If you are planning to trek Everest Base Camp, then you must know that one of the tough tasks is to prepare the packing list for the trek itself. Choosing and packing the right clothing, gears and equipment for Everest Base Camp will take you a long way ensuring that you have a wonderful trekking experience in Nepal. However, most of the travelers don't have any idea about the gears that are required for trekking in Nepal. So, this Everest Base Camp packing list will come handy for both male and female, and will increase your success rate for this trek.
We have seen most of the trekkers over packing for this trip. However, you need to know that over packing will only make your trek difficult. So, avoid excess and go for smart and light packing.
Everest Base Camp gear list is divided into 'trek' and 'non-trek' items. You will carry the trek items like sunscreen, documents, snacks, camera, credit card, money, and other personal and valuable items on your day pack, which you will be carrying every day. Rest of the other items like clothing and gear fall under non-trek items and are packed in a duffle bag which is carried by porter/yak from one tea-house to another. Maximum weight of duffle bag carries by porter is 30kgs so try not to over pack.
The below listed packing list for Everest Base Camp is just a guideline which is based on our past experience. Remember your final list totally depends upon your choices. Just make sure to invest in qualitative and comfortable clothing and footwear by taking this list as a reference.
1. Body wear
Inner Garments (8-10)
Carry 8-10 lightweight and breathable under wears.
Inner Layer Thermals (1)
Both top and bottom inner layer thermals will make your trek wonderful by keeping your body warm in high elevation. It is not necessary to wear it at the beginning and the end of the trek as the weather itself will be warm and pleasant.
Middle Layer (Fleece) (1-2)
Fleece jacket and sweater works as a middle layer. This clothing helps to keep your body warm, however it doesn't block the wind. So, it is great for layering with a windproof/waterproof jacket to ensure the extra safety.
Wind/waterproof Jacket (1)
It can be layered with your middle layer clothing. It protects you from the high-speed wind at high altitude. Remember to invest in a breathable jacket which consists of a hood.
Down Jacket (1)
The weather in the Himalayas of Nepal is cold throughout the year. It is extra chilly when it comes to morning and evening. So, wearing a down jacket during these times will make your stay at the tea-house and excursion around its surroundings wonderful.
Fleece Pants (2)
Fleece pants keep you warm while staying in the tea-house. Wear them while roaming around the tea-house during the evening.
Trekking Trousers (2) and shorts (1)
Trekking trousers which are loose and lightweight are the best bottoms to wear while trekking in higher altitude. Remember to buy the trousers which are wind/waterproof. Also, shorts for trekking in lower elevation is crucial for comfortable walking.
Hiking Shirts (5-6)
Both long sleeve and short sleeve shirts are preferred. Wear a long sleeve shirt while trekking in higher altitude and short sleeve shirt while trekking in lower altitude. Light, quickly drying, breathable and colored shirts are mostly recommended. Don't carry cotton shirts.
Head wear
Sun Hat
To keep your face and head protected from the UV rays. Carry the light weight hat which provides full coverage to the neck as well.
Beanie
It is mandatory while trekking in the morning, when there is speedy wind, and while staying in a lodge to keep your ears and head warm.
Buff (2)
Carry two buffs. One to protect yourself from the cold and another one to protect yourself from the dust. During high season, Everest Base Camp is too dusty because of the considerable number of trekkers and yaks so be sure to pack this item.
Sunglass
UV protection sunglass is recommended so that you can protect your eyes by blocking the harmful rays from the sun and dust of the trails.
Hand wear
Inner Gloves
Thin yet warm gloves are preferred to carry out the basic tasks in a moderate cold region. Layer it with windproof gloves if you feel too cold.
Outer Windproof Gloves
It is mandatory to wear while trekking early in the morning because of freezing weather. Also, wear it while hiking to Kala Patthar as the top of it is windy.
Footwear
Hiking Boots
We recommend you to invest in qualitative boots as they are the one which will take you to the Everest Base Camp and you will also not find shoemakers in the high altitude. Get the boots which are exactly of your size. Also, it should be light in weight, ankle supportive and waterproof.
To avoid the leg pains and blisters, try to walk by wearing your hiking boots beforehand the trek to Everest Base Camp. Also, invest in branded boots as you have to walk 5-6 hours daily.
Sandals/Sport shoes
Sport shoes and sandals are preferred to wear while strolling around the tea-house. Since, the temperature in the high altitude will be cold so we recommend you to wear sport shoes. Sandals are best to wear in the tea house of lower elevation.
Trekking Socks
We recommend you to wear the long, warm, and fresh socks. Also, avoid cotton socks, and try to pack breathable and moisture wicking socks so that you can walk comfortably.
Carry a few pairs of thermal socks as well if you are planning to trek in the winter season.
