What to Pack, Luggage Storage and Can you shop for everything in Thamel?

For many of those who are looking for their first Himalayan trekking experience, What-to-Pack has seemed to be a very daunting question and ever so more when you are planning for onward travels to a completely different environment. You don’t want to overpack; baggage limitations, storage issues, etc. but you don’t want to under-pack and miss your crucial layers either. It is definitely a balance of practicality, necessity and some comfort items that is very subjective. In this article, I will attempt to draw from my experience and reflect on some examples from the mistakes I have made to let you know what absolutely works and what you can leave behind. Furthermore, if you are going with a Porter/Trek Assist, it is even more paramount to be mindful of the luggage weight. 

Enroute Khambachhen | Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek | RAB Hyperon 65L Bag-Pack

By the end of this article, you will have a very good idea about the layerings that works in the Himalayas, your clothing and gear essentials to facilitlate your endeavors of the Himalayas.

Base Layers – 

This is the layer that sits closest to your skin. I recommend this to be Merino or some form of Merino Blend. Since the laundry services are only hand-washing and clothes can take some time to dry up in the cold alpine environment, I prefer items which can last me a bit longer especially in terms of Odor Management. 

If you are someone who has less cold tolerance, then I suggest to pack in a pair of Thermals. A mid to heavy weight preferably above 200gsm would be excellent to provide you enough warmth without adding up the bulk or restricting your movements. 

Other than that, I usually pack 2 Hiking Tshirts (Long or Short Sleeves), depending on the season and the region that I am trekking in. Since many of the trek starts at lower elevation, the first few days can be quite warm and even more so if you are doing it in mid to late Spring or early to mid-Autumn. There are a number of brands; Smartwool, Ice Breaker, Decathlon, RAB, etc. who makes Hiking Tops in 125 gsm to 180 gsm weight either in full Merino or Merino Blend. While full Merino can be expensive, Merino blend provides all the benefit whilst the Synthetics provide Durability and Ruggedness.

Mid Layers – This is essentially a layer that sits above your base layer. It works by creating Warm Air Pockets and acts as thermal barriers between your skin and outside environment. It is very helpful on those cold temperature days or cold morning start to the hike. There are various options available, but I generally recommend Fleeces with their own proprietary stitching that works to trap in warmth. 

If you have less cold tolerance, then you can also go for light down Jacket such as RAB Microlight series or ME Frostline or Mammut Broad Peak IN. You can just have one mid-layer and that will be completely fine for most of the multi-day trek of the Himalayas. 

Heavy Mid Layers – This would be your heavy Down Jackets that would effectively make you feel like Michelin Man. There are hundreds of options of what works for you but there should be 2 numbers that you should be looking for i.e. Fill Power (fp) of the Down and the weight of the Down (how much has been used). Usually, heavier down jackets are literally filled with more quantity of high (fp) down and hence, usually more expensive. They are designed to achieve a near perfect balance of Warmth vs Weight. It also allows your Jacket to be light and more packable as higher fill-power also means the jacket can be less bulky. However, if you are planning for serious cold weather, then High fp and Heavy Weight (usually Expedition Downs) are the best for highest warmth. 

The numbers that I will be looking for average High Pass Trek for the Himalayas would be 800fp Down with Fill Weight >200gms. 

This can also be used as a stand-alone outer layer as most of the Down Jackets are made with proprietary Pertex Quantum fabrics that provides a very manageable Wind proofing. Each individual companies might have their own version of this fabric and hence, but this has been an industry standard for some time now. However, if you have the chances to face serious weather elements, then an Outer Layer would be your final line of defense.

Outer Layer – While you would find variations for this, your outer layer’s job is to protect your insulation from harsh elements of the weather. This can be your 2-2.5L softshell or a 3L Hardshell that is completely waterproof and windproof. 

