Equipment and Accessories packing list
If you have decided to undertake a trekking expedition in Nepal, it is imperative that you fully prepare for your adventure. As a trekking and adventure travel company, we frequently receive inquiries from our trekkers, with one of the most common questions being about what items to bring or how to prepare a comprehensive packing list for their trek. To assist in this endeavor and provide thorough guidance, we Iconic Himalaya Adventure team has developed a detailed packing list that will be advantageous for all trekkers venturing into the Himalayas, ensuring a successful hiking experience.
When preparing for a trek or organizing your packing, it is beneficial to adopt a systematic approach, either beginning from head to toe or vice versa. This methodical strategy minimizes the risk of overlooking essential items. We encourage trekkers to proceed step by step to guarantee a comprehensive and organized packing experience. Our recommendations are derived from our extensive experience. Below are the essentials required for any basic trek in Nepal
Bag pack
For the trek, bringing a backpack with comfortable features and adjustable straps is crucial. For a week-long trek, a capacity of 40 to 60 liters is typically adequate. Ensure the backpack includes effective hip belts, shoulder support, ample pockets, and a design that allows for quick accessibility of your items and ventilated back panels to enhance comfort during daily use.
Additionally, selecting an appropriately sized and fitted backpack enables you to carry all necessary items while maintaining comfort and mobility. Minor adjustments can significantly improve usability, ensuring that your backpack collaborates with your movements rather than hindering them.
Daypack: All trekkers are advised to consider the significance of a daypack, as it will prove to be an invaluable asset during the trek. It is important to note that you will not be required to carry your backpack every day; therefore, for day excursions, shorter hikes, and sightseeing activities, a daypack will facilitate the transportation of your belongings.
Footwear
Trekking Shoes: Whether you’re trekking in the hills of the Kathmandu Valley or climbing into the high Himalayas, trekking boots will be your most important pieces of equipment here in Nepal. We recommend choosing waterproof boots that provide high ankle support, are lightweight, warm, and comfortable. Mid-cut or high-cut shoes are particularly suitable for adventure activities, including approaches, extended treks, and casual day hikes. And it’s a good idea to break them in before you start your trek in the Himalayas. While boots with a high, padded collar are best for supporting your ankles, some trekkers prefer trekking shoes that are lighter and may be even more comfortable.
Hiking Sandals/Sneakers: These footwear options can be utilized during the non-trekking hours of the morning and evening or while at hotels and camps. They serve as a comfortable alternative, allowing the feet to rest from heavier boots. Additionally, hiking sandals or sneakers can be advantageous for safely crossing streams and rivers, providing greater comfort and safety compared to going barefoot or getting boots wet.
Clothing’s
Jacket: A warm jacket is essential for cold weather. Choose a jacket that is waterproof and windproof and provides good insulation.
Fleece or hoodie: Fleece jackets or hoodies serve as excellent mid-layer options for maintaining warmth. It is recommended to bring at least two, as they can also function as additional layers during nighttime.
Trekking pants: Consider acquiring long pants made from a nylon blend that are waterproof, windproof, lightweight, and quick-drying. Warm alternatives such as fleece-lined tracksuit pants or specialized hiking pants are advised.
T-shirts: We recommend opting for quick-drying T-shirts constructed from breathable and moisture-wicking materials. This choice will aid in keeping you cool and dry during your trekking activities.
Long-sleeve shirts: A long-sleeve shirt can serve as an effective base layer on colder days or while traversing high passes.
Thermals (upper and lower): While you’ll be staying at warm and comfortable guesthouses during your trek in Nepal, there’s no denying that nights in the mountains are cold. At Iconic Himalaya Adventure, we recommend bringing at least one thermal top-and-bottom outfit on your trek. Also known as base layers or long johns, a good pair of thermals will trap your body heat and keep you warm. As usual, we recommend going with wool fabric for your base layer, but some good polyester-based options are also available.
Hand gloves: A pair of lightweight gloves is essential for keeping your hands will being exposed to cold mountain winds when you hike in the Himalayas, particularly if you’re using trekking poles. This is especially true of those treks in Nepal that rise into real mountain territory above 4,000 or 5,000 meters in elevation. A sturdy pair of gloves will keep your hands warm without sacrificing your ability to grip your trekking poles. While they aren’t necessary for every trek in Nepal, consider specialized mountaineering gloves if you expect to be doing any climbing or scrambling.
Buff/neck gaiter: Wearing a buff, neck gaiter, or scarf around your face and neck will protect you from the worst of the cold mountain winds, not to mention the dusty road conditions that you’ll find at lower elevations here in Nepal. You probably won’t need this for the entirety of your trek, but it’s a great piece of gear to wear around your neck and pull up whenever you need it. These useful products are made of both synthetic fabric and wool, and they can be purchased at most outdoor retailers.
Beanie Cap: A beanie is a valuable item for colder and windy days; it is recommended to carry at least one. It can also be used at night when temperatures drop significantly.
