complete list, Nepal

Luggage and bags: For the journey out there

Day Sack
Pouch
Money
Travelers Cheques
Passport
Air-Tickets
Train Tickets
Insurance
Flight Sweets
Address book
Visa application form (Dowloaded and filled in with photo stuck in place)


Wear
Boots
Thurlo socks
Walking Trousers
T shirt
Fleece

Miscellaneous: Nepal Kit List (Trekking)
Rucksack and Pro-Tector
Good Sleeping Bag (Buy or Hire)
Fleece Liner / Cotton Liner (Depending on Season/ Trek)
Down Jacket (Buy or Hire)
Boots (Well broken in)
Thurlo x 3
Inner sock x2
Evening sock x 1
Outer Gloves
Inner Gloves
Head-band
Snood
Sun-hat
Waterproof / Windproof Jacket
Walking Trousers
Long Sleeved thermal T-shirt x 1
Short Sleeved thermal T-shirt x 2
Trekking Boxers x 3
Long Johns
Towel
Wash Gear (compact)
Sun Block
Sandals / Trainers
Shorts x 1
Fleece jumper
First Aid pack + Any extra medication
Glasses
Sun Glasses
Digital Camera + extra batteries + charger & leads
35 mm Camera + Films & Spare battery
Battery charger
Small Padlock
Water Bottle (Sigg / Metal Type)
Water Purifier
Powdered flavouring agent for drinking water (Vitamin C)
Pocket knife
Head Torch
Trekking Pole(s)
Guidebook / Maps
Snacks

Luggage and bags: Soft luggage such as a large holdall is best for flying or by bus, preferably unbranded and not too flashy will help avoid the attention of idle hands. I normally then put my trekking pack and boots inside with space to bring souvenirs home.
Most hotels are happy to look after your holdall with any unneeded items while you go trekking.
I have tried PacSafe mesh nets in the past and while they are secure, they undoubtedly attract attention to the fact you may have valuables worth stealing.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: The climate varies greatly, with altitudes above 3000m often dropping below 0°C, this list will vary depending on the time of year and duration spent at altitude.

WARM WEATHER GEAR - for lower altitude:
* TROUSERS - cottons/linens are best (locals tend not to wear shorts in town)
* TEESHIRTS - sports tops with tiny air holes tend to be cooler
* UNDERWEAR - cotton is best
* SWIMMING STUFF
* FLIPFLOPS/SANDALS
* SUNHAT
* SUNGLASSES

COLD WEATHER GEAR - for evenings and higher altitude
* ZIP OFF TROUSERLEG TROUSER/SHORTS
* THERMAL LONGJOHNS
* THERMAL (HELI) TOP
* GLOVES
* BUFF SCARF - great flexible item, can be used as a hat or scarf
* WALKING BOOTS - broken in before hand of course
* WALKING SOCKS
* WARM FLEECE - zip front is more adaptable than pullover

RAIN/SNOW-WEAR:
* WATERPROOF TOP - I carry a poncho that can be used for shelter also
* WATERPROOF BOTTOMS - if walking in snow or rainy season
* COLD KILLS - if in doubt take an extra thermal layer, preferably with hood

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bare essentials, not incuding feminine or grooming items.

* WETWIPES - great for cleaning hands/face
* BIODEGRADABLE LIQUID SOAP - can be used for shampoo/soap/shower gel
* TOILET ROLL & LIGHTER - to burn it (one thing I cant go without)
* MICROFIBRE TOWEL - larger sizes aren't much more bulky but are big enough to dry you
* TOOTHBRUSH & TOOTHPASTE
* MOSQUITO REPELLENT - Deet based, stronger the better (can be diluted with sunscreen)
* SUNSCREEN - SPF30+ water resistant is a bonus
* MOISTURISER - to soothe rashes and burns
* LIP BALM
* TALCUM POWDER - to keep sweaty bits dry
* IMMODIUM - for those dodgey tummy days
* ANTI-MALARIALS - if travelling from or to high risk areas
* TRAVEL PLUG - useful if you like baths or wet shave

Medical supplies should be adjusted to the size of your group and your capabilities in using them, a first aid kit is only as good as you are.

Photo Equipment: .
* DIGITAL CAMERA
* MEMORY CARD - Larger the better, they always fill up, specially if you have a video function
* CHARGER - and perhaps a spare battery if you are going to be away from power for long
* POWER ADAPTOR - for charger

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you are 'Teahouse Trekking' then this list should suffice.

