HOW TO PACK FOR A TREK IN HIMALAYAS

It is quite obvious for everyone who has carried a backpack for at least a day, that packing too much might be painful. However, missing some essential stuff might be even more dangerous. So, what to take to your hike in Himalayas?

First rule - check the season and the weather you plan to travel (NB. Check it at your starting point and at the highest point).

It is recommended to carry 10 kg for women, and max 15 kg for guys. If you are travelling for longer period and not only doing the trek, you can always leave your unnecessary luggage at the place where you stayed before you started your trek.

CLOTHING

The main advice is layers! As the weather gets cooler and cooler once you get higher, you just have to layer up. How does it look in practice?

I have done Annapurna circuit in May, which meant starting point 20 °C and Thorung La pass minus 5°C.

The list of clothing you need:

- Hiking shoes. The path is not rough, so basic hiking shoes with ankle support will work.

- 2-3 pairs of socks, underwear, t-shirts.

- Shorts.

- Leggings (works both for men and women, can be used solo, under shorts or hiking pants to keep you warm).

- Hiking pants. Windproof and waterproof recommended.

- Thermo layer (2 pax).

- Sweater.

- Jacket. Windproof and waterproof recommended.

- Hat (to be used when cold as well as to protect from the sun, so choose wisely).

- Gloves. It really comes in handy on the higher altitude.

- Sunglasses.

- Flip flops (you don’t want to go to shower barefoot :)

MEDICAL

In addition to standard medical kit for any trip (I usually have something for diarrhea, stomachache, pain killers, antiallergens, bandages), make sure to have some pills for altitude sickness. Don’t worry if you don’t get them in advance, usually they have it on the trek from certain altitude.

- Altitude sickness is the issue that should be taken seriously. Make sure to follow the advice how to lower the chances of getting it. If you are doing Annapurna circuit, there is a daily course in Manang about it.

- Sunscreen is a must. Sun in the mountains can be very harsh.

- Water purifying tablets. You can get clear drinkable water on the trek: from kiosks or simply from running mountain water which is safe to drink. However, if you want to be really safe or have a sensitive stomach, you can buy tablets along the trek.

GEAR

Your most important gear is –… TADAH! … – a backpack. Choose wisely. I am not expert on that, so please find some more professional advice, however you can take this note, that the uncomfortable backpack can ruin even the best trek.

No other specific gear is needed, unless you are planning on getting of beaten trek and do some extra hike. I would make some basic suggestions:

- Trekking poles. They will assist you especially if you are week in your knees. (Price: 10-15 $, you can get then in Katmandu). Of course, you can go wild and just make a stick out of a piece of wood you find on your path). Overall, it is not necessary, but helpful.

- Water container. Avoid hard plastic or metal containers as they mean extra weight. I would suggest a water bag or simple plastic water bottle that can be reused and easily squeezed if needed.

- Sleeping bag. You will find really different advices on this subject. As I have been trekking practically in low season, we have faced no trouble in finding accommodation as well as extra blanket if needed. Extra blanket was needed only at the last stopping point before the pass. So, I would advise not to bring it, unless you want some extra work-out for your back when you carry that extra weight. I have been carrying a nice sleeping bag of 1.5 kg and would have definitely thrown it away after two days if it hadn’t been borrowed.

-Backpack cover might be a piece of help.

- Tent. No need for that unless you want to sleep in it. There is plenty of accommodation on the way.