Temperatures range from -10°C at Gorekshep to 15-20°C during the day, spanning elevations from 2,800m to 5,364m. Pack essentials for Kathmandu stay too. Travel lightweight but adhere to the gear list; excess items waste space. Quality gear ensures performance and durability, so prioritize wisely.

Equipment checklist for Everest Base Camp Trek

 

For the Everest Base Camp trek, consider seasonal variations and pack accordingly. Spring and Autumn require standard gear, while Winter demands heavy down parkas, hardshell jackets, trousers, and gaiters for snow protection. Summer treks necessitate rain gear like waterproof jackets and ponchos. Temperatures range from -10°C at Gorekshep to 15-20°C during the day, spanning elevations from 2,800m to 5,364m. Pack essentials for Kathmandu stay too. Travel lightweight but adhere to the gear list; excess items waste space. Quality gear ensures performance and durability, so prioritize wisely.

 

A complete equipment checklist for the Everest Base Camp trek.

 

1. Headgear:

You will be trekking for 6-7 hours every day for almost 2 weeks straight and you need to make sure that your underwear is comfortable and breathable. Get breathable underwear and a sports bra for women. Get synthetic/wool and avoid cotton underwear.

• Sun Hat - 1
• Buff/Neckband/Balaclava - 2
• Beanie/Headband - 1

 

2. Underwear:

You will be trekking for 6-7 hours every day for almost 2 weeks straight and you need to make sure that your underwear is comfortable and breathable. Get breathable underwear and a sports bra for women. Get synthetic/wool and avoid cotton underwear.

• Breathable underwear - 5
• Sports bra – 3

 

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 - 2
• Trekking shirts (Full and half sleeve) - 2 each
• Fleece jacket/Pullover - 1
• Light down jacket - 1
• Hard Shell Jacket / Waterproof Jacket - 1
• Down jacket (Provided) - 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 - 2
• Trekking short - 1
• Trekking trousers - 2
• Warm insulated trousers - 1
• Gore-Tex Pant - 1
• Down pants (Optional) - 1

 

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 - 2
• Hiking socks - 4
• Thermal socks - 2
• Gaiters (For winter treks) - 1
• Flip flop - 1
• Camp shoe/Trainer - 1
• Full Hiking boots with spare laces - 1

 

6. Hands:

Pack two different layers of gloves, a liner glove which will be your all-around glove and a mid-light glove to use when the conditions are too cold for a liner glove.

• Inner/Liner Gloves - 1
• Outer gloves - 1

 

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)
• 40 litres backpack with an internal frame and waist strap
• Day pack for Kathmandu and cities

 

8. Sleeping Gear:

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)
• Sleeping bag liner (optional)
• Travel Pillow (optional)

 

9. Accessories/Kit:

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 (Nalgene recommended)
• Insulated covers for water bottles (Optional)
• Swiss knife / Multifunctional knife
• Thermos
• Walking Poles
• Power bank
• Sunglasses (UV ray protection)
• Padlock (Optional)
• Laundry Bag
• Ear plugs (Recommended for light sleeper)
• Plastic bags
• Ziplock bags
• Pee funnel (Optional)
• Books, Kindle, Reading Materials
• Trek Map
• 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)

 

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
• Travel Insurance
• Flight tickets
• Credit cards
• Driving ID or any other ID

 

For Kathmandu:

Extra clothes to wear before and after the trek. You can adjust this list according to your personal needs and preferences. Ensure you have adequate gear for the trek, especially considering the altitude and varying weather conditions.

 

It's great to know that there are options for renting or buying equipment in Kathmandu, especially for travelers who may not have packed everything they need or for those who prefer to travel light. Thamel in Kathmandu indeed offers a wide variety of outdoor shops catering to trekking and mountaineering gear.

 

Additionally, it's convenient to hear that on Nepal treks, waterproof duffel bags, sleeping bags, and down jackets are provided. This can significantly ease the burden on travelers who may not want to invest in these items or carry them from their home countries.

 

Similarly, for peak climbing trips, having personal climbing gear provided is a significant benefit. Mountaineering equipment can be expensive and specialized, so having access to it without additional cost can make these adventures more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

 

Overall, knowing that such services and provisions are available can enhance the experience of travelers and encourage more people to explore the beautiful landscapes and challenging treks that Nepal has to offer.