15 Packing Mistakes That Ruin Nepal Treks (And What to Bring Instead)

Your pack is either your best friend or your worst enemy on a Nepal trek. Get it right, and every item earns its weight in comfort, safety, and enjoyment. Get it wrong, and you spend 10-14 days dealing with blisters, shivering, dehydration, dead devices, and the nagging knowledge that you carried 15 kilograms of gear you never used while leaving behind the three things you actually needed.

After surveying hundreds of returned trekkers and interviewing experienced guides and gear shop owners in Kathmandu's Thamel district, the same packing mistakes appear again and again. These are not obscure errors -- they are predictable, preventable, and surprisingly common even among experienced travelers.

This guide covers the 15 most common packing mistakes for Nepal treks, explains why each one matters, and provides specific, actionable fixes. Whether you are heading to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or Poon Hill, this guide will help you pack smarter.

Mistake 1: Packing Too Heavy

The mistake: Bringing everything you might possibly need, resulting in a pack that weighs 15-20+ kilograms. "Just in case" thinking adds kilogram after kilogram until your pack becomes a burden that saps your energy and enjoyment.

Why it ruins your trek: Every extra kilogram you carry reduces your daily range, increases fatigue, amplifies knee stress on descents, and decreases your enjoyment. At altitude, where oxygen is reduced, extra weight is exponentially more punishing. On a 12-day trek, you will take approximately 150,000 steps -- each one loaded with whatever you packed.

The fix: Apply the "will I use this every day or in an emergency?" test to every item. If the answer is neither, leave it behind.

Target weights:

• Daypack (what you carry): 6-8 kg (including water, snacks, camera, rain gear, and warm layer)
• Duffel bag (porter carries): 12-15 kg maximum (your sleeping bag, extra clothes, toiletries, and non-essential gear)
• Total gear weight: 18-23 kg

Specific cuts that save weight:

• One pair of trekking pants instead of three (they dry overnight if washed)
• Two base layers instead of five (rotate and wash)
• Travel-size toiletries instead of full bottles
• Kindle or phone instead of physical books
• Leave the tripod (use a mini GorillaPod instead)

Mistake 2: Wrong Boots (Not Broken In)

The mistake: Buying new trekking boots days before departure and wearing them on the trek without breaking them in. Or choosing the wrong type of boot entirely (too heavy, too light, wrong ankle support).

Why it ruins your trek: Blisters from un-broken-in boots are the single most common injury on Nepal treks. They start as mild discomfort on day one and by day three can become debilitating, open wounds that make every step painful. Severe blisters can end a trek.

The fix:

Boot selection:

• For most Nepal treks (EBC, ABC, Annapurna Circuit): mid-cut trekking boots with ankle support and a Vibram or similar grippy sole
• For high passes and snow: full-height waterproof boots with crampon compatibility
• For easy, low-altitude treks (Poon Hill, Royal Trek): trail shoes or lightweight trekking shoes can suffice

Break-in protocol:

• Buy boots at least 6-8 weeks before your trek
• Wear them for daily walks, starting with 30-minute sessions
• Gradually increase to full-day hikes with a loaded pack
• If hot spots develop, use moleskin or adjust lacing before the trek
• Your boots should feel like old friends by departure day, not new acquaintances

Specific recommendations:

• Salomon X Ultra or Salewa Mountain Trainer for lightweight mid-cut
• La Sportiva Trango or Scarpa Zodiac for robust ankle support
• Merrell Moab or Columbia Newton Ridge for budget options

See our trekking boots guide for comprehensive footwear advice.

Mistake 3: No Rain Gear in Spring

The mistake: Assuming spring (March-May) is a dry season and leaving rain protection behind. Or bringing a cheap poncho instead of proper rain gear.

Why it ruins your trek: Spring in Nepal is drier than monsoon but far from dry. Afternoon showers are common, especially in April and May, and can last several hours. At altitude, wet clothing combined with wind and cold creates a hypothermia risk that can be dangerous. Even in autumn (the driest trekking season), unexpected rain occurs.

The fix:

• Waterproof jacket: A breathable waterproof shell (Gore-Tex, eVent, or similar membrane) that weighs 300-500 grams. This is non-negotiable gear for any season.
• Waterproof pants: Lightweight rain pants or at minimum waterproof gaiters for lower legs
• Pack cover: A waterproof pack cover for your daypack (most quality packs include one)
• Dry bags: Stuff sacks or dry bags for electronics, down clothing, and sleeping bag

Specific recommendations:

• Outdoor Research Helium or Marmot Minimalist for lightweight waterproof jackets
• Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil pack cover
• Ziplock bags for electronics (cheap and effective)

See our rain gear guide for detailed recommendations.

