Street stalls in Kathmandu
Street scene in Kathmandu Nepal
It is really quite amazing what you can buy from the street vendors in a city like Kathmandu. The variety is staggering. The noise is constant. The movement of people is never ending. The smells are something you can only experience first hand. And the colours are magical.
In this photo I have shown the very colourful wreaths that were for sale everywhere, especially near temples like this one. I should have asked someone there about the religious significance of them, if that is what they are for. Perhaps readers of this blog can enlighten me by leaving a comment.
Are we able to buy requirements for our trek to Mt. Everest base camp in Kathmandu when we arrive and if so , where? eg. thermals,walking pants, walking poles etc.
Thanking you
glenn A
Hi there Glenn,
Yes – just about anything you require for trekking can be bought in Kathmandu. You can also get some equipment in Lukla and Namche Bazaar but at highly inflated prices. In Kathmandu most things are available at much cheaper prices than here in Australia (and probably much cheaper than most other countries).
Throughout Kathmandu there are trekking and climbing equipment supply shops – most of them are in the main shopping district of Thamel which is a short cheap taxi ride or training walk from most of the hotels and hostels.
In many of the smaller shops you are expected to negotiate the prices with the owners and so you can pick up good bargains. I estimate I could have saved at least half to two thirds of what I spent here in Australia before leaving.
One thing to be wary of though is the quality of the clothing especially. Check out each item very carefully, especially zips and seams. The item may have a popular brand name on the label but they are likely to be cheap imitations made in China, Nepal or India. Genuine items are usually more expensive but still cheaper than in other countries. Seeing you are going to Base Camp I’d be very wary of using very cheap clothing that could come apart at the seams or with jamming zips – your life depends on reliable equipment. It gets mighty cold up there.
Some of the outlets also let you hire equipment or will buy back your equipment on your return and then hire it to the next customer. Again – this may be an attractive option for you but still be very careful of the quality of things like coats, sleeping bags and other items of clothing.
I would suggest getting hold of the Lonely Planet guide to Nepal. It goes into far more detail than I have here. All the information is written by experts with far more experience than me. It also deals with health issues and what to do in preparation for trekking.
A warning about shoes: do not buy them in Kathmandu even though they are available. Buy a good fitting pair of trekking boots several months before leaving and wear them in thoroughly during training. You won’t regret this advice. The most important part of your equipment is a happy pair of feet. The alternative is misery.