Passport

Visa
· You will get a visa upon entry. The cost is 40 dollars for less than 30 days, or 100
dollars US for more than 30 days.

Passport Photos (4)
· You will need photos for your visa, and a trekker identification card. Bring 4.

Personal Spending Money
· You will need $500 USD for the trek in case of emergencies, to purchase snacks, & for a $200 suggested tip.

Packs
Trekking Pack (can double as a day pack)
· 35-65 Liters
· A pocket for a hydration bladder (camel back) is helpful
· Deuter, Black Diamond, Arcteryx, Osprey, Mammut
· Should have a good waist-belt for carrying a small load
Duffel Bag/Luggage Bag
· 80-110 Liter
· Made from water repellant fabric is helpful, but not necessary
· Shoulder straps helpful, but not necessary
· Marmot, Gregory, North Face duffel or standard luggage bag
· Can be purchased for under 30 dollars in Kathmandu
· Will be used to store clothing and equipment in Kathmandu that you do not need
for the trek.
Waterproofing
· One waterproof pack cover big enough to fit over your backpack when it is full
· Two cotractor bags (stronger than trash bags) to further
waterproof your gear inside backpack.
· Large, sturdy waterproof bags are available for purchase in Kathmandu.

Hydration
Camelbak/hydration bladder
· 2 to 4 Liter capacity
· Durability is important since the bladder may freeze and contain sharp ice flakes
· MSR makes very durable and light water bladders as well as hydration hoses that
attach to these bladders (sold separately).
· Will be used while trekking to maintain proper hydration
· These may freeze at higher elevations, making it preferable to use Nalgene-type
water bottles when temperatures are low in the morning.
Thermos (optional)
· 1 liter or greater capacity
· Weight matters less than durability/seal
· Will be used to keep liquid from freezing at night, to refill hot water bottles if you
would like to sleep with one, and to provide you with a steady supply of warm
fluids to drink.
Nalgene waterbottles (1)
· One liter capacity
· For some portions of our hike, it is advised to carry at least two liters of water.
This can be accomplished by using a 2 L hydration bladder or a Nalgene waterbottle
and thermos.
· Hard plastic water bottles that can hold hot liquids
· Will be used for hydration while in sub-freezing temperatures in the morning.
Will also be used as hot water bottles to be placed in your sleeping bag at night.
· Metal can work, but gets very cold and will need to have a water bottle jacket
when hot liquids are placed inside in order to minimize the risk of burning
yourself.
· Nalgene or similar.
Water bottle Jacket/parka (optional)
· One insulative jacket that your 1 liter Nalgene water bottle will slide into in order
to maintain the heat of warm liquids.
· The jacket should have an attachment system for your backpack to make it easy to
access your liquid.
· Outdoor Research water bottle parka

Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag
· 800 fill down bag rated to 0 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
· Should not be too large, as this will allow cold air to circulate around your body
· Just enough room to accommodate wearing a puffy coat and puffy pants inside
the bag if you sleep cold
· Marmot, Northface, Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends
· This item may be rented or purchased in Kathmandu for significantly less than in
the States
Compression Stuff Sack
· Light weight, waterproof, compressible stuff sack for sleeping bag
· Outdoor Research, Sea to Summit

Head
Baseball Cap
· Packable, light colored, with a dark under-brim is best, but any will work
· Outdoor Research (OR)
Warm hat
· Fleece, wool, or synthetic.
· Be sure it covers ears well, and will not easily blow away.
Silk/Nylon Neck Gaiter
· A tube of fabric with open ends.
· Light color
· Will be used as a light-weight balaclava, for keeping dust out of nasal passages,
and for sun protection
· Available in Kathmandu for less than 3 dollars
Fleece Neck Gaiter
· Should be a cinch on the top to convert the gaiter to a hat
· Serves as a back-up hat in case you lose yours (important consideration)
· Keeps cold wind off your neck
· Quickly converts to a balaclava when pulled-up over mouth and nose
· Available for less than 5 dollars in Kathmandu
Headlamp
· Bright, spot-light setting, and low, economy setting
· LED is longer lasting than halogen
· Will be used for route finding early in the morning to watch the sun rise from a
look-out called Kala Patar near Everest.
· Black Diamond, Petzl, Mammut
Batteries (2 sets for headlamp, 3 sets for camera)
· Lithium will give you longer lasting performance in cold temperatures. Be sure
they are compatible with your headlamp, and bring two sets. Don’t forget extra
camera batteries! I recommend 3 to 4 camera batteries, depending on how much
you shoot.
Sunglasses/glacier goggles
· Full UV protection
· Dark, mirrored lenses preferred
· Think thin atmosphere, bright sun, and snow for up to eight hours
· Julbo (brand)

