Many of you are prepared, and somewhat "seasoned" travellers as you have just come off of Malaysia Week and the trips associated with that. The new wrinkle to this trip is that the temperature and humidity will be different.
See the Suggested Packing List below as provided from our Nepal Trip Leader.
Of note, shoes and socks are probably the most important purchase and should be purchased as soon as possible so that you can begin to break them in. In regards to clothing, you can see that layering is being suggested.
The Outdoor Centre on Jln Ampang seems to be the only place that you can get many of the supplies in one place. This is not an endorsement of their products or store, but you will be able to get a good idea of many of the required items. Mention you are from ISKL and they will give a discount, as I went in and arranged for that.
Suggested Packing List
Soft Duffel Bag. We will be using porters and yaks to cart our luggage around, and some domestic flights. That means you cannot bring hard suitcases, or suitcases at all. To make the packing of the yaks and flights more manageable get a duffel bag or larger backpack.
Sleeping Bag. Either down or synthetic filled with a temperature rating for at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have one, then we will be happy to supply you with one.
Day Pack. A day pack with a capacity of about 1000-1500 cubic inches. It should have comfortable shoulder straps. This is for carrying a sweater, camera, water bottle, and a small amount of personal gear on your daily explorations. Try and get one that has external bottle holders so your drinking water supply is easily accessible. Try it on, get them to put some weight in it at the store and see how it feels.
Boots. The new, lightweight boots made by running shoe companies such as Nike and New Balance serve very well in the varied terrain of the region you will be trekking in. There should be little or no snow, so heavy, uncomfortable boots are unnecessary.
Running shoes or sandals. Please feel welcomed to bring several types of comfortable shoes. Your boots may be wet/muddy at the end of a trekking day and you will need them for the rafting trip as well.
Cotton or wool Socks. Bring 4-5 pairs of different weight for maximum comfort and warmth.
Soft Duffel Bag. We will be using porters and yaks to cart our luggage around, and some domestic flights. That means you cannot bring hard suitcases, or suitcases at all. To make the packing of the yaks and flights more manageable get a duffel bag or larger backpack.
Sleeping Bag. Either down or synthetic filled with a temperature rating for at least 30 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have one, then we will be happy to supply you with one.
Day Pack. A day pack with a capacity of about 1000-1500 cubic inches. It should have comfortable shoulder straps. This is for carrying a sweater, camera, water bottle, and a small amount of personal gear on your daily explorations. Try and get one that has external bottle holders so your drinking water supply is easily accessible. Try it on, get them to put some weight in it at the store and see how it feels.
Boots. The new, lightweight boots made by running shoe companies such as Nike and New Balance serve very well in the varied terrain of the region you will be trekking in. There should be little or no snow, so heavy, uncomfortable boots are unnecessary.
Running shoes or sandals. Please feel welcomed to bring several types of comfortable shoes. Your boots may be wet/muddy at the end of a trekking day and you will need them for the rafting trip as well.
Cotton or wool Socks. Bring 4-5 pairs of different weight for maximum comfort and warmth.
Shirts. Bring at least 4 short-sleeved T-shirts. Also bring a long-sleeved undershirt like a turtleneck (preferably not cotton, Marino wool is best) which will also be very useful. Avoid black colored shirts as they absorb the heat of the sun. The temperature variations which we can experience in Spring/Fall make it very necessary to bring several layers of clothing so that you can put on or take off clothes to fit the situation and your personal comfort levels.
Shorts. Optional. It can be quite hot during the middle of the day and walking shorts can be much more comfortable to trek in than long pants. If you choose to trek in shorts, please compensate for the additional exposure to the sun by bringing plenty of sun block cream. Short pants are really not appropriate for monastery tours or while walking around in villages.
Pants. At least two pair of loose, comfortable long pants. Consider getting "convertible" pants that can zip off into shorts as necessary.
