Before you start shopping and packing for the Himalayan High Altitude Trek , equipments and gears may be the difference between an enjoyable and a miserable trek in any trekking trail, be it Everest region Sikkim Region, Darjeeling Region or Annapurna region or other trails. It is suggested that you carry minimum possible trekking equipments, gears and clothing while trekking and leave your valuables such as jewelries back in your home. Pay attention to the limit of the weight of your luggage and avoid unnecessary equipments yet be prepared for the changing weather conditions along the varying elevations, subjective to the season of your trek. It is to be understood that the following list of equipments and gears is a general guideline for the trekkers and the precise list of equipment matches to the list mentioned below, only to differ on the basis of season and trek duration. Personal items are subject to the matter of individual interest and choice. Save these images to get a clear idea about what you need to take along. Save these images we have listed bellow for easy access when you’re working out.
Backpack :
A backpack (-10 C) (50 - 60 ltr) with multiple-compartments will surely help you to keep your personal belongings safe and organized a good quality haversack as to make all things to fit in one it must be comfortable while walking with it Sleeping bag. Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep your all the gear and this will be carried by the porters. Daypack for yourself.
General Gears and Clothing :
- Duffel bags or Rucksack (rugged and waterproof duffels are preferable)
- Daypack (25-30 liters)
- Sleeping bags (4 seasons sleeping bag)
- Down Jacket
Upper Body Clothing :
- T-shirts or Shirts (synthetic t-shirts that absorb sweat are preferred)
- Base Layer or thermal inner-wears (synthetic long johns) and Mid-Layer (additional warm layer wool sweater, fleece or jacket that can be worn with other layers) clothing
- Waterproof jacket (nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood, about mid-thigh in length, full length zip light and expedition weight thermal tops)
- Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
- Breathable and waterproof Shell Jacket
- Casual clothing (for travel/meals, sweatshirt or light jacket for evening may be preferable)
Lower Body Clothing :
- Climbing/Trekking Pants (that allows freedom of movement and/or stretch, breathable and synthetic fabric)
- Long Trekking pants (preferably that zip on/off at the knees)
- Hiking shorts for warm weather (not cotton)
- Lightweight long underwear (capilene or other synthetic)
- Soft shell pants (synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable)
- Hard shell pants (waterproof and breathable, easier to put on pver boots without getting undressed)
- Cotton Pants
Hands :
- Fleece gloves
- Warm mittens and/or gloves
- Liner gloves (thin wool or synthetic for mild days or as a base layers inside other gloves for additional warmth)
- Instant hand warmers (optional)
Feet :
- Lightweight Shoes (Running/tennis shoes for camp, around town, etc)
- Trekking Boots (Medium-weight trekking boots preferably Gore-Tex/Codura style, waterproof and broken-in)
- Gaiters (seasonal): To keep snow, mud, dust and rocks out of your hiking boots
- Sandals (optional)
- Socks (liner socks, synthetic and heavy weight woolen socks to be worn over liner socks)
Head / Eyes / Ears :
- Shade hat or baseball cap (draping a bandana or head scarf down the back of their head below the cap may be preferred by some)
- Warm Wool or synthetic hat
- Glacier glasses with UV protection, side shields and hard-sided storage case
- Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
- Neck warmer and Ear Muffs (optional)
Medical and First-Aid Kits :
- Personal first-aid kit with blister treatment such as mole skin, band aids, ointment, etc.
- Antibiotic for upper respiratory problems
- Antibiotic for Gastrointestinal problems
- Diamox for acclimatization
- Extra strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Asthma medication, if any history of such
- Toiletries and Personal Hygiene
- Quick drying towel, toothpaste, brush (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap or handwash
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizers
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Optional (Luxuries)
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Reading materials, Pen and pencil, journal & notebooks, binoculars, Travel map or guide book
- Favourite snack food
- Sleeping bag liner
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for women to avoid getting up for chilly late night trip in case of nature call
- Miscellaneous Items
- Luggage locks
- Plastic garbage bags, refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen (SPF 40 recommended)
- Lip balm (SPF 20 recommended)
- Water purification tablets or Polar-pure crystals
- Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type
- Bandans
Supplements :
- Water bottle , packet food like biscuits dry fruits (dates,cashew,almonds,resins etc) and sweets (Dry packet sweets-Cadbury-peanut candy) are to be carried as supplements during the treks.
- Water bottle: Hydration pack 2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack.
Rain jacket :
- 7 pairs of underwear — The comfortable and quick-drying
- 3 regular bras
- 1 sports bra
- 5 pairs of socks
- 1 swimsuit (for hotels with pools)
- Lightweight shrug (in case it gets chilly at night)
Shoes :
- Walking shoes
- Ipanema Maya sandals – (They are super comfortable and double as a dressier shoe if needed since they are fancier than plain flip flops)
- If you are going on trekking :
- Trekking Shirts/Short/Trousers
- Fleece Jacket
- Insulated Jacket
- Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
- Hat for Sun Protection
- Headband or Beanie
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava
- Inner/Outer Gloves
- Hiking Boots
- Trainers (Trekking shoes/sandals)
- Hiking/Thermal Socks
- Gaiters
- Duffel Bag
- Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Trekking Poles
- Headlamp
- Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
- Binocular
Technology :
- Laptop and charger
- Cell phone and charger
- Extra battery (It’s a lifesaver when you’re out and about exploring all day. It gives phone nearly two additional charges!)
- Plug Adapter (It has two USB ports on the side and it can be used in plugs from over 150 countries around the world)
- Camera and charger
- TSA cable lock ( Deter theft and help keep your items secure with a TSA approved lock. This one has a flexible cable that allows you to maneuver the lock to fit where you need)
Miscellaneous :
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Book/Journal/pen
- Headphones/Earpods
- GRAYL filtration water bottle – (The water from the tap is not typically safe for drinking or brushing your teeth with in Nepal, so this water bottle is a must, and it helps save plastic)
- Flashlight
- Day pack crossbody (purse/messenger bag to securely carry your camera and other daytime necessities)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Compression sack (This is a must to make use of all the space in your backpack. I’d recommend getting two mediums, or a small and a medium. The 20L large fits a lot of clothes, but it can be a pain to dig through it if you need something at the bottom)
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies) & Airline ticket
- Durable wallet for travel documents, money & passport
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
Toiletries :
- Wet tissue/Dry tissue
- Travel size shampoo, toothpaste, handwash (You can also buy it in Nepal)
- Sanitary pads/Pantyliners
- Sunscreen/Moisturizer/Lip balm
- Pee Bottle or Funnel (optional)
- Isotonic Powder
- Diamox
- General Medications (if you take any on daily basis)
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Blister Plasters
- Oximeter
