It is what you pack inside your bag that determines how your Everest Base Camp trek in March, April & May is going to be. The Everest Base Camp trek takes you from altitudes of 1380m to 5550m. Thus, you need to pack a mixture of light, warm clothes to heavy, cold weather clothes.
Along with these, you need to pack the right gears and supplies. You also need to keep the weather conditions in mind.
March is the beginning of Spring Season in Nepal. April is one of the best and most beautiful months to do treks in Nepal. Packing for these months can be different from your regular trekking essentials.
To help with this and make it slightly easier, here is a compiled and detailed list of things.
Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List- March, April & May
The given list is a recommended list. The packing list is not definitive. You are certainly encouraged to customize it to suit your needs and preferences.
Clothing
Base Layer (2 quick drying long sleeved base layer shirts and 2 quick drying full pants)
This is the first layer of clothing in the higher altitudes and colder parts of the trek. March is the beginning of spring. You may encounter some snowfall during the first 2 weeks of March.
Hence, having a comfortable and warm base layer is essential. Make sure you pack a pair or two more than the recommended for the beginning of March.
By April, spring will have settled in well. Hence, the recommended number is good.
Insulation Layer (1 Fleece Jacket and 1 Fleece Bottoms)
The insulation layer is the second layer. This layer is usually made from fleece or similar materials. This lightweight material is warm yet breathable. These warm and soft layer is great for cold nights as well. For early March, you can bring an extra pair. For April, the recommended pair is suitable.
For April, you can also opt for sleeveless puffer jackets or gilets.
Third Layer (1 wind/rainproof outer layer- jacket and pants and 1 insulating jacket)
This is the outer core layer. It consists of a warm and waterproof jacket and trousers. This is a good investment piece. It lasts a long time and can be useful for all types of cold weather.
For April, thick jackets are optional. For early March, these are great for the cold mornings and snowy days.
General Trekking Clothes
You will also need regular hiking clothes along with the three layers.
Trekking Trousers and Shorts (1 pair of hiking trousers and shorts or convertible hiking trousers)
For early March, you can replace the shorts with the trousers. The weather during the day will be a warm 7 degrees Celsius. Your legs may be too exposed in shorts. For April, this is good.
Trekking Shirts (2 long and short sleeve shirts)
Make sure the shirts you take for your trek are not made from cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture which may cause discomfort, odor, rashes. Also, check if they are of moisture-wicking fabric. These should be lightweight, breathable and easy to dry.
For March, make sure you have longer sleeve shirts. For April, a good balance between the two is great.
Waterproof Shell Jacket and Trouser (A good waterproof shell jacket and trouser)
The risk of rain or snow in April is very low. So, this is optional.
For early March, this can be good too in case of snowfall.
Inner Garment (5 pairs of Underwear and 2 sports bra)
All of these need to be breathable and moisture wicking. You don’t want cotton innerwear on your Everest Base Camp trek. You don’t want ones that absorb sweat, smell and cause rashes.
Unlike regular bra, a good pair of sports bra provides the right support needed for long walks. These moisture-wicking material is super easy to wash and dry. In case you want to wash and reuse your underwear at teahouses.
Headwear
Hat
You will need a good, wide brim hiking hat that offers protection from the sun. Best options are ones that are lightweight, easy to pack and cover your neck.
Both March and April have average daytime hours 7-8 hours. These hours are when the sun is out. You need to protect yourself from the harsh sun during your Everest Base Camp Trek.
Beanie
A beanie is a must for the cold nights and early mornings of your Everest Base Camp Trek. These come in handy in the higher altitudes. For early March, you will be using this on the lower altitudes as well. So, an extra beanie can be great for a change, wash.
Neck Gaiter
A buff, neck gaiter is great to protect your face, neck from the elements. It is cheap, light and easy to pack. It also keeps you warm. For early March, you can opt for a balaclava for the higher altitudes.
Gloves
Your hands are one of the most exposed parts of your body. You will want to keep them warm during the colder segments of the trek.
Inner Gloves
These are light and warm. They are perfect for intricate tasks such as tying shoelaces, doing up your zippers. For early March, this is a must for the high altitudes of your Everest Base Camp Trek.
