Annapurna Sanctuary

Travel Advice Nepal Packing List

  1. Homepage
  2. Kandoo's blog
  3. Travel Advice

Nepal Trekking - What to Pack

The Nepal packing list below is based on our personal trekking experience in Nepal and is a guide built over numerous treks in a variety of different regions. As the list is long and detailed, we recommend bookmarking this page as a future reference point. This packing list can be used for all hiking and trekking routes in Nepal, including the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp and the Langtang Trek.

Although this packing list can seem daunting and potentially heavy, many of the items listed below can be purchased or rented locally at Kathmandu, Lukla or Namche. Please note that local equipment is sometimes not up to scratch for any severely cold weather that you might encounter on the higher parts of your trek.


You can also read one of our guides about avoiding altitude sickness in Nepal.

This Nepal packing list is comprised of gear that we have personally used or had recommended to us by experienced trekkers. We believe this gear provides the best value for money whilst also delivering the best performance.

Basecamp in front of the Dhaulagiri

Nepal packing list - Clothing

When trekking in Nepal, the most important thing to remember in regards to clothing is layering. As you ascend and descend in altitude, the weather changes dramatically making the ability to layer up or down very important. This is emphasized more if you plan on trekking in the winter months as temperatures get well below zero at higher altitudes and you will need warm clothes.

We recommend three key layers when trekking in Nepal.

Base Layer

Often termed your skin layer or base layer, this is a hugely important layer needed during the colder sections of your climb.

The base layer clings to your skin and reduces airflow whilst allowing moisture to escape via its high wicking material. Reducing airflow means keeping your body heat trapped and is therefore perfect for the cold. Base layers will most likely not be needed on the lower sections of your hike.

The base layer we recommend is made by Smartwool. Providing market-leading lightweight, merino wool clothing, Smartwool are also very affordable.

1 x upper and lower base layer should be sufficient for a standard 12 day trek.

Second layer

The second layer, also known as the insulation layer, sits above your base layer and usually comes in a fleece material.

Whilst you can get a second layer for your legs, we believe that only a second layer for your upper body is needed as you will be wearing trousers.

For your torso, Kandoo recommend the Polartec 200 Fleece Jacket. This particular jacket is ideal for trekking in Nepal as it is lightweight, provides great warmth and yet allows good moisture release (breathability). We have recommended the 200 model as the 100s are not warm enough for the higher reaches of the Himalayas, whereas the 300s are slightly too heavy!

Third layer

The third layer, also known as the outer core layer, is a warm, waterproof jacket and trousers that you wear on the upper reaches of your mountain treks in the damper and colder sections.

There's a wide range of good quality jackets in this space, but from personal experience, we would recommend either the North Face Nuptse Jacket - a top of the range option, or the North Face Resolve Jacket which is a slightly more affordable option. Whilst the performance of the Nuptse jacket is amazing, the cost is high. However, this would be a lifetime investment as the Nuptse jacket should last you years! Although performance is slightly less, the Resolve is the cheaper option and is still a great all year-round jacket that is both lightweight and affordable.

Other good brands worth considering include Patagonia and Mountain Hardwear.

When purchasing trousers, look for warm, fleece-insulated ski pants. Trouser brands we personally recommend include Trespass, Helly Hansen or O'Neills.

General Trekking Clothes

In addition to the 3 layers mentioned above, you will also require trekking shorts and trousers. We have found that convertible trousers, like the trekking trousers produced by Craghoppers, are a great option as they save you cash on purchasing actual shorts.

When trekking all day you'll no doubt get a bit of a sweat up! Therefore, we recommend bringing at least 4 to 5 trekking t-shirts which you will almost certainly wear daily. Make sure your t-shirts are lightweight and breathable. Shirts by Hanes are a good option, as is anything from Icebreaker. Try to avoid cotton material shirts as they absorb moisture and make trekking quite uncomfortable!

Rain Clothing

When trekking in Nepal it is likely you'll encounter rain, especially on the lower sections of your trek and if you are trekking near the rainy season from June to September. Therefore, a full-body lightweight rain coat or poncho is essential. The rain coat should be easily accessible and be able to fold up very small for ease of carrying.

