Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara stand out as two of the most favored and popular locations to purchase trekking gear in Nepal.
If you don’t want to buy everything, Kathmandu and Pokhara have numerous rental shops where you can rent everything from sleeping bags to down jackets. This can be a cost-effective option if you’re not a frequent trekker.
While Thamel and Lakeside locations are the front-runners, our guide explores additional noteworthy spots within these cities on where to buy trekking gear in Nepal with specific shops and brands that cater to the diverse needs of trekkers.
1. Thamel, Kathmandu: The Trekker's Hub
Thamel isn’t just your typical tourist district; it’s a bustling marketplace that draws trekkers from all corners of the globe. There’s a vibrant energy here, especially if you’re on the hunt for trekking gear.
In Thamel, you’ll find an impressive range of trekking gear.
For starters, the sheer abundance of trekking shops is incredible. You can wander from store to store, comparing prices and quality across a wide range of gear. Whether you’re in need of high-end mountaineering equipment or searching for budget-friendly options, Thamel has a shop that caters to every need.
From state-of-the-art sleeping bags to sturdy hiking boots, the variety is exhaustive and designed to suit all levels of experience and expenditure.
It’s the perfect place for newcomers to the trekking scene and seasoned mountaineers to gear up.
The people who run these shops are often trekkers themselves or have been outfitting trekkers for years. They’re not just salespeople—they’re enthusiasts and experts. They can provide invaluable advice on what gear works best for specific destinations, what’s overkill, and what you absolutely shouldn’t skimp on.
Their tips often go beyond gear, touching on survival tricks and trekking routes, which is golden information for any trekker.
Popular Shops for Trekking Gears in Thamel, Kathmandu
Thamel is packed with shops where you can find just about any trekking gear you might need. Here’s a list of some well-regarded shops in Thamel, Kathmandu, to buy trekking gear:
1. Sherpa Adventure Gear
- Location: Tridevi Marg, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Garden of Dreams
- Products: Specializes in high-quality trekking apparel and equipment
- Affordability: Mid to high-range
- Renting Available: No, sales only
2. Sonam Gear
- Location: Bhagawan Bahal, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Mandala Street
- Products: Offers a good selection of clothing and trekking accessories
- Affordability: Affordable to mid-range
- Renting Available: No
3. Shona’s Alpine
- Location: Chaksibari Marg, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Thamel Marg
- Products: New and second-hand trekking gear
- Affordability: Budget-friendly
- Renting Available: Yes, particularly popular for second-hand rentals
4. Mountain Hardwear
- Location: Satghumti, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Tom & Jerry Pub
- Products: High-end trekking and outdoor equipment
- Affordability: Premium
- Renting Available: No, sales only
5. The North Face
- Location: Amrit Marg, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Hot Breads Kathmandu
- Products: Wide range of high-end trekking gear and apparel
- Affordability: Premium
- Renting Available: No, sales only
6. Black Yak
- Location: Thamel Marg, Kathmandu
- Nearest Landmark: Roadhouse Cafe Thamel
- Products: Specializes in insulated jackets and other cold-weather trekking gear
- Affordability: Mid to high-range
- Renting Available: No, sales only
7. Himalayan Glacier Trekking Store
- Location: Thamel Marg
- Nearest Landmark: Fire and Ice Pizzeria
- Products: Comprehensive selection of trekking equipment
- Affordability: Affordable to mid-range
- Renting Available: Yes, offers both sales and rentals
8. Marmot Store
- Location: Paryatan Marg, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Kathmandu Guest House
- Products: High-quality outdoor clothing and equipment
- Affordability: Mid to high-range
- Renting Available: No, sales only
9. Outdoor Adventure Shop
- Location: Satghumti, Thamel
- Nearest Landmark: Pilgrims Book House
- Products: Wide variety of trekking gear, both for sale and rent
- Affordability: Affordable to mid-range
- Renting Available: Yes, offers extensive rental options
10. Trekking Team Group
- Location: Thamel Road
- Nearest Landmark: Himalayan Java Coffee
- Products: Trekking gear and planning services
- Affordability: Mid-range
- Renting Available: Yes, includes rental services
11. Kalapatthar Trekking Shop
- Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
- Nearest Landmark: Near the Thamel Square and the Himalayan Java Coffee, Kala Patthar Trekking Shop
- Products: Kala Patthar Trekking Shop specializes in a comprehensive range of trekking gear tailored to the needs of both novice and seasoned trekkers. The store stocks everything from high-performance outdoor clothing to essential gear like sleeping bags, hiking boots, backpacks, and navigation tools. They also have a selection of climbing equipment and accessories, which makes it a go-to place for those looking to venture into more challenging treks or mountain expeditions.