Hands
Chemical Hand Warmers
· 4-6 pair
· the longer lasting, the better
· Do not buy warmers with a sticky backing
· Will be used under wrist cuff of liner gloves, or in socks for added warmth
Liner Gloves (1 pair)
· Windstopper fleece
· Mid-weight
· Black Diamond, Outdoor Research
· Will be used when trekking, or under mittens when more warmth is needed
Over-mitt
· Outer mitten of a waterproof, breathable fabric (like goretex)
· Inner mitten (removable) of synthetic fill, down, or wool
· Outer mitten can be worn over liner gloves, or over inner mittens depending upon
need for warmth and dexterity
· Outdoor Research, Marmot, Black Diamond
· Can be purchased in Kathmandu for under 30 dollars

Feet
Trekking shoes/Hiking boots
· Sticky rubber sole that works well on rock is nice, but not necessary
· Comfortable for the long approach and trek back (more than 50 miles)
· Comfort is the number one priority. Stiff, heavy backpacking boots are not
necessary with the light loads we will be carrying.
· Trail runners are OK if you are comfortable using them while carrying a small
pack on broken terrain. Goretex is best for added warmth and waterproofing.
· High tops or incorporated gaiters are nice if snow is encountered along the route.
An ankle gaiter may also be used for this purpose.
· Sportiva, Garmont, Scarpa, Salewa, North Face
Gaiters
· A durable pair of gaiters is helpful if we encounter much snow along the route.
Ankle gaiters (made by OR) may be used in conjunction with approach shoes/trail
runners.
· For those wishing to save weight, the incorporated gaiter of overpants combined
with an ankle gaiter will work. Be sure the ankle gaiter will fit over your hiking
boots.
· Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardware
Socks
· Three pairs of mid-weight hiking socks (wool) to be used while hiking.
· Two pairs of heavy-weight mountaineering socks for use in teahouses
· Three pairs of liner socks (optional) for those who have problems with blisters
(thin synthetic)
· These will be washed by hand
· Smartwool, Bridgedale
Down/synthetic Booties (optional)
· Should have a light-weight, insulative sole if possible
· For use around teahouses
· Available in Kathmandu for less than 15 dollars

Upper Body
T-shirts (2)
· Two synthetic t-shirts (running shirts work great).
· A light color is good for reflecting the sun, but not essential.
· As light weight and packable as possible
· One shirt can be used as a towel after showering
· Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Marmot, Adidas
Long underwear tops (2)
· One medium weight, one expedition weight
· Light color is good, but not essential
· Synthetic or wool
· Will be used for layering, as well as for an outer layer while trekking
Loose fitting long-sleeve button-up shirt (optional)
· The purpose of this shirt is to protect us from the sun.
· The secondary purpose is to give us a “town shirt”
· Should be a light color and cool. Cotton is fine.
Fleece Jacket
· To be used as a highly breathable but warm layer when hiking up snow covered
terrain
· Full zip makes it easy to shed the layer or put it on when temperatures change
· May be purchased in Kathmandu for under 10 dollars
Synthetic fill or down jacket/sweater
· A hood is a big plus, but not essential
· To be used as part of your layering system when temperatures are just above
freezing, but don’t warrant using a warmer coat
· May be purchased in Kathmandu for under 100 dollars
· Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Rab
Down Vest (optional)
· Used as an additional layer for those who get cold easily
· Best if can compress into a small stuff sack
· Available in Kathmandu for less than 60 dollars
Down or synthetic Parka/Coat
· 650-800 fill down or synthetic fiber-fill
· Good to 20 degrees F when combined with other layers
· Outdoor Research, Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardware, Feathered Friends,
Western Mountaineering
Waterproof/breathable Jacket
· Pac-lite Gore-tex, e-vent, or another light-weight waterproof/breathable fabric
· Chest pocket is nice to have so you have pocket access while wearing your pack
Choose light weight over heavy (often more expensive) alternatives
· Be sure the jacket is roomy enough to accommodate several layers underneath
· If the jacket is not new, use Nikwax or a similar product to renew the water
proofing.
· This jacket will be used to shed snow, wind, and light rain. In heavy rain at lower
elevations, we use umbrellas and ponchos (these jackets will wet-out).
· Mountain Hardware, North Face, Outdoor Research, Helly Hensen, Millet,
Mammut, Arcteryx, Rab
Poncho
· Small, light, and cheap. If the poncho is a “one time use” product, bring two.
· Plastic/PVC/silicone impregnated nylon
· Do not bring heavy rubber ponchos
· These are difficult to find in Nepal, so bring these from home. When it rains, it
pours.
Umbrella (optional)
· This may not get style points in drizzly places like Seattle, but in places where
rain means drops the size of ping-pong balls, this is the only thing other than a
roof that will keep you dry.
· This item may easily be purchased in Kathmandu for less than 15.00 USD
· If you bring one from the States, be sure it is durable. This matters more than
weight or compactness.

