Admin UserPacking right for a Himalayan trek makes the difference between a comfortable adventure and a miserable one. The challenge is the opposite of most trips: you have to carry everything yourself, or ask a porter to carry it, and conditions swing from warm valleys to freezing nights at altitude. This Nepal trekking packing list gives you a short, practical checklist, explains what to rent or buy in Kathmandu, and helps you avoid the usual mistakes. If you want an even more detailed gear list, read our complete Nepal trekking packing list.
How much can you carry?
Your pack should weigh as little as possible. On teahouse treks, a porter often carries a duffel bag of 10 to 15 kilograms, shared with another trekker, while you carry a daypack of 5 to 8 kilograms with water, a jacket, snacks and valuables. The domestic flight to Lukla for the Everest region has a baggage limit, usually around 15 kilograms for checked luggage plus a small amount of hand luggage, so pack within that weight. Leave extra clothes and city items at your Kathmandu hotel, which most hotels will store free. Porter welfare guidelines, such as those from the International Porter Protection Group, limit the loads porters should carry, so keep your share light.
Trekking packing list: clothing and layers
Temperatures change fast, so think in layers rather than in thick single items.
- Base layers: two or three moisture-wicking tops and one or two bottoms, in merino wool or synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket for the evenings.
- Down jacket: warm and light; essential above 3,500 metres. You can rent one in Kathmandu.
- Waterproof shell: a jacket and trousers that keep out rain, snow and wind.
- Trekking trousers: two pairs of quick-drying trousers, and shorts or a light pair for warm low sections.
- Warm accessories: a warm hat, sun hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or buff.
- Underwear and socks: several pairs of wool trekking socks and liner socks.
Footwear
Well-broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support are non-negotiable, and you should never trek in brand-new boots. Pack lightweight sandals or trainers for the teahouse in the evening, and a pair of spare laces. Treat blisters early with tape or blister plasters.
Sleeping and trekking gear
- Sleeping bag: most teahouses give you blankets, but a warm bag rated to around minus 10 degrees Celsius is useful above 3,500 metres. You can rent one in Kathmandu.
- Daypack: 25 to 35 litres, with a rain cover.
- Trekking poles: they ease the strain on your knees on steep descents and are worth the weight.
- Water bottles: two one-litre bottles, plus purification tablets or a filter. This helps you avoid buying plastic bottles on the trail, which is better for the mountains. See our responsible travel guide.
- Headlamp: with spare batteries, for early starts and power cuts.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV is strong at altitude, so bring sunglasses with side protection, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm.
Health, hygiene and first aid
Bring a small first-aid kit: plasters, blister care, pain relief, rehydration salts, an anti-diarrhoea medicine and any personal medicines. Ask a doctor about altitude medication before you travel, and read our guide to altitude sickness. Pack hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toilet paper, a quick-dry towel and basic toiletries. Hot showers and phone charging usually cost extra on the trail.
Documents, money and tech
- Passport and visa, plus a few passport photos and photocopies. See our Nepal visa guide.
- Permits: your agency can arrange them; read our guide to permits and TIMS fees.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking at altitude and helicopter evacuation. Our insurance guide explains what to look for.
- Cash in Nepali rupees, in small notes, because there are no ATMs above the main towns.
- Power bank and a charging cable; cold drains batteries quickly.
- Phone and camera with a spare memory card.
What to rent or buy in Kathmandu
Thamel has many shops that rent down jackets, sleeping bags, poles and duffel bags by the day, and sell trekking clothing at lower prices than you would pay at home. Renting is sensible for items you will only use once, such as a heavy sleeping bag or a down jacket. Check the stitching and zips, and avoid anything damp or dirty. Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes a licensed guide and porter, and your guide can advise you on what to pack for your dates.
Season changes
In spring (March to May), bring a sun hat and lighter layers for the low sections. In autumn (October to November), the weather is clearest but nights are cold above 3,500 metres. In winter, bring a warmer sleeping bag and extra insulation. In the monsoon (June to August), pack leech socks and a serious rain jacket. Our best time to visit Nepal guide compares conditions month by month.
Common packing mistakes
- Bringing too many clothes. Two sets of trekking clothes and one set of evening clothes is enough.
- Wearing cotton, which stays damp and chills you at altitude.
- Packing new boots that have not been broken in.
- Forgetting a power bank, a headlamp or sun protection.
- Leaving documents and valuables in the porter's bag instead of your daypack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy should my trekking bag be?
Keep your daypack to 5 to 8 kilograms. Your porter's duffel should be around 10 to 15 kilograms, and Lukla flights have a baggage limit, so check with your airline.
Can I rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Thamel has many rental shops for down jackets, sleeping bags, poles and duffel bags, at much lower prices than buying new.
Do I need a sleeping bag for teahouse trekking?
Teahouses provide blankets, but a warm sleeping bag helps above 3,500 metres. You can rent one in Kathmandu.
What shoes are best for trekking in Nepal?
Waterproof, broken-in trekking boots with ankle support, plus light shoes or sandals for the evening.
