Nepal Trekking Packing List: 2023 Edition

Wondering what to buy for your Nepal trekking packing list? This article will highlight all of the necessary (and optional) gear that will help you on your trek. From clothing to hygiene to gear, this Nepal trekking equipment list will make packing a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Packing for a trekking adventure in Nepal can be a daunting task.

Though I already have a general post on what to wear in Nepal, packing trekking equipment for Nepal is a whole other issue.

After all, you need to be prepared for multiple altitudes and climates, while keeping your backpack as light as possible.

You might be wondering, what should you pack before heading to Nepal? Can you buy some of it on site? What can you leave at home?

This specialized Nepal trekking packing list will cover it all.

We will talk about what to wear trekking in Nepal, what trekking gear to pack, what hygiene items you absolutely need, and what optional extras might be worth the space.

The Perfect Trekking in Nepal Packing List

This list will cover all of the packing essentials for any trek in Nepal, such as the famous Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. 

1. The Best Backpack for You

The number one item on this trekking in Nepal packing list is a good backpack, hands down.

On any multi-day hike, it is critically important to have a comfortable backpack with a good fit for your body. Since you are carrying a lot of gear over long periods of time, it also needs to be lightweight and have lots of useful compartments.

My very first backpack that I bought for Southeast Asia was a Gregory pack, and I still love that bag immensely. I have since bought a smaller version and have a great suggestion for the men out there, too.

Pro Tip: Ladies, if you are on a longer trek or need to pack for a larger trip around Nepal, you will want to go with the Gregory Maven 55. If you are a master-packer or don’t need much extra gear, downsize to the Gregory Jade 38. More details on both packs below!

Let me explain further exactly why the above backpacks are great choices on what to pack for trekking in Nepal.

Here are some key features you will definitely want in a trekking backpack:

• Adjustable shoulder and waist straps so you can find a comfortable fit. When wearing a pack for days, you will likely need to adjust day to day.
• Water bottle pockets on both sides. If you are like me, you’ll be drinking a lot of water. You’ll need two high quality water bottles to stay hydrated on the trek. (This bad boy is my recommendation because it has a built in straw for easy drinking / no spilling. And, it keeps your beverage cold!)
• Separate bottom compartment with easy access to your sleeping bag.
• Exterior trekking pole holders for easy on-and-off usage.
• A separate compartment for items you need quick access to, like electrolyte tabs or body wipes. Those Gregory bags all have easy to access exterior pockets.

2. Comfortable, Lightweight Hiking Shoes

When trekking in Nepal, expect to be on your feet for several hours each day. In my experience, the minimum is around three hours and the maximum can be over ten hours!

Because of this, it is absolutely essential to find the most comfortable and lightweight shoes to add to your Nepal trekking packing list. And, I’ve got some suggestions.

It is well worth your money to invest in some sturdy hiking boots due to the icy glaciers, snow, and changing conditions that you will encounter. Both the different elevations and seasons in Nepal bring about many varying conditions.

I am a huge fan of Columbia products for winter conditions, as you’ll see later in this list. But I am including not only my tried and true Columbia boots, but additional options, too.

Pro Tip: Note that I recommend packing the trekking sandals if you are spending time trekking at lower elevations, or when the weather is warmer. Check about the seasons in Nepal for more info. Additionally, I found them useful for my Chitwan National Park safari, so if you’re visiting more of Nepal, you’ll likely want these. If none of those apply, you can skip them.

When considering what shoes to buy for either an Annapurna Circuit packing list or Everest Base Camp packing list, consider the following.

• Waterproof material is key. Nothing makes me grumpier than wet feet for days.
• Ankle support is a non-negotiable. Some days you’ll be trekking up rocks and others you’ll be headed downhill on a slippery surface.
• Plan for a little extra toe space in the front of your boots because you’ll likely wear thick wool socks along your trek.
• Always always always break your shoes in before the trip if possible. Nothing is worse than breaking in new shoes on a multi-day hike.

3. Outer Layers and Jackets

You’ll need to pack a couple of different jackets for the varying conditions you are likely to encounter. In my opinion, no Nepal trekking packing list is complete without at least a couple of jackets and outerwear options.

As previously mentioned, the different elevations and seasons in Nepal make relying on one single jacket for your whole trip highly unlikely. You will need an insulated outer shell jacket and a fleece jacket, and I have one other personal favorite linked below.

Pro Tip: If you need to buy both the outer shell and the fleece, purchase the Columbia Outer Shell below because it comes with both! The fleece zips on or you can wear it solo. However, if you already have an outer shell, then just get the fleece jacket option by itself.

4. Moisture Wicking Top Layers

On any of the many beautiful treks in Nepal, it is ideal to wear a shirt that wicks up sweat and moisture to keep your body cool and dry. Luckily, these types of shirts are pretty easy to find and won’t break the bank.

Pro Tip: No matter the length of your trek, I only recommend one of each of the following items, or two max. You can wash them as you go and let them dry overnight to cut down on too much gear.

