Having the right equipment on your treks and expedition will make almost as much difference to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment as any physical training you do. It is essential that you take the time to acquire the correct gear; don’t wait for the last minute to find out your local shop doesn’t have your size. This equipment is expensive, but you can often find great sales online and at your local gear store. The purpose of this gear list is to help guide your purchases. Often salespeople in your local shop do not have first hand knowledge of high-altitude climbing, so be sure to balance their advice with what you read here. We have strived to create a list heavy on detail, but there are always further questions!
During your adventure in Nepal you will encounter a very wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. At one end of this range are the pleasantly warm and beautiful lowlands around Lukla, while at the other end of the spectrum is the cold and often windy weather up amongst the glaciers and the highest peaks in the world, before summit day itself. The equipment you bring must function well in a wide variety of conditions. Your clothing should be warm, lightweight, dry quickly, and allow good freedom of movement. Adhere to the layering principle: several thin layers of insulation (rather than one thick one).
Our list on the trek and expedition package is a guide only . While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment, unless otherwise noted. Using our current suggested brand list we encourage you to shop around, do research, even borrow, and use your experience with our list to find the best gear for you. Purchasing the specific items listed below will ensure you have the right tool for the job, but there are other options on the market.
A Note on Packing
For your international flights, we recommend packing all your equipment in your two duffle bags or your suitcase. Do not simply pack your backpack (as baggage-handling machines can damage the straps). It is important to lock these bags for their trip. Depending on the airport, you may be able to put your travel locks on after TSA has searched the bags. If not, Lock the bags with Zip Ties. If the TSA cuts off the zip-tie to search your bag, they will replace it. You will still need the travel locks to lock your bags in the hotel and during the trek. Generally, you will take one duffel on the trek , and leave one in the hotel in Kathmandu with your belongings for your time in the city. Your trek in duffel will only be accessible in the evenings (with items such as changes of clothing, sleeping bag), and your day pack will hold vitals such as water, layering, blister kit, and camera
Conclusion:
As the weather condition is unpredictable in the Himalayan region, you need to be prepared at all times. A day can start sunny with clear skies and later become cold and windy at the high altitudes.
Sometimes, it can rain and snow during the trekking period. You need to remember that for a successful trekking journey, your physical comfort must be the first priority.
Note:
Please note that the items listed on the equipment list vary according to the season and trek duration. Please remember that your luggage will be carried by the porter, but you need to carry a daypack on your own. We also suggest you pack only necessary items to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
Equipment List – Important Notes Before You Begin
Please read the following carefully before reviewing the gear list below:
"Having the right equipment on your treks and expeditions will make almost as much difference to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment as any physical training you do."
- This list is a guide. While you are required to bring everything listed, there are numerous options, brands, and versions available for each item unless otherwise specified. We encourage you to shop around, do your research, borrow where possible, and use your own experience to find the gear that works best for you.
- Start early. Do not wait until the last minute — your local shop may not have your size or the item you need. Gear can also be found at great prices through online retailers and seasonal sales.
- Seek the right advice. Salespeople at local gear shops may not have firsthand experience of high-altitude climbing. Balance their advice with your own research and the recommendations provided here.
- Layer up. Nepal's weather ranges from warm lowland valleys to cold, windy glaciers. Your clothing must be warm, lightweight, quick-drying, and allow freedom of movement. Always follow the layering principle — several thin layers rather than one thick one.
- Weather is unpredictable. A day can begin sunny and clear and turn cold, windy, rainy, or snowy by afternoon — especially at high altitudes. Always be prepared for sudden changes.
- Pack smart. Your main duffel will be carried by a porter and is only accessible in the evenings. Your daypack is carried by you and should hold your daily essentials. Pack only what is necessary to keep weight to a minimum.
- Gear requirements vary. The items you need may differ depending on the season, trek duration, and altitude of your chosen route or expedition.
Clothing Layers
Base Layers
- Lightweight moisture-wicking thermal top and bottom
- Midweight thermal top and bottom (for higher altitudes)
Mid Layers
- Fleece jacket or softshell jacket
- Fleece or softshell pants
Outer / Shell Layers
- Waterproof and windproof hardshell jacket (Gore-Tex recommended)
- Waterproof hardshell pants
Insulation
- Down jacket (600–800 fill power minimum)
- Expedition-weight down suit (for summit days on high peaks)
Trekking Clothes
- Trekking shirts (2–3, quick-dry)
- Trekking pants (2 pairs, zip-off optional)
- Lightweight trekking shorts
- Underwear (moisture-wicking, 3–4 pairs)
- Camp shoes or sandals
Footwear
- Lightweight trekking boots (broken in before departure)
- Insulated mountaineering boots (for peak climbing/expedition)
- Double boots or Expedition boots (for glaciated high peaks like Island Peak or above)
- Microspikes or crampons (compatible with boots)
- Warm camp booties or down booties
- Hiking socks (3–4 pairs, wool or synthetic)
- Liner socks (to reduce blisters)
- Gaiters (waterproof, mid or full height)
Packs & Bags
- Daypack (25–35L for daily use on trek)
- Large duffel bag x2 (one for Kathmandu hotel, one for porter on trek)
- Waterproof duffel bag or liner (to protect gear)
- Summit pack (20–25L lightweight, for climbing days)
- Pack rain cover
Hands & Head
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Midweight fleece or softshell gloves
- Heavy insulated mountaineering gloves or mittens (for summit)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Warm fleece or wool beanie
- Balaclava
- Neck gaiter or buff
Eye Protection
- UV-protective sunglasses (category 4, wraparound)
- Glacier goggles (for high altitude and snowfields)
Sleeping
- 3–4 season sleeping bag (rated to at least -20°C / -4°F for expeditions)
- Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth, keeps bag clean)
- Sleeping pad / inflatable mat (insulated, R-value 4+)
Climbing & Technical Gear
(For Peak Climbing & Expeditions)
- Mountaineering harness
- Helmet (climbing-rated)
- Ice axe (appropriate length)
- Crampons (12-point, compatible with your boots)
- Ascender / Jumar (for fixed ropes)
- Carabiners (locking and non-locking)
- Belay/rappel device (e.g., ATC or similar)
- Slings and cord (120cm and 240cm)
- Trekking poles (collapsible, with snow baskets)
Health, Safety & First Aid
- Personal first aid kit
- Blister kit (moleskin, bandages, antiseptic)
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox — consult your doctor)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+, for face and lips)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Electrolyte sachets
- Pulse oximeter (to monitor oxygen saturation at altitude)
Lighting
- Headlamp with extra batteries (lithium preferred for cold)
- Backup small flashlight
Accessories & Essentials
- Travel locks (for duffels)
- Zip ties (for flights)
- Dry bags or Ziploc bags (for electronics and documents)
- Trekking map or guidebook
- Notebook and pen
- Passport, permits, and document copies
- Emergency cash (USD and Nepali Rupees)
- Power bank (high capacity)
- Universal travel adapter
- Camera or action camera with extra batteries
Toiletries & Personal Care
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Quick-dry towel
- Toilet paper and trowel
- Hand warmers (chemical, disposable)
- Moisturiser (skin gets very dry at altitude)
Key Reminders from the Guide:
Your porter carries the main duffel — you carry your daypack
- Pack light and minimal
- Gear requirements vary by season and trek duration
- Always follow the layering principle
- Break in boots before you travel
