Like any other trekking of Nepal, Everest Base Camp trek also requires readiness, proper planning and decision about what equipment to pack, to ensure a wonderful trekking experience. In this post, we have listed a essential packing list for the Everest Base Camp trek for both men and women from clothes to the toiletries from our very own experience of many years and from the feedback of the travellers who have completed the trek.
Everest base camp gear list is divided into two parts; day pack and duffle bag. You will carry a daypack with you every time. Duffle Bag will be carried between tea houses and are left in tea houses while trekking in the same area.
Season you choose to trek EBC matters a lot in the packing list. So, before starting to pack, know in detail about the weather of Everest Base Camp.
This complete guide for the Everest Base Camp packing list doesn’t mean you need to pack everything listed here. Follow your instinct and tailor as per your personal need and preferences by taking this as a reference.
Note: Invest in qualitative and reliable clothing and footwear as your whole trekking depends upon them.
1. Body wear
Underwear (6 – 8 pairs)
You will walk for 6 – 7 hours each day. So, breathable underwear is highly recommended for your own comfort.
Thermal Layer
It is mandatory to wear when you reach high elevation. However, you don’t need it in the beginning and ending part of your destination.
Fleece Jackets/sweaters (2)
It keeps you warm, but doesn’t block the wind. So, we recommend wearing it underneath the down jacket or windproof jacket. Work great for the middle layer.
Waterproof/Windproof Jacket
Waterproof along with windproof and hood is good enough.
Down Jacket
It is crucial for morning hikes and during evenings when you are roaming around the local area or just sitting at a tea house. It keeps you warm and safe from the low temperature.
Trekking shirts (4 – 6 pcs)
Carry short sleeves shirts for lower elevation and long sleeves shirts for higher elevation. Breathable, colored and fabric shirts will be best. Avoid the cotton shirts.
Trekking Trousers and Shorts (2 – 3 pcs)
Keep shorts (1) for trekking in the lower region and long trousers (2) for the higher region. Lightweight and loose are mostly recommended.
Fleece pants
Suitable to wear at evening in the tea houses.
2. Head Wear
Hat
Carry the lightweight hat which can be easily packed and give you full coverage to protect yourself from the sun.
Beanie
It keeps your head and ear warm. Compulsory for the colder nights and when you are closer to the Everest Base Camp.
Neck Gaiter or Bandana (2)
One to protect your face and head from the chilly air and another one for dusty trails.
Sunglass
UV protection sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and the glare from snow-covered peaks.
3. Handwear
Inner gloves
It is essential for performing ordinary tasks and for the moderate cold. You can wear it along with insulated gloves in the freezing cold places
Outer Insulated Gloves
It must be waterproof and durable. It is a life saver in the base camp and during morning treks.
4. Footwear
Your feet are the one which will take you to the Everest Base Camp and bring you back from there. So, be cautious while packing the footwear as it is one of the crucial gears for trekking.
Note: Before heading for the trekking, try your boots a few times. Also, buy the qualitable boots. Newly-never-worn and poor-quality boots may result in aches and blisters.
Trekking Boots
Be careful about size while buying shoes. It shouldn’t be too small or too big. There should be enough room for toes and little cut traction on the sole. Besides this, it should be lightweight, waterproof, ankle supportive, and easy to tie/untie laces.
Sandals
You shouldn’t trek in sandals; however, it is essential to roam in and around the tea houses. Go for those sandals which can be worn with socks.
Trekking Socks (5 – 6 pairs)
Socks should be moisture wicking and breathable so avoid the cotton made socks. Avoid those socks which are already worn.
Gaiters
It helps to protect your boots from rock, water, mud etc. by covering the ankle high opening of your boot.
Note: Carry one pair of thermal socks for the high elevation. More than one is preferred if you are trekking in the winter season.
5. Bags and Backpacks
Duffle bag
If you are hiring a porter to carry your bag, then we would recommend you to have a duffle bag of about 80L. It should be waterproof and lockable.
