What do we need to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

There is no hard and fast rule when we talk about packing for Everest Base Camp Trek. The items to pack for the trek might differ from person to person and even the trekking agency. Wherever you are trekking in Nepal be it Everest Base Camp or Tilicho Lake, some common items need to be included.

All the items that will be discussed further will concern general trekking conditions in Nepal. An important aspect that needs to be considered is the weather. There will be different packing items in different weather and climate. So this blog by Roving Nepal Trek will be more inclined towards general items to pack.

Short Introduction to Everest Base Camp Weather

One of the most beautiful treks in the world is Everest Base Camp Trek. From the tallest mountains in the world to the most scenic views, Everest Base Camp provides an opportunity to embrace nature as a whole. 

However, it might not be easy for everyone. The Everest Base Camp trek throws in the weather factor when it gets absolutely cold. It doesn't matter which season you trek but the weather remains unpredictable the higher you go. 

During Spring which is the month of March to May, the temperature is around 10-17 degrees Celsius during the day while it goes down to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius during the night.

The weather and temperature remain quite the same during Autumn which lies between September to November. But things become absolutely tough during the winter season as the weather goes negative almost all the time.

Weight Restrictions for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Before directly jumping into the list of what to pack for the Everest Base Camp trek, it is important to know about the weight restrictions. 

The amount of weight allowed to carry is directly proportional to the packing items for the trek. Therefore let's be enlightened about the weight restrictions. 

Roving Nepal Trek is aware our guests carry weights between 10-15 kgs as it could be difficult for the porters. Along with that there is also a major restriction on weight when we talk about domestic flights to Lukla. 

Although you will be allowed some extra kilos for an added charge, we suggest every tourist leave the unnecessary items in Kathmandu before heading for the dream trekking destination. 

What should we pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The list of packing items for the Everest Base Camp Trek is based on the clothes, backpack, other necessary items, etc. In this topic, we will be discussing what needs to be packed during your trek to Nepal.

These items are listed based on trekking plans like Everest Base Camp Trek, Makalu Trek, and other treks in Nepal. Let's start with the clothes needed for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Clothes Needed for Everest Base Camp Trek

The clothes needed for the trek depend totally on the weather and climate at that time. Still, there are some of the clothes that will be absolutely needed. 

• Down Jacket
• Thermal Base Layer Set
• Pullover Hoodie
• Thermal Tops
• Hiking Tshirt and shorts
• Gloves and Waterproof jacket and pants
• Sunhat and googles

Footwear Needed For Everest Base Camp Trek

Depending on the trails of the trek, footwear needs to be determined for every trekker. What Roving Nepal Trek suggests every trekker is to carry comfortable and safe footwear for any trekking journey. Some of the basic footwear needed are 

• Sandals
• Running Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Inner Socks

Other Accessories Required for Everest Base Camp Trek

As we talk about the clothes, footwear, and equipment that will be needed to perform the beautiful trek to Nepal, some extra accessories will also be needed. They include

• Reusable water bottle
• Trash bags
• Phone Charger and Power Bank
• Local Sim Card
• Extra cash for tough situations 
• Compass, Map, Camera and Binoculars
• Hand torch and headtorch
• Insect repellant
• Books for reading during rest

What is the equipment required for Everest Base Camp Trek?

The major equipment that will be required for Everest Base Camp Trek depends upon the toughness and situation of the trekking trail. Still, there are some most important items that needs to be carried. 

• Duffle Bag
• Rucksack with rain cover
• Daypack with rain cover
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Bag Liner

Personal Hygiene and First Aid 

Roving Nepal Trek organizes the personal hygiene and first aid kit for every trekker. But some trekkers are willing to use their things. 

This may be due to the hygiene habit or also their personal choice. Therefore you will need to have toiletries, medications for headaches or body pain, the first AID kit and wash towels. 

Roving Nepal Trek assures you that we will provide the first AID kit, but still carrying your kit depends totally on you. 

What are the personal supplies required for the trek?

The personal supplies required for this particular trek depend upon the particular person. It could be different from one person to another which is the key. 

