WESTERN BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR

Here’s a complete rundown of what to bring if you’re planning a camping or tea-house trek in Nepal. Proper preparation and equipment for the conditions will go a long way to ensuring you have a great trekking experience.  What follows is a pretty comprehensive list and will make sure you are covered in the coldest months of the year. If you have questions on what you might need just ask us and keep in mind that Kathmandu is a great place to buy trekking gear at affordable prices.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS

• Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
• Dollars, pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
• Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.

ON THE TRAIL DAYPACK

• Extra layers, gloves, windbreaker, and poncho
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Broad-brimmed hat or bandana (for sun protection)
• Iodine Water Tablets (personal preference)
• Water Bottles or Camel Back
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Favorite Snacks
• Waterproof bags to protect electronics or paperwork
• Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
• Umbrella (works great in light rain or to protect from the sun)
• Duct tape or moleskin for blisters
• Toilet Paper
• Trekking Poles (optional)
• Thermos (optional for hot beverages)

CLOTHING: BASE, MIDDLE AND OUTER LAYERS

• Moisture-wicking long-sleeve tee-shirts (2)
• Moisture-wicking tee-shirts (1)
• Long underwear pants (2)
• Underwear (5 to 7)
• Heavy Fleece or Down Jacket
• Long sleeve shirts (2)
• Sweatshirt (optional)
• Fleece Pants
• Trekking Pants (2)
• Shorts (optional)
• Gortex or Waterproof Jacket with hood
• Rain Poncho that covers your day pack
• Waterproof Pants
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Wool hat (Should cover ears) or Balaclava
• Lightweight Gloves
• Insulated Wool or Down Mittens
• Gaiters (optional)

FOOTWEAR: SHOES AND SOCKS

• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Camp shoes or Tennis Shoes
• Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
• Hiking socks (10)
• Sock Liners (optional)

SLEEPING BAG

• Sleeping bag rated to -15° C/ 0° f
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Sleeping bag stuff sack

DUFFEL BAGS AND DAY PACKS

• Duffel Bag for Carrying Your Gear (we provide this for the trek)
• Day Pack for Carrying what you need on the trail
• Small Lock(s) for duffel bag and a day pack
• Waterproof cover for a daypack
• Drybags in several sizes
• Stuff sacks for dirty clothes/shoes

FIRST AID KIT AND TOILETRIES

Our team brings along a basic first aid kit but we recommend you also carry the following;

• Advil or Ibuprofen
• Diamox (for altitude sickness)
• Personal Prescriptions
• Medical Tape (for preventing treating blisters)
• Antibiotics (Cipro for travelers’ diarrhea)
• Diaper Rash Cream (Can treat rashes or chaffing)
• Basic toiletries (Soap, Deodorant…)
• Wet wipes
• Panty Liners and Tampons
• Face lotion
• Hairbrush
• Hair ties
• Hand warmers
• Earplugs for sleeping

OTHER ITEMS

• Portable Solar Charger
• Journal, pen, and paper
• Reading book
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your tea houses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow