Are you planning a walk to Everest Region? If this is the case, you may be looking for a complete packing list. Packing the right clothing, equipment, and supplies for your Everest Base Camp trip will go a long way toward having a memorable expedition.
The climb to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular among adventurers. Getting to the base of the world's tallest peak is a huge accomplishment. However, the mountains are unpredictable. The majority of first-time travelers are unaware of the equipment required for their journey. This comprehensive packing list for the Everest Base Camp climb will be useful for first-time tourists.
When packing for Everest Base Camp, keep in mind that your stuff will be separated into two packs: your daypack, which you will carry each day as you walk, and your duffle bag, which porters will carry between tea houses. All additional luggage should be left at the hotel before you start your journey.
The first item you should consider and verify while preparing for an Everest base camp trip is the timing of your visit. Seasonal fluctuation is an important factor. Each trekking season necessitates a change in your packing list, and because elevation varies so greatly, you should generally prepare for both warmer days at 2800m and cooler nights at 5000m.
Weather & Seasons
Weather can change considerably as you rise or fall in altitude, so being able to layer up or down is essential. Treks to Everest Base Camp will take you from 2,800 meters in Lukla to 5,554 meters in Kala Patthar. Day and night temperatures vary significantly from lower altitudes (3,500m) to higher altitudes (>3,500m).
Seasonal changes should also be factored into your wardrobe layers. The peak seasons of March-May and September-November are typically pleasant, but it can rain in the lower portions of the journey (below the tree line or below 3,500m) and snow at any level in the Khumbu area. Temperatures during the first few days of the trip might range from moderate to warm throughout the day, but by the time you reach Namche Bazaar, there will be a chill in the air, and early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly!
We strongly advise you to avoid the monsoon season (June-August) and only walk during the chilly winter months (December-February) if you are used to cold multi-day treks.
What can I expect from Accessible Adventure during the trek?
Accessible Adventure will supply lodges, food (3 times each day), a sleeping bag, a duffel bag, and a down jacket from the list below (for all seasons). Aside from ensuring lifelong experiences, Accessible Adventure will provide the elements marked with an asterisk (*) on the trip checklist, which is included in the trip cost. Our porters or yaks are only allowed to carry 33 pounds (15 kilograms) of your personal items, which is also the weight limit for flights to Lukla. Take care with what you take.
Wicking and Layering
Layering is an important idea to grasp before walking to Everest Base Camp. Layering works by enabling moisture to move from one layer to the next, a process is known as wicking. You should utilize wicking fabric for all of the layers you employ. Cotton, on the other hand, is a hydrophilic substance that absorbs moisture.
Purchasing vs. Renting
If you want to travel light, you may rent or buy some equipment in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar. However, keep in mind that some of the less expensive local gear is sometimes inadequate for the cold weather temps you may encounter on your walk.
Allowances and bags
Everyone who treks with us in Nepal receives a complimentary Accessible Adventure kitbag. It has an approximate capacity of 80 litres and is portable for your adventure. Along with your kit bag, you should bring a daysack with you at all times to carry your day-to-day needs. A volume of 30-40 liters is recommended.
The overall weight limit on your trip to Lukla is 15kg, which includes both your kit bag and your day pack, so prepare carefully for your climb. Wear your down jacket and walking boots on the journey to Lukla, and don't bring too much water on that day - you'll be able to fill up with water and repack any excess gear you're wearing into your kit bag when you get in Lukla.
Because of these constraints, the most important item to keep in mind when determining what to buy and pack for your Everest expedition is lightweight, compact clothes and gear.
Clothing
The secret to being comfortable on a hike is to wear numerous layers rather than one big piece of warm gear. Temperatures at altitude may drop fast in the evening, so you'll need to bundle up once the trekking is done for the day. Few outfits are cozier than a pair of thermal leggings and roomy trekking pants, layered with a base layer, microfleece, thermal fleece jacket, and duvet jacket. Mountain Kingdoms gives complimentary duvet jacket rental to all Base Camp hikers, which you will get in Kathmandu.
A disproportionately high amount of body heat is lost through your head (approximately one-third), therefore a warm hat, along with the hood of your waterproof jacket, is equally as necessary as warm body apparel. Remember that your waterproof jacket (which should always be in your day pack when not in use!) makes a highly efficient outer warm, windproof layer and will most likely be utilized for this as well as for its waterproof properties. A sun hat with a wide brim and something to cover your neck are also recommended.