Rucksack
If you are planning to carry your bag by yourself, then a rucksack with an opening at top of about 65L is recommended.
Daypack
Even if your bag will be carried by a porter, you still need to have one small daypack to carry the necessary items for the day like camera, water, sunscreen, rain gear, snacks etc.
Rain Cover
Rain cover is worth carrying for Everest Base Camp trek to protect your bag and the items inside it. Carry the one with the exact size of your daypack.
Note: If you’re worried about your bag being heavy, wearing your heavy stuff like a trekking boot, fleece and down jacket is a smart choice.
6. Sleeping Gear
Sleeping bag with linear
Even Though tea houses provide you sleeping facilities and blankets, they may not be warm enough as the temperature inside tea houses is very cold. So, carry sleeping bag with linear in order to add extra warmth and keep yourself clean from outside dirt.
Note: Choose sleeping bag which fit to the shape of your body
Earplugs
If you are a light sleeper, earplugs are best for you to avoid the snoring of other trekkers.
7. Toiletries
Sunscreen
SPF 25 – 55 will be perfect for you. Also, be sure you are carrying the one rated with UVA rather than UVB
Moisturizing cream
To keep your skin fresh and smooth, small size moisturizer is recommended as your skill will be highly affected by cold and dry mountain air.
Lip Balm
SPF 25 and should provide long lasting moisturizer.
Toilet paper
2 rolls should be enough for you.
Hand Sanitizer
You will not get water to wash your hands at every stop.
Shampoo
Instead of a big bottle, carry the travel size or sachets shampoo.
Towel
We recommend quick dry trekking towels of a small size.
Shower Gel
Sachets or travel size shower gel are recommended.
Plastic Bags
To put your dirty laundry and garbage, 2 big and 3 small plastics are recommended.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
8. Medicines
Medicines are for the emergency. The complete list of medicines are;
- Cotton roll (1)
- Dressing gauze (4 – 5 pieces)
- Band-aids (10)
- Painkiller (To relief from severe to moderate pain)
- Omeprazole (For gastric problems)
- Antiemetic (To control vomiting)
- Loperamide (To prevent diarrhoea)
- Diamox (For the altitude sickness)
- Cold medicines
You may catch common cold because of freezing weather so carry medicines like cold syrup etc. - Throat Lozenges (For the sore throat)
- Paracetamol (For mild headaches)
- Water Purifying tablets
In higher elevation, the water might be contaminated. So, we recommend carrying some water purifying tablets or droplets to avoid drinking unpurified water. - Blister Bands
If you get any blisters or other allergic symptoms, you will need a blister band.
Note: Besides these medications, don’t forget to carry your own prescription suggested by the doctor as only basic kind of medicines are sold in Namche Bazar and Lukla
9. Electronics and Entertainment
Mobile phone and charger
It is hard to find charging devices which fit your mobile phone. So, keep focus on your charger.
Camera with extra battery
Charging is a hassle in the Himalayas region of Nepal. So, don’t forget to bring an extra battery with full charge as the camera is best to capture the moments.
Power Bank
Charging your devices is expensive. So, it is recommended to carry a power bank to save costs. Solar powered power bank will be the best option.
Books
Books are highly recommended as you may not be feeling sleepy all the time. However, 1 – 2 books are more than enough.
Diary and Pen
To make your EBC trek permanent, you can write it down as immediately as you can without missing any part.
Portable games
Cards, ludo, monopoly etc. will help you to increase bonds between other trekkers and to kill your time.
10. Miscellaneous Accessories
It is necessary to keep yourself hydrated. A lightweight water bottle or hydration bladder is recommended.
Trekking poles (Optional)
To reduce the pain in legs and back
Headlight
It is crucial to get around the teahouses at night and early morning as most of the tea houses are poorly lit.