Lower Body
Underwear (2 to 4 pr.)
· Some men (and women too) opt not to wear underwear. Bring at least one pair
for bathing in natural water sources and for times of gastro-intestinal distress.
· Synthetic, fast drying, with few seams to prevent chafing.
· Women may want to bring more
· Will be hand washed
Long John Bottoms (2)
· One pair medium weight
· One pair expedition/heavy weight
· Synthetic or wool
Shorts/swim suit
· Should be able to be used for hiking and bathing
· Light weight, packable
· Synthetic and fast drying
· Running shorts and bathing suits work well
Hiking Pants
· Light weight and packable
· Cargo pocket with a zipper is a plus
· Nylon canvass or other synthetic material
· Mountain Hardware, Outdoor Research, Millet, Arcteryx
Softshell Pants
· light weight (winter ski pant softshell not recommended because they are heavy
and too warm for sunny days)
· Un-insulated
· Will serve as an extra pair of hiking pants for higher elevations
· Can be combined with long-johns to control warmth
· Patagonia, OR, Mountain Hardwear, Mammut, Arcteryx
Fleece Pants
· Used for sleeping, or for adding an extra layer under overpants on particularly
cold climbing days
Synthetic Fill/Down Filled Pants (optional)
· Full side zip
· Can be worn at teahouses if a fire is not heating the interior space
· Synthetic fill works well if the pants get wet from melting snow
· Mountain Hardwear, Feathered Friends, Outdoor Research
Overpants
· Goretex, e-vent, or another waterproof, breathable fabric
· Side zips
· At least one pocket is helpful for storing camera, sun screen, or snacks
· Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Arcteryx, Patagonia

Hardwear
Multi-tool
· Simple, small, and durable
· Pliers, a knife blade, and screw-drivers are handy
· The knife can be used for food prep, and the screw-driver for fixing trekking
poles
Trekking Poles
· These are knee saving, and excellent for the approach
· Snow baskets are great
· Black Diamond Expedition Ski Pole

