You’re planning a big adventure, aren’t you? But with the looming unknown, what on earth should you pack and take with you? Fear not, here’s your complete Nepal trekking packing list for you to refer back to so that you can venture on the trip of a lifetime!
One alternative is just to pay a porter and take whatever you want, like seriously. But please don’t be one of those people that uses a porter and then intentionally takes EVERYTHING because you’re not carrying it.
Still only pack the essentials for what you need.
What I packed for trekking the Three Passes in December
Unless you’re going in December, or January – like I did. This Nepal Trekking Packing list might be a bit too overkill for you, and you might get away with fewer layers, without a sleeping bag, etc.
But, if you’re trekking independently and you can deal with temperatures down to -25 degrees, then I would highly suggest you consider trekking in Nepal in December.
The weather is beautiful clear skies, the trails are less crowded, teahouses are empty and you’ll experience a whole different side to Nepal than if you do when you’re visiting in high season.
You’re going to want layers. Think carefully about these layers as using them together will give you the best chances of staying warm, and dry.
I took two sets of base layers. One for day use, and one for sleeping and for evening use. This means being able to get out of the clothes you’ve hiked in all day, and being able to sleep in something different.
I would strongly recommend merino wool as your base layer. It’s odor-wicking, it’s warm, quick drying, and one of the best materials for a base layer. The Danish Endurance ones I used were absolutely superb and would highly recommend them.
Nepal Trekking Packing List
Clothing
1 x Down Jacket: Montane AntiFreeze
1 x Waterproof Jacket: Montane Ajax
1 x Midlayer: Montane BMC Hoody
1 x Trekking pants: Mountain Equipment Ibex Pant
1 x Merino Baselayer: Danish Endurance Merino Top
1 x Merino Baselayer pants: Danish Endurance Merino Bottoms
1 x Synthetic Baselayer: Helly Hansen
1 x Synthetic Baselayer pants: Helly Hansen
2 x Socks: Danish Endurance Merino
2 x Liner Socks: Danish Endurance Liners
2 x Underwear: CK’s
1 x Merino Hat: Danish Endurance
1 x Headband: Fjallraven Abisko
1 x Gloves: Sealskinz
1 x Shorts: Lululemon 5″
Trekking Gear
Backpack: 55L LowePro Backpack (Camera specific backpack)
Sleeping bag: Mountain Equipment Helium GT800
Microspikes: YakTrax Pro
Boots: Salomon Crosshike Mid Hiking Boots
Trekking poles
2 x Nalgene Bottle: Nalgene Wide Mouth
1 x Water filter: Katadyn Water Filter
First Aid kit
Additional Gear
Suncream
SPF Lip Balm
Headtorch
Sunglasses
Wet wipes
Toilet roll
Camera Gear and Electronics
Camera: Sony A7III
Lens 1: Sony 24-70 F4
Lens 2: Sony 70-200 F4
Tripod: Peak Designs Aluminium
Powerbank: Anker 20,000amp
Kindle: Amazon Kindle
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Nepal Trekking Packing List Essentials 101
Write a list, or copy the above. Get everything you need and make a flat lay of all your gear.
Then pack your backpack and wear it. Does it feel heavy? Of course, it does.
Unpack it all and now seriously reconsider every single gear piece.
Will you life depend on it if you don’t bring it with you? Or is it a luxury item? Can you live without it in the mountains?
One of the easiest ways to ruin a hike, especially one of this nature, is to pack too much and be burdened with a heavy backpack. Trust me, the pack only gets heavier the higher you move in elevation. Those extra two pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 2 books and binoculars all of a sudden become none essential and you’ll regret taking them.
What I would do differently
I would 100% change my backpack. Generally, It was good, but it’s not a trekking backpack and my camera gear could have easily gone into a better-suited hiking backpack.
Since the trek, I’ve invested in a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest and it is by far the best investment I’ve made for my hiking. A true, lightweight backpack, that is comfy and has no frills. Meaning no extra weight for the sake of it.
I’d have packed my camera gear into a cube and then it would have been safely stowed in my hiking backpack.
Lastly, I would probably change my footwear to trail runners too. Although the CrossHikes are amazing, something like an Altra Lone Peak or a Salomon Speedcross would have been more comfortable. How anyone treks in heavy, cumbersome boots are way beyond me.
More Three Passes resources
If you’re looking to undertake the three passes as your route in Nepal.
Here’s a full breakdown of the costs I spent during my trek:
Full Cost Breakdown for Three Passes
Here’s the full day-to-day itinerary breakdown of the entire 18-day trek:
Full Three Passes Itinerary Guide
If you’ve any questions about the Three Passes trek, then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
Explore Strong
Thank you for your reply. I know as a goverment
regular the quide is not required in this region, but what I want to ask was, if we are able to do this trek without any support? Like navigation, signs route on trek, find accomodation…etc…and especially if its hard to do the trek solo without quide? Dangerous? Thank you very very much! I do appreciate that!
Petra, that is not something I can answer for you. Only you will know if you have the adequate navigation, trekking and communication skills required to do this trek without a guide.
My initial thought, given the question, is you’d probably be better hiring one.
Hi Lou,
Thanks for the clear and concise post. I am planning to hike three passes with a similar kit as you, starting Dec 3rd ending approx December 21st.
I have been advised that three passes could not be a good idea this time of the year due to 1) very cold temperatures at night 2) potential for passes to be closed.
Did you have any issues with either of the above? Did they come into your considersations at all?
I am really looking forward to three passes – being less busy and a greater challenge than some of the more popular treks.
Felix
Hi Felix.
I faced similar stories when embarking on the Three Passes but didn’t experience any of them. It’s cold at night, of course. But empty tea houses mean more blankets to use. No passes were closed for me, but that could be different each year. You won’t know until you’re close to the pass itself.
Good luck.