WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ADVENTURE VACATION

BAGGAGE We suggest that you use your own personal daypack as your carry-on bag during your flights to Nepal. In addition to your passport, money, credit cards, and airline tickets, your daypack should contain all essential personal items: toiletries (that are allowed by new TSA restrictions, see www.tsa.gov/travelers), medications, one set of trek clothing, camera, film (or memory cards). You should wear (or carry in your carry-on bag) your hiking boots on the plane. How to pack for this trip and what is supplied: Suitcase or duffel with wheels: You should bring everything you need for the entire trip in a suitcase or duffel with wheels. Your suitcase with extra, clean clothes will be stored at the Yak and Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu while on trek, and will be available to you only when you return to Kathmandu after the trek, the raft trip, and your stay in Chitwan. Please make your own arrangements to leave your suitcase with the bell captain at the Yak and Yeti Hotel. Personal daypack: Use your daypack as your airline carry-on bag and to carry while on the entire trip. In your daypack you should carry your camera, rain gear, sunscreen, some water (the porters carry the main supply), and personal items. If you do NOT bring your own daypack, you can use one that our outfitter supplies. However, if you have a personal daypack that you find very comfortable to wear and carry (and has a comfortable waist strap, so it doesn’t put pressure on your shoulders), then you should bring your own. Trek duffel bag #1 (supplied): On your first night in Kathmandu, you will be provided with the loan of a trek duffel bag. In this bag you will pack all your clothing, personal items, and supplies for the duration of the 5 night lodge trek, and also your clothes for the raft and Chitwan portion of the trip. This is the easiest duffel for the porters to carry. It measures approximately 12" x 12" x 28". If you can’t fit all of this in the trek duffel bag, then please use your personal daypack to carry some of these items for travel to Pokhara, where our trek begins. Trek duffle bag #2 (supplied): On arrival in Pokhara, you will be supplied/loaned another duffel bag #2 (the same size as your trek duffel bag #1) and you can transfer your clothes for the raft and Chitwan portion of the trip into this bag. It will be left in Pokhara and waiting for you on your return from your 5 day trek. You will then take this with you for the raft and Chitwan portions of the trip. PRE-DEPARTURE TASKS Obtain or renew passport. Passports must be good for a minimum of 3 months from the date your trip is over. Obtain necessary visa in the U.S., or get your visa on arrival in Kathmandu. Evaluate and obtain trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. Consult with physician for physical examination, immunization, malaria suppressant, and prescription medicine recommendations. Break in primary footwear. PERSONAL ITEMS Passport — make sure it is valid for at least 3 months after returning from our trip, and has 2 blank visa pages. 6 extra passport photos: 2 for visas on arrival, 2 to use for obtaining your trek permit in Nepal, and 2 extras (in case of lost or stolen passport/visa). Watch and/or small travel alarm clock. Small flashlight with extra batteries and bulb. Sunglasses (90% - 100% ultraviolet and some infrared protection) and case. Contact lenses, cleaner, saline solution, extra eyeglasses with safety band. Money belt. Cash, credit cards, ATM card. VISA and Mastercard are accepted in Nepal, but be aware that credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels and shops. Address book, writing paper, journal, pen/pencil. Personal daypack (also serves as an airline carry-on bag). Water bottle. We recommend the 22 oz. Nalgene Everyday OTG Tritan Bottle. Made of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, the bottle is completely BPA-free. Tritan™ copolyester provides excellent impact resistance and is suitable for both warm and cold beverages. Water bottles are provided on trek, but you may want to have your own for water on your airplane flights. Locks for your suitcase and duffel bag (when they are left in Kathmandu at the Yak and Yeti Hotel). Ziploc-type bags (at least a dozen, of various sizes) for packing shampoo or other liquids, or for wet, dirty washcloths/clothes. Personal toiletries in small leak-proof bottles. Biodegradable bar soap (can double as laundry soap). Washcloth (sometimes not supplied). Tampons or sanitary napkin supply. Thread, needles, safety pins for minor repairs. Insect repellent (with Deet). Antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer. Your favorite snacks for a "pick-me-up" during the day. CLOTHING Hiking boots, well broken-in. Please do not buy heavy, leather boots as there are numerous, medium- weight, high-quality hiking boots on the market. Asolo, Garmont, Merrill, Vasque, and other makes are widely available and designed especially for women. Since they are waterproof, Gore-tex boots, although a bit more expensive, are our first choice. Other boots should be waterproofed with one of the excellent waterproofing products available such as Nikwax. Make sure your boots fit properly and are well broken-in. Pair of tennis shoes or slip-on shoes for relaxing in the evening. Crocs or other lightweight sandals (Merrell, Teva, Keen) are also ideal as they are lightweight to carry. 