Wondering what to wear in Nepal? With varied climates and cultural expectations, preparing your Nepal packing list can be tricky. Luckily, I’ve done the legwork for you. Here is exactly what to wear in Nepal for women!
Nepal can be a tricky location to prepare for.
Not only does the climate soar and dip with the seasons in Nepal, but it also varies greatly depending on what elevations you are traveling in.
From under 300 feet all the way up to 26,000 feet, Nepal is home to eight different climate zones, ranging from tropical to snow-covered peaks.
On top of that, the country is fairly conservative and regardless of the weather, women are expected to be mostly covered.
On my Nepal itinerary, I was planning on taking part in all of the adrenaline activities; at least one jungle safari in Chitwan; cultural sights in Kathmandu, and much more. This was a lot to fit into one carry on suitcase!
That being said, I put together a comfortable, conservative, yet versatile Nepal packing list before my trip. And – thankfully! – it worked like a charm!
For women wondering what to wear in Nepal, I’ve got your back.
This list will take into account several different areas and elevations, meaning several different climates, and how to tackle that.
Keep on reading to learn exactly what to wear in Nepal, and other helpful gear and accessories to bring, too!
Swipe My 10 Day Nepal Itinerary!
✅ See cultural sights in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
✅ Experience adrenaline pumping adventures in Pokhara.
✅ See wild and endangered animals in Chitwan.
✅ And much, much more!
What To Wear in Nepal: A Packing List for Women
Wondering what to wear in Nepal as a woman?
This exact list worked perfectly for me across several different climates, elevations, and activities. If you are planning a trip to Nepal, this will set you up for a comfortable trip.
While this specific packing list is designed for women, men can also find guidance here on what types of items to pack for Nepal. Let’s dive in!
1. Jackets for warmth.
Even if you visit in the summer, some areas of Nepal will remain cool (or downright cold!) year round. Kathmandu can be very chilly in the spring, and heading into the mountains will almost guarantee brisk temperatures.
Pro Tip: If you are trekking, definitely pick up this coat before you leave. Many shops in Nepal sell fake-branded clothing that does not perform as well as the real thing.
A Foldable Puffer Jacket
My favorite go-to jacket for cold-climate travel is this Columbia puffer coat. It is very thin, but designed to trap body heat. It is rollable and foldable and takes up much less space in your suitcase then you’d think! Get yours here!
A Warm Fleece
I highly recommend a warm fleece jacket, too! Great for high altitudes and cold evenings in Kathmandu, this will keep you toasty. There was an unexpected chill in the city when I arrived, and warm layers saved me. Get yours here!
2. Several pairs of pants.
I personally packed sporty pants for my time adventuring in Pokhara. I packed wide leg flowy pants for my time in the city. And, in Chitwan, I reused both of them.
Here are the exact pants I recommend packing for Nepal as a woman!
Thick Leggings
I can’t live without my thick comfy leggings, basically for any trip. They really came in handy for paragliding and bungee jumping in Pokhara, though. If you are planning any hiking, trekking, or adventuring, don’t forget these. Bonus, they are not see through at all. Get yours here!
Wide Leg Palazzo Pants
Wide leg palazzo pants are great for Nepal for two reasons. One, they are flowy and keep you cool in hot temps. And two, they are conservative since they are not form-fitting, which is ideal in certain areas. Get yours here!
Capri Length Pants
I wore capri length leggings for Trishuli River rafting. I wanted something that would dry quickly and move easily as we dodged rocks and water. And, they were everything I hoped for! Get yours here!
Pro Tip: I traveled in April and May, and made use of each of these types of pants, multiple times over. And, I even bought a second pair of palazzo pants while in Nepal, too!
3. A Variety of tops for layering.
Lightweight Tanks
Some lightweight tanks are perfect for hot weather, which you may run into in Pokhara and Chitwan (and elsewhere.) While you can pack any that you have on hand, if you are looking for an update then try these. Get yours here!
Basic T-Shirts
And, of course basic tees are excellent for hiking, temples, and plane rides alike. Definitely pack a couple for Nepal. Get yours here!
A Warm Cardigan
A colorful long cardigan is also a great item to have on hand. It can help warm you up in chilly outdoor temps or indoors with air conditioning. And, it can add a pop of color to your photos. Get yours here!
4. A kimono for modesty.
When planning what to wear in Nepal, women should always add a kimono to that list!
It provides instant modesty, even over a tank top, and is great for covering up to visit temples in a respectful manner.
A Flowy Kimono
A long flowy kimono is one of my go-to items for travel. The loose fabric provides instant modesty and helps you void unwanted stares. Get yours here!
