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While plenty of information exists about what to bring treking, there seems to be a big-old-fat info gap concerning what to pack for the rest of your trip to Nepal. This might not be an issue for men, but we women have different needs and concerns. For example, how much skin is too much skin, how available are feminine products, and how can I be discrete if I have to bathe outside? Lucky for you, it is time to learn from my mistakes and rare pat-on-the-back moments. Whether you want to, or not, each woman gets her Kathmandu fix for at least 48 hours. This guide, therefore, is geared toward your urban experience. No matter how you look at it, Kathmandu is a city—complete with nightclubs, restaurants, getting in and out of cabs, hipsters, and businesswomen. It is normal to see girls wearing pumps while riding mopeds in the thrill-seeking madness that is Kathmandu traffic. European and American fashion trends have made it big here—with a few exceptions. Here are some handy “do’s, don’ts, and at your discretions” when it comes to clothes. Save yourself the wasted suitcase space! Don’t wear miniskirts or shorts: I’ve even had people think I’m somewhat inappropriately dressed when wearing a generic knee-length skirt. Don’t wear daring necklines: Or at least consider how much more attention, than being a foreign tourist, you want to bring unto yourself before you do. Don’t bring all neutral colors: When it comes to Nepal, bright is the new black, so don’t be afraid to pack some colorful items. Don’t bring your favorite whites: “Clean” laundry can be a bit illusive. I have had many a tee and pant stained brown. Unless you want to buy a bucket and some bleach, which I have since done, just leave those whites at home. Your other option is to bring a white “litmus” handkerchief or pillowcase to throw in when you have your clothes cleaned by an unproven laundry service. Don’t bring low riding pants or pants that touch the floor: The first point follows the same logic as the low necklines advice. Why, however, shouldn’t you bring pants that touch the floor? Although Kathmandu is the country’s urban center, it is still underdeveloped by western standards and boasts some erratic weather. Monsoon downpours mixed with uneven or missing sidewalks, no dumpsters, sporadic concrete streets, and mystery puddles can lead to some nasty cuffs. I have been more than pleased with my pedal pushers and high waters and find that they stay cleaner for longer than my full-length pants. Go for it! Do bring some nice items: You are in a city for crying aloud! I know many travelers come here for the outdoor experiences. Even so, it feels good to go to a restaurant, event, or club wearing something other than your sporty or grungy items. Unless your style is really over the top, you are not going to stand out. Do pack the cliché travel sarong: I officially love the cliché travel sarong and here is why; since my arrival, I have used mine as a scarf, umbrella, towel, sheet, and robe. It is big enough to shield you if you’re bathing outdoors, it dries quickly, takes the mystery out of hotel bedding, and I can walk around my room in it even with the blinds open. Need I say more? Do bring breathable clothing and quick dry undies: It rains a lot here early in the travel season (August – October) and it can be muggy in a way that sneaks up on you at the slightest movement. I’ll be perfectly comfortable then get up for something and find sweat heading south down my spine. In a pinch, the heat, or rain these can dry or be cleaned quickly. Do bring an ankle or calf length skirt: Longer skirts, like sarongs, can provide much needed privacy while being dressy and culturally appropriate. It is also another handy rural. From all countryside accounts, it is common to bathe or pee outside. Likewise, if you travel any significant distance using public transport, you can expect to relieve yourself in view of other passengers. Modest skirts can make this a much less humiliating experience. Use your own discretion: breaking the no short skirts rule. Going out dancing with friends is one time when you could potentially break the rules. Many women dress up to go to nightclubs. I have seen some swank, colorful, short satin dresses and plunging necklines. If you are comfortable with your company and know how you’re getting back to your hotel, and with whom, short stuff can be alright. However, as I have had my rear end grabbed even while dancing in long skirts, I’m sticking to the more modest outing attire. Shoes are up to you but make sure they are comfortable. I am a huge tennis shoe fan, but for the past 5-weeks I have lived in flats and flip-flops. Most urban Nepalese women wear an open toed sandal or flat that can vary from simple to quite ornate. Others prefer pumps. Rarely do women wear tennis shoes. I like a happy medium—a simple, comfortable flat with some flare. This also means you can cut down on socks. To tank or not to Tank? Yeah, this one is totally on you. I don’t see many Nepalese women wearing tank tops but I see a few in stores. My sense is that they are becoming more common. If you come after October, however, the weather will likely be too cold to make use of your tanks. The Essentials & Semi-Essentials:Now for the essentials, some of which are available here but I recommend brining or planning to buy when you arrive. Kathmandu is situated at an elevation of nearly 4,500 feet (1400 m), so it is essential that you bring sunscreen and sunglasses. I can’t tell you the number of burnt, squinting tourists I’ve seen. Sunscreen is readily available-- Himalaya brand makes a nice ayuravedic 15 SPF--as are sunglasses. However, to ensure that you have good UV blocking or polorid shades, I recommend brining a dark pair with you. Be sure to pack a loofa or a mild abrasive to use in the shower. As I mentioned before, the streets here are grubby; this lightweight accessory can prove to be a blessing after a day of sightseeing or shopping. Bring a Pro-biotic; healthy intestinal flora can do wonders against stomach disturbances and the like. Similarly, pack electrolyte powders if you can track them down—these are available in pharmacies here but trust me when I say that when you need them most, you won’t want to be searching around for your nearest pharmacy! If you regularly take any medications, be smart and bring them with you. Finally, we have arrived at the subject of feminine hygiene. Sanitary napkins are readily available and stocked on shelves in most grocery stores or corner markets. Tampons, however, are more difficult to come by. Most are kept behind the counter, if they are stocked at all. If these are your favored product, I recommend bringing your own supply. As a postscript, Kathmandu has a history and the present day reality of multi-hour power blackouts. Familiarly called Load Shedding, these can be a real nuisance and security threat if walking back to your hotel alone. To borrow a recommendation from a girlfriend, bring a flashlight and anything else that makes you feel more comfortable when walking alone in the dark. |
