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What to bring in Nepal ?
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES : -Thai International ( and most domestic and international carriers ): TWO SUITCASES : WEIGHT : maximum, per bag:70 pounds ~32 Kilos , SIZE: Total size measurement, per suitcase : maximum:62 inches: length + breadth + height. Only ONE "CARRY ON" bag:( NOT two carry on bags!!)
Porters will carry your clothes, sleeping-bag and other equipment in your duffel bag.
You will carry your own day pack containing: water, snacks, jacket, raincoat ( if needed ) and camera gear.
You should bring your duffel bag from your home. ( It can be obtained in Nepal ).
During the trek, the diffel bag must weigh less than 20 lbs ( about 10 kilos ).
Remember, a porter will carry YOUR duffel, their OWN duffel AND a portion of 'group equipment' ... leave space for your souvenirs !!!
'Group Equipment' includes : cups, plates, kitchen supplies, tents, tables and so on.
This equipment is NOT a part of your weight allowance.
If in doubt ... ask us.
ESSENTIALS :
Set travel documents...in ZIP-LOCK bags: COPY OF PASSPORT,trekking permit, small-photos, credit card,... money ( both Nepali and "hard currency ie:USD$100 ).( you will need this for bargain shopping !! )
insurance forms (camera or other valuables), ( medical/travel insurance cards )
1 duffel bag(Make sure it is sturdy and has a good zipper. Get a large size. Your sleeping bag and all your clothes must fit inside. Tents are NOT carried in the duffel bag. ) BAG SIZE : (lay the duffel bag on a FLAT surface ) . width : 20 to 26 inches ( 12 to 16 inches diameter ).
length : 27 to 32 inches ( seam to seam ) ( end to end, will be about 6 inches longer ) Smaller bags are OK for short treks and warm weather. Larger bags are needed to carry more winter clothes.
1 large plastic bag ( a strong one, used to line your duffel bag ) 1 sleeping bag ( available in Nepal ... ... but do not count on quality)
1 medium size plastic bag ( for your sleeping bag ) .
1sleeping pad ( not needed for lodge treks ) .
1 day pack ( do NOT make it too large or heavy ) .
1 plastic liner for day-pack (if needed)
1 pair trekking boots ( "broken-in" before the trip. Use Vibram sole boots for snow and wet weather. If you use running shoes in nice weather these can also be your "camp shoes". Be sure to waterproof your boots before you leave home) .
2 pairs socks for trekking boots ( wash frequently ).
1 pair camp-shoes ( light-weight shoes or thongs ).
1 pair long pants ( for camp & hiking ) .
1 pair short pants ( it is much easier to hike in shorts) .
2 pairs underwear ( wear one ... wash one ) .
1 long sleeved shirt ( light color in summer, warm in winter ).
1 sweater or down vest .
1 windproof parka ( or rain-shell with a hood ).
1 rain poncho ( light-weight rain gear ).
2. T-shirts or short sleeved shirts.
1 warm hat ( available in Nepal ... but ..... local wool may irritate your skin ! ) .
1 brimmed hat ( for sun protection ... many in Nepal ) .
1 pair gloves or mittens ( available in Nepal ).
1. pocket knife( small ) .
1 small towel ( or use a shirt ).
1 sun protection cream ( SPF value more than 20 ) .
1 set of sunglasses ( with case ) .
1 toilet paper (available in Nepal ).
1 soap.
1 toothbrush & toothpaste.
1-roll dental floss ( required for removing tough bits of water-buffalo ) .
1 quart water bottle ( test first ... to avoid plastic flavor ) .
1. supply of your favorite water purification tablets or liquid ( you will need supplemental water ... if you can purify your water it avoids purchase and "disposal" of plastic bottles ) 8ea .
1-gallon, zip-plastic bags ( to organize clothes & pack lunches... bring these from home ).
1 flashlight( extra batteries ... available in Nepal ,extra bulb ... bring from home) set Moleskin ( for blisters ... bring from home ) .
8 band-aids (large and small ... bring from home )pack aspirin or Tylenol ( available in
Nepal).
8 Ibupropfen (strained muscles...bring from home)pack antihistamine
(Actifed or Sudafed...bring from home).
6-12 Loperamide Hydrochloride Tablets(anti-diarrhea).pack Anti-Acid(available in Nepal)pack Throat lozenges(available in Nepal).
1 Chapstick or Blistex or Labiosan(bring from home) . bras( bring from home!). set Tampons or sanitary napkins(available in Nepal). (plastic bag for temporary storage).
1 bathing suit(Nepalis are very modest !!!).
DURING WINTER TRIPS, CONSIDER ADDING THESE ITEMS :- Set long underwear(use good quality ... bring from home). 1 warm shirt. 1 mittens not gloves. 1 warmer jacket(in addition to vest or sweater). 1 warmer pants . 1 booties for camp.
EXTRA BAGGAGE ... ( use discretion ):- Camera equipment, binoculars, CIPRO or Ampicillin or other Antibiotic, Powdered drink mix, Chocolate or candy bars(maybe this should be in the essentials),needle and thread ,safety pins, sleeping pills(these are NOT needed for most people !!!.
DANGEROUS AT HIGH ALTITUDE ,DISCUSS WITH YOUR LEADER,BEFORE CONSUMING):-
2- ear plugs(also good in noisy hotels and lodges ... and it avoids problems with sleeping pills). Ace Bandage ,Reading material ... ( see the reading list !!! ). This will come in handy if you have canceled air connections. Weather related cancellations are ... NOT ... uncommon. collapsible walking stick (plenty available from small boys) extra glasses ( bring from home ). .
Comment :- People tolerate the cold less at high altitudes. Bring extra cold weather gear for high altitude winter trips. Use a warm sleeping bag on tent trips, one rated to ZERO degrees.Lodges are warmer and need less protection ... ask us about it. It often gets very cold as soon as the sun goes down.
Campfires are RARE to non-existent(fuel is too expensive).If you plan to stay up after dinner, be prepared for cold.
GIFTS FOR PORTERS :- Our porters are always pleased to receive gifts. They especially enjoy sox, warm clothes, books and other useful items. They are generally smaller than Americans: waist-sizes less than 30 inches, shirt-sizes small to medium and shoe-sizes 7 to 9(USA sizes).
AMUSEMENTS, TOYS and GAMES :- A favorite is the "frisbee". Everyone likes to see photos of your family and pictures of your home-town.
Note:- bring an extra copy to give to someone special. Like to play the harmonica??? ... bring one along ! Why not buy a set of Nepali Drums when you arrive in Kathmandu !
