Complete Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most fascinating treks in the Khumbu region of Nepal that takes you to the base of the world’s tallest mountain. It is certainly an important accomplishment and a lifetime experience for those who complete it. We all know that the weather in the mountains is unpredictable that can change abruptly. First-time trekkers might not be aware of the necessary gear to carry while trekking. This comprehensive packing list for the Everest Base Camp trek is a useful tool for first-time travelers as well as for everyone who is looking forward to it.
Another common mistake that most travelers make is they over-pack feeling the need to bring everything they think is necessary for being in the wilderness. However, for your own convenience, it is crucial for travelers to pack smart and light.
To help clarify what to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek, we have created the ultimate packing checklist. While this list is meant to be a guideline and is not definitive, it can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and judgment. Additionally, this checklist can be used for other lodge-to-lodge treks in Nepal or for other high-altitude treks.
What Kantipur Holidays Provide During the Everest Base Camp Trek?
During the Everest Base Camp trek, we provide you with three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accommodation, a sleeping bag, a duffel bag, and a down jacket for all seasons. The porters can carry a maximum of 15 kg or 33 lbs per person which is also the maximum weight limit for a Lukla flight. Thus, be selective about what to bring.
1. Documents
• Trip Blueprint; if you are not carrying an iPhone or any other smartphone
• Passport and Passport Copies; it is mandatory that your passport should have at least six-month validity. Also, bring at least three passport copies.
• VISA; Your Nepal VISA will be available at the airport upon arrival in Kathmandu.
• Photos; 4 to 5 passport-sized photos.
• Immunization; Please consult with your personal doctor before traveling or visit the CDC website for detailed information.
• Travel Insurance; It is recommended that you carry travel insurance that covers trip and flight cancellation and emergency evacuation in the mountains including helicopter rescue and other medical emergencies.
• Cash; You might need around USD $400 in cash
2. Travel Clothing
Headwear
• Brimmed Hat or Sun Cap for sun protection
It's important to wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your head, ears, neck, and face when trekking. This is to protect you from the strong rays of the sun and reduce the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses caused by exposure to harmful UV rays.
• Bandana or headscarf
In the mountains, there is huge traffic of trekkers, local people, yaks, and mules. The trekking trails are generally dusty due to dry weather. So, a Bandana or headscarf will come in handy for protection against dust and sunburn.
• Knit Hat, for warmth
The temperature in the mountains is freezing especially during the evening and morning, So, a warm fleece or a cotton hat is essential to keep you warm.
• Buff/Neck Gaiter
The Buff/Neck Gaiter protects your neck, mouth, and nose from cold weather, dryness, and sunburn.
• Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
This is one of the most important pieces of clothing that is recommended for Everest and other high-altitude trekking in Nepal. They are versatile and useful items to wear during trekking. They are essentially tubular pieces of fabric that can be worn in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits of using a buff or balaclava during trekking include providing warmth in cold weather conditions, protecting the face and neck from the sun and wind, and managing sweat and moisture. Additionally, buffs and balaclavas can be worn as face masks to protect against dust and other environmental irritants, as well as used as a headband or sweatband.
• Headlamp with extra batteries
It's crucial to have a flashlight while staying in lodges during the mornings and evenings, as well as while trekking at night. This is especially important since the toilets are typically located outside the lodges, making a flashlight handy for nighttime visits.
• Sunglasses or Goggles
We suggest wearing wrap-around sunglasses that are dark in color, preferably category 3 or 4, as they can shield you from strong UV rays and ice glare at high altitudes. It's also essential to bring a spare pair of sunglasses.
Bodywear-Torso
• Long Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
For hiking at lower elevations, we recommend wearing lightweight nylon or synthetic fabric pants. One pair should suffice. These fabrics are excellent at absorbing sweat, regulating body temperature, and providing sun protection.
• Short Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
We strongly advise using Merino wool or synthetic fabrics and AVOID COTTON. Bringing 2 short-sleeved and 2 long-sleeved shirts should be sufficient for the Everest Base Camp trek.
• Lightweight thermal tops
This helps you protect against freezing temperatures in the mountains.
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Soft Jacket, fleece, or soft-shell
• 1 – Down jacket (Puffer Jacket)
A down jacket is an essential item of clothing when trekking in Nepal, and we always use one on our adventures. The quality of the down jacket can vary, but we believe that any jacket made of 100% ethically sourced geese down is a must-have for our adventures. All of our down jackets are responsibly sourced and certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Depending on the altitude and type of trek, we choose a down jacket with more or less down fill. Typically, we prefer down jackets with 600 or 800 fill.
