Stuff to bring on EBC-trek

[Jeroen]

Like I said in an earlier post I am currently travelling through SE Asia and really want to end my trip with the EBC-trek. Since I was going to many places I had to pack a variaty of stuff that would get me through the year. Not all of it is useful for a Nepal-trek I would think. Some basic stuff I do have with me:

Backpack (70+25 liters)
Two trekking trousers
Four pairs of trekking socks (2 cool, 2 warm weather)
Good trekking shoes (category B)
T-shirts, undies
Fleece sweater
Sunglasses
Rainproof jacket

What are the other essentials that I cannot hire in KTM and how many weight is recommended to have on your own back?

Since I have never been to Nepal I do not know which trek to take. I read a lot about EBC and Annapurna. Anybody has strong opinions about either of these?

[Elizabeth]

I just returned from a month in Nepal. I trekked in the Everest region, but only as far as Tengboche. I was not able to adjust to the altitude very well.

Anyway, some things which I was really, really glad I brought along:

Down booties (great for changing into at night and when you have to go outside in the middle of the night)
Silk sleeping bag liner (made my sleeping bag much warmer)
Head lamp (torch), an absolute necessity
Trekking poles (probably saved my life a few times!)

Feel free to email me if you have any more questions or want further advice/information.

Elizabeth

[Stephen]

Hi
I trekked EBC and Gokyo last year. The gear you need is a function of season. Dec to March is v cold. You will need to be prepared for this. You can hire/buy everting you need and more in Kathmandu. I found the cold a bit much and ended up buying a fleece liner in Namche Bazaar. It was probably a bit more expensive that in Kathmandu but not much. So dont panic if you find you really need something.

As for ideas. I found my background in bush walking in Australia meant I took more than I needed. I admired the Germans with Alpine experience who took 10 kgs in March doing it on their own. There is no doubt the less weight the better. I would definately take less. By the way you can leave things behind in lodges if you find you dont need stuff. I had no problems leaving things behind.

Regards
Stephen