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Himalayan High Treks Services — The Adventures We Offer To You!

 Himalayan High Treks offers full services and complete itineraries for large
or small groups traveling in the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia. We can produce trips for solo travelers, families, friends, organizations and groups
of any size. We offer proven trek and tour routes which are favorites year after year.
Our Scheduled Trips offer scheduled dates, planned itineraries, experienced leaders, guides and a full support staff. Our Custom Trips combine your schedule, your needs
and your interests with our expert planning experience and expansive local network —
to arrange every detail of your trip — just the way you want it.


 Scheduled Trips: HHT services begin once you exit the airport arrival customs hall at the trip meeting point. Airport transfers, most meals, ground transportation, a friendly support staff, a trip leader and/or an English–speaking local trip guide, all contribute to a complete small–group adventure that lasts until you finally depart for your flight back home. You'll know everything that is included!


 Independent Custom Trips: HHT services begin where and when you want.
We help you create your own unique trip. Tell us your schedule and what you'd like. We develop your own detailed itinerary, organize guides and support, and book the necessary arrangements along the way. HHT staff ensures you get the best of support. We can offer full services or simple amenities — just the way you want!

 All Trips: HHT consults with each participant to offer the latest updates, answer questions and ensure that you are prepared for the rigors and details of the adventure. Our efforts allow all group members to be equally prepared, in good health and with similar focus — so the trip is smooth and fun! Each participant receives a detailed itinerary, health and safety information, packing and reading lists and more.


 All Trips: HHT's partners can provide you with any additional services you'd imagine for your trip: travel insurance, air bookings, extra hotel accommodations, jungle safaris, city and country tours, guides, air–conditioned cars with drivers or rail transportation for your journey. Anything special? Just ask us!


 Peace Of Mind: HHT not only provides services, but we're also "a friend back home" for emergency help. If you need special contact or urgent assistance along the way, we are available by phone, fax or email. We know who you are and can help calm a challenging, urgent situation while you're away from home.





Himalayan High Treks Services — FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Click on any of the following questions to go directly to it,
or just scroll down and read through each one.
It's worth a few of your moments to know how it works.

  1. What Is A Trek?
  2. How Do I Get There?
  3. What Is There To Eat?
  4. What Are The Hotels Like?
  5. Can I Reach The Folks At Home?
  6. Will You Help Me Prepare?
  7. What's The Basic Procedure?
  8. What's The Best Time To Go?
  9. Is There Anything Else I Should Be Sure To Do While I'm There?
10. Are Your Trips Only For Women or Men?
11. Can I Feel Comfortable In Asia As A Gay Man Or Lesbian?
12. Do I Need To Worry About Theft?
13. Do I Need To Worry About Personal Safety?
14. Do You Automatically Charge A Single Supplement?
15. Do You Use Tier Pricing?
16. What Immunizations Or Medications Do I Need?
17. Will I Need A Passport Or Visa?
18. How Do I Pay For My Trip?
19. Should I Buy Travel Insurance?
20. Will I Need Special Equipment?
21. How Strenuous Are Your Trips?
22. Who Goes On Your Trips?
23. What If Minimum Enrollment Is Not Reached For My Trek?
24. What If I Want To Go On My Own Trek Alone Or With My Family And Friends?
25. What kind of plugs do I need for my electronic equipment?
26. Any advice about taking pictures on my trip?


1. What Is A Trek?

A trek is simply a guided hiking trip. It's an outdoor activity for travelers who are fit and adventurous, but not suitable for those who don't exercise. Those who consider backpacking as 'too much work' love trekking. Our trekking staff works hard, with detailed attention to your safety and comfort. Our Himalayan mountain treks offer a support team of porters, horses or yaks to carry your gear. Other staff members cook for you, erect tents, guide you along the way, as well as help identify and explain the sights along your journey.

