What to bring when visiting Nepal for Trekking?

Nepal is a mountainous country which dominated the northern part of Nepal. the mountain region or the Himalayas are often referred as Parbat and consists of almost 16% of Nepal’s total land area. The Himalayan region that exceeds from the east to west is one of the primary reasons for popularity of trekking and expedition activities.

Due to the availability of various trekking routes in different regions Nepal has been one of the favorite countries to visit, explore and witness the majesty of nature. The trekking region of Nepal includes the infamous Everest region which is the primary attraction because of the presence of the world highest mountain known as Mount Everest or Sagarmatha.

Besides the tallest mountain, Nepal is also home to seven of the world highest peaks among the 14 tallest peaks of the world. The eight tallest peaks include Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Annapurna.

These eight thousand provide an excellent destination for exploring the Himalayan region and trekking through the rugged off beaten trails is once in a lifetime opportunity. Similarly, the trekking regions that let visitors immerse in this kind of experience are the Annapurna region, Everest region, Langtang region, Manaslu region, far western region, Mustang region, Eastern Nepal region, Ganesh Himal region and many more.

While some of these regions are strenuous and many are easy, there is always a concern about the packing list for Trekking in Nepal. While all of the equipment and gear can be purchased in Nepal it can be very expensive and not suitable for those on a budget. Similarly, the idea of purchasing equipment in a different country will not give individual the idea of the cost. On the other hand, individuals may leave behind the equipment which they might already posses and may need to buy again in Nepal. This will also mark as unnecessary cost. So, trekkers and explorers must understand the list of items to bring from their home country in order to take on the trekking route.

What Trekking Planner Nepal provides?

First of all, before packing your bag for the trek you should understand what your trekking agency provides you in complementary. While most of the trekking agency provide minimum items for the trek and many needs to be arranged by themselves some companies including Nepal Trekking Planner provide good quality things which comes handy during the trek. These items are provided free of cost with the purpose of cost cutting for the clients that can be very helpful for those on a budget.

Whether an individual or on a group, each and every member associated with Trekking Planner are provided with the same accessories without bias. The list of items provided by the company and is free of cost are listed below with short description:

• Duffle bag: One duffle bag for one individual which can adjust at least seventy liters and can adjust 25 kg weight with ease. (this duffle is marked ten kilograms because of the rules in the airport)
• Sleeping bag: one sleeping bag for one individual which is suitable for almost – 20 degrees Celsius.
• Down jacket: one jacket for one individual which can withstand -20 degrees temperature.
• T shirt and cap: A white t-shirt and a black cap with trekking planner logo.
• Trekking Poles: A pair of trekking poles are given to ease during the trek.
• Crampons: A pair of crampons are given which provides better grip on the snowy trail.
• Map: Map of the region is provided which can help individuals to navigate the trekking area.
• Saftey and first aid: Although not directly provided to the guests, every guide from trekking planner Nepal is provided with first aid box and medicines that are intended for individuals who might have medical emergencies during the trek.

What individuals need to bring for the trek?

Despite the above mentioned one you need to buy all the other things that one may require during the trek. While some are not that important and can be purchased in shops of Nepal others can vary and are very essential. So, it is better to bring items along rather than making the mind to arrange in Nepal. The items are classified as

1. Clothing
2. Sleeping gear
3. Food and water
4. Safety and first aid
5. Personal items/Sanitary items
6. Miscellaneous.

What should be on your bag and on your luggage?

First and foremost, before packing you will need a bag to put all your stuffs. Your luggage should be brought from your country with most of the stuffs that is required for the trek. You have to check with the airplane policy about the weight of your hand carry and luggage that is allowed while travelling towards Nepal.

Similarly, be sure to carry the bag pack which you are going to take on the trek. This backpack is where you are going to put your everyday essential items like snacks, extra batteries, power bank and more which should be readily available during the trek. The duffle bag on the other hand, are carried by the potter which you are going to hire in order to carry your gears, cloths and other items for the trek. Be sure you have kept your non-essential items (for that particular day) in the duffle bag as porters usually walk ahead.

Likewise, the bag pack should contain your other everyday items like camera, sunscreen, food and so on such that all your essentials will be with you and you wouldn’t need to pause the porter. Once all that is sorted here are the list of things that is required for your trek in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

Clothing

Cloths are the primary essentials for the trek and the most hectic part to pack. Not only the choice of cloth but also research on the persistent climatic condition of the region must be done to pack all the necessary items of clothing. Be sure to grab every item that is going to cover your full body including your eyes and mouth. The weather condition in the Himalayan region can be bad and the effects of cold temperature on the body is harsh so prepare set of cloths which can cover your full body. The list of items of cloths are given below:

Head

• Sun hat
• Balaclava
• Knit Hat
• Beanie
• Scarf/Neck buff
• Sunglasses/Snow glasses

Torso

Three layers of clothing is essential with base layer, middle layer and outer layer.

• Base layer: Thermals which are moisture wicking and breathable (at least two in number).
• Middle layer: These are the insulating layers that can be fleece or down jacket.
• Outer layer: the outer layers can be wind proof and water proof jackets (remember we do provide down jackets).

