Equipment List - Suggestions and Necessities

Clothing

Temperatures can vary from +28c in Kathmandu to -15c at our high points in the Khumbu. As we go up and down we will cache and retrieve non essential clothing and personal items. We do this in Kathmandu and at certain selected tea houses along the way to minimise weight and loads as we gain altitude. Although the weather is usually predictable and reliable in our fall treks, it is still necessary to prepare for sun exposure, rain, wind, cold, snow and severe storms.

Layering, with moisture wicking base layer fabrics at skin level, breathable mid layers and outer layers for warmth, wind and precipitation is the best way to plan your clothing and prepare for each day's trek. 

Trekkers from more affluent countries often go out and buy expensive high quality fashionable hiking gear. This is up to you but not really needed. Good hiking boots and footwear are very important. A good rain and wind shell is also critical.

Trekking in the Khumbu is not a fashion show, the trail is dusty and often muddy. We share the trails with pack animals that are not shy about where they relieve themselves. We see many trekkers with very nice bright, expensive high fashionable clothes at the start of the trek and by the final days their expensive gear is dirty, wrinkled and looks like grubby old cloths. You don’t need to spend a fortune. Inexpensive knock offs that you can buy or rent cheaply in Kathmandu will last for the trip and can be discarded or donated at the end if you don’t want them for home. Save your money for unique things you find for gifts and memories. Finding the bargains in Kathmandu is part of the fun and experience. 

We will supply a waterproof North Face duffel style bag for your trek. Your suitcase and non trekking belongings will remain safely in Kathmandu.

Needed

  • Gore-Tex (or equivalent) water / wind proof jacket
  • Polar fleece jacket (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
  • A change of clothes
    • 3 long sleeve merino/polar fleece shirts
    • 2 Long Trekking Pants (synthetic and convertible are best) (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
    • 1 Long underwear
  • Toque & full brim hat (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
    •  full brim hat is important as a shield from the sun
  • Gloves (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
  • Pair of down gloves for the colder days
  • Face scarf or surgical/dust masks, balaclava (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
    •  these are important to help with the dust

Footwear

  • Sturdy Hiking boots (1/2 shank or better)
  • Trekking poles (can be purchased in Kathmandu)
  • Wool socks (3 pair)
  • Tevas or sandals for lodge wear

Nice to haves

  • Down jacket (can be purchased used in Kathmandu for ¼ the price)
  • Hotshot hand warmer packets
  • Skin Moisturizer
  • A few nibblies and candy favourites from home. 

Personal Equipment

Needed

  • Daypack 25-40 litres (not more than 50 litres can be purchased in Kathmandu) – pack cover in case of rain
  • Water Bottle(s) or Camel Back - Expect to drink 3-4 liters of fluids per day
  • Camera (extra batteries/memory cards)
  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm 40-60 spf
  • Trail mix, Beef Jerky
    •  candy bars, throat lozenges, nuts & dried fruits and treats are all available in Kathmandu
  • Sleeping Bag (-10 to -20)
    •  can be rented in Kathmandu for small daily fee. (Teahouses supply quilts at night). 
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Sunglasses - UV protected
  • Pristine water purification drops - or other equivalent
  • Pillow Case
  • Ear Plugs
  • Toilet paper
  • Drink Crystals (singles recommended)
  • Pack towel
  • Toiletries kit (basic one – no makeup)
  • Ear buds and music

In Addition

  • Stuff sacks (to organise and cache clothes and supplies)
  • Swiss Army knife (kept in checked luggage on planes)
  • Matches and lighter (purchased in Kathmandu)
  • Zip-lock bags
  • Money pockets (lots of pockets are useful)
  • Notebook and pens
  • Binoculars - not a necessity but can be handy
  • Camera gear
  • Solar Charger - not necessary but can be handy

Misc Items

  • Medicines - Personal
  • 1lb Coffee, powdered milk, sugar
    • We brew fresh Melita Drip coffee each morning for breakfast. If you like coffee, bring a pound. It’s a pot luck each morning for the coffee drinkers

Buy in Kathmandu

  • Baby Wipes
  • Hand Sanitiser