Fingers/Toe warmers
If you are planning to trek in the winter season, then Fingers/Toe warmers should be in your packing list for Everest Base Camp. Also, it will help you a lot during your trek to Kala Patthar.
Gaiters
It protects your boots from the dust, water etc. on the trail and helps you in providing a comfortable walk throughout the trekking journey.
Bags and Backpacks
Duffle Bag
It is carried by porters from one tea house to another. It should be waterproof and around 80-90L. We provide the duffle bag to our clients which should be returned after the completion of the trek.
Rucksack
If you are trekking Everest Base Camp without a porter, then we recommend you to carry a rucksack of around 50-60L. Make sure the rucksack has the opening on the top for your convenience.
Daypack
If you are trekking Everest Base Camp with a porter, then you need to have a small daypack so you can carry the essential equipment like sunglasses, medicine, food, camera etc. as you can't get access to a duffle bag after departing from one tea house, until you reach the another tea-house.
Rain Cover
It protects your items inside the daypack from rain by keeping it dry and fresh. Pack the rain cover which matches the exact size of your daypack.
If you are trekking to base camp without a porter, then you can wear heavy clothes like fleece and down jackets to avoid the heaviness of rucksack.
Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag
To get the sound and warm sleep, a superior quality sleeping bag is best. -10 degree sleeping bags are recommended for spring and autumn. However, you need to pack a -20-degree sleeping bag for the winter (November, December, and January). Also, remember the blanket provided by the tea house may not be warm and clean enough.
We provide the right sleeping bag for Everest Base Camp trek to our clients. We will also help you to rent or buy the one in Kathmandu.
Ear Plugs
It helps you in providing a good sleep by helping you to avoid the snoring and sounds of other trekkers.
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Carry the sunscreen which is rated as UVA along with UVB as it will protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. SPF 30-45 will provide the needed care for your skin.
Face and Body Moisturizer
Travel size moisturizer is recommended to protect your skin and body from the dry air of Himalayas by keeping it soft and smooth.
Lip Balm
Protect your lips from the dry wind and fierce sun and give proper moisturization.
Toilet Paper (2 rolls)
If you are on the trail and want to go to the bathroom, then toilet paper will be an immense help for you at that time.
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Carry the biodegradable and the travel size paste.
Hand Sanitizer
Keep your hands clean throughout the route. Also, you can't get access to water at every stop to wash your hands.
Baby Wipes
We recommend you to carry a few packs of baby wipes to keep your body clean and fresh as it is not possible to take shower daily.
Shampoo
Carry a few sachets of travel size shampoo rather than a big bottle one.
Shower Gel
Carry a small size of a few showers gel packets.
Towel
Pack the sport size towel which gets dry quickly.
Plastic Bags
2 and 3 plastic bags are preferred to keep the garbage and waste throughout the trail.
Avoid throwing garbage around the trail as it is our duty to preserve the wilderness and beauty of Himalayas region.
Medication
First-Aid kit box will be carried by guide to avoid any problems on the trail.
Prescriptions
It is required if you need to buy any prescribed medicines during the trip.
- Antibiotics (For upper respiratory and abdominal infections)
- Diamox (To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness)
- Foot Powder (To keep your feet in better condition)
- Anti-inflammatory Tablets (For inflammation)
- Cotton roll (1)
- Dressing-gauze (5-6 pieces)
- Band-Aids (10-15)
- Paracetamol (For treating mild headaches)
- Syrup (To protect your body from cold)
- Antiemetic (To prevent vomiting)
- Painkiller (To get relief from the moderate pain)
- Loperamide (For treating diarrhoea)
- Omeprazole (Medicine for gastric)
- Insect Repellent
- Water Purification Tablets
We usually don't recommend you to drink the water directly on the higher elevation as it might be contaminated and result in adverse consequences. Carrying droplets or tables to purify water will help you to prevent all the water-related diseases. - Skin Blister Repair Kit (For treating the blister caused by boots)
Accessories
Hydration Bladder
2-3L of lightweight hydration bladder is recommended so that you can sip plenty of water throughout the way and keep yourself hydrated.
Trekking poles
Helps to prevent the back pain by making ascending easy and comfortable.
Waist Belt
You need to reach for your documents, money, energy giving foods etc. very often. So, a waist belt will help you in accessing these basic items easily
Pee Funnel
It is mostly recommended for higher elevation where access to the bathroom is exceedingly difficult. Also, it is hard to rush towards the toilet during night time because of electricity problems. So, remember to pack pee funnel for a wonderful trekking experience.
Raincoat/Poncho
It is mandatory if you are trekking in the rainy season (we personally don't recommend you to plan your trip in monsoon). However, the weather in Himalayan region of Nepal is unpredictable, so it can come handy in any season.
Head Torch
On some days, your trekking starts too early in the morning. At a time like that, a head torch is the most important thing so that you can pass through the trail easily.
