Tips for first-time trekkers: What clothes and gear to pack for trekking in the Annapurna region, Nepal?

MY WIFE AND I ARE TAKING A NINE-DAY TREK THROUGH THE ANNAPURNA REGION. WE ARE FIRST-TIME TREKKERS, ANY ADVICE REGARDING CLOTHING AND GRATUITY? D. AND D. CALMAN, NEWCASTLE

Your trekking agency should provide you with a complete list of what you'll need but from personal experience, buy boots well before you leave and wear them lots to get your feet used to them – happy feet are a trekker's best friend. Buy from a specialist outdoor store, as staff will make sure you're properly fitted. I like a Vibram sole that's stiff but with a bit of flex, otherwise your feet get tired. Walking poles are pretty great for cushioning your legs on descents especially, one for each hand, you'll be coming down thousands of stairs. You need a good jacket and Gore-Tex is the best but it's also expensive, there are other fabrics that are almost as good and cost a lot less. You also need a thermal layer so a fleece and a shirt or T-shirt under that and a wide-brimmed hat and sunblock; the sun is intense. Rid or some other powerful insect deterrent. A torch is vital and I like Buff scarves, which you can wear around your head for that total dude look. Apart from boots, you can buy all the clothing in Kathmandu (the Nepalese capital), you'll save a bundle and there are lots of gear shops around the Thamel area.

As for gratuity, for a nine-day trek, about $35 for the guide would be appropriate and about $25 for each porter. Give it to them in Nepalese rupees and in individual envelopes, on the last evening of the trek. If you have any gear that you don't need, that's great to hand out. Give it to your guide and ask him or her to distribute it.

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