Leave Approved

There are a myriad trekking shops here. We were directed to Eco Trekking Outdoor by Elsie, and the owners Ram and Mr Pandey promised us good prices. We spent an afternoon in their shop trying on waterproof pants and jackets and looking at down jackets and sleeping bags. You can buy almost anything here, but as they are all imitations they are unlikely to last for longer than a season. I would probably buy the essential and frequently used items like hiking boots, thermals, trekking pants and fleeces at home.

Today we bought some items that we may never use on our trek, but which would be highly desirable to have should it snow or rain heavily. We did bargain a little bit, and overall I was happy with the prices that Ram quoted us. We bought:

“Gortex” (imitation) waterproof pants 1500Rs each (AUD 30)

Fake North Face rain jackets 1000Rs each (AUD 20)

Trekking poles, adjustable,  with “anti shock” – 1300Rs for a pair (AUD 28)

“North face” down jacket – 2200Rs (AUD 40)

Negotiations were amiable, and took place over a cup of chai.Our total bill came to about AUD180 for 2 rain jackets, 2 waterproof pants, 3 trekking poles and a down jacket. Ram says he will buy the items back from us for a lower price when we return, and send them to a shop that hires them out.

We didn’t see a lot of socks or thermals here, but you could certainly get most of your gear like windstoppers, fleeces etc (Sizes tend to be rather large) though the quality of them is not guaranteed. Down sleeping bags go for around AUD65.