Lades – add one (or two) of the following items to your Nepal trekking gear list, stat!

5. Comfortable Hiking Leggings & Shorts

Comfort is the name of the game when it comes to trekking pants, especially in Nepal. Since your hiking days are long, you want something that will be warm and comfy for hours on end.

For me, that means thick and stretchy leggings are ideal. I simply prefer the mobility of leggings over zip and khaki type pants. And, when you grab a thicker pair, they’ll keep you warm, too.

Pro Tip: choose earth-tone colors for your leggings if you plan to go on safari in Chitwan while in Nepal. Then, they can serve double-duty on your trip!

6. Accessories & Underwear

These are important enough to get their own section here. The correct socks, underwear and accessories can really make or break your trek.

7. Nepal Trekking Essentials List: Gear and Gadgets

From trekking poles to camera gear, here is everything “technical” that you just should not trek Nepal without!

---

---

---

8. Health & Hygiene Items For Your Nepal Trekking Essentials List

Multi day trekking in Nepal means you’ll need to carry most health and hygiene items with you as you go.

Though you should aim to pack light, here are some non-negotiable items that need to come with you in your pack. Whether for safety or comfort, don’t skimp on the impotant stuff?

If you’re wondering what to pack for trekking in Nepal in terms of health and hygiene, these need to be on your list.

Pro Tip: The water purification tablets take roughly 30 minutes to work. That is partially why I recommend bringing two water bottles with you. One can be undergoing purification while the other is drinkable. But additionally, you should have two so that you’re constantly drinking enough water throughout the trekking days.

Ready for Adventure? Subscribe Today.

Send me the newsletter

Unsubscribe at anytime.

Built with ConvertKit

9. Nepal Trekking Essentials List: Extras

These extras are things that you likely already have at home and should not go trekking without. But, no Nepal trekking trip will be complete without them.

So, I highly recommend that you add them to your Nepal trekking packing list.

• Deodorant. Need I say more? You will want this on your trek!
• Hand Sanitizer. You’ll want this before meals to clean the grime from your hands.
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste.
• Hair Ties, Comb, or Brush.
• Ear plugs for sleeping in noisy teahouses.
• Face Wipes are a great idea too, in my opinion.
• A good book or a Kindle.
• Trail mix, granola bars, etc. for when you need a quick snack.

Nepal Trekking Tips

1. Pack your outfits wisely. You will not be able to do laundry while trekking in Nepal, aside from hand-washing small items like underwear and socks. Much of the clothing items listed above are less likely to trap odors. 
2. Don’t worry too much about being fashionable in the mountains. Worry more about having the right layers to keep you warm, because that will make or break your trip. If you do want your photos to have fun pops of color, choose accessories that are fun.
3. Expect to wear a fresh pair of underwear each day, but that you may end up layering and reusing items like your tank top or leggings.
4. Speak with your doctor before you leave home about taking any altitude sickness medications in Nepal, just in case you do find yourself sick.

A Note On Buying Trekking Gear in Nepal

You may be wondering if buying trekking gear in Nepal is an option. The answer is both yes and no.

When you land in Kathmandu, you’ll quickly see that the streets of Thamel are lined with shop after shop full of trekking gear.

Seriously, you will see one after another after another. Some of them have unbelievable prices, and some are not cheap at all.

You should be aware that a lot of the gear found in these shops is said to be knock-off gear. And, I did see evidence of this myself.

It can be hard to tell, because the logo will even be screen-printed onto the gear. But shop carefully.

Many of these items are low quality and will begin to fall apart before you get far on the trails. This can be devastating as you get up into colder sections of your trek.

I would caution you to bring as much as possible from home. This particularly applies to outerwear, backpacks, shoes, and sleeping bags.

Each of those items would really cause a problem if they fell apart before completig your trek.

Smaller items, like a t-shirt or a tank top are fine to buy when visiting Kathmandu if you prefer. Those will be layered with other clothing and you could even keep reusing one if you really needed.

Certain pharmacy goods like tissues, ibuprofen, and cough drops can be found in Kathmandu. But those are so easy to bring from home that that’s what I did.

Final Thoughts: Nepal Trekking Packing List

Going trekking in Nepal is truly an unforgettable experience.

The scenery is just gorgeous and hands down is one of the most memorable sights you’ll have in Nepal.

However, it can quickly go sideways if you don’t have the right gear.

Do yourself a favor and pack your Nepal trekking equipment wisely. The more prepared you are the better your experience will be.

Not sure where to go next?

Consider Pokhara for paragliding and bungee-jumping in Nepal. There are also loads of cultural places to visit in Pokhara like temples and stupas.

Or, check out all of the best things to see in Kathmandu, from sound baths to temples to shopping.

Prefer to stay in nature? Then perhaps a Chitwan jungle safari is for you!

No matter what you choose, Nepal has a lot to discover.

Pin Me for Later!