The Everest base camp trek is one of the most cherished treks in Nepal. Climbing to the base of the world’s tallest peak is a huge accomplishment itself. The mountains and their environment, on the other hand, are unpredictable. The majority of first-time backpackers are unaware of the kind of equipment and clothing they would require on their journey.
So, if you are planning on having a trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC Trek) and you are wondering what you should take while you are on the trek, then you are at the right place.
Packing the right clothing, gear, and resources for your Everest Base Camp trip will go a long way toward guaranteeing a fantastic expedition; however, packing things for the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most difficult things you’ll face. So, I am here to assist you in getting a head start. I have compiled a comprehensive list of things you’ll need for a standard Everest Base Camp Trek and other comparable treks in the area.
In this post, we will be discussing the comprehensive Everest base camp trekking pack list that you should not forget.
P.S: All the gears, clothes, and trekking resources mentioned in this packing list are subjective to the season you are traveling, the comfort you seek, your preferences, and much more.
So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
The complete Everest base camp trek packing list
1) Clothing
The primary thing you will need while trekking the Everest base camp is warm and comfortable clothes. Be sure your outfits are comfortable and of high quality. When you trek to Everest base camp or other similar sites, layering of clothes is important, which means wearing two or more clothes instead of a single big one. It is because layered clothes make you feel warm rather than a single heavy cloth.
The list of clothes you need during the Everest base camp trekking may differ according to the seasons and other variables.
Base layers:
These are the inner clothes you will be wearing. This type of clothing fits snugly against the skin and does not retain moisture. It is advised that you bring two pairs of upper and lower base layers with you.
Shirts:
A combination of a few (at least 5) short and long-sleeved T-shirts are necessary. A permeable, light, and quick-drying polyester, merino, or nylon fabric is an excellent choice for T-shirts.
Jackets:
You also need a warm insulated jacket which you will be wearing outside the shirts. Plus, you would need a high-quality waterproof warm outer jacket during your Everest base camp trek, which you will be wearing in the high altitude or in the extreme cold.
Trekking Trousers:
You need to carry at least 2 high-quality waterproof trekking trousers that are comfortable and match your size. Plus, it is advised to carry 2 pairs of shorts as well.
Underwears:
It is preferable to include a nice pair of athletic underwear on the checklist. Underwear that is both airy and moisture-wicking is ideal for trekking.
Caps:
You need two kinds of caps while trekking in the Everest region. One protects you from the sun while the other protects you from the cold. You can have a trekking hat to protect your face from the sun. Similarly, you need to add a warm woolen cap to your checklist to protect you from the cold.
Scarf:
Scarf is useful to protect your neck or other head parts from the cold wind during the Everest base camp trek. The scarf can be useful in many other ways, so it is advised to carry one.
Gloves:
Trekking to the Everest region may expose your hands to extreme cold. You will need a warm pair of gloves. I recommend bringing two pairs of gloves: a light-weight inner glove that can keep you warm as the temperature drops and a thicker, more insulated pair.
2)Foot Wear
The other important thing you should prioritize during your Everest base camp trek is footwear. Comfortable and light footwear will enhance your trekking experience, so it is advised that you go over quality while buying footwear.
Trekking Boots:
You will need a pair of medium to light-weight high-quality hiking boots made up of waterproof leather or fabrics during your Everest base camp trek. While getting your hiking boots be sure you buy the right fit, not much big, not much small. Your hiking boot should have enough room for socks but not be so open that your heel slides while you’re walking. You are advised to look for a medium to light-weight hiking boot with decent ankle support plus waterproof uppers.
Trekking Shoes:
Although it is advised to trek with trekking boots, carrying a pair of light-weight trekking shoes is not bad. You can wear trekking shoes during easier hikes and during your stay in the tea houses.
Socks:
You should not forget to pack at least 5 pairs of breathable and moisture-wicking socks during your Everest base camp trek. If you are trekking during the winter, ensure your socks are warm enough.
Sandals:
Packing a pair of sandals/ slippers to wear in and around your tea houses and when you are resting can be appropriate.
3)Bags and Raincover
Duffel bags, backpacks, and rain covers are other necessary things you would be carrying during your Everest base camp trek.
If you will be using porter’s help, an 80 liters duffle bag is recommended for packing all your gear and clothing; alternatively, if you are unassisted and carrying your stuff, a 50 to 65 liter backpack is required. Waterproof, robust, and lockable duffle bags are ideal for Everest base camp trekking.
If you don’t want to seek help from porters on your journey, you’ll need a decent backpack with a top opening. Any quality backpack with a capacity of 50 to 65 liters is a solid bet.
If you seek help from porters to help you carry your duffel bag, you need to carry a light-weight daypack. It would be an ideal choice to keep your chargers, cameras, water bottles, medicines, documents, and other personal belongings in the day pack during your trek.
You are also advised not to miss a rain cover to protect your backpack from rain and snow.