5. Useful accessories!
If you’ve been here for a while, you know – I am a light packer. So, I don’t believe in carrying tons of unnecessary items that I never end up using.
Everything listed below came in handy many times over. Here are the accessories you need to pack while in Nepal.
Scarves Galore
Truly the most versatile item to pack, scarves can be used in a variety of ways. Around the neck for warmth; a sarong at the river; a shoulder cover for temples; and a blanket on the plane. I literally never go anywhere without one. Get yours here!
A Wide Brim Hat
You will definitely want a wide brim hat for any outdoor adventures you have planned. This one is crushable and packable and is the exact hat I am wearing in the photos above. Can’t recommend it enough! Get yours here.
Sunglasses
The sun can shine strong in Nepal, especially in spring and summer. Pack sunglasses for all seasons! I love these ones because they are more comfortable on the nose than the glasses with rubber pads. Get yours here.
A Beanie Hat
For anyone trekking or traveling in the higher altitudes, you should definitely pack a warm beanie hat. This one is awesome because it is fleece-lined for warmth. I wore it in Iceland and Lithuania, too! Get yours here!
Warm Gloves
Additionally, pack warm gloves for trekking and / or winter in Nepal. These ones are fleece-lined and have also accompanied me to colder climates across the world. Get yours here!
6. The correct footwear.
Here are several types of footwear that you should consider taking to Nepal.
Now, not all of them will likely gain a place on your Nepal packing list. Rather, choose the top two or three that align with your activities.
Rugged Trekking Sandals
My trekking sandals have crossed six continents with me so far and are still going strong! They are super sturdy and hold up on land and in the water. These are one of the best travel clothing purchases I’ve ever made. Get yours here!
Snow Boots for Trekking
These are my favorite snow hiking boots on the planet! Note, you will not need to pack these if trekking is not on your itinerary. But if it is, these will keep your toes warn and dry. Get yours here!
Multi-Purpose Sandals
These sandals can be worn with casual leggings or with long skirts and dresses. They are super versatile and perfect for walking around cities and visiting temples. Get yours here!
Casual Flip Flops
I always pack a pair of casual flip flops to wear around hotels, in any shared shower situation, and for plenty of other moments when you need to just slip something on. Get yours here!
7. Travel Gear.
The following items earned an essential spot on my Nepal packing list. Many of them have traveled across the world with me multiple times over!
A Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag is a great item for just about any location. And this one is RFID protective and slashproof, too! It helps to prevent pickpockets from getting any of your valuables. Get yours here.
A Universal Plug Adapter
Some hotels in Nepal have versatile outlets in the walls. But, many don’t. A universal plug adapter like this is great because once you own it, you can take it anywhere to do its job! Get yours here.
An Action Camera
My trip would not nearly have been so good if I didn’t have my action camera on hand. I got to record adventures like white water rafting and paragliding, to name a few! Don’t forget it. Get yours here.
An External Battery
External batteries are an absolute non-negotiable in my book! I use them to recharge phones, cameras, and more. And, power outages occur frequently in Nepal, so best to have this guy on hand as much as possible. Get yours here!
A Foldable Day Pack
Grab a tiny, foldable day pack for hiking, trekking, or stashing your photo gear while exploring Nepal. It takes up almost no space in your luggage and can even double as a carry on if needed. Get yours here!
Disposable Face Masks
Kathmandu is known for its dust and pollution. Combat that by bringing some disposable face masks to wear around the city. Even locals wear them – the pollution and smog can be that bad. Don’t forget them, you will thank me later! Get yours here.
***
Traveling Nepal was even better than I thought it would be.
The adventure activities were thrilling, and the temples and stupas in Pokhara and Kathmandu were awe-inspiring. The people were friendly and the nature was breathtaking.
For anyone wondering what to wear in Nepal as a woman, the list above was everything I needed! It got me through multiple climates and locales.
And, I know it will do right by you, too. 🙂
Note: For anyone planning to hike Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, or others, definitely check out my Nepal trekking packing list, too!
Need More Nepal Travel Inspiration? Check Out These Resources.
- Is Nepal Safe for Solo Female Travel?
- What To Wear in Nepal for Women
- 17 Best Places To Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal
- A Chitwan Jungle Safari Travel Guide & Review
- A Complete Nepal Trekking Packing List
- 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Nepal
- Paragliding in Pokhara – A Can’t Miss Adventure
- Seasons in Nepal & the Best Time to Visit
- Is Nepal Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons To Go
- A Nepal Travel Guide
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