Everything You Need For An Epic Hiking Trip Through The Himalayas

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Have you ever imagined what it would be like to visit some of the world's most impressive peaks? If so, a trip to the Himalayas should be on your bucket list. This region is home to much of the world’s most spectacular scenery, offering epic views of jagged peaks and deep valleys. 

However, if you do decide to go, you’ll need to ensure you're prepared. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself on top of a mountain, wondering how on Earth you’re going to get down. 

Fortunately, this blog post can help. We look at the various items you need to make a success of it, and critically, keep yourself safe. 

Money And Essentials

The first step is to ensure you have the proper money and essentials you require before leaving on your epic trip. You want to check that everything’s in order and that you can get the provisions you need on the ground. 

Make sure, for instance, you have several forms of payment, including cash, if going to Nepal. Take a guidebook with you and bring a pen for journaling and making notes. 

Most visitors to the Himalayas require passports, visas, and permits. If you have a Western passport, check whether Nepal requires you to bring a visa with you. The rules vary by country. 

Nepal also only allows a set number of tourists into the country every year to prevent it from being overrun. Therefore, always apply for a permit in advance of your trip, especially if you plan on climbing any of the mountains.

First-Aid Items

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You will also want to take various first-aid items with you to ensure you can clean up any injuries while hiking in the mountains. Make sure to include any prescription medication, antiseptic, bandages, and altitude sickness drugs (if you need them). 

It’s also helpful to have a whistle in the Himalayas. Sound travels well, and it is an excellent way to ask for help if, heaven forbid, you fall into a ravine. 

Taking a multitool with you is also essential. These can be handy if you plan on camping and need to cut or repair anything (you can’t usually get supplies once you leave Kathmandu). 

Lastly, on the topic of safety, always bring a spare bivy or shelter with you that you can erect rapidly. These can protect you from high winds and prevent the sun from damaging your skin or the chill factor leading to frostbite. 

Clothing

Clothing is critical when traveling in the Himalayas, because of the extremity of the environment. As such, it is something you have to think carefully about before you travel. Don’t just pack some shorts and a t-shirt!

The best way to approach clothing in the Himalayas is to consider your layers. Temperatures can vary massively as you climb up and down, so you want to adjust your clothing accordingly. 

Start with the base layer, usually thermal tops and jogging bottoms. These items wick sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable. 

Next, you’ll want your mid-layers. These usually take the form of an insulated fleece. 

Finally, you want outer layers, like womens thermal gloves from HeatHolders, waterproof and windproof jackets with Gore-Tex, and suitable mountaineering boots (if going higher than the basic trails). 

You should also pack a hat, gaiters, and scarf to cover your face if the temperature suddenly dips below freezing. 

Backpack Gear

Backpack gear is also an important consideration. You need sufficient equipment for your requirements, particularly, if you are hiking without a guide. 

Trekking poles are highly recommended in the Himalayas’s steep terrain. These help you keep moving forward and exploring the land in new directions. 

You also want a sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as minus 20°C for when you stop to camp. That’s because temperatures at altitude can plummet dramatically at night, making the conditions far harsher than you might expect given the daytime’s balmy experience. 

Ensure you also take water bottles with you on the trip that support purification on-the-go. You can fill these up at mountain streams or glaciers, preventing you from having to carry everything you need with you. 

A sleeping mat is also handy if sleeping on rough ground, while a hat and sunglasses can protect you from high UV (which is more intense at higher altitudes because of the thinness of the atmosphere). 

Lastly, don’t forget to keep cooking items with you. You’ll need a stove and fuel (since there isn’t much wood to burn in the Himalayas) and some decent lightweight cookware.