Most packing lists for Nepal are organised by season. That is the wrong axis. A January trek to Poon Hill at 3,210 m needs less insulation than an October trek to Gorak Shep at 5,164 m, because altitude drives night-time temperature far more than the calendar does. Pack for the highest night you will sleep at, and the season becomes a detail.
The second thing that shapes your packing is weight. If a porter carries your duffel it must stay under 15 kg, and if your trek starts with a flight to Lukla or Jomsom you have a 10 kg checked and 5 kg hand allowance. Those two numbers should govern every optional item.
The Two Bags System
Almost every guided trek in Nepal runs on two bags:
- A duffel or kit bag (carried by a porter) — sleeping bag, spare clothing, down jacket, toiletries. Soft-sided, no wheels, no rigid frame, under 15 kg. We supply one if you do not have one.
- A daypack (carried by you) — 30 to 40 litres, holding water, waterproofs, camera, snacks, sunscreen, documents, and any layer you may want during the day. Aim for 5 to 7 kg loaded.
Anything you do not need on the trail stays in a locked bag at your Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel, free of charge, until you return. City clothes, valuables, and the half of your luggage that you packed out of anxiety all belong there.
Clothing by Altitude Band
Layering is the whole game. You will be hot climbing in sun and cold within minutes of stopping in shade, often on the same hour of the same day.
| Highest night you will sleep at | Typical routes | What the clothing needs to handle |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3,000 m | Poon Hill, Ama Yangri, Pikey Peak approach, Kathmandu Valley rim | Cool nights near freezing. Fleece plus a light down jacket is enough. |
| 3,000 – 3,800 m | Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley, Namche, Everest View, Tsum Valley | Nights to about -5 °C. Full layer set, proper down jacket, warm hat and gloves. |
| 3,800 – 4,500 m | Annapurna Base Camp, Gokyo, Manang, Makalu, Khopra | Nights to -10 °C. Heavier down, thermal base layers, insulated gloves. |
| Above 4,500 m | Everest Base Camp, Thorong La, Larke La, Three Passes, trekking peaks | Nights to -15 °C or colder with wind. Expedition-weight down, two glove layers, gaiters. |
The core clothing list, which scales with the band above rather than changing shape:
- 2–3 merino or synthetic base layer tops, 2 base layer bottoms (thermal leggings above 3,800 m).
- 1 fleece or light insulated mid-layer.
- 1 down jacket — light below 3,500 m, expedition weight above 4,500 m.
- Waterproof and breathable shell jacket, plus waterproof over-trousers.
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers; one convertible pair is useful on hot low-altitude days.
- 4–5 pairs of wool trekking socks plus 1 thick pair for sleeping.
- Warm hat, sun hat or cap, buff or neck gaiter, liner gloves, insulated gloves or mittens.
- Underwear for 4–5 days — lodges along the main trails have laundry services low down.
Footwear
More treks are ruined by boots than by altitude. Bring waterproof, mid or high-cut trekking boots with ankle support, and walk at least 50 km in them before you fly. New boots bought in Kathmandu the day before departure are the single most common source of blisters we see.
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots.
- Lightweight camp shoes or trainers for lodges in the evening.
- Gaiters for snow above 4,000 m, or for monsoon mud.
- Blister kit — zinc oxide tape, blister plasters, and a needle. Tape a hot spot before it becomes a blister, not after.
Sleeping, Packs, and Gear
| Item | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | -10 °C comfort rating for most teahouse treks; -20 °C for peaks and high passes | Lodges provide blankets, but not enough above 4,000 m. Hire in Kathmandu if you prefer. |
| Sleeping bag liner | Fleece or silk | Adds around 5 °C and keeps the bag clean. |
| Daypack | 30–40 litres with rain cover | Must hold waterproofs, 2 litres of water and a camera. |
| Trekking poles | Adjustable pair | Most useful on descents — the long stone staircases in Annapurna punish knees. |
| Headlamp | Plus spare batteries | Essential for pre-dawn starts and lodges that cut power at night. |
| Water bottles | 2 × 1 litre, or 1 bottle plus a 2 litre bladder | A wide-mouth bottle doubles as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag. |
| Purification | Tablets, filter, or UV pen | See our drinking water guide below — this is a plastic reduction measure as much as a health one. |
| Sunglasses | Category 3 or 4 with side protection | Snow glare above 4,000 m is genuinely dangerous to unprotected eyes. |
| Power bank | 10,000 mAh or more | Charging costs money and is slow at altitude; cold drains batteries fast. |
First Aid and Toiletries
Your guide carries a comprehensive group kit and, on high routes, a pulse oximeter and emergency medication. Your personal kit covers what is specific to you.
- Any prescription medication, in its original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
- Painkillers — paracetamol or ibuprofen, which also handle altitude headache.
- Rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal tablets, and a course of antibiotics if your doctor advises one for travellers' diarrhoea.
- Throat lozenges — the dry air above 4,000 m gives almost everyone the Khumbu cough.
- Blister care, plasters, antiseptic cream, and tape.
- High-SPF sunscreen (factor 50) and SPF lip balm. Sun at 5,000 m burns through cloud.
- Hand sanitiser, quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, and toilet paper.
- Women: tampons or pads, plus sealable bags to carry used items out.
If you take Diamox for altitude, read our altitude sickness guide first and discuss the dose with your own doctor before travelling.
What to Buy or Hire in Kathmandu
Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara both have dozens of gear shops. Quality ranges from genuine brand stock to convincing copies, and prices are low. What is worth buying locally:
- Worth buying: duffel bags, down jackets for a single trip, trekking poles, gloves, hats, buffs, socks, water bottles, sun cream, lip balm, and snacks.
- Worth hiring: sleeping bags and down jackets — typically a few dollars a day, and sensible if you will not trek again.
- Bring from home: boots, waterproof shell, base layers, prescription medication, sunglasses, and anything that must fit properly.
Budget half a day in Kathmandu before departure for this. Your guide will run a kit check the evening before you leave, which is the point at which anything missing can still be fixed.
What to Leave Behind
- Jeans and cotton t-shirts — they hold sweat, chill you, and take days to dry.
- Hard-sided suitcases. A porter cannot carry one and a Lukla flight will not take it.
- Drones, unless you have arranged written permission. They are restricted in national parks and around airports.
- More than one book. Weight adds up and lodges swap paperbacks.
- Heavy camera kit you would not carry up 600 m of stone steps. One body and one zoom is the practical limit.
Two more notes. Carry your cash in Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara — there are no ATMs on the trails. And keep a photograph of your passport, permits, and insurance policy offline on your phone.
