Trekking in Nepal means being subjected to the harsh environment
of the Himalayas, so trekkers who wish to see these great giants
up-close need to be well prepared.
There are few things that trekkers can equip themselves with to be prepared for the challenge ahead. In the clothing and gears department, smart choices need to be made to have a comfortable and great experience, so here's what you will need!
T-shirts and Shirts -
Versatile layering is the answer for trekking in Nepal. You'll be wearing multiple but light layers of clothing as it'll help you move around comfortably, and is easier to put on or take off as per your need on the trek.
Trekkers usually wear half-sleeved shirts for most of the time at the start of the trek. But it's better to get full-sleeved ones with a collar to avoid sunburn.
Get shirts/t-shirts that will absorb all the sweat and moisture and is breathable but also dries quickly. You don't want to get a cold from your own sweat!
Trousers, Shorts and Skirts -
For trekking in Nepal, long trousers with zip-offs are of great use as they double up as shorts, which can be useful throughout the day and are also windproof and/or waterproof. Also, they are comfortable and dry quick after a wash. If possible, buy one with zippered pockets, so your wallet and cell phone don't fall off!
For nights, you can change into thermal long johns with warm inner-wear. Also, these can be work during extremely cold days on the trek.
For ladies, skirts are great too when you have to do your business in the wild and there is no hidden spot in sight. Do wear tights underneath them, especially if you're wearing short ones, as you have to be considerate of the culture here and also be aware of the insects!
Long skirts and wrap-around skirts are handy too when you have to take a bath in a crowded stream with other trekkers and porters.
Note:
Don't wear very revealing or skimpy clothes! This goes for both men and women who are planning on trekking in Nepal. This part of the world is culturally sensitive, so respect peoples' views and beliefs. Plus, being covered protects you from getting sunburned!
Down Jacket or Fibre-Filled Jacket -
Weather is an unpredictable thing while trekking. It can get icy cold, windy, sunny and hot and can drizzle lightly or rain heavily in a single trek. The windproof and waterproof jackets are a must to bear these elements while on a trek in Nepal.
So, down jackets are going to be your best friend during the trek. They are light and compressible enough to carry in your backpack but are rather expensive. There are places in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar where you can rent down jackets.
You can switch down jackets with fibre-filled jackets which are less expensive but are a bit heavy and bulky. You can use these jackets as your pillow on the trek too, if need be.
Trekking Boots -
If don't have proper trekking shoes, your experience of trekking in Nepal, in short - will be HELL! So do get your hands on a really good pair of trekking boots.
Your trekking shoes should be waterproof and should have ankle support with a good grip for difficult treks, including trekking on snow, over scree and rocks. But for fairly easier treks like the Helambu Circuit Trek which has less harsh terrain, lightweight running shoes are excellent.
If your trekking shoes are new, then go for short hikes wearing them and wear them in before you go for the treks in Nepal.
You can also take some lightweight sneakers and/or sandals for walking around camp or when you have a rest day, as you may not want to wear those hot and heavy boots.
Finally, don't forget the spare laces!
Trekking Socks -
To protect your feet from blisters and frostbites on harsher terrains, socks are a must. So, you should have at least 2 - 3 pairs of cotton, woolen and linen socks each.
Be sure to try them on with your trekking shoes to see if they go well together or not (not the fashion, I'm talking about comfort here!).
Trust me when I say you don't want to be feeling uncomfortable even a bit when trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Hats and Gloves -
Hats are important to keep you warm in cold weather and can also protect you from sunburns. Get wide hats/sun-hats that will protect your ears and neck from the sun and the cold. You can get further protection with a scarf too. Also, hats can be switched with woolen beanies for cold nights.
It can get chilly and cold on the trek even during the day at higher elevations. So, some warm gloves with a waterproof outer shell can be your best friend. For cold nights on the trek and in winter, it's better to have a pair of mittens to protect your fingers and keep them warm.
Sunglasses or Goggles -
While trekking in Nepal, the sun can be quite harsh and so can the snow and the dusty winds, and too much exposure to strong sunlight or snow without sunglasses or goggles can induce headaches.
It is essential that you protect your eyes from getting infected and also prevent those headaches.
You may lose or break those sunglasses or goggles, so keep an extra pair safe in a hard or metal case in your backpack.
Sunscreen, Lip Balm and Cold Cream -
Sunscreen is a must! Getting sunburnt isn't pleasant, so put on sunscreen on all the exposed parts of the body.
Chapped lips and dry cracked skin is painful too. Keep those lip balms (possibly with SPF) and cold creams handy!
Towels -
Bring a towel that is light and thin, easy to wash and one that dries quickly. Get one for your personal use and one for wiping the dews that have settled on tents and/or sleeping bags.
Gaiters -
Gaiters are useful to keep your legs warm and protect it when walking on snow at higher altitudes while trekking. It also helps keep the legs and shoes clean on muddy trail during monsoon.
First-Aid Kit -
For your first-aid kit, make sure you have following items:
There are few things that trekkers can equip themselves with to be prepared for the challenge ahead. In the clothing and gears department, smart choices need to be made to have a comfortable and great experience, so here's what you will need!
