For high altitude trekking and mountaineering expeditions, Explore Himalaya recommends the use of a special fuel known as Primus Power Gas. We have used the gas during some of our trekking and mountaineering trips and found it easy to carry (light and compact), efficient and powerful too. Primus Power Gas can be used with Primus Omni Fuel stove (see pics). It is smoke free, odorless and easy to use. There’s no hassle of the fuel spilling (like kerosene) or blackening the cooking utensils.
Primus is a Swedish company, and according to the company’s brochure Andree, Amundsen, Hillary and Tenzing are some of the famous adventurers who have chosen to use products by Primus.

Primus Power Gas canisters comes in two sizes: 220gm which costs Rs.400/- and 450gm which costs Rs.750/- on retail price, as of December 2007. The canisters are equipped with self-sealing safety valves and international standard screw threads.  According to the factory’s specification, if one burns the gas for an hour per day, a 220gm Primus Power gas canister will last for a week, during summer season at lower altitude. Whereas during winter, at high altitude, if one uses it for 1 hour per day, the gas will last for five days. Primus Omni fuel stove costs Rs.3,600/-.This stove is a multi-fuel stove which means it works with LP gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel and kerosene- even aviation fuel. The flame could be adjusted using the separate knob to provide the exact heat.

If you plan to go on a trekking or climbing expedition and want to use the Primus Power Gas and Stove during the expedition , you can contact Explore Himalaya .We have direct link with the local distributors in Nepal and can procure the gas as per your needs. We assure you about the good standard and quality of Primus Power Gas (Explore Himalaya will ensure that you receive the real stuff – no imitation or refilled canisters!).

220g Primus Power gas canisters – compact,light and powerful

A 220g and a 450g canister of Primus Power Gas

A clean,compact and efficient fuel alternative – ideal for camping ,trekking and mountaineering expeditions

Primus Omni Fue Stovel- smart stainless steel body and fold away legs , gripping pot supports and efficient fuel drainage

The stove fixed to the fuel canister

Mera Peak Climbing is one of the most sought after peak climbing adventures in Nepal. Being the highest trekking peak offering the most impressive all round view of five 8000m + peaks including Mount Everest, Mera Peak has been a favorite of many adventurers who aim for Himalayan giants in future. Though the peak has Alpine grade ‘F’, you will be in the most extreme weather condition for an extended length of time, which naturally makes “Safety and Comfort” a matter of concern while climbing this mountain. Here is a list of Climbing Gear that helps to keep your sense of adventure intact while climbing Mera Peak or any other peaks in Nepal. Apart from this list, please go through the trekking gear list also to make your equipment and gear list complete. Happy Climbing!

Climbing boots

Comfort and safety of your feet is the first rule of climbing. And the need of a proper pair of climbing boots is self-explanatory. Bring properly insulated boots with additional stiffness and support. Also make sure that they are compatible with crampons.

Crampons

Crampons are superlight traction device used for precise mobility while walking in snowfields, glaciers and steep icy surfaces. There are many types of crampons like hinged, semi-rigid and rigid. For climbing in Nepal, semi-rigid crampons with horizontal frames are best.

Descender (figure of 8)

This equipment, with a shape of 8 usually made of aluminum, is a friction brake to control the descent. It is used in combination with climbing harness and carabiner. 

Ascender (Jumar)

Ascender or Jumar (named after the inventors Jürgen and Walter Marti), is a device used for ascending on a fixed rope. It provides safety and additional support to upward ascent.  It must be comfortable enough to be used with gloves or mittens.

Screw Gate/Carabiner/Karabiner

It is a metal clipper or loop used for attaching things together, especially for protection to your harness and your rope. It is recommended to bring four karabiners, two locking and two unlocking.

Ice Axe

It’s a straight-shafted axe with a gently curved pick used for both ascent and descent in icy surfaces. However, you can improvise it for multipurpose. Depending on the terrain, it can also be used for digging, cutting steps, securing a harness or can simply be used as a walking stick. 

