Helambu Trek

Equipment Checklist

This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking tours. There are various selections and brands that you can choose from as per your interest. All required trekking equipment can be bought or even hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu. The quantity of your gear and equipment for shorter treks can be lesser, and you may wish to travel light.

General

1. Four seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)
2. Duffel or Rucksack bag  & suitcase (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)
3. Daypack
4. Down Jacket (Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

1. Sun hat
2. Warm wool or synthetic hat that covers your ears.
3. Goggles or sunglasses for sunbeams, dust, and wind
4. Headlamp
5. Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional).
6. A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

Hand

1. Gloves( not too warm and not light )

Core Body

1. T-shirts
2. Shirts
3. Fleece jacket or pullover.
4. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
5. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
6. Women's sports bras, Synthetic, no cotton!

Lower Body – Legs- Feet

• Nylon hiking shorts - Quick drying type, not cotton!
• Underwear, stay away from cotton (4).
• Lightweight long underwear - capilene or other synthetic.
• Softshell pants - synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
• Trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts...
• Cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).
• All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture-resistant plastic bags.
• Two pairs of heavy-weight socks to be worn over liner socks are preferable for the cold season.
• Two pairs of lightweight socks are a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
• Light to medium-weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots.
• A pair of light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
• A pair of sandals (Optional).

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you bring your personal first aid kit as well)

1. Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude-related headaches.
2. Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
3. Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
4. Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss this with us before starting to take this medicine.
5. One small personal-sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

Miscellaneous

1. Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
2. Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM just in case you need to change the date of your).
3. Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
4. Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it prevents you from having to stop and look for it.
5. Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its effectiveness over time.
6. Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
7. Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
8. Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
9. Two bandanas.

Optional

1. One pair of adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves as generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc., especially when going downhill.
2. Favorite snack foods
3. Paperback books, cards, and an MP3 player there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweight
4. Binoculars
5. One lightweight point-and-shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are okay, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use
6. Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator
7. A pee bottle for men and a pee funnel for women, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip
8. One small stainless steel thermos.

All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture-resistant plastic bags.