Trek Guide

Nepal Trek Packing List 2026: What to Bring, What to Skip

After 29 years and 5,000+ guided treks, we know exactly what trekkers overpack and what they wish they'd brought. Here's our definitive list —…

By Travel Himalaya Nepal · Jan 25, 2026

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After 29 years and 5,000+ guided treks, we know exactly what trekkers overpack — and what they wish they'd brought. The single biggest mistake we see year after year is arriving at Tribhuvan Airport with a 25kg bag, wide eyes, and creaking knees before the…

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The 10kg Rule

On any multi-day trek in Nepal, your duffel should not exceed 10kg . This is not an arbitrary guideline — it is tied directly to porter welfare. Nepal's old government standard allowed loads up to 35kg including a porter's own kit, but that figure is widely…

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Clothing Essentials — The Layer System

Nepal's mountain weather changes in minutes. A layering system is the only rational approach: Base layer : Moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool. Two sets. Cotton kills — literally, in cold and wet conditions. Mid layer : Fleece jacket or softshell. A…

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Best overall

The shirt you wear for eight days without anyone minding

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crew

Merino at 200-weight is the one true trekking base layer — warm damp, warm dry, and it does not smell; it is also three times the price of synthetic and it will eventually hole at the…

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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crew

Merino at 200-weight is the one true trekking base layer — warm damp, warm dry, and it does not smell; it is also three times the price of synthetic and it will eventually hole at the shoulder where the pack rubs.

Not for: A four-day trek where you can wash and change. Synthetic is cheaper, tougher and dries faster; merino earns its price on long trips without laundry.

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If you buy through that link we earn a commission. It costs you nothing and it does not change what we recommend — the rental and advice-only entries in our gear guide earn us nothing at all.

Footwear

This is where trekkers suffer most. Waterproof trekking boots broken in beforehand — this is absolutely critical. We cannot stress this enough. New boots on day one of a 14-day EBC trek is a recipe for blisters that will end your trip. Break them in over at…

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Sleeping

Teahouses provide blankets — but not always clean ones. A sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece) adds 3–5°C of warmth and keeps you comfortable regardless of teahouse standards. For the sleeping bag itself: Everest Base Camp : Rated to -10°C (comfort rating)…

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Navigation & Safety

Mobile data is unreliable above Namche Bazaar on the Everest side and above Chhomrong on the Annapurna side. Download your maps before you leave Kathmandu or Pokhara: Maps.me or Gaia GPS : Offline trekking maps downloaded for Nepal. Free or low-cost…

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Best overall

Two phone charges for the weight of a phone

Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3

The best capacity-per-gram you can buy and it clears every airline limit without a conversation — 10,000 mAh is about two phone charges, so on a fortnight above the solar line you will…

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Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3

The best capacity-per-gram you can buy and it clears every airline limit without a conversation — 10,000 mAh is about two phone charges, so on a fortnight above the solar line you will still be paying a lodge occasionally.

Not for: A camera-heavy trip or a group sharing one bank. Take the 20,000 mAh instead.

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If you buy through that link we earn a commission. It costs you nothing and it does not change what we recommend — the rental and advice-only entries in our gear guide earn us nothing at all.

Electronics

Power availability degrades sharply with altitude. Plan on no reliable USB charging above Namche Bazaar (3,440m) on the EBC route — some lodges offer it at premium prices but outlets are often shared and unreliable. Pack accordingly: Power bank : 20,000mAh…

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Documents, Permits & Money

Since 2023, foreign trekkers must trek with a licensed guide through a government-registered agency in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas — and as of March 2026 even restricted-area permits no longer require a group of two, but a licensed guide and…

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2026 permit costs at a glance

Figures are indicative for 2026 and set by the Nepal Tourism Board and DNPWC ; always confirm current rates before you travel.

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What to Skip

These are the items we see trekkers lugging in — and regretting: Jeans : Heavy, slow to dry, restrictive. Leave at home. Cotton anything : T-shirts, socks, underwear — cotton holds moisture and causes chafing and cold. Replace everything with synthetic or…

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What to Buy or Rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara

You don't need to arrive fully kitted. Both Kathmandu's Thamel district and Pokhara's Lakeside are well-stocked with trekking gear at competitive prices: North Face / Mammut-style copies from NPR 800–3,000 (USD 6–22). Quality varies — inspect stitching…

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Most useful single item

Dust mask, neck cover, hat, eye shade

Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear

The best value item in this entire catalogue — it does five jobs badly enough to be worth carrying two, and none of them well enough to replace a real hat.

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Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear

The best value item in this entire catalogue — it does five jobs badly enough to be worth carrying two, and none of them well enough to replace a real hat.

Not for: Nothing. Take two.

Check price on Amazon Read the full review

If you buy through that link we earn a commission. It costs you nothing and it does not change what we recommend — the rental and advice-only entries in our gear guide earn us nothing at all.

Packing List by Trek Type

Longer circuits — the Annapurna Circuit , Manaslu Circuit or Langtang Valley — follow the 12–14 day column. Browse everything on our full tours page . Keep your packed duffel to 10kg. Nepal's old government standard allowed porter loads up to 35kg including…

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