The short version
Exactly what to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek in 2026. The complete EBC-specific checklist — clothing for -20°C, gear, the Lukla weight limit, documents, and what to leave behind.
- Pack for genuine sub-zero cold: a warm down jacket and a -20°C sleeping bag are essential even in peak season.
- Respect the Lukla flight weight limit (~10kg checked + 5kg carry-on); your porter carries your duffel.
- Bring your own broken-in boots and base layers; rent the bulky gear (down jacket, sleeping bag, poles) cheaply in Kathmandu.
- Insurance with helicopter evacuation is non-negotiable for EBC.
Packing specifically for EBC
Everest Base Camp reaches 5,545m at Kala Patthar, with nights well below -15°C even in peak season and serious sun and dust. This EBC-specific list covers exactly what you need — and the Lukla weight limit you must respect. (For general principles, see our full Nepal packing list.)
Flights to Lukla have a strict limit — typically around 10kg checked + 5kg carry-on per person. Your porter carries your duffel (porters carry up to ~15kg shared between two trekkers). Pack light; excess is left in Kathmandu storage or incurs fees.
Clothing (layering for -20°C)
- Base layers: 2–3 sets merino/synthetic tops and bottoms
- Mid layers: 1–2 fleeces or a light insulated jacket
- Insulation: 1 warm down jacket (rentable in Kathmandu)
- Shell: waterproof/windproof jacket and over-trousers
- Trousers: 2 pairs trekking + thermal leggings for high sections
- Extremities: warm hat, sun cap, buff (for dust — the "Khumbu cough" is real), liner + warm gloves, 4–5 pairs wool socks
Footwear, gear & sleep
- Broken-in waterproof boots (the most important item) + camp shoes
- -20°C sleeping bag (rentable) + liner
- 35–45L daypack; 60–70L duffel for the porter
- Trekking poles (vital for the long descents)
- Headlamp + spare batteries; power bank 10,000mAh+
- 2x 1L bottles or bladder + water purification (tablets/filter/SteriPEN)
Sun, health, documents & money
- Category 3–4 sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Personal first-aid kit, Diamox (consult a doctor), rehydration salts, blister plasters
- Passport + copies, permits (agency arranges), insurance with heli-evacuation
- USD and NPR cash in small denominations — no reliable ATMs past Namche
Rent the bulky, expensive items (down jacket, -20°C bag, poles) cheaply in Kathmandu's Thamel. Bring your own boots (broken in) and base layers from home. Buy cheap accessories (hats, gloves, buffs) locally.
What to leave behind
Cotton clothing (dangerous when wet/cold), jeans, heavy books, excess electronics, bulky toiletries — every kilo counts toward the Lukla limit and your porter's load.
Planning the trek itself? See the full Everest Base Camp trek guide and cost breakdown, then tell us your dates.
What is the Lukla baggage weight limit?
Flights to Lukla typically allow around 10kg of checked baggage plus 5kg carry-on per person. Pack light and within this limit; your porter carries your main duffel (up to ~15kg shared between two trekkers).
Can I rent gear for Everest Base Camp in Kathmandu?
Yes. Kathmandu's Thamel district has many shops renting quality down jackets (~$1–2/day), -20°C sleeping bags (~$1–2/day) and trekking poles (~$1/day). Bring your own broken-in boots and base layers from home.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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