Video
The Kathmandu Valley in a Day
Patan at dawn, Bhaktapur's pottery square at midday, Boudhanath at dusk — the valley's three great sites in the order they are best seen.
Kathmandu Valley · NepalDestinations7 min
Author
Tom Eriksen
Gear editor & photographer
Tom tests trekking equipment the only way that produces honest answers: by carrying it for weeks at a time above 4,000 metres. He shoots most of the photography on this site and writes the gear reviews, comparison tables and packing lists.
Writes about: Trekking gear · Photography · Packing and weight
9 pieces by Tom Eriksen
Video
Crossing Thorong La — Annapurna Circuit
The pass day from High Camp to Muktinath, filmed from 4.40 a.m. — the climb, the cairn at 5,416 m and the 1,600-metre descent that follows.
Annapurna Region · NepalTrekking9 min
Video
Everest Base Camp — The Full Route in 12 Minutes
The whole Khumbu route from the Lukla landing to Kala Patthar at dawn, shot over two seasons — what the trail actually looks like day by day.
Everest Region · NepalTrekking12 min
Gear
Sea to Summit Spark SpIII — Reviewed
A 640-gram down bag rated to −9 °C comfort. Warm enough for teahouse nights at 5,164 metres, and small enough to leave room in the pack for everything else.
Sleeping bags4.5/5
Gear
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z — Reviewed
Fixed-length folding carbon poles at 290 grams a pair. The lightest sensible option for descending 1,600 metres off a Himalayan pass.
Trekking poles4.0/5
Gear
Osprey Aether 65 — Reviewed
A comfortable 65-litre load carrier for trekkers going without a porter. Heavier than the ultralight alternatives, and considerably more comfortable under 15 kilos.
Backpacks4.0/5
Gear
Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket — Reviewed
An 800-fill hydrophobic down jacket that has become the default belay and teahouse layer for high-altitude trekking. Warm, light and expensive.
Jackets4.5/5
Gear
La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX — Reviewed
A light mountaineering boot that trekkers keep buying for high-altitude teahouse routes. Warm, stiff and precise — and more boot than most people need below 5,000 metres.
Trekking shoes4.5/5
Resource
Everest Base Camp Packing List
A tested packing list for a 12–14 day teahouse trek to 5,545 m, with weights, what to hire in Kathmandu, and what to leave behind.
NepalTrekking Resources
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