Personal medical kit and Self-Care
You will be able to purchase all of the following items in Kathmandu for a price similar
to what you would pay in the States. In the case of medications, they are significantly
cheaper in Nepal. The only exception is azithromyocin which is not readily available in
Nepal.
Eyeglass case or similar hard case
· This is used to store your medications and prevent pills from being crushed after
they are packed tight in your pack
Plastic Bags
· 2, one gallon bags
· 2, one quart bags
· Will be used for organizing and waterproofing
Medications/pills
· Vitamin supplement (10)
· Iron supplement (10)
· Ciprofloaxin (cipro) (8)
· Azithromyocin (5)
· Cefixime/cefy-O (10)
· Flagyl/Tinvista (metronidazol) (6)
· Dromamine/dimenhydrinate (6)
· Tylenol/acetaminophen (8)
· Ibuprofin/Advil/NSAID (8)
· Benedryl/diphenhydramine (6)
· Diamox/Acetazolomide (10) –this is a sulfa-based drug and interacts with aspirin
and many sedatives.
· Personal medications in a 28 day supply (28 days to account for flight time and
any unforeseen extensions)
· WARNING: If you generally take sleeping pills/sedatives, please consult your
doctor. Some of these medications interact dangerously with medications such as
acetazolomide which are used to help speed the process of acclimatization, and
some may slow acclimatization even in the absence of other medications.
Oral Electrolytes (4 packets)
· Electrolyte powder available from pharmacies in Kathmandu
Iodine (30 gram/3oz bottle)
· An eye-drop bottle of iodine. Bring bleach if you are allergic to iodine/shellfish.
· Used for wound care and water purification.
Eye care
· Bring contacts, cleaning solution, or eye glasses as needed
Blister kit
· Duct tape (small roll)
· Second Skin (one package)
· Mole skin (one package)
· Band aids (a variety of sizes)
· Antibiotic ointment (one tube)
· Cloth tape (one roll)
· Trauma shears for cutting tape
Ace wrap/brace
· If you have a history of ankle or knee pain- even if it is not current- please bring a
brace
· Ace wraps are an excellent back-up in case anything unpredicted happens.
Oral thermometer (optional)
· This can help determine if you have a bacterial infection and its severity. We
have one.
Toe nail clippers
Tweezers (optional)
Camp soap/liquid soap/shampoo (2)
· Pack two, 3oz bottles
· The bottles should have a screw-off cap, not a button that levers-up one side of
the cap because these leak easily with changing pressure and elevation
· Will be used for cleaning clothes, body, and hands
Bar of soap (1)
· This will be used for cleaning clothes and your body.
· If you can find a bar-soap laundry detergent (common in Mexican grocery stores),
bring that along with a bar of soap for your body.
Sunscreen
· A 10 oz bottle is enough for the amount of skin that will be exposed.
· You can find this in Kathmandu
· If you prefer a particular brand/type, bring it.
· Think high elevation sun for 10 hours/day . . . and snow glare.
· Zinc oxide sticks are available in Kathmandu as well.
Lip balm (2)
· Should have sun protection
· You can find this in Kathmandu. Bring your own if you like particular brand.
Tooth brush and Paste
Feminine hygiene supplies
· Bring supplies for the month-plus long trip, plus a little extra (works great for
wound care too).
· If you bring disposable supplies, tin foil works well to wrap-up the waste and then
place it in a plastic bag until the next available trash receptacle. Just remember to
bring tin foil and extra zip-locks.
· If you use a reusable device like a diva-cup, be sure you are able to wash your
hands and supplies with filtered, boiled water. It can be a little more time
intensive, but easy to do with the resources available.
Personal Grooming Supplies
· Razer(s)
· Hair-brush etc.
Water Filter (optional)
· We will be boiling all of our water. However, sometimes there are still “floaties”
· Because base camp is near a contact zone (where two different rock types come
together), the water we drink contains naturally occurring metals. Filtering the
water can reduce the amount of precipitate that you consume, which can reduce
stomach discomfort.
Toilet Paper (2 rolls)
· Easy to find in Nepal, but not always the softest or most durable
· Important. Very important. Intestinal illness is common, and you’ll want it if we
can’t reach a teahouse before nature calls.
Lighter
· An extra lighter or box of matches for burning toilet paper if you have to go while
on the trail. To be placed in a plastic bag with a roll of TP and hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer (2 bottles)
· To be used before every meal, and after every bathroom stop.
Wet Wipes (1 box)
· For ‘wet-wipe baths’ before bed, cleaning of feet, and other self-care functions.

Duffel Bag locks/keys (2)
· We can purchase these in Kathmandu.
· Can be used if you want to make sure your gear that is stored in Kathmandu is
safe.

