Pack for a remote, cold camping trek that ends with a glacier crossing. You need a warm layering system, waterproof boots, a sleeping bag rated well below freezing, strong sun and snow protection, and a headtorch. Technical pass gear such as a harness and crampons is usually supplied or rented, so ask us what is provided. Bulky items can be rented in Kathmandu.
Layers for wet valleys and cold high camps
The lower valley can be damp and cool, while high camps and the pass are freezing and windy. Layers let you adjust all day.
- Quick-drying base layers, plus a separate thermal set for sleeping
- A fleece and a light insulated jacket for walking breaks
- A thick down jacket for camp, evenings and pass mornings
- Waterproof shell jacket and trousers that can handle sustained rain
- Warm hat, liner gloves and thick insulated mittens
- Neck gaiter and a brimmed sun hat for the lower valley Test every item on a short walk at home before you travel.
Boots, gaiters and socks
Wear waterproof, broken-in trekking boots with a stiff sole, ideally suited to fitting crampons if the pass plan needs them. Ask us in advance whether your boots work with the pass equipment, because soft boots may not. The trail has wet forest, muddy sections, boulder fields and snow, so gaiters are very useful. Bring four or five pairs of socks and keep one clean pair for sleeping only. Camp shoes or insulated slippers rest tired feet, and blister plasters and tape should be easy to reach in your daypack. Weigh your bag at home and cut anything you could not explain a need for.
Sleeping, sun and glacier protection
Choose a sleeping bag comfortable at well below freezing, and add a liner. Camps are cold, so a good mat matters; ask what the crew provides. On snow and glacier ground, the sun is strong enough to burn skin and eyes quickly, so bring dark glacier-style sunglasses with side shields, sunscreen with high protection and lip balm. A headtorch with spare batteries is essential for early pass starts. Keep a bottle that survives freezing nights, and pack important items in dry bags because humid weather soaks bags quickly. Label your duffel clearly and keep valuables and medicines in your daypack.
Technical and trek-specific items
For the Tashi Lapcha crossing, your party may need a climbing harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe, carabiners and rope, depending on conditions and the plan. Do not buy these on a guess; ask us which items are supplied and which you should bring, and try them on before the trek. Poles help on long, steep descents. Bring a daypack of about 30 litres, a small first aid kit, rehydration salts, hand sanitiser and any personal medicines. This is general information, not medical advice, so check your needs with a doctor.
What to rent in Kathmandu and what to carry
Down jackets, sleeping bags, poles, gaiters and some pass equipment can be rented in Kathmandu, which saves money and weight on a trip you may not repeat. Check zips, seams and condition, and test any harness or crampons with your boots. Keep personal items, such as boots, base layers and socks, as your own. Indian travellers should carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID, and check current rules on Indian currency in Nepal. Carry small Nepali notes for the road journey and the last villages. Ask us if you are unsure about any item, and we will say whether it is worth carrying.
Common questions
Will I need crampons and a harness?
Probably, for the glacier section of the Tashi Lapcha crossing. Ask us what is supplied for your dates; we will confirm what to rent and what to bring.
Can I use the same boots as for a lodge trek?
Only if they are waterproof, warm and stiff enough for snow and, if needed, crampons. Soft or worn boots are a risk here. Ask us before you buy or rent anything.
How warm does my sleeping bag need to be?
Pick one comfortable well below freezing, with a liner for extra warmth. High camps are cold and long nights test poor bags. A suitable bag can be rented in Kathmandu.
Is there anywhere to buy gear on the way?
No. Shops are limited to Kathmandu and perhaps a few basic items on the road. Finish your shopping before you leave the city, and check your list the evening before.
