Traveling to experience the land of Himalayas can be a life-changing experience
Exploring the country isn’t easy. From planning the trip to packing to navigating yourself in a country where you don’t speak their language. Your travel plans never follow it through right as you planned it and most times something or the else go awry.
For most people, that point comes before they even leave their homes. The first point where your plans can mess up is your packing. Packing for your trip can either make or break your trip. Most people underestimate the value of packing well for their trips.
You must have read blogs after blogs about checklists. Or you are an accomplished traveler and packer. But are you sure you have packed everything that you will need on your trekking trip to Nepal?
When it comes to packing, it’s easy to forget something. Packing mishaps can range forgetting to pack your phone charger which is an inconvenience to finding out you have left your money and card back home which is disastrous.
The first and the foremost thing you need to keep in mind while packing is you need to pack for comfort. It is better to be able to feel your legs and be able to walk all the day rather than just look cute. Although it would be awesome to could look cute while you comfortably trek across the Himalayas.
So, what are the things that make it into your packing list for trekking in Nepal?
You’re not just packing clothes for a hotel room, you’re packing for a trekking trip in Nepal. And since most of the time you are there you will have everything you carry on your back. So, you should be packing light and not burden your shoulders.
Whether you travel often or once in awhile, intelligent packing is a skill that anyone can learn. Once you master the foundations of good packing, all your stuff can be assembled, like building blocks, to make packing for any trip a breeze. Learning just what to pack will not only maximize the space available. But it will minimize your stress of packing and make the trip more enjoyable.
We will reveal some of the basic things and other more obscure things you did not know the climate and the terrain of Nepal demands. Whether you’re a last minute planner or you have your bags packed weeks in advance, take a look at our essentials for a peaceful travel in the Himalayas.
Then again, this is not a strict list, but a guideline to what could be the prospective items that you might need. Suit yourself to fit to your needs.
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Essentials
The important thing you need to keep in mind when embarking on a trekking trip to Nepal is your physical comfort. The things on this list are all that to keep you physically safe throughout your trip. Whether you trek is a short or a long one, consider the following items.
- Tent
A tent is a necessary item in case you want to get closer to nature and opt for camping instead of staying in the lodges available.
You will need tents in case your trek takes you through routes lacking lodges or the lodges are full (during the peak season). And treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Jugal Himal & Panch Pokhari and more, provide you option to camp in case you have a more adventurous spirit.
- Sleeping Bag
For most treks in Nepal, a –15° bag will suffice. The sleeping bag is optional for most treks. Most areas have a very unstable weather. Despite the forecast, you will be longing for something extra to keep you warm through the night. That’s where your sleeping bags come in handy.
While sleeping bags certainly aren’t a compulsory component, it is good to have item.
- A sturdy bag
Your bag is going to be your most important possession throughout the trek. You will want to choose something big enough to hold your things but also light enough to carry comfortably.
While all the extra space is tempting you will want to choose among the smaller options, between 45 to 65 liters.
You will want to choose something sturdy and waterproof if you plan to trek with a porter. Most treks your bag will go ahead and you won’t have to worry about it. But on others, your bag will be strapped to the back of a donkey or yak on some treks.
- Hiking boots
Boots are advisable over normal running shoes because the terrain can be quite uneven and rocky, and you need something that will protect your ankle from rolling.
- Thick woolen socks
You should probably pack every pair of warm socks you own. Just kidding! You will, however, need thick warm hiking socks for the colder regions you trek in. Thick woolen socks also are super warm, really comfortable on the feet. Hiking boots can get a little uncomfortable after a couple of days, so the thick socks will help pad against the possible blisters and chafings.
- A Daypack
It is an essential item as you can carry your personal items such as sunscreen, camera, hat, wallet, passport, water bottles, snack etc in this. Normally, a 30-liter bag is the ideal size to use as a day bag.
- Hiking poles
Packing lightweight walking poles which are simple to store and durable are recommended for your trek trip to Nepal. Using walking poles can decrease the strain on your knees and will also help you with balancing on the steep walks. Hiking poles also help lessen the impact on your joints.
