What gear do I need for a trek in Nepal?:
Your gear list will depend on where/when you trek, how high you go, if you are doing a camping trek or a lodge-trek, and the duration of your trek. Below is a list that would apply for a two-to-three-week camping/lodge trek up to 5,500 meters/18,100 feet.
Packing List
- 1 duffel bag
- 1 large plastic bag to line duffel (in case of rain, it is good to double layer)
- 1 day pack (20 – 30 liters)
- Well broken-in sturdy boots for trekking (water resistant highly recommended)
- 1 pair gaiters (if your trek involves pass crossing or is a Winter trek)
- 1 pair yak trax (if your trek involves pass crossing or is a Winter trek)
- Additional pair of shoes for evening lounging around (running shoes work well)
- 1 set rain gear (water resistant pants and Gore-Tex jacket works best)
- 1 sleeping bag (rated to 0-degree F). If trekking lower than lower than 12,000 feet, bring something lighter.
- 1 pair long shorts or capris for hiking (must at least be knee length)
- 2 pair long pants, synthetic and breathable
- 4 pairs wool hiking socks
- 2 pairs socks for camp shoes for evening warmth and comfort
- 3 T-shirts or short sleeved shirts (fast drying – polypro or similar)
- 1 long sleeved shirt
- 3 pair underwear
- 1 fleece or warm jacket
- 1 pair gloves or mittens
- 1 warm hat (you may trek and/or sleep in this)
- Several large zip lock bags to help organize your clothes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or more
- 1 wide-brim sun/rain hat or visor
- 1 headlamp with extra batteries & bulb (one with red light is recommended)
- 1 pocket-knife (Optional)
- 2 water bottles (at least one must be wide mouth bottle)
- 1 pair trekking poles (optional, but recommended)
- 1 pair long underwear
- 1 pair warm pants (long)
- 1 wool shirt (long sleeved)
- 1 down jacket
- Ear plugs (for use in lodges which can be noisy)
- 1 buff for protection against dust on the trail. (Can be purchased cheaply in Nepal too).
Personal Hygiene
- 2 rolls toilet paper or 10-12 packs mini-tissues
- 1 toothbrush & toothpaste
- 1 bar of soap or liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s works well for laundry, shampoo, etc.)
- 1 quick-dry travel towel
- 1 hand sanitizer
- 1 packet wet-tissues
First Aid Kit (Please consult your physician for additional medications)
- Moleskin for blisters
- Assorted Band-Aids
- Aspirin or Tylenol for headaches or other pain (with codeine if your doctor approves)
- Antihistamine for runny nose (Actifed or Sudafed are OK)
- Pepto Bismol (liquid or tablets for upset stomach or diarrhea)
- Throat lozenges
- 1 Chap stick or Blistex or similar (with SPF is preferred)
- Anti-diarrhea tablets (Imodium etc.)
- Laxatives and fiber supplements
- Motion sickness medication (if you tend to get car sick)
Crystal Mountain Treks will provide 0-degree F rated sleeping bags, duffel bags and down jackets for no charge for use on the treks.
Additional Information about Gear items
- Duffel Bag: Your porter will carry your gear, so it must be in a sturdy duffel bag. These can get rough treatment from both air/vehicle travel and the porters, so quality is important. Military Surplus bags are a good choice. The bag should be sturdy and have a strong zipper. Ones with zippers along the long axis (not on the end) are much more convenient to use. Do not bring a duffel bag with an internal frame or with wheels, since these limit the porter’s ability to tie them together for their load. Get a large size (at least 4600 cu in.). For the trek, your sleeping bag must fit in your duffel along with all your clothes. Please try to keep your duffel bag under 15 Kilos/33 lbs. per person.
- Trekking Shoes or Boots: You will be trekking up or down as much as 3,000 feet each day. Proper ankle support is necessary. Some Nepal trekkers are wearing running shoes or low-cut lightweight footwear. We recommend against this and feel that it is very important for you to wear a boot that supports your ankle. Vibram-lug sole hiking boots are recommended. If your boots self-destruct while you’re trekking, you’re in trouble. Skip bargains and purchase a reputable brand from a store that specializes in hiking gear. The most important thing about your boots is that they fit well and are broken in. Do not come on the trek with brand new boots. If you need new boots get them now and wear them around the house and out hiking as much as you can between now and the trek. You can easily carry a second pair of footwear in your duffel and not exceed your weight limit. Running shoes do make good camp shoes.
- Rain Gear: Please do not go cheap on rain gear. Gore-Tex™ or equivalent material is recommended. Jacket and pants to keep all of you dry are a must. Bring a small pack cover for your daypack. Line your duffel with a large trash bag; pack items in your duffel in smaller Ziploc bags.
- Plastic Bags: Plan for wet conditions if your trek is scheduled for April-September. We recommend added protection against wet gear by putting everything in both your duffel and day pack inside plastic bags. Wrap your sleeping bag in one. Have one for your socks, one for your underwear, one for shirts, etc.
- Fiber and Bowels: Many trekkers suffer from bowel problems due to lack of roughage in trek diets. Consider bringing enough of your favorite fiber supplement (bran, Metamucil) to add a tablespoon daily to your hot cereal or breakfast food.
- Snacks and supplements: It’s always a good idea to bring your favorite energy bars (Clif/Luna etc.) and trail mix so you have something to snack on as you will be pushing your body to the limits. Multi-vitamins are also recommended while on treks.
- Day Pack: You will wind up carrying more than you anticipate especially if you have camera gear. The pack should not weigh more than 5 kilos/11 lbs. with gear, unless you plan to bring a lot of heavy camera equipment. Bring a daypack that is comfortable for you, preferably with waist straps. The day pack will need to accommodate: rain gear, water bottle, jacket or sweater, camera gear, and anything else you may want during the day. You will not have access to your duffel during the day.
- Pants, Shorts, Tops: Hiking in jeans or cotton pants is highly discouraged. If wet, these become heavy and will be slow to dry. Pants and shirts made out of quick drying, technical fabric are suggested. Short shorts are not appropriate, particularly when visiting temples and monasteries.
- Water Bottles: Bring at least two 1-liter bottles. Of these one should be a wide mouth Nalgene bottle. The other one can be a narrow mouth bottle or a hydration system. The wide-mouth bottle will allow for water purification with a Steripen.
- First aid Kit: The guide will carry a basic medical kit with Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, decongestants, lozenges, antibiotics, Diamox, antiseptic, antihistamine cream, oral rehydration and band-aids. You should bring any personal medicines that you need.
Your comfort and safety depend on the adequacy and quality of your equipment.
