Nepal Trekking Packing List: What to Bring for a Tea-House Trek

On every guided tea-house trek you carry two bags. Your daypack stays on your back all day with what you need on the trail. Your main bag is a duffel bag that a porter carries from lodge to lodge while you walk.

On our treks one porter is shared between two trekkers, and the duffel bag is provided by the trekking company. If you book as a solo trekker, a porter is not included, but the guide helps carry some of your gear. Either way, the principle is the same: keep the duffel as light as you can, so the person carrying it is not overloaded.

Daypack: Around 30 litres is the right size when a porter handles your main bag. Choose a pack with a hip belt for a better fit, and bring a rain cover or use dry bags inside. What goes in it every day: water and water treatment, snacks, your rain jacket and a warm layer, hat and gloves, sun protection, toilet paper and hand sanitiser, a head torch, your phone, some cash, and your passport.

Duffel bag: A duffel is a better choice than a large rucksack for the porter to carry. It is tougher when it is handled roughly on the trail, easier to get into, and has fewer buckles and straps that can break. Use dry bags or heavy plastic bags inside the duffel to protect your gear from rain. A small padlock keeps it closed.

On the Everest Base Camp trek the approach starts with a short flight to Lukla in a small plane, and small planes have a strict baggage weight limit. From March to May and from September to November these flights leave from Ramechhap, about 4 hours' drive east of Kathmandu. Ask our team for the current limit before you travel. As a rule, keep the duffel light and pack as little as you can.

Everything you do not need on the trek stays in your hotel in Kathmandu. Read more about where to stay in Kathmandu before and after your trek.

Packing list per trek: from Poon Hill to Everest Base Camp

The core list is the same for every tea-house trek. What changes is how high and how cold the route gets. The table below shows the highest point of each of our Nepal treks and what you should add to the base list.

An Everest Base Camp packing list is this same list with the full cold-weather layer: warm insulated gloves, every base and mid-layer you own, and good sunglasses for snow and glacier glare. An Annapurna Circuit packing list follows the same principle for the crossing of the Thorung La. The Annapurna Base Camp trek starts at about 1,300 m in warm foothills, so you pack for both heat and cold. For more on each route, read the detailed guides for the Everest Base Camp trek, the Annapurna Circuit and the Poon Hill trek.

The answer to what to wear trekking in Nepal is straightforward: layers you add and remove during the day. You might start a morning in a T-shirt in warm sunshine at a low valley lodge and finish the afternoon in every layer you own on a cold, windy pass. Packing in bulk does not help. A good layering system does.

Base layer: Merino wool, synthetic or a mix of both. Never cotton, which holds moisture and chills your skin. Bring a short-sleeve top for warm days and a long-sleeve top for higher altitudes; add thermal leggings for cold nights and high-altitude days. Two or three base-layer tops are enough.

Mid-layer: A fleece jacket or a lightweight insulated jacket worn over the base layer when the temperature drops. On our treks a down jacket is provided by the trekking company; this is your main warm layer for cold mornings, high camps and rest stops.

Waterproof shell: A breathable, windproof jacket with a hood is the single most important piece of clothing you bring. If it is not breathable, you will be soaked from the inside when hiking hard. Waterproof overtrousers are equally important: bring a pair that fits over your trekking trousers.

Trekking trousers: Light and quick-drying. Zip-off trousers that convert to shorts are practical for the lower, warmer sections. No jeans: denim is heavy, slow to dry and cold when wet.

Underwear and sports bra: Moisture-wicking materials throughout. A supportive sports bra makes a real difference on long descents.

Tea-house clothes: Bring one clean, dry set for the evenings and for sleeping: a warm top, comfortable trousers and warm socks. You will not want to sleep in your hiking clothes.

You can wash clothes by hand in many tea houses, and some lodges offer laundry for a fee; washing is a personal expense and not included in the trek price. Higher up, clothes dry slowly, so wash on rest days and choose quick-drying fabrics.