4-5 pairs polypropylene liner socks. 4-5 pairs thick, natural fiber walking socks. 5-6 pairs quick drying underwear. You will want to wash out bras and panties. See the TravelSmith catalog. 2-3 pairs comfortable, lightweight pants. 2 pairs long (hiking type) shorts. The locals do not appreciate short shorts. You may also consider wearing a lightweight skirt while trekking, as this is what the local women wear. One pair nicer pants or skirt for our hotel stay in Kathmandu. Nice, lightweight, wrap-around skirts can be purchased in Nepal. 3-4 cotton bandannas. It’s an AdventureWomen tradition! They can be used as sweat bands, neckbands, handkerchiefs (instead of Kleenexes), emergency bathing suit strap(!), and MORE. Use your imagination! Field shirts: 2 long-sleeved and 2 lightweight short-sleeved, and a few T-shirts. Sweatshirt, sweater, or lightweight polar fleece jacket. Rain gear is supplied for the trek, but you may want to bring your own rain gear—poncho or jacket. Your jacket may double as an outer shell or windbreaker jacket for cooler weather at higher elevations. Sleepwear. Your favorite sun hat. Swimsuit. Extra shoe or boot laces. For Our Raft Trip Teva, Merrill, Keen (or Crocs), or other sports sandals that can get wet and dry fast, and a pair of quick drying river shorts. Life jackets, helmets, and waterproof drums for your equipment are supplied. PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT Regarding foot care: To prevent blisters, many hikers use moleskin. However, we recommend bringing a small roll of ordinary duct tape as an alternative. Applied when you feel a "hot spot" before the blister forms, duct tape reduces friction better than moleskin. If you develop a blister, Spenco "2nd Skin" is a very comforting necessity. Also bring foot powder for moisture absorption; cloth, not plastic Bandaids; about 10 individually wrapped alcohol pads; and a small tube of Neosporin or other antibiotic cream. Aspirin/ibuprofen, etc. Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops. Sun screen and lip balm with sunscreen. Tweezers. Ace bandage. Antibiotics. Prescription medicines in their original bottles. Acidophilus enzyme (available in capsules in health-food stores). This often helps your digestive system get in shape for "new" flora and fauna. Eating yogurt does the same, however it is not always available. Immodium, Lomotil, or other anti-diarrhea medicine. Pepto-Bismol tablets and/or liquid in leak-proof bottle. Emergen-C. Good for higher altitudes, and some people swear they get fewer colds on airplanes if they take this during flights. CAMERA EQUIPMENT For many women, photography is a large part of this trip. We suggest you bring the following: Digital camera, more memory cards and batteries than you think you need, battery charger, and adapter. Bring an adapter kit since multiple types of plugs are found in the country. Most digital cameras have a built in converter so you only need to bring an adapter. You can also purchase adapter plugs in Kathmandu. The following items can be purchased in Nepal: Maps. Language or guide books. Local snack foods. Wool hats and sweaters. Local-style clothing in all sizes. Trek clothes such as gortex jackets, fleece, and down jackets. Western-style, all-cotton clothing, as well as cashmere and silk garments. Extra batteries. Film (quality unreliable). Post cards, stamps, and books in English. OPTIONAL Small, lightweight binoculars (yes!). Swiss Army knife or equivalent with scissors (for cutting duct tape or moleskin if you have blisters on trek). Make sure you pack this in your checked luggage, and don't have it in your carry-on. Walking stick. Although walking sticks are provided on the trek, if you have a favorite telescoping walking stick that packs into your suitcase easily, by all means bring it. Pictures of your house and family (Nepalese love to see this!) Reading material. Video camera (beware of video taxes). Guide books. For general information about Nepal, the Nepal Insight Guide (July 23, 2008 edition). For trekking information, the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya (eighth edition) guide. LAST-MINUTE REMINDERS Make photocopies of your airline tickets and the first 2 pages of your passport and put them in different locations (suitcase, carry-on bag, etc.) Leave a copy of your itinerary at home. Bring 6 extra passport size photos: 2 for visa on arrival, 2 for trek permits, and 2 additional photos to use in emergencies. Your valuables should be insured for the duration of the trip, but better yet, leave them at home. Don't wear expensive gold and diamond jewelry. Make sure passport, tickets, and visas are valid and in the correct name. Check with airline to reconfirm reservations and departure time. Most airlines want to hear directly from the client for confirmations. Some Extra Items to Add to your "What to Bring" List We are updating and adding the following items for all international trips. With more than 31 years of experience flying around the world, we think these items help make your long airline flights much more comfortable and even more bearable: Neck pillow - Inflatable neck pillow for blissful support and deep sleep. For packing, it folds into itself. Self-sealing valve means nothing to close. Soft microfleece cover removes for washing.