Tight-fitting, figure-hugging apparel, such as Lycra, might be irritating to locals, particularly on women. If you find these clothes to be comfortable as a base layer, bring something to put over them. Wearing shorts is also considered culturally offensive in Nepal, so keep them at home. Instead, calf-length cut-offs are OK.
Base layers
The base layer is essential at higher altitudes and colder stages of the walk since it is the first layer of clothing you wear. This implies you won't be wearing it throughout the start and end sections of the walk.
When choosing a suitable base layer, the most crucial factors to consider are fit and material.
Insulation Layer
The second layer is the insulation layer, which is often constructed of fleece material. They are sold for both the legs and the torso, however, for EBC, just the torso's second layer is required.
We recommend a Polartec 200 Fleece Jacket since it is lightweight and allows for simple movement while trekking. They are also warm while being breathable and reasonably priced.
The North Face, Helly Hansen, Columbia, REI, and Patagonia are all good brands for fleece coats.
Outer Layer
This layer, also known as the outer core layer, comprises a warm and waterproof jacket and pants. These will be mostly utilized at higher altitudes of the hike or if the weather becomes extremely cold and/or wet.
Paying a little more money for a top-quality winter jacket should be considered an investment rather than a cost because it is one of the more significant and long-lasting pieces of clothing you will buy.
North Face, Mountain Hardware, Eddie Bauer, Rab, Hagloffs, and Berghaus are our top jacket brands. If you live in the United States, the Eddie Bauer CirrusLite is ideal. The Berghaus Tephra is a strong bet for UK readers.
Jackets may be purchased in Kathmandu, although they are most likely counterfeit.
Shorts and Trousers for Trekking
We recommend bringing one pair of hiking pants and one pair of hiking shorts (for the lower / warmer sections of the walk).
Craghoppers, Trespass, and Columbia are three excellent hiking trousers brands.
Shirts for Trekking
You'll need 5-6 shirts that you'll wear on most days. Cotton retains moisture rather than wicking it away, resulting in stinky clothing after a few washes. A breathable, lightweight, quick-drying polyester, merino, or nylon fabric is ideal. It is best to wear a mix of shorts and long sleeve shirts.
Jacket and pants that are waterproof
Rain on the path is always a possibility, especially if you want to hike from June to September (we strongly advise against trekking in the region during these months).
As a general precaution, we recommend that you pack rain gear, preferably a gore-tex membrane hard shell jacket.
The North Face makes excellent waterproof gear. Take, for example, the North Face Resolve Jacket.
In terms of pants, an inexpensive pair of waterproof pullovers will generally be enough.
Underwear
Because underwear must be airy and moisture-wicking, we recommend 5 pieces of sports underwear and 2 sports bras for women.
Headwear
Hat
You'll need a nice, wide-brimmed hiking hat that provides sun protection.
The best selections are those that are lightweight, compact, and cover your neck.
Beanie
When it becomes cold at night or as you get closer to Everest Base Camp, a beanie is a must-have.
The North Face and Berghaus both produce excellent beanies that will protect your head and ears from the weather.
Gaiter around the neck
Another fantastic item of inexpensive but indispensable apparel is a neck gaiter or warmer.
As you breathe in the frigid mountain air, it will keep your face and neck warm while also avoiding the terrible Khumbu cough.
Gloves
You'll want a thick pair of gloves for the coldest sections of the walk because your hands are one of the most exposed portions of your body.
I recommend bringing two types of gloves: a lightweight inner glove that can keep you warm as the temperature drops, and a thicker, more insulated pair of gloves.
Gloves on the inside
When the weather is mild or when doing delicate duties such as tying shoe laces, light inner gloves can be worn.
Insulated outer gloves
Warm, waterproof, and long-lasting outer gloves or mittens are required. They don't need to be particularly insulated unless you intend on doing any climbing in the area, such as Island Peak, but they should keep your hands nice and warm in sub-zero temps.
Ideally, you want a mid-weight fleeced glove.
Black Diamond, The North Face, and Outdoor Research all offer superb outdoor winter gloves.
