Kawa Karpo Kora – full-packs & other gear

Backpacks

It is essential that you all bring have a strong pack of suitable size to carry ALL of your gear. Although you will not be carrying this pack when trekking during the kora, you will be carrying it before and after so please ensure it’s comfortable for you and of suitable size and weight. Backpacks are recommended for this reason.

During the kora your bags may be carried by ponies. Should this be the case it will be essential that all your gear – including items such as tents – are inside the main bag compartments and that no items are hanging from the bag. Additionally all ropes, strings, zips etc must be tied/ covered. This is to ensure they do not get caught on branches, etc while on the kora. If this happens, the ponies will NOT stop and you may lose your items. Tibet Kora WILL NOT allow you to hang stuff off packs that go on to the ponies.

Clothes

Temperatures on the kora are not expected to reach extreme (highs or lows) levels but it is important that you pack appropriate clothing that can easily be changed when weather conditions throughout the day or night quickly change. The best type of clothing is lots of thin layers. Large, single items such as thick jackets or jumpers are not recommended.

This will be a great time to visit the mountains. There should be few clouds, allowing great views of the ranges. In the daytime the temperatures will be warm to very hot in the direct sunlight. At night it will be crisp and cold. Temperatures will rang from 10’c down to 0’c.

• Hiking shoes – boots are not necessary but feel free if you prefer
• Second pair of sturdy footwear for evening or trekking if required
• Socks
• Underwear
• Lightweight vest x 2
• Lightweight t-shirt x 4
• Lightweight long-sleeve t-shirt x 2
• Lightweight running/ hiking shorts x 3
• Lightweight running/ hiking trousers x 2
• Lightweight combats for hanging out at night x 1
• Neck buff – not essential but handy and recommended
• Running cap
• Sun glasses
• Lightweight rain and windproof jacket
• Body-warmer
• Lightweight fleece
• Lightweight jumper
• Long johns
• Woolly hat
• Gloves
• Sun cream

Additionally, contact lens wearers MUST bring their glasses and sufficient lens solution or dailies.

Washing & Cleaning

Needless to say that on the kora, the usual tourist facilities are non-existent, so you can expect the following:

• Lots of camping
• Outdoor toilets – both when camping or staying in local houses
• Washing facilities to be limited to pales of water or streams

That said it’s still possible to keep clean so please don’t forget the following:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet-wipes
• Toilet roll x 2
• Vaseline – a small tub is recommended for any chaffing that can occur during sustained hiking/ walking

Prior to and after the trek you will have ample access to toilets, hot water and other modern luxuries.

Please note; it is recommended that both toe and finger nails are cut short BEFORE starting the kora.

Equipment (essential)

• Tent – 2 man maximum please
• Inflatable sleeping mat –you will need this☺
• Sleeping bag – suitable for temperatures of 10’c to 0’c
• Torch w/ spare batteries
• Camping dishes/ cutlery – please provide your own plate, cup and cutlery
• Hiking/ walking stick – highly recommended particularly on descents

Equipment (nice-to-have☺)

• Video camera w/ spare batteries
• Camera w/ spare batteries
• Phone

Equipment (not-essential)

We will be carrying ALL of the items listed below but feel free to bring your own should you wish…

• GPS – if you wish to make your own records
• First aid, including antibiotics