Mistake 4: Cotton Base Layers

The mistake: Packing cotton t-shirts, underwear, and socks as base layers. Cotton is the default fabric for everyday life, so many trekkers default to it for trekking.

Why it ruins your trek: Cotton absorbs moisture (sweat, rain, river crossings) and holds it against your skin. Wet cotton loses all insulating value and takes hours to dry, especially at altitude where humidity is low but so is temperature. In trekking, cotton is known as "death cloth" for a reason -- wet cotton against your skin in cold conditions accelerates heat loss and can contribute to hypothermia.

The fix: Replace all base layers with synthetic (polyester or nylon) or merino wool fabrics:

• Merino wool base layers: Naturally temperature-regulating, odor-resistant (crucial for multi-day treks without laundry), moisture-wicking. More expensive but worth it.
• Synthetic base layers: Cheaper, faster drying, durable. Less odor-resistant than merino.
• Underwear: Merino or synthetic only. Ex Officio or Icebreaker merino underwear.
• Socks: Merino wool trekking socks exclusively. Never cotton socks.

Specific recommendations:

• Icebreaker 200 Oasis or Smartwool Merino 250 for base layer tops
• Darn Tough or Smartwool merino trekking socks
• ExOfficio Give-N-Go or Icebreaker Anatomica underwear

See our layering system guide and thermal underwear guide for complete layering advice.

Mistake 5: Too Many Clothes

The mistake: Packing a fresh outfit for every day, multiple "just in case" items, separate clothing for "town days" in Kathmandu, and fashion-motivated choices that have no functional purpose on the trail.

Why it ruins your trek: Clothing is typically the heaviest category in a trekker's pack. Each unnecessary shirt adds 150-300 grams. Each extra pair of pants adds 300-500 grams. An outfit "for Kathmandu" that you wear for two days adds 1-2 kg of dead weight carried for the other 12 days.

The fix: Pack a minimal, versatile wardrobe based on the layering system:

The complete trekking wardrobe (all you need):

• 2-3 base layer tops (merino or synthetic)
• 1 mid-layer fleece or lightweight down jacket
• 1 insulated jacket (down or synthetic, for high altitude/evenings)
• 1 waterproof shell jacket
• 2 pairs trekking pants (or 1 pair trekking pants + 1 pair lightweight shorts)
• 1 pair waterproof pants or rain skirt
• 3-4 pairs merino socks
• 3 pairs underwear (merino or synthetic)
• 1 warm hat (beanie)
• 1 sun hat or cap
• 1 pair warm gloves
• 1 buff/neck gaiter
• 1 pair camp shoes/sandals (Crocs or flip-flops for tea houses)

That is it. This wardrobe handles temperatures from 25 degrees Celsius (lower altitude daytime) to -15 degrees Celsius (high altitude night) through layering combinations.

Items people bring but never use:

• Jeans (heavy, slow-drying, restrictive -- leave them)
• Multiple fleeces (one is enough when combined with a down jacket)
• Pajamas (sleep in your base layers)
• "Going out" clothes for Kathmandu (buy a cheap outfit in Thamel if needed)
• Multiple sun hats (one is sufficient)

Mistake 6: Not Enough Warm Layers for Altitude

The mistake: The opposite of Mistake 5, but in a specific category. Trekkers who pack light overall sometimes underestimate how cold it gets at altitude. A trekker dressed appropriately for Pokhara (800m) will be dangerously underdressed at Thorong La (5,416m) or Gorak Shep (5,164m).

Why it ruins your trek: Temperatures at high-altitude tea houses commonly drop to -10 to -20 degrees Celsius at night during the trekking season. Tea houses are not heated (or minimally heated in dining rooms). You will eat dinner, play cards, and write your journal in sub-zero conditions. Without adequate warm layers, you will be miserable every evening and unable to sleep.