Clothing
The number of clothing items you should pack depends on the length of your trek. For example, the full Everest Base Camp trek will require a few more changes of clothes than the comparatively shorter Poon Hill trek. So you should pack the following clothing based on the length of your planned trek.
And the season you plan to trek also plays a vital role to it.
You need to remember that most treks in Nepal start off at a low altitude in moderate temperature. The temperature starts to drop as you gain altitude. So layering yourself during the trek is the best trick.
- Cargo trousers
You should choose Cargo trousers. They are made of a quick-dry material. It also comes with lots of pockets that are best while trekking. You will want to have heavyweight pants in the case you are trekking to higher elevations with a considerate drop in temperature.
- Hiking shorts
It can get very hot on a sunny day when you are hiking in the lower altitudes. When the sun is up and high, your tracksuits will make you uncomfortable. Opt out for hiking short. They are cooler than pants and can be substituted for tracks on lower altitude treks and hikes.
- A waterproof jacket
Whatever weather you are planning to walk in, be it spring or winter, you cannot afford to take rain or even showers lightly on your treks. Taking the risk really isn’t worth it.
In case of the winters and trekking at higher elevations, you will want to carry a heavy duty jacket to keep the chills on the bay.
- T-Shirts
You should carry a mixture of long and short sleeved t-shirt for the trip. The trick is to carry light t-shirts so you have more weight and space to spare. Opt for synthetic ones, as they dry the moisture from your body faster than other materials.
- Sweater, Fleece Jacket or Pullover
You will want to have a lightweight sweater, fleece jacket or pullover for your trips. Having at least one of these will help you to keep your body warm as you gain altitude in your trek. None of these items are wind or rainproof. So have these items as a layer underneath your waterproof jacket for extra warmth from the cold in the Himalayas.
- Winter hat, Gloves and Cap/Sunhat
You may not need the winter hat or the gloves during the day unless you are trekking at an higher altitude or in the winter. But as soon as the sun sets and you are settling into your room, the temperature will plummet and you will be grateful to have had these items in your luggage.
You will be needing the cap or sun hat during the day when the sun is up and high.
- Underwear and Sports Bra
Female travelers should pack a good pair of a synthetic sports bra. A good quality sports bra will wick the sweat from your body pretty quick. It will not leave you sweaty, unlike a normal bra.
Pack your lightweight, breathable and moisture absorbent undergarments for the trek.
- Toiletries
Everything under the toiletries section is essentials for your body and health. You should pack everything on the list. Carry everything in travel-friendly boxes or tubes to reduce the weight.
- Sunscreen
Whether you have a fair or brown complexion you wouldn’t want to take your burnt skin as a trek souvenir. So include a good sunblock lotion with a minimum of 40 SPF in your trekking accessories list.
- Hand sanitizer
It is guaranteed that you will get soap and water every washroom stop you pass. The trail you walk will be dusty and dirty. So stay on the safe side and get your sanitizer on the list for germ free hand.
- Toiletries
Somethings you just cannot share with anyone else and that is toiletries. You will not go a day without your toiletries. So do pack your personal toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, floss, face wash, a small towel and toilet paper.
- Biodegradable bar soap
Biodegradable bar soap will come in handy when you need to wash your hands, hair or even the dishes and clothes during the trek. Just make sure you are at least 200 yards away from the water source.
- Face/body wipes
Wet wipe baths are most likely going to be the extent of your bathing for most of the trek unless you love cold showers. Face wipes will also come in handy in the high regions where the water freezes.
- Lip balm and Moisturizing skin cream
The weather in unforgiving in the higher elevations with the winds blowing every time. It will leave your skin and lips cracked, where the lip balm and moisturizing skin cream will act as a breath of fresh air.
