While having the right kit with you for a trek is important, high-tech kit is not essential, especially for the lower treks which some people do in trainers, especially in the warmer months. Hard Rock Treks provide porters who will carry personal belonging but it is an idea to have a day-pack for essentials such as a water bottle, torch, gloves, hat, sun cream etc. Bring plenty of sun screen and never underestimate the power of the sun at high altitude.

Packing

We recommend that the best type of luggage on trek is a good sized, strong, cylindrical bag with a top-length zip. In addition you will require a day-pack and an additional bag for things that you may wish to leave in Kathmandu.

What to leave in Kathmandu.

Basically, leave whatever “smart” clothes (if any) you have brought for evening and city day wear. Things are very informal at even the best hotels in Kathmandu. and many visitors wear clean trekking clothes throughout the day. Bags can be left in the safe-keeping of your hotel whilst on trek as hotels in Kathmandu. hotels are well-versed in the habits of trekkers and mountaineers. Do not leave valuables in your left luggage. Arrange with the manager for them to be deposited in the hotel safe.

What to wear on trek

You must anticipate your daily clothing requirements at the beginning of each day and you will be assisted in this choice by your Sherpa leader or sirdar. Mornings and late afternoons are cool in the mountains, so you will start the day’s walk warmly clad and proceed to shed clothes as the sun’s heat increases. For example, you may start the day in trousers and pullover but by midday shorts and a light shirt will do. This is where the day pack comes in handy.

What you carry on trek

On an organized trek you will just need to carry your day pack which should be a small, soft, light rucksack,comfortable enough to carry throughout the day. Fully packed it should weigh 5-7 pounds and should hold your warm or lightweight clothing, jacket, pullover, trousers or shorts. Also, a lightweight waterproof, water bottle, camera, notebook, map and other personal effects should be kept with you – try to anticipate what you will need for the day as the rest of your luggage will be ahead or behind you with the porters. Keep your day pack light or else misery will result!

What will be carried for you

The porters will carry your bag containing clothes and personal items not required during the day and is carried from camp to camp/teahouse to teahouse in a pannier on a porter’s back.

Once you have packed your duffel bag in the morning, you will not see it until the next camp or teahouse is reached in the late afternoon. A duffel or soft canvas bag should be used, not a suitcase as it has to be packed into a basket. Crushable or fragile items in the bag are prone to damage if not well-padded with clothes.

Food and drink

Hard Rock Tresk Support treks provide each person with substantial and delicious food throughout the day. At about 6 am your Sherpa leader will wake you with tea and coffee and hot water for washing. A light breakfast of bread, butter, jam and crackers will then be served – the point of the light breakfast is that the early start allows you to make the most of the day on the trail, frequently the best mountain views are in the morning.

Brunch on the trail will consist of porridge, eggs (usually with sausage or meat and beans), potatoes, bread,