The fix: Ensure you have all of these warm layers:

• Insulated jacket: A quality down jacket (650+ fill power) or synthetic insulated jacket. This is your primary warmth layer and arguably the most important piece of gear after boots. See our down jackets guide.
• Warm hat: A wool or fleece beanie that covers your ears. You lose significant heat from your head.
• Warm gloves: Insulated gloves for evenings and cold mornings. Liner gloves plus insulated over-gloves for high-altitude passes.
• Warm socks: Heavy-weight merino socks for sleeping (in addition to your trekking socks). Cold feet prevent sleep.
• Neck gaiter or balaclava: For wind protection on passes and cold mornings. See our neck gaiters guide.

Mistake 7: No Water Purification

The mistake: Planning to buy bottled water along the trail, or assuming tap water at tea houses is safe to drink.

Why it ruins your trek: Buying bottled water on a Nepal trek is expensive (NPR 200-500 per liter at altitude), environmentally destructive (creating massive plastic waste), and unreliable (remote tea houses may run out). Tap water and stream water in Nepal carry risk of giardia, bacterial contamination, and other waterborne pathogens. Gastrointestinal illness from untreated water is one of the most common health problems on Nepal treks.

The fix: Carry your own water purification system. Three proven options:

1. SteriPEN (UV purification): Kills 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in 90 seconds. Lightweight (85g), fast, and effective. Requires batteries (bring spares) or USB charging. Best for tea house treks where water is relatively clear.

2. Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree (filter): Removes bacteria and protozoa through physical filtration. Lightweight, no batteries needed, filters thousands of liters. Does not remove viruses (rare concern in mountain water). Best overall option for most trekkers.

3. Chlorine dioxide tablets (Aquamira or Katadyn Micropur): Chemical purification. Kills everything including viruses. Lightweight and foolproof. Downside: 30-minute wait time and slight taste. Best as a backup method.

Recommendation: Carry a primary method (SteriPEN or Sawyer filter) plus a backup (purification tablets). The total weight is about 150 grams -- far less than the 2-3 kg of bottled water you would otherwise carry.

See our water purification guide for detailed comparisons and recommendations.

Mistake 8: No Headlamp

The mistake: Assuming you will only trek during daylight hours and not needing a personal light source. Or bringing a phone flashlight as your only light.

Why it ruins your trek: You will need a headlamp for:

• Pre-dawn starts: Poon Hill sunrise climb (4:30 AM), high pass crossings (3:00-4:00 AM start), summit days
• Tea house rooms: Most rooms above 3,000m have no electricity or very dim lighting. Getting dressed, finding gear, and using the bathroom at night requires a headlamp.
• Night bathroom trips: Tea house toilets are typically outside or down a corridor. You will need light.
• Early morning packing: Your roommates are sleeping. Turning on the room light (if it works) is inconsiderate.
• Emergencies: Power outages, getting caught on the trail after dark, signaling for help

A phone flashlight drains your phone battery (which you need for photos and communication), does not work hands-free, and is awkward to use while walking.

The fix: Bring a quality headlamp with at least 200 lumens brightness:

• Petzl Actik Core (450 lumens, rechargeable, 100g) -- excellent all-rounder
• Black Diamond Spot 400 (400 lumens, battery, 86g) -- reliable and popular
• Nitecore NU25 (400 lumens, rechargeable, 28g) -- ultralight option

Bring spare batteries (AAA) or ensure rechargeable models are fully charged with a backup power source. See our headlamps guide.

Mistake 9: Wrong Sleeping Bag Rating

The mistake: Bringing a sleeping bag rated for summer camping (5 to 10 degrees Celsius comfort rating) on a high-altitude trek where temperatures drop far below freezing. Or bringing no sleeping bag at all, assuming tea houses provide warm bedding.

Why it ruins your trek: Tea houses above 3,000m typically provide a thin mattress and a blanket. In the standard trekking seasons, nighttime temperatures at 4,000-5,000m regularly drop to -10 to -20 degrees Celsius. A summer-rated sleeping bag provides almost no insulation in these conditions. You will spend every night shivering, unable to sleep, and starting each day exhausted.

The fix: Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -10 degrees Celsius (comfort rating, not extreme rating). For EBC, Annapurna Circuit (with Thorong La), or any trek above 4,500m, a -15 degrees Celsius comfort rating is recommended.

