Nepal Everest Base Camp Preparation

[Dutchy]

Hi all,
With my Nepal trek getting closer, I'm getting some last things organised and double checking what I should/shouldnt bring....
The organisation I go with has a fairly general list of things, nothing specific for hiking in the second part of October. Most other mentions too are fairly general. Checking some blogs, a few questions have been answered.... but not all!
OK, here some specific questions:
Shoes: besides my boots, what do most people take? I'm thinking of my (lightweight) runners and possibly buy insulated hut booties?
Sleeping bag: people keep saying how cold it is.... best to buy a thermolite reactor in addition to my sleeping bag (-9 C)?
Water: besides tablets or a steripen, everywhere they mention 1L bottles.... is that enough? How is the availability during the day? 1 L doesnt seem that much?
Thermals: 2 pairs (top and bottom) enough? Going for the patagonia expedition ones.....
Medication: what did you take? Did you buy it here or there?
Altitude sickness: there seem to be medications to help with it.... any suggestions?
Snow: snow shoes are not on the list.... not needed?
Outdoor stores Kathmandu: seems the 'local' stores only sell Nepali gear, the brand stores seem to have similar prices to Australia?

Thats all I can think of right now, no doubt more is to come! Any help getting prepared the best way possible is appreciated!

[Venturer]

Alrighty so I haven't being to Nepal but a few things that I can suggest.

1. Buy medication here - who knows what they are selling over there.
2. Same goes for gear. At a presentation I went to recently the guide showed a pic of a NORTH FACE jacket with a logo which said "HORTN FACE". Stick to known retailers if you are going to buy anything. There are a few in Kathmandu and I'm sure a google search would bring them up.

I hope I have being of some help and that you enjoy it, it's something I'd love to do in the very near future.

[Ellobuddha]

Hey Dutchy,

I havent been in Everest Region but did the Annapurna Circuit last year.

Im actually leaving next Wednesday to Nepal again to do the AC with some friends. May be some other areas if time permits.

The AC goes to 5416mtrs so similar conditions to EBC

Footwear: I took hiking boots and a pair of crocs that look like old man slippers. They are nice and light. I also took thongs as you can get a cool shower at lower altitudes or even for standing with a bucket of water and having a scrub up.

Sleeping bag - last year I took a crappy Millet -5 or so. That and a reactor up top I was warm enough. On the AC you have to leave really early to go over the pass so I was sleeping in clothes. Having said that, my camel back hose froze inside of the hut.

Water - I used a steripen with tabs as back up. I found the steripen was greast but suffered if the water was really cold or cloudy. I used a buff to filter the water prior to putting into bottle. I ran two or three bottles. 1 dirty or two dirty and 1 for cleaned water. This year I am using a Sawyer Mini filter in line on my camelback. That way I can simply fill the reservoir with untreated water and drink as needed. I am taking the steripen or tab for backup, though I have two filters so should be fine. I got mine on Amazon but I see that Tiergear on here is stocking them at a great price.

Thermals - I went in May last year which was hot down the bottom. I am only taking one set of thermals this year for nighttime use. That is actually a 260 weight merino top and polar fleece leggings. I have a lightweight longsleeve merino base for during the day if needed.

Medication - take what you think you will need from Australia. You can buy antidiarhorrea tabs over there cheap as in Kathmandu. Same for diamox. Make sure you take a really good blister kit. I got a filthy one down low from walking in heavy boots in heat. On that note, this year my "camp shoes" are a pair of Salomon trail shoes. Supercomfy for at night and will be used down low altitude for walking in the heat.

Altitude sickness - you can buy strips of diamox readily in KTM. There is a street that has heaps of little chemist type shops in a row. There is a clinc/hospital type thing and a dispensary near the roadside where I bought mine. I can look up the street name if you want it. I only suffered a slight headache at that height. I did find myself waking up constantly one night about 4200m with no air like I had been winded. Just fall back to sleep and it would happen again. I took a diamox before bed the next night and it seemed to alleviate it. I didnt take it during the day as I was ok.

Snow shoes - I doubt you would need them. We had heavy snow the day before the pass and it was hardwork - to knees in some sections but I wouldnt carry them. You will appreciate your pack being as light as possible.

Outdoor stores - fine for cheap polarfleece or nylon button up shirts. Heaps of knock off gear. Wouldnt trust their shells or down etc. There are a few brand stores up the top of Thamel but they arent any cheaper than home.

Couple of tips;

Drink heaps of water both down low and up high.

