Planning a trek in the Himalayas? When travelling Nepal, this is definitely the best thing to do to explore and experience the country at its best. There are different routes offering tourists and travellers the ultimate Himalayan experience. You can choose between different lengths or fitness levels. From easy 3-day trekking routes to more difficult routes for up to 3 weeks – the trekking industry is booming in Nepal. You can either start your journey from Kathmandu or Pokhara, exploring either the Annapurna Range or the Everest area. But what is truly important when it comes to preparing for your trek? Here is what to pack for a trek in Nepal.
Your basic packing list for a trek in Nepal
What should you bring on your trek? What is absolutely necessary and what can easily be left at home or at your hotel? If this is your first time trekking and spending multiple days in the mountains, it can be quite difficult to figure out what to pack for a trek in Nepal. Especially in a foreign country where you are unaware of the conditions and the weather.
However, here is a basic packing list with the most important things you should bring with you. Depending on the length of your trek, the number of shirts can vary. This list is best for a 5-day trek in Nepal, but can easily be adapted to your route. As well, if you are hiking during winter, you need to add winter equipment to be prepared for the low temperatures in the mountains. As most travellers are hiking during the warmer months, the list focuses only on spring-autumn clothing.
30 l backpack
If you are unsure about the size of your backpack: a 30-liter backpack is just the right choice. Not too small and not too big. You really want to pay attention to carrying light. This size fits all of the most important items for a multi-day trek and still leaves some space. Most travellers choose to take their usual carry-on backpack.
Refillable bottle of water
It is totally enough to bring one bottle of water. You can get a refill at basically any hut you are passing on the trek and they mostly cost only a few cents. Bringing two or even more bottles only causes too much weight on your back.
4 sport shirts
When it comes to the choice of clothes, make sure to bring a good quality sportswear. Sweating is inevitable and therefore, you should be well equipped. 4 sport shirts are perfect for a 5-day trek in the Himalayas as you can change almost every day.
Bring one shirt with long sleeves as well.
1 windbreaker jacket
Do not forget a warm and wind-resistant jacket. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperature. Especially if you are hiking for a sunrise (e.g. Poon Hill Trek) you need to be warm and comfortable. A warm jacket is therefore an absolute must and should not be forgotten. It should be wind and water resistant as well.
2-3 sport trousers / leggings
You can easily wear the pants twice. Depending on your liking, bring either sport leggings or outdoor trousers. The light material will help your skin breathe and keep you warm at the same time.
1 cap
Keep your ears warm, especially when hiking in higher altitude. And do not be fooled by the warm weather in the city – it can be very different in the mountains and therefore you should definitely bring a cap.
A small washing powder
Next on the list of what to pack for a trek in Nepal: washing powder. As you will spend a few days in the mountains, it can be smart to bring washing powder in a travel size. This will allow you to easily wash your sweaty clothes and make them smell fresh again. As well, you could reduce the number of shirts or underwear if you wash them as soon as you arrive at your daily accommodation.
1 towel
Unfortunately, most of the huts where you will be staying do not offer towels to their guests. As it can be quite cold up in the mountains, drying yourself after a shower is necessary. Bring a small towel which can easily fit into your backpack and use it for shower and washing.
Cash
Do not forget to bring cash! They will only accept cash on the treks and therefore, this is the most important thing on what to pack for a trek in Nepal. You could as well book your trek with food and drinks including, but the cheaper option is to just pay by yourself. Make sure to bring at least 200-300 Euros in cash with you (of course in Nepalese Rupee).
The guide and the cost for the accommodation will be paid in advance.
1 flashlight
You can either use the flashlight on your phone or bring a separate one. But you will definitely need it as on most trekking routes, one sunrise hike is included.
Toiletry bag
When it comes to filling your toiletry bag, bring the usual. Your toothbrush, the toothpaste and a face cream to keep your skin hydrated after sweating a lot. A deodorant will always be useful. For all the ladies: leave any make-up at home, you´re in nature and nobody really cares about your look.
Medicine
To be on the safe side, bring a plaster and a bandage. If you have health issues, you know best what you need to bring. In an emergency case, your guide is also equipped.
And of course, let´s not forget about underwear, sports bra (if you are a female hiker), 5 pairs of socks and our hiking shoes. Please consider buying hiking shoes before starting your trek. You could as well do it in sneakers, but just don’t. The risk of falling or other injuries is too high and hiking boots will allow you to walk longer without feeling pain in your feet.
Other useful items for your trekking experience
Surely, the list of what to pack for a trek in Nepal could be long. You could bring much more, but focusing only on the most necessary items makes it easier in the end.
- Charger
- Some snacks
- Sunscreen
- Headphones if you plan on listening to music while hiking or in the accommodation
- a diary to document your journey
How to pack light (and save some back pain)
Remember that whatever you decide to put in your backpack, you´ll have to carry it all the way. You will be walking up to six hours per day. You will definitely thank yourself if you pack lightly and reduce to the most important things.
To save some space in your backpack, you could use small packing cubes. This allows you to pack organized. Make a cube with clothing only and use a small bag for the toiletry and the medicine. Fold the clothing as small as possible and make rolls to fit more items next to each other. Put the heavy items (such as your water bottle) close to your back. This will help avoid back pain.
For more information on trekking in Nepal and which route to choose, click here.
