Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once in a lifetime experience. Being properly prepared and having all the necessary equipment will contribute heavily to the success of your trekking expedition.
You will find below a detailed Everest Base Camp packing list of all the items you need for a trek to Everest Base Camp.
Remember Kathmandu is a great option where you can buy trekking gear at cheap or affordable prices, so there is no need to carry everything from home. You can theoretically buy everything you need for the trek in Kathmandu but pay attention to the quality and check attentively all details.
Also bear in mind that all stuff will get more and more expensive as you climb higher in the mountains. So, to avoid spending unnecessary cash on items that might not be up to your expectations, take everything you need from Kathmandu.
Two compulsory items to take care of before starting to pack are the travel insurance for your trek and the hiking permit for the EBC – your Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) card, this permit is always something that we provide to you if you embark on one of our trekking tours.
Before making your packing list for EBC, you have to decide first how do you want to make this trek: on your own and you carry all your luggage or in an organized tour that will provide porters to carry a large part of your belongings.
If you choose to trek on your own take into consideration that you have to pack lighter and keep your gear at a minimum, otherwise you will carry the extra weight. This option is not something we recommend.
If you’ll have porters, you have to split the luggage into the daypack that you will carry and will include the daily necessities like snacks, water bottles, camera, headlamp, sun protection, sun glasses, extra layers, poncho, money and documents. The rest of your gear will be transported by porters in duffel bag to the next tea house.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp – Packing list
First things first: Clothes
Layering – you have to get dressed in layers to allow moisture to pass from one layer to another. Thus, you need to have clothes made of wickable fabric. As the weather may suffer drastic changes along the day the ability to put supplementary layers or remove them is important to adjust your body temperature.
The variation of altitude 2800 m in Lukla and 5554 in Kala Patthar, plus seasonal variations will draw large shift in temperatures, from moderate warmth in the first days to rain and snow in Khumbu region, where mornings and nights can be very very cold.
It is recommended to avoid the monsoons season from July to August to avoid any inadequate weather conditions.
Avoid cotton materials as they absorb moisture and give preference to Merino Wool or Capilene (polyester) materials. For outer layer the Gore-tex material is recommended.
In terms of clothes you have to pack:
- Moisture wicking long sleeve shirts 2-3
- Moisture wicking short sleeve shirts 2-3
- Long underwear pants 2
- Breathable sports underwear – it depends on personal preferences from 3 to one for each day you will be on trek
- Sports bras for women 2
- Long sleeve shirts 2
- Trekking trousers 2
- Trekking Shorts
- Sweatshirt (optional)
- Fleece Pants – fleece-insulated ski trousers or trekking pant
- Heavy Fleece Jacket
- Heavy Down Jacket
- Gortex or Waterproof Jacket with hood for rain or compact poncho
- Waterproof Pants preferably gore-tex
- Wide brimmed hat for sun protection – should protect your face and your neck
- Wool hat, buff, or Balaclava
- Lightweight gloves that dry quick
- Down waterproof mittens
- Windbreaker
Footwear: Socks and Shoes
Footwear is of utmost importance in your ascension towards Everest Base Camp. Having appropriate broken in hiking shoes can make or break your trekking trip. Bringing comfortable hiking boots that have the right measure, extra space for socks and support your ankle will be of major help.
A very common mistake is bringing boots that are too small. Another one is bringing new hiking boots. To avoid blisters, lost nails and foot pain ensure that your boots are broken in, meaning used for at least several long-distance hikes before you go trekking to Everest Base Camp.
A good option is to bring a mix of wool socks and thicker socks. Or you can use cotton socks if you bring enough pairs for all days. This is a matter of personal preference.
- Thick wool socks 2 pair
- Light hiking boots that support the ankle
- Tennis shoes to use inside tea houses
- Plastic bag to carry spare shoes
- Trekking socks 4-6 pairs preferably merino wool
- Thermal socks 1 pair
Dehydration is a major problem when speaking about high altitude, you should consider drinking about 2-3 liters a day to stay hydrated. If you choose iodine tables you will need to wait about half hour to have potable water, with Steripen about 2 minutes.
First Aid Kit for Everest Base Camp
If you are travelling individually this is compulsory otherwise your guide should have a first aid kit, but anyway be prepared just in case.
- Altitude sickness pills (e.g., Diamox)
- Your current medicines if applicable
- Stoppers/goers
- Painkillers (Ibuprofen or Tylenol)
- Multivitamins
- Antibiotics
- Medicines to prevent cold
- Throat lozenges
- Electrolyte powder/isotonic powder
- Many bandaids, blister plasters
- Athletic tape
- Mole skin for blisters
- Gauze pads
- Hand sanitizer
Altitude sickness is a fact, so take the appropriate measures, consult your doctor or use some medicines like Diamox. For supplementary information on altitude sickness check information on Himalayan Rescue Association of Nepal.
Altitude sickness pills price will increase along the trail, so buy them in Kathmandu to save some of your cash.
Pack electrolytes to help you stay hydrated, bring them from home as the offer in Nepal is not exactly satisfactory.
Toiletries for Trekking
- Sun lotion
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Lip balm and face cream
- Deodorant
- Towel (small)
- Wet wipes
- Small soap and small shampoo
- Baby powder
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dryer sheets
- Toilet paper – rolls
- Face cleanser
- Hair brush and hair ties
- Pocket mirror (optional)
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Kindle (book)
Trekking Gear for Everest Base Camp
- Duffel Bag – an 80-90L strong, waterproof duffel bag if you are using porters in your tour
- Backpack – a 45-65L backpack (top-opening rucksack) if you are trekking on your own
- Daypack – you will carry this, and it will comprise the essentials you want to have with you all the time. Ensure you have one with compression straps for reducing the weight pressure on your back and a waterproof cover for it
- Sleeping bag – ensure you have a four-season bag rated for at least -15°C, ideally a goose down one
- Silk sleeping bag liner – if you are planning on renting your sleeping bag, this is a must for cleanliness and supplementary insulation
- Lightweight sleeping pad if you will be camping and not staying in tea houses
- Pillowcase
- Adjustable trekking poles – they reduce stress on your knees, particularly when descending
- Sunglasses – recommended to have 100% UV protection glasses
- Water bottles – 2 or Camelback
- Steripen, iodine tablets, or some sort of sterilizing option for water
- Headlamps
- Small locks for daypack and duffel bag
- Drybag
- Several sacks for dirty clothes or shoes and waterproof bags for electronics
- Pocket knife
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Favorite snacks – bring your own from home, as options in Nepal might be limited and their prices high
- Camera with extra batteries, memory cards, and portable external chargers
- Portable solar charger or power bank
- Umbrella – works great in a light rain or to protect from the sun
- Moleskin for blisters or duct tape
- Trek map
- Playing cards
- Hand warmers
- Rehydration gels or powder
Important Documents
- Passport (needed at entry gate for registration)
- Visa (these are easy to attain when you land in Kathmandu—bring $30 (15 Days) or $50 (30 Days) USD for Visa application)
- Money ($200-350 USD cash is recommended—while there are occasional ATMs on the trail, they are almost always out of order)
- One passport-sized photo if trekking in the Annapurna Region (needed at times for trekking permit; not needed for Everest Treks)
- Travel insurance
