You essentially need two bags for your journey in Nepal. You need a daypack to carry the stuff you use whilst trekking. Additionally, you'll need a large bag that a pack animal or porter will carry. This could be a large rucksack or a duffel bag.

• Duffel or Rucksack Bag: To keep your luggage and to be carried by your porter
• Day Pack (20-22 Liter): For carrying daily essentials like water, snacks, and a camera.
• Down Jacket: Rated for -20°C, essential for warmth.
• 4 Seasons Sleeping Bag: Rated for -20°C, ensures a comfortable sleep in cold conditions.
• Extra Batteries/Power Bank: For recharging devices in areas without power sources.
• Charger for Devices: Bring a charger compatible with your devices. It's essential for keeping your electronics charged throughout the trek.
• Travel Adapter: Nepal uses plug types C, D, and M. A universal travel adapter that fits these types will ensure you can charge your devices wherever power is available.
• Bag Covers: Waterproof covers to protect your bags against rain and snow.

You're constantly exposing your head to the weather. Temperature swings, often exacerbated by the wind, sun shining directly on your head, and snow that is spread out horizontally. You should therefore consider the best ways to safeguard your head.

• Sun Hat or Scarf: Protects against the sun's rays.
• Light Balaclava or Warm Fleece Hat: For warmth during cold mornings and evenings.
• Sunglasses with UV Protection: Essential for eye protection against glare and UV rays.
• Headband or Ear Covers: Offers additional warmth for ears without covering the head.

As you are trekking, protecting your feet is essential. Trekking on the trek route will be more pleasant if you wear comfortable trekking boots and socks.

• Thin, Lightweight Inner Socks: To wick away moisture.
• Thick, Warm Wool Hiking Socks: For warmth and cushioning.
• Hiking Boots: Insulated and waterproof, crucial for comfort and traction.
• Camp Shoes (Sneakers/Sandals): For relaxation at the campsite.
• Gaiters: For added protection against snow and rain.
• Spare Laces: Backup for any breakages.
• Microspikes: Optional, recommended if trekking in winter for added traction on snow and ice.

Your hands have equal significance to your feet. Take care of them, as they are likely to go chilly first. Bring a sturdy, warm item. Later on, your fingertips will appreciate it.

• Lightweight Gloves: For mild cold.
• Heavyweight Gloves or Mittens: For severe cold, ensuring warmth.
• Hand Warmers: Optional, provide instant heat for extremely cold weather.

You will quickly become chilled in your lower body. Be careful not to bring anything that can make your skin uncomfortable.

• Under Garments: Breathable and moisture-wicking.
• Hiking Shorts: For warmer days.
• Lightweight Cotton Long Pants: Versatility for changing temperatures.
• Light & Expedition Weight Thermal Bottoms: Base layer for warmth.
• Fleece Pants: For extra insulation on colder days.
• Waterproof Shell Pants: Essential for rain and snow protection.

You need warm, breathable clothing for your upper body while trekking. Remember to get lightweight stuff.

• T-Shirts: Preferably moisture-wicking fabric.
• Light & Expedition Weight Thermal Tops: For layering.
• Fleece Jacket: For warmth.
• Waterproof Shell Jacket: Protects against rain and wind.
• Fleece Wind-Stopper Jacket (Optional): Additional layer against the wind.
• Insulated Vest: Adds warmth without bulk.

To stay comfortable when trekking, there are a number of other accessories that you’ll want to pack for your trip.

• Headlamp: With spare batteries for early morning or late evening.
• First Aid Kit: Recommended to carry a general one, although we, Raj Bala Treks & Expedition also supply a basic kit with the guide.
• Large Plastic Bags: Keep items dry in case of rain.
• Trekking Poles: For additional support and balance.
• Water Bottles: To stay hydrated.
• Toiletries: Including a small wash towel and toilet paper.
• Lip Balm: Hydrate and Defend Against UV Rays
• Water Purification Tablets: Better option than buying Bottled mineral water.
• Dry Bags/Ziploc Bags: For waterproofing sensitive items.
• Earplugs: Ensure Peaceful Sleep, Even When your roommates snores.

Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, small towel, a small nail brush, and toilet rolls.

• Personal Care Kit: Toothbrush/Paste, Multipurpose Soap, Nail Cutter, Small Mirror.
• Sunscreen: High SPF for high altitude protection.
• Moisturizer: To combat dry skin.
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes: For a quick refresh.
• Tissue/Toilet Roll: Essential for personal hygiene.
• Anti-bacterial Hand Wash.
• Blister Plasters/Moleskin: For foot care.
• Portable Hand Sanitizer: When water is not available.

