Equipment List for Nepal

Passport: Don't forget!!!!

4 Passport Size Photos: 2 photos will be collected at Kathmandu airport as well as a $25 visa fee (no change will be given, and the dollar bills should not be old and worn). The other two photos will be collected for trekking permits.

Duffel Bag: A large, sturdy canvas bag with a strong zipper. Eagle Creek Brand is recommended (1.800.874.9925). You will be packing your trekking equipment in this bag (approximately 30 - 36 inches long, and 24 - 30 inches in diameter). Your trekking bag will be carried by porters or pack animals. All trekking gear must fit into your duffel bag - including your sleeping bag. Please do not over pack. Maximum allowance; 35 lbs. fully packed.

Extra Bag: To keep your clean clothes at the hotel in Kathmandu while trekking and any other items you acquire in Kathmandu.

2 Luggage Locks: One for your trekking duffel and one for the bag you store in Kathmandu while trekking.

Small Day Pack: During the day, you will carry a small day pack that will contain your water bottle, camera, extra film, sweater and / or jacket, snacks, and any necessities you will need to get at during the day.

Sleeping Bag: A four season down or synthetic sleeping bag that can provide warmth at 25 - 35 degrees Fahrenheit. A sleeping bag may be provided to you upon request from our trekking office in Nepal.

Thermal Sleeping Pad: Used for insulation. We recommend the ThermaRest brand. We will provide you with 2 inch thick sleeping pad for cushioning.

Hiking Boots: Light weight, Gore-Tex (waterproof) boots are recommended. They should have good foot and ankle support. Look for good traction, breathability, and durability. It is essential to break in new boots prior to departure. Remember, you will walk in these boots for 4 - 7 hours per day.

Boot Laces: A spare set for your hiking boots.

Teva or River Sandals: For wearing around camp, bathing in rivers, or walking through streams. They are also great for white water river rafting.

Anorak / Parka / Jacket: A waterproof jacket or shell, such as Gore-Tex, that will keep the wind out and which can also be used for rain. You will be wearing this at night when the sun goes down.

Rain Gear: Poncho and rain pants. You can buy a poncho at Target or K-mart, which makes a great compact rain shell.

Sweatshirt or Fleece Shirt: Essential to wear in early morning or after sundown.

T-Shirt: T-shirts are ideal for every day use at lower altitudes.

Shorts / Skirts: Shorts are fine for men during the day. Women should wear loose fitting comfortable pants or skirts (must cover your knees). Long, wrap-around skirts, known as Lungis, are great for trekking as you can wear tights underneath to stay warm at higher altitudes. Lungis can be purchased in Kathmandu for a few dollars. Nepali women wear sarongs / saris / lunghis to cover their legs, and it is appropriate for foreigners to respect the culture and wear them as well.

Pants: Loose fitting cotton, khaki, or light pants. Remember, it is inappropriate in Nepal for women to show their knees (therefore tights are not acceptable without a Lungi over the tights).

Underwear: Polypropolene thermal underwear are recommended for high altitude treks. Cotton underwear for lower altitude treks, as it may be hot during the day.

Socks: Socks that wick moisture away (not cotton). Thorlo makes great trekking socks.

Sunglasses: Essential on all treks. Adequate UV protection is needed, especially at higher altitudes.

Light Gloves: For cool mornings and nights.

Sun Hat / Cap: To keep the sun off the face while trekking.

Warm Hat: Used for cool mornings and nights.

Water Bottle: It is essential that you drink water throughout the day. Two quart size sturdy plastic bottles would be best, with leak proof tops. No bike water bottles. Your water bottles will be filled at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bottles need to be able to withstand boiling water. You can get bottles at camping stores. Powder sports drinks may be good to add to the water if Iodine is used to purify the water.

Flash Light / Head Lamp: With spare batteries and bulb. Head lamps are recommended to free up hands.

Clothes Line Cord: Useful for hanging wet clothes to dry between the tents at camp.

Wallet / Money Belt: A money belt is ideal to carry money. Your airline ticket and passport will be kept in a safe at the trekking office in Kathmandu while on the trek.

Plastic Bags: Large, sturdy trash bags to line the duffel bag and sleeping bag (having dry clothes and a dry sleeping bag at camp is great!). Ziplock bags and small trash bags are useful to separate clean and dirty clothes, as wells as to stay organized.

Small Towel / Washcloth: The towel is used for washing your hair in rivers, and a washcloth is used your daily sponge baths during the trek.

Sun Screen: A high SPF is recommended 15 to 25 SPF or higher. Remember that the sun is very strong in the mountains, and we walk for hours every day in the sun.

Personal Medical Kit: Bring any medication and prescriptions you anticipate using. Medicine for cough, cold, and headaches, anti-inflammatory, or any prescription medicine you may need. Bandages, mole skin for blisters, and first aid cream. Immodium and Pepto-Bismol tablets are great for upset stomach. Vitamins and throat lozengers are also good to bring. The trek leader will bring an emergency medical kit with any necessary medications. Antibiotics are available over the counter in Kathmandu, which are used for stomach problems you may encounter during the trek.

Personal Hygiene Items: Toiletries should be carried in leak proof containers. You might want to duck tape your bottles as they may leak during the flights and while trekking.

Toilet Paper: One roll of Scott 1,000 sheet brand is recommended. The Asian quality tends to be "scratchy".

Iodine Tablets: For water purification.

Biodegradable Soap: Used for washing clothes if necessary during the trek.

Extra Glasses or Contact Lenses (for those who wear them): Disposable contact lenses are preferred for trekking.

Insect Repellant: Useful while rafting and visiting Chitwan National Park.

Walking Stick: A collapsible walking stick or ski pole may be very useful.

Camera, Film, Spare Batteries for Camera: To capture the stunning views of the Himalayas....and anything else you want to remember.

Journal and Pen: To capture all experiences while in Nepal. Remember to always put the journal in a ziplack bag, in case we encounter rain.

Snacks: Chocolate bars, power bars, trail mix, nuts, crystal lite drink mix.....these are a few favorites of past trekkers.

Nepalese Phrasebook: For daily interactions with the local trekking staff and people we meet in villages during the trek.

Note:
Remember to pack efficiently. Your personal equipment will be carried by porters or pack animals. Try not to bring excess clothing and equipment. Items that are not needed on the trek can be stored and locked at your hotel in Kathmandu.

We will be happy to answer any questions and to provide recommendations for personal equipment and gear.

EQUIPMENT THAT IS PROVIDED BY US DURING THE TREK:

Two Man Tents: these tents have a rain fly as well as a sewn in ground sheet. Ample for two people.
Mess Tent: you will be dining in our rain proof mess tents in the evening.
Toilet Tent: will be put up at the camp sight and taken down after breakfast the next day.
All Cooking Equipment: food, kerosene fuel for preparing our meals, plates & eating utensils, and water purifiers.
2 Inch Foam Mattress: for sleeping at camp.