Outdoors4Life

The mountains make me wiser.

Here are some lessons learned….

1. Make sure you rent a toilet. The options get sparser as one goes up…. and the free ones stink a lot. Extra toilets were around $25 per day – definitely worth checking with your tour company.
2. Summit night was one of the coldest nights. As we climbed up behind an army of people and until the sun came up, we really felt the cold. It looked like our toes would freeze. Highly recommend multiple layers of woolen socks and gloves as well as hand and feet warmers.
3. Water is sparsely available as one gets to the top. So even a nice brush & face wash becomes a luxury – also given the cold. Body & hand wipes offer good alternative.
4. Pack some good portable chargers. Anker make some good chargers and a good one can help recharge your phone (for all those pics) as well as kindles (for some good readings in the relaxing evenings).
5. Have a second pair of loose fitting light shoes. Being able to relax one’s feet after trekking in tight hiking shoes is a wonderful feeling.
6. Jot down some fun observations every day. After the hike, all days feel similar – and its hard to connect a specific memory to a specific day.
7. Talk to other hikers and porters/guides when you get a chance. You end up learning about other cultures, lifestyles and it enriches you more ways than one.