Electronics (optional)
These are optional items that others have found useful.
International plug adapter kit.
· Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
· Primary Socket Types: Indian, Europlug
· 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
I-pod
· Bring an extra battery and/or a solar charger
Digital Camera
· Some people bring two: a larger model with a good zoom for the approach, and a
smaller one for on the mountain
· When climbing, your camera will need to be compact and fit in an inside pocket
of your coat or it will be too cold to operate
· It should have a strap for your wrist and/or neck so you do not drop it on parties
below you
· Lithium batteries last longer in cold weather, but even lithiums don’t last as long
as they do in warmer climates at lower elevation
Digital Camera Batteries
· Because there is no electricity at base camp, you will want to have a stash of extra
camera batteries that suits your hunger for photography
· With my compact Panasonic Lumix, I found four (4) lithium batteries to be
sufficient for the entirety of my time away from outlets
Extra Camera Memory Card
· You can buy this in Kathmandu for about the same as you get for it in the States.
Don’t buy non-name-brand. These are cheap knock-offs that will malfunction
quickly.
Thumb Drive/USB stick
· A high capacity USB stick will allow you to trade photos with your friends at the
internet shop after the trek has finished.
· You can also use the stick to print photos in Kathmandu for your local guides,
porters, and cooks who would otherwise have no photos of their trip with you.
· The USB can serve as a back-up in the event that your camera’s memory card is
corrupted (this happens often with the amount of deleting and re-shooting that
takes place)
Laptop Computer
· A laptop may serve you well in Kathmandu,
· Most hotels in Kathmandu, and several teahouses along our approach, provide
wireless internet at no extra charge. However, the service is often very slow,
while internet shops close-by may have fast internet for a reasonable hourly fee.
· If you decide to bring your laptop to Base Camp, it will need to be protected in
some way from extreme temperatures to prevent damage to the hard drive. We
recommend that you store your laptop in Kathmandu.
Light socket plug adaptor
· An adaptor that turns a light socket into a plug is advantageous for giving you the
ability to charge your camera batteries in your room at tea houses during the
approach .
· Often there are only a few outlets in the teahouses we stay at, and these are
crowded with the chargers of other guests.
· If you don’t find one in the States, you can purchase an adaptor in Nepal for about
80 cents. These are prone to failure, so it might be prudent to buy two (they’re
small).

Snacks (optional)
These might seem like an arbitrary addition, but due to the affects of high altitude,
exertion, a new diet, and intestinal illness, these can be a saving grace. When selecting
foods, keep this in mind: You will be somewhat dehydrated, and at altitude your body
has difficulty digesting fat and fiber. Citrus tasting, salty, and sweet foods are high on
the list of cravings- as are crunchy foods for reasons we haven’t quite figured out.
Plastic Bags
· Please repackage your snacks in bags that are unlikely to result in spilled food.
Sports drink powders
· Enough for 5 liters
· Isotonic beverage containing electrolytes and sugars
· Now is not the time to cut the sugar out of your drink. You’ll need it.
· Poweraid powder, Gaiteraid powder
Protein
· Getting enough digestible protein into you is tough. Even tougher for vegetarians.
It’s helpful if you are able to eat eggs and dairy products. The diet of the Sherpa
people is built upon the backbone of eggs and dairy, and you will even find butter
in their tea.
· For non-vegetarians, I recommend bringing Beef jerky (2 bags)
· Eggs, cheese, and other dairy will be in daily meals if requested
· For vegans, lentils are in no short supply. But other sources of vegetable protein
are scarce. You will want to bring your own stash if you have a favorite (nut
butters for instance).
· If you are not strictly vegetarian, and are willing to eat gummy bears, you have
found a decent source of protein that you will likely crave. Gelatin is high in the
essential amino acids (and delicious in bear form).
· Peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower seed butters
Energy Bars (30)
· Choose a bar that you think you could eat while you are on mile fifteen of a marathon. Bars that are oily or fibrous tend to be difficult for the body to handle at altitude.
We will provide all meals. However, we don’t have all your favorite foods on hand. To help you get the nutrition you crave, you are welcome to bring your favorites with you.
Foods not available in Kathmandu that past expedition members have craved (I would bring a total of three to four pounds):
· Rice-noodle based stir-fry and soup dishes- like Taste of Thai.
· Unsulfated dry mangoes
· Salted Nuts
· Tamari almonds
· Beef Jerky
· Whole-wheat pretzels
· Sour patch kids
· Gummy bears
· Black licorice
· Unsulfated dried figs, peaches, pears, apricots
· Chocolate covered expresso beans
· Bagel chips
· Dehydrated vegetables
· Vegetable chips
· Home-made cookies
· Home-made granoloa bars
· Organic soup mix/miso soup
· Baked pita chips
· Dried Edemame
· Cake mix in a box
· Brownie mix in a box
· Jello cheese cake mix
· Muslei cereal
· Sundried tomatoes
· Pine nuts
· Cous cous
· Quinoa
Foods available in Kathmandu (we will have time to purchase these at a store before we leave):
· Dark and milk chocolate bars
· Candy bars
· Pringles chips
· Flavored crackers (salty crackers are usually craved more than sweet varieties)
· Cookies/sweet crackers
· Bread (white bread is good to have for those with digestive problems)
· Trail mix with dried fruit and coconut
· Hot chocolate
· Flavored Juice drinks
· Glucose drink powder
· Ramen noodles (called Rara or Wai Wai noodles in Nepal)