Take your time and take it all in - I rushed it a bit last year. My friends asked me to go with them again this year so I will do a lot more looking up than at my feet. I was going to do another area but more than happy to do the AC again.

Take more money that you thing you will need - no ATMS up there and long walk to KTM when hungry

When you pass a donkey train, get on the inside wall of the trail - those things can be moody. Dont want to get bumped off some of those drop offs.

Take a length of cord and a couple of carabiners to make up a clothesline for your hut room. If you wash every other day you can dramatically cut down how much gear you need to take.

Get up early, eat and get on the trail. You will beat all the "others" by miles. The weather is better in the mornings so clearer views and you will beat everyone to your next stop so better choice of accom etc.

Anything else I can help you with let me know.

Hopefully Dhaulagiri next year.

[biggbird]

On the mobile, so will have to be brief.

I would just take whatever your normal camp shoes are. Crocs etc would be fine, but hut booties could be nice too. Most evenings will be spent in a heated room anyway.

We did the whole Gokyo trek in Dec/Jan with -7 sleeping bags, and were pretty comfortable as long as we had thermals on. YMMV.

Two 1L bottles between my partner and I was enough for us.

No snow shoes required, it's actually quite dry. The only thing you might consider is crampons/ice axe if wanting to do the passes, but even that should be ok in October.

As for buying gear, there are plenty of shops in Thamel. Yes, they sell fake stuff, but if it's stuff you're only
going to use for this trip, who cares?

2 pairs of thermals seems fine. We walked during the days in shorts/tshirts + jumpers.

Medicine wise, some people found Diamox useful, others did not. We took it and didnt get super sick at altitude, but still quite lethargic etc. Just a decision you have to make for yourself I guess! As far as other meds go, just your standard travel kit; antibiotics, antidiarrrhoeals, pain killers etc. There are medical posts in Lukla and Namche if you run into trouble.

Hope this helped, hopefully I remembered most of the questions!

[johnrs]

Hi Dutchy
The walking is easy so the trick is to reduce your stuff.
It will be warm at that time of year.
So here are some suggestions.

Good sun hat, warm hat, maybe some sun gloves.
Lip balm with high SPF and good sunglasses
Good but light beany and polypro gloves.
Three pairs of light wool socks, office stuff from Lowes is fine.
Good runners will be ok if you are staying on track and not doing any passes.
You are extremely unlikely to be walking over snow.
Waling poles if your knees are old, I prefer cliplocks.
One thermal top and a 200 wt fleece jacket and a light weight downjacket preferably with a hood.
Uniglo has these for about $100.
Good to walk in long sleeved shirt with a high collar and some form of long pants.
Just one set of polypro bottoms.
Lightweight rainjacket, you are not long after the monsoon.
No need for overpants or gaiters.
Maybe an ebook with charger, there is a fair bit of power about.

Take great care with your food and water and the altitude.
The care starts with your arrival in Kathmandu where you must avoid all salads and ice creams
as an illness at the start can ruin your trip.
I prefer a mix of water filters and tablets.
A one litre bottle is fine, the Nalgenes can also be used as hot water bottle.
Do thoroughly read the health section in a trekking guidebook.
I like moneybelts with local and US currency.
Shop around for money changers in Thamel.
Anything you leave in storage will be rifled so don't take stuff you do not plan on carrying.

On the medicine front add:
A broad spectrum antibiotic for skin, chest and bladder conditions,
may be two different ones.
Diamox is very useful and had a good evidence base,
say 125mg or half a table twice daily for three days around times of altitude gain,
such as the walk from Lukla to Namche or if you are feeling symptoms.
If you are really worried about altitude also some dexamethasone.
Some temazepam for sleepless nights and snorers.
Some Imodium for diarrhoea
and from your doctor some ondansetron wafers for severe vomiting and diarrhoea with food poisoning.
If you are there over three weeks I also like to have some metronidazole for giardia
and of course some Panadol, panadeine and an antinflammatory such as Celebrex or Mobic also on script.
And a roll of Elastoplast and some small dressings
Take the packaging off and relabel and wrap tightly and all of this will fit in a small container like a pencil case.

You will have a great trip!
John

[RonK]

October in Nepal is the autumn, and it definitely hasn't been warm when I've been there. It snowed heavily early last autumn, and many of the passes were closed. Stone lodges can get very cold, however if you are a warm sleeper a -9 degree bag should be plenty warm enough. Microfleece socks or hut booties are a good idea, as are thongs to wear in showers. And a warm hat. I wouldn't be taking extra shoes, that's just more weight to carry. But these Zem Barefoots pack flat and weigh next to nothing if you're dead keen. Not really suitable for pack carrying though.

