Clothing & Layers
Nepal's huge altitude range means you need to layer effectively. The key principle: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid, waterproof outer.
Base Layers
3–4 moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool t-shirts and long-sleeve tops. Merino is odour-resistant — ideal for multi-day treks where laundry isn't possible.
Mid Layers
Fleece jacket or down sweater for warmth. A packable 600–800 fill-power down jacket is perfect for evenings at altitude — compresses small but incredibly warm.
Outer Shell
Waterproof, breathable rain jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent) is essential. Doubles as a windbreaker at altitude. Packable rain pants are useful for monsoon-adjacent trekking.
Footwear
Well broken-in waterproof trekking boots (mandatory). Add trekking poles, thick wool/synthetic hiking socks (bring 4–6 pairs), gaiters for wet trails, and lightweight camp sandals.
Head & Hands
Warm hat/beanie, sun hat with brim (UV is intense at altitude), light gloves + warm insulated gloves for high camps, buff/neck gaiter for dust and cold wind.
Sun Protection
SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV intensity doubles at 3,000m+), UV-blocking sunglasses (CE4 rating for high altitude), and lip balm with SPF. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need.
Health & Safety Kit
Essential Health Items
- Diamox (acetazolamide) — altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor before travel)
- Pulse oximeter — monitor blood oxygen saturation above 3,000m
- Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) — for stomach illness recovery
- Imodium & activated charcoal — traveler's diarrhea management
- Water purification tablets or SteriPen UV purifier
- Personal first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, ibuprofen/paracetamol
- Prescription medications (bring 2x your planned supply)
- Travel insurance documents and emergency contacts
Electronics & Power
Power Bank
High-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh+) essential on treks where electricity is limited or expensive. Solar charging panels are useful for longer expeditions.
Adapter
Nepal uses Type C, D, and M plugs (230V/50Hz). US travelers need a universal adapter. Bring one with multiple USB ports to charge several devices simultaneously.
Navigation
Download offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS) before your trek. Satellite communicators (Garmin InReach) are recommended for remote routes. A headlamp with spare batteries is essential.
Photography
Nepal is one of the world's most photogenic countries. Bring extra memory cards and batteries — cold temperatures drain batteries faster. A compact camera beats a heavy DSLR for trekking.