Equipment Checklist for Nepal Trekking: A Complete Head-to-Toe Packing List, Including Equipment Guide, Pictures, and Recommendations
Confused about what to pack and what not to pack for a Nepal Himalaya trek? We are here to help and guide you with a recommended gear list for trekking in Nepal. This gear list is applicable for trekking in any region of Nepal, except for climbing and high altitude. Follow the list below.
When packing for any trek in Nepal, the first thing you need to consider is the time of your visit. Seasonal variations are a major factor. Each trekking season requires a change in your packing list and with the huge difference in altitude, you should basically pack for cooler nights/mornings during the hot days.
If you are trekking during the normal trekking season (spring and autumn) you will not need any additional gear but if you are planning to trek during winter (December to February) you will need a heavy down parka/jacket, a hard-shell jacket, hard-shell trousers to protect from snow and gaiters.
Similarly, if you are planning to trek in the summer/monsoon, your packing list should include rain protection equipment like a waterproof jacket, poncho, etc.
See more about best trekking season in Nepal
During the trekking season (spring and autumn), the temperature at the starting point varies from a minimum of -10°C during the day to a maximum of 15 to 20°C. So your packing list should include all the gear required for the trip.
Travel as light as possible but don’t skip the essential gear list. Packing more than you need takes up unnecessary space and you don’t have to change your jacket and trousers every day in the mountains. Also, don’t compromise on the quality of your gear as good gear offers better performance and durability.
Essential Gears For Trekking
Trekking Equipment List
1. Headgears
Bring your favorite hat for protection from the sun, any style of hat will work. Also get a cover to protect your neck. A wide brimmed hat will also work. Take 2 pairs of buffs for the trek. Make sure the buff covers your face and is comfortable. A warm beanie is a must for the Everest base camp or any other trek. Get a warm beanie that is comfortable and also covers your ears. You can also get a think headband/beanie to wear while sleeping.
* Hat X 1
* Buff/Neckband/Balaclava X 2
* Beanie/Headband X 1
2. Underwear
You need to make sure your underwear is comfortable and breathable for about 1 to 2 weeks. Get breathable underwear and sports bras for women. Get synthetic/wool and avoid cotton underwear.
* Breathable underwear X 5
* Sports bra X 3
3. Upper body
When packing clothes for the upper and lower body, you should pack in layers as this gives you a huge advantage. Layering is a simple concept but it’s important when you’re on a long-duration trek at high altitudes. You need to pack/wear layers in combination with each other to keep yourself comfortable, regulate your temperature and keep dry. We suggest bringing base layers, trekking shirts (full and half sleeve), fleece jackets/softshell jackets, hard-shell jackets and insulated down jackets.
* Base Layer for upper body X 2
* Trekking shirts (Breathable and quick-dry materials) – full sleeves X 2 and short sleeves X 2
* Fleece jacket/Pullover X 1
* Light down jacket X 1
* Hard Shell Jacket / Waterproof Jacket X 1
* Down jacket (Provided by us) X 1
4. Lower body
Similar to the upper body concept, you should follow the layering concept when packing clothes for the lower body. For unknown reasons it’s hard to layer the bottom half of your body – but just because your top half is dressed comfortably doesn’t mean your bottom half will stay warm either! Pack a base layer of skin, trekking shorts, trekking pants and Gore-Tex pants next to it. Unlike the upper body, changing your lower body clothes while walking is not as convenient.
* Base Layer for lower body X 2
* Trekking short X 1
* Trekking trousers X 2
* Warm insulated trousers X 1
* Gore-Tex Pant X 1
5. Footwear
Boots are an important piece of gear on any mountain trip. Take good care of your feet and you will have a wonderful experience. Avoid cotton socks and bring a variety of socks (liner socks, hiking socks and thermal socks). Bring a pair of flip-flops/sandals to wear in cities and when you need to use the restroom at night. Likewise, pack camp shoes/trainers to wear to the teahouse/lodge, you’ll definitely want to take your boots off after a long day of hiking. For hiking boots, we recommend you get a full boot with Gore-Tex material that supports your feet.