Specific recommendations:

• For EBC/high-altitude treks: Western Mountaineering Versalite (-10C), Rab Neutrino 400 (-12C), or Sea to Summit Trek TK3 (-12C)
• For moderate-altitude treks (Poon Hill, lower Annapurna): A -5C comfort-rated bag is adequate
• Budget option: Rent a quality sleeping bag in Thamel for $1-2/day (check cleanliness and condition carefully)

Key sleeping bag advice:

• Trust the comfort rating, not the extreme rating (the extreme rating is the temperature at which you will survive but not sleep)
• Down bags are lighter and more compact but useless when wet. Synthetic bags are heavier but retain warmth when damp.
• Bring a silk or cotton liner for hygiene (especially if renting a bag) and an extra 5-8 degrees of warmth

See our sleeping bags guide for comprehensive recommendations.

Mistake 10: No Power Bank

The mistake: Relying on tea house electricity to charge your phone, camera, and other devices.

Why it ruins your trek: Above 3,000m, tea houses charge NPR 200-500 per device per charge for electricity (when it is available at all). Many tea houses use solar power with limited capacity, meaning outlets are scarce and charging is rationed. During cloudy weather, solar systems produce less power. Your phone (camera, maps, emergency communication, entertainment) will die within 2-3 days without a power bank.

The fix: Bring a portable power bank:

• Capacity: 20,000 mAh minimum for a 12-14 day trek (this charges a typical smartphone 4-5 times)
• Weight: A 20,000 mAh bank weighs about 350-400 grams -- well worth it
• Recommendations: Anker PowerCore 20000, Nitecore NB20000, or RAVPower 20000
• For camera users: Bring spare camera batteries rather than trying to charge them from a power bank (camera battery charging is power-hungry and slow)

Power-saving tips on the trail:

• Airplane mode when not actively using cell service (saves enormous battery)
• Reduce screen brightness to minimum usable level
• Disable background app refresh
• Download offline maps before your trek (Maps.me or Google Maps offline)
• Turn off phone completely overnight (sleep with it in your sleeping bag to keep the battery warm -- cold reduces battery capacity)

Mistake 11: No Trekking Poles for Descents

The mistake: Viewing trekking poles as optional accessories for the elderly or unfit. Many trekkers skip them entirely or bring only one pole.

Why it ruins your trek: Nepal's trekking trails involve thousands of stone steps, steep descents, and uneven terrain. On descent, each step transmits 3-4 times your body weight through your knees. Over a full day of descending 1,000-1,500 meters of elevation, that is tens of thousands of high-impact loads on your knee joints.

Trekking poles reduce knee stress by 25-40% on descents by transferring load to your arms. They also improve balance on rocky and uneven terrain, provide stability on river crossings, and reduce fatigue by engaging your upper body muscles.

The fix: Bring two adjustable trekking poles:

• Telescoping aluminum poles: More durable, heavier (about 250-300g each). Best for most trekkers.
• Carbon fiber poles: Lighter (about 180-220g each), more expensive, slightly less durable. Best for weight-conscious trekkers.
• Folding poles: Compact when stored, quick to deploy. Excellent for treks with mixed terrain where you alternate between using and stowing poles.

Specific recommendations:

• Black Diamond Trail or Leki Makalu for aluminum
• Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z for folding carbon
• Budget option: Rent in Thamel for NPR 100-200/day

Technique tip: Shorten poles for ascents (hands should be slightly above elbow height), lengthen for descents (hands at hip height). Plant poles ahead of you on descents to brake your momentum.

See our trekking poles guide for detailed advice.

Mistake 12: Forgetting Sunscreen and Lip Balm for Altitude

The mistake: Either forgetting sun protection entirely or bringing inadequate SPF for high-altitude conditions. Lip balm is the most commonly forgotten essential item.

Why it ruins your trek: UV radiation increases approximately 10-12% for every 1,000 meters of altitude gain. At 5,000 meters, UV exposure is roughly 50-60% higher than at sea level. Snow and ice reflect an additional 80% of UV radiation. This means that at Everest Base Camp on a sunny day, your UV exposure can be more than double what you experience at the beach.

