Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List: Complete Gear Checklist

What to Pack for Everest Base Camp: Pack Smart, Pack Light

Packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek is a balancing act. You'll start in mild, forested valleys around Lukla and finish at Gorak Shep (5,160 m) and Kala Patthar (5,550 m), where nights fall well below freezing. At the same time, small planes to Lukla allow only about 15 kg of baggage per person. The secret is a smart layering system and a list that includes everything you need and nothing you don't.

This guide gives you a complete, tested checklist for every part of your kit, from base layers to first aid, plus seasonal extras, what to leave behind, what to rent in Kathmandu and a printable checklist at the end.

Packing at a Glance

Detail	Recommendation
Lukla baggage limit	15 kg in total (10 kg checked + 5 kg hand luggage)
Duffel bag (carried by porter)	Aim for about 10 kg
Daypack (carried by you)	About 4–5 kg, with water, snacks, layers and valuables
Coldest conditions	Around -10°C to -15°C at dawn on Kala Patthar in peak season, colder with wind chill
Clothing approach	Layers, not bulk
Provided by Nepal Trip Services	Duffel bag; down jacket and sleeping bag on loan if needed
Rent or buy locally	Thamel (Kathmandu) for most gear; Namche Bazaar for last-minute items
Extra luggage	Stored free at your Kathmandu hotel

The Layering System: The Key to Staying Warm

On a single day, you can go from sweating in strong sunshine to shivering in a freezing wind. Layers let you add or remove warmth quickly, without carrying heavy, bulky clothes.

Layer	Purpose	What to pack
1. Base layer	Wicks sweat away from your skin	Merino wool or synthetic thermal tops and leggings
2. Mid layer	Traps body heat	Fleece jacket or light insulated jacket
3. Insulation layer	Serious warmth for evenings and high altitude	Down jacket rated -15°C to -20°C
4. Outer shell	Blocks wind, rain and snow	Waterproof, breathable jacket and trousers

How it works on the trail: start cold mornings wearing three layers, strip down to your base layer as you warm up while walking, and add your down jacket at rest stops, in the evenings and on the summit of Kala Patthar.

Avoid cotton. It holds moisture, dries slowly and leaves you cold once you stop walking.

Temperatures You'll Pack For (Spring & Autumn)

Location	Altitude	Daytime	Night / early morning
Lukla & Phakding	2,610–2,860 m	12°C to 20°C	2°C to 7°C
Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	10°C to 17°C	-2°C to 4°C
Dingboche	4,410 m	8°C to 14°C	-8°C to -2°C
Lobuche & Gorak Shep	4,910–5,160 m	0°C to 10°C	-15°C to -6°C
Kala Patthar at sunrise	5,550 m	−10°C to 5°C	-15°C to -10°C (below -20°C with wind chill)

Temperatures are approximate. Winter nights at high camps can drop to -25°C.

Clothing Checklist

Upper Body

Item	Quantity	Notes
Moisture-wicking T-shirts	2–3	Quick-dry synthetic or merino
Long-sleeve thermal tops	2	Base layer for cold mornings and nights
Fleece jacket	1	Your main mid layer
Down jacket	1	Rated -15°C to -20°C; available on loan from us
Waterproof shell jacket	1	Breathable, with a hood
Light trekking shirt	1 (optional)	Long-sleeved for sun protection lower down

Lower Body

Item	Quantity	Notes
Trekking trousers	2	Lightweight, quick-dry; zip-off styles are handy
Thermal leggings	2	Wear under trousers above Dingboche and to sleep
Fleece or insulated trousers	1	For cold evenings and Kala Patthar
Waterproof shell trousers	1	Side zips make them easy to pull over boots
Underwear	4–5	Quick-dry, non-cotton

