It is essential to carry correct clothing and equipment while trekking in Nepal. Correct clothing and carrying essential equipment are very important for a safe and enjoyable trek.
Sometimes packing too much or too little can spoil your trip. So you need to know how much is too much or too little. The number of items of clothing you should pack will depend on how long or at which time you will be trekking. For example, for the Everest Base Camp trek, you will need more clothes than Poon Hill trek, as it is a much longer trek.
In Nepal, most of the trekking starts from the lower altitude in moderate temperatures to higher altitudes in cold temperatures. Thus, it is better to do dress in layers so that you can change your clothing with the variation in temperatures.
Normally, you start your day trekking in a light sweater or tracksuits. During sunny days, you may feel comfortable in T-shirts and shorts. Then, later on, you may have to put on a tracksuit, down jacket, warm pants, hats, and gloves as the temperature falls.
The following Nepal trekking packing list is a general guideline. You can use this list as a guide. The personal items are of your individual interest and choice.
Adjustments for this list can be done according to your needs, interests, season and duration of your trip.
Packing List of Essentials For Climbing Mountains
Climbing in the mountains of Nepal requires a specific set of clothing and equipment. Please browse through our detailed list of items that are crucial for a journey you’ll never forget.
Climbing Equipment
Ice Axe
Climbing mountain is nowhere near easy. You must carry an ice axe to pierce through the thick snow and climb your way up the mountains. An ice axe with an appropriate length lets you ascend with a grip. We recommend you to carry a lightweight axe that does not add weight while climbing.
The length of this equipment depends on your height. For instance, if your height is under 5′ 2″, your ice axe should have a length of 50 cm.
Crampons
A crampon is an equipment that you can attach to your footwear for friction between your shoe and the snow. It let you cross glaciers, ice fields, and ice-covered rocks without slipping.
A simple crampon with toe harness is perfect, provided that it has a clip-on design.
Climbing Helmet
Climbing mountains can usually include falling of stones and rocks. A climbing helmet protects your head from this type of danger.
The helmet should not be more than 4 years old. It should be adjustable so that there’s some room for your warm beanie.
Climbing Harness
The climbing harness you bring should be lightweight and include leg hoops and waist that can hold your entire body.
You have to tie the harness to a rope during your climb. It should be flexible to fit with a variety of clothing combinations.
Belay/Rappel Device
Connect your body harness to different ropes using this belay device. For your ease, we recommend you to get an ATC style. Or you can get other sizes if you’re familiar with it.
Locking Carabiners – 3
It would be best if you had this equipment to attach your body harness to the belay device. You simply need 3 twist-lock carabiners for the purpose.
Non-Locking Carabiners – 3
Non-locking carabiners are used to connect several ropes together during the climb. Three pairs of this device are enough. But, make sure they are lightweight.
Mechanical Ascender
A mechanical ascender is attached to a rope while climbing. They allow you to ascend further without having to put much effort. You only need one such device.
8mm Cord/16mm Tape
The purpose of the cord and tape is to attach your harness to the mechanical ascender. You need to make a leash that connects these devices and a cord perfectly.
Long Prusik
A prusik is a knot that is used for attaching several cords to a single rope. For climbing purposes, a long prusik with a 6mm cord works great.
You need to take a 3.2 meters long rope, that will later be used as a prusik for rescuing purposes.
Avalanche Transceiver
It is a device used solely for safety purposes. During an avalanche, you can receive signals from avalanche victims utilizing this device.
Pick a simple device that is easy to use. A 457MHz standard model or digital avalanche transceiver will do the job.
Body Wear
Waterproof Shell Jacket
A shell jacket that’s of waterproof fabric protects you from the harsh climate. Pick one with a water-resistant zip and chest pockets.
The jacket should not be too long, or it may cause difficulty in connecting your harness with the holding cables.
Waterproof Shell Trousers
The waterproof shell trousers for climbing must allow you to take big steps easily. They must include full-length zippers that let you put the boots and socks on or off.
Expedition Down Jacket and Trousers
These types of clothing provide the highest protection from the utmost cold. Wear an expedition down jacket and trousers to fight the cold. Purchase a separate pair of this type of jacket and trousers for flexibility. An all-in-one bodysuit is difficult to manage.
Midweight Insulated Jacket
This type of jacket is made with synthetic insulation that prevents heat loss from your body. During freezing cold temperatures, waterproof jackets are just not enough.
