I am writing this travelogue after 9 months of having trekked in Nepal. The incubation period over, I'm finally keying in thoughts of the trip as they occur to me, so if things seem a little haphazard, distant and far-fetched you'll know why.

This was a trip I undertook with a friend of mine, Anurag Nautiyal (Nauty, for short) in October 1998. This was meant to be one of those "have worked hard for my money, now I need to enjoy it" trips - and it was. Before I narrate some of our experiences, here are some FAQs on Nepal.

When to visit Nepal? A good time to visit Nepal is in the non-monsoon months (October thru April). In case you end up in Nepal during the monsoon months (June thru September) you'll find yourself trekking through rain, drenched to your under clothings with blood sucking leeches feasting on you. If you'd like to simulate the experience you can stand under your shower fully dressed and strap on a backpack weighing 5 kilos.

In the winters you will find more that a nip in the air while trekking through the Nepal Himalayas. So, for the best weather conditions plan your trip just after/before the monsoons. Therefore, the best months to go to Nepal are March, April and October (especially if you plan to go trekking).

What should I take with me? As far as clothes go, you get great bargains on everything from T-shirts to socks in Nepal. Also some of the stuff makes great souvenirs to carry back home, so you might want to travel light and pick up stuff form the street-side shops in Nepal. However, if you are planning on going trekking into high altitude areas (like the Everest base camp) you might want to invest in the best thermal underwear money can buy. Also carry some basic medication on you:
· Combiflam for fever and body ache
· Tinidazole - Norfloxacin tablets for diarrhea/loose motions
· Voveran SR 100 (Diclofenac sodium tablets) for body ache/pain-killer
· Glucon-D - keep sipping it during the trek
Other useful things to carry include: candles, lighter, Swiss army knife, toilet paper and spare platic bags.

What shouldn't I take with me? You don't need to burden yourself with sleeping bags on treks since all trekking routes are dotted with lodges providing comfortable beds with clean bed sheets and warm blankets.

Do not carry jeans on you if you are planning a trek. They are uncomfortable and restraining while trekking long hours. If you happen to get drenched in rain, jeans become heavy and also take longer to dry. Wear light cotton trousers or shorts while trekking.

How much money should I carry? Nepal, by any standard, is a cheap place to travel in. Budget accomodation can be found in most towns (Kathmandu/Pokhra) for INR (Indian Rupees) 200 to 400, even less at the lodges found along the trekking trails. Expense on food varies from cheap to reasonable, never expensive. Major establishments (in Kathmandu, mostly) accept credit cards.