Re medications, you should consult a travel doctor well before departure, get your immunisations up to date and get advice on medications. I recommend you get the Travelling Well book or iPhone app by Doctor Debbie Mills. Try to avoid using anti-diarrhea treatments - better to pass any upset through quickly than bung them up in your belly. Don't eat uncooked foods, salads especially or drink untreated water, or even clean your teeth in it. Antiseptic hand cleaner is a good idea and you can get it in small travel packs from the supermarket, and it's also a good idea to carry a few sachets of electrolyte, and an energy bar. Compeed or similar blister treatment is essential. We also carry a general purpose antibiotic and a giardia-specific antibiotic.

BTW, get a local sim card and you'll have connectivity for most of the trek.

A 1 litre Nalgene bottle will be enough or a hydration bladder works well too, but I do recommend using one which has a cover over the mouthpiece. I usually take a smaller 700ml bottle that fits better into a side pocket on my pack as well. If you don't mind the taste of iodine it can be reassuring since you'll know you haven't forgotten to treat your water, but lately we've been using Katadyn Micropur Forte tabs. Once again a filter is just extra load.

Definitely carry Diamox - I start taking them at the rate of a half tab twice daily from Namche and above, but my wife never needs them. They'll give you pins and needles and make you pee mightily so make sure you put plenty of water back in. If you do suffer serious symptoms remember the Himalayan Rescue Association has a high altitude clinic at Pheriche which is equipped with a Gamow bag and medications. If in any doubt, descend. I'm assuming you have educated yourself about altitude acclimatisation - if not, you need to do so.

If you are going over the Cho La it may be a good idea to take a pair of lightweight instep crampons, the ice is melting away on the Everest side and the descent can be quite difficult. If you're doing the Three Passes definitely take them.

Thermals - take a day pair and a night pair. Change out of your day clothes as soon as you get into camp. Baby/body wipes are good for a quick clean up when you can't get a shower. A down jacket is light and packs small - good to have in the lodges. And don't forget to take toilet paper.

You can buy good gear in Kathmandu but as others have said beware of counterfeits. There is also plenty of gear for hire - I'd recommend Shona's in Thamel. We've used her stuff many times.

[Moondog55]

I wouldn't take the Uniqlo down jackets except for sleeping in, although they are perfect for that purpose.
I purchased one on the sale and it is touch light on the down for negative temperatures, good midlayer but best saved for sleeping in. Can't offer any other help as I have never been there.

[Drew]

My partner and I are off in early October too, to do the 3 Passes independently. It will be our first time in Nepal, so what I have to say is based only on my (reasonably extensive) research for this trip, not on any experience.

Shoes: besides my boots, what do most people take? I'm thinking of my (lightweight) runners and possibly buy insulated hut booties?

- I've read in a few places that you can get down booties in Kathmandu or in Namche for $5 or so. I'm taking some fleece ones but my partner plans to buy some down ones over there (if we don't find them I guess she'll get my booties and I'll get cold feet!). I'll take sandals too.
- I was considering doing the whole thing in trail runners, but my ankles are a little wobbly so I ditched that idea. Check out this 3 Passes trip report and the authors' footwear: http://www.bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=11416

This year I am using a Sawyer Mini filter in line on my camelback. That way I can simply fill the reservoir with untreated water and drink as needed. I am taking the steripen or tab for backup, though I have two filters so should be fine. I got mine on Amazon but I see that Tiergear on here is stocking them at a great price.

- We're taking two Sawyer Minis, although I'm not planning to use it inline. I got two extra 2 litre bags to use instead of the 600ml bag that it came with. These filters are amazingly light and cheap but the annoying thing is that you can't let them freeze, so they'll have to join us in our sleeping bags at higher altitudes (along with numerous camera batteries). I need to get some tablets as back up though.

Sleeping bag: people keep saying how cold it is.... best to buy a thermolite reactor in addition to my sleeping bag (-9 C)?

- I've read on numerous blogs etc that you don't need a super warm bag as most teahouses have blankets. Still, I'm a coldish sleeper and am taking a -11 bag and a Thermolite Reactor Compact Plus liner. I don't want to risk cold, sleepless nights!

