This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by Alpine Club of Himalaya inclusive in the service. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Important documents and items
Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Head
Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket *
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
Hands
1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
Lower Body
Non-cotton underwear briefs
Hiking shorts 1 pair
1 pair of Hiking trousers
lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal) 1 pair
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric 1 pair
Feet
2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, “broken in”)
Sleeping
1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)*
Rucksack and Travel Bags
1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
1 large duffel bag *
A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
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 a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies
Practical Items
1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
large Ziplocs
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
2 water bottles (1 liter each)
1 compass or GPS(optional)
Binoculars (optional)
1 alarm clock/watch
4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks
1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
small folding knife
Toiletries
1 medium-sized quick drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror
Extras/Luxuries
Reading book
Trail map/guide book
Journal and pen
iPod
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
1 modest swim suit
Binoculars (optional)
Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow
