Clothing and gear list for Nepal Trek

Clothing and Equipment Checklist for Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet Trekking Tour

This section is intended to provide information about Trekking Packing List, Clothing Backpacking Checklist and Climbing Gear Equipment requirements. It is not intended to be a final and authoritative checklist. The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recommend that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable. 

Footwear

  • Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn-in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof
  • Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking and/or for traveling
  • Warm socks for colder areas
  • Gaiters, in case of rain or snow (must be waterproof and fit your trekking boots well). 
  • Ice cleats/gripper for shoes if you are trekking in higher altitude icy trails or trekking in winter during snow fall.

Leg wear

  • Loose, casual trousers for trekking
  • Thermal leggings for colder areas
  • Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
  • Waterproof trousers

Body

  • Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton
  • Thermal shirt for colder areas
  • Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas
  • Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper
  • Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes
  • Down jacket (optional for cold nights and mornings; can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head/Hands

  • Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava
  • Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Warm gloves

Other items

  • Strong rucksack or large hold all to be carried by porters
  • Day sack to carry valuables such as passport, cash, camera, travel documents  personally
  • Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag
  • One liter water bottle, Personal first aid kit to include essential items
  • 3-4 Season sleeping bag, head lamp/torch
  • Camera and memory cards, charger, tripod if necessary.
  • Large handkerchief/bandana for neck, towel and toiletries.

Optional items

  • Satellite Phone with GPS if you are trekking very high remote area.
  • Binocular, Books or an eBook, Altimeter, Compass, Playing cards, backgammon and chess set etc.
  • Vacuum flask, a cup, portable spoon/fork and opener etc.
  • Traveling multi-functional pocket knife.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In addition to the items mentioned above for trekking, the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.
Packing list for Peak Climbing in Nepal

  • Plastic or leather mountaineering boots, with gaiters and crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
  • Fleece trousers.
  • Down booties (worn at base camp and at upper camps)
  • Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing
  • Ice axe, and ski poles (note - ice axe can be hired in Kathmandu)
  • Climbing harness
  • 2 x tape slings
  • 2 x screw gate karabiners
  • Descended/abseil device
  • Ascender

Health Travel Packing List

  • Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
  • Diabetes testing supplies
  • Insulin
  • Inhalers
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens)
  • Medical alert bracelet or necklace
  • Contact lenses if you are using it 
  • Glasses - Consider packing spare glasses in case yours are damaged: - Consider packing spare contacts in case yours are damaged
  • Altitude sickness medicine
  • Antihistamine
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Cough drops
  • Cough suppression/expectorant
  • Decongestant
  • Medicine for pain and fever
  • Examples: acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen
  • Mild laxative
  • Mild sedative or other sleep aid
  • Saline nose spray
  • Prescribed medicine if your doctor suggests you. 

Supplies to prevent illness or injury

  • Hand sanitizer or wipes, Water purification tablets, Insect repellent, Permethrin, Sunscreen, Sunglasses and hat, Earplugs, Latex condoms

First-aid kit

  • 1% hydrocortisone cream,
  • Antifungal ointments
  • Antibacterial ointments
  • Antiseptic wound cleanser
  • Aloe gel For sunburns
  • Insect bite treatment: - Anti-itch gel or cream
  • Bandages: - Multiple sizes, gauze, and adhesive tape
  • Moleskin or molefoam for blisters
  • Elastic/compression bandage wrap For sprains and strains
  • Disposable gloves
  • Digital thermometer
  • Scissors and safety pins
  • Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
  • Tweezers
  • Eye drops
  • Oral rehydration salts

And finally, the most important things that you must take with you are a sense of humor, an open mind, and an understanding that a trip to Nepal is an adventure to a land which is very different to your own country