Fleece Tops and Trousers
Wear fleece tops and trousers as inner wears under the insulated jacket. A lightweight fleece top maintains thermoregulation. Few zipped pockets in these clothes let you store small items safe during the climb.
Base Layers – Top and Bottom
The thermal base for the top should be thin. They may or may not include a zipper. For the bottom, take a few pairs of long underwear. Besides, carry a thermal thin trouser for further heat loss prevention.
Foot Wear
Snow Gaiters
A long snow gaiter prevents stones and pebbles from entering your boots. Search for a gaiter that extends from the middle of your boot to the top of your calf muscle.
Mountaineering Boots
Bring along a pair of boots for mountaineering purposes. The high-altitude mountaineering boots are designed specifically for climbing up more than 8000m of mountains.
It would be best if you got the most comfortable boots with a removable liner and one that provides enough room for your toes.
Down Bivvy Boots
You cannot wear mountaineering boots while sleeping in your bag or inside the tent. For this, you need down bivvy boots that have lightweight and water-resistant properties.
Head Wear
Warm Hat
Your hat should be warm enough to provide protection from the freezing cold. It should be very tight, so it won’t fly away due to high winds.
Ski Goggles
Carry a pair of goggles that are the right fit for your face. If you’re wearing prescription glasses, then these goggles should be able to hold it inside.
Carry at least two pairs of goggles, one with a polarized lens and the other with an amber lens. This protects your eyes from different situations.
Hand Wear
Fleece Gloves
This type of gloves provides protection to your fingers from cold. You can wear these for adding grip while climbing.
Mountaineering Gloves
This type of gloves is great for climbing with ropes. Search for a durable model that is waterproof and fits right.
Expedition Mittens
These gloves provide the best protection from cold, though it cannot offer grip while climbing. You can wear wrist loops to prevent it from blowing away.
Camping Gear
Down Sleeping Bags
This type of sleeping bag lets you sleep almost anywhere during your climb. The bag should include insulation and also should include some moving space for you.
Foam and Inflatable Sleeping Mat
These two types of sleeping mats provide insulation from snow while sleeping on such high altitudes. You can place your sleeping bag above these layers.
Random Accessories
Headlamps
This device lights up your surroundings without the need for a torch. But, make sure to bring some extra batteries with this device as well.
First Aid Kit
Carry a first aid box with essential medical items, such as blister skin, crepe bandage, paracetamol, etc.
Tool Kit
Some of the portable tools like swiss knife and lighters can definitely come in handy in such isolated places. Make sure to carry a box with you to place all these items.
Packing List of Essentials For High Land Trek
The highland treks of Nepal include Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and similar others.
To trek on the high lands of Nepal, you need to be prepared well.
Feel free to go through our essential list of items for this type of trek.
Clothing
Thermal Shirts
A few pairs of thermal shirts can prevent heat loss during your trekking. Please make sure they are flexible and comfortable to wear, even at high altitudes.
T-Shirts
Carry a few pairs of cotton fitting t-shirts as your base layer. Wear extra pairs of long t-shirts to be safe from cold.
Waterproof Down Jacket
An insulated waterproof jacket can keep you warm no matter how much snowfall there is. Make sure you wear all inner layers of clothes to prevent heat loss.
Thermal Trousers
These types of trousers should be worn as innerwear. They should be thick enough to prevent heat. However, it must allow some flexibility for movement.
Trekking Pants
The pants you wear for trekking must be durable. If you carry a zip-off trouser, then it’s even better. You can adjust it based on the outdoor temperature.
Warm Hat
Get yourself a woolen hat that covers your entire head, including ears. Also, wear a scarf to protect your neck as well.
Gloves
Make sure you wear double gloves to prevent frost-bite at higher altitudes. You can take the outer layer off when you feel warm.
Trekking Socks
Carry a few pairs of socks that keep your feet warm at such high altitudes. You can wear two pairs of socks together as well.
Hiking Boots
Don’t trek with casual shoes! They might work for low altitude, but not for high land treks. Search for shoes that feature a firm grip and provide enough room for your toes.
Gears and Equipment
Large Backpack
You need to carry all these packing items into a durable backpack. Make sure you bring a single bag instead of multiple tiny packages.
Rain Cover
Keeping your backpack safe during rainfall might be quite an issue if you’re not prepared beforehand. Get a rain cover that fits perfectly with your bag.
Sleeping Bag
Keeping yourself warm at such a high altitude should be your first priority. Thus, take a sleeping bag of your size, and don’t forget to carry silk liner with it.