In villages and near monasteries, dress modestly: cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid tight or very short clothing. Loose trekking trousers and a T-shirt are fine on the trail and in the villages.

Packing for the season: autumn, spring, winter and monsoon

Autumn (September to November): The main trekking season. Views are usually clear after the monsoon and the trails are mostly dry. Nights become colder towards November, so bring all your warm layers even if the days feel mild at the start.

Spring (March to May): Longer days, rhododendron blossom at lower altitudes and mostly stable weather. Afternoon cloud and showers are common, so waterproofs matter as much as sun protection. Snow may linger on high passes early in the season.

Winter (December to February): Cold nights throughout the trek and snow on high passes such as the Thorung La and Larkya La. Bring every warm layer you have, and ask your guide about microspikes before you go. Some high lodges close in winter.

Monsoon (June to August): Heavy rain, mud and leeches in the lower forests, and a real risk of landslides. Pack serious waterproofs, quick-drying clothes and dry bags; visibility is often limited. If you can, choose another season.

For a full breakdown of weather and the best months for each region, read the best time for trekking in Nepal.

Your feet decide how your trek goes. Get this part of the list right and you will barely think about it. Get it wrong and every day on the trail is a reminder.

Trekking boots: Waterproof, with good ankle support and a sturdy sole. Leather boots and fabric boots with a waterproof membrane both work well. The most important thing is fit: buy your boots in a shop where staff can fit them properly, rather than buying online. Once you have them, wear them on day hikes at home before you leave. Breaking in your boots beforehand helps prevent blisters. Read more about how to prepare your body and your gear in our guide to getting fit for trekking in Nepal.

Trail shoes (optional): Some trekkers prefer lighter shoes on the easier, drier lower sections. This is fine if your ankles are used to it. They are not a substitute for boots on wet, rocky or snowy terrain.

Tea-house shoes: You do not wear boots inside the tea houses. Bring a pair of light shoes or sandals for the evenings. They are also useful for river crossings in the warmer valleys lower down.

Socks: Merino wool trekking socks are warm, moisture-wicking and comfortable for long days. Bring three or four pairs: at least one pair should be thicker for cold nights and high days. Thin liner socks worn underneath are optional but help prevent blisters by reducing friction.

Gaiters and microspikes: Gaiters are useful in mud and in fresh snow, keeping the tops of your boots dry. Microspikes are not needed on most tea-house treks during the main seasons, but snow on high passes in winter or after a storm can make them worthwhile. Your guide advises based on current conditions. Blister plasters and strapping tape belong in your daypack, not buried in the duffel.

Hands get cold before almost anything else, particularly on early starts before sunrise. Two layers are better than one thick pair.

Liner gloves: Thin fleece or merino gloves for cool mornings and for moments when you need to use your phone or camera without completely freezing. They are light enough to keep in a pocket.

Warm, waterproof insulated gloves or mittens: For high days, exposed ridges, snowy passes and very cold mornings. Mittens keep fingers warmer than gloves, because the fingers share warmth. Your liner gloves fit inside, giving you a flexible two-layer system.

Bring a spare pair of liners. They are light, take up almost no space, and are very useful if one pair gets wet. Treks that cross a high pass, including the Thorung La on the Annapurna Circuit Short and the Larkya La on the Manaslu Circuit trek, need the warm waterproof pair without question. So do the Gokyo Valley Trek and the Everest Base Camp Trek, where cold mornings and wind at altitude make cold hands a real risk.

At altitude the sun is stronger and the air is colder at the same time. You need protection from both, sometimes in the same hour.

Sun hat or cap: A brim that shades your face and, ideally, your neck. UV radiation is stronger the higher you go, and a full day of direct sun on a pale scalp adds up quickly.

Warm hat: A fleece-lined or wool hat for evenings, nights and early starts. At high altitude you may want to sleep in it. A hat that covers your ears is more useful than one that does not.

