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The following equipment lists are suggested and essential for both camp & teahouse treks in the Himalayas. Make use of this list as a guideline; some of the equipment can be hired in Katmandu as well. Besides, keep in mind trekking gear can be bought in the many adventure shops in Katmandu, the majority of gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper) although it is becoming more common for gear to be imported from China and therefore of better quality. |
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| Luggage |
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1 large duffel bag: This will carry all your personal gear on the trek. It should be strong and durable. The best size would be around 30" x 14", with a full-length zipper and handles.
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1 small padlock: Your duffel bag should be locked.
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1 rucksack or day pack: This should accommodate a sweater, rain gear, water bottle, camera and accessories and any miscellaneous items you want to have during the day. We recommend a pack with at least 1450cu. In capacity, or smaller if you are not carrying a large amount of camera equipment.
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1 small duffel bag or suitcase: Items not needed on the trek can be left at the hotel in Kathmandu. This bag should also have a lock. Be sure to leave room for purchases, or buy one in Kathmandu they have many good quality ones available. |
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| Head and Face Gear |
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| Hands |
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| Inner Clothing |
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T-shirts
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Thermal underwear- Top and bottom. Synthetic is best
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Underwear
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2 Long shorts
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2 Trousers- (loose and comfortable) One thin, one thick and warm |
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| Outer Clothing |
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Down Jacket
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Fleece Jacket (or a windproof jacket)
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Waterproof jacket with a hood (or a poncho)
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Waterproof pants
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Baggy pants
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2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin and 1 thick)
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1 sweater to be worn under the fleece jacket |
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| Footwear |
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Light weight walking boots- (leather is recommended)
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Spare laces
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2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
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2 pairs of thin socks to be worn under the woolen socks
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One pair of sandals or comfortable shoes for camp |
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| Drinking Equipment |
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1 thermos- Water tends to freeze in ‘normal’ water bottles at high altitude temperatures.
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2 one-liter water bottles
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Purification equipment- Boiled drinking water will be provided but further purification with iodine or purification tablets is highly recommended. |
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| Sleeping and Carrying Equipment |
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30-40 liter daypack
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Rucksack- Without aluminum support
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Water Proof Bag- A water proof bag to cover the rucksack
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Sleeping Bag- Please brings a bag that can resist temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius. |
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| Personal Medical Kit |
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Bandage for sprains
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Plasters/Band-aids
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Iodine or water filter
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Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
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Antiseptic ointment for cuts
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Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
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Aspirin/paracetamol - general painkiller
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Oral rehydration salts
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Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
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Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
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Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
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Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria
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Diamox (altitude sickness - can be bought in Kathmandu)
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Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution) |
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| Extras/Luxuries |
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| Toiletries |
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1 medium sized quick drying towel
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Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
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Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
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Deodorant
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Nail clippers
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Face and body moisturizer
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Feminine hygiene products
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Small mirror |
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| Reading Materials |
| The following is a short reading list for prospective Nepal trekkers: |
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Trekking in Nepalby Stephen Bezruchka. This is an excellent book for all treks with an extensive Bibliography of additional books. Contains a Nepal language section with directions on obtaining a Nepal language cassette tape.
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Nepal Handbook by Kerry Moran. Highly recommended particularly for Kathmandu Valley sightseeing.
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Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya by Stan Armington. This book has detailed trek descriptions including the restricted areas of Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo and Kailas.
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Power Places of Kathmandu—Hindu and Buddhist Holy Sites in the Sacred Valley of Nepal. Photographs by Kevin Bubriski, Text by Keith Dowman. A beautifully photographed and informative guide to the Kathmandu Valley.
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Trekking in Nepal by Toro Nakano. Great photos and routes you may not find anywhere else. Out of print but available in many libraries and in Kathmandu.
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Into Thin Air by Jon Krakaur. A personal account of the Mount Everest Disaster.
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Travelers Tales Edited by Rajendra Khadka, Traveler's Tales, San Francisco.
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Sacred Summits by Peter Boardman. Particularly recommended if going to Kangchenjunga or Rolwaling area. Out of print but available in many libraries and in Kathmandu.
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Himalayan Pilgrimage by David Snellgrove. Important reading for treks to Dolpo, Mustang and Manaslu. Out of print but available in many libraries and in Kathmandu.
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Mustang, a Lost Kingdom by Michel Peissel. Important reading for Mustang trek. Available in paperback in Kathmandu.
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National Geographic articles can also be consulted. |