Most of the companies have their own proprietary fabrics for this shell but the industry standard is GoreTex. A 2.5L GoreTex or any other fabric would work as an excellent wind and water-proof shell. This would usually mean that the Shell would feel more softer and more packable while the 3L fabrics are for more rugged demands. Usually, GoreTex line up is relatively expensive then the company’s own fabric and hence, it might seem like a substantial investment. If you are planning to continue serious high-altitude endeavors, then a 3L GoreTex is a long-term investment. I personally use, Outdoor Research Foray II GTX and it has been with me for about 6 years still holding up against the elements of the Himalayas. 

Your value-alternative can be Patagonia Torrentshell line up or any of the major outdoor brands such as OR, Black Diamond, Mammut, Ortovox, etc. with their own patented technology.

Sun Hat or Cap, Beanie, Neck Buff and Goggles;

Sun burn is a real issue in high altitude adventures and so is the unforgiving cold wind. Your sun hat or cap is your first line of defense against the harsh UV rays. Pairing this with your Neck Buff, it can give you solid protection against the harsh sun and arid dry wind of the Himalayas. I only wear Beanie when I am resting and/or cold weather days or traversing high passes for added insulation. 

Next would be your Goggles; Snow Blindness is real issue and even more so when the harsh sun is reflected back to your eyes from the beautiful snow-capped peaks. Pair this with dusty winds and you need serious eye protection. I recommend at least CAT III and above. CAT I to CAT IV are the category of goggles based on the light that it allows to pass through, with CAT I being the least effective while CAT IV allows less than 90% of sunlight to pass through. 

If you are on high altitude expeditions when there is the likelihood of snow on the pass or on the trail, CAT IV is the only recommended option. Decathlon has some cheap options such as their MT500 series of CAT IV glasses that I have used for 6000m Peak expeditions to high altitude trekking right around 30-50 USD price point which for me is one of the most budget friendly options. 

What to with Prescription Glasses or How do you trek with Contact Lenses

This is one of the questions that always pops off in the trekking forums. Based on the experiences of my clients who were on prescription lenses; I observed 2 ways;

1.     They wore Prescription sunglasses made entirely for their requirement (2 Instances)

2.     They used Disposable Contact Lenses and usual CAT IV glasses (More Common)

One of the observations was, their contact lenses were always insulated either on them inside their Chest Pockets in Mid Layer or inside their Sleeping Bag. Diving deeper into it, this seems to be a more common consensus whilst you only have to be more mindful of hand cleanliness when you are applying or removing your Lens. 

Toiletries

This is entirely subjective. Personally, I carry SPF80 Sunscreen, All-purpose Washing Gel, Moisturizer, UPF 50+ Lip Balm, Travel Size Toothpaste and Toothbrush, Water Wipes, a roll of Toilet Paper and small bottle of Hand Sanitizer. 

You can restock with Toilet Paper rolls, wet wipes, additional Snacks, etc. along the trails. However, the prices would be slightly higher. In addition to personal hygiene, I also recommend having a dedicated Laundry Wash liquid or All-purpose Washing liquid such as Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash. When you hand wash your laundry, these all-purpose liquids come in super handy. 

Gloves, Mittens, Down Booties and Socks

Usually, I carry 2 pairs of Gloves depending on the season. One would be a light fleece Gloves and one would be a heavy insulated pair possibly waterproof or windproof. I have observed especially traversing high altitude passes that many trekkers suffer from cold hands. 

While Heavy Gloves are warm, it might not be enough if you are someone who already has managing temperature on your extremities. For this reason, Mittens would be your ideal choice. You can find cheap ones around Thamel that might cost about NRs. 2000 a pair. 

Down Booties are completely subjective. As said above, if your temperature regulation for extremities is not good, you would definitely enjoy the comfort of Down Booties whilst we are inside the teahouses and for those quiet, inactive evenings. Along with Down Booties, it is imperative that you have a dedicated Alpine Trekking pair of socks especially for high pass crossings. I would not suggest layering on socks for added warmth as it has the tendency to create hotspots and eventual blisters. Usually, 3-4 pair of regular hiking socks preferably Merino Blend and one heavy pair for colder temperature is enough. 