Without adequate protection:

• Severe sunburn (including inside nostrils and ear canals) within hours
• Cracked, bleeding lips that split open in the dry, cold air and take days to heal
• Snow blindness (sunburn of the cornea) if eyes are unprotected
• Long-term skin damage from cumulative high-altitude UV exposure

The fix:

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, minimum 100ml tube. Apply every 2 hours, including ears, neck, nose, and any exposed skin. Bring enough for the entire trek.
• Lip balm with SPF: SPF 30+ lip balm. Apply frequently throughout the day. Bring at least two sticks (they are easy to lose).
• Sunglasses: Category 3 or 4 UV protection with side shields for snow/glacier travel. See our sunglasses guide.
• Sun hat: Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck flap

Specific recommendations:

• Sun Bum SPF 50 or La Roche-Posay Anthelios for sunscreen
• Dermatone SPF 30 lip balm or Sun Bum SPF 30 lip balm
• Julbo Monterosa or Cebe Summit for high-altitude sunglasses

Mistake 13: No Cash (No ATMs on the Trail)

The mistake: Assuming you can pay by card or find ATMs on the trekking route. Or bringing insufficient cash.

Why it ruins your trek: There are virtually no ATMs or card payment facilities on Nepal trekking routes. A few lodges in Namche Bazaar (EBC route) have ATMs, but they are unreliable, frequently out of cash, and charge high fees. Beyond Namche, it is a cash-only economy for the remainder of the Everest route. The Annapurna Circuit, Langtang, and all other routes have zero ATM access.

Without sufficient cash, you cannot:

• Pay for extra meals, snacks, or drinks at tea houses
• Pay for hot showers, device charging, or room upgrades
• Buy emergency supplies (medicines, equipment)
• Tip your guide and porters (expected and important)
• Pay for unexpected expenses (extra porter, route changes)

The fix:

How much cash to bring:

• Budget trek: NPR 3,000-5,000 per day ($23-$38) for extras beyond your package
• Standard trek: NPR 5,000-8,000 per day for comfortable spending
• Tips: Budget NPR 1,500-2,500 per day for guide, NPR 800-1,500 per day for porter (total, divided among trekking days)
• Emergency reserve: NPR 10,000-20,000 extra

For a 14-day EBC trek (beyond your package):

• Daily extras: NPR 50,000-80,000
• Tips: NPR 30,000-50,000
• Emergency reserve: NPR 15,000
• Total cash needed: Approximately NPR 100,000-150,000 ($750-$1,150)

Practical advice:

• Withdraw cash from reliable ATMs in Kathmandu (Nabil Bank, Standard Chartered, Himalayan Bank ATMs in Thamel)
• Carry a mix of NPR 500 and NPR 1,000 notes (larger denominations can be hard to change at remote tea houses)
• Bring a backup credit/debit card in case your primary card has issues
• Use a money belt or hidden pouch for security
• Keep daily spending money separate from your main cash reserve

Mistake 14: No First Aid Kit

The mistake: Assuming the guide carries a first aid kit (they should, but kits vary wildly in quality), or that tea houses have medical supplies (they generally do not), or that you will not need one.

Why it ruins your trek: Minor medical issues -- blisters, headaches, stomach upset, small cuts, muscle pain -- are extremely common on Nepal treks. Without basic supplies, these minor issues become major discomforts that dominate your trekking experience. A blister without moleskin becomes an open wound. A headache without ibuprofen becomes a day spent in bed.

The fix: Pack a personal first aid kit with:

Blister care (the most-used items):

• Moleskin or Compeed blister patches (bring at least 8-10)
• Athletic tape
• Sterile needles (for draining blisters)
• Antiseptic wipes

Pain and inflammation:

• Ibuprofen (pain, inflammation, altitude headache)
• Paracetamol/acetaminophen (pain, fever)
• Muscle rub or anti-inflammatory gel

Gastrointestinal:

• Oral rehydration salts (at least 6 packets)
• Anti-diarrheal medication (loperamide/Imodium)
• Antacids
• Azithromycin (prescription antibiotic for bacterial gastroenteritis -- consult your doctor)

Altitude (for treks above 3,500m):

• Acetazolamide/Diamox (prescription -- consult your doctor)
• Pulse oximeter (lightweight, inexpensive, invaluable for monitoring acclimatization)

General:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and medical tape
• Antiseptic cream
• Tweezers
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen and lip balm (included here because they are medical necessities at altitude)

Total weight: About 500-800 grams for a comprehensive personal kit.

See our first aid kit guide for a complete checklist.

Mistake 15: Packing Items You Can Rent in Kathmandu

The mistake: Buying expensive gear at home that is readily available for rent or purchase at a fraction of the cost in Kathmandu's Thamel district.

Why it ruins your trek: This mistake does not ruin the trek itself but can waste $200-$500 of your budget. Nepal's trekking gear market in Thamel is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with everything from sleeping bags to down jackets to trekking poles available for rent or purchase at prices far below Western retail.

