Trekking
Nepal Trekking Packing List: The Complete Gear Guide
What to pack for Nepal trekking — the definitive gear list covering clothing layers, footwear, electronics, medical kit, permits, and what NOT to bring, for treks from Poon Hill to Everest Base Camp.
Getting your pack right for a Nepal trek is the difference between suffering and enjoying every stage. This list covers every category for all Nepal trek types.
Footwear
Trekking boots: Waterproof, ankle-supporting, broken in before the trek. Do not buy new boots in Kathmandu and trek the next day.
Camp sandals: Lightweight Crocs or similar — a lifesaver at tea house evenings.
Gaiters: Optional but useful on snowy/muddy trails above 4,000m.
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Clothing Layers (The 3-Layer System)
Base: 2–3 sets of moisture-wicking thermal base layers (not cotton — ever).
Mid-layer: Fleece or down mid-layer for evenings and high passes.
Outer: Waterproof, windproof shell jacket and pants. Essential above 3,000m.
Extra: Down jacket rated to -15°C for EBC and higher-altitude treks.
Electronics
- Headlamp with spare batteries (critical for pre-dawn start days)
- Power bank 20,000mAh+
- Camera + memory cards
- Universal adapter (Nepal uses Type C/D plugs)
Medical Kit
- Blister care (hydrocolloid plasters, Compeed)
- Altitude medication (Diamox — get a prescription before you go)
- Rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhoeal medication
- Water purification tablets or UV pen
Documents
- Original permits (TIMS, national park, restricted area)
- Passport
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage
- Emergency contacts list
What NOT to Bring
- Cotton clothing (useless when wet)
- Full-sized toiletries (buy small in Kathmandu)
- Valuable jewellery or electronics you cannot afford to lose
- More than 10–12kg total pack weight (comfort on steep ascents)
Practical Tips
Book your porter in advance if bringing more than 12kg — NPR 2,500–3,500 per day. Renting gear in Kathmandu's Thamel district is excellent for bulky items like sleeping bags and down jackets.
FAQ
What sleeping bag temperature is right for EBC? A -10°C to -15°C bag for tea house sleeping. Tea houses provide blankets but are unheated.
Can I buy gear in Kathmandu? Yes — Thamel has hundreds of gear shops with original and high-quality local copies. Buy before your trek, not after.
How heavy should my daypack be? 8–12kg is the sweet spot. Above 15kg causes knee strain on descents.
