Nepal/Tibet hiking with DSLR and lens - vacation feedback wanted

[NWPhil]

Thanks NWPhil for all the advice. Esp. rain sleeve and P&S. What make of tripod is that? Bag choice was why I joined the forum. As an ML I've got a very large 80lt pack with compartments and a 40lt daypack without. The one I was looking at (see link) had dedicated compartment in base and some room in the top for normal gear. Wondered if anyone had experience of these.

this one: Slik Mini II 43.3IN. Compact 4 Section Tripod With Ball Head in Gun Metal Finish
Then I replaced the ball head with: Benro B-0 Tripod Ball head II
My backpack is an Osprey Atmos 50 - it's compressible, and yet allows for enough for a weekend trip.
has two side zippers, which can take easily a lens or two in each side, plus the tripod fits in a mesh exterior pocket. Not overkill for the weight and price, and as I said, I load it two lenses, tripo, 3liter blader, plus rain jacket, puffy, gloves, t-shirt or/and pull-over aside trail essentials with no problems, and plenty of space left.
Even loaded with 30 pounds or more, still is comfortable to hike with all day long.
But that's me - we have to find one that fits properly.
the two vertical compartments type - which in most cases is just a removable separation, - is not too practical in smaller bags. However, side storage like mine, comes as a big plus - I can get to the camera gear, without having to open the top.
I place a medium size carabineer on the top hanging loop, and then set my camera strap thru it - this way I take the weight off my neck. Get also a neoprene neck strap - you will appreciate the difference

Your link is not showing btw
When I was backpacking with my 65liter, I never placed the camera gear on the bottom compartment - is the first thing hitting the ground
A 40- 50 liter should be more than enough, as long as has side storage too, and the advantage of having a medium pack is, that you can fit more stuff, without compressing too much, as it's more comfortable with 30 pounds, although could take 50, than the bag that has a 30 pound weight limit

 

[wickidwombat]

Tibet is Awesome really, I have got to go back last time i was there for only 11 days in 2006 I really want to go back for at least a month. I went in september I highly recommend this time of year temps are around 20 c during the day and 0 at night but the air is crystal clear and the night sky is clearer than i have seen from anywhere on earth more stars than you can imagine. Until you see it you wont believe it.

You need a special permit if you are not a chinese citizen, travel agents charge a fortune for this, however if you know someone that speaks chinese or you speak chinese you can ring local travel agents in chengdu or chongqing and buy the permit only for much less and go yourself then you are not stuck on a tour (It is much much more fun to have freedom to do your own thing there). If you dont have this permit they wont even let you out the airport, they will send you straight back where you came from on a plane

First is how fit are you? oxygen is a massive issue its thin up there so every ounce you carry that you dont need you are going to notice

having said that you are going to need a decent selection of lenses as there is really an unbelievable amount of great stuff to shoot

I think when i go back I'll take the following
5D Mk3
5D mk2
16-35 f2.8L II
50mm f1.4
70-200 f2.8 L IS II
canon 2x TC MkIII
kenko 1.4 TC
and a 580exII

This is basically the kit i just hauled around china for 3 weeks
oh also a decent tripod

enjoy the trip, I'm jealous

 

[sushyam]

I had a vacation with the family in Nepal last May. I made do with a MkII and a 24-70 and a 50 f1.4. Our trip included a one day trek from Pokhra. Only rarely did I feel the need for a lens beyond 100mm. The same held true for our Bhutan trip where I also had a 70-300 which I did not get to use often except during a small climb.
A polarizer will be very useful. Mine fell off at Chitwan :-[
More important is your health at high altitudes. During my days as an army doctor working in high alti areas I came across three cases of acute high alti sickness. And the onset was rather sudden. All cases were above 11k feet. They were not properly acclimatized. The essence is to take the climbs slowly and enjoy. Extra weight at low oxygen will only increase your physical effort.
Weather is similar to our Indian mountainous regions. October should be fine and cold but the valleys get hot with the day.
Freudanslap mentioned travelling in July. That is the onset of peak monsoon. Be careful of leeches and slides.
My daughter and I hope to do a 4 day trek sometimes in the Annapurna Range. The wife and son are not interested.
Lucky you!!! Have a nice trek.