Breathable Underwear

Make sure your underwear is lightweight and breathable like your base layer. We recommend bringing at least 6 pairs of breathable sports underwear, and for women, 3-4 comfortable sports bras.

Clothing to avoid on your trek

Jeans: Jeans are very uncomfortable to trek in, they absorb water, let all the heat out of your body and are very slow drying!

Cotton: Cotton material clothing absorbs moisture, blocks breathability and is slow drying.

Trekkers on the Annapurnas Circuit

Nepal packing list - Headgear

Below we have listed the important headgear items for your Nepal packing list.

Sun Protection Hat

Trekking in Nepal can get hot, especially in the summer months. A sun hat with face and neck protection is therefore an essential item for any Nepal packing list. Make sure your hat is lightweight, breathable and can be packed away into a tight space. We always recommend trekking hats that provide neck cover. Here are some popular trekking hats.

Beanie or Head Band

The temperatures will get low on the higher sections of your trek, particularly in the afternoons and evenings where Himalayan temperatures drop dramatically. A warm fleece beanie or fleece headband are therefore vital for staying warm. The North Face and Berghaus produce great beanies, in our opinion.

Balaclava, Neckband or Buff

Like a beanie, these are a great option in the low temperatures, particularly in winter where night time temperatures at Everest Base Camp can get below - 30 degrees Celsius! These are some recommended examples - we would suggest Mountain Warehouse Balaclavas.

Sunglasses

Due to altitude and snow glare, UV intensity is relatively high in the Himalayas. We recommend bringing a good pair of 100% UV protection sunglasses with a minimum of 80% light reduction. Julbo sunglasses are considered the market leaders in the trekking sphere.

Headlamp

Although you should avoid trekking at night, sometimes this cannot be helped, particularly at Kala Patthar where you will be need a headlight for your early morning trek. Many of the remote campsites in Nepal have no electricity and your headlamp will often be the only source of light you possess - particularly important for night time toilet breaks or after dark reading. We recommend Petzl Tikka headlamps. Make sure you bring spare batteries or a power bank.

Nepal packing list - Gloves and trekking poles

Keeping your hands warm throughout your trek is important. There are the 2 types of gloves we recommend taking - both are listed below. On any mountainous trek you will want trekking poles which we have also highlighted below.

Outer Gloves

Your outer gloves need to be waterproof, warm and very durable. We recommend Gore-Tex gloves by Dakine.

Inner Gloves

Like any base layer, it is essential that your inner gloves are quick drying, light-weight and made from fleece material. Your inner gloves, like your base layer, acts as another skin layer. Kandoo recommend Pearl Izumi Thermal Lite Gloves which can also be worn as standalone gloves when the weather is slightly milder. Karrimor also produce great liner gloves.

Trekking Poles

A good set of trekking poles will reduce the impact on your joints and particularly your knees by up to 20%. This is especially beneficial when descending as the impact on your body increases exponentially. We suggest purchasing adjustable lightweight trekking poles that are simple to store, versatile and durable - around 350 grams per pair is about right. Black Diamond trekking poles are brilliant.

Nepal packing list - Footwear

Below we discuss the six pieces of footwear that are essential to any Nepal packing list

Hiking Boots

Probably the most important item in your Nepal packing list, your hiking boots are what gets you from A to B. Getting the wrong size boot will impact heavily upon your trek and make you seriously uncomfortable. It is vital that your boots fit correctly and are well worn in. The simplest way to check for a good fit (although this not work for everyone) is to put your foot in the unlaced boot and push your foot as far as it goes forward - if you can then fit your index finger snugly between your heel and the back of the boot then that is about right. If it is not snug, but fits in easily then your boot is too large. Alternatively, if you can't fit your finger in then your boot is too small.

When purchasing a boot make sure you look out for key characteristics:


·        Make sure your boot is not too heavy. Full leather boots are generally too heavy, however, partial leather boots are usually okay.