If you are going over the Cho La it may be a good idea to take a pair of lightweight instep crampons, the ice is melting away on the Everest side and the descent can be quite difficult. If you're doing the Three Passes definitely take them.

- I hope this isn't the case, as we're not planning to take any! On some bloggers' suggestion I had thought of buying some "Microspikes", but others have suggested that it's overkill. Maybe I'll see if there are any cheap knock-offs in Kathmandu - they cost $90 bucks at Bogong!

Anything you leave in storage will be rifled so don't take stuff you do not plan on carrying.

- I certainly hope this isn't the case! Surely almost everyones who goes trekking leaves stuff in Kathmandu (or Pokhara) - the hotels would struggle to get returning customers if this happened routinely (although I don't doubt it happens at all). We will be leaving a laptop in Kathmandu, so fingers crossed!

[RonK]

It would be very unwise to approach the Three Passes in October without proper boots and gaiters. You cannot predict what the weather will be. It may be fine and snow free, but when my wife crossed the Renjo La last season there had been heavy snowfall and the going was very tough. She had to abandon the idea of crossing the Kongma La.

Check out Petzl Spiky Plus Ice Cleats, they're in expensive and will give you extra grip. There are quite a few similar products so you'll find something workable. Search Google Images for ice cleats and you'll see what I mean...

With Everest, Lhotze, Nuptze and Makalu towering above, Third Lake from just below Renzo La. The Gokyo lodges are just out of sight around the corner to the left, still a very long way away. Pic taken on the 2nd November 2013.

[Drew]

Okay, thanks for the advice RonK. I guess it all depends on the conditions on the day. I've found the Petzl Spiky Plus for around $60. There's also Yaktrax, which a couple of online places sell (including, oddly enough, podiatry equipment suppliers) for around $30-40.

Do you happen to recall if you saw any ice cleats/mini-crampons/microspikes for sale or hire in Kathmandu?

[RonK]

Okay, thanks for the advice RonK. I guess it all depends on the conditions on the day. I've found the Petzl Spiky Plus for around $60. There's also Yaktrax, which a couple of online places sell (including, oddly enough, podiatry equipment suppliers) for around $30-40.

Do you happen to recall if you saw any ice cleats/mini-crampons/microspikes for sale or hire in Kathmandu?

No, but in all likelyhood you will find them there. You may never need them but then...

[Moondog55]

There is a very cheap way to get around the ice problem but it does mean ruining a pair of shoes for future use.
Not my idea as I saw it on a Canadian site
Get an old pair of LW boots, remove original insole. cut a thick piece of cork as an insole, use both with the cork placed inside first. Now drill some holes in the sole in the thickest part of the tread, get steel self tapping screws and screw them into the drilled holes, remove and add a drop of silicon then rescrew; allow to dry for 24 hours plus and I guess hope none of the points go though ( which is I guess the reason for the cork) never tried it and it was for ice fishing so YMMV

[Ellobuddha]

I got recommended a store in Thamel called Sportswear International. I found them and they have their own down jackets which were really good. They have a mic of knock off and good quality gear and wont try to sell you a knock off as genuine. I bought a dodgy Deuter backpack off them to leave spare non nepal gear in at motel.

As far as your gear getting rifled through in motel if left i suppose it depends on hotel. i left an ipad wrapped up in clothing in bag with no problems.

As far as crampons or ice spikes go, my microspikes would have been really handy last trip coming down from Thorung la. i was cursing not having any. I think you just helped me make my mind up to take them.

[Ellobuddha]

I got recommended a store in Thamel called Sportswear International. I found them and they have their own down jackets which were really good. They have a mic of knock off and good quality gear and wont try to sell you a knock off as genuine. I bought a dodgy Deuter backpack off them to leave spare non nepal gear in at motel.

As far as your gear getting rifled through in motel if left i suppose it depends on hotel. i left an ipad wrapped up in clothing in bag with no problems.

As far as crampons or ice spikes go, my microspikes would have been really handy last trip coming down from Thorung la. i was cursing not having any and that was in May. I think you just helped me make my mind up to take them this time.

