For Everest Base Camp, Annapurna and every teahouse trek in Nepal
Pack a few reliable layers rather than a new outfit for every day. Nights in teahouses are cold and unheated, afternoons can be hot, and every kilo you add is carried by you or a porter. Tick items off as you pack, then weigh both bags before you leave home.
Know your weight limits
Porter allowance: usually 10–15 kg per trekker. On Get Lost Forever treks it is 12 kg (one porter per two trekkers).
Daypack: keep it light, ideally around 5–7 kg, with only what you need while walking.
Lukla flights use strict checked and hand-luggage limits that vary by airline. Follow the allowance on your ticket.
Bags
30–40 litre daypack with hip belt and rain cover
Porter duffel (check if your operator supplies one)
Dry bags or a strong pack liner
Small padlock for the duffel
Pocket luggage scale
Upper body
2–3 quick-drying trekking T-shirts
1–2 long-sleeved base layers (merino or synthetic)
1 fleece or light insulated mid-layer
1 down or synthetic insulated jacket
1 waterproof, windproof shell with hood
1 clean top kept for the teahouse and sleeping
Lower body
2 pairs of trekking trousers
1 pair of thermal leggings
1 pair of lightweight waterproof overtrousers
4–6 pairs of quick-drying underwear
1 pair of comfortable teahouse trousers
Shorts for warm, low sections (optional)
Footwear
Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
3–4 pairs of merino or technical trekking socks
Light trainers, sandals or slip-ons for lodges
Gaiters or microspikes (only if your guide advises)
Head and hands
Sun hat with good coverage
Warm beanie
Neck gaiter or buff
Thin liner gloves
Warm, wind-resistant gloves or mittens
Category 3–4 sunglasses that fit securely
Sleeping
Sleeping bag rated for the coldest night (check the comfort rating)
Sleeping-bag liner
Earplugs and eye mask
Inflatable pillow or pillowcase (optional)
On the trail
Adjustable trekking poles
Head torch with spare batteries or cable
Two 1-litre wide-mouth bottles (one can be a hot-water bottle)
Water purification tablets or a filter
Snacks for long days
Small sit mat (optional)
Health and first aid
Your regular medication, plus extra for delays
Copy of prescriptions
Blister plasters and tape
Simple pain relief that suits you
Oral rehydration salts
Throat lozenges and antiseptic wipes
Anything your doctor or travel clinic advises (ask about Diamox)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and small toothpaste
Biodegradable soap and hand sanitiser
Toilet paper in a waterproof bag
Quick-drying towel
High-SPF sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Moisturiser, wet wipes, nail clippers
Sealable bags for wet or used items
Electronics
Phone and charging cables
Plug adaptor for Nepal (types C, D and M)
Power bank (keep it warm at night)
Camera, spare memory card and batteries (optional)
Waterproof phone pouch
Documents and money
Passport (6+ months valid) and visa paperwork
Travel insurance covering your maximum altitude and helicopter rescue
Emergency contacts and insurer helpline
Paper and digital copies of key documents
Spare passport photos
Enough Nepali rupees for the whole trek (ATMs are unreliable on the trail)
For women
Supportive sports bras
Menstrual products for the whole trek plus delays
Sealable disposal bags
Lightweight scarf or sarong
Winter extras (December–February)
Extra thermal layer top and bottom
Warmer sleeping bag or a fleece liner
Balaclava and hand warmers
Microspikes if your guide recommends them
Daypack or porter duffel?
Your porter may walk at a different pace, so anything you need during the day goes in your daypack.
In your daypack
Water and purification
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Fleece or insulated layer
Sun hat, warm hat and gloves
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal medicine and blister kit
Passport, money and insurance details
Phone, camera and power bank
Head torch, sunglasses and snacks
In the porter duffel
Sleeping bag and liner
Spare trekking clothes
Teahouse and sleeping clothes
Spare toiletries
Charging kit you won't need while walking
Books and extras
Easy to rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara
Down jacket
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Duffel bag
Gaiters and microspikes
Leave at home
Jeans or heavy cotton clothing
Full-size toiletry bottles
A second pair of heavy boots
Unnecessary valuables and jewellery
"Just in case" items with no clear purpose
Rental gear is widely available in Thamel (Kathmandu) and Lakeside (Pokhara). Check condition, zips and the sleeping-bag rating, and ask when it was last cleaned. Buy and break in your boots at home. This checklist is general guidance: confirm conditions with your guide shortly before departure. For the full explanation of each item, read our Everest Base Camp packing list.
Trek it with us
Small-group treks with local guides
Permits, licensed guides, porters and teahouses arranged, with honest advice before you go.
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