A typical trekking day starts when you awake with "bed tea," served as you like, along with a basin of hot water arriving at your tent. You'll have time to wash and pack. After a large breakfast of hot cereal, eggs and fresh bread, the trail beckons. Depending on your location and the logistics of the route, a morning hike could last from two to four hours. There's a leisurely break for lunch — to relax while reading or dozing in the sun. Afternoon distances are often shorter, perhaps lasting a couple of hours.

Once you arrive at camp, afternoon tea is served — while the staff erects several sleeping, dining and latrine tents. Hikers often use this time to bathe or wash clothes. You'll be glad when dinner arrives! The food is surprisingly good and you'll enjoy simple dishes such as rice with dhal, fresh vegetables and yogurt. It's a healthy, low–fat diet! Each trek itinerary describes daily activities, hiking times, locations and meals. While on the trail, it's always three meals a day.  


2. How Do I Get There?

Most travelers arrive on a major international airline at the "meeting point" for each trip. Each itinerary specifies the firm arrival (starting) date in a city such as Bangkok, Delhi or Kathmandu. We meet you on arrival, outside the secure customs hall. If arriving independently, you can join us at the group's accommodation by the starting date. Each itinerary also notes the earliest date you can depart the trip to return home. You are welcome to arrive early or stay late. We can provide additional accommodations, excursions and services to enhance your core trip to make the most of your available time while in the region.

We do not sell international air tickets to the "meeting point" but partner with a knowledgeable travel agent who specializes in Asian travel from the United States. You are always free to purchase your own air ticket online to/from the meeting point. Be certain that you arrive at the meeting point by the start date and that you do not depart before the end date of your trip. If you plan to use airline rewards or "frequent flier" miles for your air ticket, remember this option is always based on very limited availability. This usually means you need to plan the use of "miles" six–to–eight months before your trip or more. Check carefully on availability before you decide.

You'll notice that our trips are specified with an "InTrip" Air component. We work with our own local "in–country" agents to purchase your regional "InTrip" flights (that is why we display a Land Cost separate from an "InTrip Air" cost). These short flights are often on very small, local airlines. Our method ensures correct, up-to-the-minute schedules and reservations, made locally. We book these regional "InTrip" reservations for you when you are confirmed on your trip and once purchased, you receive an e–ticket. Estimated "InTrip" Air fares listed in your trip's description can fluctuate. Prices are estimated as accurately as possible on your itinerary but the final ticket price can fluctuate (up or down) until the moment of purchase (standard throughout the airline industry).  


3. What Is There To Eat?

In cities, food is typically good, with an array of local vegetarian or meat dishes and lots of culinary options. To avoid stomach 'issues,' believe the adage: "boil it, peel it or forget it." Be conscientious, especially with water and ice. Drink only beverages made with boiled water such as tea, or treated bottled water and soft drinks.

Along the trail, water is boiled, filtered or treated to make it safe to drink. A typical menu consists of... Breakfast: Oatmeal with milk and sugar, eggs, toast, coffee or tea. Lunch: Ramen soup with fresh vegetables or cheese and tuna sandwiches. Snacks: Biscuits and tea. Dinner: Rice and lentil dhal with vegetables, yogurt, canned fruit and hot chocolate for dessert.

If you have special dietary requirements, let us know in advance. Bring a small amount of your own high energy snacks like power bars, gorp or candy. You'll be very (very) hungry from all the good exercise! For most people, the food tastes great, but at very high altitudes, some people may lose their appetite intermittently.  


4. What Are The Hotels Like?

The accommodations we prefer are typically family–run guest houses, although certain tours and locations can use locally–owned lodges and small hotels too. Guest houses are simple, yet surprisingly comfortable — clean sheets and towels are provided in all but the most remote locations. Usually you'll find attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water.

Local guest houses, like any small enterprise, are a great choice — not just because they put money back in the local economy, but also because you can meet local people easier and feel a closer tie to the community you have entered.

