Packing List for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal is an adventure of a lifetime. As you ascend the winding trails in the Himalayas, cross suspension bridges, and glaciers, you'll be following in the footsteps of famous explorers like Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. You will be able to witness breathtaking mountain views and reach the base of the world-renowned Mount Everest, which is the tallest mountain on the planet.
However, embarking on such a daring expedition requires proper preparation. In addition to ensuring that you have undergone sufficient trek training, it is important to make sure that you have packed the appropriate equipment. It is advisable to avoid adding any extra stress to an already challenging trip by ensuring that you are adequately prepared for the weather conditions and have all the necessary items with you.
We have compiled a comprehensive packing list for those planning to trek to Everest Base Camp. We always recommend that you check with your trip provider to ensure that you have everything you need. They will also be available to answer any questions you may have about gear, such as what qualifies as "lightweight" and whether your hiking boots are appropriate for the trip.
“Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery.”
By John Ruskin
How cold is Everest Base Camp
In order to pack appropriately for the Everest Base Camp trek, it is important to have knowledge of the prevailing weather conditions. You can expect to encounter significant variations in climate and temperature regardless of the time of year you choose to travel. The reason for this is the considerable increase in altitude throughout the trail, starting from Lukla (2,860m) and reaching the base camp at 5,380m. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the weather tends to get colder and less predictable.
In the spring months of March to May, the daytime temperature typically ranges around 17°C at lower altitudes and decreases to 10°C as altitude increases. The temperature is expected to decrease during the night, ranging from -5°C to -10°C. Autumn, which spans from September to November, is similar. During the winter months of December to February, temperatures tend to decrease. Expect daytime temperatures to range from slightly above freezing to approximately 10°C, while nighttime temperatures may drop as low as -10°C. Make sure to pack some warm clothes regardless of the time of year you plan to visit.
A note on weight restrictions
It is crucial to avoid overpacking for your journey to Everest Base Camp. Most trip organizers impose weight restrictions on the amount of luggage that your porter can carry for you, typically ranging from 10-15kg as the maximum limit. Passengers on the small plane flight from Kathmandu to Lukla must adhere to weight restrictions. Specifically, they are permitted to bring 10kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. Although it is possible to pay for excess baggage, the additional weight allowance granted is typically only a few extra kilograms.
Several trip hosts offer the option of leaving any unnecessary luggage for the trek at their base in Kathmandu. This is especially beneficial for individuals who plan to travel throughout Nepal following the completion of the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Packing list
Clothes for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight Down jacket
Waterproof trousers
Lightweight trekking trousers
Hiking shorts (if trekking in the summer)
Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal)
Two to three trekking t-shirts/shirts
Fleece or warm mid-layer
Waterproof thick gloves
Glove liners
Hiking socks and lighter walking socks
Wool hat
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Spare underwear
Buff or similar
One pair of worn-in, waterproof hiking boots
One pair of lightweight trainers (for the camp, in the evenings)
Extra Clothes for Winter
Extra warm layers (add an extra warm item to all key items above)
Extra set of thermals (pair to walk in, pair to sleep in)
Merino trekking socks
Merino glove liners
Gaiters
Tech to pack for your trek
Powerbank
Universal plug adaptor
Charging cables
Phone / iPod /Kindle
Toiletries to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Biodegradable wet wipes
Hand gel
Small biodegradable bags to take toilet tissue off the mountain
Toilet paper
Sunscreen & lip block
Personal medication
First Aid Kit, including:
Anti-Diarrhoea Tablets (Imodium)
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatories
Throat Lozenges
Rehydration Sachets
Blister Plasters
Vaseline - to rub on feet to reduce friction
Diamox for altitude sickness (only after consultation with a medical professional)
Other Iteams:
Trekking poles
Travel towel
Two water bottles (one litre each)
Metal SIGG bottle (useful to fill with hot water to use as a hot water bottle at bedtime)
Water purification tablets/system, such as Lifestraw or SteriPEN
Crampons or chained spikes that will fit any boot, if you don't have crampon-suitable boots (for winter departures between November and March)
Day pack with rain cover (30 litres +)
Rucksack or duffel bag (for the porters to carry overnight kit). If you’re wondering what size duffel bag for Everest Base Camp, around 65 litres should be enough.
Trekking Gear Rental in Kathmandu
If you have limited funds, it may be worth considering renting gear. Rab and Picture are among the companies that offer gear rental services in the UK. Additionally, if you're planning a trip to Kathmandu, you can also rent gear in the city before beginning your adventure.
It is recommended to purchase items through your trip host in Kathmandu, as there are shops that sell low-quality counterfeit clothing and equipment which should be avoided. Your guide will include links to companies that offer authentic products.
Your guide can assist you in finding items such as boot spikes, down jackets, and sleeping bags. The cost of these items will be between $1 and $2 each. However, for the latter two, you will also be required to pay a refundable deposit. It is advisable to avoid renting walking boots and instead opt for a pair that you have already broken in.
