Will I get Toiletries while trekking in Nepal?

What Toiletries Are Available While Trekking in Nepal? 

Toiletries in Teahouses and Lodges on Trekking Routes

For the most part, budget to mid-range teahouses and lodges along trekking routes in Nepal, including those on the popular Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, don't supply toiletries for guests. Basic lodgings usually have shared bathroom facilities, but don't expect free soap, shampoo, or toilet paper. Some places may sell basic toiletries, but selections are limited, and prices can be inflated as transport costs escalate further.

Toiletries In Hotels in Popular Cities

The scenario is the opposite in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Here, the hotels in the price range provide basic toiletries. Budget hotels provide soap and sometimes toilet paper. In contrast, mid-range or luxury hotels will also make a complete set of toiletries available, including shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, and dental kits.

You will find plenty of hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, where most trekkers start and finish their trips. Most luxury hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara provide good quality toiletries and modern bathrooms that are similar to international standards. 

At hotels in popular cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, the common toiletries provided are as follows:- Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body lotion, Shower gel, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shower cap, Comb, Cotton swabs, Tissue box Toilet paper.

Higher-end hotels may also provide shaving, dentists, mouthwash, hand creams, face wash, moisturizer, sewing, shoe polish, kits, and bath salts or bubble baths. The items provided may vary according to the hotel's rating and policies.

Toiletries In Luxury Accommodations on Trekking Routes

For those on the luxury Everest Base Camp trek or other high-end treks, you can be a bit more hopeful. In recent years, luxury lodges have opened along some popular trekking routes. Luxury lodges are more likely to supply basic toiletries. They give trekkers as comfortable of an experience as possible. Many will even have private rooms with Western-style toilets and hot showers.

With that said, you’ll still find it difficult to come by if you need toiletries at higher altitudes or on lesser-traveled trek sections. It’s still difficult to transport goods into these areas, and because they’re so environmentally fragile, there isn’t much room for extra luxuries.

Types of Toilets (Squat vs. Western-style) and Toiletries Used 

Squat Toilets

Squat or Asian-style toilets are essentially flat ceramic fixtures at floor level. They feature an elongated oval-like basin, with a hole at one end and two small ledges on either side of the hole where you place your feet. You squat over the hole and face the front or back when you go. Often a water source - bucket with a scoop or handheld bidet spray – is located within reach of the toilet. Squat toilets (also known as Asian-style toilets) can be found throughout Nepal, especially in rural areas and along trekking routes. They’re pretty much what you’d guess them to be – either a hole in the ground or a flat ceramic basin that’s level with the floor. You’ll need to squat over it when nature calls, which some argue is more hygienic as there's no contact with a toilet seat.

Toiletries used:

• Water: Primary cleaning method, usually from a bucket or bidet spray
• Toilet paper: Less common, users should carry their own
• Hand sanitizer: For hygiene when soap and water aren't available
• Biodegradable wet wipes: Alternative to toilet paper

Western-style Toilets

Western toilets are the standard type used in most parts of the world, which is likely what you use. A Western-style toilet has a ceramic bowl and seat – usually around 14-16 inches high, with some countries/buildings offering higher versions for taller people – often with a lid. The water tank can be part of the raised toilet or mounted on the wall above. An attached flushing mechanism is generally attached: a handle/lever you push down to flush or a button.

Sometimes, they will also come equipped with a bidet spray, which you'll also find in many bathrooms across Asia, including Nepal. 

Toiletries used:

• Toilet paper: Commonly available. But carrying your own is suggested
• Bathroom jet spray (bidet): For water-based cleaning
• Soap: For handwashing
• Hand sanitizer: Backup for when soap isn't available
• Toilet seat sanitizer: not required, completely hygienic
• Air freshener: usually not necessary in a hotel

A Checklist of Must-Have Toiletries for Trekking Trips

For any trekker, toiletries are a must-pack. First, make sure you use biodegradable soap and shampoo. Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer when water is unavailable to wash your hands. Carry toilet paper/toilet roll as it can be expensive or non-existent where you may be going. A quick-dry towel is lightweight and practical.

Pack good quality sunscreen as the sun's UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes. Don't forget lip balm with SPF to prevent chapped lips. Take a small travel-size first aid box with antiseptic wipes, band-aids/plasters, and personal medication at all times.

Other needs include feminine hygiene items, eco-friendly toothpaste tablets, and a bamboo toothbrush. Wet wipes and tissue paper to freshen up when water is not there. Insect repellent and after-bite cream for bug protection.