 

[davehollandpics]

I've been to Nepal and hiked to Annapurna base camp. Weight is everything, especially if you head into the mountains. It isn't a nice gradual hike up the mountain. It is up and down and up and down. Weight will be critical on the way down as well - lots of people get tendonitis in the knees. Remember also that the air will be thin, especially if you are not used to altitude.

That said, minimize the gear. If I could take one combination of what you have, it would be the 40D and the fisheye. Because the crop of the 40D is 1.6, the fisheye will be more of an ultra wide. You'll want the vistas. Forget everything else. I sue the 15 fisheye on my 7D all the time. Love it.

Stupas, prayer flags, mountains, valleys, will all be great with an ultra wide.

 

[jabbott]

While I haven't been to Nepal, I have hiked quite a bit in the mountains of Colorado with DSLR gear, including some above 14,000 feet. I use a T2i with 10-22, 24-70L and 70-200L II in a Lowepro Photo Sport 200 daypack. The combined weight of my pack is generally around 20 pounds including water, other gear and a down jacket. Based on the focal lengths I tend to shoot I would probably be able to get by perfectly fine with a 17-40L and a 70-200 f/4L with a full frame. Maybe a 2X extender as well. That would provide a significantly lighter setup that still has decent optics and is very versatile. That is just based on my preferred focal lengths though, so yours may vary. I agree with the earlier posts that hiking lighter makes a big difference... I used to do a lot of hiking with a shoulder bag full of DSLR gear and I'll never go back to that again.

You may also want to consider bringing a bag of beans instead of a tripod. They are light and provide an easy way to stabilize your camera on rocks to capture distant vistas.

 

[NWPhil]

Thank you all for the feedback
Is good to hear different opinions and at same time, similar sugestions, as they too make sense and end confirming what I sort of had in mind.
Been training since last month, although did not get much higher than 10k yet
Yes, I have been exposed to almost 20k, and it's no joke - stepping on and over a mere 18 inches rock is.....hard. LOL
Was only a 6 day hike , as we summt on that same night, and then down and out The way out was harder for me, as you all motiivation was gone. The scree takes a toll on the knees too. Then a rocky and muddy river bed to add on the pain.
Anyway, I think my pack will remain whithin the 20 pound range if that much.
Three lenses max, one tripod, 1 FF body, and one P&S camera - I took a little less up Kilimanjaro summit night, so I should be ok.
14, 15 16 0r 17 mm only three degrees apart, and yet such a difference, in special being the 15 a fisheye... Where's that Canon 12-24mm? Oh, wait! That's onlly with Nikon - darn..

Now, the hard part is wait all summer long

 

[stefsan]

Thanks NWPhil for all the advice. Esp. rain sleeve and P&S. What make of tripod is that? Bag choice was why I joined the forum. As an ML I've got a very large 80lt pack with compartments and a 40lt daypack without. The one I was looking at (see link) had dedicated compartment in base and some room in the top for normal gear. Wondered if anyone had experience of these.

Have a look at this one http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain/tilopa-bc, they are awesome! I own two f-stop packs and can recommend them for pretty much everything from hiking to skiing or mountaineering. The Tilopa BC is 48lt and will take all your photo gear, water, extra clothing etc.

 

[wickidwombat]

I've also chosen the classified sling 220AW instead of a conventional backpack
the reason is I find i get alot of shoulder and back strain with heavy backpacks and the backpack restricts the movement of you arms and shoulders too much where as the sling style gives you much better range of movement in your shoulders, downside is the weight is on your right shoulder. the other advantage of this bag is you can just pull it round to access the compartment and change lenses etc without actually taking the bag off

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lowepro-Classified-Sling-220-AW-Camera-Sling-Bag-Black-/290673557792?pt=AU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories&hash=item43ad7e8120

 

[NWPhil]

Thanks NWPhil for all the advice. Esp. rain sleeve and P&S. What make of tripod is that? Bag choice was why I joined the forum. As an ML I've got a very large 80lt pack with compartments and a 40lt daypack without. The one I was looking at (see link) had dedicated compartment in base and some room in the top for normal gear. Wondered if anyone had experience of these.

Have a look at this one http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain/tilopa-bc, they are awesome! I own two f-stop packs and can recommend them for pretty much everything from hiking to skiing or mountaineering. The Tilopa BC is 48lt and will take all your photo gear, water, extra clothing etc.

nice pack indeed - have to find it in a local store and take a look at it.
My next planned trips will be Iceland and New Zealand - will be able to be a bit gear crazy in either :

 

[jabbott]

Where's that Canon 12-24mm? Oh, wait! That's onlly with Nikon - darn..

