What to bring along - Gear List


We do not allow our porters to carry more than 20 kgs, and highly recommend that you keep your porterage baggage to about 10 kilos (believe us, that is enough) and a small day bag. The list we have developed is for trekking, but works almost with any travel anywhere.

downloadDownload the Gear List

Since most of activities in Nepal revolve around travelling to the countryside, the guide meant for trekking serves as best information. These suggestions are made by Raj, a director at socialtours.com based on his own trekking experience.

Trekking Boots - one pair

Cheap options between USD 30 - 50 are available in Nepal but you might want to buy one there (preferably on sale) and break them in. If you are still planning on buying them, you might want to try them on with two pairs of socks…as that is what you will probably do on the trek, though I personally prefer wearing one pair. Do not go for the most expensive, they are not necessarily the best. If you are not planning on trekking the rest of your life in these shoes, however, buying them in Kathmandu might still be an option.

Socks - maximum 3 pairs

Thick hiking socks are best and preferably not cotton as these cause blisters and do not dry easily. Some people prefer to wear a soft silk inner sock as these are said to prevent blisters. Keep a third pair for evenings or for change. It is suggested that you do not change trekking socks often even if your feet smell….well worn in socks are best for preventing blisters than fresh pairs

Walking pole

I never use one and if required a local staff that your guide will find for you somewhere is always fine for me. If you do need one you can always hire one or buy one in Kathmandu. Nothing fancy, just a regular ski pole.

Hiking pants - one pair

The hiking pants you find in Kathmandu are not the best in quality though they are adequate. I would suggest that you get yourself a nylon pair that you are comfortable in. You can buy the cheap alternates here for about USD 14.- maybe that could be your second pair. For women, carry a skirt as that makes easier screens in case you need to go on the trail. A sarong is also useful as it does the same trick as well as doubles up as a scarf, a shawl or a liner at night

Underwear - 10 pairs

Cotton underwear is not a good option and it is generally suggested that you use synthetic underwear, but most people on the trail just do not bother and just bring along whatever they are comfortable in. Maybe you should bring a mix and see what works best.

T-Shirts

On trekking days it can get quite hot and you might be shedding all the layers to come into your t-shirts. So have a couple of short sleeved and one long sleeved T-shirt, ideally again synthetic as cottons dry difficult. I personally do not mind cotton ones, also I keep wearing them even if they are a bit dirty (so who cared about being a bit dirty on a two week trek)

Button Shirt - one

A shirt is useful as it is an extra layer and can be quite useful for the evenings over your T-shirt.

Fleece

You can buy fleece tops here in Kathmandu at about USD 10 and jackets for about USD 15 , but the stitching is not very good. But it works and if you do not mind spending that to support the local economy, it works fine…you need at least one top and one single jacket.

Down Jacket - one

This is an important thing you would need in the trek as it can get quite cold. Available on rent in Kathmandu, if you do not want to own one. You may already own one so bring it along.

Fleece muffler and gloves - one

You will need this and this can easily be bought in Kathmandu so no worries. It is suggested that you bring a bandana as this can save you from sun burn in the back of your neck.

Hats - one

A sun hat is what you need and I am sure you will want to pick that in Kathmandu, use it during the trek and as a souvenier

Water bottle

A one litre Sun River water bottle works fine. Purifying tablets are available in Nepal but you will have to add the orange mix to negate the iodine taste. Bottles are available here for about USD 6-8.

Bags

If you plan on carrying everything yourself on the trek, bring a large backpack to hold it all. I would suggest that you use a porter in which case you will need a day bag in addition to the back pack. You actually do not need the backpack when you use a porter as porters will prepare a sling and carry it on their backs strapped to the forehead. Of course it is easier if they are just carrying the back pack. If you prefer not to get yourself a back pack, a duffel bag will do just fine. You can actually buy a cheap day pack in Kathmandu itself, about USD 15.-

Sleeping bags and liners

You will need a good sleeping bag and a fleece liner is a good way to keep it clean as well as it doubles up as a warm shawl on cool evenings

Sun glasses

Bring a good pair as the ones you find in Kathmandu are real bad copies and do nto give you enough protection. You do not need snow goggles but a good pair will be useful. You can buy the neckcord in Kathmandu.

Medication

We suggest that you carry your own medication if any special medication is required. Guides will carry first aid, and we can build you a small personal kit here in Kathmandu, but the one thing you will not find here in Kathmandu is Moleskin for blisters. Bring that for sure.

Pocket Knife

Is always useful. Carry one. I need not say that to a Swiss I guess.

Sunscreen

Bring a strong one as the sun can be quite harsh up there. If you are not particular about your own brand, they are available in Kathmandu too.

Headlamp

Can be very useful when you have to go in the night or as a safety equipment. Can be bought in Kathmandu (made in China not very good but works) or you can bring one.

Notebook

A good notebook is required for writing your journal….you will be sure to buy one from Kathmandu as the ones you get here with the handmade Nepali paper are so go

AUTHOR
Jay San

An adventure junkie and photographer, Sanjay has seven years of experience in trekking, climbing and mountaineering. As a certified wilderness first aid responder with additional training in rescue, Sanjay consider the safety of his clients and his team top priority. When not out climbing Nepal´s many mountains, he pursues his studies at the Nepal Mountain Academy. He also enjoys volunteering his time, introducing disadvantaged youth and children, to the pleasures of nature through camping, hiking or rock climbing.