Here's a checklist of must-have toiletries for trekking trips: 

□ Biodegradable soap and shampoo 

□ Hand sanitizer 

□ Toilet paper 

□ Quick-dry towel 

□ Sunscreen (high SPF) 

□ Lip balm with SPF 

□ Compact first-aid kit 

□ Personal medications 

□ Feminine hygiene products (if applicable) 

□ Toothpaste tablets or regular toothpaste 

□ Bamboo or regular toothbrush 

□ Wet wipes and tissues 

□ Insect repellent 

□ After-bite cream

□ Plastic bags for waste management 

□ Deodorant 

□ Hairbrush or comb 

□ Moisturizer

□ Face wash 

□ Dental floss 

□ Body lotion 

□ Nail clippers 

□ Razor and shaving cream (if needed) 

□ Contact lenses and solution (if applicable) 

□ Eye cream 

□ Hair ties 

□ Minimal makeup essentials (if desired) 

□ Makeup remover wipes 

□ Rollerball perfume (optional)

Where to Purchase Toiletries in Nepal? 

In major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Bhaktapur, you will find many shops where you can buy toiletries. Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara are touristy places with many stores that sell stuff mostly required by trekkers and mountaineers. Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Saleways, and local medical stores have everything you might need for your hike. 

Some shops are selling eco-friendly products (biodegradable & sustainable) for trekking, like Doko Recyclers or Eco-shop Nepal, which are again available in Kathmandu. On the trails, especially if you are doing popular hike routes, such as Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek, very basic stuff can be bought from the stores in village areas and teahouses on the way. But as you go higher, prices start soaring due to difficult transportation, so carry as much as possible before starting from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

If somehow you have forgotten to bring or run out of anything during your trek, no worries. Most of the major trekking hubs, such as Namche Bazaar (Everest region) or Manang (Annapurna region), do have a few shops, generally well stocked, but available items may be limited and quite expensive compared to in cities. So if you need some specific brands or specialized items, you better bring them with you from home. This is particularly true for glowing face creams (for girls)/prescribed medicine/Sun sunblock cream, high SPF/any preferred tampon designs, etc. Here is the list of common toiletry items and their estimated cost range:

Understanding The Accommodation, Toilet and Shower Facility Along the Trekking Routes

Annapurna Region:

The Annapurna Base Camp trek offers basic toilet and bathing facilities that vary by tea house. Toilets range from squat to Western-style, with squat toilets more common in rural areas. Western-style toilets are increasing along popular routes but may lack consistent water supply. Toilet paper is rarely provided, so bring your own. Bathing facilities include hot showers (sometimes for a fee) powered by solar panels or gas heaters, cold showers, and bucket showers. Water availability may be limited in remote areas. Lower parts of the trail typically have more modern facilities, while higher elevations like Manang and Thorong La Pass offer more basic amenities. Solar-heated showers are common but may only provide cold water in winter. Despite basic conditions, teahouse owners generally prioritize cleanliness. Trekkers should be prepared for varying facilities and maintain flexibility throughout their journey.

Everest Region:

The Everest Base Camp trek presents varying toilet facilities along the route. From Lukla to Namche, public toilets and guesthouses offer options, though toiletries aren't provided. Beyond Namche, facilities become scarcer, with some villages like Kongde and Kyanjuma offering guesthouse toilets. After Phungi Thanga, there's a two-hour stretch without facilities until Tengboche. The most challenging day is between Lobuche and Gorakshep, with limited options for about 3 kilometers. At higher altitudes (above 4000m), squat toilets are prevalent, while Western commodes are more common at lower elevations. Water scarcity at higher altitudes affects shower and laundry services. Solar-heated showers are common but less available as altitude increases. Trekkers often rely on wet wipes and dry shampoo when water is scarce. It's advisable to carry toilet paper, wipes, sanitizer, and other essential toiletries.

Langtang Region:

The Langtang region offers a mix of clean bathrooms and toilets in tea houses. Some accommodations provide Western toilets, while others only have Asian squat toilets. Hot water showers are available in some locations, depending on the specific tea house and its location. However, compared to more popular trekking routes like Everest or Annapurna, the Langtang region may have slightly less developed toilet and shower facilities. This is partly due to lower visitor numbers and the lingering impact of the 2015 earthquake on infrastructure development. Most tea houses in this area provide basic amenities, with squat toilets being more common than Western-style ones. Hot showers are less frequent, primarily due to lower infrastructural development. Despite these challenges, efforts are ongoing to improve the trekking experience for visitors to the Langtang region.

