Nepal Adventure Sleeping Bag needed?

[rachel.us]

I was just sent an email about things to bring on a trek.
I saw that it suggested you should take a sleeping bag?

Is this required? I'll be leaving December the 2nd so it will be cold (I'm assuming)

Has anyone been on this trip and could tell me whether it's needed.

Me and my friend are going to India before and we really don't want to drag sleeping bags around.
But, if there is a place to buy a sleeping bag in Kathmandu I would prefer to do that?

Thanks

[pheus]

Hi,

YES, you want a sleeping bag, because you are staying in teahouses during your trek. Two reasons:

1. There will be absolutely no heating in your room
2. The sheets are usually not changed or cleaned between guests.

If you dont want to carry one through India don't worry, there are lots of shops in Thamel and even in Pokhara.

Enjoy your trip!

[rachel.us]

Thanks for the advice

I'm getting a better picture of the tea lodges now. I think I'll bring a torch since it sounds like they aren't very Westernised and I might have to deal with power outages

[chardonais]

Hi there - as above, you do need a sleeping bag. For December, I would say the minimum you would want is -10 to -15. It can get very cold at night as the only the main dining room is heated. I usually slept with my clothes I was planning on wearing the next day so they weren't ice cold when I put them on.

A torch or headlamp is definately needed - I stayed in one teahouse where the bathroom was outside the main building (luckily I made it through the night without needing it )

There are a ton of gear shops in Thamel and Pokhara and you can get anything you forget or don't want to carry around beforehand. Things may be a bit cheaper in Thamel, but both places are competitve. They sell cheap North Face knockoffs, but I bought a bag and it has served me well. It was 5 years ago, but I think I paid around 3000NPR (like $40-50). I believe you can rent bags as well - if you want to do that definately being your own sheet to use inside the bag.

D.

[Zuleika]

I recommend taking a pillowcase too, the bedding isn't always that clean!

[chardonais]

Good call Zuleika! Definately take a pillowcase! I think I made it 11 days before I forgot to pack it, but it served me well