Can I rent gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Shops in the main tourist area rent and sell sleeping bags, down jackets, poles and other items. Check the condition and fit carefully, especially for sleeping bags and boots.
How heavy can my duffel bag be?
Limits on domestic flights are modest, and operators will give you a figure. Pack light and leave extras in Kathmandu.
Where do I store extra luggage?
Most hotels in Kathmandu will store bags while you trek, often for free or a small fee. Confirm this when you book and keep valuables with you.
Are there ATMs on the trail?
A few exist near Namche, but they are unreliable. Carry enough Nepali rupees for the entire trek and keep them in a waterproof pouch.
Can I pay by card?
Cards are rarely accepted beyond the lower villages. Plan for cash.
What are the toilets like?
Lower down there are often basic flush or squat toilets. Higher up they are simpler and may be outside and unheated. Carry your own toilet paper and sanitiser.
Can I wash clothes?
You can wash small items yourself, but drying is slow in cold weather. Bring enough quick-dry items to avoid relying on laundry.
Do I need trekking poles?
They are strongly recommended for descents and long days. They reduce the load on knees and help with balance on uneven ground.
Do I need crampons or microspikes?
On the standard route in spring and autumn, they are rarely needed, but icy sections can occur after snow or in winter. Ask your guide or operator for current conditions.
What camera gear should I bring?
A phone is enough for most people. If you bring a camera, keep it light, carry spare batteries and protect it from dust and cold.
Is drinking water available to refill?
Refill points and boiled water are available in many villages. Carry purification as a backup.
Can I leave my phone off on the trek?
Yes. Many trekkers do. Turn off data to save battery, and tell family that contact may be limited.
What kind of boots are best?
Choose sturdy, waterproof or water-resistant boots with good ankle support and a thick sole, and break them in over many kilometres before the trip. They should leave room for your toes to move, and for thicker socks, because feet swell slightly during long days. Avoid brand-new boots and very light trail shoes unless your operator recommends them for the season. Fit matters more than brand.
How many pairs of socks and layers should I pack?
Plan for about three or four pairs of good trekking socks, plus a warm pair for the evening, rotating them so that one pair can dry. For layers, bring two or three base layers, a fleece or light insulated jacket, a down jacket, a waterproof shell and trousers, and a hat, gloves and buff. Fewer, well-chosen pieces are better than many cotton items, which stay damp and cold.
Is it better to bring or buy a sleeping bag?
If you have a good down bag rated for the season, bring it, since you know its warmth and condition. If not, renting in Kathmandu is a practical option, but inspect it for cleanliness, loft and zips. Using a thin liner makes a rented bag more hygienic and adds some warmth. Check the comfort rating, not just the extreme rating, because the comfort number is what you will feel at night.
Can I charge devices every night?
Charging is usually possible in lodges, but it is not free above the lower villages and plugs may be limited. Some lodges charge by the hour or by device, and power can be rationed in cloudy weather when solar panels produce less. Carry a power bank and keep devices warm. Reduce usage by switching to airplane mode, lowering brightness and saving photographs for the best views.
What should be in my daypack each day?
Carry water, a rain jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, snacks, a small first-aid kit, tissues, your phone or camera, and your documents and money. Keep it light, ideally under about eight kilograms. Pack it the night before and keep the most-used items near the top. Everything else goes in the duffel with the porter, who may be well ahead of you during the day.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek.”
