Packing right for a Himalayan trek is as important as physical preparation. Too much weight slows you down and adds fatigue; too little leaves you cold, wet, or unsafe at altitude. This packing list is based on the kit our guides recommend to every Eco Holiday Asia trekker heading into Nepal’s mountains.
Note: Most gear can be rented cheaply in Kathmandu’s Thamel district. You do not need to buy everything before you arrive.
Clothing: The Three-Layer System
The key to comfort in the Himalayas is layering. Temperature swings of 20°C between midday and midnight are common above 4,000m.
Base Layer (next to skin)
- 2–3 moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts (merino wool or synthetic)
- 2 pairs thermal long johns / leggings
- 3–4 pairs merino wool or synthetic trek socks
- Lightweight liner gloves
Mid Layer (insulation)
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater (mid-weight)
- Insulated down jacket or vest (essential above 3,000m)
- Lightweight fleece trousers (for camp use at altitude)
Outer Shell (wind and rain protection)
- Waterproof, windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- Waterproof over-trousers (lightweight)
Day Trekking Wear
- 2 pairs convertible zip-off trekking trousers
- 2–3 lightweight short- or long-sleeve trekking shirts
- Sun hat with wide brim
- Warm beanie hat (wool or fleece)
- Insulated waterproof gloves
- Neck gaiter or balaclava (for high altitude)
- Buff / neck warmer
Footwear
- Trekking boots: Waterproof, ankle-supporting, well broken-in before you arrive — this is non-negotiable. New boots cause blisters on day one.
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes: For teahouse evenings
- Gaiters: Useful in monsoon or post-monsoon mud; essential in snow above 4,500m
- Wool or expedition socks: Pack more than you think you need
Trekking Equipment
- Trekking poles (2) — can be rented in Kathmandu; invaluable on descents and snowy passes
- Headlamp with extra batteries or USB rechargeable (power cuts are common)
- Daypack (20–30L) for carrying water, layers, and camera during the day
- Main duffel bag (60–80L) for porters to carry
- Sleeping bag rated to −15°C for high routes; −5°C for lower treks
- Sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece) adds warmth and hygiene
Hydration and Nutrition
- Water bottles: Two 1-litre bottles or a 2L hydration bladder
- Water purification: Iodine tablets, SteriPen UV, or Sawyer Squeeze filter. Buying plastic bottles on trail is expensive and environmentally harmful.
- Trail snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate. Teahouses provide meals, but snacks are useful when a section runs long.
Technology and Electronics
- Smartphone (offline maps via Maps.me or AllTrails; WhatsApp for communication)
- Camera or use your phone — lightweight mirrorless cameras suit most trekkers
- Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) — teahouse charging is available but unreliable at altitude
- Universal power adapter (Nepal uses Type C and D sockets)
- Waterproof dry bags or zip-lock bags to protect electronics
Documents and Money
- Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Nepal visa (on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport; bring USD cash or card for the fee)
- Trekking permits: TIMS card and national park entry (Eco Holiday Asia arranges these)
- Travel insurance certificate showing emergency helicopter evacuation cover
- Enough Nepali rupees for teahouse drinks, tips, and personal expenses (ATMs thin out above Namche Bazaar)
- Emergency contact card (laminated) in your daypack
First Aid and Medications
- Blister pads and moleskin (Compeed works well)
- Ibuprofen / paracetamol for pain and fever
- Oral rehydration salts (essential for altitude and diarrhoea recovery)
- Diamox (acetazolamide) for altitude sickness prevention — consult your doctor before use
- Antidiarrheal medication (Imodium)
- Antibiotic for stomach infections (prescribed; ask your GP before travel)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — UV radiation at altitude is intense
- Lip balm with SPF
- Eye drops (dry dusty trails)
- Antiseptic cream and plasters
Toiletries and Hygiene
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo (teahouses have very limited facilities)
- Small quick-dry towel
- Hand sanitiser (wash water is scarce at altitude)
- Toilet paper and a small trowel (for above-treeline sections)
- Wet wipes (shower substitute on long days)
What to Buy or Rent in Kathmandu
Thamel district has dozens of outdoor gear shops, both genuine brands and good-quality Nepal-made alternatives. You can save significant luggage space by renting or buying locally:
- Rent: Trekking poles, sleeping bags, duffel bags, down jackets, crampons
- Buy (if needed): Socks, base layers, gloves, beanies, hydration bladders
- Note on brands: North Face, Arc’teryx, and Osprey are available in certified shops; avoid unmarked markets for critical safety gear
What NOT to Bring
- Jeans — heavy, slow to dry, cold when wet
- Jewellery or valuables beyond a basic camera
- More than 2 weeks of clothing (laundry services exist in Namche Bazaar and Lukla)
- Single-use plastic bottles — use your reusable bottle and filter water
Need a Custom Packing Briefing for Your Trek?
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