Head, Face & Hands

Item	Quantity	Notes
Warm beanie	1	Wool or fleece, covering your ears
Sun hat or cap	1	Strong UV at altitude
Buff or neck gaiter	1–2	Protects against dust, wind and cold air
Sunglasses	1	UV400, Category 3–4, with side protection
Liner gloves	1 pair	Lightweight, for mild days and dexterity
Insulated waterproof gloves or mittens	1 pair	Essential for early starts and high camps

Footwear

Item	Quantity	Notes
Waterproof trekking boots	1 pair	Mid or high ankle support, well broken in
Camp shoes or sandals	1 pair	Light shoes for evenings in teahouses
Trekking socks	4–5 pairs	Merino wool or synthetic
Liner socks	2–3 pairs	Reduce friction and blisters
Warm sleeping socks	1 pair	Thick wool socks kept dry for nights
Gaiters	1 pair (optional)	Useful in snow or dusty conditions

Boot tip: never take brand-new boots to the Himalayas. Break them in over at least 50 km of walking before your trip.

Sleeping Gear

Item	Notes
Four-season sleeping bag	Rated -15°C to -20°C; teahouse rooms above Namche are unheated (available on loan from us)
Sleeping bag liner	Adds warmth and keeps your bag clean
Inflatable pillow (optional)	Small comfort for better sleep
Earplugs & eye mask	Teahouse walls are thin and mornings start early

Bags & Packs

Item	Notes
Duffel bag (60–80 L)	Carried by your porter; provided by Nepal Trip Services
Daypack (30–40 L)	With hip belt and rain cover; holds what you need during the day
Dry bags or pack liners	Keep clothes and electronics dry
Small padlock	For your duffel bag
Stuff sacks	Organise clothes and compress your sleeping bag

Trekking Gear

Item	Notes
Adjustable trekking poles	Save your knees on long descents
Headlamp + spare batteries	Essential for the pre-dawn Kala Patthar climb and night-time toilet trips
Insulated water bottles (2 × 1 L)	Prevent freezing at high camps; a hydration bladder can freeze
Water purification tablets or filter	Treat tap water instead of buying plastic bottles
Small thermos (optional)	Hot tea on cold mornings
Microspikes (seasonal)	For icy trails in winter or after snowfall

Electronics

Item	Notes
Phone with offline maps	Download maps, music and books in Kathmandu
Power bank (20,000 mAh)	Charging is limited and costly at high altitude
Universal adapter	Nepal uses Type C, D and M sockets (230 V)
Camera + spare batteries	Cold drains batteries quickly; keep them warm
Charging cables	Bring spares; replacements are hard to find on the trail

Health & First-Aid Kit

Your guide carries a full first-aid kit, but you should bring a small personal kit too.

• Personal prescription medicines (with copies of prescriptions)
• Altitude medication, such as Diamox, after consulting your doctor
• Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Blister plasters and sports tape
• Oral rehydration salts
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Throat lozenges for the dry "Khumbu cough"
• Antiseptic cream and a few plasters
• Lip balm with SPF

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper (teahouses rarely provide it)
• Wet wipes for days without showers
• Hand sanitiser
• Moisturiser for dry, cold air
• Small rubbish bags to pack out waste

Documents & Money

• Passport (valid 6+ months) and Nepal visa
• Passport photos and photocopies
• Travel insurance details covering trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue
• Flight tickets and emergency contacts
• Nepalese rupees in cash (ATMs only in Lukla and Namche, and not always reliable)
• Waterproof pouch for documents and money

Your trekking permits are arranged by Nepal Trip Services and carried by your guide.