Foot Wear
Your boots are the most significant piece of apparel you own. In general, we recommend that you wear the footwear you normally wear for hill walking. If you don't have any proper footwear, or if the pair you have is on its final legs (or feet! ), buy a new pair several weeks before your walk to allow them to fully break-in. In general, pricing is a good predictor of quality; excellent quality boots will often cost more than £120. Normally, an all-leather boot is more durable and waterproof, but there are several excellent brands that use a combination of leather/nubuck and fabric. Gore-Tex lined boots are beneficial for breathability and enhanced waterproofing.
Take your time while selecting a boot that fits you well (remember to take your favorite pair of walking socks with you when trying boots on). Tell the assistant exactly what you want to use the boot for, and select a boot with adequate ankle support and a high-quality sole, such as a Vibram sole.
Along with your walking boots, bring a comfortable pair of lightweight shoes or trainers for travel and to wear in the evenings at your lodge or tea house.
Warm Thermal Socks
Thermal socks are somewhat thicker than conventional trekking socks and are utilized in cooler temperatures, such as those found close or at Base Camp.
Smartwool, Bridgedale, and Wigwam all manufacture comfortable and toasty thermal socks that are highly recommended.
Bring one pair of warm socks.
Gaiters
Gaiters are meant to keep water, dirt, pebbles, and other debris out of your boots' ankle-high openings.
Gaiters, in our opinion, are not absolutely necessary for trekking during peak season when it is warmer.
Backpack
If you don't have the luxury of porters on your journey, you'll need a decent backpack with a top opening.
Any Osprey backpack in the 50-65L range is a decent bet. We enjoy their Atmos, Aether, and Aura collections.
Daypack
Even if you have a porter, you'll need something small to carry water, rain gear, your camera, food, and any other personal goods or stuff you'll want to have access to while on the journey.
The Osprey Talon 22 is the ideal size for carrying water, sunscreen, a camera, headwear, and snacks.
Raincover
You should also consider purchasing a rain cover for your backpack/daypack. An Osprey Backpack Raincover would suffice - just make sure you have the correct size for your backpack or daypack.
Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag, like your hiking boots, is an essential piece of equipment. Teahouses along the road often offer rudimentary sleeping facilities with blankets, but they are rarely clean and certainly not warm enough!
When you go above 3,000 meters in elevation, the temperature inside teahouses becomes exceedingly chilly, especially at night. Outside of central yak furnaces in the main parlor rooms, most teahouses are poorly insulated and lack warmth.
As a result, a warm four-season sleeping bag (rated at least -10°C) is a requirement! The greatest sleeping bags are often composed of duck or goose down, although there are also high-quality synthetic versions as well.
Your sleeping bag should be a suitable fit for your body shape (mummy-shaped is excellent) and include an insulated hood for extra warmth.
Liner
If you rent rather than buy a sleeping bag, a liner will provide you with a clean atmosphere in which to sleep. Any mummy-shaped liner, like these, will do.
Plugs for your ears
If you are a light sleeper and dislike the snoring of your fellow explorers, ear plugs are a fantastic investment!
Trekking Sticks
Trekking poles are suggested for most hikers since they considerably lessen the impact and stress on your joints.
If you have previously walked with poles and dislike the experience, they are not required.
Poles that are lightweight and packable, such as the TYTN Carbon X or the TYTN Aero Trekking Poles, are recommended.
Sunglasses
A good pair of UV-protecting sunglasses are a necessity due to the higher strength of UV at altitude and the glare from snow-covered peaks as you approach EBC.
100% UV protection and at least 80% light reduction glasses such as those from Julbo are recommended.
Head Light
A headlamp for getting around the teahouses at night should be brought along as many of the teahouses are poorly lit.
A Petzl Tikkina headlamp with some spare batteries should prove to be useful.
Accessories of various kinds
Hydration Bladder / Water Bottle
Because dehydration adds to altitude sickness, appropriate drinking is essential during the hike. You should strive to consume 2-3L of water every day. Water bottles are popular with certain individuals, but we prefer water bladders.
The Platypus Big Zip Water Reservoir, which fits snugly into the rear of most daypacks, is our recommendation for the latter.
Alternatively, if you like water bottles, pack 2x 1L tough plastic CamelBak Water Bottles.
Please ensure that every water you consume has been purified (more on this below!).
