Kanchenjunga trek equipments checklist

Lots of people trekking in the Kanchenjunga area are on their first high alpine trek.  In order to help those with less experience on choosing suitable equipment for trekking in high alpine areas we have listed a summary below. If trekking in Kanchenjunga is going to be your once in a lifetime experience, then there is no need to purchase expensive items of equipment. A lot of expeditions leave their equipment in Nepal and there are several shops in Kathmandu that will sell or rent you almost any piece of equipment that you would need.

The best piece of advice that we can give you is to make your pack as light as possible. Ultra light backpacking has now gone mainstream and a little research will go a long way to shedding the kilos off your back. If you have some particular queries contact us here or email at: info@kanchenjungatrek.com

1. Duffel bag / Rucksack

Remember you may also need to leave some excess clothing or belongings back in Kathmandu (most hotels provide short term storage for free) and a suitable, lockable suitcase is best.

2.  Day bag pack

Remember that your porter will most likely not travel at the same pace as you. So while Trekking in Kanchenjunga a small day bag pack is recommend. Any comfortable pack around 2500 to 3000 cubic inches in volume is good enough to carry your personal valuables like passport, money, medicine, sunscreen, etc.

3. Down jacket

Down jackets are invaluable while traveling in high alpine areas. Make sure that the jacket will keep you warm down to minus 10 degree Celsius.

4. Sleeping bag

Especially during peak season there is a shortage of blankets so a good sleeping bag is a wise decision. A good down bag rated to minus 15 degrees Celsius is a wise decision during your Kanchenjunga Trek. Find out the best backpacking sleeping bag under $100

5. Head

Sunlight and harsh cold of high alpine areas make a hat mandatory. A sun hat, warm fleece hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses should be taken.

6 Hand

Three types of gloves are recommended. Light gloves, thick warm gloves, and waterproof outer gloves.

7. Feet

The most vital part of body you need to take care of when trekking is your feet. Make sure you do not purchase brand new boots and try and break them in on the trek. You might wind up breaking your feet instead. Make sure your boots are well worn in before to come to Nepal. Boots are one item you shouldn’t skimp on. Buy the best you can, your feet will love you for it.

Unless you are mountaineering, heavy, double, plastic boots are not necessary. Comfort and lightweight, with good ankle support are best. Make sure you bring a pair of camp shoes as well to wear around camp and in teahouses.

With socks try and bring lightweight inner socks and thicker woolen outer socks. Don’t forget to bring extra laces as well.

8. Upper part of body from hip

Upper body items to bring should include;

  • Couple of t-shirts
  • Lightweight thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wind stopper jacket
  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket

9. Lower part of body from hip

Lower body items to bring should include;

  • Hiking shorts
  • Fleece or woolen thermal pants
  • Waterproof shell pants
  • Under garments and inner thermal lightweight one
  • Light weight hiking pants

10. Toiletries

Toilet facilities are very poor in the Kanchenjunga area. Be sure to bring the following items;

  • Toilet paper
  • Tooth brush as well as paste
  • Small towel
  • Multipurpose soap for both body and clothes
  • Nail scissors, small mirror, and shaving equipment

11. Personal hygiene

The following items are recommended to bring on your trek;

  • Wet wipes
  • Normal dry tissue roll
  • Anti bacterial hand wash

12.  Extra/Luxury

During spare time around the camp at night, or in tea-houses, and on acclimatization days some extra luxury items are worthwhile.

  • Binoculars
  • Novels & other books (Kindle)
  • Trail map and Guide Book
  • Indoor games like deck of card, chess or others
  • Diary and pen
  • Laptop/Tablets/I-pad

12. General Accessories

Apart from the basic checklist above these other items should also be considered.

  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Small combination lock for bag-pack
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Trekking poles (get ones with anti-shock)
  • Water bottle or camel pouch as per convenient