Electricity can be occasionally intermittent, but hotels and restaurants often have their own generators. Keep in mind that power and plugs are likely different than they are at home. You may need plug adapters as well as a voltage converter. Check our "Links" page for references on voltages and plug–types for your destination.  


5. Can I Reach The Folks At Home?

Telephone, fax, email and internet access will always vary but tend to improve each time we visit. Each year you'll find newly–installed satellite dishes or communication lines in remote areas that allow for phone calls and email. In remote locations, communication technology isn't affordable or practical. Email and phone calls are typically easy from larger cities, such as Bangkok, Kathmandu and Delhi. You will often find email connections in smaller towns too — like Leh, Namche Bazaar, Pokhara, Dharamsala and Manali. You can usually send a letter or postcard and have it arrive home within weeks. Your trip package will provide instructions in the event someone needs urgent contact with you. While expensive, some trekkers bring a satellite phone to remain in touch with no compromise — as cell phone towers are rare outside of population centers.  


6. Will You Help Me Prepare?

Of course! We want you to have the time of your life!

The best way to prepare is to know exactly where you are going, what you are doing and what is needed to prepare for the rigors of each trip.

We offer detailed itineraries, pre–trip notes, reading and packing lists as well as medical preparations information for each trip. While you prepare for a trip, we supply you with a trip package including a full itinerary and detailed trip notes providing suggestions for effective physical training, to help make your trip enriching, comfortable and safe.  



7. What's The Basic Procedure?

a) For our Small–Group Scheduled trips, the first step is to complete and submit an application. To immediately apply and hold a spot on a Scheduled Trek, Tour or confirmed Custom Trip, visit our Trip Applications & Administration page and complete an HHT Online Application. You may also apply at leisure — find an application form for your trip at the bottom of each trip's descriptive page. Remember, our Scheduled Trips often allow only eight participants and once that limit is reached, the trip is closed. For our Custom Trips, there is an initial development process to create the itinerary before participants may apply. Please visit and review our Custom Trips page for a comprehensive description. Following the development process, most other aspects are similar to our scheduled trips. A copy of your passport photo page is needed at the time of application or as soon as possible afterward, so we can administrate your trip arrangements without delay.

b) When we process your application, we send preliminary information — containing a review of suggested medical considerations and preparations to discuss with your physician and family, insurance suggestions, a complete itinerary plus one (or two) health forms. One form, for all trips, is for your physician to complete following a general examination. If you are on a mountain trekking trip, a second form — a self–completed Health Questionnaire — provides additional background pertaining to the rigors of high–altitude, mountain hiking. When we receive your returned form(s), we speak with you (usually by telephone) to discuss your experiences and interests, answer any questions you might have on your trip and to confirm you are accepted to go. Of course, you can always call or email us with questions at any time as well!

c) Read through the medical preparations information carefully. Discuss it with your family and doctor and ask questions! Next, make arrangements to get any immunizations or prescriptions you might need. Don't forget to visit your dentist too, if you haven't done so recently.

d) We require emergency evacuation and emergency medical insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. We must receive a copy of your policy sheet before you may participate in any trip. Our top priority is always your health and safety! While seldom needed, the ability to receive proper, urgent care is essential. When traveling in developing or wilderness areas, emergency medical attention may require transfer by helicopter or other means hundreds of miles away, which can be very expensive. Emergency insurance is very important!

e) We suggest insurance options. The level of insurance coverage is up to you — we require only emergency medical and evacuation coverage, but you may wish other trip coverage as well. Some prefer to insure full value against last–minute cancellations and baggage loss. Others opt for less coverage. The policy we suggest protects you in the event of trip cancellations. If you insure at a minimum–requirement level, required emergency medical and evacuation coverage is included at the most affordable cost. If you have specific insurance questions, please speak directly with USI Travel Insurance Services: Travel Insurance Information For Domestic U. S. Residents or Travel Insurance Information For International Residents.