Snacks
Pack energy giving food to eat on the trails such as chocolates, nuts, sweets etc. All the food items should contain protein and carbohydrate so you can walk more and feel less tired.
Electronics and Gadgets
Mobile phone and Charger
It is awfully hard to find the charger which exactly fits your device. So, don't forget to pack the charger.
Camera with extra batteries
Since you are trekking in the Himalayas region of Nepal, the camera is best to capture the beauty of peaks, villages, and locals. Also, carry extra batteries as you may not get access to charging points after Namche Bazaar.
Power Bank
After crossing Namche Bazaar, you will not get access to charging points. So, it is better to carry the power bank to keep your cell phone alive throughout the journey.
Dairy & Pen
To write the daily moments that you get to experience in Everest Base Camp journey, dairy and pen is the best choice.
Books and Magazine
A few books and magazines can be medicine for when you sleep at night. Also, it will help in killing your leisure time.
Portable games
Games like cards, monopoly, Ludo etc. are good options to spend the leisure time with your trekking group by staying inside the warm tea house.
Necessary Documents
- Passport (For registration at the entrance)
- Visa (Easily attainable at the Tribhuvan International Airport)
- Travel Insurance (For your safety and security)
- Money (You may not get access to ATM on the high elevation)
- Tickets
- Credit Card
Everest Base Camp Packing List for Female
Females need some of the items which are only essential for them and without that equipment, they may not be able to enjoy the hassle-free trek. Saying that, we also like to state that the above provided complete packing list for Everest Base Camp is equally crucial and mandatory for females, too. Besides the above mentioned list, there are some others most have Everest Base Camp packing list for female which are mentioned below;
- Sanitary Napkins/Tampons
It is the most carried item for women. If you are someone who prefers using sanitary napkins, then pack the cotton sanitary napkins which last longer and don't leak easily. However, we recommend you to use tampons for this trek as you will be walking 6-7 hours daily and the sanitary pad might cause irritation and make it hard for you to walk. - Inner Garments
Pack the 9-10 pairs for lightweight, cotton and breathable underwear. Also, carry 3-4 sports bras so that you can trek comfortably. - Makeup Products
We recommend that you pack light makeup products rather than all. Lipstick, nail polish, nail polish remover, moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, eye liner etc. are more than enough for caring for your skin in the cold region. - Hair Clips and Rubber Bands
Don't forget to carry a few hair clips and rubber bands. While walking you might feel sweaty, in that case tying your hair tightly is best. - Hair Conditioner
Besides shampoo, we recommend women to carry hair conditioner, too, so that hair can be easily protected from the dry air as conditioner helps to keep hair smooth and silky.
Besides this, carry all other hygienic products, dress in layers, and avoid packing valuable jewelry for the trip.
Trekking to the foot of the highest mountain in the world - Mt. Everest is exciting and challenging. If you focus on wise and smart packing, the challenging routes will seem less difficult and you can achieve the hassle-free trek with less effort. So, pack the right equipment for Everest Base Camp by avoiding the excess and make sure to enjoy every second in the lap of the Himalayas.
This list will help you to trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. However, the packing list slightly differs with the change in season. So, if you want your packing list to be right to the point, you can always contact us, Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. It will be the nicest thing to help you and clear all your dilemmas. Feel free to WhatsApp (+977 9851037559) or contact us to get rid of any confusions you have. Our customer services are available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much weight limit for porter to carry in Everest Base Camp trek?
Porter in Everest Base Camp trek are liable to carry up to 30kg/66lbs duffle bag. If the bag crosses the standard weight, then porter will not be responsible to carry it. Because of this reason smart packing is recommended from our company otherwise you will be the one carrying the extra weight throughout the journey. It will only deteriorate your trip’s experience. So, don’t go beyond the 30kgs and avoid excess packing for Everest Base Camp as much as you can.
Where can I buy trekking gears?
We recommend you to buy the required gears and equipment after your arrival at Kathmandu so that you can enjoy the hassle-free flight from your home country to Nepal. In Kathmandu, areas like Thamel, New Road etc. are very popular for buying the trekking gears. There are number of authorized showrooms in Thamel which provide the qualitative items at reasonable price. However, there are also some stores which sell fake brands by charging high price. So, be wise enough and invest smartly as you can’t compromise on the packing list for Everest Base Camp. If any confusion, you can contact us as we love to assist you in buying the gears from the best stores.
Is it a good idea to buy gear on the trail?
There are several stores in Lukla and Namche Bazaar which provide you the chance to buy the missing gears and equipment. Similarly, there are also a few stores to buy toiletries and snacks in Dingboche and Pheriche. However, we recommend you to buy on the trail only in case of emergency because the cost of each item is highly priced and you will get limited options. So, better remember and consider buying the packing list in Thamel, Kathmandu and enjoy the best quality along with reasonable price.