The closest I know of is the Sigma 12-24mm II for Canon which was released last year. The reviews are mostly positive:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/755357-REG/Sigma_204101_12_24mm_F4_5_5_6_EX_DG.html

 

[1982chris911]

Three lenses max, one tripod, 1 FF body, and one P&S camera - I took a little less up Kilimanjaro summit night, so I should be ok.
14, 15 16 0r 17 mm only three degrees apart, and yet such a difference, in special being the 15 a fisheye... Where's that Canon 12-24mm? Oh, wait! That's onlly with Nikon - darn..

Now, the hard part is wait all summer long

Three Lenses: Canon 24-70 f2.8 or Canon 50mm 1.4 + 70-200 f2.8 L IS2 and Sigma 12-24mm HSM II and I would take an extender 2x III to get more reach for wildlife and all things distant
Body: 5d MKIII
Tripod: fitting one for the gear and a very small table tripod (the 30$ Manfrotto one).
P&S: Well a second body like a 7D is also only 200-300gr more and you re safe in case one fails.
BTW 12-17mm is not only 1 deg each it is much more

 

[davehollandpics]

Hey NWPhil, are you planning on day hikes from Kathmandu/Pokhara or are you going on a trek to Everest or Annapurna base camp? This will make a huge difference in how you approach this.

Send me some details on your itinerary.

 

[NWPhil]

Three lenses max, one tripod, 1 FF body, and one P&S camera - I took a little less up Kilimanjaro summit night, so I should be ok.
14, 15 16 0r 17 mm only three degrees apart, and yet such a difference, in special being the 15 a fisheye... Where's that Canon 12-24mm? Oh, wait! That's onlly with Nikon - darn..

Now, the hard part is wait all summer long

Three Lenses: Canon 24-70 f2.8 or Canon 50mm 1.4 + 70-200 f2.8 L IS2 and Sigma 12-24mm HSM II and I would take an extender 2x III to get more reach for wildlife and all things distant
Body: 5d MKIII
Tripod: fitting one for the gear and a very small table tripod (the 30$ Manfrotto one).
P&S: Well a second body like a 7D is also only 200-300gr more and you re safe in case one fails.
BTW 12-17mm is not only 1 deg each it is much more

not bad, but none of that gear is my bag :'(
The 40D - only crop body, is now a full spectrum IR camera, so tempting to bring, but at same time...
Oh, I said 14 thru 17 - but I wish Canon had a 12-24mm like Nikon. I would buy that baby in a snap

 

[NWPhil]

Hey NWPhil, are you planning on day hikes from Kathmandu/Pokhara or are you going on a trek to Everest or Annapurna base camp? This will make a huge difference in how you approach this.

Send me some details on your itinerary.

Don't have one yet, per say.
We are going to do our very own itinerary as we go - well, whithin limits, as it will be only me and my wife, aside porters and guide.
The idea is to go from Lukla to Gokyo lakes area, and then cross to EBC, finalizing at start point. Looking at 21 days plus - meaning that, the usual 21 day trek includes about 5-6 days in Kathamandu and Lukla, for aclimatization and tours.
We might add up that to the 21 days of trekking, but not sure yet

see standard hik itinerary below:
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu / dinner with cultural program.
Day 02 : Explore Boudhnath and Pashupatinath / Trip preparation.
Day 03 : Fly to Lukla and start Everest trekking.
Day 04-05 : Trekking to Namche / Acclimatization rest day.
Day 06 : Trek to Kumjung.
Day 07-08 : Trekking up the Gokyo Valley and enjoy views of massive Cho Oyu.
Day 09-10 : Climb Gokyo Ri / savour the stunning looks of Mt. Everest and pristine lakes.
Day 11 : Trekking on the moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thangna.
Day 12-13 : Cross the challenging Chola pass and trek to Lobuche: enjoy the superb beauty of Nature.
Day 14 : Trekking Kala Pathar for views across Khumbu Glacier to Everest.
Day 15 : Exploration to the Everest Base Camp.
Day 16-18 : Trekking down to Lukla to end the Everest circuit trek via Pheriche, Thyangboche.
Day 19 : Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu / Rest day.
Day 20 : Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 21 : Trip ends / Airport transfer.(...)"