Trekking Gear and equipment in nepal

All the fake gear is not bad if you have some idea to find out the quality.And you should not spend lots of money for buying gear and clothing while doing trek in Nepal.Because there is more than 200 trekking store who sell trekking gear and equipments for trekking and hiking in Nepal. It's doesn't matter the brand logo it just should be work properly.

For example if you carry fake brands good quality sleeping bags and down jackets for trekking and if you feel warm and comfortable that's enough for you because its much cheaper to buy compare to originals brands gear.Also trekkers can rent them for $1 or $2 per day.I have met trekkers they just compare the rental price in market and they take cheapest one which is not good idea because in market you can get both good fake and bad fake trekking gears and equipments.

I have found 2 different sleeping bags with same temperature rating but one is fiber filling sleeping bags and the another is down filling sleeping bags.There is big different between down sleeping nags and fiber sleeping bags.But these both has label of down filling 100 %.That the reason i'm telling you should should have little knowledge about it.And its not good idea to believe to trekking guide always.Instead you can ask to seller and have to ask for guarantee of warmth.

There is one store who has own manufacturing and also supply gear in Nepal called v-tex located in mid of Thamel ,near by Kathmandu guest house,The reason why people like that store is sometimes if you can't fine your proper sizes jackets or sleeping bags and if you have 1 or 2 days before heading to trek they make gear for you.They supplying clothing and gears to some countries in Europe,in USA,Australia,Bhutan and some other countries.They also have been working with more than 50 trekking companies in Nepal.They have made sleeping bags,down jackets,duffel bags for a trekking company with their own company name as a brand name.They also take a order with customs logo and designs.

They tell you about quality and give you instructions too.Prices for hiring is reasonabe and one things that you can rent new sleeping bags or down jackets and after trekking if you love it you can buy paying its selling price that you shouldn't pay for rental.

QUALITY SLEEPING BAG &DOWN JACKET IN NEPAL

It's not really necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipments & clothing for your trekking in Nepal.Now most of the trekking equipments can be hired and bought from the many adventure shop in Kathmandu.This year more than 200 trekking shop are selling trekking wears and equipments & some of the trekking shops is providing hiring service also.

All the people are not interested to buy all trekking equipments because they don’t use such a things again and again nor they use them at home.So they  hire such a thing for their trekking.it is easy to get sleepingbag and down jacket for hiring but difficult to get good one.Here good mean good quality of sleeping bag and down jacket,which should be very light weight,should be washed after using.You should be careful whether hiring such a thing or buying outdoors clothing. There are many good trekking shops have been selling good quality of outdoors clothing and also they have been providing trekking equipments for hire for around a $1. But one most important thing that buyer should keep in mind is that all the trekking shops are neither selling good quality of trekking equipments nor hiring the good things(GOOD;totally washed,seasonal,good working).So that buyer should be careful while making decision to hire like where to hire,what kind of things to hire.That is better to hire from those who are there in this field from long years and know all about weather about trekking route in Nepal.

There is a few genuine trekking shops also in ktm. But these are very expensive. If fake things work well why to buy genuine spending lots of money. If you are in Nepal and  looking for good quality of outdoorsclothing,trekking equipments

ask to somebody where to buy and go there and check quality yourself. Many outdoors clothing are manufactured in Nepal are of good quality. Don’t buy very cheap because there may not be quality. I say to you all to be careful while  buying  outdoor clothing in Nepal. All the trekking shops are not selling good quality of trekking equipments. But some of them are selling quality for reasonable price. You should be able to find good trekking shops to make your trekking good. I have seen many shops are selling very very bad quality of outdoors clothing for genuine price and the buyer have faced many problem in trekking.

