The Everest Base Camp trek is an exciting walk to 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in Nepal. You’ll see big mountains and pretty villages, but the weather and high places can be tough. Packing the right things keeps you safe, warm, and happy. This guide tells you what to carry for this adventure!
Basic Things You Need
Here’s a simple list of must-have items:
Clothes
- Warm Jacket: It’s cold at night, especially high up (-10°C or lower).
- Fleece or Sweater: Keeps you warm during the day.
- T-Shirts: 3-4 quick-dry ones for walking.
- Trekking Pants: 2 pairs, light and comfy.
- Raincoat or Poncho: For rain, especially in summer.
- Hat and Gloves: Protects from sun and cold.
- Socks: 4-5 pairs, thick and warm.
- Underwear: 5-6 pairs, easy to wash.
Shoes
- Trekking Boots: Strong, waterproof, and broken-in (worn before).
- Sandals or Flip-Flops: For resting at teahouses.
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bag: Good for -10°C or colder nights.
- Sleeping Bag Liner: Keeps your bag clean (optional).
Gear for Walking
These help you trek better:
- Backpack: 30-40 liters for your stuff. A porter can carry a bigger bag if you hire one.
- Trekking Poles: 1 or 2, to help you walk on rocky paths.
- Water Bottle: 1-2 liters, or a water bladder.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: With extra batteries for dark mornings or nights.
Health and Safety Items
Stay healthy with these:
- First-Aid Kit: Bandages, pain medicine, and Diamox (for altitude sickness).
- Sunscreen: High SPF for strong sun at high places.
- Sunglasses: Protects your eyes from sun and snow.
- Lip Balm: Keeps lips from cracking in cold wind.
- Water Purification Tablets: Makes river water safe to drink.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, tissue, wet wipes.
- Hand Sanitizer: Keeps hands clean with no water.
Food and Snacks
- Energy Snacks: Nuts, chocolate, energy bars for quick power.
- Teahouse Meals: You eat at teahouses, so no need to carry much food.
Other Useful Things
- Money: Nepali rupees (NPR) for snacks, tips ($15/day for guide, $8/day for porter), or small costs.
- Permits: Two papers (Sagarmatha Park and Khumbu Municipality, $36-38 total). Your guide can help.
- Phone and Charger: For photos and calls. Bring a power bank too.
- Camera: Optional, if you love taking pictures.
- Map or Guidebook: Helpful to know the trail (optional if you have a guide).
- Plastic Bags: For dirty clothes or trash.
Tips for Packing Smart
- Keep It Light: Don’t carry too much. Porters carry up to 25 kg, but 10-15 kg is enough for you.
- Layer Your Clothes: Wear t-shirts, then fleece, then a jacket to stay warm or cool.
- Test Your Shoes: Wear boots before the trek so they don’t hurt your feet.
- Pack for Weather: Check the season—extra warm stuff for winter, rain gear for summer.
- Use a Duffel Bag: If you hire a porter, put everything in one strong bag.
What You Don’t Need
- Heavy Books: Use your phone for reading.
- Fancy Clothes: Stick to trekking gear.
- Too Much Food: Teahouses have meals like rice, noodles, and soup.
Why These Things Help
- Warm Clothes: Stop you from getting sick in the cold.
- Good Shoes: Keep your feet safe on rocks and snow.
- First-Aid: Fixes small problems fast.
- Snacks: Give you energy between meals.
The Everest Base Camp trek with helicopter return can be cold, sunny, or rainy, so these items prepare you for everything.
Packing for the Everest Base Camp trek is easy if you plan. Bring warm clothes, good shoes, a sleeping bag, and health items. Keep your bag light and let a porter help if you want. With the right things, you’ll enjoy the mountains and reach base camp feeling great. Start packing and get ready for your Nepal adventure!
What’s in your trekking bag? Share your tips in the comments! Subscribe for more travel guides.