- Affordability: Budget-conscious trekkers who also cater to those seeking high-end gear.
- Renting Available: Yes, rental and sales
2. Lakeside, Pokhara
Lakeside, Pokhara, isn’t just a beautiful spot next to Phewa Lake—it’s also a crucial hub for trekkers. If you’re planning a trek in the Annapurna region, chances are you’ll pass through here to pick up your gear. It’s the last urban area many trekkers visit before they head off into the mountains, making it an ideal spot for gathering all your trekking supplies.
From stores stocked with top-of-the-line brands to those offering budget-friendly options, including both new and used gear, Lakeside has it all.
But it’s not just about having a lot of shops. The people running these stores in Lakeside really know their stuff. Many of them are trekkers themselves and can give you first-hand advice on what gear will work best for your trek. They can tell you what’s necessary, what’s not, and even offer some hidden gems of advice on tackling the local trails.
For those coming from afar, another big plus is the availability of rental services. Many shops here rent out everything you could need, from sleeping bags to technical gear. It’s perfect if you don’t want to lug all your equipment from home or if you’re trying to keep your travel pack light.
Popular Shops for Trekking Gears in Lakeside, Pokhara
The Lakeside area of Pokhara is the central hub for trekking gear shops. Like Kathmandu, it offers a variety of options for both high-end and budget-conscious trekkers.Here’s a guide to some of the top shops where you can buy or rent trekking gear in Lakeside, Pokhara:
1. Mountain Hardwear
- Location: Central Lakeside
Nearest Landmark: Close to Hallan Chowk - Products: Specializes in technical climbing gear and high-performance trekking equipment.
- Affordability: Premium prices due to high-quality, specialized gear.
- Renting Available: Generally focused on sales but check in-store for possible rental options.
2. Everest Hard Wear
- Location: Lakeside Road
- Nearest Landmark: Near Basundhara Park
- Products: Offers a broad selection of trekking gear, including clothing and accessories.
- Affordability: More affordable, with a good balance of quality and price.
- Renting Available: Yes, rental services are available for various equipment.
3. Pokhara Gear Rental
- Location: Lakeside, main street
- Nearest Landmark: Opposite Fishtail Gate
- Products: Focuses exclusively on rental gear, including sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles.
- Affordability: Budget-friendly, tailored for trekkers who prefer not to purchase gear.
- Renting Available: Yes, specializes in rentals.
4. Himalayan Adventure Gear
- Location: Baidam Road, Lakeside
- Nearest Landmark: Near Phewa Lake
- Products: A wide range of trekking and camping gear.
- Affordability: Mid-range pricing with quality gear.
- Renting Available: Offers both sales and rentals, providing flexibility for trekkers.
5. Sonam Gears – Pokhara Branch
- Location: Lakeside East
- Nearest Landmark: Close to the Yeti Airlines office
- Products: Trekking and mountaineering apparel and equipment.
- Affordability: Affordable to mid-range.
- Renting Available: Yes, includes options for renting gear.
6. Trek-O-Tel Gear Shop
- Location: Gaurighat, Lakeside
- Nearest Landmark: Close to Lake Side Retreat
- Products: Stocks a variety of trekking essentials like boots, backpacks, and trekking poles.