So find good shop get good things and be happy in trekking.

And for more info regarding trekking gear buying or renting in Nepal please feel free to contact to top mountain gear

manojkhadka39@gmail.com 

Today im going to give some tips what to wear & what to pack while traveling for a few days in summer.i hope these tips will be helpful to all of you who are treveller or travelling somewhere in summer.First of of its depend on traveling days thats how many pair to carry or pack into back.Normally 3 pairs of clothing ois enough for 5 to7 days travel but there should be laundry or you should be able to make clean your cloth otherwise you need 4 pairs of clothing.All clothes should be lightweight thats can be carried easily.If you carry such a light weight clothes your travel will be more enjoyful.
some of the necessary clothing to carry

Shirts

quick dry light weight shirt

Always pack along a long-sleeve shirt, even if you're headed to a warm climate. As with long pants, a long-sleeve shirt will protect you from sun, bugs and rain. Some considerations:

·         Knit shirts are stretchy, comfortable and available in many styles; woven shirt typically button up the front and have vents to keep cool.

·         Look for synthetic or merino wool shirts. Cotton is recommended only for casual activities or warm, dry climates.

·         Fitness tops can work well for travel, too, especially in warm climates because they wick moisture to keep you cool.

Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses

quick dry pant with zip off

Shorts, skirts and dresses are the obvious choice when traveling to a warm or tropical destination. But keep in mind that long pants will better protect you from sun, bugs and rain. And, as mentioned above, you might need to wear them for cultural reasons, too.

Convertible pants have legs that easily zip off to turn into shorts. These are a great space-saving option.

Gore-tex jacket

·         Waterproof/breathable shells such as Gore-Tex^®, eVent^® and REI Elements^® are your best choice for a range of weather and activities. If you layer your clothing, a single shell can handle both summer breezes and winter storms. However, these jackets are more expensive than other rainwear.

·         Water-resistant/breathable shells repel wind and light rain while providing excellent breathability when you're active. They are less bulky and less expensive than other shells, but are not intended for significant rain.

Hats

Bring a hat based on your destination and the expected conditions.

·         Rain hats feature a wide brim, waterproof/breathable construction and a chin strap. They also double as good sun protection.

·         Sun hats are usually cotton or nylon for breathability and have grommets or mesh for ventilation. Some styles feature a skirt or cape to keep sun off your neck, ears and temples.

·         Casual hats include ball caps and trekking hats. Trekking hats have a wider brim and provide better protection from sun and rain.

Underwear and Socks

The same fabric rules apply for underwear and socks: A synthetic fabric, such as REI MTS polyester, will be easier to care for than cotton, while merino wool, such as Smartwool brand products, offers natural breathability and comfort. When choosing socks, consider that synthetics and wool can help prevent blisters by keeping feet drier than cotton socks do.

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How to Buy Trekking Gear in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal, is the site of Tribhuvan International Airport, the gateway to the country for most travelers. Hundreds of shops cater to trekkers, selling new and used equipment and buying back gear that hikers don't want to carry home. The amount and type of gear you need depends on whether you'll be day tripping, camping overnight or heading out on a guided expedition. Trekkers need to carry the same things they'd carry on a hike anyplace else, such as personal hygiene items and medications, in addition to a few specialized pieces of equipment. Knowing what to buy is as important as knowing where to buy it.

Items you will need

Super down jacket

Gore-Tex jacket

Wind stopper jacket

Windstopper trouser

Thermal underwear

Rain sets (jacket+trouser)

Hiking boots

Trekking shoes

Cotton clothing

Gloves

Lined pant

Warm hat (woolen/fleece cap)

Head torch

Medical kit bag

Trekking poles

Sun glasses

Water bottle

Sleeping bag

Backpack

Tent

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What to Buy

Step 1

Choose the right clothing. What you buy depends on what time of year you're trekking. For trekking in winter to Himalaya you need to wear light weight super down  jacket in around city also you need down jacket which keep you warm and protect from cold.You can wear Windstopper as well in Kathmandu on the day.But in snowing down jacket is not enough its not a 100% waterproof so at that time better to take over 3-layer Gore Tex to protect from water and snow. Same as to keep warm your leg you have to take fleece trouser or thermal trouser inside and Windstopper trouser to protect from wind but in snow you need to wear waterproof trouser.

