Equipment Checklist for Everest Base Camp Trek

3. Upper body

While packing clothing for the upper and lower body, you should pack in layers as that will give you a great advantage. Layering is a simple concept but it’s critical when you are on longer-duration treks to high altitudes. You need to pack/wear the layers in conjunction with each other to keep yourself comfortable, keep your temperature regulated and keep dry. We suggest bringing base layers, trekking shirts (Full and half sleeve), fleece jackets/softshell jackets, Hardshell jackets and insulated down jackets.

– Base Layer for upper body X 2
– Trekking shirts (Breathable and quick-dry materials) – full sleeves X 2 and short sleeves X 2
– Fleece jacket/Pullover X 1
– Light down jacket X 1
– Hard Shell Jacket / Waterproof Jacket X 1
– Down jacket (Provided by us) X 1

4. Lower Body

Similar to the upper body concept, you need to follow a layering concept while packing clothing for the lower body. For reasons unknown it’s barely noticeable layering the lower half of your body — however, on the grounds that your upper half is dressed comfortably doesn’t mean your lower half will consequently remain warm as well! Pack next to the skin base layer, trekking shorts, trekking pants and Gore-tex pants. Unlike the upper body, changing your lower body clothes during then the walk is not so convenient.

– Base Layer for lower body X 2
– Trekking short X 1
– Trekking trousers X 2
– Warm insulated trousers X 1
– Gore-Tex Pant X 1
– Down pants (Optional for other seasons but recommended if you are trekking between Mid Nov to Mid March)

5. Footwear

Footwear is an important piece of gear on any mountain trip. Take care of your feet properly and you will have an amazing experience. Avoid cotton socks and bring different socks (Liner socks, Hiking socks and Thermal socks). Bring a pair of flip-flops/slippers to wear in the cities and when you need to use the restroom at nighttime. Likewise, pack a camp shoe/trainer to wear at the teahouse/lodge, you will for sure want to take off your boot after a long day walk. For hiking boots, we recommend you get an ankle support full boot with Gore-Tex material lined.

– Liner Socks X 2
– Hiking socks X 4
– Thermal socks for a colder day  X 2
– Gaiters (For winter treks) X 1
– Flip flop X 1
– Camp shoe/Trainer X 1
– Full Hiking boots with spare laces

Find out which are the best hiking boots for trekking in Nepal

7. Backpack/Travel Bag

An internal frame backpack of 32-40 ltr will be perfect for the Everest base camp trek. Please note that if you plan to trek independently then you may need a bigger backpack as you need to carry everything. For the supported trek, a 32-40 ltr backpack will be good as you only need to carry your valuable items, water, camera, sunscreen, snacks and an extra layer of fleece. On all our trips, we provide a waterproof duffel bag to every participant to store their gear which will be carried by the porters.

– Large-size duffel bag (Provided by us)
– 40 litres backpack with an internal frame and waist strap
– Day pack for Kathmandu and cities

8. Sleeping Bag for Everest base camp trek

We recommend getting a minus – 15 Degrees Celsius rated sleeping bag for the Everest base camp trek. The nights are going to be cold as you ascend. Blankets are also provided in every teahouse/lodge. We provide every participant with the use of a sleeping bag so that you will not have to spend extra money on buying it.

– Minus 15 Degree Celsius rated sleeping bag (Provided by us)
– Sleeping bag liner (optional)
– Travel Pillow (optional)

9. Accessories/Kit for Everest base camp trek

Other accessories required among the equipment checklist for the Everest base camp trek are listed below. We recommend getting each of the items listed below unless stated (Optional).

– Head Torch with spare batteries
– Water Bottle (Recommendation: Nalgene)
– Insulated covers for water bottles (Optional)
– Swiss knife / Multifunctional knife
– Thermos
– Walking Poles
– Power bank
– Sunglasses (UV ray protection with all-around protection)
– Padlock (Optional)
– Laundry Bag
– Ear plugs (Recommended for light sleeper)
– Plastic bags
– Ziplock bags
– Pee funnel (Optional)
– Books, Kindle, Reading Materials
– Trek Map
– Earplug (Recommended for a light sleeper)
– Journal, Cards, Games, and Pens
– Duct tape and sewing kit

10. Toiletries and Hygiene

From towels to toothpaste, you will need to bring everything required for your daily use on the trek. The teahouses/lodges on the trek don’t offer anything except for a bed and a window with a view.

– Quick-dry towel
– Toothbrush and paste
– Nail clippers
– Toilet papers / Wet wipes
– Female hygiene products
– Bio-degradable soap and shampoo
– Sunscreen
– Lip balms
– Moisturizer
– Snack food (Chocolates, Energy bars, Energy drinks, Rehydration/Powder mixed drinks etc. for your comfort)

11. First Aid

Pack first aid for the trek and be sure it contains all the required medications for altitude sickness, diarrhoea, headache to even blister. We carry a comprehensive medical kit bag on all our trips but we recommend you bring your personal first aid as well.

– Diamox / Acetazolamide
– Crepe Bandages
– Gauge pad
– Antiseptic cream
– Plasters
– Dexamethasone
– Advil / Painkiller
– Anti-diarrhoea pills
– Water purification tablets
– Cough medication
– Eye Drops
– Personal prescribed medications

12. Documents

We recommend you bring a copy of each document listed below for emergency purposes.

– Passport with visa and validity of 6 months after your trip completion
– 4 copies of passport-size photos (For sim card and other purposes)
– Travel Insurance (Please refer to the Insurance information page for more detail about it)
– Flight tickets
– Credit cards in case of emergencies
– Driving ID or any other ID in case of loss of your passport.

13. For Kathmandu

Pack extra layers of clothes to wear in Kathmandu. You can leave these clothes at the hotel luggage store in Kathmandu. Changing into fresh clothes after a good shower is a very good feeling.

– Extra clothes to wear before and after the trek
– Swimwear

The above listed is the recommended equipment checklist for the Everest base camp trek. However, you can pack more or less as per your requirement. If in case you are short on any gear listed above, then you can easily buy/rent it here in Kathmandu as well after your arrival but please make sure that you have at least half a day for shopping.

There are many outdoor shops in Thamel, Kathmandu where you can buy/rent the equipment. You will find a lot of shops selling locally manufactured items and there are also branded outdoor shops in Thamel such as North Face, Outdoor Research, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot etc. where you can buy genuine equipment.

On all our Nepal treks, we provide the use of waterproof duffel bags, sleeping bags and down jackets. Similarly, on all our peak climbing trips, we provide each climber with the use of personal climbing gear as well so that you will not have to spend extra money.

Download the Checklist here: Equipment checklist for trekking in Nepal