Waist Belt
It makes easy access to money, passport, energy chocolates etc.
Snacks
Energy bars, energy gels, mixed drink etc. can help you during trekking trail. It should be a combination of protein and carbohydrate for balanced energy.
Pee funnel
As you proceed to higher elevation, it will be hard for you to reach clean toilets. Also, poor lighting and cold nights make it hard for you to run to the toilet during night time. So, we recommend carrying pee funnel for your easy access to the toilet.
Map
You can carry either physical maps or offline maps with you to find the routes easily.
Raincoat/Poncho
You should take a poncho/raincoat depending upon which season you choose to trek Everest Base Camp. However, we recommend you to put it in your bag as it is lightweight and may come handy in any season.
Hand and toe warmers
11. Documents
Documents are very essential as you have to go through various checkpoints one the way. So, don’t forget to carry them. Here is a list of some documents that you must carry with you when you are trekking.
- Passport
- Visa
- Money
- Credit Card
- Tickets/Booking Receipts
- Travel insurance
Everest Base Camp Packing List Women
The above listed gears are totally essential for women, too. However, besides above mentioned, there are some others women essential packing list for Everest Base Camp required to ensure hassle free trek and they are;
Inner Garment
Carry 5 – 6 pairs of underwear and 2 sports bras. Make sure it is breathable and not too tight.
Sanitary napkins/Tampons
It is most essential for women. If you use sanitary napkins, pick the one which is long lasting and don’t leak as you have to walk long hours in EBC trek. However, we recommend you to carry tampons as it will be a little more comfortable.
Hair conditioner
Carry conditioning to protect your hair from the dry mountain air.
Makeup products
Don’t carry all your makeup products with you. Just choose some handy one like lipstick, moisturizer, sunscreen, nail polish, polish remover, eye liner etc.
Important Tips for Women Trekkers
- Avoid excess packing and unnecessary items including valuable items. Only include essential packing required for the trek.
- Dress in layers to avoid adverse consequences.
- Carry all the essential hygiene products.
We hope that all the above listed gear and equipment will provide you with a memorable trekking journey as well as excellent value for the money. Also, packing lists may differ as everyone has their own ideas of packing their bag. Just make sure you will avoid excess packing list for Everest Base Camp trek as much as you can.
You must know that your packing list totally depends upon the season you will be trekking to the Everest Base Camp. So, if you want us to prepare your overall packing list or any question, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much weight can I carry for the trek?
Airlines of Lukla flight only allowed 15kg weight which includes 10 kgs for luggage and 5 kgs for hand bag. In case your bag is heavier, you need to pay extra USD 1 for every extra kg. However, don’t think about carrying too much by paying for extra as it will be difficult for you on the trail. Avoid excess packing as much as you can.
2. Can I buy gear in Kathmandu?
Yes, there are many gear shops in Kathmandu, Thamel. You can easily buy them from the authorized showroom like The North Face so you can avoid the hassle of carrying big luggage from your home country. However, there is a high chance of selling fake brands by charging high amounts. So, invest wisely as you can’t compromise on gear for Everest Base Camp trek.
3. Can I rent gear in Kathmandu?
Renting gear is always a good idea if you don’t use them a lot. Many stores in Thamel offer renting of gear at a reasonable price. Renting a sleeping bag will be a good idea.
4. Can I buy gear on the trekking trail?
There are a few shops in Lukla and Namche Bazar that offer you clothes and other gears. However, the price is double/triple as compared to the Thamel and you will have to make a choice from limited options. So, we recommend buying in Thamel, Kathmandu as much as possible. In case if you forget any necessary items, then you can think about buying on a trekking trail.
5. How to train for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Being said that Everest Base Camp is straightforward and doesn’t possess many challenges, one still needs to go through a certain training plan to complete Everest Base Camp. Focus and stick towards a certain diet plan and practice some short and long hiking along with the strength and cardio training for preparing yourselves beforehand the trek.