It is always easy after an event to wish you had known certain things before. In my younger years as a girl guide one of our mottos was ‘Be Prepared’.
Here is a list of 10 things I think you need to ‘Know Before You Go’ for any trip in the Himalaya.

1- Paperwork – visas/permits
Check you have the right visa/permits or any other paperwork. The Himalayan region spreads across several countries. It is always a good idea to read the most recent Foreign Office Advice for the country you are going to.

2- Accommodation
Check what kind of accommodation are you going to be staying in. Accommodation varies from luxury hotels, simple guest houses, homestays, or camping. You need to be prepared for the type and standard of accommodation. Check what the toilet facilities will be like. Check is there is going to be a power supply and phone connectivity/Wi-Fi throughout the trip and if not when can you charge appliances.

3- Clothes list/kit list
Go through any detailed kit lists you have been sent for the trip you are doing and make sure you have all the essential items on the list. Note if there are any cultural considerations you need to bear in mind in terms of dress code. Anything marked as essential on a kit list is essential. It was put there for a reason so make sure you have anything marked as essential with you.

4- Food and drink
What is the local food, and will you get a chance to try it? If you have any dietary requirements make sure you inform the company you are travelling with your exact requirements.  Some countries have rules about alcohol. If you are travelling to a country where the food is very spicy, and you do not like spicy food take some of your own food. The same for countries which serve a lot of meat – if you are vegetarian take some cheese/other vegetarian snacks along. If you follow a vegan or gluten free diet, make sure you have enough of the food you like with you.

5- Leader
If you are travelling with on a group tour through a company check if you will be having a western or local leader. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

6- Group composition
Again if you are travelling in a group tour, check what the group composition eg how many people are in the group and the age range and the split between male/female and single/couples.

7- Money matters
Know what the currency of the country you are going to is and the rate of exchange. Check if there is ATM availability and always take some cash with you just in case ATM machines are not working.

8- Altitude
Most trips to the Himalaya (especially trekking) involve time being spent at high altitude. Read up about it so you know what to expect.

9- Weather
Check what the weather should be like when you are there.

10- Grade of the trip
It is good to know the difficulty of the trip and make sure it is within your capabilities. If training beforehand is suggested, make sure you do some. The better prepared you are for a trip the more confident you will feel and the more you will enjoy the challenge.