Renting Gear in Kathmandu,Nepal
If you are planning to go trekking in Nepal, you may wonder what kind of gear you need and where to get it. Buying all the necessary equipment can be expensive and impractical, especially if you are not a frequent hiker or climber. Fortunately, there is an alternative option: renting gear in Nepal.
Renting gear in Nepal has many advantages. You can save money, space and hassle by renting only what you need for your trek. You can also avoid carrying extra weight on your flight or paying for excess baggage fees. Renting gear also allows you to try out different brands and models of equipment before buying them.
There are many places where you can rent gear in Nepal, but the most popular and convenient one is Kathmandu, the capital city and the gateway to most treks. Kathmandu has a large number of shops that offer a wide range of trekking gear for rent, from basic items like sleeping bags and hiking boots to specialized ones like down jackets and crampons.
One of the best areas to rent gear in Kathmandu is Thamel, the tourist hub of the city. Thamel has hundreds of shops that cater to trekkers and travelers, offering everything from cheap knock-offs to genuine branded products. You can find almost anything you need for your trek in Thamel, but be prepared to bargain hard and check the quality carefully.
Another option is to rent gear from small warehouse shops that recycle real expedition equipment. These shops are located in different parts of Kathmandu, such as Paknajol and Sorhakhutte. They offer authentic cold-weather gear and specialty items that are only needed for high-altitude treks, such as heavy down jackets, down pants, gaiters and ice axes. These shops usually charge a fixed rate per day, which can be as low as 1 USD.
If you are starting your trek from Pokhara, another popular tourist destination in Nepal, you can also rent gear there. Pokhara has many trekking gear shops that provide similar services as those in Kathmandu. You can find most of the basic items for rent in Pokhara, but if you need something more specific or advanced, you may have to look for it in Kathmandu.
Renting gear in Nepal is a convenient and affordable way to equip yourself for your trek. However, there are some things you should keep in mind when renting gear:
·Plan ahead and make a list of what you need for your trek. Check the weather forecast, the difficulty level and the duration of your trek.
- Shop around and compare prices, quality and availability of different shops. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts.
- Check the condition and functionality of the gear before renting it. Make sure it fits well and works properly.
- Ask for a receipt or a contract when renting gear. Keep it safe until you return the gear.
- Return the gear on time and in good condition. If you damage or lose something, be prepared to pay for it.
- If you choose to complete the gear list in Kathmandu, make sure to keep at least one or two days to pursue it.
Where to rent trekking gear in Thamel, Kathmandu?
There are various options for renting gears in Thamel. Some of the most recommended ones are as follows.
- Shona’s Alpine: Thamel
- Kalapathar Trekking Store: Saat Ghumti,Thamel
- Gears Nepal:Thamel
- Samden Sherpa: Jyatha,Thamel
You may rent the following items if you are going for the Everest Base Camp
- Down jacket – NPR 150*/day
- Sleeping bag ( -10 C) – NPR 150*/day
- 50L hiking backpack – NPR 200*/day
- Fleece pants
- Rain jacket and pant
- Liner
Mentioned price are just to give an idea about how much it will cost to rent the gears.
We strongly recommend not to take hiking boots on rent. Boots are the one of the most essential things. You need to break in hiking boots before the trek, so that you can enjoy the trail together without worrying about the shoe bites.
Renting gear in Nepal can make your trek more enjoyable and hassle-free. Just remember to do some research, be smart and have fun!
