Travel guide · Nepal
The Essential Nepal Packing List
Layers for the mountains, light clothes for the cities, sun protection year-round — and plenty you can buy in Kathmandu.
What you pack for Nepal depends heavily on the season and on whether you're sticking to cities or heading into the mountains. The golden rule is to pack in layers and leave room for the gear you can pick up cheaply in Kathmandu.
The short answer
For cities and lowlands, pack light, modest clothing plus a warm layer for evenings. For trekking, add proper boots, insulating and waterproof layers, a warm hat and gloves, sun protection and a head torch. Whatever the season, bring strong sun protection and any personal medicines, and remember that much bulky gear can be bought or hired in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What to pack by season
- Autumn and spring (peak): Light layers for warm days, a fleece and light down jacket for cool evenings and higher altitudes, and a light rain shell in spring.
- Winter: Warmer layers throughout, a proper down jacket, thermal base layers, a warm hat and gloves, especially if you'll be in the mountains.
- Monsoon: A reliable waterproof jacket, quick-drying clothes, sandals you don't mind getting wet, and an umbrella for city sightseeing.
City versus trekking
| Item | City trip | Trekking |
|---|---|---|
| Footwear | Comfortable walking shoes | Broken-in hiking boots |
| Layers | Light clothes + one warm layer | Full layering system + down jacket |
| Sleeping | Provided by hotel | Sleeping bag (buy/hire locally) |
| Extras | Day bag, power bank | Head torch, poles, water purification, first-aid kit |
Documents and what to buy locally
Don't forget the paperwork:
- Passport valid for six months, plus passport photos for your visa and SIM
- Copies of your passport, visa and travel insurance
- Trekking permits where required
To keep your luggage light, leave bulky trekking gear at home and stock up in Kathmandu, where Thamel's shops sell and rent jackets, sleeping bags and poles cheaply. Plan the rest of your kit around the best time to visit Nepal and our Nepal trekking guide, and sort connectivity early with our guide to SIM cards in Kathmandu.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for trekking in Nepal?+
Pack in layers: moisture-wicking base layers, a warm fleece or down jacket, a waterproof shell, broken-in hiking boots, a warm hat and gloves, and a four-season sleeping bag for higher routes. Add a head torch, water purification, sun protection and a small first-aid kit. Much of this can be bought or hired cheaply in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Do I need warm clothes in Nepal?+
Yes, even in warmer months. While the Terai and lowland cities are mild to hot, evenings in Kathmandu and Pokhara can be cool, and the mountains are cold to freezing year-round. Bring layers you can add or remove as the altitude and weather change.
What documents do I need to travel to Nepal?+
Carry a passport valid for at least six months, passport photos for your visa and SIM card, copies of your passport and visa, and any trekking permits. Travel insurance documents that cover high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation are strongly recommended, along with a printed itinerary.
Can I buy trekking gear in Kathmandu?+
Absolutely. Thamel in Kathmandu is full of shops selling and renting jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles and other gear at low prices, including budget copies and some genuine brands. It's often easier to buy bulky items there than to carry them from home.