f) Our partner agent can create a tentative airline booking for your international itinerary to the meeting point. If you don't need the service because you prefer to buy your own ticket online or have frequent flyer miles, that's fine too. Remember that airlines can have onerous restrictions when using mileage rewards, so plan ahead. If you buy your own ticket, be cautious and consider all connections and stopovers for the flight itinerary. Ensure you arrive at the meeting point on the start date and depart on or after the end date. If your airline's schedule doesn't operate daily, we can easily assist with additional accommodation and services. Let us know.

g) Once the completed paperwork is returned and you have been confirmed on the trip, you receive a complete pre–trip package including the full itinerary, trip notes (updated, detailed information, instructions and suggested trek preparations), a packing list, reading list, language sheet, and more.

Our simple administrative needs (passport and visas, health forms, insurance certificate, international air itinerary) should be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure. Balance payments are due 90 days before the start of your trip.

h) As the trip approaches, we'll keep in touch with any final updates and will often introduce the group members. Of course, you are always welcome to email or call with questions any time too. We are happy to help at any time before, during and after your trip.  


8. What's The Best Time To Go?


This is probably the most frequently asked question! While fluctuating weather patterns are increasing worldwide, some general patterns still exist. Typically, Nepal treks are best during the Spring and Fall (in the Northern Hemisphere). Spring is known for wildflowers, notably rhododendrons. Fall is great for crystal clear views, but can be crowded along popular trails such as those near Annapurna and Mount Everest. Winter weather in the mountains is too cold and swiftly–variable at high altitudes — plus, winter weather might not arrive until late November. Summer brings monsoon rains to Nepal. You need to be prepared regardless of the season — and with increasing altitude, the more variable are the weather fluctuations and temperatures!

As new trails open, new options allow travelers to trek at some altitude all year 'round. Sikkim and Bhutan have similar weather to Nepal, but Northern India and the Tibetan Plateau are only clear for treks from June through September — a good time for teachers, students or those who must travel during the summer months. Easier trips occur at lower altitudes and from December to early March while the weather is cool.  


9. What Else I Should Be Sure To Do While I'm There?


We can help with stopover information, accommodation and services in hub connection cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. You can also extend your trip in many ways. How about a wildlife safari or a jungle lodge stay before or after your trek? Tour in the comfort of an air–conditioned vehicle — or view deer, rhinoceros and tigers from the back of an elephant! Three day/two night Nepal jungle packages can start at about $300USD. We can arrange tours from New Delhi for a visit to the Taj Mahal — one of the seven wonders of the world. Many people would have felt their trip was incomplete without seeing it. We can arrange train travel in most areas. Visitors enjoy the adventure of the high–altitude, three–day train route from Lhasa, Tibet to Beijing, China. Also popular are Buddhist centers like Dharamsala in India where his holiness, The Dalai Lama, lives in exile. Others study meditation or learn Thankha painting. Perhaps a trip to visit hidden Laos? We are happy to help you arrange anything you might imagine anywhere in the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia. Just let us know what you would like to do — we do that!  


10. Are Your Trips Only For Women or Men?


The founder of HHT is a woman, many staff members are men but our trips? They are meant for everyone. Please know and expect that you will feel totally comfortable and at–home when traveling with us whether you are male or female. Everyone is always welcomed where the focus is for a great adventure.  


11. Can I Feel Comfortable In Asia As A Gay Man Or Lesbian?


Public discretion and cultural sensitivity to our hosts are appropriate for all visitors — being sensitive and aware about the people and places you are visiting, shows respect everywhere you go. None of our participants has ever had any trouble with 'being themselves' and have always felt at ease throughout our trips while being a welcomed visitor. Ask us if there is a gay person who's enjoyed the same kind of trip, so you might ask about their own experiences.  


12. Do I Need To Worry About Theft?


A foreign visitor is often viewed as a person of affluence, even if they are not. Imagine a visitor rich enough to spend a lifetime–worth of 'your money' on just one trip. That is how our presence can appear to people in a developing region. Pictures of your home, friends, family and pets can humanize your presence, lower barriers, help make friends and encourage local hospitality in homes and monasteries. Ask your guide for advice.

