hi there,
this might seem a crazy question since I am heading off to Nepal next week, but I am still at a loss as to what is really needed to wear and what isnt?
I have been looking at photos of Nepal in December and to be honest it looks a lot warmer than in the UK at this time of year !
I had reckoned on getting warm gear - ie thermals, mid layers and fleeces - but am wondering if this is going overboard?
Can you advise on what is essential ?
Also I have a question about cash- what is recommended - ie proportion of travellers cheques to cash, and are Euros or US dollars (apart form local payment) best?
Last minute stuff !
thanks
John
Clothing and Money
Hello John
Thanks so much for getting in touch.
Despite the clear blue skies hanging over the wonderful Himalayan mountains, I can confirm that you will DEFINATELY need warm clothing. Your altitude will dictate a cool mountain breeze that makes fleeces, hats, gloves and thermals a necessity.
And the temperatures at night will almost ALWAYS reach below freezing. Many will use their thermals and socks in their sleeping bags for extra insulation.
For added help, I have included a more comprehensive list of items that I would advise for this trip.
Sun Hat.
· Sun glasses and case.
· LOTS of sunscreen.
· A good book.
· Iodine droplets to treat any water you don’t trust, or to use on water to clean fruit and veg. PLEASE follow instructions closely.
· 1000 Mile double-lined walking socks to prevent blisters. These are available from many walking and outdoors shops such as Millets.
· Blister plasters (Boots will have these).
· Basic first aid kit (although your guides will have everything you will need. Still, it’s good to be prepared.
· Hydration salts.
· Head Torch (don’t bother with standard bulb lamps. Get LED. They are more expensive but you save your money in the long run with batteries. Petzl are great! They are especially handy when reading.
· Spare batteries.
· Pen Knife.
· -12 down-filled sleeping bag (can be rented locally)
· Down-filled jacket (again, available to rent or buy locally)
· Zip-off walking trousers
· Walking shorts and/or 3/4 length trousers
· Zippable fleece jacket
· Warm hat
· Cold weather gloves
· Thin glove liners (for warmer weather, and for dexterity)
· Sterile hand drops.
· Lip salve (at least two).
· Sports hydration sachets (Lucozade, Maximuscle, etc) to mix with water.
· A 2-3 litre CamelBack hydration bag with drinking tube. It’s far better to stay hydrated with small, frequent sips then to have the occasional swig of water. CamelBack are the best brand, in my opinion.
· Lastly, and most important of all is a decent and comfortable day sack of around 20-25 litres in size. Blacks Outdoors are the better company for these. It should have a reasonably breathable back, with side pockets and pouches, and a chest strap to help take the weight off of your shoulders.
Regarding your money, I would simply recommend taking Great British Pounds and then transfering your money to Nepalese Rupees upon arrival at the airport. This is very easily done. You won't really need travellers cheques unless you plan to do solo travelling after the trip. Please note that your money belt is vital when travelling, and I strongly recommend that you keep your money, cards and passport in it at all times.
Thanks so much, and please feel free to post any other questions that you may have.
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Tristan Smith
Travel Consultant
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