Essentials for any trek: |
Day pack |
A small backpack in which you will carry your needs for the day - ie toiletries, camera, films,gloves, scarf, water bottle. Make sure it is comfortable to carry, preferably with good wide, padded shoulder straps and a waist strap. |
Walking boots |
Light weight. Remember to break them in and bring spare laces. |
Rain proof jacket |
With hood or a poncho. Make sure it is guaranteed waterproof. |
Woollen shirt and/or sweater |
During the winter months these are essential. Sweaters can be bought in Kathmandu. |
Long shorts / skirts |
1 - 2 pair, cotton |
Cotton shirt |
1 lightweight long sleeved to protect you in the sun. |
Sunglasses |
100% UV rating |
Torch/headlamp |
With spare batteries. |
Sandals |
1 pair for use in the city and/or around camp. Good to use if you are doing any rafting activities. |
Woollen socks |
2 pairs thick. Wearing thin cotton socks under thick woollen socks keep your feet warmer, helps prevent blisters and are easier to wash'n'dry. |
Underwear |
Whatever you think. It is not always possible to get washing done or dried on the trek. |
Lightweight trousers |
1 pair - heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains during the night. |
Strong plastic garbags |
At least to line your kit-bag to keep your clothes dry. |
Sunscreen |
Waterproof and max. strength |
Water bottle |
1 litre - make sure you choose one that will hold hot water. It is a good idea to have a bottle which has an insulated jacket. It can double as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag at night and the jacket helps prevent freezing of the water. |
T-shirts |
2 - 4, cotton |
Moisturising cream |
For that dry air skin proble |
Woollen beanie/balaclava |
For those cold nights and mornings. You should also consider a sun hat. Remember the UV is stronger at higher altitude. |
Optional for all treks: |
Optional for all treks |
You may wear these in camp at night or when your boots are wet. |
Rubber thongs |
Good for showers (when you find one). |
A track suit |
Can be useful for wearing at night. |
Gloves |
1 Pair - one pair lightweight. Mittens are useful for wearing while eating - army disposal ones are adequate. |
Silk sleeping bag liner |
youth hostel type,sleeping sheet can be very useful - it keeps you warmer, is very light and is easily washed. |
Thermarest |
self inflating sleeping mat will add greatly to your comfort at night. They are light to carry and roll up reasonably tight. You may find a 3/4 length suitable and they are much cheaper. |
Camera and film |
Make sure the batteries are fresh as there can be a problem with old batteries in the very cold conditions which can be experienced at higher altitude. |
Safety pins |
Big ones for hanging washing from backpack - dry while you walk! Don't laugh - it's done that way!! |
Diary/book |
If you wish to bring them make it a light one. They have to be carried and you may not get that much reading done! |
Wet-ones |
Good for hand cleaning where water not available. |
Thermal underwear |
Can save on you carrying heavier outer gear and are useful for sleeping in. |
You can lighten your load by choosing the alternatives such as thermals against heavy over- clothes depending on the time of year and how high you will be trekking .