Equipment Guides

Clothing for Kathmandu: 
Informal clothing is all that is required. Remember to dress in a modest fashion. Light clothing is usually all that will be required for most of the year. During the winter months, December to February, it will be chilly in the early mornings and evenings. A warm fleece or similar jacket will be required. Do bring along a swimming costume as our hotel in Kathmandu has a swimming pool.

Gears you need During Trekking:

4 seasons Sleeping bag (we provide one if you need but is to be returned after the trek).

Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 liters) (we can provide one).

Down Jacket (we provide one if you need one but is to be returned after the trek).

Daypack (25-30 liters).

Feet:

Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woolen) to be worn over liner socks.

Trekking Boots: 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu. Remember it is your feet that will be doing all the work. We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cardura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are well broken in before leaving home.

Gaiters (seasonal): 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary. Highly recommended for keeping snow from getting inside your boots. They will also help keep the bottom of trousers clean on muddy trails. They can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu.

Sandals (optional): A pair of running shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the lodge after the day’s trekking.

Lower Body – Legs:

Hiking Shorts (2): Quick drying type, not cotton.

Trekking Pants (2): Preferably with zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.

Lightweight underwear : Capilene or other synthetic.

Soft shell pants : Synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable. 

Hard shell pants: Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day. 

Cotton pants or (loose jeans/khakis). 

Upper Core Body T-Shirts:

For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests.

Thermal Underwear: Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long sleeved vests are essential for trips departing November through March. Highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear. 

Waterproof Jacket:  Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is required. Ensure that it is about mid-thigh length, with large pockets and has a full-length zip, tight and expedition weight thermal tops.

Fleece jacket or pullover. 

Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional). 

Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket. 

2 women sports bras, Synthetic.

Swimsuit for women (optional).

Hands:

1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.

1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool). 

1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry. 

Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).