The following gives you a general idea of the trekking equipment and clothing needed for trekking in Nepal.
In a porter-supported trek two clients share one porter. We will supply you a trek duffel bag where you keep your heavy items and this bag is carried by the porter. You will need to bring your own day pack to be carried by you. In the day pack, you can put money, important documents, water bottle/bladder, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, notebook, etc.
The weight limit for Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu flights is 15 kg or 33 pounds. This is combining both the duffel bag and the day pack. If you exceed this limit, you will have to pay an additional fee. When this happens, sometimes the airline sends your bag in later flights and this can be very problematic for many reasons. So, we recommend you to pack as carefully as you can and not exceed the weight limit. You can leave your non-trekking stuff at the locker facility in the Kathmandu hotel.
General
4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek.)
Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary duffel bag which is yours to keep.)
Daypack
Down jacket (Must have for mornings, nights and evenings, and for altitudes above 4,000 m; We can provide it if you need one but has to be returned after the trek.)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary hat.)
Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
Sunglasses with UV protection
Headlamp
Neck warmer
Hand
Liner gloves
Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
T-shirts
Lightweight expedition thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
Synthetic sports bras (For women)
Lower Body – Legs
Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
Nylon hiking shorts
Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
Water/windproof trousers
Casual pants
Feet
Liner socks
Heavyweight socks
Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
Light shoes/sneakers/sandals
Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Please note our guide will carry the first-aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personalized first-aid kit as well.)
Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
Immodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
Anti-infection ointments
Band-aids
Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important!
Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave one at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of your flight.)
Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
Water bottle/bladder
Water purification Iodine tablets
Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
Adjustable trekking poles
Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
Binoculars
Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipment can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.
