoid confusion is to always keep hydrated.

The basic rules are; drink as much and as often as you like, (that does not include alcohol!) even if it seems like a lot. Then drink some more. This can include soups and lots of tea, but even with a lot of liquid food, you should drink a lot of water too. Many people find that with dinner they often drink more than a litre of water, catching up on what they should have drunk during the day. A great guideline is the expression: A happy mountaineer always pees clear!

Dry Cough

If trekking for a prolonged period at altitude in colder weather, this usually strikes. This is a perpetually running nose and an initially mild productive cough. It is caused by breathing excess quantities of dry cold air - so much that you partially injure your bronchi. A cold or infection is the normal cause of this but in this case the irritant is only air however your body reacts almost identically - quantities of clear or white goo. Get rid of it when you can, there is plenty more waiting to well up. Since there is no infection it is pointless taking antibiotics. Throat lozenges help so take plenty.

Bronchitis

An inflammation of the bronchi from an infection, ie identical to the Khumbu Cough but instead caused by an infection. Differentiating this from the Khumbu Cough is difficult, but you perhaps experienced a fever and/or some chills. The cough may be more productive. Since it can be a viral or a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics will not always help and is not particularly recommended.

Blisters

Since you spend most of your time walking, blisters are really worth avoiding. Use boots that have been worn in if possible. Test your boots by carrying a pack up and down hills - along level ground there is far less stress on your feet.

Normally you can feel a blister developing - some rubbing, or a hot spot, or a localised pain. Stop and investigate, even if it occurs during the first 5 minutes, or just in sight of the top of the hill; immediate action is best. The trick is to detect the symptoms before the blister develops. Put tape on or investigate what may causing the problem.

Blister Treatment - If you develop a blister then there are several approaches. If it is not painful then perhaps surround it (not cover it) with some light padding, eg moleskin, and see how it feels. If it is painful and causing problems then pierce it - clean the skin and sterilise the needle; holding the needle slightly above a candle or match flame for a second or two is effective. Do not cut away the dead blister skin until after a few days when it is dried out and no more use for protecting the delicate skin underneath. You can put protective tape over the top with some cotton wool to protect the blister, and some people even put the tape straight over the blister, with no protection.

If you have had a previous history of blisters or think that you are likely to get them take preventative action first. Use moleskin, a strong waterproof zinc-oxide tape or similar, and tape up troublesome areas first. Tape before you take your first step and be religious about checking, and replacing, the tape.

If you can take some time to read this useful information. UIAA Medical Commission comprehensive valuable resource for climbers and hikers on mountain medicine. An emphasis is put on health problems that only occur at high altitude.

http://theuiaa.org/mountain-medicine/medical-advice/

Personal Equipment List

When planning for your trip, choose equipment that is appropriate for the activities, should be dependable, light in weight and is adaptable to a variety of weather conditions. All your equipment must function together as a system that you understand.

We recommend that you bring the following items.

Personal equipment list for a རི Ri Guides mountaineering expedition

(T) denotes items suitable for a རི Ri Guides trekking trip

(H) denotes items that can be hired in Leh (bringing your own equipment's is always recommended)

Ice Axe (H): A general mountaineering ice axe of your size

Crampons (H): General mountaineering crampons

Trekking Poles (T)(H): Adjustable poles for the trek to base camp

Climbing harness (H): An alpine climbing harness

Carabiners (H): 4 locking and 2 non locking

Belay / Rappel device: For rappelling or belaying climbers

Helmet: Must fit over a wool hat and under climbing jacket

Ascender: One right- or left-hand ascender (Petzl is best)

Prusik Cord: 20’ or 6mm cord (2x 1.6m)

Light trekking shoes (T): For the trek to base camp, these can be worn at base camp and high camps depending on route conditions.

Mountaineering Boots (H): A boot with a built-in gaiter such as the La Sportiva, Millet, Scarpa, etc. Note: You can only hire white plastic mountaineering boots in Leh. For 6500m+ peaks: Double mountaineering boots are recommended.

