travel guide

Are you having lots of conundrums regarding the items you might require during the Annapurna base camp trek? Well, you are in the right place! The Himalayan Masters has prepared a complete list of essential, optional, and forbidden items in this section. Every trek and expedition has its own purpose and aim.

For the successful achievement of your trip, you must be aware of its preparation.

The selection of the right trekking gear and other necessary materials is one of the challenging tasks especially if you are making the first Himalayan trip. Go through our complete packing list and avail yourself of the unlimited pleasures in the Himalayas.

The Essential Items

• Rucksack with a waterproof cover (30-35 liters capacity): The one you need at first for keeping other essentials.
• A pair of shoes: This trip is not much difficult one so, any outdoor shoes work for you. However, if you have official hiking boots, it is great. Whichever you take ensure that is lighter.
• Hiking pants: these pants contain extra side pockets and they can also be folded into the knee-length shorts
• Waterproof trousers or a pair of yoga pants: it makes you more comfortable for a hike. Choose to have double layers that help you keep warm
• Thermal shirts and trousers: They should be thick enough to maintain heat but make sure they should be flexible for proper movement.
• Shorts
• T-shirts: better if you manage for each day
• Fleece jacket/down jacket
• Wind/waterproof jacket
• Socks: 4-6 pairs
• Underwear: 4-6 pairs
• Sunglasses and sun hat: Essential for protecting your face and neck from direct sunlight
• Sun protection cream.
• Lip balm
• Woolen cap or Balaclava: It is important to protect your face and neck from the bitter cold
• Inner and outer gloves
• Headlamp
• Power bank/extra batteries
• Wet wipes/hand sanitizers
• Towel
• Rubber sandal
• toiletries
• Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
• Sleeping bag
• Enough cash for the trek: you rarely find ATMs in the trekking trail
• Camera

Optional Items

• Hiking Boots: Besides trekking shoes, if you manage a pair of hiking boots having a strong grip and ankle support, it works best for trekking in the most difficult trail too. But be sure they are perfect in size and light enough to wear for long hours.
• Trekking pole: It might be useful for you on the slippery and complicated trail.
• Toilet paper: You can also buy on the way.
• First-aid- Kit: No bother for the organized group as your guide will carry. Still, you are suggested to include some of the items like motion sickness pills, electronic thermometer, aspirin, iodine tablets, birth control, some oral rehydration packets, and tiger balm which is great for bites and sting.
• Sleeping bag liner
• Wristwatch
• Dust mask: Useful especially for a dusty section of the trail.
• Money belt
• Menstrual supplies for women
• Favorite snacks/herbal teas
• Games or books: Can be useful for ‘downtime’
• Maps/language or guide books: Essential for independent trekkers but no bother for organized group Essential Documents
• Travel Insurance: It is a must to make the trek in the Himalayas. The Insurance policy covers you for any unexpected accidents and emergencies.
• Passport: It is the basic document to enter any foreign country.
• Nepal Visa: Visa is essential for most foreigners to stay in Nepal. It can be acquired in Kathmandu or in advance at your nearest Nepali Embassy or consulate. Generally, the visa fee is $40 for one month.
• Tickets
• We recommend you make at least 3 copies of all your documents. Take one with you, one at the house, and one with your travel partner that becomes helpful at the time of emergency. Aren’t You Overpacking!
• Journal or the book: You might think this is a great time to read but mostly it is not practical. In case you have to do it, better download it to your phone.
• Drone: It is amazing to capture the stunning views using drones but most parts of Nepal are restricted for the drone. It might be only the extra weight for you.
• Laptop: Most things you can do on your phone. It does not only make extra weight but also adds the trouble to protect it in the bag. It might get broken unless it is put in the bag safely.
• Snacks: The snacks at the teahouse and on the trail might be more delicious.

Conclusion

Finally, the required items mainly depend upon your own choice/interest, season, and the length of your trip. So, make the decisions smartly about what to take and what not so that you will have a lifelong thrilling experience of the Himalayan trek.