Packing for a Teahouse Trek: What to Bring and What to Leave

Most first-time trekkers bring too much. Since lodges provide beds and meals, you need far less than you would for camping. The goal is a load of about ten to twelve kilograms in total, split between a duffel carried by a porter and a daypack you carry yourself, or in a single rucksack if you are carrying everything.

The layering principle

Mountain days swing from hot sun to freezing shade within hours. Pack thin layers you can add and remove, not one heavy coat.

Base layers

• Two or three quick-drying T-shirts or long-sleeved tops. Avoid cotton, which stays wet.

• One set of thermal top and leggings for sleeping and cold mornings.

Mid layers

• A fleece jacket or light insulated top.

• One pair of trekking trousers and one spare. Zip-off legs are useful at lower altitudes.

Outer layers

• A waterproof, windproof shell jacket.

• Waterproof overtrousers, or at least a light pair for wind.

• A down jacket. Essential above about 3,000 metres and for evenings in the dining room.

Feet

• Boots. Mid-weight walking boots with ankle support, worn in before you arrive. New boots cause more misery than any other mistake.

• Socks. Three or four pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus one thick pair for sleeping.

• Camp shoes. Light sandals or trainers for evenings and the bathroom.

• Gaiters and traction devices if trekking in winter, early spring or over high passes.

Head and hands

• A sun hat with a brim.

• A warm hat that covers the ears.

• A neck gaiter or scarf, also useful against dust.

• Light gloves, and warm insulated gloves or mittens for high routes.

• Sunglasses with full ultraviolet protection. Snow glare at altitude can damage eyes.

Sleeping

A sleeping bag rated for the lowest temperatures on your route. For most autumn and spring treks to around 4,000 metres, a comfort rating of about minus five to minus ten Celsius is sensible; go warmer for Everest, high passes and winter. A liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. A small inflatable pillow is a luxury worth its weight.

Bags

• Duffel bag of 60 to 80 litres if using a porter. Agencies often supply one.

• Daypack of 25 to 35 litres with a hip belt and rain cover, for water, layers, camera and snacks.

• Dry bags or plastic liners inside both. Rain covers alone do not keep things dry.

Water and food

• Two one-litre bottles, or a bottle and a hydration bladder. A metal bottle doubles as a hot water bottle at night.

• Water treatment: purification tablets, a filter or an ultraviolet purifier.

• A few energy bars, nuts or sweets from home. Chocolate and biscuits are sold on the trail.

Health and hygiene

• Personal medication, with spares.

• A small first-aid kit: plasters, blister dressings, antiseptic, painkillers, rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges.

• Altitude medication if prescribed.

• Sunscreen of high factor and lip balm with sun protection.

• Hand sanitiser and biodegradable soap.

• Toilet paper and a sealable bag for used paper where bins are lacking.

• Quick-dry towel.

• Wet wipes for days without showers.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, minimal toiletries.

• Menstrual products, with bags to carry used items out.

Electronics

• Headlamp with spare batteries. Indispensable for pre-dawn starts and night trips to the toilet.

• Phone, with offline maps downloaded.

• Power bank of decent capacity. Cold drains batteries, so keep it in your sleeping bag at night.

• Charging cables and a plug adapter for Nepal's round-pin sockets.

• Camera, if you carry one, with spare batteries and cards.

Useful extras

• Trekking poles. They save knees on descents and help balance on rough ground.

• Earplugs.

• A book or e-reader and a pack of cards.

• A notebook and pen.

• Duct tape wrapped round a pole or bottle for repairs.

• A few passport photographs and photocopies of your passport and insurance.

• Cash in rupees, in small notes, for the entire trek.

Rent or buy in Nepal

Kathmandu's Thamel district and Pokhara's Lakeside have dozens of shops selling and renting gear. Down jackets and sleeping bags can be hired by the day at low cost and are perfectly adequate. Trekking poles, hats, gloves, fleeces, duffels and water bottles are cheap to buy. Much of the branded clothing is imitation; quality ranges from fine to poor, so check zips and stitching.

Bring from home the things that must fit and work: boots, socks, underwear, prescription items and anything technical you depend on.