Our spring 2023 expedition is to trek the spectacular Langtang Valley and ascend the beautiful 5732 metre Yala Peak – a perfect package suitable for Himalayan newbies and in one of the quieter parts of the range.
Cost: £1960
Duration: 15 days
Maximum Group Size: 12
Type: Residential
Location: Langtang Valley, Nepal
Dates 2024: 3rd-17th November 2024
Booking: Please use our Contact Form to make an enquiry
Our stunning Spring 2023 Yala Peak (Nepal) expedition is a combination of amazing adventures. Firstly, we’ll enjoy a trek through the Langtang Valley. Many suggest this special valley is the most beautiful in Nepal. Once we’ve reached the valley head we’ll ascend the spectacular 5732 metre Yala Peak. The whole experience is a classic mountaineering adventure in one of the quieter parts of the Himalayas.
We access the Langtang Valley by vehicle from Kathmandu and from there begins a rich and varied trekking experience. The landscape continually changes and over several relaxed trekking days we initially pass through tranquil villages and lush bamboo forest. As we gain height we’ll traverse under sheer rock walls and travel alongside roaring rivers with majestic peaks towering overhead. We eventually arrive at the peaceful mountain settlement of Kyangjin. This remote village provides our jumping off point for Yala Peak (Nepal) summit.
The Yala Peak (Nepal) ascent involves walking up to a high camp at 4600 metres and from there we make an early start to attempt the summit. After crossing broad slopes we’ll use the spectacular final ridge to reach the shapely summit. The summit of Yala Peak offers stunning panoramic view of nearby mountains like Langtang Lirung and as far as mountains like Shishapangma in China. Once we descend back to Kyangjin we’ll retrace our steps down the valley and onward to Kathmandu. All that remains is some relaxation time in the big city before the journey home.
This itinerary offers a great introduction to Himalayan mountaineering. Conveniently, it also fits perfectly into a 15 day itinerary. No previous experience is needed for this trip. All you need is good hill fitness and a sense of adventure.
The expedition will be led by Association of Mountaineering Instructors member Paul Lewis. He will be well supported by in-country staff. We are so excited to be able to offer this very special itinerary and really hope to share it with you. If you’d like to discuss details of the trip please Contact Us or call.
Itinerary
This is a great itinerary as the trip can fit into just over 2 working weeks while still allowing plenty of time for acclimatisation and the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of vibrant Kathmandu.
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel near the tourist area of Thamel. Depending on your flight arrival time we can head out for a meal and prepare for departure to Dhunche the following day. Day 2 – Travel from Kathmandu to Dhunche. After breakfast we’ll leave for the mountains by 4 wheel drive vehicle. It’s about an 8 hour journey so there is plenty of time to enjoy the changing landscape and we’ll also stop for lunch along the way. Once at Dhunche there will be time to prepare for our departure into the heart of the mountains the next morning. Day 3 – Trek from Dhunche to Thulo Syabru. The first part of the walk ascends through scenic foothills and forests before overnighting in a comfortable lodge at the small settlement of Thulo Syabru. Day 4 – Trek from Thulo Syabru to Lama Hotel. The walk to Lama Hotel is a lovely journey through bamboo forests and along the side of the Ghopche Khola before we ascend to the small settlement for a comfortable night in the Lama Hotel. Day 5 – Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang. Today we climb steadily as the valley broadens into lush pasture land which leads to the tranquil village of Langtang. Along the way there are views of the majestic Langtang Lirung (7246 metres) and various small settlements to enjoy – a magnificent trekking day. Day 6 – Trek from Langtang to Kyangjin. After a night in the peaceful surroundings of Langtang we’ll make the last village hop up to the settlement of Kyangjin. This is a short walking day and so there is plenty of time to visit the local monastery or the famous government run Yak cheese factory. A leisurely afternoon will also allow time to prepare for the mountaineering adventure to come. Day 7 – Ascent of Kyangjin Ri and rest in Kyangjin. Above Kyangjin sits the 4350 metre summit of Kyangjin Ri and it is worth an ascent both to aid acclimatisation and for the fantastic views from the summit. It only takes a couple of hours for the ascent from Kyangjin and so an early morning ascent still leaves plenty of time for a good rest. Day 8 – Trek from Kyangjin to Yak Kharka (camp). Today we’ll leave Kyangjin and make our way to Yak Kharka where we will camp for the night. Day 9 – Ascend from Yak Kharka to high camp. Our last ascent before summit day will take us along lateral moraines to arrive at the high camp at 4600 metres. This camp will be our staging post for the summit. Day 10 – Ascent of Yala Peak and return to Yak Kharka. An early start will see us starting our ascent of Yala Peak. It’s an interesting but technically straight forward ascent. The last 650 metres usually require us to rope together and the use of walking crampons and an ice axe are needed. After that there is just the final ridge to ascend and we’ll reach the small summit to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. Day 11/12 – Descent to Syrambesi. We’ll now start to retrace our steps down the Langtang Valley to the vehicle pick up point at Syrambesi Day 13 – Return to Kathmandu. Day 14 – Rest and relaxation day in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a vibrant city with plenty of sights to see, souvenirs to buy and pleasant cafes to relax in. It is the perfect place for post expedition relaxation. Day 15 – Return to UK.
