For one peak, on one morning, with a guide
Crampons and axe, rented in Kathmandu
Crampons must match your boot, and the shop fits them to the boot you actually brought — that fitting is worth more than owning a pair that has never been on your foot. Our climbing itineraries include this; ask rather than buying.
Skip it ifAnyone who climbs regularly, or anyone who has never worn crampons. If it is your first time, the training matters far more than the hardware.
Rent it in Thamel — about usd 2-4 per day for crampons, similar for an axe. We take nothing.
About the links on this page.Some go to Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend: every card here also says who the item is not for, and a few things we think you should simply rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara instead, which earns us nothing.
The rest of the shelf
Best to ownTen points, flexible binding, fits an ordinary trekking boot
Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampon
The gap between microspikes and real mountaineering crampons, and it straps to a boot with no welt — which most trekking boots lack. It is not a technical crampon and will not hold on steep water ice; nor should you ask it to.
Skip it ifSoft trekking shoes. A crampon on a flexible sole comes off at the worst moment.