THINGS TO REMEMBER
The people of Ambullua do not know English, so if you don't know Pidgin-Enlish, either take someone with you or get learning!! No it's not that bad, Lonely Planet guide books have a Pidgin phrase book, and with a bit of patience, this should see you through... But be ready for misunderstandings, Pidgin is a very vague language!
A guide is absolutely 100% necessary...Absoltely no question about it. There have been at least two deaths to my knowlege on the Chimbu side (which has a very clearly defined track) directly as a result of not having guides. Even if you feel you don't need them they help you over rough patches, they can carry your bags and if nothing else it helps to inject money into this desperately lacking economy! I would reccomend at the very least K20 a day (about US$6). Plus if you are happy with the job they have done a reasonable bonus at the end. For Jack Bal, more money is very reasonable. You know that a portion of that money will go to the upkeep of the track and betterment of the community, plus you are walking on his land. As well as this it is not unreasonable to expected that you buy their food for them. Buy it before you get to Ambullua! There is nothing at Ambullua, it is hard enough to try to get a box of matches let alone rice etc. A ration of 500g of dry rice per day per man plus a small tin of meat would definitely keep the guides happy and satisfied.
Talking about guides, these guys are absolutely amazing. They don't own shoes! The run around without shoes, over knife sharp rocks, through freezing rivers and in the snow (if there is any). To boot, most of them only have what they are wearing, a pair of shorts, t-shirt, maybe an overshirt and if they're lucky a jumper. At night they rely on a fire to keep them warm, while you're in your nice warm tent and sleeping bag. DO NOT expect them to walk in the rain. These people will bend over backwards to help you, sometimes putting themselves at risk. But one thing they do not like is the bone chilling cold that Mt.Wilhelm can provide in great quantities. The only things they have to keep them warm is what they are wearing, and if that gets wet, they will get cold very, very quickly, and you may find that you lose your friends just as quickly if you refuse to let them stop and find shelter. In this way, you may lose a couple of days to bad weather. If you give them gifts of old jumpers or raincoats, they may be more willing to walk in the rain, but nevertheless still fairly reluctant! Be understanding, these people are very friendly and are your lifeline. If they get sick, it's not just their problem but yours as well.
Jack Bal
There are not really defined seasons. Generally the southern hemisphere summer (northern hemisphere winter) is considered the wet season and the converse for winter. Just because it is the wet season does not mean that you won't get good weather or fantastic views. Conversely just because it is the dry season does not mean that there will be no rain and you will get fantastic views.
Below is a list of gear that I would deem bare minimum:
Good water proof tent
Air sleeping mat e.g. thermarest.(The camp sites aren't always flat or comfy, plus no matter how "water proof" your tent floor is, water will leak through, so it provides a good barrier between you and the water)
60L-70L Pack
Food for a couple of days more than you plan
Kerosene, diesel or petrol stove
Sleeping bag rated to at least -5 degrees celcius
Warm clothing
Waterproof clothing
A very strong pair of hiking boots (make sure you water proof them before you start... but it still won't make any difference, your feet will get very wet)
Any old jumpers or raincoats to give to your guides (see above)
Gaiters could be handy
Blister and First Aid kit
That's about it!!! Oh yeah... Have fun, I'm sure you will!
Last Updated: 17/04/2001