Step 2

Buy two pairs of shoes for trekking around Kathmandu. All-leather hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for rocky terrain. Flexible trekking shoes with a sturdy sole are good for easy terrain. Buy both cotton and thermal socks for changes in temperature.Just to walk around city you can use normal whichever you fell comfort.But for trekking you need water proof with gore tex.

Step 3

Purchase a sun hat or cotton scarf for sunny days and a warm, winter(woolen/fleece ) hat that covers your ears for cold days and evenings.you can take neck warmer to keep warm your neck for cod day. Pick up a headlamp worn on an elastic band around the forehead in case you're out after dark.

Step 4

Stop by a bookstore for guidebooks if you're trekking alone, although it's possible to trek around Kathmandu without a guidebook if you have a compass and a good sense of direction because the hiking paths are so well-used.

Step 5

Assemble a medical kit with anti-diarrhea medicine, water-treatment tablets and water filter, analgesics, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, upset-stomach pills and a blister kit. Add any other products, such as a cough or cold medicine, that you're accustomed to taking on a hike.

Step 6

Select a collapsible hiking/trekking pole.its helps you even you are tired with balance and glacier sunglasses with side shields.

Step 7

If you will have stove in hiking you can have hot food in cold season. Most day trekkers carry noodles, dried fruit, nuts and energy bars. Overnight trekkers carry the same foods during the daytime and have their main meal when they've arrived at their overnight lodging or campsite. Buy a one-liter water bottle and refill it with purified water as you hike.

Step 8

Select a sleeping bag rated to keep campers warm in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit for an overnight trek. A sleeping mat for under the bag is optional. A medium to large backpack (60 to 80 liters) should suffice on all but the longest treks. Pick up a lightweight (well under six lbs.), four-season tent for chilly evenings. Dome-shaped tents, although easier to stand in, present a higher profile in windy areas. Keep your gear dry in a stuff sack or heavy-duty garbage bags.

Where to Buy

Step 1

Shop for new and used clothing, tents and sleeping bags in Thamel, Kathmandu's main tourist district. Outfitters and expedition companies line the streets. V-tex international (trekkingequipments.com) carries new outerwear, sleeping bags and backpacks.v-tex has been offering gear and gear repair since its established in 2011 V-tex international carries a full line of trekking gear, including clothing, tents, shoes and tools.

Step 2

Pick up guidebooks at Pilgrims Book House (pilgrimsbooks.com), a huge new and used bookstore in Thamel with 250,000 titles spread over 30 rooms. The store carries an extensive collection of guides for trekkers as well as guides to neighboring countries. An adjacent restaurant serves Ayurvedic vegetarian foods.

Step 3

Pick up trekking food at any of a number of shops in Kathmandu. Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket the largest in Kathmandu, provides a one-stop spot for trekking food, but the store is in an out-of-the-way area. Best Shopping Centre  is a small store in a more convenient location in Thamel.

TIPS

·         Sign up for a trekking expedition if you're uncomfortable about making your own way through the countryside.

·         Some border crossings have a money-exchanging facilities, but if you plan to trek into remote areas of Nepal, don't expect to find a place to exchange your money for local currency.

·         Many stores in Kathmandu also accept American dollars, pounds sterling and the euro.

·         Stores in larger cities accept credit cards, and some ATMs allow cash advances against credit cards.

·         Travelers who leave from Tribhuvan can trade their rupees for dollars.

·         Remember that boots must be broken in before you wear them, so consider buying them at home and breaking them in there.

·         Consider buying a pair of sandals for wearing around the campsite or other overnight accommodations.

·         Many trekkers who only plan to spend a few nights outdoors use a lightweight tarp instead of a tent for protection at night.

·         Travelers on long treks typically have porters who carry extra water, food and supplies.

WARNINGS

·         If you're planning an overnight trek, you must get a climbing permit in most areas and hire a climbing Sherpa.

·         Overnight treks may stop at teahouses and other indoor lodging along the way. Take this into consideration when buying gear.

·         Don't plan on using sleep aids on a trek near Kathmandu. They depress respiration in high altitudes.