Water Purifier
We cannot guarantee that the random water sources you may encounter will provide you fresh drinking water. So, carry a tiny water purifier, such as the Steripen.
Headlamps
Don’t forget your own headlamp. Do make sure each one in your group has one. It lets you walk safely in case you have forgotten your way in the dark.
Trek Map
If you don’t have a guide with you, you can get lost in the mountains. Take a detailed trek map that outlines where you need to go and what landmarks you’re going to meet.
Accessories
Hydration Bladder
Take a bottle of water, or a hydration bladder, to prevent dehydration at such high altitude. You need to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to regain energy after such a long trek.
Sunglasses
Select a 100% UV protected pair of sunglasses to safeguard your eyes from strong UV rays at a higher elevation.
Towel
A small-sized quick-drying towel can really come in handy. You need to dry yourself off fast after every shower.
Portable Charger
Bringing some electronic devices for your travel is a good idea. However, make sure you have a portable charger in case you need to use your devices to contact someone.
Camera
To take pictures, a huge DSLR is not practical for this trek. So, carry a portable sports camera, such as a GoPro, SLR, and mirrorless cameras.
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
Carry all your necessary toiletries based on your preference. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lip balm, tissues, deodorant, razors, tampons, etc. are a few items that you might need.
First Aid Kits
Safety is crucial. Make sure you carry painkillers, rehydration salts, Imodium, bandaids, and an antiseptic liquid. Keep these products inside a portable first aid box.
Packing List of Essentials For Low Land Trek
There are numerous trekking destinations in Nepal. If you’ve chosen Poon Hill trek, Langtang Valley Trek, or similar low land treks, you need to pack items that are different from that of highland treks.
Most of the low land trekking destinations do not have freezing cold weather. You can keep away from packing bulky clothing items to keep yourself warm.
Below is a packing list of items that you need for low land trekkings.
Clothing
Hiking Pants
Get a comfortable and flexible pair of pants. You can carry multiple pairs of these because you cannot wash them during the trek.
Lightweight Shorts
You can pack a few pairs of comfortable shorts to wear during sleep. Since you’ll be sleeping in a lodge, you won’t have to bother about the cold at night.
T-shirts
Hiking for such long hours will increase your perspiration. So, carry multiple pairs of t-shirts, one for each day.
Hat
You need to protect your hair and face from the sunlight. So, make sure to pack a hat.
Fleece Jacket
These places don’t get very cold during the summer season. However, it is better to be prepared in case the climate gets worse over time.
Pack one fleece jacket that protects you during the colder climate. At the same time, it keeps you warm in case of rainfall during summer days.
Wind Jacket
Some of the low land trekking locations have strong winds. Get yourself a wind jacket that protects you from wind, storm, and rainfall. When it’s sunny, this jacket can prevent the harsh UV rays.
Hiking Shoes
Your shoes must match the environment of your trek. Hiking shoes are the best option because they’re durable in any weather or location.
Accessories
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated retains your energy during your trek. Carry a bottle with a capacity of at least 1 liter of water.
Small Backpack
A backpack is necessary to pack the essentials for your trek. But, don’t carry a heavy backpack as it may make your trek difficult due to the extra weight on your back.
Gloves
You may feel as if you aren’t going to need gloves during summer days. But, it’s better to be prepared. So, do carry thin gloves just in case.
Towel
Though most of the guesthouses provide you with towels, you can pack a small-sized towel for personal use during your walk. Also, if you don’t prefer using someone else’s towel, a mini towel can come in handy.
Slippers
Whenever you’re taking rest, you might want to wear lightweight slippers. So, make sure you carry a pair because wearing hiking shoes for a long time can cause blisters.
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
Carrying toiletries is a must whenever you’re traveling. Do not forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. Do make sure that they’re travel-sized.
First Aid Kit
Get a tiny first aid kit that won’t take much space in your backpack. Include medical items and medicines in case of any emergencies.
Dust Bin Bag
You don’t want to pollute the area you travel, right? So, carry a medium-sized dust bin bag and empty it every day when you stop for taking rest.
Final Words
As we come to an end, we figure you now have a clear understanding of what should go on your packing list. Remember – Less is more!
Especially in the case of the low land trek, you don’t have to carry a sleeping bag and its related item. This type of trekking lets you spend nights comfortably inside your hotel room.
But, make sure you carry all the crucial elements for climbing mountains.
Make smart decisions on what to carry and what not. We hope you have an unforgettable and thrilling adventure in Nepal.
Namaste!