The fix: Know what to bring from home (where quality and fit matter most) and what to rent or buy in Kathmandu (where cost savings are significant and quality is adequate).

Bring From Home (Quality Matters)

These items should be your own, properly fitted and tested:

| Item | Why | |------|-----| | Trekking boots | Fit is personal; must be broken in | | Base layers | Hygiene; quality merino matters | | Underwear and socks | Fit and hygiene | | Personal first aid kit | Know your own medications and needs | | Sunglasses | UV protection quality varies; your prescription if needed | | Power bank | Reliability matters; counterfeit risk in Thamel | | Water purification | Reliability is critical | | Travel insurance documents | Obviously personal |

Rent or Buy in Kathmandu (Save Money)

| Item | Rent Price (per day) | Buy Price (Thamel) | Buy Price (Home) | |------|---------------------|-------------------|-----------------| | Down jacket | NPR 100-200 ($1-2) | $30-$80 | $150-$400 | | Sleeping bag (-10C) | NPR 100-200 ($1-2) | $40-$100 | $200-$500 | | Trekking poles (pair) | NPR 100-200 ($1-2) | $15-$40 | $50-$200 | | Daypack (35-45L) | NPR 100-150 ($1) | $20-$50 | $80-$200 | | Duffel bag | NPR 50-100 ($0.50-1) | $10-$25 | $40-$100 | | Fleece jacket | NPR 50-100 ($0.50-1) | $15-$40 | $50-$150 | | Rain jacket | NPR 100-200 ($1-2) | $20-$50 | $100-$400 | | Gloves and hat set | N/A | $5-$15 | $30-$80 |

Important caveats about Thamel gear:

• Most gear in Thamel is locally manufactured or unbranded. Quality varies from surprisingly good to poor.
• Branded gear (North Face, Marmot, etc.) in Thamel is almost always counterfeit. It may look authentic but uses inferior materials.
• Rented sleeping bags should be checked for cleanliness, zipper function, and warmth rating. Ask to test before paying.
• Down jackets from Thamel use lower-quality down (often 500-550 fill power vs. 700-800 from premium brands). They work but are heavier and bulkier.

See our gear rental guide for comprehensive rental information.

Bonus: The Complete "What Not to Bring" List

These items appear in packs regularly and should be left behind:

• Jeans: Heavy, slow-drying, restrictive. Zero trekking utility.
• Towel (full-size): Bring a quick-dry microfiber towel (weighs 80g) instead
• Laptop: Too heavy, too fragile, no use case on the trail
• Multiple books: Kindle or phone books instead (or swap books at tea houses)
• Hair dryer/straightener: No power, no outlet, no point
• Jewelry: Risk of loss; no place for it
• Full-size toiletries: Decant into travel containers
• More than one pair of camp shoes: One pair of flip-flops or Crocs suffices
• Pillow: Most tea houses provide one; bring a pillowcase if hygiene concerns you
• Umbrella: A waterproof jacket is lighter and works in wind (umbrellas do not)
• Heavy camera equipment: Unless photography is your primary purpose, a phone camera suffices. If you bring a DSLR, leave the tripod (use a GorillaPod) and bring one versatile lens instead of three.

Packing Checklist Summary

Essentials (Never Skip These)

• [ ] Broken-in trekking boots
• [ ] Merino or synthetic base layers (2-3 tops, 1-2 bottoms)
• [ ] Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
• [ ] Waterproof shell jacket
• [ ] Sleeping bag (rated to -10C for high altitude)
• [ ] Headlamp with spare batteries
• [ ] Water purification method
• [ ] Power bank (20,000 mAh)
• [ ] Sunscreen SPF 50+ and SPF lip balm
• [ ] Trekking poles
• [ ] Cash in NPR (sufficient for entire trek)
• [ ] Personal first aid kit
• [ ] Quick-dry towel
• [ ] Merino trekking socks (3-4 pairs)

Nice to Have (But Not Essential)

• [ ] Camera (if phone is insufficient)
• [ ] Kindle or e-reader
• [ ] Playing cards (for tea house evenings)
• [ ] Earplugs and eye mask (for noisy/bright tea house rooms)
• [ ] Snacks from home (energy bars, chocolate, trail mix)
• [ ] Notebook and pen (for journaling)

For complete packing lists, see our EBC packing checklist, ABC packing checklist, and general Nepal trekking packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy everything I need in Kathmandu?

