Nepal welcomes every person who is passionate about exploring new places. The rich bio-diversity and the ethnic cultures of the country are major attractions for thousands of visitors every year.
Blessed by the Himalayan ranges, Nepal is the home of some of the best trekking destinations around the globe. Who doesn’t want to behold such a close view of the majestic peaks like Everest?
But, many people may have little idea about what to pack during trekking in Nepal. Some people carry too much stuff, where half of them are useless. Likewise, there are some visitors who do not pack minimum required stuff too.
It is very important to carry all the necessary stuff for any trek in Nepal. To prepare the complete Nepal trekking packing list, you need to categorize all the stuff into different groups.
If you have little idea about the essentials for trekking, you’ve come to the right place.
Contents
Clothing Essentials
The complete Nepal Trekking Packing List begins with the most fundamental requirements- trekking clothes!
The most important thing to consider while trekking in Nepal is keeping yourself warm and cozy. So, proper clothing and high-quality fabrics are highly recommended. Also, you should feel comfortable while you trek for long hours.
All the clothes that direct contact with your skin need to have moisture-wicking properties. Similarly, they need to keep you warm in freezing cold situations. The outermost layer that you wear needs to retain your body heat and block cold to penetrate. So, the outer layer needs to have waterproof and snow-proof properties.
Undergarments
Every person needs to carry a certain number of inner garments while trekking in Nepal. When bringing any undergarments, make sure they are breathable and comfortable. Undergarments with moisture-wicking properties are best and highly suggested.
Women should consider wearing sports-bra as they are more comfortable.
Inner-layer Clothes
Above your undergarments, you need to wear high-quality inner-layer clothes. They are basically thermals, both for your upper and lower body parts. They need high moisture-wicking quality fabrics as you wear these as a base layer.
Trekking T-shirts and Trousers
It’s necessary to wear clothes that tackle the frigid climate of the Himalayan terrains. You need to make sure the t-shirts and trousers are appropriate for the trek you’re planning to try.
The Himalayas bear temperatures below 0°C easily during nights. So, you need to wear your clothes in layers. Wearing synthetic and breathable trekking t-shirts and trousers is the way to go.
Outer Layer Clothing
The outer layer clothes are the most crucial for trekking in Nepal. They prevent the snow and cold to reach your body.
These outer jackets and trousers must have waterproof and snowproof qualities. They must have wool inside to keep you warm. Also, they need to be large enough to fit all the layers within.
Woolen Caps and Gloves
To keep your hands and head warm, wear proper woolen caps or beanies. Also, you must wear a thin, inner pair of gloves to keep prevent frostbite.
Thick water and snowproof pair of gloves should cover the inner gloves.
Others
Neck Gaiter:
You must wear a neck gaiter to keep your neck warm. Ignoring your neck can cause problems like cough and cold.
Sun-hat:
It’s easy to get a sunburn in the Himalayas. So, wear a sun-hat to prevent direct sunlight on your face and head.
Footwear Essentials
Again, one of the most essentials for trekking, your footwear shouldn’t feel uncomfortable as you’ll need to walk daily.
Trekking Boots
It’s best to use worn-in trekking boots, as new boots can cause blisters. Also, sturdy and all-terrain boots are the best choice.
Socks
You need at least a pair of socks per day. Also, the total number of pairs must include trekking socks as well as the normal ones.
Other Footwear
- A pair of regular canvas or sport shoes.
- A pair of flip-flops or sandals to wear in the teahouses.
Trekking Essentials
Besides clothing, you need to carry other specific stuff used only for trekking. These items are crucial to lessen the chances of problems that may arise during treks.
Backpack or Rucksack
You need a proper backpack to keep all your stuff. It needs rain and dust cover. There are a lot of shops and stores in Kathmandu that sell such rucksacks or backpacks.
Duffel Bag
Carry all your clothes and day-to-day basics in a duffel bag. They have straps making them easy to carry.
Trekking Poles
While trekking, especially going downhill, your legs should endure a lot of stress. Trekking poles reduce such stress, saving from any possible injury.
Sleeping Bag
As we mentioned earlier, the temperatures drop down to sub-zero values very easily. So, carrying a sleeping bag that suits you is crucial. Also, make sure that the sleeping bags have suitable temperature ratings.
Documents
You never know what you come across during treks. So, it’s always a good idea to carry multiple copies of all the necessary documents. These essential documents include:
- VISA
- Permits
- Identification
- Citizenship
- Passport
Permit
There are specific permits required while trekking in Nepal. So, you should make sure you bring all the necessary permits with you.
Most places in Nepal require the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System). Besides this, you’ll need specific permits in accordance with the place you visit.
Money
Although you can find ATM in major cities, there is little chance of availability of ATMs in rural areas. It’s always suggested to carry the native currency. The Nepalese Rupee is the national currency which you can easily exchange in Nepal.
Daily and Personal Essentials
During your trek, you must carry your day to day essentials with you. It’s best to carry them before you begin. It’s difficult to find all the things everywhere that you require while trekking.
You can buy them at Kathmandu before you start. These regular items include:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand-sanitizers
- Personal towel and handkerchief
- Towels
- Sunscreen with SPF levels appropriate for your skin type
- 100% UV protection sunglasses
- Medication (if any)
- A first-aid kit
- Reusable water bottle
- Water purifier tablets
Other Stuff
After making sure you carry all the stuff mentioned above, you’re almost done. Yet, there are a few things that you should not forget during your trek in Nepal.
- Camera and its gear
- High-capacity batteries and power-banks
- Torch
- Chocolates, snacks, drinks or sweets
- A book or a deck of cards
- Insect repellant
- Pain relief spray
- Handheld torch and head-lamp
Final Say,
While trekking in Nepal, the seasons that you travel affect what you should carry. Short treks require fewer quantities of stuff while longer treks require more. Longer and more challenging treks need more and better trekking equipment.
The complete Nepal Trekking Packing List must include all the clothing, footwear and trekking essentials. Also, you should carry multiple copies of the necessary documents as well as the permits with you.
Just make sure you carry enough rather than carrying more or less.
