“What do I need to pack for an Everest Base Camp Trek?” We get this question a lot and have it covered. Your Everest Base Camp packing list needs to be carefully considered because you will have a weight allowance once your trek commences. The mistake many people make it 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. Worse still, most people will have a porter carrying their kit-bag for them so it’s a nice move on your part to try to keep your gear to the essentials. So, what to take and what not take.
This list below outlines the standard clothing we recommend you take for an Everest Base Camp Trek. This list assumes that you will spend around 14 – 15 days travelling in the mountains.
The essentials
- Heavy fleece long sleeve top (Polartec 300 or equivalent)
- Mid weight long sleeve top
- Zip-off full leg hiking pants and additional pair of hiking shorts
- Stretch/lycra type full leg pants
- Thermal fleece style long pants
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
- Thermal long sleeve tops (2-3)
- Thermal long johns (1)
- 2 T-shirts for hiking (polyester or equivalent with good wicking properties – NOT COTTON)
- 2 T-shirts for ‘after hiking’ (cotton is okay)
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with waterproof outer shell
- Lightweight gloves (synthetic or poly-prop)
- Large sun hat (peaked or wide brimmed)
- Warm hat / beanie and neck-warmer
- Underwear (3 – 4 pairs)
- Additional set of thermal underwear (good option as pyjamas)
- 3 – 4 pairs heavy weight woollen hiking socks
- 2 pairs lightweight / thin comfortable socks
- 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots with spare laces
- Runners or sandals for when not hiking
- Bathers for poolside in Kathmandu
Your Everest Base Camp packing list should also include
- Light weight head torch (LED)
- Digital camera
- Backpack (30 – 40 litres)
- Sleeping bag inner sheet (optional but nice)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottles (2 X 1 litre capacity)
- Camelbak (optional but very handy)
- Trekking poles (optional)
- 2 – 3 heavyweight plastic garbage bags for waterproof storage
- Waterproof leucoplast tape or similar for preventing blisters (available at chemists)
- Small personal towel
- Personal toiletries (include soap for washing clothes)
- Portable clothes line (optional)
- Wet wipes (100 plus)
- First aid kit (Optional)
- 1 or 2 books
- Sweets / chocolate (buy in Kathmandu)
- Tissues
You will also need a down sleeping bag, down jacket and sleeping mattress. If you are travelling to Nepal with a reputable tour operator they should be providing these items for you at no additional cost.
Things you DO NOT need on your Everest Base Camp packing list include jeans, jumpers/sweaters, dress shirts, dress shoes, dresses and hair dryers.
Contact us for more information on the ideal Everest Base Camp packing list
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