The following is a suggested list of clothing, equipment and personal effects you may consider bringing with you when you are doing an organised trek with us. Much of the gear can be purchased (or hired) in Kathmandu at reasonable prices (although not necessarily of long lasting quality) thereby saving on your baggage weight on the way over. At the end of your trip, you may consider donating items no longer required to your porter or guide - leaves room for taking home those souveniers!!

Remember that what you bring someone (and it may be you) has to carry; so pack discriminately and CHECK THE WEIGHT - the porter usually carries two kit-bags, your tent and his own gear!! You will generally need warmer gear for those treks in the Everest Region than the Annapurna Region. Quantities are suggested only and will depend on duration of your visit. Be aware that here are baggage restrictions of 15 kilos on internal flights, should you need to use them.

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.

Additional requirements for higher altitude treks:
Windproof/waterproof trousers	or over pants
Thermal underwear	Can save on you carrying heavier outer gear and are useful for sleeping in.
Gaiters	For snow regions
Gloves	1 extra pair of thick/insulted gloves.

We will supply:
Down jacket	For those chilly nights
Sleeping bag	Down filled with cotton inner liner
Sleeping mat	Foam
Tent	(with fly sheet) - 2 person
Kit-bag	For the gear you don't need during the day. It will be carried by your porter and won't be accessible until you reach camp each day.

Tip: 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 .