- Affordability: Budget to mid-range, catering to a wide spectrum of trekkers.
- Renting Available: Yes, they offer both buying and renting options.
7. Adventure Gear Center
- Location: Lakeside Road
- Nearest Landmark: Near Mike’s Breakfast
- Products: Offers high-quality clothing, equipment, and accessories for trekking.
- Affordability: Mid-range with some premium items.
- Renting Available: Rental services available for major trekking equipment.
8. Annapurna Trekking Store
- Location: Central Lakeside
- Nearest Landmark: Close to Pokhara Thakali Kitchen
- Products: Specializes in providing a comprehensive selection of gear for Annapurna treks.
- Affordability: Offers a range of affordable to high-quality gear.
- Renting Available: Yes, extensive rental options are available.
9. Outdoor Himalayan Treks
- Location: Lakeside, North End
- Nearest Landmark: Near Busy Bee Cafe
- Products: Provides a wide range of outdoor gear, including specialized trekking and mountaineering equipment.
- Affordability: Mid to high-range, focusing on quality.
- Renting Available: Offers rental services, focusing on high-end equipment for serious trekkers.
10. Shona’s Outdoor Gear
- Location: Pardi, Lakeside
- Nearest Landmark: Near Lakeside Pokhara Hotel
- Products: Offers both new and used trekking gear, including clothing and accessories.
- Affordability: Budget-friendly, great for trekkers looking to save money.
- Renting Available: Yes, known for affordable rental options.
11. Nepal Eco Adventure Store
- Location: Khahare, Lakeside
- Nearest Landmark: Near The Castle Resort
- Products: Focuses on eco-friendly trekking gear, offering products that are sustainable and responsibly sourced.
- Affordability: Mid-range pricing.
- Renting Available: Limited rental options, focusing more on sales.
3. Local Markets
Local markets in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are fantastic spots to pick up some basic trekking gear, especially if you’re watching your wallet. Unlike the specialized trekking stores, these markets offer a more casual and potentially less expensive shopping experience.
You’ll find a range of basic items like trekking poles, water bottles, and simple backpacks—perfect if you’ve almost checked off your gear list but just need a few last bits and pieces.
And while you might need to be a bit cautious about quality—after all, the gear here can vary pretty widely—it’s usually well worth it for the savings. Plus, inspecting items closely before you buy can become part of the fun. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt, where a good eye can land you some solid gear at a great price.
Shopping at these markets means you’re supporting the local economy. Every purchase helps sustain the local vendors and their families.
It’s a small way to give back to the community by supporting the trekking industry, making your adventure more meaningful. So, not only do you gear up for your trek, but you also get to enrich your trip with real, local interactions—truly an added bonus to the practicality of shopping in these markets.
4. Online Stores
Shopping for trekking gear online is a game-changer, especially if you want everything lined up before you even set foot in Nepal. The convenience of browsing through extensive catalogs from the comfort of your home can’t be beaten. Plus, with reliable online stores like Sherpa Adventure Gear and Nepal Outdoor Gear, you’re not limited to just what you can find in physical stores.
These websites feature a broad range of both local and international brands, giving you access to the best gear that’s designed for the specific demands of trekking in the Himalayas.
You can compare different products, read reviews, and even catch online-only deals. And here’s the best part: once you make your choices, you can have everything delivered directly to your hotel in Nepal or arrange for a local pickup point. This is particularly handy for international trekkers.
Where to Buy Trekking Gear in Nepal Online?
Here are some reputable online shops where you can purchase high-quality trekking gear, both within Nepal:
1. Sherpa Adventure Gear
- Specialty: High-quality trekking and outdoor clothing and equipment designed for the rigors of the Himalayan environment.
- Website: Sherpa Adventure Gear
2. Nepal Outdoor Gear
- Specialty: Offers a wide range of trekking gear from both local and international brands. They are known for their excellent customer service and reliable delivery options in Nepal.