Thanks
Phil

 

[davehollandpics]

I see you are using porters. Take whatever you want.

 

[gn100]

Hey NWPhil, are you planning on day hikes from Kathmandu/Pokhara or are you going on a trek to Everest or Annapurna base camp? This will make a huge difference in how you approach this.

Send me some details on your itinerary.

Don't have one yet, per say.
We are going to do our very own itinerary as we go - well, whithin limits, as it will be only me and my wife, aside porters and guide.
The idea is to go from Lukla to Gokyo lakes area, and then cross to EBC, finalizing at start point. Looking at 21 days plus - meaning that, the usual 21 day trek includes about 5-6 days in Kathamandu and Lukla, for aclimatization and tours.
We might add up that to the 21 days of trekking, but not sure yet

see standard hik itinerary below:
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu / dinner with cultural program.
Day 02 : Explore Boudhnath and Pashupatinath / Trip preparation.
Day 03 : Fly to Lukla and start Everest trekking.
Day 04-05 : Trekking to Namche / Acclimatization rest day.
Day 06 : Trek to Kumjung.
Day 07-08 : Trekking up the Gokyo Valley and enjoy views of massive Cho Oyu.
Day 09-10 : Climb Gokyo Ri / savour the stunning looks of Mt. Everest and pristine lakes.
Day 11 : Trekking on the moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thangna.
Day 12-13 : Cross the challenging Chola pass and trek to Lobuche: enjoy the superb beauty of Nature.
Day 14 : Trekking Kala Pathar for views across Khumbu Glacier to Everest.
Day 15 : Exploration to the Everest Base Camp.
Day 16-18 : Trekking down to Lukla to end the Everest circuit trek via Pheriche, Thyangboche.
Day 19 : Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu / Rest day.
Day 20 : Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 21 : Trip ends / Airport transfer.(...)"

Thanks
Phil

After 3 trips to Nepal (and 5 treks in total) here are my comments....

Times of the year - October/November is perfect - you'll probably get no rain - at most a shower or two between Lukla and Namche. Very pleasant through the day, bit chilly at night, especially above 4000m.

Itinerary - Looks a bit tight to me - remember high altitude means altitude sickness if you don't aclimitise .... and if you do aclimitise, then mild discomfort. I'm used to trekking long days (10-14 hours) here in New Zealand, but in Nepal have always taken my time and it has paid big dividends, especially when trying to take half decent photos (I have tried to start by 7:30am and finish my trekking by lunch-time, allowing the afternoon to meet the locals, reading, photography. If you haven't been at altitude immediately before arriving at Lukla, then look to spend 2-3 nights at Namche - do day trips to Thame and Kumjung, allowing the recovery at night at a reasonable altitude (3300m) - it will set you up for the rest of the trip, which you will enjoy more. Also take Diamox as a preventative - I found I have gained about 1 day in terms of acclimitisation schedule. The general recommendation is only gaining 300m altitude per day. Take time early in the trip to aclimitise is the best recommendation I can give. I would suggest ......

day 1 Lukla - Phadking or Mondo
day 2 to Namche
day 3 Namche (day trip to Kumjung)
day 4 Namche (day trip to Thame)
day 5 ......onwards (I think its 3 days from Namche to Gokyo)

Gear - last time (and the only time I was using digital), I carried Canon 350D, 17-85 and 70-300. I left my 10-20 in Kathmandu. The pop up flash was sufficient for the 1-2 flash photos I took. I find that the telephoto can be very useful, more than the ultrawide. Image stabilisation is important - with the lack of oxygen it is much harder to handhold a camera. I took sufficient batteries last time for the whole trip - electricity is very limited / non existant beyond Namche. If I was using full frame, I'd take a 24-105 IS and a 70-300 IS L. A lightweight tripod would be handy, so would a polarising filter. Keep your kit simple, with lack of oxygen at higher altitudes, everything is an effort, so there is a tendency to take the easy option, so lenses rarely get changed, tripods only get used when they have to (I didn't take a tripod on 4 of the 5 treks I have done).

Nepal is a wonderful place, the scenery is spectacular and the people are fantastic - enjoy your trip

 

[NWPhil]

Hey NWPhil, are you planning on day hikes from Kathmandu/Pokhara or are you going on a trek to Everest or Annapurna base camp? This will make a huge difference in how you approach this.

Send me some details on your itinerary.