Socks (T): Minimum 3 pairs of thick mountaineering socks and 3 pairs of liner socks

Short Underwear (T): 2-3 pair of synthetic short underwear

Long Underwear/Thermals (T): 2 pairs of thermal pants and shirts, 1 pair of expedition warmth thermals

Soft Shell Jacket (T): A hooded jacket for trekking and climbing

Soft Shell pants (T): For trekking and climbing

Insulated Jacket (T): PrimaLoft or Down for trekking and climbing

Expedition Down Jacket: A hooded down jacket with 800 minimum down fill

Insulated Pants: PrimaLoft or Down with full side zippers

Hard Shell Jacket (T): For wet conditions

Hard Shell Pants (T): For wet conditions with full side zippers

Warm Hat (T): A warm fleece or wool hat

Balaclava (T): For your face and neck

Warm Beanie (T)

Sun hat (T)

Buff (T): For your neck & face to block the wind, UV rays, dust

Sunglasses / Glacier glasses (T): wrap around style sunglasses with dark lenses

Goggles: With dark lenses

Soft Shell Gloves: 1 pair

Shell gloves with insulated liner: 1 pair

Shell mittens with insulated liner: 1 pair

Expedition Backpack: A minimum 65-liter internal frame backpack

Trekking Backpack (T): Optional. A small pack for the trek

Sleeping Bag (T)(H): Rated to at least -20 °F. Down is preferable over synthetic

Compression stuff sacks (T): For reducing volume for your sleeping bag and down jacket

Self-Inflating pad (T): A full length air mattress (e.g. Exped, Thermarest)

Headlamp (T): With spare set of batteries

Cup: 16oz. Minimum, lightweight

Bowl: ½ liter minimum capacity, lightweight

Spoon: Plastic and lightweight

Sunscreen (T): 2 tubes, SPF 40 or stronger

Sunscreen for lips(T): SPF 30 or stronger

Thermos: 1 liter capacity

Water bottles (T): 2 bottles with 1 liter capacity (e.g., Nalgene)

Water Purification System (T): Tablets or Steripen

Water Bottle Parkas: Optional, to keep your water from freezing

Pee Bottle: 1 liter capacity minimum

Pee Funnel: For Women

Knife (T): Optional

Toiletry Bag (T): Toothpaste, toothbrush, baby wipes, etc.

Hand Sanitizer (T): 2 small bottles

Hand warmers / Toe warmers: 3 sets of each

Trash Compactor bags (4) (T): To line stuff sacks and separate gear

Camera (T): lightweight with extra batteries

Large Duffel Bag with lock (T): for transporting all personal gear to base camp

Small duffel bag (T): to store items in the hotel

Personal First Aid kit (T): Should include athletic tape, band aids, Ibuprofen, Moleskin, blister care products, personal medications, cough drops.

Recommended personal medication list for mountaineering expeditions and trekking trips:

Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude illness
Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin for gastrointestinal or respiratory illness
Ibuprofen for muscle soreness
Pepto Bismol for loose stool
Excedrin for headaches
Anti - nausea medications
Band - Aids (Blisters etc.)

Recommended personal climbing snacks:

Electrolyte replacement drink mixes: e.g. Nuun.
Energy gels: Single serving gel packets e.g. GU, Clif shot, Powergel, etc.
Energy bars: e.g., Power bar, Clif bar, etc

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Delhi – Leh travel

As our trips starts and end at Leh, you should be careful in checking all the options available flying into Leh, because of the variability of tickets prices during the Leh season. We would very much be there for you, if you want any help for arranging domestic flights in and out of Leh, hotels and transportation in Delhi to make the travel as smooth as possible (costs not included in the trip). Feel free to discuss the travel options.

Planning your flights

People coming for expeditions:

Have to attend the briefing before the expedition and debriefing after the expedition at IMF (Indian Mountaineering Foundation) in Delhi. So, plan your flights accordingly transiting one day before and after the trip in Delhi.

You will have to be careful with the domestic flight bookings, as the cost difference between different airlines can be huge so as to save even a minor extra cost.

Since we start our expeditions and treks in Leh, it is better to book the return flights from Delhi to Leh well in advance, the prices may get high during the Leh season due to high inflow of tourists in and out of Leh. Most of the flights into Leh departs early morning 5:30 - 9 am and return flights arrives in Delhi till midday, so please plan your international flights accordingly, so that you can fly straight to Leh without leaving the airport as most of the international flights arrive late in the night or early in the morning to Delhi with the possibility to transfer straight to your domestic flights. (Optional) Air India flies from all the major international cities, incase if you have to change or reschedule your flights it would be easier for you, if you book both your international and domestic flights with the same airlines.

Flying out of Leh after the trip, you reach Delhi midday. Might have to wait at the airport or take a tour of the city, as there are only few international flights out of Delhi in the afternoon. Lounge facilities are available at the airport.

Delhi airport:

Delhi airport has presently three terminals operating: T1, T2 and T3. All the international and some domestic flights fly in and out from T3. You might have to transfer to the terminal T1 or T2 for your domestic flights and vice versa, depending on the airline. Make sure to make a note of which terminals you will be using.

Airlines operating between Delhi - Leh

Air India is the national airline. Their flights are also reasonably reliable. They fly daily flight in and out of Leh from Delhi. (Terminal - T3)

GoAir is the third airline option, a low-cost airline and have daily direct flights. They leave from Terminal 2(T2) and for the free shuttle you need your old boarding pass. Ask carefully and allow more an hour for moving between terminals.