Towel
A tiny towel is excellent for drying yourself after a bath or shower. Trekking towels that dry quickly are suggested.
Peeing Funnel
Toilet facilities are available in all teahouses, ranging from the most basic squat ceramic toilets to true flushing toilets. Nonetheless, as you progress along the path, the amenities become increasingly rudimentary.
When combined with really chilly nights and inadequate lighting, the prospect of making a restroom run may be terrifying!
A pee funnel is one method to answer nature's call without leaving the comfort of your own home. Freshette Pee Funnels are rather enjoyable.
Camera
You'll need a nice camera to film and remember your trip to the Himalayas.
A smartphone, no matter how excellent it is nowadays, could never do justice to the breathtaking alpine beauty of the Everest area. Check out these options if you want to buy a DSLR camera.
Try trying the GoPro for something more current, light, and stylish, and perhaps you can produce an excellent EBC journey journal like these on YouTube.
Charger on the Go
A USB charger is strongly advised if you intend on taking anything electrical, such as your phone, camera, or Kindle! Nothing is worse in the twenty-first century than running out of battery power and having no way to recharge it.
Some tea establishments feature charging stations, but you'll probably have to pay, and the dependability isn't excellent.
Books
Because there is a lot of spare time, especially at night, a book or e-reader can help you pass the time while also sharpening your knowledge of the Himalayas! Just be certain that it has a backlight!
Cards
A hiking excursion isn't complete without a deck of cards. We strongly advise you to bring cards!
Money / Passport
Remember to bring all of your travel documentation, including your passport and visa. Also, bring lots of cash to Kathmandu because ATMs are few on the Everest journey! Namche Bazaar has the last Cashpoint.
Insurance
You must obtain enough travel and hiking insurance from a reputable insurance company. Almost all reputable tour providers will require you to obtain insurance.
Standard insurance will not suffice for the Everest Base Camp expedition. You must have insurance that
The last aspect is significant because if you suffer from severe altitude sickness, the fastest method to get to safety is via helicopter.
We are not insurance specialists, therefore we recommend that you contact insurance companies to determine if they cover the Everest Base Camp hiking trip, and that you read the fine print.
Toiletries and medications
Tablets for Water Purification
You must ensure that every water consumed on the Everest Base Camp climb is filtered before it enters your lips (this includes water you brush your teeth with).
Water may be purified using a variety of ways, including boiling, reverse osmosis, and iodine tablets. Some tour companies will filter your water for you.
We nevertheless recommend that you take water purification pills before consuming water in all circumstances. These water purifying pills are effective!
If you don't want to use pills, you may use a UV water purifier like the SteriPEN Adventure Opti Mini Pack.
Powder Isotonic
This powder, when mixed with water, can assist restore lost electrolytes and keep you active and healthy.
Diamox
Diamox is the most often used medication for preventing the onset of Acute Mountain Sickness and associated diseases. Please keep in mind that Diamox is only a prophylactic drug and does not treat AMS. If you get severe altitude sickness symptoms, the only effective therapy is to descend quickly. Before using Diamox, educate yourself on suitable acclimatization measures and see your doctor.
Typical Medications
Imodium for diarrhea and paracetamol for headaches.
Kit for First Aid
If you are trekking with a tour group or a guide, they will most certainly have enough first aid supplies. If not, pack a small first-aid kit like this one.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and UV-rated lip balm will shield you from the sun's rays.
Baby Wipes
Bring a bag of baby wipes for easy cleaning and refreshing.
Toiletries
A toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as two rolls of toilet paper, should be included with your basic toiletries. On the route, you may purchase inexpensive amenities such as toilet paper (single ply!!).
Plasters
We propose compeed blister plasters for tiny wounds and blisters.
Oximeter
This optional equipment will assess how altitude affects your body. It provides a precise reading of your oxygen saturation and heart rate. A rough rule of thumb is that oxygen saturations below 80% should be regularly monitored. If you are less than 70%, you should descend immediately until you are properly acclimatized (this is by no means gospel, and should be used in conjunction with other altitude symptoms to decide the best course of action). Take a look at these finger pulse oximeters.
Sanitizer for Hands
Purchase some here for a quick wash before dining.
FAQ
If you have any more questions about our Everest Base Camp Packing List, please post them in the comments section below and we will react within 5 hours.