Hi, Im doing the annapurna circuit in October. As im travelling to other countries before and after Nepal, i will have a rather large and heavy pack. as i understand our belongings will be transferred into a specific pack for the porters to carry during the trek - does our remaining luggage and belongings get stored? and if so, where?
Also - im hoping to buy some trekking gear whilst in kathmandu (i.e down jacket etc) to reduce the amount im carrying to other places previous. any ideas if im likely to save money doing it this way and what the market is like for gear in kathmandu?
thanks for your help,
Bec
Re: Annapurna Circuit
Hello Bec
Thanks for getting in touch.
You will indeed get to leave some of your luggage behind (so bring a smallish, lightweight holdall). This should be left behind in a locked storage room at your accommodation in Kathmandu.
With regards to a down jacket, frankly there is no assurance that you will even find one there as they are often left-overs from other treks. This will also not guarantee the size, quality and cleanliness of the garment.
However, Kathmandu is well known for catering towards budget hikers. For this reason you shouldn't have much trouble finding a fake garment (with all the brand logos!). Just be sure that the seams are strong, the feathers are not
leaking out in handfulls (one or two feathers escaping is to be expected even from real brands), and please be ready to politely walk away if they keep stating its the authentic product with the authentic price!
Other items in Kathmandu are fine to buy, just always thoroughly test the zips.
Please get in contact if you have any other questions at all.