It is worth noting that this expedition also makes a fantastic itinerary even if you aren’t keen to make the final ascent of Yala Peak. The trek through the Langtang Valley itself is an amazing journey and it is very easy to arrange for anyone that wants to wait in Kyangjin, Yak Kharka or High Camp. This option is also ideal for couples where one partner wants to bag the summit and the other prefers to wait below.
Challenge Level
Any multi-day mountaineering trip into a remote mountain area requires a good general level of fitness, but our Yala Peak expedition is a moderate grade expedition meaning that the walking isn’t too challenging and the peak is non-technical. The main criteria are the ability to walk in crampons and to have the hill fitness for continuous days in the mountains carrying a light pack and at altitude. We will be able to train you in the necessary skills to use an ice axe and crampons (or attendance on one of our Scottish Winter Skills courses would be perfect preparation) and the hill fitness can be gained in advance providing enough time is left before departure. As a benchmark, you should be able to walk in hilly terrain for up to 8 hours at a moderate pace. If in doubt about your fitness level, please do get in touch with us to discuss before booking.
FAQ's
Here are a list of questions clients frequently ask about our Nepal expeditions. We hope you’ll find the info you need but, if there’s something you want to know that we haven’t covered, please call or email us and we’ll be more than happy to help. In fact, if you’ve thought of it then the chances are other people have too – so we’ll add it to the list!
What is Nepal like?
Wow! What can we say? Nepal is a magical country that should be on every adventurers must do list. What makes it so special?
Location – Nepal, or more fully the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas and flanked on 3 sides by China, India and Bhutan. The countries population is about 27 million and, after many years of rule by monarchy, it is now governed as a federal multiparty representative democratic republic.
Geography– For a country of its size Nepal has significant geographic diversity. The mountainous north is home to 8 of the world’s highest mountains (including Everest) and the country contains around 70 peaks over 7000 metres and more than 240 peaks over 6,096 metres.
Nepal’s latitude is actually about the same as Florida, but with elevations ranging massively from under 100 metres to over 8,000 metres and precipitation ranging from 160 millimetres to over 5000, the country actually has eight climate zones ranging from tropical to perpetual snow.
The year is divided into a wet season from June to September and a dry season from October to June and the main trekking and mountaineering seasons sit in the pre or post monsoon season.
People– Nepal is actually a very diverse country with over 100 ethnic groups and more than 90 languages. Over 80% of the population is Hindu while the rest of the population are a variety of other religions including Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs along with some indigenous ethnic religions.
Many people live in the main cities, but the country also has a substantial amount of farming land and, of course, the mountainous terrain you’ll be more familiar with. The beauty of a trip is in the contrasts – from the vibrancy of Kathmandu to the tranquility of the mountain villages. But, wherever you go the constant will be the warmth and friendliness of the people – calm, peace loving and yet full of fun. They will undoubtedly make your trip.
On our trips you will also spend time with some of the Sherpa community. They are the main ethnic group living in the eastern Himalayas region of Nepal and number around 160,000. The Sherpa people are widely known as exceptionally strong mountaineers and they are an integral part of any of our technical mountaineering expeditions.
What is the currency of Nepal and how much money will I need?
The currency is Nepalese Rupees and these can only be obtained in Nepal. We will send advice on how much to bring for each itinerary with your Joining Instructions but generally about £300 should be plenty for most trips – this will cover a few meals, drinks tips for local staff and other minor expenses such as laundry and toiletries. Of course, if you want to buy a number of souvenirs you may need more. We suggest bringing this as US dollars or a mixture of dollars and pounds sterling.
What equipment is provided and do I have to pay to use it?