Don't have one yet, per say.
We are going to do our very own itinerary as we go - well, whithin limits, as it will be only me and my wife, aside porters and guide.
The idea is to go from Lukla to Gokyo lakes area, and then cross to EBC, finalizing at start point. Looking at 21 days plus - meaning that, the usual 21 day trek includes about 5-6 days in Kathamandu and Lukla, for aclimatization and tours.
We might add up that to the 21 days of trekking, but not sure yet

see standard hik itinerary below:
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu / dinner with cultural program.
Day 02 : Explore Boudhnath and Pashupatinath / Trip preparation.
Day 03 : Fly to Lukla and start Everest trekking.
Day 04-05 : Trekking to Namche / Acclimatization rest day.
Day 06 : Trek to Kumjung.
Day 07-08 : Trekking up the Gokyo Valley and enjoy views of massive Cho Oyu.
Day 09-10 : Climb Gokyo Ri / savour the stunning looks of Mt. Everest and pristine lakes.
Day 11 : Trekking on the moraines of the Ngozumpa Glacier to Thangna.
Day 12-13 : Cross the challenging Chola pass and trek to Lobuche: enjoy the superb beauty of Nature.
Day 14 : Trekking Kala Pathar for views across Khumbu Glacier to Everest.
Day 15 : Exploration to the Everest Base Camp.
Day 16-18 : Trekking down to Lukla to end the Everest circuit trek via Pheriche, Thyangboche.
Day 19 : Himalayan flight back to Kathmandu / Rest day.
Day 20 : Free day in Kathmandu.
Day 21 : Trip ends / Airport transfer.(...)"

Thanks
Phil

After 3 trips to Nepal (and 5 treks in total) here are my comments....

Times of the year - October/November is perfect - you'll probably get no rain - at most a shower or two between Lukla and Namche. Very pleasant through the day, bit chilly at night, especially above 4000m.

Itinerary - Looks a bit tight to me - remember high altitude means altitude sickness if you don't aclimitise .... and if you do aclimitise, then mild discomfort. I'm used to trekking long days (10-14 hours) here in New Zealand, but in Nepal have always taken my time and it has paid big dividends, especially when trying to take half decent photos (I have tried to start by 7:30am and finish my trekking by lunch-time, allowing the afternoon to meet the locals, reading, photography. If you haven't been at altitude immediately before arriving at Lukla, then look to spend 2-3 nights at Namche - do day trips to Thame and Kumjung, allowing the recovery at night at a reasonable altitude (3300m) - it will set you up for the rest of the trip, which you will enjoy more. Also take Diamox as a preventative - I found I have gained about 1 day in terms of acclimitisation schedule. The general recommendation is only gaining 300m altitude per day. Take time early in the trip to aclimitise is the best recommendation I can give. I would suggest ......

day 1 Lukla - Phadking or Mondo
day 2 to Namche
day 3 Namche (day trip to Kumjung)
day 4 Namche (day trip to Thame)
day 5 ......onwards (I think its 3 days from Namche to Gokyo)

Gear - last time (and the only time I was using digital), I carried Canon 350D, 17-85 and 70-300. I left my 10-20 in Kathmandu. The pop up flash was sufficient for the 1-2 flash photos I took. I find that the telephoto can be very useful, more than the ultrawide. Image stabilisation is important - with the lack of oxygen it is much harder to handhold a camera. I took sufficient batteries last time for the whole trip - electricity is very limited / non existant beyond Namche. If I was using full frame, I'd take a 24-105 IS and a 70-300 IS L. A lightweight tripod would be handy, so would a polarising filter. Keep your kit simple, with lack of oxygen at higher altitudes, everything is an effort, so there is a tendency to take the easy option, so lenses rarely get changed, tripods only get used when they have to (I didn't take a tripod on 4 of the 5 treks I have done).

Nepal is a wonderful place, the scenery is spectacular and the people are fantastic - enjoy your trip

Thanks for your insights.
You are very right _ I do feel the schedule a bit tight, and that's wahy we are thinking in add another 4-5 days. We truly want a good 20 days hiking. The cookie-cutter plan, actually only allocates 15. We will have too an extra open day, just in case we need it, as deciding to hike one more day, or take another short trek from Lukla.
Been over two years, but our campsites in Kili were about 5-6 miles apart, and less in the end. By the second day we were already at 12k, and mind that Arusha (basecamp/hotel) is about 6k, and we were in town for two full days - By the 4th day, as we kept having slight headaches, we went for the Diamox, and they went away. However we got the annoying itching hands side effect.
Not an high elevation expert, but been up in clouds a few times, meaning way above 8k(feet). That does not mean a thing however. One climb one might feel fine, and a few weeks later, at lower elevation, mild AS can occur - no matter how fit one is, paying close attention to initial/any signs is a must.

