Pack too little, and you’ll be cold. Pack too much, and you’ll carry it up every hill. Most first-timers make the second mistake. The good news is that Nepal makes it easy to travel light. You can rent or buy most gear in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and your porter carries your main bag.
This guide shows you what to bring, what to rent, and what to leave behind. It also covers how heavy your bags can be, because the Lukla flight has a strict limit.
Last updated: November 2026. Gear needs depend on your trek and season. Check what your package includes before you buy anything.
Quick Answer
- Pack in layers, not bulk. Think base layer, warm layer, jacket, and rain shell.
- Rent bulky items in Kathmandu or Pokhara: a sleeping bag, a down jacket, and trekking poles.
- Keep your main bag under about 15 kg. The Lukla flight allows 15 kg total (about 10 kg checked plus 5 kg hand luggage), so check your airline’s current rule.
- Bring your own boots, socks, and base layers.
- Skip cotton, jeans, and “just in case” extras.
The Two-Bag System
| Bag | Size | Who carries it | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daypack | About 25–35 L | You | About 5–8 kg |
| Duffel bag | About 50–65 L | Your porter | Under about 15 kg |
Your daypack holds what you need during the day: water, snacks, a warm layer, rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, and documents. The duffel holds everything else. One porter usually carries bags for two trekkers, with a shared load of about 20 kg.
Leave city clothes and extras in your Kathmandu or Pokhara hotel. Most hotels store bags for free.
What to Pack for Your Trek
Sleeping bag warmth depends on altitude and season. These are typical comfort ratings from operator guides.
| Trek | Typical sleeping bag rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | About -5°C | Lower altitude, milder nights |
| Annapurna Base Camp | About -10°C | Cold nights above 3,500 m |
| Everest Base Camp | -15°C to -20°C | Unheated rooms, very cold nights |
| High passes and restricted areas | -15°C or lower | For example Manaslu, Nar Phu, and Kang La |
Teahouses provide blankets, but they’re often not warm enough on the coldest nights. Many guides recommend your own bag.
The Clothing System
| Layer | What to bring | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Base layers | 2–3 tops and 1–2 bottoms, in merino or synthetic | Wicks sweat. Avoid cotton. |
| Hiking tops and pants | 2 quick-dry shirts and 2 trekking pants | Daily wear |
| Warm mid-layer | A fleece or light insulated jacket | For cold mornings and evenings |
| Insulated jacket | A down or synthetic jacket | Essential above about 3,500 m. Rent if you don’t own one. |
| Rain shell | A waterproof jacket and pants | Weather changes fast |
| Socks and underwear | 3–4 pairs of wool socks, plus liners | Keep feet dry and blister-free |
| Head and hands | Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, buff | Cold, wind, and sun |
Pack enough to rotate and wash, not enough to never repeat an outfit.
Footwear
- Broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support. Never bring new boots.
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
- Spare laces and blister care
Bring boots from home, since fit matters and rentals vary.
Sleeping Gear
- A sleeping bag rated for your trek (rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara)
- An optional liner, which adds a few degrees of warmth and keeps your bag clean
- A pillowcase or small pillow, if you like
Documents and Money
- Passport and visa, with spare photocopies
- Passport photos for permits
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue
- Cash in Nepali rupees. There are few ATMs on the trail, so draw cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Your permits, which your agency usually arranges. See our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Health and Safety
- A basic first-aid kit, with blister care, bandages, and your own prescription medicines
- Water purification (tablets or a filter) and a refillable bottle
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. The sun is stronger at altitude.
- Hand sanitizer and toilet paper
- Ask your doctor about altitude medication and any health concerns before you go
For symptoms and prevention, read our altitude sickness guide.
Electronics
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Power bank. Charging on the trail costs extra and gets pricier with height.
- Phone and charger
- Plug adapter. Nepal commonly uses Type C, D, and M sockets.
- Camera, if you like, but only what you’ll actually use
Handy Extras
- Trekking poles (rent if you don’t own them)
- Dry bags or plastic liners for rain
- Snacks like nuts, chocolate, and energy bars
- A notebook or book
- A small towel and toiletries
- Earplugs for noisy lodges
What to Skip
- Cotton clothing and jeans. They stay wet and cold.
- Too many clothes. Pack for 3–4 days and rotate.
- A hard suitcase. Use a soft duffel.
- New boots. They cause blisters.
- Heavy books or big camera kits, unless a porter carries them
- Hair dryers and bulky toiletries
- Jewelry and valuables
- Single-use plastic bottles. Use purification instead.
Buy, Rent, or Bring?
| Item | Best option | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | Rent | About NPR 150–250 per day (about $1–2) |
| Down jacket | Rent | About NPR 150–250 per day |
| Trekking poles | Rent | About NPR 150–200 per day |
| Duffel bag | Rent or buy | About NPR 100–150 per day to rent |
| Boots | Bring from home | n/a |
| Base layers and socks | Bring from home | n/a |
| Fleece, hats, gloves | Buy in Thamel if needed | Varies |
Prices come from several 2026 sources and vary by shop. Rentals are cheapest in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Check your package first. Some operators include gear. For example, Snowbank’s Everest Base Camp Trek lists a raincoat, sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking poles, and our Tsum Valley Trek lists a sleeping bag, fleece liner, pillow, and down jacket. Confirm what your own package covers.
Packing by Season
- Spring and autumn: Layers, a warm jacket, a good sleeping bag, and sun protection.
- Monsoon (June–August): Waterproof everything, quick-dry layers, and leech socks for forest sections.
- Winter: A warmer sleeping bag, extra insulation, and thermal layers.
Not sure when to go? See our guide to the best time to visit Nepal for adventure .
Lukla Flight Reminder
Flights to Lukla enforce a strict weight limit. Several sources report about 15 kg in total (10 kg checked plus 5 kg hand luggage), but rules can change, so confirm with your airline or agency. Pack to this limit even if you hire a porter.
For more on the Everest route, see our Everest Base Camp trek cost guide
FAQs
What should I pack for a trek in Nepal?
Layered clothing, broken-in boots, a rain shell, a warm jacket, a sleeping bag (rented or yours), a headlamp, sun protection, and a basic first-aid kit.
How heavy should my bag be?
Your porter’s duffel should stay under about 15 kg, and your daypack about 5–8 kg.
What is the Lukla flight baggage limit?
Several sources report about 15 kg total (10 kg checked and 5 kg hand luggage). Confirm with your airline.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Teahouses provide blankets, but a sleeping bag rated for your trek is strongly recommended on high routes. You can rent one in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What temperature rating do I need?
About -5°C for Poon Hill, -10°C for Annapurna Base Camp, and -15°C to -20°C for Everest Base Camp and high passes.
Can I rent gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Sleeping bags, down jackets, poles, and duffels are widely available in Thamel and Pokhara.
What should I not bring?
Cotton clothes, jeans, too many extras, new boots, hard suitcases, and heavy items you don’t need.
Do I need trekking poles?
They’re strongly recommended, especially for steep descents. You can rent them.
Does my trek package include gear?
Some do. Check your package’s included list before buying or renting.
Should I bring cash?
Yes. Carry enough rupees for the whole trail, drawn in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What plug do I need in Nepal?
Nepal commonly uses Type C, D, and M sockets. A universal adapter is safest.
What should I pack for the monsoon?
Waterproof gear, quick-dry layers, and leech socks.
Ready to pack? Browse Snowbank Adventure treks and ask us what’s included in your package. For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board.