Nepal attracts thousands of visitors for its unparalleled beauty, culture, and warm hospitality. The Himalayas, of course, are its biggest draw. The holy grail for trekkers and mountaineers everywhere – walking through the world’s highest mountain ranges is every traveler’s Nepal dream.
Packing for Nepal is an art. One needs to travel light but also have enough for all possible seasons. What you have in your backpack can either carry you effortlessly over the mountains or spell utter disaster. Here’s a list of essentials you should bring if you’re planning a Himalayan trek.
A Water Bottle
Ideally, pack both a metal bottle and a hydration pack for your travels. For anyone who loves the mountains, you know it’s important to preserve the beauty of these fragile ecosystems. Carrying reusable water bottles ensures you don’t add to the problem of single-use plastic bottles – a scourge you’ll experience on several mountain trails.
A Camera
What is the thing about the Himalayas? Even accidental photos are stunning! Your phone camera helps to keep the backpack light. But to capture fabulous shots of the Himalayas, carry a decent camera, loads of memory cards, and backup batteries. Trust us - you’ll need them.
A Notebook
Besides journaling, notebooks are great to jot down people’s contact information. They’re also lifesavers when you need to scribble rough maps or itineraries. You’ll always have a backup in case your phone battery dies.
Sun Protection
Glasses, hats, and sunscreen are vital. Never take the intensity of the sun for granted, especially at high altitudes. Make sure you carry good-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from the snow’s glare.
A Sleeping Bag
While teahouses en route supply blankets, they can often be grubby. Plus, the blankets may not offer enough warmth at night in higher altitudes. Carry a sleeping bag that’s suited to the season and altitude. Typically, a sleeping bag from -30 to 0 degrees should work.
A Down Jacket
Down jackets are warm and pack well. You can stuff them down into a smaller pack whenever you don’t need them. It’s possible to rent or buy down jackets in Nepal at wonderfully reasonable rates.
Worn-In Hiking Shoes
A pair of good, waterproof shoes are essential. We recommend breaking in your shoes several times before the actual trek. You want to avoid blisters and cuts while walking. Find ones with good ankle support for steep ascents and descents.
Toilet Paper
In most Asian countries, water washing is the preferred way to go. It’s more hygienic and kinder on the environment than mountains of discarded toilet paper. But it’s often difficult to find running water in higher altitudes. Keep some extra toilet rolls handy, just in case.
Moisturizer and Lip Balm
You’ll notice chapped lips and cheeks almost right away on the trail. And if you don’t take care, the mountain air can rapidly do a number on your skin! Always carry a hydrating lip balm and a good moisturizer.
A Head Torch
On good days, electricity will be spotty in teahouse accommodations. Most days, there will be no power. Carrying a head torch always helps whether you’re on the trail or off it.