* HEADTORCH
* SLEEPINGBAG LINER - I treat with permethrin to keep mozzies & bedbugs away, silk ones add c.5°C warmth
* PACK COVER - to keep rain and snow out
* DRYBAGS/COMPRESSION SACKS - to keep your gear dry and compact
* WATER FILTER PURIFIER - tablets or pump or inline systems so long as it gets rid of Guardia and Cryptosporidium
* WATER CANTEEN/WATER BLADDER SYSTEM

Miscellaneous: I also carry the following:
* MOBILE PHONE
* PHONE CHARGER
* SWISS ARMY KNIFE
* MAP
* COMPASS
* VISA CARD
* PASSPORT
* FOOD BARS/ELECTROLITE

Luggage and bags: You cannot get around the sturdy backpack now, unless somebody carries your stuff in a dhoko or by namlo. If you use pack animals, make sure your backpack is contained in a cargo bag or Protector bag.
A roll-up daypack or shoulder bag for side trips and camp use or if you have a porter serves the purpose of keeping control of camera and valuables, bringing water, map etc.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Layer up underneath the windproofs. I use a simple cotton anorak with good result.
Lightweight to sturdy hiking boots will be useful, include low gaiters if possible, useful against sand and snow in your shoes. For camp use, Tevas or similar brand strapped sandals are good, indeed also for fording rivers. Bring long underwear, not only for cold weather, but also for camp use and as extra cold protection at night.
It may get very cold above 3500 meters altitude, so quick-drying long underwear is very useful. Woolen hat, fleece buff or scarf and gloves are a musat for exposed hiking as well as camp use.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: To protect against the sun, buy suitable sun creams in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Against strong winds and dust (in the Trans-Himalayan region especially) bring a "buff" of a scarf to voer nose and mouth.

Photo Equipment: Remember the light will get stronger as you go higher. Dust and water proof bags for camera equipment. Wide angle and telephoto lens in addition to the normel lens.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. for rent and sale in Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is a very good investment to bring a thermarest blow-up mattress.
A water bottle is always very useful, remember purification means.

Miscellaneous: Be prepared for snow.

Luggage and bags: Unless you can stash it in Kathmandu till the day you leave, don't bring your suitcase. Rather, take a good backpack or zippered cargo bag with handles and hidden straps. Day pack for camera and water bottle, sunglasses etc. Excellent locally-made day packs, shoulder bags etc. can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Protector bag for your backpack is indispensible.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Tropical clothing for the Terai, but it may get very cold and damp at night, so bring a fleece jacket, too. Sand and ochre color pants and shirts tolerate more dust and dirt before having to see the dhobi-man.
Layer up for colder weather in the hills.
"Modern" sandals with good straps are excellent for more leisurely use, lightweight hiking boots or sturdy trainers a good choice for Chitwan bush and hill trails. The monsoon time (late June - early September) serves up some challenges in terms of wetness and insects and "juga" protection.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Mosquito repellent is necessary along with long-sleeved shirt/blouse, long pants and ankles cover socks for evenings when the malaria mosquitos are on the prowl especially at ankle height.

Photo Equipment: Good quality film, batteries and some cameras and lenses can easily be bought in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Now in the digital age, you can get the full range of digital cameras (Canon has done a major marketing effort in Nepal), and you can buy memory cards for cameras. Film and battery prices are competitive, tripods can be a bargain. For the nationalparks, bring binoculars, too.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Everything you need for camping can be found in Kathmandu and to a lesser extent in Pokhara, for sale or for hire or for buy-back.
Locally made clothes are high on the plastics and nylon factor. You may wish to bring pants and shirts of a 65-70% cotton mix or microfibre.
"The beach" in Nepal is quite limited: the Rapti River in Chitwan and Begnas and Fewa Tal lakes near Pokhara and for rafting trips (e.g the Trishuli) may be the only options. Quick-drying shorts will do for men, something conservative in the bathing suite division for the ladies.

Miscellaneous: Cable plastic bands are useful for fastening you backpack to bus racks etc., small ones also handy for closing your zippered bags. Small padlocks with wire serve the same purpose.

2 more images

Luggage and bags: We have been advised not to bring hard shell type suitcases because the luggage will have to be packed by the sherpa and transported using donkeys. This causes several problems. One we have to worry about theft of gear or supplies, especially during airline transfer, as a duffle bag is next to impossible to secure properly. What good is a lock when anyone who wants to can slit the zipper with a sharp knife?

Also, as the bags will be loaded by porters and transported in the mountains we want to make sure stuff stays clean and dry. Plastic wrap outside the duffle bag is very impractical. Therefore, we have bought very heavy duty plastic garbage bags to put inside the duffle bags as protection from the weather and dirt. The duffle bags may get wet and dirty, but our stuff inside will stay clean and dry.

As we are packing sweaters, fleeces, etc. in seperate smaller plastic bags as well. It might add slightly to the overall weight, but not much. Hopefully, not the plactic bag that broke the yak's back?

Photo Equipment: Anything of any value we will carry onbaord in our knapsacks as well as those essentials we will need once we reach Kathmandu just in case our luggage is lost enroute. Once we return from our trip, we will wash the bags and re-waterproof them with spray.