Outer Insulated Gloves
The outer gloves must be warm, waterproof and durable. They should keep your hands nice and warm. These must be suitable for sub-zero temperature. You will face this temperatures in both March and April on the high altitudes of Everest Base Camp Trek.
Footwear
Having a good pair of footwear can make or break your trekking journey. Make sure you have the following footwear for a comfortable and safe Everest Base Camp Trek.
Hiking Boots
A pair of hiking boots with ankle support is great for any trek. Make sure they are comfortable and well worn-in before setting on your trek. While buying or trying on a pair, do so with your trekking socks on.
Find a pair that is light to mid-weight hiking boots. Make sure it has deep cut traction and is waterproof. This is essential for your trek in March.The trails can become wet and muddy from the snowfall. Having a good ankle support and good grips is essential for a safe trek.
Trekking Shoes / Sandals (1 pair of trekking shoes and sandals)
A pair of trekking shoes and sandals are great to relax your feet in after the day’s hike. These are great to explore the tea houses in Everest Base Camp route. These are good for bathroom breaks and resting in the cafes or restaurants after the walks.
Find trekking sandals that you can use with your socks on. You will not want to remove your socks in the colder weather of the high altitudes.
Hiking Socks (5-6 pairs of hiking socks)
Choose good hiking socks that are breathable and moisture wicking. Make sure you have enough pairs to last the trip. Having an extra pair doesn’t hurt. You can sneak in socks anywhere in your backpack easily.
Warm Thermal Socks (1 or 2 pairs of Thermal socks)
Thermal socks are slightly thicker than trekking socks. Thermal socks are essential for the cold weather, especially at higher altitudes. In March, you may need extra pairs. You will be using these from a lower altitude than in April.
Gaiters
Gaiters cover the ankle-high opening to your boots. These prevent water, mud, pebbles, and leeches from getting into them. For April, gaiters are not essential. For early May, having a pair can be great.
Bags and Backpacks
Duffel Bag
If you hire a porter, a duffel bag is the best option. Make sure your duffle bag is durable and weather resistant. The duffle bag should be large enough to hold anywhere from 70L-90L. This size is perfect for Everest Base Camp Treks.
Backpack
If you are carrying your own luggage then a good and sturdy backpack is the right option. The backpack should be large enough to hold all your belongings.
For Everest Base Camp, a 50 to 65L Backpack should be perfect. Make sure it has easy access holders for your water bottle and other things you need during the walk. These include documents (permits, visa), snacks, cash that you need for the day.
Daypack
You will need to carry some of your own essentials during the trek even if you do have a porter. These essentials include a water bottle, snacks, extra layer, and other personal items or things that you need during your trek of the day.
Raincover
Make sure you bring a cover for your bags- duffle bag, backpacks. This protects your bag from the elements- rain, dust, snow, wind, insects. Make sure it is the right size for your bags. You need this for March, April & May. It helps keep your belongings clean.
Dry Bag
Dry bags are great to separate your clean clothes from the dirty ones. In March it also acts as an extra barrier against the snow.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag
Most of the tea houses on the Everest Base Camp trek do not have central heating and the rooms are not well insulated. The tea houses do provide blankets if you need them. Having a sleeping bag with an insulated hood is great for extra warmth.
Sleeping bags can help to keep warm during the colder weather in the higher altitudes. For April, a warm 4 season sleeping bag with at least -10 degrees Celsius is enough. For March, you need something a bit warmer.
Liner
A liner provides an extra layer of warmth for the cold nights. It is also easier to change and wash.
Ear Plugs
The rooms in the tea houses are generally not sound proof. If you are a light sleeper, earplugs can come in handy. They help block out snores, loud noises, wind howls.
Trekking Equipment and Supplies
Trekking Poles
Lightweight, packable trekking poles are perfect for the trek. The trekking poles help reduce the impact and stress on your joints and knees.
During early March, the trails can be wet and muddy from the snowfall. The trekking poles come in handy during these times. For April, the trekking poles are not mandatory yet are great for balance and support.
Sunglasses (A pair of UV sunglasses)
Make sure to carry a good pair of UV protecting sunglasses. The glare from the snow-covered peaks and the bright sun during the day are harmful to your eyes. You should choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection and at least 80% light reduction glasses.
