Should we bring all our trekking equipment with us ?

There’s no need to bring everything with you. Many items like down jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles can be rented in Kathmandu or along the route. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. You can easily rent needed trekking equipment for a reasonable price in Kathmandu or Pokhara beforehand, but it’s always preferable and more convenient to have your own so we advise you to bring your essential items. 

Below equipment list is only a guideline. You need to bring the listed items, however, you can choose from your preferred brands using your expertise.  You can also shop the below equipment and clothing at a reasonable price at stores in Thamel, Kathmandu. The personal items are of individual interest and choice.

Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes

• Sun hat
• Wool or synthetic hat that covers the ears
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Headlamp
• Neck warmer

Hand

• Liner gloves
• Heavier shell gloves

Core Body

• T-shirts (2)
• Lightweight expedition thermal tops
• Fleece jacket or pullover
• Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
• Synthetic sports bras (for women)

Lower Body – Legs

• Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
• Nylon hiking shorts
• Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
• Water/windproof trousers
• Casual pants

Feet

• Liner socks
• Heavyweight socks
• Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
• Light shoes/sneakers
• Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)

Other Essential 

• Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies)
• Airline tickets (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of yours)
• Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
• Water bottle/bladder
• Water purification Iodine tablets
• Toiletries (Include toilet paper, wet wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap)

Medicines and First Aid Kit

• Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches
• Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
• Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
• Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
• Anti-infection ointments
• Band-aids
• Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
• Sunscreen (SPF 40)

Optional

• Adjustable trekking poles
• Favorite snacks
• Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and, batteries)