We supply all the technical equipment you’ll need for your trip completely free of charge. This includes ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, climbing hardware and ropes. Similarly, all camping equipment is provided except sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
You will need to supply suitable clothing, a rucksack, sleeping bag and sleeping mat but detailed information on exactly what you will need is available on the kit list which will be sent with your Joining Instructions.
We are always keen to minimise your expenditure wherever possible and often there are cheaper options to some of the more expensive items needed. Some items can also be hired. Please don’t let the cost of equipment be a barrier to you coming along.
Who is looking after me?
Most of our overseas trips are led by Peak Mountaineering director Paul Lewis and he will be leading our Yala Peak expedition. Paul is a holder of the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award (WMCI) which is the highest mountain instructing qualification available under the UK qualifications framework. Paul also has extensive experience of guiding overseas altitude expeditions and he has visited Nepal many times. Paul will be supported on the trip by local guides and our in-country agent.
How safe are these trips?
Any trip carries risk. Add to this the additional hazards of travelling in a developing country and journeying into mountainous terrain and the risks obviously multiply. So, it would be impossible and irresponsible for us to claim that any of our expeditions can ever be completely safe. Infact, we’d argue that an element of risk is an integral part of any adventure – our job is to try and minimise and control the risk with careful planning and ongoing risk management.
Peak Mountaineering has an unblemished safety record and we make client safety our top priority. As well as using the best guides and in-country support we also run a UK based incident management system during all overseas expeditions. This means we can always seek help if needed and we also engage a third party crisis management company who can help if needed.
Our team will also carry a comprehensive medical kit and Paul is a holder of the Wilderness Medical Training Advanced Medicine Certificate. Our teams to Nepal also take a satellite phone and emergency locator beacon to ensure reliable communications in any situation. Team members are also welcome to attend one of our scheduled Outdoor First Aid courses for only 50% of the full course fee (we’ll send you the dates and further details when you book). As well as making you a qualified first aider you’ll also feel better prepared for the unexpected.
What standard of living will I experience?
Our expeditions are competitively priced but we also want you to have a good standard of living during your expedition. The mountaineering phase is fully catered, the hotels and guesthouses will be simple yet comfortable and the food will be plentiful local fare.
Having said that, this is a mountaineering expedition to a developing country so you’ll need to be willing to go without a few luxuries along the way. Do bear in mind that there are two nights spent camping and several nights in simple mountain guest houses.
Do I need insurance?
We have professional indemnity insurance but it is essential for you to purchase specialist rescue, medical and repatriation insurance and details of your insurance policy must be sent to us before departure. The following companies provide appropriate insurance:
British Mountaineering Council www.thebmc.co.uk 0870 010 4878
Snowcard Insurance Services www.snowcard.co.uk 01327 262 805
What age do you need to be?
We can only offer this trip to anyone over 18 but we don’t specify an upper age limit – anyone over 18 who can cope with both the physical aspects of the trip and the basic living conditions is welcome to join us. Please contact us to discuss if you aren’t sure.
Will you give my details to other people?All information supplied to us remains completely confidential and we will never pass it on to third parties.
How big will the group be?
We always have to work out the minimum number of people needed to make a trip viable and for this trip the minimum required is 5 people. We also cap the trip numbers at a maximum of 12 as we believe groups over this size are more difficult to manage and also lose their sense of cohesion. As a guide, we usually end up with group numbers of around 8-10 on most of our trips.
What happens if I become sick and I’m unable to continue with the trip, can’t make the summit or there is an incident requiring emergency assistance?
We try to take as many steps to keep team members healthy (such as careful preparation of food and ensuring all consumed water is purified) but unfortunately there is always the risk that you may be come unwell. Similarly, even with a good acclimatisation profile some people do struggle to adapt to the altitude. Your expedition leader will be constantly assessing the health of team members and if someone does become unwell they will discuss options with you.
Sometimes the situation can be managed and the team member is able to simply wait at a lower altitude or rest until their condition has improved sufficiently to continue. Sometimes the only option is evacuation. If a participant does have to descend or leave the group they will be accompanied by a local staff member. As this falls outside the itinerary the costs for this would need to be met by the individual.
In some cases it may not be possible for a team member to walk themselves out of the mountains and we might then need to consider helicopter evacuation. Again, the cost for this would fall to the individual and so it is essential that any insurance policy covers helicopter evacuation (please do be aware that some insurance companies do charge an excess for helicopter evacuation). Helicopter services are readily available in Nepal but their operation can be limited in some circumstances (such as poor weather and darkness) and so it may be hours or sometimes days before a helicopter rescue is possible.
