Zongdian

This is truly a trip of a lifetime! Of the six days that we are away, four will be spent hiking through remote countryside, accessible to only the most adventurous travelers. We will visit a local school, have a bonfire party, visit a beautiful waterfall, and on Day 4 when we reach the Dejiu pasture, our ascent will be rewarded with a star studded night sky extending from one horizon to the other. The trip begins and ends with a dip in local hot springs and there will be some time to explore the ancient town of Zhongdian.

This trip requires students to be physically fit and capable of hiking in mountainous areas 8-10KM a day. We will be camping, so students should be aware that there will not be shower facilities for some of the days. Students who have had problems with altitude sickness or have respiratory or cardiac difficulties may not sign up for this trip. = = Remember to **__PACK LIGHT__**, you will be carrying your pack the entire hike. • 1 Hiking shoes/boots*see special instructions • 1 Sandals/flips flops/crocs • 1 Backpack* *see special instructions • 1 Baseball Hat • 1 Warm hat (wool or fleece) • 1 Warm gloves (wool of fleece) • 2 Shorts • 3T-shirts • 1 Warm sweater (synthetic or wool) • 1 Warm jacket (fleece is recommended) • 1 Lightweight long pant • 4 Pairs of synthetic socks (incl.1 pair warm wool socks) • 4 Undergarments • 1 Small towel • 1 Swim suit • **__ 1 Rain Pancho that covers you and your backpack __** • 1 Pair thermal underwear § Inflatable pillow § Cereal bars § Powered drink mix § Dried fruit as they sweep moisture away from your body, keeping you warmer in the process.  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste • Soap (biodegradable) camp soap  • Prescription glasses, Contact lenses and solution • Sunglasses • Allergy medication • Prescription medication • Sunscreen • Insect repellant • Camera (batteries, film) • Flashlight or headlamp (small, lightweight) § Walking stick optional How you pack is as important as what you pack. The first thing you should consider is packing heavier items in the bottom of your backpack and lighter items at the top. Another thing to think about is ease of access. Place as many important items that you will need most often in an easily accessible area of your pack. Ensuring proper fit is the most important step when you select a pack. When looking for a backpack ** we recommend choosing a backpack that is no larger than 40 liters **. Finding the right pack size for you depends on your back length. To find your back length, have a friend measure your back: o Find the most prominent vertebrae at the back of your neck. It’s the large bump at about the same level as the top of your shoulders (point A). o Find the top of your hipbone. Follow this point around in a straight line to your spine. (point B). o Place a measuring tape directly against your spine, and measure the distance between points A and B. If you have a hip belt it should be resting directly over your hip bones, not on your waist. The shoulder straps should be well padded and fit snuggly to your shoulders. When trying on your pack walk around and play with the adjustments to fine-tune the fit. Remember to put weight in your pack when trying it on. Remember that if the pack doesn't feel right now, it certainly won't feel right after hours on the trail. (A. Example of Suitable Backpack) When choosing proper footwear for hiking there are a few things to consider. It is best if your footwear has been worn before you start off on your hike. Ensure the footwear is comfortable, lightweight, durable and provides your foot and ankle with moderate support. (B . Example of Suitable Footwear)
 * Packing List **
 * Clothing and Gear **
 * Thermal wear ** - synthetics such as polyester and polypropylene are best for your innermost layer of clothing
 * Toiletries **
 * Medical and Other **
 * Special Instructions **
 * How to pack **
 * Fitting Your Backpack **
 * Choosing Footwear **
 * (A) (B) **