The most important thing to consider while packing for a trip is to make sure you have everything that you need and you’re not burdened with extras. Your luggage (20-22 kg) will be carried by your porter shared between two trekkers, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables and frequently used items) on your own. Identifying items that you need most and items that you can do without is the key to packing light. The list below may offer some guidance.

Head

• Beanie cap – woollen or fleece
• Neck gaiter or scarf (vital to protect you from sandy dust)
• Wide-brimmed sun hat (light-weight, foldable ones are better)

Upper body

Base layer

• Trekking Shirt/t-shirt– light or medium weight, moisture-wicking material like polypropylene

(2 full-sleeved & 2 half-sleeved)

Mid layer

• Fleece or soft shell jacket or pullover (1-2)

Outer layer

• Down jacket, good to a minimum of -10 degrees Celsius or 14 degrees Fahrenheit (1)
• Lightweight water/windproof hard shell outer jacket (1)

Hands

• Lightweight fleece or quick-drying fabric gloves (1 pair)
• Gloves or mittens – heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant (1 pair)

Others

• T-shirts/shirts for casual outings/travel (2)
• Thermal wear (prefer lighter ones that stay dry) (1)

 Lower body

• Thermal leggings or thick trekking trousers (for colder days) (1)
• Trekking trousers – light or medium weight, convertible trousers are better (2-3)
• Comfortable trousers (for sleeping in) (1)
• Pants/trousers/half-pants for casual outings/travel (1-2)
• Underwear (3-5), prefer non-cotton, breathable ones

 Feet

• Trekking boots – mid-weight with good ankle support (make sure you wear them in before you pack, brand new shoes are highly likely to cause blisters) (1 pair)
• Training shoe or sandal (1 pair)
• Lightweight inner socks, (2-3 pairs)
• Heavy Woolen socks (2-3 pairs)

Sleeping bag

• 1 sleeping bag (good to a minimum of -10 degrees C or 5 degrees F)
• Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Gears

• One medium-sized trekking backpack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches) Small Rucksack or Daypack (optional) (about 20-25 liters) to carry water and frequently used light clothing and other items for short hikes during the trek or for exploration trips in the city
• Rain gears – (rain poncho or jacket or rain suit and rain cover for your backpack)
• Trekking poles (walking stick)
• Hiking Crampons (for treks involving high mountain passes or viewpoints)
• Water bottle or hydration bag – (2 nos, 1-1.5 L each)
• A combination padlock to secure your bags

Other accessories

• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs, Electricity ratings- 220-250V / 50Hz)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Dry bag or Large Ziploc bags (to keep used clothes or safely store valuables)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants
• Water purification tablets or the water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape (gaffer tapes)
• 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 alarm wrist-watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• 1 small folding knife

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene & Care

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue/toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash
• Sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm – high SPF
• Menstrual hygiene kit

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book, Journal and pen
• iPod or portable music players
• Travel games i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swimsuit
• Binoculars (optional)

Documents & others

• Valid Passport – Original and copies
• Passport-sized photos (at least 4)
• A copy of your insurance summary containing the policy number and emergency contact of the insurer
• Credit cards and cash (in Dollars or Euros. For the trek, please have it changed to Nepalese rupees in Kathmandu as you would not get good rates on the trek)

Note: The list is a guideline and may be adjusted to suit your preferences without conceding on your comfort and safety. Your daypack should include frequently used items for trekking during the day – warm clothes, sun-protection clothing and gears, rain-protection clothing, water bottles, personal first aid kit, day snack, camera and others while the rest of your belongings remain in the duffle bag which is carried by your porter. While on trek, you may not be able to wash your used clothes, so please pack accordingly. You may borrow a sleeping bag and down jacket, rated up to -20 °C from us which are to be returned back after your trek. Souvenirs from Access Nepal include a duffel bag, T-shirt & trekking map.