Buff (neck gaiter): Useful against cold air on the trail, dust on dry sections and sun on the neck. Bring two: one in your daypack and one in the duffel. A buff can also cover your face on a cold morning or serve as a spare warm hat in an emergency.

Sunglasses: Good UV protection and a wraparound shape that limits glare from the sides. On snow and glaciers, and at high passes where the ground is white, snow blindness is a real risk. A spare pair or a clip-on lens is worth the small extra weight. Do not rely on cheap sunglasses without UV protection.

Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection belong with your hat and sunglasses in your daypack; the full toiletries list is in the extras section below.

On our Nepal treks the trekking company provides a down sleeping bag and a down jacket for every trekker. That removes two of the heaviest and bulkiest items from your packing list and saves meaningful weight on the flight to Nepal.

Bringing your own sleeping bag (optional): If you prefer your own, choose a down sleeping bag whose comfort rating covers the coldest nights of your trek. Higher altitudes and later in the season mean colder nights. A bag that is warm enough on a lower trek may not be warm enough on a high pass in November. When in doubt, go warmer rather than lighter.

Sleeping bag liner: Recommended regardless of whether you bring your own bag or use the provided one. A liner adds a little extra warmth and keeps the inside of the sleeping bag cleaner over a long trek.

Pillow: Not every tea house provides a pillow, so do not count on it. An inflatable camping pillow packs small and makes a real difference. Alternatively, a dry bag stuffed with clothes works well enough.

Earplugs and eye mask: Tea-house walls are thin. The dining room can be busy in the evening. Light sleepers benefit from both.

For a realistic picture of what tea houses on the trail are like, day to day, read about Nepal tea houses.

Trekking poles: At least one, ideally two. They take pressure off your knees on long descents and on the stone stairs that are common on Nepal's trails. On a rocky, steep route they also give you stability if you are tired near the end of a long day.

Water bottles and water treatment: Carry enough water for roughly half a day of walking; the exact amount depends on the trail and the heat. Refillable bottles or soft flasks are more practical than single-use plastic, which costs extra on the trail and leaves waste. A small thermos for a hot drink is a good addition, especially higher up. For water treatment, bring purification tablets or a filter. Not every water source on the trail is safe to drink untreated, and buying bottled water at every stop is expensive and wasteful.

Head torch: Essential. Early starts before dawn, power cuts in tea houses and night-time trips to the toilet outside all happen on a Nepal trek. Bring spare batteries.

Power: A power bank is important because charging points in tea houses are not always available and often cost a small fee, particularly higher up. A universal adapter covers the sockets you find in Nepal. At very low temperatures, batteries lose charge quickly; keep your phone and spare batteries warm in your sleeping bag at night.

Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen and a lip balm with sun protection. Apply both before you start walking each morning; UV intensity increases with altitude.

Toiletries: Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, a quick-drying travel towel, wet wipes (biodegradable), hand sanitiser, moisturiser for the dry air at altitude, and sanitary products if relevant. Bring toilet paper: not every tea-house toilet has its own supply, and carry a small bag to take used paper out with you where there are no bins.

First aid and medication: Blister plasters and strapping tape are the items you are most likely to use. Add pain relief for headaches, any personal medication, and a small kit for cuts and grazes. Ask your doctor what you need for Nepal, including whether altitude medication is right for you. On our treks your guide carries an altitude kit and checks your pulse and oxygen saturation twice a day.

Snacks: Meals are included on our treks. A few favourite snacks from home for the hard days are worth the small extra weight.

Documents, cash and insurance

Keep your passport in your daypack at all times. Your trekking permits are issued in your name. A copy of your travel insurance policy and the emergency number of your insurer should be with you, not in the duffel. Your insurance must cover trekking at high altitude and repatriation.

Bring cash in Nepali rupees for extras on the trail: hot showers, wifi, charging, cold drinks, desserts and laundry. These are personal expenses not included in the trek price. Change or withdraw rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start; do not count on finding a cash machine on the trail. For tips, the trip page suggests about 10 percent of the trip price as a guideline; the amount is up to you.