3. Himalayan Single Track
- Specialty: Though primarily focused on mountain biking, they also provide a selection of outdoor gear suitable for trekking, including hydration systems and multi-functional clothing.
4. Outdoor Himalayan Treks
- Specialty: This site plans treks and sells essential gear needed for these adventures, focusing on equipment well-suited for Himalayan conditions.
- Website: Outdoor Himalayan Treks
5. Aroan
- Specialty: Aroan offers a broad array of trekking and hiking gear, focusing on high-quality, durable equipment that stands up to the demands of trekking in Nepal. They also provide great informational resources for choosing the right gear.
- Website: Aroan
Trekking Essentials You Shouldn't Miss Out On
When trekking in Nepal, certain items are essential for your safety and comfort. Here are some must-haves:
- High-quality hiking boots: Essential for comfort and support.
- Layered clothing: Including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers.
- Backpacking sleeping bags: Ensure you stay warm during cold nights.
- Trekking poles: For added stability on uneven terrain.
- Headlamp: Crucial for early-morning starts or late-night hikes.
- Water purification tablets: To ensure safe drinking water.
→ Read Trekking Equipment Checklist for Detailed List on Trekking Gears Needed for Nepal
Tips For Buying Trekking Gears In Nepal
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get the best gear for your trek in Nepal:
- Understand your specific gear requirements and compare prices from different stores to make an informed decision.
- Bargaining is expected in Nepali markets, so feel free to negotiate for a better deal.
- Make sure to purchase gear suitable for the particular season and type of trek you will be undertaking.
- Consider buying from stores that offer warranties or guarantees on their products for added peace of mind.
Summing Up
You can easily find a wide range of trekking gear to buy or rent in Nepal. Whether you’re beginning your adventure in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you’ll find all the necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable trek. Remember to research, haggle for a reasonable price, and ensure high-quality gear. This will help you have a unique trekking experience in Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes.
Looking for a customized trekking gear checklist? Reach out to Tidy Himalaya, Nepal’s premier trekking agency. Our trekking expert will provide a detailed and personalized gear checklist to ensure you’re perfectly equipped for your adventure. Don’t just prepare—trek with confidence with Tidy Himalaya!
FAQs
You can find top-notch hiking equipment at stores like Shona’s Alpine Rental, Mountain Hardwear Store, and the North Face Store in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Whether you should rent or buy depends on what you need and how much you want to spend. Renting is a good choice if you’re only going to use something once, while buying is better if you’re going to use it multiple times.
When selecting gear, consider durability, brand reputation, and fit factors. Thoroughly inspect the gear for potential defects to ensure that it meets your needs and expectations.
Many shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer decent-quality, affordable trekking gear. Bargain for the best prices.
Some second-hand stores are reliable but always inspect the equipment before purchasing it. Seek recommendations from other hikers or local guides.
Some popular brands known for their outdoor and adventure gear include The North Face, Sherpa Adventure Gear, Mountain Hardwear, and Black Yak. These brands are well-regarded for their high-quality products designed for outdoor activities and exploration.
To secure the best deals, thoroughly research and compare prices, assertively negotiate with shopkeepers, and time your shopping during off-peak seasons to maximize discounts.
Thamel is the most popular area in Kathmandu for buying trekking gear, offering a wide range of options from high-end brands to affordable choices.
Yes, many shops in Lakeside, Pokhara offer rental services for trekking gear, which can be a cost-effective option for those not wanting to purchase equipment.
Buying gear in Nepal, especially in Thamel or Lakeside, can often be more affordable and allows you to choose from products that are specifically tailored to the conditions of the Himalayas.
Look for shops that offer a good balance of quality and price, and consider those with knowledgeable staff who can provide valuable advice based on your trekking needs.
Yes, many shops in Thamel and Lakeside sell international brands, though prices can vary, and it’s wise to ensure authenticity when purchasing high-end gear.