In most villages your belongings are safe — traditionally there has been little theft. Trailside, keep track of your belongings just as you would at home — something left far behind on the ground may be thought of as abandoned (remember how rich you are perceived to be). In big cities, life is different (also like at home). If you use common sense, it's harder to be pick-pocketed or robbed, but these things can happen just as they might in any city. To be safe, use discretion: leave the precious jewels at home, use a money belt/pouch and use the hotel safe, when you go out to stroll city streets. Always ask your guide what to bring, what to do and where it's safe to go... then go!  


13. Do I Need To Worry About Personal Safety?


Don't go out alone in the cities at night until you understand the surrounding neighborhoods and have asked the staff about your sightseeing plans — just like home! On treks, conditions vary from place to place. For example, among Buddhists, women have a high status and often run the family business — but it is never advised for a woman to trek alone. A trek with HHT always allows for 'your own space' and ensures that you can hike safely at your own pace. A trustworthy person is always nearby, just up or down the trail, if needed!  


14. Do You Automatically Charge A Single Supplement?

No! As long as you can share accommodation (a tent, a room) with another same–sex roommate, we do not charge extra just because you travel alone. If you prefer your own room and tent as a single accommodation, we can usually provide that option with a single accommodation supplement. See the specific details of your trip for that cost and ask us about availability. In very remote locations, we sometimes cannot guarantee that a single room is available, but we would advise you in advance — the supplement would be priced accordingly and everyone would still do everything possible to give you the best experience. Occasionally there is a situation where a single supplement is necessary — for example, if you registered late, an option to share a room may no longer exist. We can explain any circumstances before you register.  


15. Do You Use Tier Pricing?

Our Small–Group Trips are designed and budgeted for four–to–eight people — an ideal group size for the best enjoyment. As a result, we rarely use tier pricing. We may consider tier pricing for some destinations, if significant cost variables exist that are dependent on group size. We always try to give a cost advantage to our travelers — just as we maintain modest administrative practices to provide you the best value.  


16. What Immunizations Or Medications Do I Need?

Specific recommendations will vary for each individual and from destination to destination. We provide you with a list of recommended medical preparations to assist you and your doctor or clinic. Travelers to Asia should spend reasonable attention to suggested immunizations. You want to be as healthy and fit as possible before you leave home too. Carry all medications that you might need in their original containers and on your person (never in checked airline luggage). Bring a copy of your prescriptions with you. See your dentist too and carry the recommended first aid supplies.  


17. Will I Need A Passport Or Visa?

Yes and Yes! Most important, your passport must be valid for six months beyond your travel dates. In addition, all countries require an entry Visa. Each country has unique Visa requirements and cost. Some countries, such as Thailand, offer free short term visas to U.S. citizens on arrival. Nepal also offers visas on arrival (you complete your visa application and pay the fee on arrival, as part of the customs and immigration process). For countries like India, you must obtain a visa in advance, through their authorized agent, in your home country. Tibet and Bhutan and a few other countries have special and demanding requirements, so we generally arrange those visas for you. We'll tell you about any visa requirements for your trip destination.  


18. How Do I Pay For My Trip?

Trip registration requires a deposit. The deposit payment for online applications is built–in to the process. Payments for submitted application forms may be made by check, bank draft, money order or credit card. Online applications use a major credit card submitted on a secure server. We will send you a statement showing all charges, payments and balance. Final payment in full is due prior 90 days before your trip start date. We will send a courtesy remainder for this payment. Installment payments may be made anytime online. Please visit and review the Our Policies page for details.

Save $100 off the land cost by paying in-full at least six months in advance. Many find this is a helpful way to budget their trip expenses — paying for land costs early before purchasing air tickets and equipment. All our normal cancellation policies apply. For example, if you inform us sixty days before departure that you can't go on your trip, you lose nothing if you transfer to a later trip. Read the booking information on the Our Policies page. We try to keep it simple! 


