Pack for a teahouse trek in Nepal around two weights. Your main duffel should stay near 10 kg, because on our treks one porter carries the bags of two trekkers, about 20 kg in total. Your daypack should stay near 4 to 6 kg. If you fly to Lukla, the airlines allow 15 kg per person, 10 kg checked and 5 kg hand luggage. Bring layers rather than bulk: base layers, a fleece, a down jacket, a waterproof shell, broken-in boots and a sleeping bag for anything above about 3,500 m. Leave the jeans, cotton, spare shoes, hair dryer and anything valuable in your Kathmandu hotel, and rent the down jacket, sleeping bag and poles in Thamel or Pokhara for about USD 1 to 3 a day each.
- Main duffelAbout 10 kg (one porter per two trekkers, about 20 kg)
- Daypack4 to 6 kg, 25 to 35 litres
- Lukla flight limit15 kg per person: 10 kg checked + 5 kg hand
- Porter limit30 kg maximum (International Porter Protection Group)
- Rent in ThamelDown jacket, sleeping bag, poles: about USD 1 to 3 a day each
- Full gear checklistList of Trekking Gear and Equipment
Are you planning a mountain expedition? A trek to Everest Base Camp / Annapurna Circuit Trek / Mardi Himal Trek / or any other trekking in Nepal? A jungle safari to Chitwan National Park? A cultural tour? Or mountain biking in Nepal? Or perhaps a combination of the last four.
I assume if you are planning to scale Everest or a similar-sized mountain (and yes, eight of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks are in Nepal or on its borders), then you are a mountaineer and planning your trip with a very experienced agency and crew. I leave your packing to the experts.
As for the rest of us, the essential point is to pack light.
When trekking, either you carry your pack for days, or a porter does. Either way, it’s not necessary to carry too much. You will not be changing your clothes very often, if at all. Believe me!
Your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara will store any other luggage while you trek.
This page is about how to pack: weights, what to leave behind, what to rent and how the season changes the bag. For the item-by-item list, use our trekking gear and equipment checklist.
The season you come might also influence what you bring. The best seasons to visit Nepal are spring and autumn. But some trekking, adventures, and cultural trips can be made year-round. For example, we can do short treks around Kathmandu and short treks around Pokhara year-round.
Since the country is excellent for family tours in Nepal and small group tours, adapt the following list of things to bring to fit your children.
How Much Weight Can You Bring?
Three numbers decide the size of your bag. The first is the Lukla flight. Tara Air, Sita Air and Summit Air allow 15 kg per person on the Lukla run, split into 10 kg checked and 5 kg of hand luggage, and anything over is charged per kilo or sent on a later flight (see our Lukla airport guide). The second is the porter. The International Porter Protection Group sets 30 kg as the most a porter should carry, and on Swotah treks one porter takes the bags of two trekkers, about 20 kg in total, so your duffel needs to come in around 10 kg. The third is your own back. Carrying everything yourself on a two-week trek, aim for 8 to 10 kg including water.
| Bag | Target weight | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Main duffel (porter carries) | About 10 kg | One porter per two trekkers, about 20 kg |
| Daypack (you carry) | 4 to 6 kg | Water, layers, snacks, camera, first aid |
| Lukla flight allowance | 15 kg total | 10 kg checked + 5 kg hand luggage |
| Self-carry, no porter | 8 to 10 kg | Heavier than this wears you down by day four |
A soft duffel of 60 to 80 litres works better than a hard suitcase, because porters tie two bags together and carry them on a head strap. Put a padlock on it and a waterproof liner inside.
What to Pack for Trekking in Nepal
There are high-altitude treks such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and trekking peaks such as Island Peak and Mera Peak.
Then there are lower altitude treks, such as the off-the-beaten-track, and Homestay Treks in Nepal, such as the Millennium Homestay Trek.
In general – for lower altitude treks in the spring and autumn, you will need less warm clothes as it will be warm in the daytime. But you will still need something warmer for nights.
At higher altitudes, you will need more layers of warm clothing.
Here is a list of essential items you will need for your trek.
