Gear
Plan your trip in three levels:a/ Kathmandu and up to Namche Bazaar - (1500 - 3400 meters) - Sun, wind, dust, rain - anything is fine.
b/ Namche Bazaar to Dingboche or Machermo (3400 - 4,000 meters) - Sun, dust, rain, snow - Fleece, wool, synthetics and goretex.
c/ Going to the summits of Gokyo Re or Kalaphatar. (4,000 - 5500 meters) Snow, ice, wind chill. Down gear only suitable
d/ Night time - in lodge - Anything is fine (usually a fire for heat) - sleep in Down if there is no allergy issue.
Seasons
From October to April is the most cold time of year. January is absolute extreme coldJune through September is rain season - usually July August heaviest. (but this changes)
For Cold Season, prepare for sub zero and wind chill below -20 on hilltops - Down gear only suitable and some dust.
For Rain season - wind, sun and rain - prepare for the 3400 - 4,000 meter experience. - Fleece, wool, synthetics and more frequent change of clothes.
Gear to Bring from Home.
- Boots - must be good for rocky path and waterproof
- Underwear - Avoid cotton and check for walking abrasion with sweat - bring plenty of spare.
- Sun Hat - one that doesn't blow away in a force 4 gale
- Medications - check with your doctor about altitude and your medication - no drowsy causing medication allowed in mountains.
- Night time face cleansers - decant into small bottles.
- Re-hydration salts - Endura for example
- Camera
- Water proof plastic gear bags
Gear to Buy In Kathmandu
There is an old rule - Buy in Kathmandu - stay in Kathmandu it means that gear purchased in Kathmandu won't always last long. This is a fading idea with a flood of high quality imports from Vietnam, Thailand and China. However, brands are rarely real. Goretex is rarely goretex. So, for the avid trekker, it can be, for long term use, better to spend a few extra dollars and get "real" brands for things like weather shells, backpacks and all technical gear like sunglasses.
If this is a one off trek. Then the following can be purchased in Kathmandu for a fraction of the "branded" costs.
- Back pack
- Duffel bag for porter
- Water bottles (3 two for drink and one for pee)
- Thermal undies
- Fleece trekking tops
- Fleece Jumpers
- Rain gear
- Walking Stocks
- Sox
- Thermal fleece pants and top
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Caps
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Medicines - mainly for gut problems, constipation, headache, chest cold, head cold.
- Personal Hygiene
- Throat lozenges
- Dust mask or bandanna for face
- Scarf
- Trek Towel
- Walking Stocks (one is fine)
- Knee support or pain cream
- Sweets
- Camera
- Plastic bags
- Down Jacket
- Down Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner (not too many silk ones available)
- Sleeping gear - cotton is fine at night
- Spare shoes - crocks are perfect - it's nice to get out of the boots but, you will be doing trips to the toilet, maybe short walks in these.
Renting
On our treks we provide rented sleeping bags, down jackets and, if it's cold enough, down pants for the summit treks.
Where to buy?
We totally recommend Shauna's in Thamel. See Andy or Shauna and don't waste your time asking for discounts. All other shops in Thamel have a mix of brilliant and not so brilliant gear. We also rent from Shauna's. Many clients choose to buy the down jackets and exceptional quality sleeping bags from Shauna's and take them home. Best value in the world.
