Information for the Travel Preparation to Kaule/ Nepal
Updated Meteorological Data for Kathmandu
See the Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Government of Nepal
Travel Preparations to Kaule
In Kaule/ Nepal lots of things are not as self-evident as we find in Germany. We go to the next hardware store, garden center or supermarket and buy what we need and more often than we need to. In Kaule, it is generally essential to be open, to listen and to ask before you start, and not just to engage in economic activities without a plan.
At this place, the supply of most things is circumstantial. That’s why everybody in Kaule is happy when something special is brought. This could for example be new working tools as well as chocolate, cheese and other items that are easily available to us.
Money
Money can be withdrawn with a Visa Card from the account in Kathmandu at the arrival or during a visit to the capital.
Clothes for the Rainy Season (June- September)
All in all, the clothes shouldn’t be too thick as they will dry faster when thinner. It is still comparatively warm, but some sweaters or cardigans are also needed.
Rain gear is essential, in addition to an umbrella. It should be robust for working, as some work has to be done when the rainfall starts.
Clothes in General
Fancy clothes are rarely needed, so only take them with you if you have room in your bag. Repairing is no problem, a sewing kit can be bought locally or you can commission someone.
It is reasonable to take two pairs of sturdy shoes (like hiking boots), if one pair gets wet or too muddy. Slippers can be bought locally. Everybody who values warmth should also bring a pair of house slippers.
The weather can be looked up on numerous weather websites, so you can plan in advance which clothes to bring.
Washing Clothes
Laundry detergent is available on the spot, but water can be limited.
It is a good idea to bring enough clothes; otherwise the washing place and the clothes line are too often occupied. This applies especially in the rainy season as the clothes dry fairly slowly.
Handling of Material and Working Tools
Materials are sometimes difficult to get and not always available, therefore the usage should be always arranged. The same concerns reconstructions or the usage of assumed “old stuff” or “lying about stones”.
The same applies to the working tools. To keep it clean, to maintain it and to lock it up in the evening is important. And attention: partly it is less lasting than the special offer at the hardware store.
Accommodation
Due to the limited number of rooms it is not possible to offer a single room for everybody, but all volunteers are housed in shared rooms.
As per agreement camping in the garden is also possible.
Electricity
The power supply can drop out for any length of time.
Water
The water is collected in drums and water supplies come from this spot for the washhouse and bathroom. Additionally, there is a drum for the watering of plants which can also be used as a emergency reserve.
A continuous supply of water can not be guaranteed, so a economical use of water is essential.
Eating and Drinking
There is a lot of rice with different side dishes and sauces. The (already attenuated) food is relatively spicy for western tongs. For breakfast there is white bread with a selection of jams and spreads. For drinking there is mainly coffee and tea.
In addition, you can get soft drinks, water and beer at the village shop. Beer is relatively expensive. So everybody, who likes to drink beer, should bring a few thousands Rupees.
Medicine
The typical medicine of a first-aid kit, like band-aids, disinfectants and medicines for diarrhoea, cough or cold is low priced, and available in the village.
It is important to bring sufficient medicine for your own medical conditions (for example allergies).
Animals
There are many dogs, most of them street dogs. When a dog comes near by, it is recommended that you pick up a stone or to pretend to do so. The same applies to the monkeys.
Concerning the animals of the demo center, a love of animals is quite welcome. However, one shouldn’t deal with them too gingerly neither. Goats, which are tied up in a wrong way or not at all, will destroy pretty much all plants, especially the newly-planted ones.
Inside the house
The house shouldn’t be entered with outdoor shoes. Those who have waded mud inside during the rainy season will know why! The volunteers take turns to clean the living room and bathroom daily, and each person is responsible for their own bedrooms.
Writing Utensils
Block, booklet and some good pens are useful for planning, especially when there’s a lack of electricity.
Computer and Internet
There is a relatively good internet connection via LAN/ WLAN at the demo center. If you use the internet frequently or need regular use of the computer, you should bring you own notebook/laptop and power cable.
Mobile
For excursions or long errands a mobile is necessary. Therefore, each guest or volunteer is asked to bring his/her own mobile. A Nepalese SIM card can be bought.