Lower Body

The items for lower body are also three layers which consists of

• Breathable under wears and undergarments (the quantity can vary upon the number of days of trek, at least 3 to 5 is recommended). 
• Sports bra for women
• Thermals which are used as inners that must be easy to wear, comfortable and breathable (two is sufficient)
• Hiking pants and hiking trousers that are waterproof, windproof and comfortable (two to three in number)

Hands

For covering your hand be sure to select gloves that are windproof. If the gloves are also waterproof then it is a plus point. Similarly, one pair of good quality gloves works just fine for the entire trek.

Feet

Be sure to select good quality of boots. A torn up or bad condition boot cannot sustain the walk as you will need to walk at least 6 hours per hour. With that in mind select comfortable and premium boots. Only one pair of boots is sufficient to finish the trek however if the quality of boot is not assuring be sure to grab another one. However, do remember if you carry two pair of boots it is going to increase your space in the luggage and it can also increase the weight.

For socks buy at least four pair of Marino wool or comfortable woolen socks, hiking socks, or liner socks. You do not need to bring crampons for the trek as Trekking planner Nepal provides a pair of crampons if necessary. 

Sleeping gear

The sleeping gear mainly depends upon the duration and location of the trek. If you are going for an expedition then you would require a tent. However, we are not asking you to carry a whole tent from your country. Such items can be prepared by the trekking company if one is intending to go for camping. During the trekking route you will sleep on a well-equipped accommodation place that provides good bed and blanket facilities. Ultimately it means you will not require much of the sleeping gear. However, there are some stuffs you may need to make your sleep comfortable, which are listed below:

• Ground Cloth
• Earplugs
• Eye Mask

Note: If one is planning for camping, be sure to inform Trekking Planner Nepal who can arrange the necessary camping gears like tents and tent stakes for free.

Food and water

• Food: Be sure to pack lightly but efficiently for the food. You can carry dry nuts and protein bars as quick snack for energy in the trek. You do not need foods in bulk as most of them can be bought while on the trek. Your breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available in the accommodation place.
• Water: Water bottles are expensive in the trek especially in the higher elevation. Whether you are on the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base camp trek you will need to drink at least six liters of water per day. So, in order to cut cost, you can carry water purifying tablets. You can get a packet of aqua tabs which consists of 50 tablets, a single tablet can purify a liter of water. Similarly, you can find water sources all around the trek then you can carry water bottles to get the water and purify it using the tablets. Likewise remember to carry water bottles with at least the capacity of 3 liters which are comfortable, lightweight and easy to carry.

Safety and first aid

All the safety gears and first aid material including common medicines are carried by the guide. So, you have nothing to worry about. However, we would like to mention that any prescription pills regarding your medical history should be brought yourself along with the prescription from the doctor or medical personnel. Be sure to carry the required amount during the trek. Other items like fast relief spray, cough syrup, lip balm, Vaseline and bandages can come handy.

Sanitation

Cleanliness during the trek is very important. Even though showers can be compromised many other items can help you get rid of the smelly and sweaty body. Especially for women who need to take extra care of hygiene, sanitary items are mandatory for long duration trek. Most of the Himalayan region are remote and items like sanitary pads, tissue, sanitizer, toilet paper are not readily available. So, you have to stock them up according to the total day of the trek. Some of the essential sanitation items for personal hygiene are as follows:

• Soap Bar
• Shampoo
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper
• Ziplock bags (not mandatory)
• Trash bags to collect garbage and waste
• Reuseable towel
• Sanitary pads and other menstrual products
• Dental hygiene kit like toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Sunscreen and insect repellant
• Small mirror

Electric accessories

You will need to bring some gadgets and accessories for the trek. While some are mandatory others are mostly essential. The list of electric accessories for the trek are as follows:

• Cell phone: Well, we all know why cell phone are used so we will not be going in detail about it. Just remember to carry your cell phone such that it gets protected from the cold temperature. As many cellphones turn off due to cold.
• Head torch/ Flashlight: Head torch is required if you have to travel at dawn and night. The path can be confusing and the presence of head torch can help you to locate the trail and helps with better visibility. Even if someone gets lost the flashlight can work to identify individuals or groups.
• Power banks: Electricity is costly in the trek, and charging in the teahouse can be hectic especially if you are in a group so it is important to carry power bank so that you can have uninterrupted supply of electricity during the trek.
• Batteries: Be sure to carry an extra set of batteries for your flashlight and camera so that you can charge one up and use the another one. This gives you the opportunity to use your devices without worrying about the charge and once you reach the teahouse you can charge them both for the next day.

Miscellaneous

• Passport and related documents
• Permits for protected region trekking
• Notepad (if you have a hobby of writing)
• Extra copies of passport sized photos
• Glues or Duct-tape
• Nepalese Cash
• Pee bottle/Pee funnel for women
• Pillowcase in case of allergies to new pillows

Table of Essential items to carry for trekking