Helmet – UIAA test

Helmet is basically for your safety and is quite essential while climbing. No one can imagine doing mountaineering with head injuries. Get UIAA certified one for ultimate safety.

Harness

It’s a strap like thing worn around the waist with loops to fit in your thighs. It is worn for securing you to a rope or an anchor. Make sure, it is well-fitted and comfortable.

Prusik Rope

Named after its inventor Karl Prusik, it’s basically a knot to attach a loop of cord around a rope used in rope ascending situation. It provides a strong attachment and does not damage or break the rope.

Climbing Rope (provided by the company)

Climbing ropes are normally categorized as static and dynamic. Static ropes are for abseiling, they are also used as fixed ropes for ascenders. Dynamic ropes are used as belaying ropes to absorb the shock of a falling climber.

Snow Bar (provided by the company)

Snow bars or stakes are hammered or buried to secure the rope in place for weight support of a climber. They are functional for fall protection and holding static loads.

Ice Screw (provided by the company)

Ice Screw is a long screw used to hold a falling climber. It can be used both as running belays or anchors.  

If you are planning or joining Everest Base Camp Trek,  you are well on your way to experience one of the finest adventures in the world. However, your sense of adventure will be intact only if you are comfortable against the basic elements of nature and surroundings. Mountain terrain is rugged and dramatic with notoriously unpredictable weather. So, you need to be well equipped to make your journey safe and comfortable. Here is a trekking gear list that comes handy when you are planning for this amazing Himalayan adventure to the Everest Base Camp or any other trekking regions in Nepal. Mountains can move you only if you can move yourself comfortably! 

Kitbag (duffel bag)

A simple design without wheels and without foldable handles is best for your gear to be carried by porters. You can buy in Kathmandu, although they are not as tough as the North Face Base Camp Duffel.

Sleeping bag

Down-filled bags are fluffy, light and thick. 4-5 season sleeping with a muff (an extra section around the neck that makes a big difference to the overall warmth of a bag) is recommended. You can rent reasonable sleeping bags cheaply in Kathmandu.

Sleeping bag liner

Cotton, silk or fleece – it saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily brought from home. Fleece ones are readily available in Kathmandu.

Down Jackets

Extremely light, warm and easy to pack – they are very handy in cold regions especially during chilly mornings and evenings. Better to get the down jackets that can hold against -10 °C upto 3000m and -20 °C for altitudes above 3000m. They can be easily bought or rented in Kathmandu.  

Daypack

This should be comfortable with a good waist band that transfers some of the weight to the hips. It needs to be big enough to hold all the items you need for the day till you reach the next camp like jacket, water, camera and odds and ends.

Boots

Lightweight boots with good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion are the best. Look at the inner lining -leather is good and Cambrelle is even better, a material that eats smelly feet bacteria. Try them in some steep terrain before trekking to find trouble spots.

Socks

Quality cotton mix sports socks (3-4 pairs) are good while in low country. Thick trekking socks (3-4) are better for higher up and cool evenings. Mostly modern trekking boots fit snugly so wearing two pairs of socks at the same time is impractical.

Camp shoes/sandals/flip-flops

A luxury for your feet at the end of the day is the most important thing. Sandals or running shoes are good. Flip-flops, available for cheap in Kathmandu, are a necessity for showers during the trek.

Fleece jacket/vest

Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get almost any sort of fleece you need.

Wind jacket

Windproof and breathable jackets are a comfort during windy days. Make sure they have hoods. Gore-tex (or similar) jackets are recommended for treks over passes or climbing trips. Lighter jackets should be a second jacket, easy to throw in the daypack in warmer days.

Rain coat or Poncho

Bringing a raincoat or poncho is a sensible thing when you are in mountains as you never know when Mother Nature wants to have some fun.

Nightwear thermals

Light weight thermals are great for warm nights in the sleeping bag!

Fleece/sweatpants

Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better (except for when the stoves in the teahouses really heat up!). Readily available in Kathmandu.

Day-wear shirt

T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more versatile. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two or three so you can swap damp for dry.

