Clothes and Accessories

In the summer months, unless you are not planning to go on a high altitude trekking, a couple of inner T-shirts and a good sweater will work enough. Thermal underwear, a down jacket and even a balaclava for ear protection are essential during other months of year. A light sleeping bag would be an advantage. Good walking boots and thick shocks, hat, raincoat will be useful. Sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, lips guard, toiletries etc are other needs. Many cold weather items can be purchased, hired or rented in Kathmandu for very inexpensive prices. Early summer (July to August) does not have extreme wear but it is still cold at night and sometimes it can be wet. The list depends on the time of the year that you will be traveling. The weather in Sept./Oct gets colder so for this you will need the very best sleeping bags, the best down jackets, gloves, scarves, thermal underwear and thermal socks. Always take warm clothing with you and a sleeping bag. Other suggested items are - flashlight with battery, water bottle, dust mask, water purification tablet, toilet paper, walking shoe, sun-hat, sun-cream, and sun-glass.

What to Bring.

It is best to take your usual toilet articles and medicines. Nowadays, if you are traveling to the major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, you will likely be able to find most of your basic items. But in towns and countryside, items such as tampons or sanitary napkins are difficult to get.

Photographic items, such as film and batteries, are available, but may be cheaper and fresher if bought before arriving. If you use professional-speed film, bring it with you. It is worth taking a small flashlight, especially for individual travelers who may stay the night in modest hostels. Chinese-made batteries tend not to last long. An electrical adaptor may be useful too; many of the older hotels have sockets, which require a three-pin plug and hotels often only have a limited number of adaptors available.