Manaslu Region:

The Manaslu Circuit trail has limited toilet facilities, especially in forested and secluded areas. Tea houses in villages offer restrooms during breaks. When no toilets are available, trekkers must find private spots while being environmentally responsible. Most villages have tea houses with shower facilities, typically charging extra for hot showers, even in high settlements like Samagaun and Samdo. Dharmashala, before Larkya La Pass, lacks shower facilities. Shower costs increase at higher altitudes due to logistical challenges. Villages like Namrung, Samagaun, and Samdo provide showers, while others like Deng and Jagat may not have hot showers. Trekkers should be prepared to adjust their hygiene routines accordingly. Overall, facilities in the Manaslu region are more basic, catering to adventure-seeking trekkers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Upper Mustang Region:

The Upper Mustang region, known for its remote and rugged terrain, offers a more challenging trekking experience with minimal sanitation facilities. Squat toilets are the norm in this area, and modern conveniences like hot showers are rare. Trekkers often need to rely on stream water for washing up, making it essential to carry biodegradable soaps and sanitizers. The infrastructure in this region is less developed compared to more popular trekking routes, reflecting its off-the-beaten-path nature. Despite the basic conditions, the Upper Mustang trek provides a raw and untouched experience that many adventure seekers find appealing. Trekkers should be prepared for very basic facilities and be self-sufficient in terms of personal hygiene. The unique cultural and natural beauty of the region often compensates for the lack of modern amenities.

How Will The Toilet and Shower Facilities Be When Trekking in Early Spring or Late Autumn?

Trekking in early spring or late autumn can present some difficulties regarding toilet and shower facilities, as water pipes tend to freeze. Many tea houses in these months cannot run the water systems, so you will be provided with a bucket of hot water for washing purposes.

Unfortunately, this is often just enough for a quick splash down rather than a good scrub. Also, it is quite cold in November and early March, so taking a wash might not be that appealing or even safe due to the increased chance of catching a chill from the cold air after being wet.

To cope with this, many hikers choose to adopt alternative hygiene practices. Wet wipes are a godsend for a speedy freshen-up – like a ‘‘dry shower’’ when no water is available. This is all about maintaining a basic level of cleanliness and everything feeling as fresh as possible without the shivers of stepping out of an ice-cold shower.

For this reason, the best months for trekking are late March to early May and late September to early November, when temperatures are more facilitative to good health and lower the risks of frozen pipes, allowing better access to toilet facilities.

Most Asked Questions on Will I get Toiletries while trekking in Nepal?

Q.No.1. Which toilet is mostly used nowadays in Nepal?

The squat toilet is the most common type of toilet in Nepal today. It’s a flat platform with holes and footrests, and you’ll find it in homes, public toilets, and even many modern buildings all over the country.

Q.No.2. Can you flush toilet paper in Nepal?

No, you really shouldn’t flush toilet paper in Nepal – the plumbing systems here aren’t designed for it. When you’re at a hotel or restaurant that provides toilet paper, just be sure to throw it into the bin provided rather than flushing it down so as not to block up any pipes.

Q.No.3. Is there toilet paper in Nepal?

Toilet paper is unpopular in Nepal, especially in private houses and rural areas. Most Nepali people use water for washing as they think it is cleaner. Some hotels and restaurants, which are for foreigners, use toilet paper like in some countries.

Q.No.4. How to use a squat toilet in Nepal?

To use a squat toilet in Nepal:

• Stand directly over the seat so that your feet are on either side of the hole.
• Squat down, ensuring both of your feet are flat on the footrests.
• Do your business.
• Use the provided water bucket and dipper to clean yourself with your left hand
• Pour water into the toilet to flush.

Q.No.5. Does Nepal have bidets?

Squat toilets may still be in the majority, but bidet seats are being slowly integrated into Nepalese households, especially in cities and more modern households. However, its use is not as significant as that of other countries. The second approach is washing with a water bucket and dipper, which is more common than using a bidet.

Final Say

While trekking in Nepal, you may not get toiletries, particularly in the remote areas. So, trekkers have to be self-sufficient in these things and carry them on their own, such as biodegradable soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc. Toilet facilities are simple squat style in most places; however, you can also find Western-style toilets, especially in developed places. Most teahouses en route do not provide these facilities; therefore, prices become prohibitively high if they store these items due to expensive transportation costs.

It’s important to be self-sufficient and environmentally aware. Remember, in Nepal, water is used mainly for washing and not toilet paper. Shower facilities will be more ‘rustic’ at higher elevations and in remote areas. Seasonality, i.e., frozen pipes in early spring or late autumn, can also impact the availability of shower facilities. Come prepared and embrace the Asian mindset of taking a visit bucket bath.