[frenchy_84]

I did the 3 passes in April so can't comment on snow cover for your time of year. We did it sneakers with only a little snow to cross on the passes. You can buy micro spikes in Namche if need be but would be significantly more than what they would be in KTM. I didn't bother taking diamox but if you are after it I would buy diamox and antibiotics in Nepal rather than aus as you don't need to see a doc and get a prescription and they are cheap and common. My aus doc hadn't even heard of diamox.
KTM has lots of outdoor shops of both real brands and fake. Real brands are similar prices to aus and don't necessarily discount the fake stuff, it fits a purpose, it won't last forever but it's cheap. It's a well worn track so shouldn't be hard on gear. A guy we walked with whole outfit was north fake and it worked well for him.
Also it seems you only mentioned walking to base camp, if you have the time to extend the itinery I highly recommend walking one of the passes as the other valleys IMO are more scenic then the khumbu

[Tortoise]

You probably know better, but my big mistake was to trust the allegedly boiled water where I stayed in Kathmandu before my trek.

Sickest I've ever been, couldn't walk up the steps at the hotel the day before we started, couldn't eat any solid food for the first week of the trek etc. Still made it to Annapurna Sanctuary It's amazing what one can do by simply putting one foot in front of the other. But I highly recommend avoiding this scenario at all costs.

[johnrs]

Hi again Dutchy
To keep this all in perspective,
If you are just going to base camp and the viewpoints with a group
It is an easy trip.
It is not cold at that time of year
Snow is unlikely and if you stay on the path
will be compacted and generally easy to walk on.
A minus 6-9 bag will be fine.
All you need on top of that is a down jacket and a hat
and care with food water and altitude.
Regards
John

[RonK]

Hopefully Dhaulagiri next year.

Well, that'll be the end of tea house trekking for you then. Better take your micropoints. I've been a couple of times and nearly fell off the mountain near Dhampus Pass on one trip. And that was in spring. Also nearly wiped out by an avalanche at the terminus of the Chombardan Glacier. It's a long tough slog along the glacier to Dhaulagiri base camp and you need good boots and gaiters with plenty of waterproofing.

[Ellobuddha]

Hopefully Dhaulagiri next year.

Well, that'll be the end of tea house trekking for you then. Better take your micropoints. I've been a couple of times and nearly fell off the mountain near Dhampus Pass on one trip. And that was in spring. Also nearly wiped out by an avalanche at the terminus of the Chombardan Glacier. It's a long tough slog along the glacier to Dhaulagiri base camp and you need good boots and gaiters with plenty of waterproofing.

Yeh Ron thats the plan.

I know its a big step up but its a goal of mine. Hopefully do a course/training in NZ for some more skills.

[Ellobuddha]

Okay, thanks for the advice RonK. I guess it all depends on the conditions on the day. I've found the Petzl Spiky Plus for around $60. There's also Yaktrax, which a couple of online places sell (including, oddly enough, podiatry equipment suppliers) for around $30-40.

Do you happen to recall if you saw any ice cleats/mini-crampons/microspikes for sale or hire in Kathmandu?

No, but in all likelyhood you will find them there. You may never need them but then...

Drew,

Im in Kathmandu now and will be back to KTM on the 8th october flying out late on the 9th. I have my micro spikes with me. They fit my size 45 boots.

If you are in KTM around that time you are welcome to borrow them and bring back to OZ and post them back once home. Will be staying in Thamel.

(Standard rules apply - you kill em - you own em)

PM me if interested as i will get email notification as might not get the chance to get back on here before I head out for trek Tues.

Paul

[RonK]

I know its a big step up but its a goal of mine. Hopefully do a course/training in NZ for some more skills.

There is nothing technical about Dhaulagiri, but it's more remote and the trail is rougher.

There are no tea houses so it means an organised camping trek.

It depends on porterage but you will probably have to carry your own stuff as the porters will be loaded up with tents, camp kitchen and food.

There are a some very hard ascents, and the descent to the Kali Ghandaki is a knee breaker.

Also it can be very hot walking up the narrow valley of the Myagdi Khola in the first week, particularly on a spring trek.

[Dutchy]

Can someone tell me what the deal is with "snack" food (muesli bars and chocolate maybe) along the trek? It says you can buy lunch at the teahouses, and most other stuff too, but someone i bumped into told me to stock up in Kathmandu???

[horsecat]

You can get chocolate bars at most of the villages on the way to EBC. They will be a bit more expensive but I wouldn't worry about stocking up in Kathmandu with the 15kg (or 20kg) per person weight limit to Lukla. The options are usually snickers or mars bars, so a couple of bags of jelly lollies from home can be good. Namche Bazar has everything as well

[RonK]

We have always taken snack food with us from home.

[radson]

I know its a big step up but its a goal of mine. Hopefully do a course/training in NZ for some more skills.

There is nothing technical about Dhaulagiri, but it's more remote and the trail is rougher.

There are no tea houses so it means an organised camping trek.