Medical facilities in the mountains are very limited and so the team do carry equipment to try and help team members with medical problems or medical emergencies. These include a range of medications, a portable altitude chamber and bottled oxygen. These may all help, but we do always want to be clear again that travel in remote areas and at altitude can never be risk free.
What if I need to cancel a course booking?
If you cancel over 26 weeks in advance of a course start date we refund all the money you have paid us so far. If you cancel within 26 weeks of a course start date, you forfeit the deposit, but we refund any other money you may have paid. If you cancel within 8 weeks of the course start date you forfeit the full amount unless we are able to resell your place. Please do check our Terms and Conditions page for more detailed information. To cover this eventuality we recommend you take out an insurance policy that includes cancellation of your trip or holiday.
How do I book?
All our courses can be booked online or we are always available to deal with your booking via phone or email if preferred. If you’d like to arrange a private guided option please contact us directly and we’ll be able to help.
Can you guarantee good weather?
Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather. However, we do always try to plan areas and routes that should be appropriate for the activity and offer the best conditions. As a guideline for our Nepal trips, the daytime temperatures in Kathmandu will tend to be warm with temperatures potentially rising to around 30 degrees Celsius. In the mountains daytime temperatures are often up to around 20 degrees Celsius but are likely to drop well below freezing once the sun disappears. Of course the mountains are the mountains and conditions do very year to year and so we do aim to follow our itinerary as closely as possible but reserve the right to change it for safety reasons if required.
Can you cater for specific dietary requirements?
Certainly. Please let us know beforehand and we will be able to help.
Will I have to carry a heavy rucksack?
Our Nepal expeditions are fully supported and so your main luggage will be carried by a porter. This is a great help as it means all you have to carry each day is a rucksack containing the essentials for that day of trekking. Typically this pack will need to contain similar items to those you’d take on a hill walk in the UK and you’ll be given full information on this prior to departure. Sometimes you might also be asked to carry an item on the team’s emergency equipment but this won’t be more than the size of something like a sandwich box and weighing no more than a kilo.
Is the water safe to drink?
It isn’t safe to drink untreated water anywhere in Nepal. We issue our team members with water purification solution and will teach each team member how to manage the treatment of their drinking water. This is an easy process and soon becomes a part of the everyday routine. In some places purified water is available and bottled water is also an option sometimes – we do try to discourage the overuse of bottled water wherever possible though to help minimise plastic waste.
How do you try to reduce your environmental impact?
We are passionate about protecting the natural environment. Please take the time to read our Environment Page to discover more about our ethos.
Do you need to know about medical conditions?
It is essential that you let us know about any medical condition or injury when booking and you will also be asked to complete a detailed Medical Questionaire in the lead up to the trip. The information provided will remain completely confidential but it is essential that we have a full picture of each team members health to ensure the safety of yourself and to protect other group members. Depending on the information given we may ask for additional details or may ask that you consult your doctor to get their permission to join the trip. We try to be as inclusive as possible but hope you understand why this is so important.
Trip Costs
The cost for our Yala Peak expedition is £1760. This includes all accommodation, internal transfers and all food during the trekking phase. This is a land only trip and so we do ask clients to book their own flights. Often our teams make arrangements to fly out from a certain airport together and we can help to coordinate this.
Infact, the only additional costs will be flights to and from Kathmandu, meals in Kathmandu and expenses such as tips for local staff and souvenirs in Kathmandu. We provide hot drinks with meals but soft drinks or alchohol will also need to be paid by team members. Please refers to the lists below for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.
What’s provided?
Experienced UK leader with in-country guiding staff support
Local porters and cooks
All in-country accommodation based on 2 people sharing (single rooms are available in most cases but a single person supplement will be payable. In the case of mountain lodges and when camping we may be unable to offer a single person option as there may be a limited capacity. We will try our best, but would rather be transparent about this). For the same reason it may occasionally be necessary to ask people to sleep in rooms housing more than 2 people
In-country transport to and from airport and to and from trekking start and finish
All meals during the trekking phase
All drinking water
National Park trekking fees and permits
What isn’t provided?
UK transport to and from airport
International flights and taxes
Personal equipment and boots (with the exception of technical equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses and helmets)
Travel insurance
Any unscheduled hotels and restaurant meals
Entry visas
Tips for local staff (this is a discretionary payment but most team are happy to contribute and typically this will cost about £80-£100 per person)
Entrance to any tourist sites
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, room service or laundry
Any costs associated with an early departure from the expedition
Vaccinations
Kit List
Below is a comprehensive kit list and we’re sure, as you read it, it will look rather daunting! But don’t worry – most of the kit you’ll need is just standard outdoor kit so you won’t have to spend loads. There are a few specialist items but some can be hired from our recommended hire service if needed. Details on this service are at the bottom of the page.
