Strangest things you can buy on a mountain

You hardly expect the world’s highest mountains to be an exercise in retail therapy. But even up in the Himalayas, you’re never far from modernity with emails from Everest base camp now possible.

Here are five other things you might be surprised to find being flogged along the Annapurna range in Nepal.

But remember, a puppy is for life, not just for a three-day trek.

Puppies

As a trekker you are perhaps unlikely to be in the market for a new pet, but should you fancy one the going rate on the trail for a mountain dog pup is a barking bargain at NPR 1,000 (US$14).

Snap up a woolly hat too to carry it in for extra cuteness, as my guide did.

Like you need another way to deprive your brain of oxygen.

Cannabis

Shady dealings go on in the bright winter sun as after snapping up the usual tasty oranges from a local farmer, my guide disappears into the home of an innocent looking old lady.

He returns, smiling, a few minutes later after having bought some hash, "for his brother."

Just what you want when there's an awe-inspiring moutainscape just outside -- garish posters of cities.

Garish posters

Where better to improve your outlook on life than in the inspiring Himalayan mountains? Numerous psychedelically colored posters featuring world-famous cities such as London and Sydney decorate the walls of guesthouses on the trek, each with its own inspiring message.

“No mistakes, no experience, no experience, no wisdom,” reads one, while another advises trekkers to “Think positive and success will follow you.”

All included in the price of your room.

Bad breath, but good sex. Go figure.

Onions

Sex is not recommended at high altitude but should you feel in the mood, how about a plate of raw onion?

Said to be one of nature's greatest aphrodisiacs, it is available at certain teahouses along the trek and is bought by the local guides as a snack.

Doesn't come with any guarantee however.

Enjoy -- it may be your last wash for a while.

Steam bath

Ok, so it's not quite a five-star luxury resort, but after days of walking a dunk in a hot spring comes pretty close.

For little more than US$1 you can submerge yourself in the natural hot waters at various spots along the way, including Jhinu, west of Pokhara on the Annapurna Basecamp trek route or at Tatopani.

Watch the ice cold river crashing past nearby as your aches and pains are soothed away.