You can buy or rent most trekking gear in Kathmandu's Thamel district, but quality varies. Essential items where quality and fit matter (boots, base layers, water purification) should be brought from home. Items where exact brand is less critical (down jackets, sleeping bags, trekking poles) can be rented or purchased affordably in Thamel.

How much does a fully packed trekking pack weigh?

A well-packed daypack for a tea house trek should weigh 6-8 kg (including water). Your duffel bag carried by a porter should weigh 12-15 kg. Total gear weight should be 18-23 kg. If your total exceeds 25 kg, you are almost certainly overpacking.

Should I bring trekking poles on easy treks like Poon Hill?

Yes. Even on moderate treks, trekking poles reduce knee stress on descents and improve balance on uneven terrain. The Poon Hill trek involves significant stone-step descents where poles are particularly valuable. They are useful on virtually any trek in Nepal.

What if I forget something essential?

Most essential items can be purchased in Thamel, even on short notice. The most difficult items to replace last-minute are properly fitting, broken-in boots and prescription medications. Everything else -- from headlamps to sleeping bags to rain gear -- is available in Thamel.

Is it better to buy cheap gear in Thamel or quality gear at home?

It depends on the item and your plans. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trek and you will not use the gear again, renting in Thamel makes economic sense. If you plan to continue trekking, investing in quality gear at home provides better performance, durability, and long-term value.

How do I protect my gear from rain?

Use a waterproof pack cover for your daypack, store your duffel bag inside a large plastic liner bag (available in Thamel), and keep electronics and down clothing in dry bags or ziplock bags inside your pack. Even "waterproof" packs are not fully waterproof in sustained heavy rain.

What is the biggest mistake trekkers make with sleeping bags?

Trusting the "extreme" temperature rating. Sleeping bag manufacturers list both a "comfort" rating and an "extreme" rating. The extreme rating is the temperature at which the bag keeps you alive (not comfortable). Buy based on the comfort rating. For EBC or Annapurna Circuit with Thorong La, a -10 to -15 degrees Celsius comfort rating is appropriate.

Should I bring a pillow?

Most tea houses provide thin pillows. If you are particular about comfort, bring an inflatable trekking pillow (Therm-a-Rest or Sea to Summit -- weighs about 60-80g). Or simply stuff a fleece jacket into a stuff sack for a DIY pillow.

Can I do laundry on the trek?

At lower altitudes (below 3,000m), some tea houses offer laundry services for a fee. Above 3,000m, laundry becomes impractical because clothes take much longer to dry in cold, thin air. Hand-washing quick-dry synthetics in your room sink works for base layers and socks. This is another reason to avoid cotton -- it takes forever to dry at altitude.

What about electronics beyond phone and power bank?

Keep electronics minimal. A phone with a good camera, a power bank, a headlamp, and possibly a Kindle is all most trekkers need. GoPro users should bring extra batteries (cold drains them fast). DSLR users should bring one versatile lens rather than multiple lenses. Every electronic device needs charging, and every charger and cable adds weight. For photography-focused advice, see our photography gear guide.

Is it worth bringing altitude sickness medication prophylactically?

Consult your doctor. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is sometimes taken prophylactically on treks above 3,500m. It can reduce altitude sickness symptoms but is not a substitute for proper acclimatization. It also has side effects (tingling extremities, increased urination, taste alteration). Some trekkers prefer to carry it but take it only if symptoms develop. This is a medical decision to make with your doctor, not a packing decision. See our altitude sickness guide.

Final Thoughts

Packing for a Nepal trek is an exercise in prioritization. Every gram in your pack is a trade-off between comfort, safety, and weight. The 15 mistakes in this guide share a common theme: they result from guessing instead of knowing.

Know what temperatures you will face (research your specific route and season). Know what infrastructure exists on the trail (tea houses, charging, water sources). Know what your body needs (boots that fit, layers that work, calories and hydration). And know what you can get in Kathmandu (so you do not carry unnecessary purchases from home).

The trekkers who enjoy Nepal the most are not the ones with the most expensive gear or the heaviest packs. They are the ones who packed exactly what they needed, no more and no less, and freed themselves to focus on the mountains, the culture, and the experience.

For complete packing lists tailored to specific treks, see our EBC packing checklist, ABC packing checklist, and layering system guide.