·        Make sure your boot is high top for good ankle support with deep lug rubber soles for excellent traction.

·        Check out the lacing system, make sure it incorporates speed hooks or d-rings for quick lacing and more secure ankle support.

·        Finally, make sure it's waterproof! No one likes to hike with wet feet.

These are some of our recommended hiking boots. Top brands include Berghaus, Karrimor and Hi-Tec.

Make sure your trekking boots are broken in properly before undertaking your Nepal trek. We recommend walking at least two long distance treks in your new boots before leaving for Nepal.

Trainers (Trekking shoes)

When you arrive at your lodge you'll want a basic pair of run-around shoes. Trekking sandals with warm socks are also a super-comfortable way of getting around your camp or lodge. These are some trekking shoes and trekking sandals we very much recommend.

Trekking Socks

You'll need at least 4 or 5 pairs of good quality hiking socks. We suggest Coolmax as they are very breathable and great for wicking. Please remember, do not buy cotton socks as these will almost certainly bring on nasty blisters.

Thermal Socks

For the colder parts of the trek you'll need a couple of pairs of thermal socks. We suggest Smartwool thermal socks as they are super warm, really comfortable on the feet and have flat seams as supposed to raised seams that sometimes result in blisters. Other brands to consider include Wigwam and Bridgedale.

Gaiters

Gaiters are a waterproof cover that extends from your calf down to your boot and are used to prevent elements like water, mud, stone and dust from entering your boot. There are various different types of gaiters out there but all do very similar things, we therefore have no real preference. These are some example gaiters you can look at. We would recommend going for a mid-range gaiter.

Microspikes

Great for giving you extra traction in unexpected snowy conditions. Particularly useful when crossing the Cho La Pass on the Gokyo Lakes trek. Easy to fit to your boots and light to carry in your rucksack.

Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour

Nepal packing list - Bags

Duffle Bag

Your bag size will very much depend upon your trekking itinerary. If you are trekking with a tour operator like Kandoo, porters will carry most of your gear. If this is the case then we would suggest taking an 80L duffle bag. The best duffle bags are waterproof and made from a laminate material. Your bag will need strong and durable zippers that can also be locked. Make sure you bring a small lock to secure your bag. Also look out for easy-to-access shoulder and hand straps. 

Rucksack

If trekking solo or without the benefit of a porter you will need to take a rucksack. We recommend a mountaineers style backpack with top opening. Black Diamond mountain backpacks are an ideal choice.

Daypack

A daypack is an essential item. With porters carrying most of your gear, you'll still want to take a lightweight daypack to carry personal items such as sunscreen, camera, hat, wallet, passport, snacks etc. An ideal daypack will have compression straps to reduce the weight and stress on your back. Make sure your pack has side pockets to allow for your water bottles. The Osprey Talon is our recommended daypack.

Raincover

To save your personal items getting wet, you will need to bring a raincover for your daypack. Remember to get one that fits your particular daypack of choice -Osprey Talon do a great raincover.

Nepal packing list - Sleeping accessories

Sleeping Bag

A warm sleeping bag is critical. As we have already noted, nights in Nepal, particularly the mountain regions, can get extremely cold! We strongly suggest a duck or goose down sleeping bag, however, they are quite pricey and if you would like to save money there is the option of a synthetic sleeping bag. If you do go for synthetic then please make sure that it has a warmth rating of at least -10 degree C. The best sleeping bags are mummy shaped with an insulated hood and that fits the contours of your body. We would also suggest buying a sleeping bag with a two-way zipper for greater insulation. Here are some brilliant mummy shaped sleeping bags. We personally suggest Highlander, Coleman and Mountain Hardwear.

If you decide to rent a sleeping bag, Kandoo can organise this for you before your trek.

Other Sleeping Accessories

Ear plugs - After a long day hiking you really don't want to be kept awake all night by load snoring or unfamiliar sounds. Ear plugs are essential for any light sleeper. If you want extra comfort at night you could also consider bringing your own inflatable pillow.