Long Underwear. Bring both tops and bottoms if you feel you will be sensitive to the cold. The excellent products made from Marino wool rather than cotton is recommended if it's available. The remarkable range of temperatures which can take place at high altitude (5>35 C) compared to the hot humid, weather of Kuala Lumpur should be taken into account.
Sweater and/or Pile Jacket. The evenings and mornings can be quite chilly. Please bring a sweater or jacket. If you do not have one, a beautiful hand knit woolen sweater can be bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara for around $20.
Rain/Wind Jacket w/ Hood. A waterproof "shell" is the perfect final layer in your clothing preparations. The weather in spring is unpredictable and so we can expect the unexpected. Bright sun, wind, rain and even snow are possible. A waterproof jacket or “shell” will prove to be very useful.
Sun Visor or Hat. Absolutely essential !!! Baseball caps are adequate but a hat with a wide brim is best for protection of your face as well as the back of your neck. Because of the altitude, the ultra-violet rays of the sun are over 4 times as intense as at sea level.
Sunscreen. Bring plenty of Sun Protection. The strongest possible UV block.
Shorts. Optional. It can be quite hot during the middle of the day and walking shorts can be much more comfortable to trek in than long pants. If you choose to trek in shorts, please compensate for the additional exposure to the sun by bringing plenty of sun block cream. Short pants are really not appropriate for monastery tours or while walking around in villages.
Pants. At least two pair of loose, comfortable long pants. Consider getting "convertible" pants that can zip off into shorts as necessary.
Long Underwear. Bring both tops and bottoms if you feel you will be sensitive to the cold. The excellent products made from Marino wool rather than cotton is recommended if it's available. The remarkable range of temperatures which can take place at high altitude (5>35 C) compared to the hot humid, weather of Kuala Lumpur should be taken into account.
Sweater and/or Pile Jacket. The evenings and mornings can be quite chilly. Please bring a sweater or jacket. If you do not have one, a beautiful hand knit woolen sweater can be bought in Kathmandu or Pokhara for around $20.
Rain/Wind Jacket w/ Hood. A waterproof "shell" is the perfect final layer in your clothing preparations. The weather in spring is unpredictable and so we can expect the unexpected. Bright sun, wind, rain and even snow are possible. A waterproof jacket or “shell” will prove to be very useful.
Sun Visor or Hat. Absolutely essential !!! Baseball caps are adequate but a hat with a wide brim is best for protection of your face as well as the back of your neck. Because of the altitude, the ultra-violet rays of the sun are over 4 times as intense as at sea level.
Sunscreen. Bring plenty of Sun Protection. The strongest possible UV block.
Wool Mittens or Gloves. For protection from the cold and sun. They are not really essential, but if you feel you'll be more comfortable, bring them. They can also be bought in Kathmandu or Namche.
Towel and Toilet Kit. Tampex and other specialized toiletries are not difficult to find in Kathmandu.
Sunglasses & Eye wear. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!! Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are essential to protect your eyes against the bright sun and blowing dust. If you wear contact lenses, it might be a good idea to shift back to glasses for your trip, as there is often blowing dust and very little opportunity to replace a lost contact lens.
Plastic Water Bottles or “Camelback type water holder”. Regardless whether you prefer water bottles or Camelbacks, drinking plenty of water is very, very important to assist your body in the altitude acclimatization process and to keep you hydrated in the dry environment.
Flashlight or Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries. Be sure to bring plenty of extra batteries as alkaline batteries are expensive in Nepal. There will be power in most of the lodges to recharge batteries.
Plastic Bags. Bring large ones to line & waterproof the inside of your duffel bags, and small zip-lock bags to put your camera, film and other small articles into. This will help keep your clothes and equipment free of dust and water from rain and river crossings during the trek.
Swim suit:. You will need a swim suit for the rafting trip. It will be worn under your wet suit and flotation jacket. There is also a swimming pool at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Camera and Film. If you’re shooting digital, then bring plenty of memory cards. There is several hours of power each night to recharge batteries.
Binoculars. Optional, but folks who bring them are usually glad they did.