It depends on porterage but you will probably have to carry your own stuff as the porters will be loaded up with tents, camp kitchen and food.

There are a some very hard ascents, and the descent to the Kali Ghandaki is a knee breaker.

Also it can be very hot walking up the narrow valley of the Myagdi Khola in the first week, particularly on a spring trek.

We did most of the Dhaulaghiri circuit last year. Keep an eye out for our article in the Australian Geographic magazine at the start of 2015 and the doco should be screening soon as well.

Some pics here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/radson/sets/72157637889280843/

[RonK]

I know its a big step up but its a goal of mine. Hopefully do a course/training in NZ for some more skills.

There is nothing technical about Dhaulagiri, but it's more remote and the trail is rougher.

There are no tea houses so it means an organised camping trek.

It depends on porterage but you will probably have to carry your own stuff as the porters will be loaded up with tents, camp kitchen and food.

There are a some very hard ascents, and the descent to the Kali Ghandaki is a knee breaker.

Also it can be very hot walking up the narrow valley of the Myagdi Khola in the first week, particularly on a spring trek.

We did most of the Dhaulaghiri circuit last year. Keep an eye out for our article in the Australian Geographic magazine at the start of 2015 and the doco should be screening soon as well.

Some pics here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/radson/sets/72157637889280843/

Beautiful, illustrates perfectly what I've said about the narrowness of the valley. I've heard that the lovely camp among the giant pine trees at Chartare has been destroyed by a slip - there was a big one starting encroach last visit.

Lots of memories evoked by your pics, Italian Camp, what a lovely spot to spend the night. That little pinnacle on the way up the glacier, and the glacier itself just a mass of rubble toward the terminal end. Really tough to walk on.

Walking along the moraine crest from DBC, wasn't that a slog up to French Pass. See that dark squarish shape on the flank of Dhaulagiri just above the Sherpa's pack. Fanciful, but I pictured it as the door to the Fortress of Solitude, and imagined any moment the Man of Steel would fly up with the massive key and unlock it. Altitude does thing to your head I guess.



During the night I got out of my tent to pee, and looked up at the mountain to see the lights of the climbers making their summit push.

Hidden Valley looks like there a lot of those sharks fins that are so hard to walk on.

[Lyshco]

Hi All

I will be heading off to Nepal in a couple of weeks to do the EBC trek. Have just read this thread and there is some great advice!

A couple of questions that I have in regards to what to take.

1. Down Jacket. I have got a North Face Nuptse jacket that I have had for years now but its quite bulky, just wondered whether to take that or buy a more compact down jacket?

2. For water I planned to take a 500ml metal bottle (Snowgum one) and also a bladder for my backpack. Would that be enough or should I ditch the 500ml and get a 1L nalgene (and pair that with the bladder)?

3. Sleeping bag. I've done a bit of research and have read good things about Shona's as well. I planned on just buying a sleeping bag at Shona's once I get there. Would that be ok or should I get one here in Australia?

Thanks in advance. Can't wait to get over there! I did the Inca Trail last year and loved it so this should be a ripper.

[horsecat]

I assume you will be mainly staying in tea houses so you could perhaps ditch the down jacket and go for a down vest. I've mainly camped when in Nepal and usually find a vest is adequate, plus it's much lighter and compact. The North Face have an outlet in KTM so you might want to get a vest from there if you're after a genuine, or go along the lines of a cheap, but still good for trekking, non-genuine one and throw/give it away when the trip is done. In regards to water bottles you will need a 1L, and I'd get a Nalgene. In fact I always take two; I fill one with boiling water before bed and have another ready to drink. Hydration is important when going to altitude plus the air is really dusty and dry. I'd personally avoid a metal water bottle. Just make sure the bottle/s you have seals well when filled with hot water as some people use them as a hot water bottle in their sleeping bags. It is a personal thing, but I don't use hydration bladders in Nepal (or elsewhere for that matter) as they can sometimes be awkward for the Sherpa's to fill if camping, plus I've seen the tubes and mouthpieces freeze and break. I've been into Shonas a few times and yes they do have more of the genuine products, unlike 99% of the shops in KTM. In fact I've bought a Nalgene from her I think. You will save a bit if you buy a sleeping bag in KTM, however with the range and options in Australia (and the web), I'd probably get one before departing. Shonas isn't a very big shop but she has crammed quite a lot of gear in there though. She is just around the corner from The North Face outlet. Have fun, and remember to only put good water in those bottles