Six trips’ worth of packing experience, condensed into one practical list.
Packing for Nepal stresses people out more than it should. You don’t need much specialized gear, and almost everything you’re missing can be rented or bought cheaply in Kathmandu. Here’s what actually matters.
The Golden Rule
Pack light. Your porter carries your main bag and there’s a weight limit, typically 15 kilograms. Everything you overpack is weight your porter carries through the mountains. Be thoughtful about it.
Clothing
Base layers (2 to 3 sets). Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool. Avoid cotton entirely. It holds moisture and cools down quickly.
Hiking pants (2 pairs). Lightweight and quick-drying. Zip-off pants that convert to shorts are useful at lower elevations.
Fleece mid-layer. You’ll wear this constantly in the evenings at teahouses and on cold mornings.
Down jacket. The most important piece of clothing on the list. Get one rated for a serious cold. At Gorak Shep and above, temperatures drop well below freezing at night. Don’t bring a thin packable jacket and expect it to be enough.
Waterproof outer shell. A lightweight rain jacket and waterproof pants. The weather in the mountains changes fast.
Thermal underwear. One set for sleeping and cold mornings above 4,000 meters. I enjoy fleece pants for tea-house evenings.
Hiking socks (4 to 6 pairs). Merino wool preferred. Your feet will thank you.
Warm hat and gloves. Essential above Namche. Bring a light liner glove and a warmer outer glove.
Sun hat or buff. For lower elevations and sunny days on exposed ridges.
Footwear
Hiking boots. Waterproof, ankle-supporting, and fully broken in before you arrive. This is the most important gear decision you make. New boots cause blisters at altitude and that’s a miserable way to spend two weeks.
Camp sandals or light shoes. For teahouses in the evenings. Your feet need a break from boots.
Gear
Daypack (28 to 35 liters). You carry this on the trail every day while your porter takes your main bag. Should hold water, snacks, a layer, and your camera comfortably.
Trekking poles. Strongly recommended. They protect your knees on descents and help with balance on uneven trails. Collapsible poles travel well. Be aware that these will likely need to be checked luggage.
Sleeping bag (rated to minus 10 Celsius). Teahouses provide blankets but they vary in quality. Your own bag means you sleep warm regardless of the teahouse. Can be rented in Kathmandu.
Headlamp with extra batteries. Essential. Power goes out in teahouses and you’ll use it every morning.
Water bottle or hydration system. Bring a reusable bottle. A filter bottle or purification tablets mean you’re not buying plastic on the trail.
Portable power bank. Charging at teahouses costs extra and isn’t always reliable at higher elevations.
Sunglasses. UV protection is serious at altitude. Get proper mountaineering-grade lenses.
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. You’ll burn faster than you expect above 3,000 meters.
Health and Hygiene
Personal first aid kit. Blister care, pain reliever, antidiarrheal, antihistamine, and any personal medications.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes. Hot showers are available at lower elevations but become scarce and expensive higher up.
Toilet paper. Carry your own. It’s not always available at teahouses.
Electrolyte packets. Add to your water to replace minerals lost through sweating and help with hydration at altitude.
Documents and Money
Passport. Valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Cash in USD. You can exchange at Kathmandu airport and in Thamel. ATMs exist in Namche but not reliably beyond. Bring enough cash for tips, personal purchases, and trail expenses.
Travel insurance documents. Carry a printed copy with the emergency contact number. Your guide should have a copy too.
What You Can Skip
Heavy camera equipment unless photography is the primary purpose of your trip. A good smartphone handles most mountain photography well.
Multiple books. One is enough. Teahouses have a slow pace and you’ll sleep more than you expect.
Fancy toiletries. Travel-size basics only. Nobody on the trail is judging your skincare routine.
What to Buy or Rent in Kathmandu
Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist district, has dozens of gear shops selling branded and locally made equipment at prices far below US retail. If you’re missing a sleeping bag, poles, or warm layers, you can sort it out there. Budget a few hours on your first day to walk the shops.
Questions About Gear or Packing?
Happy to give you a more specific list based on which trek you’re planning and what time of year you’re going.
Email: corfu11@gmail.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +1.763.234.0690
Published by Derik Goodman Sales and Operations, North America, Thirdrock Adventures
nepaltrekkinginsider.com 