Snacks & Extras

• Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate (much cheaper in Kathmandu)
• Electrolyte powder for your water bottle
• Book, journal or cards for teahouse evenings
• Binoculars for mountain and wildlife viewing
• Small zip bags for organising essentials

Seasonal Extras

Season	Add to your pack
Spring (March–May)	Lighter base layers for warm afternoons, extra sunscreen, a rain shell for occasional showers
Autumn (September–November)	Extra-warm gloves and a thicker hat for colder nights in November
Winter (December–February)	Heavier down jacket, -20°C to -25°C sleeping bag, microspikes, gaiters, hand warmers
Monsoon (June–August)	Waterproof trousers, pack cover, quick-dry clothes, leech socks for the lower trail

What Not to Pack

• Cotton clothing, including jeans; it stays wet and cold
• Hard-shell suitcases; use a soft duffel bag instead
• Heavy books and bulky towels; go digital and quick-dry
• Too many clothes; you'll wear the same layers several days in a row
• Expensive jewellery and valuables; leave them in your hotel safe
• Single-use plastics; bring refillable bottles and reusable bags

Rent or Buy in Nepal?

Thamel in Kathmandu is full of trekking shops, so you don't need to fly in with everything.

Item	Best option	Why
Down jacket & sleeping bag	Borrow from us or rent	Bulky and only needed for a few weeks
Trekking poles & microspikes	Rent or buy in Thamel	Cheap and easy to find
Duffel bag	Provided by us	Included in your package
Trekking boots	Bring your own	Must be broken in before the trek
Base layers & socks	Bring your own	Fit and quality matter for comfort
Last-minute items	Namche Bazaar	Gear shops for snacks, gloves, hats and batteries

Check zips, seams and insulation carefully when renting.

How to Pack: Duffel vs Daypack

Your duffel (porter carries)	Your daypack (you carry)
Sleeping bag and liner	Down jacket or fleece
Spare clothes and thermals	Waterproof shell jacket
Toiletries and towel	2 litres of water
Camp shoes	Snacks and lunch
Spare batteries and chargers	Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Extra snacks	Gloves and beanie
—	Camera, phone and power bank
—	Passport, money and personal first aid

Weight tips:

• Keep your duffel around 10 kg and your daypack around 4–5 kg to stay within Lukla's 15 kg limit
• Wear your heaviest items, like boots and down jacket, on the flight
• Pack everything in dry bags inside your duffel
• Leave extra luggage at your Kathmandu hotel

Read more about flight rules in our Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Guide.

Printable Everest Base Camp Checklist

Print this list or save it to your phone, and tick off each item as you pack.

Clothing

• 2–3 moisture-wicking T-shirts
• 2 long-sleeve thermal tops
• 2 thermal leggings
• Fleece jacket
• Down jacket (-15°C to -20°C)
• Waterproof shell jacket
• Waterproof shell trousers
• 2 pairs of trekking trousers
• Fleece or insulated trousers
• 4–5 pairs of underwear

Head, Hands & Feet

• Warm beanie and sun hat
• Buff or neck gaiter
• UV400 sunglasses
• Liner gloves and insulated gloves
• Broken-in waterproof trekking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals
• 4–5 pairs of trekking socks + liner socks
• Warm sleeping socks

Sleeping & Bags

• Four-season sleeping bag and liner
• Duffel bag (provided)
• 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
• Dry bags and padlock

Trekking Gear

• Trekking poles
• Headlamp + spare batteries
• 2 × 1 L insulated water bottles
• Water purification tablets or filter
• Microspikes (winter or after snowfall)

Health & Hygiene

• Personal medicines and first-aid kit
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ and SPF lip balm
• Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser
• Quick-dry towel and toiletries

Electronics

• Phone with offline maps
• 20,000 mAh power bank
• Universal adapter and cables
• Camera and spare batteries

Documents & Money

• Passport, visa and photos
• Travel insurance details
• Nepalese rupees in cash

Extras

• Snacks and electrolyte powder
• Earplugs and eye mask
• Book, journal or cards

Top 15 Packing FAQs

1. What is the baggage limit for the Everest Base Camp trek?

Lukla flights allow about 15 kg per person in total: 10 kg of checked luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage. Excess baggage is charged per kilogram if space allows. Aim to keep your duffel around 10 kg and your daypack around 4–5 kg.

