Nepal is a bucket list country for so many reasons. From the great sweeping Himalayan range to the culture and villages of the foothills and vibrant traveller scene in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
But if you are heading to Nepal, it’s most likely because you’ve dreamed about a trek through one of the world’s highest mountain ranges. Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are two of the most popular, but there are tons of trekking trails to choose from here. Many get you right into the heart of the mountains, and each evening you will experience the wonderful Nepali hospitality while staying in the local tea houses.
Packing for Nepal can be a tricky one. You need to travel light, but while also ensuring you have enough clothing for all seasons, as the lowlands can often be tropical while the mountain trails can get well below freezing. After three trips to the country and treks on many of the wonderful Himalayan trails, here are some things which I’d describe as essentials for your trip.
The really important stuff
Three things you really can’t forget when trekking in Nepal is your passport, trekking permits and insurance details. Your trekking permits will be checked at various points along the trail, and the other two are essential in case of emergency. Keep them safe in a waterproof pouch!
A sleeping bag
Teahouses are great and cosy accommodation options, but they only supply blankets, which are unwashed between seasons and are often a little grubby. Plus, at the higher altitudes they’re not enough to keep you warm on their own, so you’ll need to carry a sleeping bag. Depending on the altitude and season you are travelling in, anything from a -30 to a 0-degree bag is sufficient. I trekked the Annapurna Circuit in early March and my -15 bag didn’t keep out the cold when it got down to -25 degrees at the high altitudes. Make sure you are prepared for it to get colder than you expect!
Photo captured by Annapurna Mellor
RELATED: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING THE ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT
A warm jacket
A warm jacket is anothe