We have also included some additional information about boots at the bottom too. Having correct footwear for this trip is essential for comfort and safety and we do ask that you read that carefully. Boots are another item that can be hired if needed.
If there are items on the list that you aren’t sure about please do ask. We are always just on the end of an email or phone call if you need advice.
Please also remember that everything you take will need to be carried by a porter. So, please bring enough to be comfortable but don’t overdo it.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that it will also be possible to leave some items in the hotel in Kathmandu so it is worth bringing a spare lockable bag for this.
35-40 Litre rucksack – this is the rucksack you’ll use every day of our trek and for your summit attempt. If it’s comfy you’ll have a happy days walking. If not your life may be hell! Please also be aware that there will be some team safety items that we will ask each team member to carry. This is usually about a large lunchbox sized item that will weigh no more than a kilo – so please do ensure your rucksack has about 10 litres of spare space about your personal items are packed
Walking boots – It is essential to have comfortable, supporting well fitting boots that have been ‘broken in’ thoroughly before the trip. Please do not buy them the week before – uncomfortable boots will be another item that can make your life hell. For this trip a 2 season boot is ideal
Mountaineering boots – It can be extremely cold on Island Peak so good boot choice is essential. Double layer mountaineering boots such as the Boreal G1 Lite’s or La Sportiva G5’s make good choices. Please ask if you need more advice and also consider the hire option detailed below if you’d rather not purchase your own
Sandals or flip flops – great for letting your feet breathe after a days trekking
Comfortable shoes – A pair of comfortable shoes that can be worn around town or in the tea houses. Approach shoe type shoes work really well and sometimes people like to also wear these for trekking
Waterproof jacket – a lightweight and breathable jacket. Fabrics such as Goretex or Event work well
Waterproof trousers – again, please make sure they are lightweight and breathable and much easier if they have side zips to allow you to pull them on over trekking boots
Duvet jacket – a expedition warmth duvet jacket is an essential safety item. You’ll also really appreciate it when you head out in the evenings to watch the stars. Down works well in the cold dry conditions but synthetic insulation will also work well. Whichever you choose, it is essential that it has a warmth rating to -15 degrees Celsius
Fleece x 2 – midweight fleeces that can be layered together are the best option. These can be picked up very cheaply and don’t need to be a branded make
Thermal /wicking tops x 3 – a mix of short and long sleeve
Thermal leggings – great to wear under your mountain trousers on chilly days or as cosy pyjamas in your sleeping bag
Trekking trousers x 2 pairs – ideal to have a thicker and a more lightweight pair. You might like to consider some of the trousers that allow you to zip the legs off to turn them into shorts
Underwear – You may be able to wash them along the way so you don’t need too many sets. We suggest 4 or 5 will be enough
Shorts – these should be loose fitting and not too short. Please also see the note about zip off trekking trousers above
T-shirts – a couple of cotton T shirts for general wear.