Miscellaneous: UPDATE: worked like a charm. The one downside was that unless the plastic bags are clear you cannot see in them and determine their contents easily. No problem with rain, but the duffle bags and knapsacks needed washing on our return.

2 more images

Luggage and bags: We are advised to bring softpack duffle bags instead of hard luggage, which is less than ideal due to airport and transportation security as well as being less than water proof. But we will compensate by packing everything in smaller plastic bags and then putting those packages into a larger garbage bag inside the duffle bag in case they get wet.

The sherpas will have to carry everything (I suppose), and that is why hard luggage is not allowed. As for security, everything of value on my person or in my rucksack. I am buying a special water proof bag, for use on diving boats and such, to pack anything that cannot get wet in the dufflebag. Everything else is functional clothing and dries very quickly.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: The basics: Functionality over fashion.

Functional clothing made of nylon, lycra and other blends, which means it has to be washed everyday to keep it smelling fresh and clean. Therefore, we will be bringing a tube of travel laundry soap that washes out in cold water very easily.

Zippered hiking pants that double as shorts. Windproof fleeces and vests as undergarments. Wind and rain proof anoraks that have pit zips for over top. Layers of light t-shirts as well as long armed hiking shirts that can be rolled-up or taken off and put in our packs as we go. Ball caps as well as gloves and a hat in case it gets too cold. One pair of hiking boots, and a second pair of lighter hiking shoes for around Kathmandu, and just in case my boots get too wet. A pair of sandals for the shower, and in case the toilets are not very clean as well as to wear around the lodge with hiking socks. A light sweatshirt for casual. My ever present, extremely important bandana that has so many functional uses that it is a necessity.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Immodium for diarrhea as the food is supposed to be not so great, and who knows about the water used to cook or in drinks for example.
Ibuprofen for sore muscles and general painkiller
Compedes for blisters and hotspots
Duct tape for any number of medical emergencies and for fixing gear
My regular first aide kit with compresses and bandages, etc.
Handywipes or antiseptic wipes for eating on the trail or at outdoor markets as well as those toilet breaks where hot and cold running water along with soap may not be available?
I will research getting some medication for the treatment of altitude sickness, but I am unaware of any off the shelf medications, so will have to consult a pharmacist before we go.

Photo Equipment: One standard Olypus digital zoom camera with extra memory cards and rechargeable batteries. I assume I will find somewhere in Kathmandu to transfer pics from memory card to disc, but who knows? If not, then I am limited to about 300 photos at standard resolution, so will have to edit accordingly. Will buy a throw away or cheap 35 mm film camera underway if absolutely necessary.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Just a 27 liter rucksack for day use. Everything else stays in the duffle bags for transport by the sherpas. Probably one liter of water, but will see how hot it is? What are the chances to refill during the day? How good is the water on the trail? And then adjust accordingly.

Miscellaneous: All important polaroid sunglasses and a second pair just in case. I am not bringing ski goggles as I hope not to need them. A ball cap and sunglasses are normally enough even in a snowstorm and I certainly hope we will not be caught in one! Telescoping hiking poles for the descents to take the wear and tear off my knees. May buy some clothes in Kathmandu as everything supposed to be cheap and may like a few souvenirs in any case.

Luggage and bags: A rucksack with good padded straps and a wide hip belt are the best way to bring your stuff with you to Nepal. It is also good to bring a smaller daysack for day trips and also for on the trek if you are going to have a porter carrying your bag.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Walking boots are essentail if you are going to be trekking at all, and ones with ankle supports are best. It is also good to bring a pair of sandals and/or trainers for day trips and in the evenings.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: It would be very useful to bring your own medical kit, including plasters (especially blister ones) and any other bits and pieces you may need, such as asprin, rehydration satchets etc. Also remember any knee or ankle supports you may need if trekking.

Photo Equipment: Depending on what type of camera you may have, it is best to have all of the necessary, films, batteries you need before you arrive. You can get some of the more well known brands in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but it is best not to take the chance.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: A waterproof jacket/poncho is good for any time for year, especially if going trekking! It is also good to bring warm fleece tops/jackets if trekking, but remember you also need to bring summer clothes if visiting Chitwan are as it is always warmer there, except for the middle of winter.

Miscellaneous: Remember to bring a water bottle and some purification tablets. Even though water is always boiled when trekking, this does not always kill all bacteria. I would also recommend bringing some flavoured, effervescent multivitamins - they are a great way to mask the taste of water.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It was end of February when I was there. Can be chilly during the nite. Minimum temperature around 6 degrees. In the afternoon, it's not so cold. A pair of sweater will do.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Bring the necessary medication. I had food poison or rather tummy discomfort. Probably too much of dal bhat (dal bhat is nepali's staple dish made from dhall beans and gravy). There are lotsa small pharmacies. however, I wouldn;t wanna go hunting for medication if I were vomitting like crazy.

Photo Equipment: That's a must! I did not bring sufficient memory cards. Missed lotsa good shots.