- Baselayers
- Long-sleeved shirt/ T-shirt
- Hiking pants
- Rain/ windproof jacket
- Rain/ windproof pants
- Fleece jacket
- Insulated jacket
- Trekking boots/ footwear
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- First Aid Kit
- Other personal items
- Electronic equipment
- Optional items
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping sheet
- Backpack
- Day pack
Base Layers
You are going to want some perfect thermal undergarments. Both long-sleeved, high-necked vests (often women’s come with a scoop neck for wearing at home, nope, not that one) vest and long leggings. Please make sure they are both lightweight and warm. Those from a good trekking/outdoor shop are better than those from general clothes shops. For shorter treks, one set will be enough. If you are heading out for longer on the trail, you might want to bring another set.
Long-Sleeved Shirt
There are many excellent, light, comfortable dry shirts on the market. Again, check out your local outdoor shop. I don’t like shirts – all those buttons, but I guess if you buy one large enough, you can slip it on and off over your head without undoing the buttons! T-shirts will work as well at lower altitudes.
Hiking Pants
Once again, tons are on the market. Lightweight and easy dry. Some have those zippers, which means you can turn them into shorts instantly!
Rain/ Wind Proof Jacket and Pants
Even if you are coming when there will be no rain, you never know! Plus, foggy mornings and snowy trails produce enough moisture to wet you. And yes, there will be wind! Ensure you get the pants big enough to fit your regular hiking pants and the jacket big enough to fit over your fleece.
I don’t recommend an all-in-one waterproof suit. Not as easy to move around, and you might want to go pee at some point in the day.
Fleece Jacket
A fleece jacket is a must. Some people also like fleece trousers, excellent around the teahouse in the evening. Trousers are up to you but a jacket! You are going to be wearing this item a lot! If it has a lot of pockets with zips, it is better to keep small items on you and safe during the time on the trail.
Insulated Jacket
If you go to higher, colder altitudes, you might want a lightweight insulated jacket.
Trekking Boots/ Footwear
Probably an essential item! Buy boots well before arriving in Nepal and wear them, wear them, wear them! New boots can be killers on the trail. Make sure they have enough room to fit in two pairs of socks (try before you buy). Waterproof ones are good for walking through shallow streams or snow. They should support your ankles and foot well. Check reviews from customers online before settling on a pair.
Some people like to bring felt boots or flip-flops to wear in the teahouse. I found that eventually I wore the boots the whole time. But it is good to give your feet time to breathe if you are doing an arduous or long trek.
Socks
Bring thin liner socks in merino or a synthetic as a base, not cotton, which holds sweat and causes blisters. And then heavy wool socks for warmth. Again check out those outdoor shops at home for great trekking socks. I would bring 2 or 3 pairs of liner socks and at least one change of wool socks, depending on the length of your trek. Going high, you might want to get thinner trekking or thermal socks for extra warmth underneath the wool socks.
Gloves
Wool for underneath and in the teahouse. Thicker ones for when it’s freezing. Waterproof is excellent in damp climates.
Hats
If you are trekking at low altitudes, it will be sunny. Even high in the mountains, you will need sun protection even if it doesn’t feel hot. So a sun hat is excellent. For the cold and in the teahouse, a warm, over the ears hat is a must. And make sure your hat isn’t flying off in the wind.
Sunglasses
Make sure they have a high UV filter, category 3 or 4 for snow and glacier light. Again, check out those outdoor shops.
Water Bottle
Carry your own! Never rely on anyone else for water in the mountains! Carry your bottle or water pouch/ bladder and sterilize tablets or drops.
Bring a 1-litre bottle you can fill with boiling water at night (it doubles as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag) plus a second bottle or a bladder, and treat everything that isn't boiled with tablets, drops, a filter or a UV pen. Since 2020 the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality has banned plastic drink bottles and plastics thinner than 30 microns in the Everest region, and most lodges along the main trails sell boiled or filtered water for refills. Our article on trash on the trail explains why that matters.
Toiletries
Keep them to a minimum. Liquid soap that doubles as a body wash and shampoo are great. You will not wash your hair often, if at all, so don’t worry about that! Deodorant? Why bother – it will take up weight, and you will be sweaty all over. Toothbrush and toothpaste - yes. Washcloth and lightweight towel. I wouldn’t say I like those micro towels and would instead carry a small, light but regular towel. Women – bring any personal sanitary items – they are hard to find once you leave the bigger villages like Namche.