- Medications
Carry all the medications if you need to take on a daily basis. Pack a little more than the days you will be away from home, to cover for in case your travel plans are extended. Also carry medications for pain, fever or inflammation like Ibuprofen. Having throat lozenges, altitude sickness, diarrhea meds is a good plan.
Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous section deals with everything from water bottles that are essentials to your body to the camera which captures your trek in pictures forever.
- Water bottles
Most treks have remote locations. There are very few vendors selling anything even when you just start walking. Then sometimes there are more miles between the vendors as you get higher up. It is always good to reuse your water bottle than to buy bottled water.
And also because you need to drink at least 3 liters of water every day, do pack your water bottle.
- Slippers
Pack your lightweight slippers. You can wear them while you let your hiking boots get some air after walking on them all day. You will also be wearing them for evening walks around camp or tea houses.
- Raincoat and bag covers
Do not let an unexpected rain/shower wash away your trekking plans. Carry a raincoat to keep yourself dry in case of rain. And have a bag cover for to keep your belongings dry.
- Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another essential you will need. It will ease your eyes when the sun is out and harsh on your eyes. And when you are walking on snow.
You should pack your favorite polaroid pair of sunglasses. Polaroid glasses provide maximum protection in snowy areas.
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Add your headlamp to your trekking checklist. You will need those in case you are walking in the dark. You will also need it in the evenings when you need to use the restroom at night. Also these are a must for the pre-dawn treks to catch the breathtaking sunrises over the Himalayan range.
- Camera with extra batteries
All the treks in Nepal give you breathtaking views, you will want to capture. Every traveler is a photographer. So do not leave for this trip without your camera. You should also carry extra batteries in case you do not find the ones you want in the stores of Nepal.
- Fanny pack
A fanny pack is a great way to carry your personal items and keep them safe. Money, essential documents, cards can be safe in a fanny pack. And because these are always with you, you can worry less.
- Travel adapter and chargers
A travel adapter is a necessary accessory. Nepal has different charging portals and different voltages as your country. So, make sure you bring all the required chargers and a plug adapter when changing the countries around the world.
- An anti-theft backpack
Get yourself an anti-theft travel backpack to prevent any kind of theft in crowded places.
Extras
These are the good-to-have stuff. You will definitely want these in case the situation arises. Somethings can be shared and some cannot.
- Journal and pens
Carrying a small journal and pens are recommended for your treks. You will need the pen if you have to fill any forms. Your journal and pen will also come in handy if you are a blogger looking to note fleeting moments you will want to mention in your blogs. And you will require than pen to fill out your immigration form at the airport.
- Duct tape
For the time when anything is damaged. Most damages can be fixed with a little duct tape, at least temporarily. Since you do not want to unnecessarily increase your weight, do not put the entire roll. Wrap the amount you think you will need a pencil or pen.
- First aid kit
You should carry a small first aid kit besides the medication prescribed by your doctor. A pain relief spray, band-aids, medical tapes may all seem like small things. You will also want moleskin for blisters.
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of your passport/documents
You might not be a careless person but you might lose some your documents. At times like that, it is a good thing if you have extra passport photos and photocopies of your passport/documents.
Do not take identity theft lightly. It could happen to anyone, anywhere. It is better you have photocopies of documents in hand.
- Towel
Some of the tea houses/lodges in the higher region will not provide towels. So, it is better that you carry your own towel rather than travel with a probability.
Last Say,
When you are scratching the surface, travel is all fun and stress-free. If you pack in an equally casual fashion shoving whatever you find into your bag, your trek will become a nightmare as soon you take the first few steps.
We at Great Adventures want your trek in Nepal to be as peaceful you imagined it to be. That is exactly we aim. We have dug through the memories of every trip we have taken to compile this packing list for your trekking trip in Nepal.
You could be walking through the rain, the show or the sun and you will be totally covered with the comprehensive list we have prepared to ease your mind. We have covered everything from your undergarments to the tents and sleeping bags you will require to check off your trekking checklist.
Then again, decide for yourself and prepare a personalised packing list for trekking in Nepal and rock your trip, like a pro.
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