Trekking Kit and Equipment Check List

A crucial factor when compiling your kit list is weight. Porters may carry  15kg for each of two trekkers. This is also the baggage allowance allowed on small planes that fly to mountain airports. Kit should be carried in a soft (waterproof) duffle bag. In addition, you should carry a day pack with no more than 3-5kg: warm or waterproof gear, water, camera, hat and sunscreen (torch, book?). Don’t expect to be able to wash or dry cloths each day. Wear what you have on again: as everyone else does! Lodges with balconies or flat roofs all have washing lines: Include a few pegs. Use layers of clothing to add warmth – with an outer windproof/waterproof top.
Leave kit not required on the trek in a sealed bag in the storage room at your (any) hotel.


Clothes

  • Underwear

  • Thermal underwear on high altitude treks

  • Socks

  • Boots – with good treads and ankle support for long treks

  • Shoes – for use in lodges

  • Spare walking shoe laces

  • Shirts

  • Shorts

  • Long trousers

  • Track suit

  • Layers of warm tops (2-3)

  • Windproof jacket

  • Rain gear (top with hood – long pants can be useful)

  • Down jacket: for high altitude treks

  • Hat

  • Scarf and gloves: especially for high altitude treks

  • Dark glasses (particularly important for walking on snow).

Additional Items

  • Duffle bag and day pack (plus inner plastic bags for waterproofing)

  • Sunscreen

  • Toothbrush and paste, razor(?) ...

  • Soap – and a face cloth can be useful (with a bowl of warm water)

  • Small towel (quick drying)

  • Personal medication and bandages

  • Ankle/knee guards (if used)

  • Toilet paper (NB: only supplied in city hotels)

  • Tissues/handkerchiefs

  • Hiking poles (if used – and very helpful)

  • Spare shoe laces

  • Head torch (and spare batteries)

  • Book

  • Diary/notebook, pen/pencil


Kit is best packed in quiet plastic bags inside the duffle bag to ensure dryness (bring spare bags).

Short treks need less clothing; not less warmth!


Nepalese dress codes and etiquette

Nepali people are conservative in dress and it is frowned upon to show an excess of skin (and especially nudity; never plunge nude into a river). An excess of affection in public is also frowned upon.
Always wear a top and refrain from short shorts.
When visiting temples, monasteries and homes, wear long trousers or a skirt, shirt or blouse (with a scarf if it has shoulder straps) and remove your shoes before entering.
Cows are sacred to Hindus: so also remove leather belts and other leather items before entering a Hindu Temple (apply this to Buddhist temples as well.)
Don’t point the soles of your feet at a person or deity when sitting. It is disrespectful to pat a child (especially a young monk or nun) on the head. Speak calmly to others; raising your voice will only make matters worse. When giving or receiving money or a gift, use your right hand and touch that elbow with your left hand as a mark of respect. This courtesy is often extended to handing plates or cups...
Please do NOT encourage begging by giving pens, sweets, money etc. to children in villages. Rather give a donation to the village school.