Hiking Hat: While sunglasses will protect your eyes when you’re trekking in Nepal, you’re going to want something to keep the sun from the rest of your face. A good sun hat is an important part of every trekker’s kit, particularly as you hike through Nepal’s sunny, subtropical lowlands and climb to its high-elevation trails well above the clouds. While any wide-brimmed hat is a good choice, you might consider a hat with a high UPF rating. These hats are made of ultraviolet protection fabric, and they’re a good choice for travelers whose skin burns easily.
Socks: During your trek in Nepal, you’ll rely on hiking socks and liners to keep your feet warm and to protect them from blisters. While you’ll find synthetic hiking socks on the market, we recommend choosing socks made of wool: it’s more comfortable, regulates temperature more efficiently, and doesn’t tend to get too smelly. When choosing your hiking socks and liners, you should also think about the shoes you’ll be wearing: you’ll want to make sure that your socks rise above the ankle of your shoes or boots to avoid chafing.
Rain cover/poncho: A rain cover or poncho is essential for keeping both you and your gear dry in the event of unexpected rainfall or snowfall.
Sleeping bag & liner:
Most treks in Nepal involve comfortable accommodations at family-owned guesthouses, where you’ll be treated to a clean bed and some blankets to keep you warm. But the nights of the high Himalaya can be very cold, and you’ll want to bring your own sleeping bag that’s rated to -20 degrees Celsius to withstand the worst weather. If you can’t bring your own, Iconic Himalaya Adventure will provide you ensuring a better sleep experience on the trek. Either way, consider bringing your own sleeping bag liner: in addition to helping with any hygienic concerns, these can add some extra warmth to your bag.
Gadgets & Accessories
Sunglasses (UV protected): During your trek in Nepal, you’ll climb into high-altitude environments where the sun shines brightly, even in winter. This strong sunlight can also be reflected from the Himalayan snow, and it’s important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Sunglasses with side shields are especially useful, as they’ll also protect your peripheral vision from these damaging ultraviolet rays. While you can purchase sunglasses at a variety of retailers, we recommend looking for products rated for skiing or mountaineering in order to ensure the best possible quality.
Trekking pole: While some travelers prefer to hike without the benefit of trekking poles, there’s no denying that a sturdy set of these professional walking sticks will grant you some extra stability as you traverse the steep and sometimes slippery trails of the Himalayas. While it’s possible to purchase your own trekking poles in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or elsewhere in Nepal, many of our returning clients prefer to bring their own pair with them. One thing to remember is that most airlines will not allow you to bring trekking poles as part of your carry-on baggage, so be prepared to stow them when you fly.
Headlamp: When the sun sets over the little mountain villages of the Himalayas, you might be surprised at just how dark the nighttime really is. Some of your overnight guesthouses may also have intermittent electricity, and you’ll need to be able to illuminate your surroundings while you’re unpacking from the day’s hike or looking for the toilet in the middle of the night. And on some treks in Nepal, we’ll even hit the trail before the day has fully dawned. In these circumstances, it’s important to bring a good flashlight or headlamp so that you can safely find your way.
Toiletry kit: It is recommended to carry a compact toiletry kit containing personal hygiene items, including a toothbrush and toothpaste, lip gloss/salve, Nail clipper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, biodegradable soap, and toilet paper.
Water bottles: Maintaining proper hydration is vital, thus, it is essential to bring at least two one-liter water bottles to ensure a sufficient water supply.
Power Bank, Camera, and Spare Battery: A power bank and spare battery for your camera are indispensable for capturing moments and ensuring your electronic devices remain charged throughout your outdoor activities.
Compass & Trek Map: Compass is a key navigational tool for trekkers, providing direction by indicating magnetic north. It aids in orienting oneself in unfamiliar territories, ensuring hikers stay on course. Maps, specifically trek maps, offer detailed insights into geographical features, including trails, elevation changes, and points of interest. Together, a compass and maps are invaluable for effective route planning, fostering a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
2/3 plastic covers to keep your wet or used clothes: Plastic bags are useful for keeping wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest of your belongings. They can also be used to pack out any trash or waste you generate during the trek.
Books/ Note: A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes and some books or e-books of your interest that pass the time and travel.
Energy bars
When engaging in trekking, particularly at high altitudes, it is essential to increase your intake of carbohydrates and vitamins. Consequently, we recommend that our clients consider incorporating energy bars into their diets. These bars are advantageous as they provide a significant source of energy, which is crucial during treks, and they serve as a convenient option for replenishing energy levels when needed.
First aid kit
Below is a list of common medications and supplies you may need for your adventure trip. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor before acquiring or using any of these items:
- Antiseptic Towels or Water Syringe: For cleaning wounds.
- Butterfly Bandages: Suitable for small cuts.
- Sterile Gauze Pads and Bandages: Include both cotton and elastic varieties for larger wounds.
- Latex Gloves: To use when dealing with bleeding wounds.
- Diarrhea Medication: For managing an upset stomach.
- Cold, Flu, and Fever Medication: To relieve headaches and other discomforts.
- Pain Relievers: Have some painkillers on hand.
- ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) Pouches: To prevent dehydration.
- Quick Pain Relief Spray: For external use to alleviate pain.
- Personal Medications: Any prescriptions provided by your doctor.
- Diamox or Similar Medications: For altitude sickness.
Note: Please consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medications.