Pack for a remote camping trek with two high passes: warm layers, a waterproof shell, broken in boots, a sleeping bag for cold nights, strong sun protection and a small personal medical kit. Flights to Simikot have baggage limits, so pack light and rent bulky items in Kathmandu. Passes reach about 4,580 m and close to 5,000 m, and shops in the valley are few.
Flight weight and what goes where
The flight from Nepalganj to Simikot uses small aircraft with strict baggage limits, so a heavy bag can cause trouble. Pack one duffel for the crew to carry and a small daypack for yourself, and ask us for the current weight allowance before you leave.
Keep your daypack for items you need during the day: water, a warm layer, rain jacket, sun cream, snacks, camera and your personal medicines. Store spare city clothes and valuables at your Kathmandu hotel, and bring a spare set of trek clothes in case your bag arrives on a later flight.
Layers for dry heat and cold nights
Limi is dry and open, with strong sun by day and cold nights, especially near the passes. Think in layers rather than one thick jacket.
- Two or three quick drying shirts and a pair of trekking trousers
- A thermal top and bottom for sleeping
- A warm fleece or mid layer and an insulated jacket
- A waterproof jacket and trousers for rain and snow
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff and two pairs of gloves
Avoid cotton for anything but town wear. Wind can be sharp on the ridges, so a windproof outer layer is useful.
Boots, socks and poles
Choose waterproof trekking boots with good grip and firm ankle support, and wear them in before you travel. Trails are rocky with long climbs, and the passes can have snow or wet scree.
Bring three or four pairs of trekking socks, a pair of lighter camp shoes and blister plasters. Gaiters are helpful on snow and loose stones. Trekking poles take strain off your knees on long descents and help on river crossings, so most people are glad to have them. You can rent or buy poles in Kathmandu if you do not own a pair.
Sleeping bag, mat and camp items
Most nights are in tents with a cook crew, so your sleeping system matters. A bag rated for well below freezing suits the higher camps, and a liner adds warmth. An insulated mat is worth having even if the crew supplies a basic one.
If you do not own a bag, rent one in Kathmandu and check it for warmth, zips and cleanliness. Also pack a head torch with spare batteries, a water bottle that can take hot water, water treatment tablets or a filter, and a power bank, since charging is limited. Dry bags keep clothes safe in rain.
Sun, health and what to rent
Sun at altitude burns fast. Bring sunglasses with side cover, a wide brimmed hat, high factor sun cream and lip balm. Add a personal first aid kit with blister care, pain relief, rehydration salts and any regular medicines, because there are no clinics beyond Simikot. This is general information, not medical advice.
Rent bulky items in Kathmandu: sleeping bag, down jacket and poles. Buy personal items at home. Indian travellers should carry valid photo ID, such as a passport or voter ID, and should check current rules on Indian currency in Nepal, since they change.
Common questions
What is the baggage limit for the Simikot flight?
Limits on small aircraft are strict and can change, so ask us for the current allowance before you pack. As a rule, keep your main bag light and carry a small daypack.
Do I need a four season sleeping bag for Limi?
You need a bag rated for well below freezing, because nights at the higher camps are cold. A warm bag with a liner is safer than a light one. You can rent one in Kathmandu.
Can I buy gear in Simikot?
Do not rely on it. Supplies in Simikot and the valley are limited and may be missing items you need. Buy and rent what you need in Kathmandu, and pack spare batteries and medicines.