Medical supplies are the most important part of preparing your backpack. If you are traveling with a tour operator, your guide will most probably have a first aid kit and additional medicines. However, carrying medical supplies on your own will also help you.

• Plasters/Band-Aids
• Bandage for sprains
• Iodine or water filter
• General painkiller
• Antiseptic cream for cuts
• Blister medication
• Antibacterial throat lozenges
• Antibiotic tablets
• Oral rehydration salts
• Diarrhea medication
• Diamox (for altitude sickness)

• Maps and Trail Guides: To enhance the trekking experience.
• Snacks/Energy Bars: Quick energy sources.
• Camera with Extra Memory Cards: For capturing memories.
• Notebook and Pen: For jotting down thoughts or information.

• It is easy for travelers to get a Nepal visa. First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the return date.
• You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. USD 30 or equivalent convertible currency for 15 days for single/multiple entries.
• If you get a visa for 30 days, It is USD 50 or equivalent convertible currency. USD 125 or equivalent convertible currency for 90 days for single/multiple entries.

• Currency is the main thing for the Nepal trek packing list. Nepal bank notes come in Rupees 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 denominations. Coins come in Rupees 1, 2, 5, and ten denominations. We suggest you exchange only with banks or authorized money exchangers.
• The receipts of such transactions are to be obtained and retained. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the foreign exchange counter at the airport upon arrival, too, but the rate is lower there.
• You can better exchange money changers in the city bank. Visitors other than Indian nationals must pay in foreign currency (non-Indian currency) in hotels, trekking agencies or travel agencies, and air tickets.

• Nepal has an electrical voltage of 220-240 volts. It supplies current at 50Mhz. Most of the electric plugs in Nepal have two or three round prongs. You can use three plugs during the Nepal trek packing list. Types C, D, and M: Plug type C has two round pins, plug type D has three round pins in a triangular pattern, and plug type M has three round pins.
• Type C is also known as the standard “Euro” plug.
• D Type: This socket works in some African and Asian countries, including Nepal.
• M Type: It also looks like plug D but has larger pins. This socket only works with plug M.
• While on the trek, you may be unable to charge your phone, so you better get the power bank.

It is not that you have to carry all the gears and equipment from your country to Nepal for the trek. You even can buy or rent some of them after your arrival in Nepal. There are hundreds of shops both branded and non-branded (with good quality) in Kathmandu where you can find anything you need for the trek. You can buy the necessary equipment and gear for the trek or rent the equipment that you don't want to carry back to your country from the streets of Thamel ( the main tourist hub) in Kathmandu. From down jackets to sleeping bags, water bottles, poles, sunglasses, and every required personal equipment you will get in the shops there for rent as well. If you are planning to rent them we recommend you to visit some reliable shops to ensure the gears like comfortable down jackets, sleeping bags, and backpack is well taken care of and inspected (and washed) after each use. 

How much does it cost to hire trekking gear in Kathmandu?

If you are on a budget journey, then it is always recommended to rent hiking gear in Kathmandu. It will function very well for the duration you intend to undertake. You also can save money and space in your bag by renting camping gear in Nepal. The average cost for renting the crucial trekking gear in Kathmandu is: 

Note: As per the quality and size of the trekking gears, the cost may vary by USD 0.5 to USD 1 (NPR 60 - NPR 120).

How much does it cost to buy trekking gear in Kathmandu?

Traveling light from homeland is an easier alternative for trekkers. Also, it is usually a good idea to bring your hiking/trekking shoes, suitable basic clothing, and technological devices such as a camera, chargers, flashlight, or iPads, among other things. The majority of these gears and equipment are readily accessible in Kathmandu at reasonable costs. Don’t forget to bargain as it is key for buying the gear at the best prices. The rates may change somewhat from one store to the next, although the variation in costs is not so high. The following are some estimated prices for trekking gear and equipment that hikers can buy or rent.

Note: The price may vary slightly as mentioned above. Also, the price is set in local currency by the sellers. This is converted into USD to provide some idea about the basic price. Some shops also accept currency like USD, EURO, and AUD.

Whether it's the sturdy boots for the rough trails or the sleeping bag to keep you warm at night, each piece of gear plays a role in shaping your unforgettable trekking experience. Therefore, pack efficiently, with appropriate equipment, and prepare to experience the mountains at every point of the journey for an unforgettable adventure while Trekking in Nepal. 

For more guidance on trekking, climbing, or touring in Nepal, please feel free to CONTACT US.