What to know before trekking in Nepal

Nepal is famous as a trekking destination, and the majority of trekkers have a great time. But however popular it is, Nepal is still a rugged and under-developed country where mountain communities can be very isolated, supplies are limited, and weather is changeable.

Planning for a trek in Nepal should not be taken lightly. To ensure you have a successful trek in the Nepali Himalaya, keep these tips in mind.

Altitude education

The Himalaya are a beautiful range of mountains, but it is important not to get too starry-eyed about your surroundings and to remember proper high-altitude safety. Researching the effects of high altitude and the dangers it can present prior to arriving in Nepal will help solidify the knowledge before you are overwhelmed with the excitement and culture shock of your trip to Nepal.

Everyone, at some point or other in their high-altitude adventures, will have trouble acclimatising to the thinner air. There is no way to predict how your body will react, but, again knowledge is power. The only way to truly acclimatise well is by taking your time; do not rush the ascent or push your body if it is telling you to rest.

Bring the right gear for your trek in Nepal

If you are going with a trekking agency, they will send you a list with your itinerary and provide you with some essentials.
Please note that in both a guided trek and non-guided trek your backpack should not be too heavy. You are only making it hard for you or your porter.

Maps are often wrong

Yet another reason why hiring a guide is a good idea. Maps of mountainous terrain are often wrong. Terrain can change from year to year due to landslides or changes in a river’s course. Formatting issues can mean that what looks like a small town on a map is in reality just a single hut.

And, most worryingly, altitudes marked can be wrong. There was a well-known case of the Lake Gosainkunda map marking one settlement as 1000 metres lower than it actually was, and thus leading some trekkers to experience serious inconvenience and altitude-related problems.

Do not forget the trekking poles

The same applies for trekking poles. Failing to take at least a single trekking pole is something that identifies you as a first-time trekker who does not realize their value. Once you have tried trekking with poles, you will be a convert. No matter how fit you are, steep ascents and descents can be very tough on the joints. It is always good to have a bit of extra support.

Beware of the air

You will get a lot of use out of a face mask or a Buff! Kathmandu is a very interesting city, but it is overpopulated and extremely polluted. The smog is so thick that locals often wear face masks to work. If you start to develop a tickle in your throat while in the city, it may not be a cold, just the thick, dirty air.

In the mountains, the air is crystal clear but very thin and dry. Again, your Buff or face mask will
continue to be your friend as it protects your lungs from this harsh dry air and the dreaded "Khumbu Cough." The Khumbu Cough, or the high-altitude hack, will make trekking – and breathing – more difficult. Avoiding over-exertion and wearing a mask to keep moisture in the air going into your lungs will help prevent this.

Work out before you go on your trek in Nepal

A trek is a great way to stay fit, but you already have to be in shape before you go. Do not worry, you do not have to have a six-pack or be super slim and muscled, but you should have a good condition. You should not choose a very intense trek in Nepal if you are already out of breath after walking up some stairs.

See more: Discover the best traditional dishes in Nepal

Source Internet

A day to explore Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city in which majestic religious sites, beautiful cobbled streets and ancient tunnels are the norm. Prepare to be captivated by Jerusalem’s history and intrigue with this visual guide to its key sites.

Mount of Olives

A mountain ridge east of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Mount of Olives is where many tours of Jerusalem begin. This is an important site of worship for Christians, as several key events in the life of Jesus are believed to have occurred here. The Mount of Olives has also been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years.

Garden of Gethsemane

Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, this garden is significant for Christians due to its role in the story of Jesus’s crucifixion – it is believed that he prayed here the night before. Moreover, the garden’s olive trees are among the oldest in the world, with some being at least 900 years old.

Temple Mount

Located in the Old City, Temple Mount is one of the world’s holiest – and most contested – sites due to its religious significance in Islam, Judaism and Christianity. It contains three great structures: the al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Dome of the Chain, as well as four minarets.

Yad Vashem

Yad Vashem is Israel’s largest Holocaust memorial, shaped as a prism on the slopes of the Mount of Remembrance on the edge of Jerusalem. With nine galleries showing the Holocaust through photographs, films, documents, letters, works of art, and personal items found in the camps and ghettos, visiting Yad Vashem is an incredibly important and moving experience.

Tower of David

Also known as ‘Jerusalem’s Citadel’, this structure is a medieval fortress which has been developed architecturally over time. A site of tremendous archaeological significance, the Tower of David is located on the western side of the Old City, near the Jaffa Gate.

The Cardo

Roughly 1,500 years ago, this was one of Jerusalem’s busiest roads. Now, it is one of the key attractions in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, due to its impressive columns and built-in modern shopping lane.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Located in the Christian Quarter, this ancient and labyrinthine church is built over the tomb of Jesus and is believed to be the scene of his crucifixion. For many Christians, this has been the most important pilgrimage destination since at least the 4th century. Today it also serves as the headquarters of the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Read more: The best dishes to try in Israel

Source The culture trip

Best souvenirs to bring home from Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung is an incredible city that is fast becoming one of Taiwan’s most popular holiday destinations. Here are five of the best locally made souvenirs you can pick up next time you’re in this wonderful west coast city.

Suncake

Ask any Taiwanese person what they want you to bring back from your trip to Taichung, and they will scream ‘Suncakes!’ Yes, it’s the most popular thing you can buy in Taichung (aside from pearl milk tea but who’s taking that on a plane?) but don’t assume that it’s some bland, tasteless cake that people buy simply because it’s the done thing. Suncake is a flaky pastry with a sweet maltose filling but lately, bakeries have been getting quite creative with their fillings, and you can now find a wide variety of flavors. There are dozens of bakeries throughout the city, but perhaps the most famous is Chia Wia Sina. Expect to see long queues at the front door though as this place is incredibly popular. Their Milk SunCake (yes, it’s a thing) was recently voted one of the best souvenirs to take home from Taichung.

Cheese-filled mochi

You’ve probably heard of the sticky and chewy dessert known as mochi, and you may have even tried some with various fillings such as green tea or red bean. It’s highly unlikely though that you’ve tried anything like Paochuan Food Company’s cheese-filled mochi.

It doesn’t sound too appetizing, but then again many of the world’s most delicious snacks started out as a weird combination of two contrasting foods. And this is one of those times when such a strange marriage of ingredients actually works.

Fengyuan lacquer art

Fengyuan in Taichung was once the center of all things lacquer here in Taiwan. In fact, at one point it was said that 99% of the country’s lacquerwares were made in the area. Today, you’ll find that it’s home to the Fengyuan Lacquer Art Museum which is a great place to learn about the history of lacquer art during the Japanese colonial period. It’s also the best place to pick up a locally made piece of lacquerware. From chopsticks to bowls, there are plenty of brightly colored pieces to choose from, and they’re the ideal souvenir for your living room.

Pineapple cakes

Another one of those popular souvenirs that you just can’t leave the city without, pineapple cakes are plentiful in Taichung. The problem is, which ones are the best?

Dawn Cake can probably take that accolade as their pineapple cakes are incredible. They are without doubt the best locally made cakes, and many people consider them to be on a par with, or even better than the more famous Chia Te or SunnyHills cakes.

Waipu wine

Many people laugh at the notion that Taiwan can produce high-quality wines but that’s simply down to a lack of wine-producing history. However, that is all about to change as Waipu winemakers Shu Sheng have won international acclaim for their products. Started back in 2000 by a local farmer and a winemaker, the vineyard is slowly gaining recognition as one of the best producers of wine in Asia, with their wines winning many awards across the globe.

See more: 7 local delicacies you should try in Taichung

Source: Internet