First Aid Kit
Your guide will carry a first aid kit, but having a small one is handy. Band-Aids, bandages, something for blisters, sun cream, after-sun cream, headache pills, and any medicines you usually take. Please bring any extra vital medicines in case of delays on the trail.
Altitude medicine such as acetazolamide (Diamox) is a decision for your doctor before you travel, so ask about it at your pre-trip check-up. Our altitude sickness guide covers the symptoms and how fast to climb.
Other Personal Items
You will want a torch. A headlamp is the best, which allows you to go hands-free.
Snacks such as chocolate and biscuits might make the trek more bearable during stressful moments! Fruit/green teabags are also handy to give a ‘taste of home.’
Buff or small scarf to keep your neck extra warm!
Trekking poles. These are essential items if you are going for a longer trek over rough terrain, where it is steep, wet, or snowy. Or if you are over a certain age!
This brings me to knee and ankle supports. Bring them!
Electronic Equipment
Phone and charger.
Camera and charger.
Remember, you won’t be able to charge everywhere. Lower lodges often charge for free or cheaply, but above Namche expect about USD 3 to 6 to charge a device, and Wi-Fi costs about USD 3 to 10 a day (more in our guide to internet on the trek). Cold drains batteries fast, so keep your phone and power bank inside your sleeping bag at night. Bringing a backup battery is worthwhile. Consider a solar charger, although I think they are more for an emergency than regular charging.
If you are thinking of a drone – think again! Special permission is required. Please ask your trekking agency.
Drones have to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and flying inside a national park such as Sagarmatha needs written permission from the park authorities as well. Getting both takes weeks, and a drone flown without them can be confiscated at a checkpoint. For a normal trek, leave it at home.
Optional items
Even when sleeping in comfortable lodges, I like my sleeping bag! That’s just me. It gives extra warmth and comfort, not to mention being clean. You can rent sleeping bags in Thamel or Pokhara if you don’t want to buy a new one.
On low treks a bag is optional, since lodges give you blankets. Above about 3,500 m it stops being optional. Teahouse bedrooms have no heating, and nights at Gorak Shep fall to -15 to -25°C in winter, so you want a bag rated to about -10°C in spring and autumn and about -20°C from December to February. Swotah lends a sleeping bag and down jacket on its Everest Base Camp trek, so check what your agency includes before you pack your own.
Sleeping sheet – this is a great compromise. Clean! It can go inside a sleeping bag if your agency is providing one for camping treks. Or just a light cover on lowland treks/ tours.
Backpack
If you are not the kind of person who has a backpack already, don’t worry. Many agencies lend a duffel bag for the porter, so ask yours what is included. Or you can hire a backpack in Thamel or Pokhara. If you are buying or hiring, make sure it comes with a rain cover. And has wide straps so as not to cut into your shoulders. My backpack is 50ltr, but it doubles as my carry-on (with no other luggage) when travelling in Asia. This is, of course, not full, but around half full to double it and secure it very tightly. If you are trekking and have not experienced carrying your own pack for days on end, keep the weight down to around 8 – 10kg. Even if you have a porter, please don’t burden him. On our treks he carries the bags of two trekkers, about 20 kg in total, and the International Porter Protection Group puts the ceiling at 30 kg (see our guide to hiring guides and porters).
Day Packs
I would suggest buying your own. It will also serve as a remarkable memory of your trek! Some agencies may even give you a free one with their logo as a keepsake. Large enough to hold your water bottle on the outside, with room inside for your extra gloves, hat, snacks, and whatever else you need for the day. Small notebook record info or make sketches? Map? Your first aid kit, or a small part of it? Rain gear if you are trekking in the monsoon. Lots of outer pockets are good.
What Not to Bring on Your Nepal Trek?
No need to bring anything fancy to ‘change into in the evening.’ No one is changing into anything other than piling on more clothes! If you want to, bring pajamas, but you are likely not taking off that final layer in bed. Also, don’t take anything expensive on the trek. You don’t want to lose or break it. The hotel in Pokhara or Kathmandu will lock up your belongings for you.
In general, Nepal is not a trendy country. Even going out in the evening in Thamel or Lakeside, you will see more trekking boots than high heels, more fleeces than lounge jackets - you get the picture.
It would also be great if your trekking gear looks a little worn! It’s always easy to spot first-time trekkers by their sparkling new pants and jackets!