I am planning too to get a solar panel thing to recharge batteries - The side kick with that, is having to get a non-OEM charger, so I can plug it to the solar battery pack.
REI carries a few brands, so I will see which one might work better this summer.
If you or anyone has any experience using any type/kind to recharge LP-E6 batteries and others while in the backcountry, please chime in - Thanks

 

[penywisexx]

I would look at getting a Capture Camera Clip System http://peakdesignltd.com/ (also on amazon). It attaches to either your belt or the arm strap of your backpack. It securely holds your camera to your backpack and makes it very easy to retrieve. After a few minutes with it on your belt or backpack strap you won't even notice it. I've used it hiking Yosemite and have had it on all day and it was much more comfortable then a neck strap or having to retrieve my camera from my backpack constantly. The plate that attaches the camera to the clip system is also compatible with the Joby Ballhead X tripod head, a very lightweight yet good quality tripod head that may be a good choice for your trip.

If you do go with this I'd replace your neck straps with hand straps for your camera bodies. I'm sure you'll enjoy the clip system.

 

[NWPhil]

I would look at getting a Capture Camera Clip System http://peakdesignltd.com/ (also on amazon). It attaches to either your belt or the arm strap of your backpack. It securely holds your camera to your backpack and makes it very easy to retrieve. After a few minutes with it on your belt or backpack strap you won't even notice it. I've used it hiking Yosemite and have had it on all day and it was much more comfortable then a neck strap or having to retrieve my camera from my backpack constantly. The plate that attaches the camera to the clip system is also compatible with the Joby Ballhead X tripod head, a very lightweight yet good quality tripod head that may be a good choice for your trip.

If you do go with this I'd replace your neck straps with hand straps for your camera bodies. I'm sure you'll enjoy the clip system.

neat system - somewhat similar the blackrapid - and yet some fear LOL
hmmm.. got a lot invested in RRS plates - 2 L's plus two base plates, so it's kind of a snag/
But thanks anyway. Seems easier than BR, and whitout having to get a sling

 

[pj1974]

Although I've never been to Nepal or Tibet, I have some experience with mountain hiking and carrying photo gear. In general I would agree with the other posters to go light. My standard setup is a 7D with 15-85 and 70-300, polarizers, spare batteries and CF cards. What to bring depends on what else you have to lug around and on how much time you have to take photos (there's not much sense in taking too many lenses if you have not the time to change them). And in my experience it depends also on the quality of your backpack. If you don't have one already, it really pays to invest some time (and money) on a very good pack that lets you carry relatively heavy loads comfortably for several hours and allows you quick access to your photo gear…
Most importantly: have fun and take care!

You've already received lots of good advice, Phil

I've not been to Nepal / Tibet - but I have been to SE Asian (eg Thailand), holidaying and trekking there. I also have a lot of experience travelling in and living in Europe (from the Swiss Alps to Western European cities to remote villages in Romania, etc).

My advice would very closely echo stefsan's above. I have a Canon 7D, and would take that as my primary camera with the 15-85mm and 70-300mm L as my first two 'travel lenses'. For a third lens I might take my Sigma 10-20mm, though the Canon 15-85mm @ 15mm can often be sufficient for many landscapes, etc.

When I went to Thailand some years ago, I took all my lenses and 2 camera bodies. It was way overkill. I only used my Canon 100mm macro a few times, and my bright prime once or twice during the few weeks I was there. I didn't bring a flash, as I used a tripod for low light / night shots. IS on lenses and having a camera with ISO capability certainly helps while travelling!

If I would go to do your trip, particularly as you're doing quite a few different areas, packing light adds to the convenience. A back-up body is of course handy in case body #1 breaks. For this, I'd probably take my small, old (but reliable) Canon 350D. I'd probably not take a tripod, but that's me (I often find other things to use or make do without).

Enjoy your time there, indeed. Best wishes... hoping to see some of your photos.
8)
Paul