Hiking Boots vs Trail Runners

This is certainly a topic where each individual trekkers have strong opinions. Hiking Boots can be clunky and heavier than Trail Runners which might add more fatigue for you at the end of the day. My preference is Hiking Boots for the added insulation, extra ankle support and I feel boots are sturdier. It also means that the boots would feel a bit warm in lower elevations and doesn’t vent well which might be a deal-breaker for a lot of hikers. This is individual preference and you can go ahead with whatever works for you. 

However, if you know that the trails and the high passes have snow, then GTX lined Hiking Boots would be the obvious recommendation. If used correctly with Snow Gaiters, it will prevent the cold snow from going inside your boots and save you from the hassles of hiking in cold and soaked feet. 

Having said this, if you are trekking in peak seasons, where the trails and the high passes would not have any snow or the temperature would not dip down too much, you will do just as well with Trail Runners. They have great ventilation and lighter resulting in less fatigue compared to heavy hiking boots. 

Hiking Trousers and Shorts

This is also a very individual preference and the weight of the trousers should be considered based on the season of hiking. I usually hike with one hiking shorts and two hiking trousers of different weight meaning one is ideal for summer hiking and the other is slightly insulated for colder temperature in high altitude. 

Apart from this, I also hike with a pair of GTX Trouser, a 2L fabric that has minimal weight so that I can put it over my Shorts or Trousers if it rains, snows or for added warmth or wind protection. I am not a huge fan of long johns or thermals and hence, this works for me. 

Snow Gaiters and Micro Spikes

This highly depends on the season of the trekking and can be purchased relatively cheaper in Kathmandu. I would always recommend having micro-spikes if there is even a small chance of precipitation. The icy trails and fresh snow is definitely a combination for slippages and injuries. While these are not a must-have items, your timing of the trek and the weather forecast should be considered. 

Your agency, trekking guide or general weather forecast should provide you a pretty good idea about the trail conditions. For general information, if you are trekking in early Spring (May), early Autumn (end Sept/early October) or deep winter (Jan/Feb), Micro Spikes is essential. In case of unprecedented weather events such as Cyclone Montha in October 2025, it brought in heavy snowfall and thus, we had to have micro spikes all throughout Autumn. 

First Aid Kit

Whether you are trekking independently or on a Guided Trek, having your own first aid kit is very important. Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Anti-Diarrhea tablets, Altitude Medication – Diamox, etc. are your general medications. I also recommend Blister Tapes and Band Aids, small role of Medical Tape and 2-3 pcs of different size Gauze Bandages. If you have the tendency to get Knee issues, then having a pair of Knee Braces would be very helpful. 

Hydration

I always recommend having at least 2 liters of water on you at all times. Whether you are using Water Bladders or Nalgene Bottles, it is imperative that you purify or use water purification tablets. I personally prefer2 Nalgene Bottles of 1 liter each as I have had plenty of times when the tubes of my water bladder got frozen. 

I believe you can purchase adapters for Nalgene bottles to still have the tube for easier drinking whilst giving you the benefit of refilling and cleaning the bottles with ease. Personally, I am not a fan of Water Filters as they have the tendency to get frozen, clogged up or contaminated with improper use. I have observed mixed reviews from trekkers using them hence, whatever works for you. However, I would recommend having some water purification tablets on you in case the filter system breaks. 

Since, bottled waters can be impractical and expensive, I calculate Water Purification Tablets based on the average of 4 ltrs of water every day, i.e. 4 tablets every day. Usually, one pack of Water Purification Tabs usually comes in either a pack of 50 or 100 and one tablet works for one liter of water. Ensure you check the labelling as sometimes each tablet is meant for 500ml of water. Multiply this by the number of days that you are trekking and it would give you an idea of the number of Water Tabs to purchase. For example; 

For an average of 4 ltrs per day per person

 4 Tablets per day x (No. of Days of Trekking e.g. 12) = 48 

Which means, at least one pack of 50 Water Purification Tabs per person

Buying everything in Nepal; Are the quality of copy brands in Thamel good?