Leave These in Kathmandu
| Item | Why it stays behind |
|---|---|
| Jeans and cotton clothes | Heavy, slow to dry and cold once wet |
| A second pair of boots or heavy shoes | Light camp sandals or lodge slippers do the job |
| Hair dryer, straighteners, large electronics | Lodge power is limited and charging costs extra up high |
| Jewellery, spare cash, passport originals you don't need | Hotel safe in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Carry a passport copy and the permits |
| A drone | Needs registration and park permission, see above |
| Full-size toiletries and bottled water | Decant into small bottles. Refill water instead of buying plastic |
| A hard suitcase | Porters can't carry it. Use a soft duffel |
Rent or Buy in Thamel?
Kathmandu's Thamel district and Lakeside in Pokhara are full of trekking shops, and renting the bulky, expensive items makes sense for a single trip. A 2024 rental guide put sleeping bags at about USD 1 to 2.5 a day depending on quality and down jackets at about USD 1.5 a day, and shops usually ask for a deposit. Rates move, so check in person. Buying locally made gear is cheaper than at home, roughly USD 50 to 80 for a down jacket and 60 to 90 for a sleeping bag, but quality varies a lot.
| Item | Our advice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Boots | Bring from home | They have to be broken in before the trek |
| Socks and base layers | Bring from home | Fit and fabric matter, and they're light |
| Sleeping bag | Rent, or use the agency's | Bulky, and a -20°C bag is expensive for one trip |
| Down jacket | Rent, or use the agency's | Needed only in the evenings and up high |
| Trekking poles | Rent or buy locally | Cheap, and awkward in hold luggage |
| Microspikes (winter) | Buy or rent in Thamel | Easy to find before a December to February trek |
| Duffel bag | Ask your agency first | Many lend one for the porter |
How the Season Changes Your Bag
From December to February, add a sleeping bag rated to about -20°C, a heavier down jacket, insulated gloves and microspikes for icy sections above Dingboche or on the passes. Sunny days near base camp sit around -5 to 0°C (our winter Everest guide and January trekking guide have the full temperature tables). In the monsoon, from mid-June to late September, the priorities flip. Pack a rain cover and a dry-bag liner, quick-dry clothes, leech socks or salt for the lower forests and a spare pair of socks for every day, or head for the rain-shadow treks in our offseason trekking guide. Spring and autumn need the standard kit, plus a light shell for the odd afternoon storm.
Packing for Teahouse Life
Bedrooms are unheated plywood boxes with two beds and a blanket. The dining room has a stove, lit in the evening, and that is where you'll spend your time. A few things make it easier. Keep your evening layers, head torch, power bank and toilet paper in the top of the duffel so you aren't unpacking everything in the cold. Bring cash in small rupee notes, because above Namche you pay for charging, Wi-Fi, hot showers and boiled water, and card machines are rare. Earplugs help with thin walls.
Two companions to this list: our women's guide to packing under 10 kg, and the rule that saves every overpacker: down jackets, sleeping bags, and poles all rent cheaply in Thamel and Pokhara, so when in doubt, leave it out. For every item on one page, see the trekking gear and equipment list.
Packing for Nepal FAQ
How heavy should my trekking bag be in Nepal?
Keep the main duffel to about 10 kg if a porter carries it, and your daypack to 4 to 6 kg. On Swotah treks one porter carries the bags of two trekkers, about 20 kg in total. If you carry everything yourself, 8 to 10 kg including water is a sensible ceiling.
What is the baggage limit on the Lukla flight?
15 kg per person, made up of 10 kg checked and 5 kg hand luggage. Excess is charged per kilo and may fly on a later plane, so pack to the limit and leave the rest at your hotel.
Do I need a sleeping bag for a teahouse trek?
For treks above about 3,500 m, yes, because bedrooms aren't heated. A bag rated to about -10°C works in spring and autumn, and about -20°C in winter. You can rent one in Thamel, and Swotah lends one on its Everest Base Camp trek.
Can I buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Thamel and Pokhara's Lakeside have dozens of shops. Sleeping bags and down jackets rent for about USD 1 to 3 a day each, usually with a deposit. Bring boots, socks and base layers from home.
Can I bring a drone on a trek in Nepal?
Only with paperwork. The drone must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and flying in a national park needs written permission from the park authorities. Without both, it can be confiscated.