Air Vistara is a Tata-Singapore Airlines partnership and well worth checking out. They have just started their flights to Leh. (Terminal-T3)

Spice Jet is another private airline operating Delhi-Leh flights. Decent airline. (Terminal- T1 and T3).

Indigo Airlines has started flights to Leh two years back. Amongst the largest low-cost domestic operators.

Note: the baggage allowance for all the domestic flights are 15kgs (Check in) and 7-8 kgs (Hand baggage), except Air India which allows 25kgs (Check in) and 8kgs (Hand baggage). You can buy allowances while booking your flights.

The flight time is approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Leh airport code IXL (Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport)

Delhi airport code DEL (Indira Gandhi International Airport)

www.newdelhiairport.in

Flights bookings

Check Agoda.com, skyscanner.com, Kayak.com, MakeMyTrip.com and Cleartrip.com, If the prices quoted directly by the airlines seems expensive. Along with a couple of other agents, they have block-booked most of the cheap seats in advance.

Transiting Delhi

Options for recovery between flights is the clean https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/new-delhi/delax/hoteldetail in the airport, which saves leaving the airport.

Lemontreehotels is another good hotel with a fair price at a 1-2 kms distance from the terminal at Aero city. There are many other Hotels in close vicinity at Aero city.

Plaza Premium Lounges are convenient, they have two lounges in T3, so you can catch a nap or shower when moving between international and domestic, especially handy with a long transit when you pick up your baggage but are not allowed into the next check-in area until 4 hours before your flight.

Delhi hotels

Delhi has many choices of hotels to choose from 5 star to budget hotels.

Feel free to discuss your staying options.

We will be happy to assist you.

Mumbai - Leh

GoAir has started a direct daily flight to Leh from Mumbai. (Terminal 1B)

The GoAir flight from Mumbai departs early morning at 4am and reaches Leh around 6:40am.

Mumbai airport code BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport)

www.mumbaiairport.com

Overland to and from Leh

Route:

Delhi-Manali-Leh

Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Leh

If you plan to drive into Leh from either Manali or Srinagar, it is worth an adventure doing it once, even if the roads are a bit rough. The landscapes are simply stunning. But I would personally advise Delhi-Manali-Leh route than the Delhi-Srinagar-Leh route, because of the political tension in Kashmir (otherwise it is one of the most beautiful place). Till Manali you can take buses by Himachal Pradesh tourism buses (HPTDC) from Delhi. From there we would recommend you to take a shared or booked taxi till Leh. You can also take a flight from Delhi to Kullu (around 50kms from Manali) and the same if you want to drive out of Leh.

Coming from Srinagar, there are daily flights from Delhi to Srinagar. Then from Srinagar you can take a taxi till Leh and vice versa.

Please feel free to discuss the travelling options.

India Visa

Indian visa information:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in

A valid passport and visa are required for travel to India. The Indian government now offers two options for tourists, a traditional tourist visa or an e-Tourist Visa (eTV) issued electronically.

A traditional Indian tourist visa is stamped inside the traveler’s passport. The visa application process requires the original passport and original signed application form along with all required supporting documents. It is recommended for all travelers to apply for the traditional Indian visa to be stamped inside the passport to avoid possible delays or difficulties upon arrival in India.

e-Tourist Visa(eTV):

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html

The India ETA allows one single entry for a stay of up to 30 days in India. A maximum of two ETA visas can be issued within one year. A traditional Indian visa allows multiple visits to India and is generally valid for a stay of up to 90 days.

The India e-Tourist visa allows for visa on arrival issuance only for arrival and departure from the airports in Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Tiruchirappalli, Trivandrum & Varanasi. If arriving or departing from any other port of entry, please apply for a traditional Indian visa.

The Indian e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is issued and stored electronically. The traveler will not receive any document in the mail. You will be sent the approved e-Visa via email. This must be printed and carried with you and your valid passport upon entry to India. The visa on arrival will be stamped in India after biometric information is taken at the airport.

India Visa Valid

It is issued for a single entry for a stay in India for up to 30 days from the date of arrival.

The Indian ETA cannot be extended or converted for any other purpose and is not valid for travel to restricted areas. A maximum of two ETA visas can be issued within a 12-month period.

Travelers who would like a longer visa validity or multiple entries, or who wish to avoid delays at the airport in India, should apply for a traditional visa.

Citizens of Australia, UK, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy can get information from:

http://www.vfsglobal.com

Citizens of the United States can check for visa from: Travisa

Nepal Visa

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