Trekking pants

You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-colored is the best. You can survive with only one pair, although two/three is better.

Wind pants

If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have Gore-tex. Similar, waterproof is quite OK.

Warm skull cap/balaclava

Woolen/mixed synthetic warm cap or balaclava is nice for the evenings.

Neck gaiter

For winter trekking they are really the best for staying warm!

Trekking poles

Definitely useful, especially on steep, rough terrain, but if you are not used to using them you can survive without.

Sunglasses

Suitable for snow, it’s bright up there, but specialized glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

Mittens/gloves

Fleece gloves are also a must. However, a good pair of wind and water proof/ gloves is also essential for foul weather. Available in Kathmandu for cheap if you don’t have a pair.

Water bottle

Should be one liter or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. Nalgene or a similar brand, or European fuel bottles are the best. You need at least 2 water bottles, or at least 1 water bottle in addition to a Camelback or hydration system.

Torch / Flashlight

Petzl Tikka’s and other similar torches with LED bulbs rule. They are quite helpful for trips to the toilet at night!

Toiletries and odds & ends

The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. You need to bring or buy along the way. Your personal toiletries come in the list. Make sure you also have toilet rolls or tissue paper for emergencies.

Towel

Bring only a small one trekking, or a camp towel. In Kathmandu the hotel supplies towels.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen

Sunburn doesn’t look and feel as cool as the beach burn. Get sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher depending on the sensitivity of your skin. You should also use lip balm with high SPF. Also have a wide brimmed hat to go with.

First Aid Kit

We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, decongestants, lozenges, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhea and chests infections, Diamox (an acclimatizing aid drug), antiseptic, antihistamine cream, rehydration, bandages and band-aids, tough blister tape (but not moleskin). As we are not certified to prescribe medicines you have to use them at your own risk.

You have to bring any personal medicines that you need.

Water purification

Bring a bottle of iodine tablets such as Potable Aqua, Polar Puror Couglans etc or any other similar tablets. Bottled water is available on the trail.

Money-pouch/belt/inside pocket

Most people find wearing one while trekking is a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. But they can be handy. The Kathmandu hotels have safety deposit boxes.

Book and Note Pad

When you are free for independent activities, especially in the evenings books can be a good friend. Kindles are also fine. Note Pad is also important for making diary entries and taking notes of things that catch your interest. 

Power Bank

Though there are charging facilities available in the hotels, lodges and teahouses en route, bring power bank when you are in mountains. You never know when there will be power cut or occur some technical emergencies. 

our small effort to provide extra value to our clients and our commitment to sustainability

Sawyer PointONE Filter: drink fresh water without any trouble

Explore Himalaya will be introducing Sawyer PointONE Filters from its upcoming treks.  Like the slogan of the brand, introduction of this gadget will allow travelers to drink clean water wherever they go without any trouble. Trekking in the remote areas of Nepal where drinking water is not always available, the tool will provide trekkers an easy way to drink water without any fear of unhygienic water. The water filter can be carried along without any hassle and can be used as per the need of volume of water.

Sawyer PointONE Filter allows you to clean water in an instant

Sawyer Filter, an American product approved by Quality Control can filter up to 1800liters of water a single day and guarantees more than 350000 liters during its lifetime. The PointONE version of the filter assures 99.99999% elimination of all bacteria including salmonella, cholera, and E:coli with its features like  Hollow Fiber Membranes and Higher Tensile Strength. The filter comes along with a syringe to backflush after it’s usage to maintain the filter and to ensure its high flowing rate. Most of all, the filter fit in with most of the bottles that are in use currently in the market.  Also, the tool is very easy to use for trouble-free cleaning and maintenance. With all these features, Sawyer Filter has already won Editor’s Choice Award from the Backpacker Magazine back in 2012.

Sawyer PointONE Filter is easy to maintain

We being a responsible travel operator are committed to a pollution free environment. We expect the use of Sawyer PointONE Filters will be a small contribution creating a healthy environment.

Sawyer PointONE Filter: use where you want, how you want