Nepal packing list - other accessories

Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder

Dehydration can be very dangerous at high altitude and altitude sickness can often be prevented by keeping well hydrated. Make sure to drink between 2 and 3 litres of water every day. Depending on your backpack, you have the option of taking two standard 1 litre water bottles or one 2L hydration bladder like the Platypus Hydration Bladder.

Trekking Towel - A small to medium sized trekking towel is useful for drying off after a quick clean. Discovery or LifeVenture provide good, quick-drying trekking towels.

Small Locks - For the security of your backpack or duffel bag.

Pee Bottle or Funnel (optional) - Any woman who has needed to pee at night in sub-zero temperatures will be well aware of the benefits of a pee bottle! See Freshette Pee Funnels.

Book / Kindle - If you really want to get into the mood of high altitude trekking in Nepal then bring some reading about it. Our favourites are Ed Viesturs No Shortcuts to the Top and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. Warning - the books can be addictive and somewhat unnerving!

Waterproof Ziplock Bags - To keep essentials like wallet, passport and electrical items dry and secure.

Camera / Video camera - The scenery and vistas you see on your trek in Nepal will be simply breath-taking and you won't want to forget a minute of it! We advise all our customers to purchase a camera before trekking in Nepal as there is literally nowhere else like it. Here are a few recommended Digital cameras. Please note that your camera needs to be light but still good enough to capture super high-quality images. If you want to video your trek then we seriously suggest getting a GoPro Hero 4 as they're super light, super high quality and super cool!

Playing Cards - There are no TVs in the lodges you'll be staying in in Nepal. Luckily playing cards are a great and very social way to keep you and your fellow hikers entertained.

Duct tape or Compeed - Although we try to avoid them, sometimes blisters still find us.

Notebook / Journal and Pen - Why not chronicle your incredible experience.

Nepal packing list - Medications and personal gear

Water Purification Tablets - Like many countries, the water in Nepal needs to be treated before drinking. Make sure you use water purification tablets as buying your own bottled water only adds to the problem famously associated with the Himalaya trekking industry - pollution. Remember to carefully check how many tablets are needed for certain volumes of water before drinking. We recommend taking 100 tablets as this should easily be enough. Please note that purification tablets are optional as our guides will ensure all water is pre-filtered. The other alternative is to use a UV water purifier. We would suggest the SteriPEN Adventure Opti Mini Pack UV Water Purifier.

Isotonic Powder - Trekking up mountains is tough and your body will need to replace your electrolytes. Isotonic powder is perfect for this and will increase your energy levels rapidly. Here are some Isotonic powdered drinks we recommend.

Basic First Aid Kit - Our guides always carry a first aid kit, however, there is no harm in taking one yourself. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you are trekking solo then taking a first aid kit is essential. For some good, compact outdoor first aid kits, click here - Outdoor First Aid Kits.

Diamox - Altitude sickness is a serious problem and whilst it can only be fixed by descending, certain medications like Diamox may help. Do note that Diamox does not cure altitude sickness, it can simply help prevent the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Always seek professional medical advice before ingesting Diamox. UK residents will need a prescription for Diamox. You can read more on Diamox here.

General Medications - Paracetamol is always handy, especially when trekking at altitude as headaches are one the most common symptom of AMS. We also recommend taking Imodium for diarrhoea in case of a stomach bug.

Toiletries - Remember to bring all your standard necessary toiletries. Make sure you use purified water when brushing your teeth as bacteria can enter through your gums. You will need at least 2 rolls of toilet paper - this can be bought locally but will often be very poor quality.

Suncream / Lip balm - Suncream and lip balm for obvious reasons. - Make sure your sunscreen is at least 30 SPF.

Blister Plasters - Compeed blister plasters are an essential item for long treks in Nepal.

Baby wipes - Water can be hard to find sometimes, wet wipes provide a quick and easy way to clean.

Hand Sanitizer - The trail can get dirty and these are an easy and effective way of cleansing your hands.

Oximeter - Completely optional, an oximeter tests the sp02 levels in your bloodstream to determine how the altitude is affecting your body. Our guides will provide their own and test you each day. Here are some Finger Pulse Oximeters that we recommend.