Annapurna Sanctuary

Clothing

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. The following check list and notes to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek.

Long Trousers - For everyday walking, light cotton trousers are the most suitable. Knee length shorts are acceptable in the more remote areas, but to avoid giving offence in the villages, you should cover up with trousers. Although comfortable, leggings are also unsuitable as they too cause offence to local people.Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Down Jacket - After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A down jacket is the lightest and most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops. Down jackets can be inexpensively hired or bought in Nepal. Details will be given at the briefing in Kathmandu.

Waterproofs - Breathable waterproofs not only protect against rain and wind but also stop you from overheating. They 'breathe' and avoid condensation which you will experience from nylon waterproofs. Rain during the trekking season is fairly rare but can be heavy if it does happen.

Gloves - Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes. Thermal types are most suitable.

Socks - It is best to wear a pair of reasonably thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don't breathe well and can cause blisters.

Lightweight Shoes or Trainers - Useful in towns and when travelling.

Thick fleece pullover/jacket - A thick fleece pullover or jacket is necessary as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your pullover or jacket.

Track Suit - Comfortable and much more practical (and warmer) to sleep in than pyjamas. Alternatively, thermal underwear is good.

Thin Shirt/T-Shirt

Thick Shirt or Thermal Vest

Warm Hat

Footwear

We strongly recommend you bring walking boots with ankle support- leather or fabric are both fine. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Trainers and tennis shoes do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of walking boots. Ideally, visit a specialist outdoor pursuits shop who will offer advice. Aso trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Your luggage should consist of three main pieces:

Main Baggage: The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.

Trek Kitbag: Customers on all of our treks in Nepal receive a free Explore kitbag on the tour prior to the start of the trek. Approximately 80 litres in size it's ideal for all items you need to take on trek and the luggage preferred by our porters. The weight limit for this is 10kg but you will probably find that you do not need this much.

Daysac/Rucksack: 30-35 litres recommended. During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage which is being carried for you by the porters. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should therefore be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacketweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (minimum 1 litre) and your camera. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 2 to 3kg. Other optional items in a daysac might be a diary or a book to read at lunch time. On a few occasions it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch. We advise you to take a waterproof rucksack cover or alternatively line the sack with a large plastic bag to keep the contents dry.

Advice on how and what to pack for the trek will be given at the tour briefing but it may be useful to do a trial pack before you leave home.

Equipment

Water Bottle - Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable. Each day you must sterilise water with Chlorine Dioxide with which to fill your own bottle. 1 litre is the minimum size suitable. If you dislike the taste of sterilised water, it is a good idea to add some powdered fruit juice. You MUST bring Chlorine Dioxide with you on this trek. For environmental reasons, we do not encourage the purchase of bottled mineral water nor the boiling of water due to fuel and power shortages.

Plastic Bags - If you pack bits and pieces in plastic bags inside your bag they will stay dry in case of rain and be easier for you to sort through in camp. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! A bin liner to pack inside your daysac is also a good idea.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb - A small torch is essential for finding things in your room. Head torches are particularly useful. There may be only a limited selection of batteries available locally so bring spare batteries and bulb.

Toiletries - Try to keep heavy cosmetics etc to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, biodegradable soap, small towel, small nailbrush and toilet rolls.Wet wipes are great for a quick clean up.

Sunglasses or Snow Goggles - A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 15 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/ lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Personal First Aid Kit - Each trek carries an extensive first aid kit but no prescription medicines. You should have your own supply of plasters, aspirin, diarrhoea tablets and also a comprehensive blister kit as well as any other medicines you and your doctor feels advisable. (Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the trek leader.)

Trekking poles - Trekking poles with rubber points are recommended.

Gaiters

Whistle - To attract attention in an emergency.

Spare Laces

Swimsuit

Antibacterial handwash

Sleeping Bag- The teahouses we use on trek all provide bedding and blankets however you will need a 4-season sleeping bag and fleece liner for warmth.

Bandana

Almost every item required for a trek can be purchased or hired in Kathmandu and your Tour Leader can advise on the best shops to visit at your tour briefing.

Equipment Hire in Nepal - Almost every item required for a trek can be purchased or hired in Kathmandu and your Tour Leader can advise on the best shops to visit at your tour briefing. The costs of hiring are as follows:
Please note: each item has a minimum charge of 7 days and then an additional per day charge added every after that if longer than 7 days:
Sleeping Bag (4 season)- Rs.60 per day (Rs.420 for 7 days- minimum)
Cotton sleeping bag inner liner (new)- Rs.150 per day (Rs.1050 for 7 days- minimum)
Down Jacket- Rs.50 per day (Rs.350 for 7 days- minimum)

Equipment Hire and Trek Training Days in the UK - Trek Hire UK hire out a wide range of kit including quality sleeping bags, down jackets, therm-a-rest sleeping mats and walking poles http://www.trekhireuk.com. They also run regular trek training and preparation days from their base in the Surrey Hills, ideal for getting an indication of your overall fitness level and also covering advice on kit and altitude.

Tipping