Porters carry a maximum of around 15 kg between two trekkers, and airline limits on the Lukla flight are strict. Packing well matters. Here is what two decades of guiding suggests you actually need.
The layering system
- Base layers: two merino or synthetic tops, two pairs of long johns. No cotton.
- Mid layers: one fleece, one light down or synthetic jacket.
- Outer: a waterproof shell jacket and trousers. It will rain low down and blow hard high up.
- Summit layer: a proper expedition down jacket for Gorak Shep and Kala Patthar. Rent this in Kathmandu rather than buying.
Footwear
Broken-in waterproof boots with ankle support — this is not the trip for new boots. Add trainers for evenings in the lodge, three or four pairs of proper trekking socks, and gaiters if you are going in winter or spring.
Sleeping
A bag rated to −15 °C. Lodges provide blankets but they are thin and rooms are unheated. A silk or fleece liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. Rent the bag in Kathmandu if you do not own one; quality rentals are widely available and cheap.
The things people forget
- Lip balm with SPF and high-factor sunscreen. The UV at altitude is savage.
- Category 4 sunglasses. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough on snow.
- A power bank. Lodges charge by the hour and sockets are scarce above Namche.
- Water purification — tablets or a SteriPen. Buying bottled water is expensive and leaves plastic in the valley.
- Cash in small rupee notes. No card payments above Namche.
What to leave behind
Jeans, cotton t-shirts, a second pair of boots, heavy books, and most of the toiletries you packed. There are no showers worth the name above Dingboche and wet wipes will do more work than shampoo.
Rent or buy?
Rent the down jacket and sleeping bag in Thamel — it is cheap and saves both money and baggage. Buy your own boots, socks and base layers at home, where fit and quality are guaranteed.
We send every trekker a full kit list on booking. Get in touch if you want to talk through gear before you commit.