NEPAL TREKKING PACKING LIST

Base layer (wicking)

Merino wool or synthetic next to skin. Moves sweat away to keep you dry and warm. Never cotton — it holds moisture and chills you. Pack 2 sets.

Mid layer (insulating)

Fleece or light down. Traps body heat. Add when you stop walking or as you climb. A fleece plus a down jacket covers most conditions.

Outer layer (shell)

Waterproof, windproof breathable jacket and trousers. Your defence against rain, snow, and Himalayan wind. Essential even in dry season.

• 2 base-layer tops (merino/synthetic)
• 2 trekking T-shirts
• 1 fleece or soft-shell mid layer
• 1 insulated down jacket (rentable in Nepal)
• 1 waterproof/windproof shell jacket

• 2 pairs trekking trousers
• 1 base-layer leggings (for high/cold sections)
• 1 waterproof over-trousers
• 3–4 pairs trekking underwear

• 3–4 pairs wool/synthetic trekking socks
• 1 warm hat / beanie
• 1 sun hat or cap
• 1 buff / neck gaiter
• 1 pair liner gloves + 1 pair warm gloves
• Sunglasses (category 3–4, UV)

Trekking boots

Broken-in, ankle support, waterproof. The single most important item. Never bring new boots.

Camp shoes / sandals

For the evening at teahouses.

Gaiters

For snow, mud, or scree on higher routes.

• 35–45L trekking backpack (your daypack)
• Larger duffel (60–70L) for your porter
• Sleeping bag rated -10 to -20°C (rentable)
• Sleeping bag liner
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• Trekking poles (adjustable)
• 2× 1L water bottles or a 2–3L bladder
• Water purification (tablets, filter, or SteriPEN)
• Quick-dry travel towel
• Dry bags / stuff sacks (waterproof your kit)
• Power bank (10,000mAh+)
• Universal travel adapter
• Reusable cloth bag for laundry

• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush / paste
• Quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitiser
• Toilet paper
• Small mirror

• Personal medication
• Diamox (altitude — consult a doctor)
• Ibuprofen / paracetamol
• Anti-diarrhoeal (Imodium)
• Rehydration salts
• Antiseptic cream
• Blister plasters (Compeed)
• Bandages
• Throat lozenges
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic (consult doctor)

• Passport + 2 photocopies
• Nepal visa (on arrival or e-visa)
• Trekking permits (your agency arranges)
• Passport photos (4–6 for permits)
• Travel insurance certificate (with heli-evacuation cover)
• USD cash (for visa, tips, teahouse extras)
• NPR cash (small denominations for the trail)
• Credit/debit card (for cities only — no ATMs on the trail)

Spring (Mar–May)

Standard kit. Add sun protection — strong UV. Rhododendron season.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Peak season, standard kit. Clear and stable; mornings cold at altitude.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Add a warmer down jacket, thermal layers, insulated gloves, and a -20°C bag. Some high passes close.

Monsoon (Jun–Aug)

Prioritise waterproofs, quick-dry everything, and leech socks. Choose rain-shadow treks (Mustang, Dolpo).

Cotton clothing (holds sweat, chills you)

Jeans and heavy fashion items

Brand-new un-broken-in boots

Excess electronics / valuables

Hairdryer and bulky toiletries

More than you can carry — your porter has a weight limit (typically 15kg of your kit)

What should I pack for trekking in Nepal?

The essentials are: layered clothing (wicking base, insulating fleece/down, waterproof shell), broken-in trekking boots, a -10 to -20°C sleeping bag, a 35–45L daypack, water purification, a headlamp, sun protection, and a personal medical kit. Most bulky items (down jacket, sleeping bag) can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What do I pack for Everest Base Camp specifically?

EBC reaches 5,545m and gets very cold. Beyond the standard kit, prioritise a warm down jacket, thermal base layers, insulated gloves, a -20°C sleeping bag, a buff for dust, and plenty of lip balm and sunscreen. Pack for sub-zero mornings even in peak season.

How heavy should my pack be?

Your porter carries your main duffel (typically up to 15kg of your belongings, shared between two trekkers per porter). You carry a daypack (5–8kg) with water, layers, snacks, camera, and valuables. Keep the daypack light — you carry it all day.

Can I rent or buy gear in Nepal?

Yes. Kathmandu's Thamel and Pokhara's Lakeside have many gear shops. Rent the bulky, expensive items (down jacket $1–2/day, sleeping bag $1–2/day, poles $1/day). Buy cheap accessories locally. Bring your own boots and base layers from home.

Do I need a sleeping bag for teahouse trekking?

Teahouses provide blankets, but a rated sleeping bag (or at minimum a liner) is strongly recommended, especially above 3,500m where nights are very cold. A -10 to -20°C bag is standard; rent one if you don't own one.

What footwear do I need for Nepal trekking?

Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support are essential — never bring brand-new boots (blisters end treks). Also pack lightweight camp shoes or sandals for relaxing at teahouses in the evening, and gaiters if trekking in snow or mud.