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Pack for the altitude, not for the country
A list for Poon Hill and a list for Everest Base Camp are not the same list, and half of what you would buy at home is cheaper to hire for a fortnight in Thamel. Pick your trip and season, and print the result.
Travelling in
28 items · 5 you can hire in Thamel rather than fly with
Documents and money
- Passport valid six months beyond your return
- Two passport photographsFor permits issued in Kathmandu
- Insurance certificateMust state helicopter evacuation cover to at least 4,130 m
- USD in cashSmall notes for tips and teahouse extras; ATMs stop above Namche
On your back
- Broken-in trekking bootsAnkle support, worn for at least 50 km before you fly
- Daypack, 30–35 litres
- Duffel bag for the porterOurs is provided; 10 kg limit per trekker
- Trekking polesSave your knees on the descents more than the climbs
Clothing layers
- Base layers, merino or synthetic3 sets
- Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- Down jacket rated to −10 °CHire in Thamel rather than flying with it
- Waterproof shell jacketWind matters more than rain above 4,000 m
- Trekking trousers, two pairs
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Light gloves
- Trekking socks4 pairs, plus one thick pair for the lodge
Sleeping and warmth
- Sleeping bag rated to −5 °CTeahouse rooms above 4,000 m are unheated; blankets are thin
- Sleeping bag liner
- Hot water bottleTeahouses fill it for a small charge and it changes your night
Health at altitude
- Personal medication with a copy of the prescription
- Blister kitZinc-oxide tape works better than plasters
- Water purification tablets or a filter bottleCheaper and lighter than buying bottled water on trail
- Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm with SPFUV rises about 10% for every 1,000 m
- Category 4 sunglassesGlare off snow is brutal even in cloud
Power and small things
- Power bank, 20,000 mAhCharging is metered and slow above Namche
- Head torch and spare batteriesCold flattens batteries fast
- Quick-dry towel and wet wipesHot showers cost extra and stop being appealing in the cold
- Snacks you actually likeTrail prices roughly triple between Lukla and Gorak Shep
Bring from homeHire or buy in Thamel — cheaper than excess baggage, and we will point you at shops we trust