I am headed to Nepal for about three months between Sept 1st and Dec 1st. My friend and I are planning to spend roughly a month trekking the Annapurna & Sanctuary trails and spend the rest of the time through Nepal.
I have already purchased a pair of Zamberlan backpacking boots. These are pretty rugged, in the sense that it has almost full ankle support and mostly meant for rough terrain.
Now, my concern is that perhaps I should go with something that I would enjoy wearing whether i am trekking the Himalaya region or walking throughout other parts of Nepal. I figure that the Annapurna/sanctuary trek will only contribute to 1/3 of my travels and it might be best to bring something thats better suited for my whole trip.
Aside from these boots I was only planning to take a pair of sandals with me. I understand that the Annapurna (and sanctuary?) trails aren't very aggressive. Do you think it can be done with lighter shoes? I figure if Sherpas can carry a load on their back in sandals, perhaps I am overcompensating with these backpacking boots.
Based on your experience, what would you recommend?
Thank you
i wear full-ankle boots (vasque) while trekking. and i use the same boots on the plains as well. no problems for me. i never recommend trekking in sandals, no matter how easy/difficult the terrain. if you slip or twist your ankle, you're screwed...
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<hr>I figure if Sherpas can carry a load on their back in sandals, perhaps I am overcompensating with these backpacking boots. <hr></blockquote>
yes but you're not a sherpa (nor a porter)...you don't live in that area and hence, are not accustomed to the trails. secondly most of the low-altitude porters aren't sherpas and they tend to be other tribes..the rais, tamangs, gurungs..etc. sherpas are now too "high-class" to be a "low-altitude" porter... quite foolish to be trying to match your abilities with those of a porter...
you can walk barefeet if you want..sure the trails can be done in any manner you choose. but i'd stick to using my boots.
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<hr>ow, my concern is that perhaps I should go with something that I would enjoy wearing whether i am trekking the Himalaya region or walking throughout other parts of Nepal.<hr></blockquote>
should be the least of your concerns..
happy travelling
pallav
http://pallavgupta.homeunix.org
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<hr>perhaps I am overcompensating with these backpacking boots. <hr></blockquote>
i would go with this sort of thing
pgupta,
I am not trying to justify that wearing sandals while trekking is a viable option, in fact I have no intention of doing so.. I am simply having second thoughts about bringing heavier boots. I reckon i might be best off with less support and more comfort through other regions of Nepal. Perhaps wearing something a bit lighter, such as the shoes chaudi linked are better suited for three months in Nepal.
The sandals that I would be taking with would be for leisure time, or short walks through Kathmandu etc.
Thank you for your replies.
take your boots for trekking. use them. and if you feel they are too much of a drag while in the plains, give them to your porter/guide after the trek, and buy a cheap pair of sandals in nepal and use that for the remainder of your journey.
happy travelling
pallav
http://pallavgupta.homeunix.org
I can actually return the boots so I might do that and replace them with something a little lighter.. Think i might do a little more research in regards to other user experiences with their travels.
You want to find footwear that fits your feet well and that are comfortable. I think that's the most important consideration. You also want the boot broken in! The weight of the boot should correspond to the weight that you'll carry. If you're hiring a porter or guide/porter, you certainly can go with a lighter boot. I prefer a boot that will give me good ankle support. The trails can be rough in places - you certainly don't want to twist an ankle or stub your toe. I prefer a boot similar to this one if I'm going to carry around 10 kgs. Others prefer a lighter boot. I also take along a pair of "Crocs" for wearing around the teahouse. They are very light and comfortable.
I agree with #2. I have trekked the full AC and Sanctuary three times and 42 day Jiri-EBC-Jiri trek once with jogging shoes/trail runners. The trails are highways between villages, no need for heavy hiking boots unless you have particularry weak ankles. Modern trail runners (Vasque, Nike, TNF, Merrel, and others) are light but have a bit stiffer soles against rocks and twisting. Reasonable comfy in tropics also, just what the doctor ordered.
Petrus, Dr. Trek
My Zamberlan Alpine Lite boots have taken me around the Circuit and into the Sanctuary several times. They are full grain leather, gortex lined, good ankle support and good gripping vibram soles. ....and I still managed to break an ankle! Himalayan trails are the highways for local people between villages - I agree - but they are still very steep and very rough in places. Adding to the challenges are the detour trails linking "old trails" to sections of "new road". The angle of some of these - although relatively short can be 45 to 50 degrees switchbacks- the wet or very lose surfaced ones can be trecherous - I have seen sure-footed porters slip and fall on some of these. Your boots do not need to be stiff, heavy boots suitable for crampons and glacier travel, but they do need to be well fitted, comfortable and sturdy. Parts of the trail are okay for trail shoes...but many sections are not...don't become a victim of inadequate gear...you have to prepare for the most challenging parts of the route...not the least challenging. Where the route is okay, where your sports sandals to give your feet a rest if you feel it necessary.
My husband and I wear full grain leather boots with a vibram sole too. Don't under-estimate how important ankle support is. My husband slipped on a trek and tore all the ligaments in his ankle, and that was wearing boots with really good anke support. After bathing his foot in a meltwater stream until he couldn't stand the pain any longer from the icy cold water, he only just managed to get his boot back on. We still had 2 weeks left of our trek and it was pretty agonising for him for quite a few days. When we returned home several weeks later and the doc checked it out, he said that he would probably have broken a couple of bones had he not been wearing the boots. Sure you can wear other footwear, but if you stub your toes or do other damage you'll really regret. I think your boots are THE most important piece of equipment you'll be taking.
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