What to Pack for Trekking in Nepal And What Not to Bring

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, we have eight of the highest mountains in the world), 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 is. 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. 

 

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.

 

 

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 find. 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 light cotton socks as a base. 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 cotton 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

Makes sure they have a high UV filter. Again, check out those outdoor shops.

 

Water Bottle

Carry your own! Never rely on anyone else for water in the mountains! Bottled water may be for sale in some areas but not in others. Carry your bottle or water pouch/ bladder and sterilize tablets or drops.

 

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 to 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 – you won’t find them on the trail.

 

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. 

 

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.’

Buffer 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. And where you can, there will most likely be a small charge. 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.

 

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.

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. Your trekking agency can provide you with one for the trek. Or you can hire 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 back for days on end, keep the weight down to around 8 – 10kg. Even if you have a porter, please don’t burden him. He will carry several clients’ bags at one time.

 

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; inside, 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 or older travellers by their sparkling new pants and jackets!