Good quality trekking socks x 3 pairs – you really do get what you pay for with trekking socks and they make a huge difference to your comfort. Look for models by Smartwool, Darn Tough or Bridgedale
Liner socks x 3 pairs – these are a lightweight sock that should be worn under your trekking socks. They will help prevent rubbing and really improve your comfort. Bridgedale make great ones
Light gloves – depends on circulation as to how thick they should be but you want these to be dextrous enough to do fine motor tasks. We favour Merino for their excellent warmth to weight
Mountain gloves – A thicker pair for days when we go over high passes. It is essential that these are insulated and waterproof
Summit day gloves – It is important to have an additional pair of very warm gloves that can be used on summit day. Mittens work well for this job and either synthetic or down insulation works well
Neck warmer or buff – this probably gives better versatility as it can be used in conjunction with a beanie to give multiple options and Buff’s are also great to keep out dust or shade from the sun
Sunhat – baseball style hats are not so good as they offer no ear protection from the sun. The best ones are the wide brimmed models you’ll see in camping shops
2 x 1L Water bottles – Nalgene brand are brilliant. You might also favour a hydration bladder but please bear in mind that these are prone to failure and the drink tube can freeze in freezing weather. We don’t use them on trips of this type and would prefer that you don’t either
4 season sleeping bag and waterproof compression storage sack – it can be very cold in the tea house bedrooms and will be exceptionally cold at Island Peak Base Camp. Down is hard to beat for performance
Sleeping bag liner – adding a liner to your sleeping bag will keep it clean, increase the insulation slightly and, if you are too hot in your sleeping bag (unlikely but possible!), will allow you a lighter weight option
Headtorch and spare batteries – LED models are preferred due to excellent battery life, no spare bulbs required and they are very light weight. Often the bedrooms don’t have electricity and so you will use your head torch a lot. On several days we will set off in the dark
Small dry bags or stuff sacks – useful to help organise items in duffle bags
Toilet paper – this won’t be provided in tea houses but can easily be sourced in Kathmandu
Glasses – consider bringing spares as well
Contact lenses and solutions
Sunglasses – good quality glasses rated to at least category 3 are vital
Sunglasses hard case
Sun cream – Factor 50 or above. Several small tubes are better than a large one incase you lose one
Lip salve with high SPF – lips are very prone to getting dry or cracked in the cold and dry conditions
Toiletries – you can buy most things cheaply once in country so don’t feel you need to bring too much of each thing
Towel – lightweight and compact pack towels are excellent
Small personal 1st aid kit – we will have a comprehensive first aid kit but please bring along a small personal kit with plasters, blister patches (Compeed are great), paracetamol, throat lozenges (your throat can get very sore in the cold and dry conditions), re-hydration salts and some immodium
Other personal medication – please bring plenty, and spares……and some more spares. It is also a good idea to split your medicines between your hold and hand luggage for the international and internal flights. It will be extremely difficult to replace specific medicines in country
Ziploc bags – It is amazing how many uses you will find for these
Travel wash – a small bottle of multipurpose travel wash will help you keep your clothes clean
Wet wipes – for a quick clean up when you can’t get to a water source! Conditions in the tea houses are very basic and access to cleaning facilities will be very limited at times
Earplugs – tea houses can be noisy and the walls are thin. Earplugs might become your very best friend!
Antibacterial hand gel – essential for preventing the spread of germs. Please bring plenty
Penknife/multitool – you’ll be amazed how many little jobs you need them for
Watch with alarm
Trekking Poles – this is an optional choice, but poles can be really useful
Camera – and don’t forget spare memory cards and batteries
Waterproof rucksack liner– or dry bags to use inside your rucksack
Reading books, playing cards or games – you will have a lot of down time during the evenings and so please do come prepared to entertain yourselves sometimes
Small repair kit – containing sewing kit, duct tape and Seamgrip.
Pen – you can never have enough pens when travelling
Kitbag for portering (90L) – the best way to get your equipment carried on the trek is to use a duffel style bag. They are simple, durable and relatively inexpensive. Please don’t bring bags with a solid structure or wheels as it is much harder for the porters to manage.
Small padlock that fits kitbag zippers
Solar panel or battery power bank – in some tea houses you can pay to have electronic items or power banks charged but if you have power hungry devices you can also charge things by hanging a solar panel off your rucksack as you trek
Charging leads and adapters – remember that the plugs are different
Feminine hygiene products – bring more than you think you might need
Documentation and money – more information on what to take is included in our FAQ’s section
Trail snacks – it is nice to have a selection of your favourite snacks but these are easy to source in Kathmandu
Crampons – we can provide these for you but please do let us know in advance if you need them as we won’t have spares in-country
Ice Axe – we can provide these for you but please do let us know in advance if you need them as we won’t have spares in-country
Helmet – we can provide these for you but please do let us know in advance if you need them as we won’t have spares in-country
Climbing harness – we can provide these for you but please do let us know in advance if you need them as we won’t have spares in-country
Equipment Hire
Hopefully many of the items on this kit list will be general use outdoor items that you already own, but we also appreciate that there are some specialist items that you are both less likely to own and that cost a lot to purchase.
In particular, this might include a suitable sleeping bag, mountaineering boots and duvet. It is essential that participants don’t take short cuts with these items as they are essential for comfort, success and safety. Fortunately, there are companies that will hire out specialist equipment at a reasonable price and our preferred provider is Outdoor Kit Hire. They have an easy to navigate website, are great at giving advice, have good quality equipment available and their prices are reasonable.
Please do consider this option if you see this trip as a one off and you are unlikely to do something similar in the future. Of course, we hope you’ll be hooked and a lifetime of high altitude adventure awaits – in which case it may be worth purchasing some or all of the specialist items.