While shopping for everything in Thamel is definitely a budget conscious approach, it is definitely a thing of hit or miss especially if you are anticipating adverse weather conditions. 

I have had some terrible experiences with Outer shell and Jackets I bought in Thamel at the past which got me nearly Hypothermic whilst trekking on a ridgeline amidst in Spring period with pre-monsoon shower and wind at the approx. elevation of 2800 – 3000m. As I do this professionally, it makes more sense to invest in quality gears for me. But I do understand that preferences and budget is a factor for you especially if you don’t hike regularly. 

Hence, it is important to consider weather factors before you go all in for a budget approach. I would say, things like Down Jackets and Hiking Boots/Trail Runners, Bag Pack, etc. should not be compromised as it might completely make or break your experience. However, if you are looking for Hiking Tshirts, Trousers, Mid Layers, Socks, etc. Thamel has a pretty extensive collection of items that works. For items like Trekking Poles, Micro Spikes, etc. you can find them in abundance. 

If you are looking for some tried and tested Nepalese brands that are local but yet pack the same qualities of Western brands, these are the ones you should look for;

Everest Outfit, Raeko, Kaemp 8848 and Lukla Outdoors

Among these Everest Outfit and Kaemp 8848 is a bit more premium within Nepalese brands and Raeko and Lukla Outdoors are more budget friendly alternatives. You would see many of the local Guides and operators in these outfits and thus, these have definitely proven their worth in extreme environments.

Renting

There are a couple of ways you can go about acquiring your hiking gears on a budget. Usually items like Trekking Poles, Down Jacket, Micro-Spikes, Sleeping Bag, Bag Packs, etc. can be rented from Thamel at about NRs. 50 – NRs. 200 a day. Since, you might be traveling onwards to a warmer climate or a tropical country after the Himalayas, you can use this approach. 

You can also sell your used items to other trekkers with similar aspirations through some Facebook forums such as Used Trekking Gears Nepal or other connections. 

Luggage Storage

Most of the items, your trekking agency or the hotel that you are before and after the trek would be happy to store your luggage free of charge. As long as you have the bookings with the hotel, they would store your luggage and provide you with a luggage tag. I would still advise you to have all your valuables on yourself or inform the property manager if there are fragile or high value items so that he/she can safeguard the items away from the usual storage facilities. 

Alternatively,you can also choose your items to be couriered to your hotel. For example, if you are starting your trek from Kathmandu and ending at Pokhara, you can ask your service provider to courier your luggage to your hotel in Pokhara at the designated time frame. This has nominal fees at about 10-20 USD but if you plan to stay in either of the cities for a bit longer and require all your luggage, you can do so. 

I have personally couriered the luggage of my clients to Pokhara or other cities based on their plan and the hotels were accommodating to store the luggage until our arrival. 

Conclusion

With the items mentioned, I assure your base weight would be ~12 kgs or less as you would wear some on you, some inside your day bag packs and less for your Porters to carry. There are some items which I could not cover such as electronics or travel adapters, etc. However, having a dedicated travel adapter and possibly a proper PW rated Type C Cables would be enough for most of the electronics these days.

Having a dedicated power bank of max 20000 mAH is enough for your daily charging needs especially where electricity is only available via Solar Energy. Unless you are also charging items like Cameras, Drones or Tablets, this capacity would be adequate. Charging devices can sometimes can range from NRs. 200 - NRs. 500 in some places, especially if they only have Solar Energy and hence, if you have a heavy requirement, you can also look into getting your own Portable Solar Charger, especially if you are on remote treks such as Kanchenjunga or Makalu Base Camp.