2. How much weight does a porter carry?

Our porters carry the main duffel bags, with one porter for every two trekkers. Keeping your duffel around 10 kg keeps loads safe and fair, and helps you stay within the Lukla flight limit.

3. Do I need a down jacket for Everest Base Camp?

Yes. A down jacket rated -15°C to -20°C is essential for cold evenings, early starts and the sunrise climb of Kala Patthar. Nepal Trip Services provides one on loan if you need it.

4. What temperature sleeping bag do I need?

Bring a four-season sleeping bag rated -15°C to -20°C. Teahouse bedrooms above Namche are unheated, and nights at Lobuche and Gorak Shep regularly drop well below freezing. A liner adds extra warmth.

5. What kind of boots are best for the trek?

Waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support and a grippy sole are best. Make sure they are well broken in before you travel, as new boots are the most common cause of painful blisters.

6. Can I rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?

Yes. Thamel has many shops renting down jackets, sleeping bags, poles and microspikes at reasonable prices. Bring your own boots, base layers and socks for the best fit and comfort.

7. Do I need trekking poles?

They're strongly recommended. Poles reduce strain on your knees during long descents, such as from Namche to Lukla, and give extra balance on rocky moraine near base camp.

8. Do I need crampons or microspikes?

Not usually in spring or autumn. Microspikes are useful in winter or after fresh snowfall, especially on icy sections near Lobuche and Gorak Shep. Crampons are not needed for the standard trek.

9. How many clothes should I pack?

Less than you think. Two or three base layers, two pairs of trekking trousers and four or five pairs of socks are enough. You'll re-wear layers several days in a row, which is normal on a trek.

10. Should I bring a water bottle or a hydration bladder?

Insulated water bottles are best. Hydration bladder tubes often freeze above 4,500 m. Carry two 1-litre bottles and fill them with boiled or purified water each morning.

11. What should I carry in my daypack?

Carry your warm layers, waterproof jacket, 2 litres of water, snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, hat, camera, phone, power bank, money, passport and personal first-aid kit.

12. Can I buy gear in Namche Bazaar?

Yes, Namche has several gear shops selling hats, gloves, socks, snacks and batteries. Prices are higher than in Kathmandu, and the choice is smaller, so buy your main gear before flying to Lukla.

13. What medicines should I bring?

Bring your personal prescriptions, pain relief, blister plasters, rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea tablets and throat lozenges. Ask your doctor about altitude medication such as Diamox before travelling.

14. Is it necessary to bring a power bank?

Yes. Charging costs rise with altitude and electricity is limited at high camps. A 20,000 mAh power bank keeps your phone and camera going between charging stops.

15. Where can I leave extra luggage?

You can store extra luggage free at your Kathmandu hotel while you trek. Only bring what you need on the trail to stay within the Lukla baggage limit.

Ready to Pack for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

With the right gear and a light, well-organised bag, you'll stay warm, comfortable and safe from the forests of Lukla to sunrise on Kala Patthar. Pack layers, keep within the Lukla weight limit and focus on quality over quantity, and your kit will work as hard as you do.

When you trek with Nepal Trip Services, we help you get it right before you leave Kathmandu:

• Pre-trek gear check with your guide in Kathmandu
• Duffel bag provided, plus a down jacket and sleeping bag on loan if needed
• Help renting poles, microspikes and other gear in Thamel
• Porter support, so you carry only a light daypack
• Free luggage storage at your Kathmandu hotel

Ready to start packing? Explore the full itinerary, inclusions and departure dates on our Everest Base Camp Trek page. Looking for a different adventure? Browse all our Everest Region Treks, including the Gokyo Lakes Trek, or plan a custom trip with our team.

• WhatsApp / Viber: +977 982-8696557
• Email: info@nepaltripservices.com
• Office: Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Response time: usually within 0–2 hours

Temperatures and baggage rules are approximate and can change. We'll confirm the latest Lukla baggage limit before your trek.