What's important to notice is that female trekkers might have a longer list when we talk about personal supplies. Still, the mentioned items should be carried by everyone for their good.

• Sunscreen to be safe from direct sun. 
• Hand sanitizer to clean your hands
• Biodegradable bar soap to clean hands after dirty work
• Body wipes to remove sweat and dirt
• Lip balm for dried lips 

Documents required for Everest Base Camp Trek

It doesn't matter which trek you choose, some specific documents will be needed in every journey. Most of these documents will be managed by Roving Nepal Trek but there are some which must be managed by you.

The major documents required for a successful Everest Base Camp Trek include:

• Passport and Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Permits and Tickets

Important Tips While Packing for Everest Base Camp Trek

Not every trek in Nepal requires the same packing as Everest Base Camp Trek. However, it is important to be well-prepared before performing any trek. 

Roving Nepal Trek would love to provide some tips and suggestions from the experience of what not to do while packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

• Dont overpack

This is a very common mistake that every trekker coming to Nepal makes. It is always important to calculate what are the items you would require during your stay in Nepal. 

Having said that don't overdo things. Try and pack only those items that are required during the trek and also during the stay. At Roving Nepal Trek we have seen plenty of guests packing too many items which increases the cost of porters to carry those items. 

• You can buy items even in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has been turning out as the shopping spot for all the tourists. Thamel is a major region where you can find high-quality trekking gear at an affordable price. 

Therefore don't try and pack everything into your suitcases. Rather you can buy some of the last-minute items even in Kathmandu which can be used during your trek.

• Always go for multi-functional items

The main mantra of trekking in Nepal is practicing the eco-friendly way. Therefore Roving Nepal Trek would like to suggest the use of multi-functional items. From reusable water bottles to double-sided jackets, there are plenty of multi-functional items. 

With the use of multi-functional items, you will have an opportunity to pack light along with saving the environment. 

• Dont pack exposing clothes

This is a critical tip for every international tourist. Nepal is a conservative country with respect to people from every background. 

However, we don't suggest you wear exposing or tight-fitting clothes. The local people aren't too welcoming to that kind of people. Using the fitting clothes as a base layer is fine but using it as a main item can be problematic.

FAQ about Everest Base Camp Trek

• What is the water requirement for Everest Base Camp Trek?

The water requirement during the Everest Base Camp Trek starts way before the actual trek. Trekkers need to prepare their bodies with regular intake of water way before planning the trek.

As the human body is majorly made of water, you will need to drink 4 liters of water to protect yourself from dehydration. Failing to meet this number can cause serious issues. 

From headache to nauseous feeling dehydration can make the journey very tough. Another important factor to notice is carrying a hot thermos bottle with hot water. At colder locations, it could be tough to drink cold water. Hence hot bottled water works wonders. 

• What size backpack is required for Everest Base Camp Trek?

There is no fixed number when we talk about the backpack required for the Everest Base Camp trek. It depends on whether you are carrying the backpack or you have a porter who carries it. 

In general, Roving Nepal Trek suggests a backpack of 80L duffle if you have a strong porter. In case you are carrying your own 50-65L backpack will work for a pleasant journey. Overloading your backpack won't do you good.

• Are there any specific snacks that need to be carried during Everest Base Camp Trek?

Yes, there is. The Everest Base Camp trek is a strenuous journey of more than 10 days. Therefore you will need to be very careful of what you should eat during the trek. 

A lot of the interested trekkers might be willing to junk or processed food but Roving Nepal Trek doesn't suggest that. The use of junk food will result in getting thirsty and easily dehydrated. 

Some specific snacks will be crucial. They are:

• Dry fruit and nuts
• Granola
• Power bars and energy gels
• What are the foods that need to be avoided during the Everest Base Camp trek?

Diet needs to be checked when you are planning for high-altitude trekking. As you go higher the air gets thinner and a poor diet can cause major issues. 

As a result of that there are some food and drinks that need to be avoided for a better Everest Base Camp trekking experience.

• Tea
• Alcohol
• Junk food
• Carbonated drinks like Cola
• Too much meat