Shopping for Trekking Gear in Thamel, Kathmandu. What Prices Should I Really Pay?

Cheap, fake trekking gear is hard to resist buying in Thamel, Kathmandu. Shopping here is an experience on its own with no marked prices you can expect lots of bartering and good natured haggling. Establishing what is a good product and what is a keen price is not always straightforward. Here's how to avoid a few pitfalls and increase your odds of getting some good bargains. Jackets, trousers, poles, socks, boots, sleeping bags you can get anything you need here but if you're life's going to rely on it up in the mountains you're definitely best buying it before you leave home!

[@jameskelly7284]

I'm staying in Thamel right now and the guy at 1:20 approached me twice today 😄😄

[@AndySanderson]

That’s funny 🤣

[@babukrishnakhadka3124]

Hello James when did you comt to Nepal?

[@arbindjha1234]

KZbin recommends me your video,keep uploading your travellings vlogs,your channel will grow definitely one day

[@AndySanderson]

Thank you for your kind encouragement Arbind.

[@davidroper4476]

Great vid mate well done

[@AndySanderson]

Thanks for saying David. Nepal is an awesome place to visit.

[@theolewis2209]

Where did you stay whilst filming this. It looks amazing, would love to stat when I go.

[@AndySanderson]

Hi THeo, I made this short vid of Hotel Vintage Home, Bhaktapur where we stayed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGikfpp8rr9qqck It's a taxi or bus ride from the shopping area in Thamel but a far nicer old part of the city of Kathmandu. Here's my vid on Bhaktapur kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3rKmpaijK6kkJY

[@hasthikaellepola9232]

Good work Andy!!!!!

[@AndySanderson]

Thank you.

[@lewisdean22]

Am going in August for 6 months so I could pick you up a new zip ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@AndySanderson]

Haha! I finally got it zipped up again and put a safety pin behind it so it’s sealed closed now thanks. A six month trip is something to look forward to though. Have an good time.

[@hrvojekozina7067]

what is the brand of sleeping bag that you have in video. thanks

[@AndySanderson]

The shop called Shonas arranges to get them manufactured to a very good standard. They sell lots and I don’t think you can buy them anywhere else. They are a fair price to start with and they don’t negotiate. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

[@mausamgiri5203]

Haha amazing research

[@sarahdickinson6950]

I’m going 2022 is it worth buying my kit there ?

[@AndySanderson]

I’m so glad I bought such a good sleeping bag from Shona’s and recommend doing that. Getting altitude sickness pills was good too. I would buy everything else that’s important and your life depends on before you arrive so you’ve tested it for reliability/comfort and worn in your boots/shoes. Buying last minute items is okay but make sure you don’t get short of time and panic buy the day before your trek starts. Buy stuff you want to take home to use at the end of your trip to save having to carry it all around for weeks :-)