Reading - Books and the Internet are great sources of information for you to learn and appreciate what lies ahead. Various types of literature or information on where you are traveling; fiction and nonfiction, guide books, pictorials, journals and so on all give you a better idea of 'the country and it's people'.

Language - Buy a phrase book (Lonely Planet does an excellent one) or learn some phrases that you think you might use on a daily basis on the trail and practice them. It opens doors for friendship immediately if you show that you have made some effort to get to know the people and their culture.

Cuisine - Consider visiting one or two Nepali or Indian restaurants before you go, to sample some of the different dishes and their local names. This undoubtedly gives you a greater appreciation and interest in the variety of dishes you will try in your travels and on trek.

Films - Check out the cinema or video shop for films on the Himalaya or Nepal (Himalaya, The Little Buddha, Seven Years in Tibet, Travelers and Magicians). It builds enthusiasm if nothing else.

Trail Hiking - (Very important) Go on bushwalks with like minded friends who have been trekking In the process of hiking, not only are you testing out all your gear and your fitness, you have the chance to exchange many relevant ideas and discover new things you may not yet have thought of. It also re-affirms that you are planning a fantastic venture in all that fresh air away from the office.

While you are familiarizing yourself with the possible range of experiences you may have in Nepal, it does not mean that everything will go like clockwork. Our operation will be second to none, with a vast depth of resources and experienced staff to work through many variables, but circumstances change, weather changes and things may not go quite to plan. Sometimes you may not always feel 100% (as may happen just as easily at home) and you should prepare for this. Be steady and good humored in your disposition and make the best of the situation. Think of others, rather than only yourself. By being a team player, everyone will be provided for. Being cooperative, flexible and generally punctual makes life much easier and more positive on a trek.

By addressing both mental and physical preparations, you will be relaxed, capable and ready to embrace all that comes before you - the easy and the challenging - and you’ll have a wonderful experience, despite what the weather might be!

These are simple things, but as a guest in Nepal, they are very important. If every team member adopts the approach described above, we will all achieve our goals and have a life-affirming experience. We think it will almost certainly lead you to planning more trekking adventures on a regular basis.

Enjoy the Journey!