* Liner Socks X 2
* Hiking socks X 4
* Thermal socks for a colder day X 2
* Gaiters (For winter treks) X 1
* Flip flop X 1
* Camp shoe/Trainer X 1
* Full Hiking boots with spare laces
6. Hands
Pack two different layers of gloves, a liner glove that will be your all-around glove and a mid-light glove for use when conditions are too cold for a liner glove.
* Inner/Liner Gloves X 1
* Outer gloves X 1
7. Backpack/Travel Bag
A 32-40 liter internal frame backpack would be perfect for a trek. Please note that if you plan to trek independently you will need a large backpack as you will need to carry everything. For a supported trek, a 32-40 liter backpack will be fine as you only need to carry your valuables, water, camera, sunscreen, snacks and an extra layer of wool. The remaining bag that the porter will carry.
* Large-size duffel bag (Provided by us)
* 40 litres backpack with an internal frame and waist strap
* Day pack for Kathmandu and cities
8. Sleeping Bag for Trek
We recommend taking a minus – 15 degree Celsius rated sleeping bag for the Everest base camp trek. Nights will be cooler as it rises. Blankets are also provided in each teahouse/lodge. But we recommend bringing a sleeping bag.
* Minus 15 Degree Celsius rated sleeping bag)
* Sleeping bag liner (optional)
* Travel Pillow (optional)
9. Accessories/Kit For Any Other Trek
Other essential items in the equipment checklist for Everest Base Camp or any other Trekking are listed below. We recommend getting each of the items listed below unless otherwise stated (optional).
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Water bottle (recommended: Nalgene)
- Insulated covers for water bottles (optional)
- Swiss Knife/Multifunctional Knife thermos
- Walking poles
- Power bank
- Sunglasses (UV ray protection with all-around protection)
- Locks
- Laundry bag
- Plastic bags
- Ziplock bag
- Urine funnel (optional)
- Books, Kindle, Reading Materials
- Trek map
- Earplugs (recommended for light sleepers)
- Journals, cards, games and pens
- Duct tape and sewing kit
10. Toiletries and Hygiene
From towels to toothpaste, you need to bring everything you need for your daily use on the trek. The teahouses/lodges along the trek offer nothing more than a bed and a window with a view.
- Quick-dry towels
- Toothbrush and paste
- Nail clippers
- Toilet papers/wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bio-degradable soaps and shampoos
- Sunscreen
- Lip balms
- Moisturizer
- Snack food (chocolate, energy bars, energy drinks, rehydration/powder mixed drinks etc. for your comfort)
11. First Aid
Pack a first aid kit for the trek and make sure it has all the necessary medicines for everything from altitude sickness, Diarrhoea, headaches to rashes. We carry a comprehensive medical kit bag on all our trips but we recommend you also bring your own personal first aid.
- Diamox / Acetazolamide
- Crepe bandages
- Gauge pad
- Antiseptic cream
- Plasters
- Dexamethasone
- Advil/pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- Water purification tablets
- Cough medicine
- Eye drops
- Individually prescribed medications
12. Documents
We recommend that you bring a copy of each of the documents listed below for emergency purposes.
- Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after the completion of your trip
- 4 copies of passport size photograph (for SIM card and other purposes)
- Travel Insurance
- Flight tickets
- Credit cards for emergencies
- Driving ID or any other ID if you lose your passport.
13. For Kathmandu
Pack extra layers to wear in Kathmandu. You can drop off these clothes at hotel accessories shops in Kathmandu. Changing into fresh clothes after a good shower is a very good feeling.
- Extra clothes to wear before and after the trek
- Swimwear/walk city
The above is a recommended equipment list for any trek in Nepal. However, you can pack more or less according to your needs. If you lack any of the gear listed above, you can easily buy or rent it in Kathmandu after your arrival, but please make sure you have enough time. There are many outdoor shops in Thamel, Kathmandu where you can buy or rent equipment. You will find many shops selling locally produced goods and there are branded outdoor shops in Thamel like The North Face, Outdoors, Mountain Hardware, Marmot etc. where you can buy genuine equipment.