1)Sleeping Bag
During your Everest base camp journey, the other gear you should not be forgetting is a decent sleeping bag. Although you get beds and blankets at your tea houses, they may not be tidy and warm enough, so you are advised to carry a high-quality sleeping bag that is rated for at least -10 degrees celsius.
4)Medicines
You will be traveling to an unknown cold and difficult terrain for more than 10 days, so you may require to carry some basic medications and a first aid kit.
Some of the medications you should include in your backpack are:
Pain Killers:
Painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, Moov, etc., to reduce pain are necessary during your trek.
Antibiotics:
Antibiotics for two weeks, as directed by your doctor. For infections of the chest and upper respiratory tract, while the other for the infections of the stomach and intestines.
First aid kit:
A small first aid kit with bandages, wound cleaner, and more.
Anti diarrhoea pills:
Few anti-diarrhoea pills in case you catch diarrhoea.
Sunscreen & Lip balm:
A good quality sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from strong UV rays at that altitude. Plus, a lip balm to protect your lips from cracking.
Altitude sickness pills:
Few pills of Diamox or Acetazolamide to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Sanitiser:
A decent alcohol-based sanitiser to clean your hands during the trek.
Water purification pills:
Drinking unhealthy water during the Everest base camp trekking can cause diarrhoea and other serious illness. We suggest you carry boiled water from the tea houses, and in case you do not have boiled water, you can use water purification tablets to purify the water before you drink.
5)Toiletries
Toiletries are very much important during your trek. We suggest you thoroughly check and pack toiletries.
Items like towels, nail clippers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, comb, hair oil, deodorants, soaps, toilet papers, feminine products, masks, and much more should be packed as per your preference.
6)Food and Snacks
While walking for long days, you may get exhausted and tired. So, to rejuvenate your energy you need to eat food that is high in energy. You can pack chocolate bars, fruits, and other snacks that you can eat on the way.
7)Accessories
Camera:
A DSLR camera in case you want to capture beautiful moments and take them with you.
Battery backups:
Battery backups for your phone and some spare batteries for your camera.
Sunglasses:
Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
Water Bottles:
Water bottles to carry water during your trek.
Zip Lock plastic bags:
Water-resistant Zip Lock plastic bags to keep something safe and dry.
Cards:
Cards to play with your teammates while you are at the teahouse.
Direction compass:
Compass if you are traveling independently.
Headlights:
Headlights in case you trek during the night or sneak into a cave.
Trekking poles:
The Everest base camp trek is a multi-day hike, so a good trekking pole is recommended to reduce stress on your body and joints. A light-weight, strong, and foldable trekking pole is considered ideal during the Everest base camp trekking.
Pee Funnel:
As you climb higher during your Everest base camp trek, it could be difficult to find toilets. Even when you are sleeping inside your warm beds, you can pee using the Pee Funnel from the comfort of your warm room.
Locks:
Carrying extra locks during your Everest base camp trek is an extra security precaution. You can use these locks in your duffel bags or other backpacks when you are not around them.
8)Documents & cash
Always carry relevant travel documents (passport), permits, photographs, debit cards, cash, etc., with you.
Things to remember while packing for EBC trek
● Do not pack unnecessary stuff. Packing unnecessary items makes your load heavy which can be hectic during the trek. Pack only stuff that is needed.
● Know the season you are traveling. The Everest base camp trek packing checklist depends upon the season you are traveling.
● Go for quality while buying clothes, footwear, and backpacks.
● Buy clothes that do not retain moisture.
● Get porters if you think you cannot carry the bags for long days.
Where to buy all the stuff?
You can get all the things from clothing to medicines that you need to pack for your Everest base camp trekking at Kathmandu. If you want to buy high-quality branded things in Kathmandu, then it might get a little bit hard; however, if you want something decent at a modest price, then Kathmandu-based shops are the go-to places for you. You can either buy or sometimes rent gear and clothing in Kathmandu.
I suggest you to seek professional help from your trekking agency while buying and packing stuffs. We at Wondrous Nepal guide you thoroughly during the buying and packing process of clothing, gear, and other resources.
Forgot something to pack?
For some reason, if you forgot to pack important stuff you need during your Everest base camp trekking, you do not have to worry. You can always buy things at Namche Bazaar, where you will be reaching after 2 days of your trip. You can always buy food, clothing, medicines, and much more at Namache Bazaar.
However, the price and selection may not be as good as in the capital, Kathmandu. So, you are always supposed to pack with caution without forgetting any things.
Wrapping up
In the post, we discussed the complete Everest base camp trekking pack list you should not forget. However, packing all the items mentioned in this post is not necessary. Items to be packed are subject to the season you travel, your preference, budget, and much more.
I personally suggest you to seek professional help when it comes to packing things for Everest base camp and other related trips. We at Wondrous Nepal provide you with basic stuffs needed for the trip and help you with the logistics and everything. If you want to have a memorable trekking experience to the Everest base camp, do not forget to contact us. We will be super happy to help you.