19. Should I Buy Travel Insurance?

We suggest full travel insurance coverage including health, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. You will receive information when you apply for your trip. You may view our preferred partner's information for U. S. participants at http://www.travelinsure.com/what/selecthigh.htm?32307. For those outside the United States, please see http://www.travelinsure.com/affiliate/wmedboc.htm?32307 for complete international travel insurance information. We require HHT travelers have emergency health insurance as well as evacuation insurance. We don't want to compromise your safety over a minor expense — a helicopter rescue from a remote area or trail can cost thousands and thousands of dollars!

Another important consideration is Trip Cancellation coverage. This insurance protects you if you can't travel because of an accident, ill health, death in the family or other covered reasons. If you don't have health insurance or if the policy you have doesn't cover travel outside the U.S., please let us know. We can suggest inexpensive short term health coverage. Some prefer baggage and supplemental insurance coverage too. We don't require any insurance other than emergency medical and evacuation coverage, but encourage you to consider your own circumstances. You don't need to purchase your insurance through our provider but you must provide us policy certificate proof of health and evacuation insurance coverage active for the duration of the trip. Insurance questions can be directed to Travel Insurance Services at 1-800-937-1387 (Monday-Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm EST).  


20. Will I Need Special Equipment When Trekking?

We give you a detailed packing list designed for your trek specifics. Generally you need a warm jacket, rain gear, duffel bag, sleeping bag and pad (if camping), hiking boots, good long underwear and socks. Generally, the kind of equipment you need is no different from the kind of equipment you might use at home under similar circumstances and conditions. Some supplies may be rented at local sporting goods outlets or even at your meeting point city, if you don't own them. Ask us about your needs for the best suggestions.  


21. How Strenuous Are Your Trips?

Our treks vary from short and gentle to long and strenuous. Tours are always very mild and only involve mild day–walks. We use a descriptive rating system for our trips, defined on the Scheduled Trips page of this website. People in generally good health, who exercise regularly, can easily enjoy our trips. You do not carry a full, heavy pack — only a day pack with water, camera, and personal items. Even on our strenuous treks, we usually don't walk more than eight to twelve miles per day (three to six hours — everyone has a different pace). There are also appropriate rest days reflecting the stress of recent air travel or being in a high altitude environment. The most important asset is a good, positive attitude and simple physical exercise preparation for endurance and comfort!

We are happy to discuss whether a specific trip is appropriate for you. We help people with special needs on our trips, such as those recovering from cancer or other serious illnesses. We personally consult with you and all participants on each trip to ensure that everyone is prepared for the journey and has the time of their life! Read the itinerary and information we give you and ask questions. That way, you have all the details to help you decide and prepare. Our cancellation policy is generous: Up to ninety days prior to departure, if you decide a trip is not right for you after you register, you can transfer to a different HHT trip and not lose a penny, quid, pound, euro or peso! Read the booking information on the Our Policies page thoroughly for complete information about cancellation and all HHT policies.  


22. Who Goes On Your Trips?

We've had folks from 10 to 82 years of age (most often, 30 to 60) on our trips and everyone from absolute beginners to very experienced mountain hikers. Physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle, respect for nature, a curiosity for life and a positive attitude are usually more important than age or experience. We attract adventurers from every walk of life — 'professionals', teachers, students and retired folks as well. HHT travelers might come from the San Francisco Bay Area in California (where we're based), but most often from locations around the world! What they have in common is a healthy, active lifestyle and very interesting lives — each has a special curiosity for the world and its many unique treasures. Asian travel attracts very special people!  


23. What If Minimum Enrollment Is Not Reached For My Trek?

Most of the time, if a group drops below four members it will still be possible to run your trip. If a leader is already overseas on other trips, they may be able to accompany you. However, a very small enrollment could mean we provide a locally–based group leader. Nonetheless, be assured that our local leaders (always English–speaking) and guides are professional, experienced and competent — they have previously guided many trips with us and we can show you comments or refer you to travelers who have been on a trip with them.  


