Nepal is the largest Hindu Himalayan state, with borders facing both China and India. Its position along the mountain range means that there are clothing and supplies people should consider when thinking about what to pack.
Medication
Rehydration treatment sachets may count as the most important part of your first aid kit when trekking in a place like Nepal. Stomach issues that often bother travelers in this part of the world can cause dehydration. When you get dehydrated, you lose all the essential salts and sugars your body needs. Therefore, visitors are advised to replace them using rehydration salts dissolved in the correct amount of sterilized water. For this purpose, boiling is the best possible method of sterilization. If you’re not able to boil water, then another option is the use of iodine. Another issue to prepare for is malaria. If you travel during winter time, malaria pills are not necessary, even if you go to the national parks like Chitwan. However, if you’re coming during warmer months, malaria pills are advised. Finally, bring some mosquito repellant, especially if you travel south toward Terai.
Trekking Clothing
Unless you can stash it in Kathmandu until the day you leave, don’t bring your suitcase. Rather, take a good backpack or zippered cargo bag with handles and hidden straps. If you use pack animals, make sure your backpack is contained in a cargo bag or protector bag. You’ll also want to bring a roll-up daypack or shoulder bag for side trips and camp use. This will help you keep an eye on your camera and valuables, as well as any other critical items you’ll want to bring along.
For clothing, layer up underneath the windproof gear. A simple cotton anorak can often do the trick of keeping you warm beneath your outer gear. Lightweight to sturdy hiking boots will be useful. Also, make sure to include low gaiters if possible, which are useful against sand and snow in your shoes. For camp use, Tevas or a similar brand of strapped sandals are good, especially for fording rivers. Bring long underwear, not only for cold weather, but also for camp use and as extra cold protection at night.
It may get very cold above an altitude of 3500 meters, so quick-drying, long underwear is very useful. A wool hat, fleece buff or scarf, and gloves are a must for exposed hiking as well as camp use. If you forget to bring anything important, everything you need for camping can be found in Kathmandu and, to a lesser extent, in Pokhara.
