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🧥 Clothing – Layering is Everything
Base Layers (moisture-wicking)
- 1 synthetic or merino wool t-shirt
- 2-3 long-sleeve base layers
- I took more long sleeve sun-hoodie type of tops than t-shirts, as suggested here. I found they provided sun protection and it was colder than I anticipated, so I did not wear the t-shirts I brought
- 2–3 pairs of moisture-wicking underwear and bras
- 2–3 pairs of merino wool or synthetic hiking socks
Mid Layers (insulation)
- 1 lightweight insulating zip up (Softshell)
- I recommend zip-ups over pullovers for any trekking or hiking – they’re easier to take on and off, and control temp better with the full zipper.
- 1 down or synthetic insulated jacket (“puffy”)
- 1 parka
- Make sure this is loose enough to fit over all of your under layers (base layers, insulated zip up, and puffy). You can usually rent these from the trekking company, these are only worn at the higher elevations.
- 2 trekking pant (1 lightweight and 1 heavier weight, both quick-drying)
- 1 warmer pant (fleece or sweatpants that could be worn under trekking pants if necessary. You can wear these to lounge in the tea houses or sleep in)
Outer Layers (weather protection)
- Sun hat or cap
- Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
- Warm hat (beanie)
- Lightweight gloves + insulated/windproof gloves
- Buff or neck gaiter
🥾 Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots (water-resistant)
- Do not buy new shoes and attempt to break them in on the trail! These should be well-worn and comfortable.
- Comfortable camp shoes (Crocs, sandals, or comfy, lightweight runners)
- Sandals can also double as shower shoes
- 1 pair thick wool/synthetic socks (great for sleeping or lounging in)
Other Gear
- Luggage lock for airport luggage left in Kathmandu at the hotel
- 25–35L daypack with rain cover
- Make sure you use this before you go so that you are comfortable with the fit and carrying about 15-20lbs
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C/14°F)
- You can usually rent these from the trekking companies. I rented mine and also brought a lightweight sleeping bag liner, which doubled as an airport blanket
- 2- 1L wide-mouth Nalgene bottles
- Nalgene bottles are lightweight and can carry both hot and cold liquids
- Snacks (bars, nuts, candies) & electrolyte tablets
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- I know there are rechargeable headlamps, but at higher elevations, you have to pay to charge items in the tea houses and it takes a long time. If you have a phone and an external charger, a rechargeable headlamp is just another thing you need to pay to charge. Keep in mind with batteries that cold weather drains them quicker.
- Collapsable trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Camera or phone and external charger
- Passport (keep on you)
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🧼 Toiletries & Meds
- Sunscreen + lip balm (high SPF)
- Wet wipes/deodorant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Trust me on this, there are no towels available at the higher, colder elevations and you need to be able to dry off
- Travel-size soap/shampoo/conditioner
- Toilet paper (essential!)
- Toilet paper is not available in the bathrooms. You can buy this on the trek at tea houses, but its nice to at least start out with some just in case you forget
- Personal meds
- Ibuprofen, electrolytes, anti-diarrheals stored in Pill Organizer
- Blister care (moleskin, band-aids, etc.)
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Optional, but Nice to Have
- Lightweight book or journal
- Dry bags for organization
- Playing cards for downtime
- Headphones or AirPods
- Rain poncho
- If weight allows:
- Extra base/mid layers
- Thermal sleepwear
- Extra socks/underwear
- Luggage scale
- Bag weight is important for not only the flight to Lukla, but also for the porters. It is nice to have this at the Kathmandu hotel to know that you are at the correct weight before starting the trek
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🎒 Daypack Essentials
These are the items from above that I would suggest carrying in your daypack on the trek. Depending on weather and guide suggestions for the day, I would change out clothing and layering items in your daypack.
- 25–35L daypack with rain cover
- 2- 1L wide-mouth Nalgene bottles
- Snacks (bars, nuts, candies) & electrolyte tablets
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Sunscreen + lip balm (high SPF)
- Collapsable trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Camera or phone and external charger
- Hand sanitizer & toilet paper
- Passport (keep on you)
🧳 Duffel Bag Gear (carried by porter)
These are the items from above I would recommend you pack in your duffel bag which is carried by porters on the trek. Keep in mind these items are not accessible during the day, and you can only access them once you reach the tea house at the end of the day
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C/14°F) and liner
- Extra base/mid layers
- Thermal sleepwear
- Extra socks/underwear
- Parka at lower elevations (default to guide’s instructions)
- Slippers or sandals
- Travel towel
- Toiletries (such as shampoo, shower soap, toothbrush etc.)
If you stay extra days in Kathmandu, bring versatile clothing for the city as this is mainly a suggested packing list for the trek itself. Most trek companies allow you to leave behind your airplane luggage with unneeded items inside. I would recommend a lock for your luggage, but still do not leave any valuables.