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

[Cali_PH]

I have a Voltaic solar charger, along with a Canon LPE6 adapter. I've mostly just used the USB Battery it came with, which has been great to charge my phone. I'm slightly hesitant to say it's great for charging camera batteries because I only recently bought the Canon adapter, and only used it once to partially charge a camera battery, but it did its job, no problems when I've used it.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/solar-camera-charger.shtml

 

[NWPhil]

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

Thanks Paul,
Indeed i have, I thank you all to pitch in, sharing your knowledge and ideas.
It will be a while - accounting by the time I PP all of it and organize, but I will post

 

[wickidwombat]

so you aren't going to tibet at all then?
its a pity it really is amazing, the palace and the lake of heaven particularly

 

[NWPhil]

I have a Voltaic solar charger, along with a Canon LPE6 adapter. I've mostly just used the USB Battery it came with, which has been great to charge my phone. I'm slightly hesitant to say it's great for charging camera batteries because I only recently bought the Canon adapter, and only used it once to partially charge a camera battery, but it did its job, no problems when I've used it.

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/solar-camera-charger.shtml

Nice setup - Thanks for the link

 

[wopbv4]

Hi, I noticed that you have only ONE rest day at Namcha. Most people need more then one day to acclimatise. Please be careful, altitude sickness is not a joke!!!
Gokyo is infamous for altitude sickness, many people need to be helicoptered out because they are at risk of dying.

Anyway, the trek you are going to do is fantastic, I have done it three times and the views (photos) are excellent.

Think about your health, so you can enjoy

 

[NWPhil]

Hi, I noticed that you have only ONE rest day at Namcha. Most people need more then one day to acclimatise. Please be careful, altitude sickness is not a joke!!!
Gokyo is infamous for altitude sickness, many people need to be helicoptered out because they are at risk of dying.

Anyway, the trek you are going to do is fantastic, I have done it three times and the views (photos) are excellent.

Think about your health, so you can enjoy

Thanks
Actually Namcha might be day 4 and 5 from website pre-set itinerary. The mountains are going nowhere ..for a while. If either of us don't get aclimatized, even with medication, there is plenty to do at lower elevations.
Glad to know you had a good time.
Thanks