24. What If I Want To Go On My Own Trek Alone Or With My Family And Friends?

Did I hear you say... Custom Trips? Sometimes a group of family or friends want to travel independently. What about that big family or birthday celebration at 18,000 feet? We've done that! Maybe our scheduled trips don't coincide with times available to you. A Custom Trip is just right for one or two people, or a group wanting a custom itinerary with the flexibility of traveling their own way. Custom Trips still receive the assurance and convenience of having HHT plan the trip logistics and provide the bookings, staff and services. You can benefit from over two decades of expertise and personal contact in the Himalaya and Southeast Asia. A Custom Trip could be just what you are looking for. We do that!

Many not-for-profit organizations organize adventure treks or tours to the Himalaya or Southeast Asia as a way to raise money or awareness. Himalayan High Treks can work with your organization to plan and coordinate the logistics to create and run your trip.

Many of our Scheduled Treks and Tours can also be reorganized as Custom Trips. The costs are comparable and always reflect the expenses of your request and the number of participants involved. Some governments might have additional regulations and procedures involved for independent trekking and touring. Let us know your plans early and we can usually make them happen, just as you dreamed.  


25. What kind of plugs do I need for my electronic equipment?

Contact us and describe your equipment. At the same time, we can advise you about how often we anticipate that you'll have access to electricity on your trip. You will likely need an electronic voltage converter as well as physical conversion plugs to use local electricity on your devices. The specifics will depend on the formats where you live, the devices you are using and where you're going. Some modern devices can self–adjust for worldwide 120 to 240 voltage but some cannot, so they will need a voltage converter. The physical plug may also look different — if so, a converter plug is needed. These links on our Contact & Links page will help get you started. It's not too complicated really, but you need to review the formats you have and the formats for the places you will travel for the specifics. As always, ask us if you're unsure.  


26. Any advice about taking pictures on my trip?

Most common to consider are pocket digital cameras with a good zoom–to–wide angle lens. Being light, small and useful in many environments, they allow instant viewing and many functions to share or publish once you're back home (and many also have the ability to shoot video). The big considerations are: 1) to protect the camera from the rigors of the trail (dropping, dust, moisture), 2) to have spare memory cards (always small and light) and 3) to be sure you have camera power. If your batteries become drained and you don't have replacements, electricity or a way charge them, you can't take photos! So, depending on you and your trip, you need to plan how to best meet these needs.

A padded slip 'pocket' case is an easy place to start. Try to find one that works well with your camera (so you can slip it in and out without much fumbling) yet will also protect it. If it's cumbersome to use, you won't use it.

As for power and memory cards, you need to decide how many photos (quality = file size) you might take and learn how quickly your batteries become exhausted. One way to figure that out is take your camera, with fresh batteries, on a typical day of photography. Decide your need and increase that by 50% or more to make sure you'll have enough memory cards and battery power. The big question then arises how many batteries you'll need... do you really want to lug a lot of heavy disposable batteries (until you can dispose of them properly) or are there some alternatives to throw–aways? The first tradeoff to consider is the use of a charger and rechargeable batteries. A second idea is to consider a solar charger to help supplement your battery's charge while you are away from electricity. Unless you spend a lot on a larger solar panel charger (that can be hard to carry all day), you can only realistically expect a typically–small solar charger to increase the charge level of your batteries, not actually recharge them — even in full sun — unless it's done over several days time. If it's cloudy, that process slows.

You can find solar/electrical all–in–one chargers which can help fill both roles to carry you through your trip. Be sure to keep in mind if you are charging a special internal battery (so you need the correct power plug connection) or using AAA or AA batteries which can also be used to power other equipment you might bring. Know what you're bringing, research your options and test everything before you go!