Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Take On Nepal - Conditions in Nepalese Villages, Take on Nepal, Trekking, Trekking in Nepal, Visitor Experiences, Women Guides

Updated on April 25, 2024

The mistake many people make is having too much stuff. There is nothing worse than carting clothing and equipment with you for 2 weeks (at altitude) in Nepal and ultimately not having needed it. Although your bags will be carried by your porter, it just doesn’t make sense to bring things that you don’t need. Forget about what you have and use in Australia and think in practical terms. Just bring what you need. You will find a packing list here.

We also want to encourage you to purchase items for your trek in Nepal, there are many little businesses in Kathmandu selling everything needed to make it to Everest Base Camp and beyond. We love shopping in Kathmandu as it stimulates the local economy. The items that we recommend you purchase before heading to Nepal include your trekking shoes/boots, thermals and head torch. The items we highly recommend that you save and buy in Kathmandu are your sleeping bag, your down jacket and trekking pants. You will save a small fortune by buying your sleeping bag and down jacket in Kathmandu, all the while supporting local business owners. It’s a win-win!

Some items that we have seen taken that should have been left behind include:

• Hairdryers: trust me, you won’t even be washing your hair during the trek, never mind drying!
• Stilettos: Flats all the way in Nepal, there will never be a time when your heels will come in handy, it just won’t happen.
• Make up: A little bit is absolutely fine but leave your big make up bag at home and bring just the necessities. No one looks their best on the trek and there’s no need to, you are amongst the mountains for 12 days and nobody cares what you look like.

Now on to the items that are easily forgotten but if you bring them, life will be so much easier for you on the trek:

• Baby Wipes: These will be your shower for the duration of your trek, you will use your wipes ALL THE TIME! Do not forget to pack them as they will be your all and everything.
• Sunglasses: The glare will get to you if you don’t bring good quality, polarised sunglasses. If you forget to bring yours there is a chance to buy them at the trading town of Namche.
• Sunscreen: Even in Winter the sun will shine and you can get sunburnt. Make sure to be sun smart during the trek
• Snacks: Chocolate, chips, lollies, dried fruit…all of these items will keep you going during the tough days when you need a bit of a boost between your meals.
• Toilet Paper: 2-3 rolls will be enough to get you through the trek, toilet paper is not provided at toilets along the trail or in the trekking lodges.

A porter will carry your backpack, but you will need a daypack to carry things like your water bottle, camera and snacks. We advise you to not overpack your daypack, the lighter you travel the easier the trek will be for you. Happy Packing!

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