Everest Base Camp Packing List

A successful Everest Base Camp trek is mostly about staying warm, dry and light. You'll walk for many days between roughly 2,800 m and 5,500 m, through warm forest at the start and sub-zero nights up high, so the kit that matters is a good layering system, reliable boots, and a warm sleeping bag. This checklist covers what to bring, what to rent in Kathmandu, and what to leave at home.

The short answer

Build a layering system (base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell), bring broken-in boots and a four-season sleeping bag, and keep your total load light because the flight to Lukla has a strict weight limit. Carry a daypack for the day's essentials and pack everything else in a duffel for your porter. Rent the bulky down jacket and sleeping bag in Kathmandu if you don't already own them, and don't forget power, water purification and documents.

Clothing: the layering system

Layers let you adjust as the temperature swings from sweaty afternoons to freezing nights:

• Base layers — two or three merino or synthetic tops and a pair of leggings; avoid cotton, which stays wet.
• Mid-layer — a fleece or light insulated jacket for the cool mornings.
• Down jacket — a warm, hooded down jacket is essential up high; easy to rent in Kathmandu.
• Waterproof shell — a breathable rain/wind jacket and overtrousers.
• Trekking trousers — two pairs, plus shorts or zip-offs for lower altitudes.
• Extremities — a warm hat, a sun hat or cap, a buff/neck gaiter, liner gloves and warm outer gloves.
• Socks and underwear — several pairs of proper trekking socks; sock choice matters more than most people expect.

Footwear, sleeping bag and the big gear

• Trekking boots — supportive, waterproof and, above all, broken in before you fly. Blisters at altitude are miserable.
• Camp/teahouse shoes — light trainers or sandals to rest your feet in the evenings.
• Sleeping bag — a four-season bag (about -10°C to -20°C comfort) plus a liner; teahouse rooms are unheated. See altitude sickness in Nepal for why warm, restful nights aid acclimatisation.
• Daypack (25–35 L) — for water, layers, snacks and camera on the trail.
• Duffel bag (70–90 L) — carried by your porter; pack soft and pliable. A porter or guide typically carries this, so keep it within agreed weight limits.
• Trekking poles — save your knees on the long descents.
• Sleeping accessories — a sun hat, sunglasses with full UV protection (glare is intense on snow), and lip balm and sunscreen with high SPF.

Electronics, power and documents

• Power bank — a large-capacity bank is the single most useful electronic item; charging in teahouses is often paid and slow, and cold drains batteries fast.
• Adapters and cables — Nepal uses 230 V; bring the right plug adapter.
• Headlamp — plus spare batteries, for pre-dawn starts and dark teahouses.
• Phone with offline maps — signal fades higher up, so download maps before you go.
• Documents — passport, several passport photos, travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation, and your trekking permits. Carry some cash in rupees, as there are no reliable ATMs once you leave Lukla.
• First-aid and toiletries — a personal kit, any prescription medicine, water purification (tablets, filter or a UV pen), hand sanitiser, blister plasters and a quick-dry towel.

Renting in Kathmandu and what to skip

Thamel's gear shops rent down jackets and sleeping bags by the day and sell everything else, so you needn't fly with bulky kit. Bring your own boots, base layers and socks — anything that must fit well or stay hygienic. Buy water-purification supplies and snacks before you start.

What to skip: heavy jeans and cotton clothing, more than a few days' outfits (you'll re-wear layers), a bulky travel pillow, and excess electronics. Keep the duffel light for your porter and for the Lukla flight weight limit.

For the bigger picture, pair this list with the full Everest Base Camp trek guide, choose the right window using the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp, and read the Nepal trekking guide for permits, seasons and how the trek fits your wider trip.