Money Belt. Useful for keeping your money and passport safe during the journey to Nepal. While on the trek or tours we will store your valuables in the hotel safe.
Journal or notebook. Useful for keeping a diary or writing down addresses or notes. Nepal is a very thought provoking experience and you might find it rewarding to keep an account of your impressions. A couple of good paperback books are also useful for plowing through at night.
Personal medical kit. We carry along a well stocked first-aid kit that contains a wide variety of bandages, splints and other basic medical equipment, but we don't administer any internal, prescription medicines. Therefore, it's important for each person to carry their personal medication with them. Bring plenty of "Moleskin" bandages for any blisters on your feet.
Personal food items: You may wish to bring along granola or "Power" bars, herbal teas, fresh coffee or any other items you personally enjoy but which are unavailable in Nepal.
Cultural & Personal Preparation: One of the most important things you can bring is a positive sense of adventure and willingness to accept things as merely different rather than good or bad. Nepal is NOT what you are used to, but it is an incredibly fascinating opportunity to see a different and magnificent side of life. Everything in Nepal is extreme - the beauty, the harshness, the magnificence and the struggle. The Nepalese people are blessed with warm hearts to endure the bitter cold and their cultural wealth far exceeds what they lack in material comfort. It is an astonishing place & experience to behold.
Enjoy your trip!!
Towel and Toilet Kit. Tampex and other specialized toiletries are not difficult to find in Kathmandu.
Sunglasses & Eye wear. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL!! Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are essential to protect your eyes against the bright sun and blowing dust. If you wear contact lenses, it might be a good idea to shift back to glasses for your trip, as there is often blowing dust and very little opportunity to replace a lost contact lens.
Plastic Water Bottles or “Camelback type water holder”. Regardless whether you prefer water bottles or Camelbacks, drinking plenty of water is very, very important to assist your body in the altitude acclimatization process and to keep you hydrated in the dry environment.
Flashlight or Headlamp w/ Extra Batteries. Be sure to bring plenty of extra batteries as alkaline batteries are expensive in Nepal. There will be power in most of the lodges to recharge batteries.
Plastic Bags. Bring large ones to line & waterproof the inside of your duffel bags, and small zip-lock bags to put your camera, film and other small articles into. This will help keep your clothes and equipment free of dust and water from rain and river crossings during the trek.
Swim suit:. You will need a swim suit for the rafting trip. It will be worn under your wet suit and flotation jacket. There is also a swimming pool at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Camera and Film. If you’re shooting digital, then bring plenty of memory cards. There is several hours of power each night to recharge batteries.
Binoculars. Optional, but folks who bring them are usually glad they did.
Money Belt. Useful for keeping your money and passport safe during the journey to Nepal. While on the trek or tours we will store your valuables in the hotel safe.
Journal or notebook. Useful for keeping a diary or writing down addresses or notes. Nepal is a very thought provoking experience and you might find it rewarding to keep an account of your impressions. A couple of good paperback books are also useful for plowing through at night.
Personal medical kit. We carry along a well stocked first-aid kit that contains a wide variety of bandages, splints and other basic medical equipment, but we don't administer any internal, prescription medicines. Therefore, it's important for each person to carry their personal medication with them. Bring plenty of "Moleskin" bandages for any blisters on your feet.
Personal food items: You may wish to bring along granola or "Power" bars, herbal teas, fresh coffee or any other items you personally enjoy but which are unavailable in Nepal.
Cultural & Personal Preparation: One of the most important things you can bring is a positive sense of adventure and willingness to accept things as merely different rather than good or bad. Nepal is NOT what you are used to, but it is an incredibly fascinating opportunity to see a different and magnificent side of life. Everything in Nepal is extreme - the beauty, the harshness, the magnificence and the struggle. The Nepalese people are blessed with warm hearts to endure the bitter cold and their cultural wealth far exceeds what they lack in material comfort. It is an astonishing place & experience to behold.
Enjoy your trip!!
Namaste!
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