T-shirts and Shirts -
Versatile layering is the answer for trekking in Nepal. You'll be wearing multiple but light layers of clothing as it'll help you move around comfortably, and is easier to put on or take off as per your need on the trek.
Trekkers usually wear half-sleeved shirts for most of the time at the start of the trek. But it's better to get full-sleeved ones with a collar to avoid sunburn.
Get shirts/t-shirts that will absorb all the sweat and moisture and is breathable but also dries quickly. You don't want to get a cold from your own sweat!
Trousers, Shorts and Skirts -
For trekking in Nepal, long trousers with zip-offs are of great use as they double up as shorts, which can be useful throughout the day and are also windproof and/or waterproof. Also, they are comfortable and dry quick after a wash. If possible, buy one with zippered pockets, so your wallet and cell phone don't fall off!
For nights, you can change into thermal long johns with warm inner-wear. Also, these can be work during extremely cold days on the trek.
For ladies, skirts are great too when you have to do your business in the wild and there is no hidden spot in sight. Do wear tights underneath them, especially if you're wearing short ones, as you have to be considerate of the culture here and also be aware of the insects!
Long skirts and wrap-around skirts are handy too when you have to take a bath in a crowded stream with other trekkers and porters.
Note:
Don't wear very revealing or skimpy clothes! This goes for both men and women who are planning on trekking in Nepal. This part of the world is culturally sensitive, so respect peoples' views and beliefs. Plus, being covered protects you from getting sunburned!
Down Jacket or Fibre-Filled Jacket -
Weather is an unpredictable thing while trekking. It can get icy cold, windy, sunny and hot and can drizzle lightly or rain heavily in a single trek. The windproof and waterproof jackets are a must to bear these elements while on a trek in Nepal.
So, down jackets are going to be your best friend during the trek. They are light and compressible enough to carry in your backpack but are rather expensive. There are places in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar where you can rent down jackets.
You can switch down jackets with fibre-filled jackets which are less expensive but are a bit heavy and bulky. You can use these jackets as your pillow on the trek too, if need be.
Trekking Boots -
If don't have proper trekking shoes, your experience of trekking in Nepal, in short - will be HELL! So do get your hands on a really good pair of trekking boots.
Your trekking shoes should be waterproof and should have ankle support with a good grip for difficult treks, including trekking on snow, over scree and rocks. But for fairly easier treks like the Helambu Circuit Trek which has less harsh terrain, lightweight running shoes are excellent.
If your trekking shoes are new, then go for short hikes wearing them and wear them in before you go for the treks in Nepal.
You can also take some lightweight sneakers and/or sandals for walking around camp or when you have a rest day, as you may not want to wear those hot and heavy boots.
Finally, don't forget the spare laces!
Trekking Socks -
To protect your feet from blisters and frostbites on harsher terrains, socks are a must. So, you should have at least 2 - 3 pairs of cotton, woolen and linen socks each.
Be sure to try them on with your trekking shoes to see if they go well together or not (not the fashion, I'm talking about comfort here!).
Trust me when I say you don't want to be feeling uncomfortable even a bit when trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Hats and Gloves -
Hats are important to keep you warm in cold weather and can also protect you from sunburns. Get wide hats/sun-hats that will protect your ears and neck from the sun and the cold. You can get further protection with a scarf too. Also, hats can be switched with woolen beanies for cold nights.
It can get chilly and cold on the trek even during the day at higher elevations. So, some warm gloves with a waterproof outer shell can be your best friend. For cold nights on the trek and in winter, it's better to have a pair of mittens to protect your fingers and keep them warm.
Sunglasses or Goggles -
While trekking in Nepal, the sun can be quite harsh and so can the snow and the dusty winds, and too much exposure to strong sunlight or snow without sunglasses or goggles can induce headaches.
It is essential that you protect your eyes from getting infected and also prevent those headaches.
You may lose or break those sunglasses or goggles, so keep an extra pair safe in a hard or metal case in your backpack.
Sunscreen, Lip Balm and Cold Cream -
Sunscreen is a must! Getting sunburnt isn't pleasant, so put on sunscreen on all the exposed parts of the body.
Chapped lips and dry cracked skin is painful too. Keep those lip balms (possibly with SPF) and cold creams handy!
Towels -
Bring a towel that is light and thin, easy to wash and one that dries quickly. Get one for your personal use and one for wiping the dews that have settled on tents and/or sleeping bags.
Gaiters -
Gaiters are useful to keep your legs warm and protect it when walking on snow at higher altitudes while trekking. It also helps keep the legs and shoes clean on muddy trail during monsoon.
First-Aid Kit -
For your first-aid kit, make sure you have following items:
- Water Purification tablets
- Diamox for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
- Painkillers
- Medicines for diarrhea, constipation, skin, eye and ear problems
- Tapes
- Bandages
- Aspirin
- Anti-allergic cream
- Anti-septic cream
- Salt for leeches
- Safety pins (several creative uses)
- Anti-bacterial gel (to keep those clean hands EXTRA clean)
- Pocket knife and/or scissors
- Padlock (for locking up your room in a lodge)
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars (for those with poor eyesight)
- Umbrella (for those who hate rain)
- Stove (for those going hardcore in the wild)
- Tweezers (in case you need to get splinters or thorns out of you)
- Sewing needle and thread (if duct tape doesn't cut it!)
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