We
will normally provide two person waterproof tents, foam mattresses,
and all cooking and eating utensils. You will need your own warm clothing,
walking shoes, sleeping bag and personal equipment. During the day
you will carry your camera, jacket, and water bottle in a rucksack.
The rest of your equipment, including your sleeping bag, will be carried
by porters.
All hiking will be on trails. You will not need any climbing equipment
such as ropes, ice axe, or crampons at any time during the trek. The
equipment check list that follows details the equipment you will need
for your trek. Most of these items are available for rent or sale
in Kathmandu, but all trekking equipment in Nepal is either used equipment
that was sold by other trekkers or mountaineering expeditions or locally
made reproductions of internationally known brands. The local rucksacks,
duffel bags and rain ponchos are inexpensive and will usually stand
up to the rigors of a trek or two. Don't be fooled into thinking that
you are getting a brand name item, however; most new looking rucksacks
available in the bazaar are made in Nepal from imported Korean nylon.
In Kathmandu casual clothes are the rule, unless you get invited to
a formal Nepal government or embassy reception.
Equipment
Check List:
Jeans or slacks
Towel and toilet kit
Underwear
Gloves or mittens
Sleeping bag, warm to 20 degrees F, either down
or fibrefill (or you can rent one inKathmandu)
Parka, down or fibrefill; a ski jacket is ok
Sweater, wool shirt or acrylic pile jacket.
Duffel bag, canvas or nylon, without a frame (for
porters to carry)
Daypack or rucksack, waterproof, for you to carry
Water bottle 1 litre or 1 quart; be sure that it does not leak.
Flashlight or headlamp, Walking shoes: either boots,
light hiking or running shoes, well broken in. As there may be
rain, mud or snow; boots are sometimes necessary therefore you
should bring them despite the extra hassle. Many times the entire
trek can be done in tennis shoes, but if there is snow, you run
the risk of frostbite, or at least cold feet if you do not have
boots. If your feet are small (size 10 or less), you can rent
boots in Kathmandu.
Hats, one with a brim for sun; one wool for cold
weather.
Sunglasses or goggles - very important for travel
above 12,000 feet. Absolutelyessential for Everest treks, optional
for Annapurna treks (though they may be necessary in December
and January when thereis snow).
Shorts - it may be warm during the day, especially
near Pokhara. You will probably not wear shorts on Everest treks.
Women should wear skirts instead of shorts.
Socks - two or three pairs thick wool or artificial
fibre.
Shirts - three are recommended: two T shirts and
one long sleeve shirt.
Pocket knife (Be sure this is packed in your checked
baggage to avoid hassles with airport security).
Rainwear - a poncho; or you can buy an Indian umbrella
in Kathmandu for about $2.
Slippers or sandals for campsite wear. Rubber "shower
shoes" are available in Kathmandu.