Misc: Strong water bottle & water purifying tablets. Personal medical kit and Diamox tablet (for high altitude). Sunglasses (to protect your eyes from UV, which is especially strong in high altitudes). Sun block or sun screen lotion (Nivea/ Vicco Turmeric is excellent), toilet paper, torch & spare batteries, daypack (small shoulder bag), Camera & films. Binoculars, a book on flora/fauna of the region.

Sureshot ice-breakers: The guys (sherpas, guide, drivers) freak out on Bollywood! Do carry a few latest audiocassettes to distribute there. Your yakman will fancy your gogs, pants, hat, camera etc. Give him whatever to ensure you stay on his yak!

Health: This is one of the toughest high altitude road journeys on earth. You MUST be physically fit- no two ways about that. Generally patients with asthama & heart problems have a problem acclimatising to high altitudes. In your interests it is essential you should be examined by your doctor to know about your health condition and your ability to cope up with the rigours of high altitude travel for days in 'no road' conditions, extreme cold, dust, trekking (or 'yakking') to an altitude of 19500ft during the parikrama, etc. However, if its any consolation, last year a 71 year old person completed the tour successfully; 44% of our clients were over 50 years old and the average age of our participants was 45 years!

Health Certificates: Health certificates are only essential for participants over 60 years of age. Participants above 60 years of age should obtain a letter FROM YOUR DOCTOR ADDRESSED AS "WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN " This is to confirm the physical fitness of Mr / Mrs.. & I have no concern to my clients' participation in the Kailash tour of (date)....

Altitude Sickness: As you are travelling over high terrain, you are likely to experience symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness etc.) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take a couple of days or more depending on an individual. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, be calm, do not exercise. Do not drink alcohol or smoke. Proper hydration is necessary to acclimatize. We also recommend you to carry a strip of diamox tablet (not recommended for pregnant ladies and people allergic to sulpha drugs). Do consult your physician on the dosage. We provide Gamow bag (a special equipment to prevent sickness from high altitude) on this tour.

Currency: The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan. The exchange rate is USD 1 = 8 Yuan. 1 yuan = INRs.6 approx. Money can be exchanged at Bank of China at Zhangmu or from the locals (who'll find you in any case). Drive a hard bargain with the locals for a good deal.