(We're happy to assist you in selecting the appropriate down jacket for your trekking adventures. For the Everest Base Camp trek, we supply a cotton patch goose down jacket with 700 or 800 fill to protect you from the cold weather, and we'll assist you in providing the right one for you.)
• Waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Our recommendation for an outerwear jacket is Gore-Tex or a similar type of waterproof clothing. It should be lightweight and come equipped with a hood to shield you from rain, snow, and wind while in the mountains. Wearing this jacket during the day, over your thermal tops, is crucial for your protection.
• Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
• Sports Bra (women)
Handwear
• Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
While trekking in cold weather conditions and at high altitudes, it is important for you to keep your hands warm to protect yourself from frostbite and have a comfortable and safe adventure. To achieve this, you will require a pair of warm gloves for a comfortable and safe adventure.
• Gloves, light (wool or fleece recommended)
Besides a pair of warm and waterproof gloves, it is also recommended that you carry a pair of woolen gloves as well, like the ones worn for skiing. This helps to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. It's also recommended to have a thin liner glove for less severe cold weather or to wear inside the thick outer gloves during extreme temperatures. Moreover, the liner gloves will be helpful when you are taking photos or when you need to remove your hands from the gloves while keeping them warm.
Bodywear-Beneath the Torso
• Waterproof Hiking Pants, breathable (side zipper recommended)
It's advisable to pack one or two pairs of trekking pants that are made of quick-drying synthetic material. Convertible pants that can be zipped off into shorts can also come in handy. Additionally, it's essential to have one pair of waterproof pants that can be worn over your trekking pants in case of rain or heavy snow. These can be made of Gore-Tex or similar waterproof materials.
• Hiking shorts, advised for use on sunny days
• Fleece Pant
During the evening when you reach your hotel/lodges, you would like to change into a fresh pair of clothing. For this, we recommend you carry a pair of warm fleece pants or tracksuit pants. Only one pair will be enough for the Everest Base camp trek.
• Light thermal trousers, moisture-wicking fabric
The Merino wool base layer is recommended. The same pair can be used for 30 different expeditions. A mix of short sleeve and long sleeve Icebreaker 200/260 grade should be sufficient for high-altitude trekking. They can be used for sleeping in, night climbing, and the first layer in keeping your body warm and keeping cold conditions at high altitudes at bay.
• Fleece or woolen pants
Base Layers: We recommend Merino Wool base layers; however, a synthetic material will work as well. You will want one pair of warm bottoms to wear under your trekking pants on the final days of the trek. We would also recommend one or two more long-sleeve Merino/synthetic tops. These will have ‘wicking’ properties to keep you warm when you are cold and cool when you are warm.
• Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
Footwear
• Hiking boots, spare laces, warm, waterproof, ankle support
Hiking boots are an important piece of any trekking or hiking adventure. Your hiking boots need to be comfortable, warm, waterproof, and broken in pairs. Generally, the treks range from a few days to a few weeks long in Nepal. So, your trekking boots need to be water-proof with good quality fabrics. Moreover, a comfortable pair of shoes with great ankle support is crucial to avoid blisters and cramps during the treks. A firmer sole is preferable.
It is important to have a grip on the sole so to avoid slipping. You can use various brands of trekking shoes like Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Mammut, and La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II.
Note: Please make sure to purchase your trekking boots early and break them in. You should never go on trips with new shoes!
• Shoes, Flip Flops, trainers, or running
As we know that trekking is a messy business and your shoes will bear most of the brunt of the environment. So, it is recommended that you carry warm flip-flops or trainers indoors.
• Socks, thin & light
• Socks, synthetic or wool
We recommend Merino wool or synthetic fabric for your socks which will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Please DO NOT carry cotton socks. For around 2 weeks-long adventures, it is better to carry 4 to 5 pairs of thin-liner socks and 3 to 4 thicker socks.
• Cotton socks (optional); when you arrive at the lodges.
• Gaiters, waterproof, “low” ankle-high version
Gaiters are optional but necessary when you are trekking in rainy seasons. They will protect your shoes from scree/mud/snow or rain.
3. Trekking Equipment
• Duffel Bag, 90L, for porters or yaks to carry your stuff*
During the trek, we recommend a duffel bag size of around 90/100 liters (20-22 gallons). Your trekking bag will be carried by porters or yaks. The maximum amount of weight carried by a porter is 15 kg per person
(Kantipur Holidays will provide you with a standard water-proof duffel bag during your trip, which you can take home after the trip completes.)
• Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons
The Everest Base Camp trek is a lodge-to-lodge trek where you will be sleeping in the tea houses. However, it is always better to carry a sleeping bag for your own comfort. The temperature in the Everest region is freezing during the nights, so it’s better to carry to protect against the cold. We recommend that it is rated to -15°C (5°F).
(Kantipur Holidays will provide you with a sleeping bag, but you can bring your own if you can. Also, feel free to bring a liner sheet for the sleeping bag based on your preferences and tolerance towards cold.)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)
Always carry an adjustable trekking pole.
• Daypack, 30L-35L, for your carry
We recommend you carry a small bag pack of approximately 35 liters (8 gallons) for keeping your personal belongings like cameras, money, documents, etc. This should have a waist/hip belt for support and also should have an inner frame for back support.
• Thermosets
The self-inflating mattress is specially designed for camping adventures like peak climbing and camping treks. However, you can bring if you feel like you need it.
4. Accessories
• Day Backpack Cover, for protection, waterproof (optional)
Your bag needs a waterproof cover to protect it from rain and snow. It helps to keep your belongings dry.
• Garbage Bag
A garbage bag is to carry/wrap your clothes/items and also to keep waste.
• Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
Our suggestion is to carry two durable plastic bottles like Nalgene bottles. These bottles can withstand high temperatures, allowing you to fill them with boiling water at night, which can serve as a hot water bottle to keep you warm. Moreover, you can consume water in the morning. It is not possible to use metal bottles for this purpose.
• Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
To ensure that you stay well-hydrated while hiking, it is crucial to use a hands-free hydration system. We suggest using a 2 or 3-liter bladder that you can fill each morning before starting your hike. This will enable you to sip water continuously throughout the day without the need to stop and take a break.
• Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags, or Ziploc -Type Plastic Bags
To keep gear dry and separate
• Book/Diary
It could be useful to bring along a book, diary, or a deck of cards to keep yourself entertained during your free time at the lodges in the evening.
5. Medicine
• Antibiotics; you can bring two types of antibiotics, one for upper respiratory tract infections and another for digestive system infections like abdominal or bowel infections. Please avoid bringing sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants. However, always consult with your GP before travel.
• Painkillers, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Advil
• Cough Lozenges
• 1 – Triangular Bandage
• Foot Powder; Important for keeping your feet in good condition
• Anti-inflammatory Tablets; For any inflammation
• Skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Altitude sickness Tablets; Diamox or Acetazolamide to prevent AMS
• Water purification tablets or water filters; Purification tablets to purify the water along the trails. These can be purchased in Kathmandu. We do not recommend buying water on the trail as there are no facilities to recycle plastic bottles in the mountains.
• Earplugs
• Prescriptions; in case you need to purchase your medications.
• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Sunscreen; We recommend having a Factor 30+/50 + or 70+ based on your skin tone to protect you from the extreme rays at altitude.
• Lip Balm; This is essential to protect you against the fierce sun.
• Insect Repellent; containing DEET
• Hand Sanitizer; This is essential to keep your hands clean on the trail.
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes (recommended); While there are options to shower along the trail, we recommend always bringing a pack of Baby Wipes to keep yourself clean in the wilderness.
• Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional); Bring a few of your favorites: chocolates, nuts, sweets, etc. You can buy some of these items on the trail as well.
• Electrolytes, powder, or tablets (optional); You can bring vitamin C or multivitamin tablets/powders to add to your water. Electrolytes can prove vital to preventing dehydration.
(The Trek Leader will have a group medical kit that includes the items mentioned earlier, as well as additional supplies for various medical issues and emergencies. However, we suggest that you also bring the aforementioned items and keep your personal medical kit with you at all times while on the trail.)
6. Toiletries
Please ensure that you bring all the essential items that you need on a daily basis, such as contact lenses, glasses, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, etc. Additionally, we recommend that you bring a small personal first-aid kit with you. This is just a general guide of what we suggest you include, but you may have other personal items that you need to add to your kit:
• Medium-sized quick-drying towel; We suggest bringing a small sports towel that can dry quickly.
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably bio-degradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably bio-degradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers (optional)
• Toilet Paper; This is in reference to when you need to use the restroom while on the trail. You can either burn the toilet paper carefully or carry a small plastic bag with you to dispose of the toilet paper when you reach the lodge.
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene items
• Small mirror (optional)
(This packing list for the Everest Base Camp Trek will assist you in preparing for your journey to the Himalayas. With the aid of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of what to search for when renting or purchasing trekking equipment in Kathmandu. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please feel free to contact us.)