You arrange your Nepal visa yourself; check the current rules with the Nepalese embassy. Trekking permits and the TIMS card are arranged by our team.

Packing light: The porter carries for two trekkers. Pack fewer, better items and leave anything you do not need at your hotel in Kathmandu. City clothes, valuables and anything not on this list stay behind. On the flight to Nepal, wear your boots and your heaviest layers; that keeps weight out of your luggage.

Buying or renting trekking gear in Kathmandu: Thamel, the trekking district of Kathmandu, has many shops where you can buy or rent trekking clothing and equipment. For Annapurna treks, Pokhara also has gear shops. Many items in these markets are copies of well-known designs; quality varies and zips in particular can fail quickly. There are also shops carrying genuine branded gear at prices similar to what you would pay at home. Smaller items, such as buffs, socks, liner gloves and dry bags, are easy to find. Bring your boots from home, broken in and fitted properly. Read our Kathmandu accommodation guide for advice on the city before and after your trek.

Nepal trekking packing list: the complete checklist

Use this table as your final check before you pack. Items marked "provided" are supplied on our Nepal treks.

What should I pack for trekking in Nepal?

Pack layers instead of bulk: a base layer, a fleece mid-layer, a waterproof shell and trekking trousers. Add broken-in boots, a daypack with rain cover, sun protection, warm hat and gloves, a head torch, water treatment and a basic first-aid kit. On our treks the duffel bag, down jacket and sleeping bag are provided.

What size backpack do I need for a trek in Nepal?

A daypack of around 30 litres is the right size when a porter carries your main bag. It holds your water, snacks, warm layer, rain jacket and valuables comfortably. Your main gear goes in the duffel bag, which is provided on our treks and carried by the porter.

What sleeping bag do I need for Everest Base Camp?

You need a warm down sleeping bag suitable for nights well below freezing. On our Everest Base Camp Trek the sleeping bag and down jacket are both provided, so you do not need to pack or bring your own. Bring a sleeping bag liner for extra hygiene and a little added warmth.

What should women wear when trekking in Nepal?

The same layering system as everyone else, plus a supportive sports bra for long days on the trail. In villages and near monasteries, cover your shoulders and knees and avoid tight or very short clothing. On the trail itself, loose trekking trousers and a moisture-wicking top are perfectly appropriate.

Can you wash clothes on a trek in Nepal?

Yes: you can wash clothes by hand in many tea houses, and some lodges offer a laundry service for a fee. Laundry is a personal expense, not included in the trek price. Higher up the valley, clothes dry slowly, so plan to wash on rest days and pack quick-drying fabrics throughout.

Do I need cash on a trek in Nepal?

Yes. Bring Nepali rupees for extras on the trail such as hot showers, wifi, charging fees, cold drinks, desserts and laundry, and for tips for your guide and porter. Change or withdraw your cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you start, because you cannot count on finding a cash machine on the trail.

Do I need my passport on a trek in Nepal?

Yes. Your trekking permits are issued in your name, so keep your passport with you in your daypack for the whole trek. Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and the emergency number of your insurer as well, and leave other valuables in your hotel in Kathmandu.

Do I need microspikes or crampons for a tea-house trek in Nepal?

Microspikes are not needed on most tea-house treks during the main seasons. In winter, or after fresh snow, they can help on high passes such as the Thorung La on the Annapurna Circuit or the Larkya La on the Manaslu Circuit. Your guide advises on current conditions. Crampons are only required for technical peak climbs.

Can I buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?

Yes. Thamel in Kathmandu has many shops selling and renting trekking clothing and equipment; Pokhara also has gear shops for Annapurna routes. Quality varies and many items are copies, so check zips and seams carefully. Bring your boots from home, properly fitted and broken in, and pick up smaller items locally if needed.