Headlight
A headlight is easier to use and carry than a flashlight. Make sure you have a good headlamp with backup batteries. Most of the tea houses in Everest Base Camp are poorly lit. Hence, a headlamp comes in handy for getting around the tea houses at night, early mornings.
Water Bottle / Hydration Bladder
Staying hydrated is key to a safe and comfortable trek. It also reduces the risk of dehydration and altitude sickness. Having a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder is also environmentally friendly. It also reduces the cost of mineral water bottles.
During March, April & May, the temperatures at high altitudes of Everest Base Camp Trek can be below freezing. As such, you should also have a good quality flask. These prevent the water from freezing.
Lock
During March, April & May, the number of trekkers will be significant. Having a lock for your bags can be a good idea to keep your belongings safe and secure.
Toiletries and others
Towel
Lightweight and easy to dry towels are a must for Everest Base Camp trek. These do not occupy much space. It also dries fast so you don’t end up with wet, smelly towels.
Pee Funnel
Toilets may be difficult to find on the higher altitudes. Having a pee funnel is a great option. You can answer the call of nature without having to control your bladder for long time.
Sunscreen
Make sure you have sunscreen lotion for your face, exposed body parts and lips.
For trek in March, April & May, you can carry a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 and UV rated lip balm.
Baby Wipes, Hand Sanitizers
These are great for a quick cleanliness and refreshment. These are also easy to use and carry. In April, you may have to queue for taps, these come in handy at these times as well.
Toiletries
- Travel sized toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner
- Toothbrush
- 2 rolls of toilet paper: Not all toilets on the Everest Base Camp Trek will have them.
- Multi-purpose Soap
- Female hygiene products: Not easy to find on the trails.
Technology and Entertainment
Camera
Everest Base Camp trek may be a once in a lifetime adventure. You will definitely want to capture and document your time in the Himalaya. Along with fabulous memories, these can be great memorabilia to gift to your friends and family. Having a good camera can definitely help enhance this need.
Portable Charger
If you are bringing any electronics with you on Everest Base Camp Trek, be sure to have a USB charger. This way you will always have the means to recharge. Some tea houses do have charging facilities. These are not reliable at all times. In March, April & May, you may have to queue and pay for this facility.
Books
Books or a Kindle is a great way to spend your free time. On Everest Base Camp trek, you will have free afternoon and evenings for most days.
Cards
Cards are a great way to mingle with the rest of the trekkers in the tea house. In March, April & May, you will not have trouble finding someone to play with. It is a great way to get to know one another and spend your free time.
Documents
Passport
Always make sure you have your passport with you at all times. Also, bring a few copies of your passport. These come in handy to get local sim cards, permits, registration and so on.
Money
Make sure you have enough local currency to last you for the duration of the trek. ATM’s and cards are not reliable on the trek. Most tea houses, cafes and restaurants do not accept cards.
Insurance
A good travel and trekking agency will not indulge you without a good insurance.
This is a great safety precaution and is a must for high altitude treks such as Everest Base Camp Trek.
Make sure you get your insurance from your home country and is up to date. Make sure it includes emergency evacuation and rescue. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable and can change in a moment. It should also cover high altitude treks such as this in Nepal.
Medications
Water purification tablets
Make sure you purify all the water you drink on your Everest Base Camp trek. This is a safety precaution against water contamination. You can buy these from Kathmandu or bring them from your own country. These can be iodine tablets, water purification gels, steripens.
Isotonic Powder
Isotonic powder helps replace lost electrolytes and keeps you fit and healthy. You can add it to your water for the energy boost.
First Aid Kit
Some tour group or guide carry adequate first aid items with them. Yet, you can bring your own for safety. Make sure to include common medications like paracetamol, imodium. Also, include Diamox. On high altitude treks like these, Diamox can come in handy to prevent the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness. Also, bring any medications recommended by your doctor.
Plasters
- Blister plasters- For small cuts and blisters
- Regular fabric plasters
Oximeter
Gives you on the spot read on oxygen saturation and heart rate. You can easily measure the effects of altitude on your body with this device.
Final Say,
The given list is a detailed packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek in the spring season. Hence, it is long and detailed.
You can use this list for most treks in Nepal in March, April & May. Having appropriate equipment, supplies and clothing are essential for a successful trek.
You are free to contact us for any feedback or queries or questions.
