For most treks no special equipment is necessary other than clothes that you would normally wear while camping, trekking or hiking in colder weather. There are also plenty of gear shops within a short walk of your hotel where you can buy any last minute items. Much of the gear in Nepal is “knock-off” brands but the quality is usually quite good and will cost 50-70% less than similar items back home. Shopping in Kathmandu can be a lot of fun so if you have a few things on your list I would suggest saving it for a little shopping adventure before the trip.
Pro Tip: Haggling/Negotiating is a normal thing in most Asian countries including Nepal. Once you try it you’ll find it’s not intimidating and can be a lot of fun. You can usually start by making an offer that’s 40-50% less than the starting price. They’ll counter with something in between and then you might do it once again before you agree on a price. By the end you’ll both be smiling and often times it will end with a cup of tea with the owner in the back of the shop.
This equipment check list suggests necessary, recommended, and optional items you might bring on a trek in Nepal.
Clothing
Footwear
Other equipment
Miscellaneous items
Optional Equipment
Kathmandu Shopping List for Minimum Essentials
We put this list together for a guest whose luggage got lost on the way to Nepal. It give you an idea of what the bare minimum gear list should look like and an estimate of what it what it would cost to purchase in Kathmandu. – GEAR LIST
First Aid Supplies and Medications
Your guide will carry a First Aid kit but we recommend the following supplies and medications that would be useful to carry as a personal supply while trekking or traveling in Nepal. You should also ensure you bring any other medications you might need such as prescription drugs.