Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PACKING LIST

If you're reading this post, it must mean you're heading to Nepal shortly or you're thinking of doing just that but first, you want to see some Everest Base Camp Trek packing list from other people who have done this trek. Am I right or? I thought so! I did the Everest Base Camp trek not too long ago and all I can say is that I'm excited for you. People have different thoughts and opinions about this trek but nonetheless I think it's a beautiful one! If you haven't seen the vlogs, make sure you check them by clicking HERE and get a glimpse of the trek itself.

THE TREK

For mountaineers, Everest Base Camp is well, a base where mountaineers stay, acclimatize and kick off their quest to conquer the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. That said for people who just want to see Mount Everest up close without having to spend 5 figures or risk their life doing so, the Everest Base Camp trek is the next best option doing so. Everest Base Camp is situated at 5,364 m. That's just about 17,600 ft. It is an 11-12 day trek round trip depending on your pace and the routes you end up adding to the trek itself. As a rule of thumb, the trek can be completed in just under two weeks. Acclimatization, the weight you're carrying and going at your own pace are some of the major keys to consider when trying to complete this trek. Packing light and what is essential is what I'm going to get into with this post.

WHO IS THIS PACKING LIST FOR?

Whether you're doing this trek with a guide, no guide, solo, or with a group, this packing list is for everyone! These are essential items that you will need when doing the Everest Base Camp trek. Before I start the list, make sure you share this post to people who are trekking up to Everest Base Camp and connect with me on social media by checking out the links at the end of this post! That said, let's dive right into it!

YOUR EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PACKING LIST

BACKPACK

Pick a comfortable backpack that have adjustable straps, multiple compartments, paddings and cushions etc. Remember, this trek is nearly two weeks so you will be carrying this pack throughout the end. If you're getting a porter to carry your main bag, pick a day pack that is comfortable with enough room to put the things you'll need while you're on the trail. Items such as your passport, phone, camera, water, and so forth. The porter carrying your main bag may be ahead of you, behind you or trekking with you and although you get your bags at the end of the day, it's just good to have your personal items and what you think you might need on the trail in your day pack within an arms reach.

PASSPORT/PERMITS

There are several check points in the beginning before you "officially" enter the Sagarmatha National Park. A passport photocopy won't fly here so you need to carry an original copy of your passport on this trek. You also need to show your passport once you leave the national park. If you're trekking with a guide, they'll most likely have your permits set up (ask them prior to your trek), and if not, you're going to need to sort that out as well as ensure you have the trekking permits with you.

CASH/CARDS

Namche Bazaar is the largest sherpa village in the Khumbu region. This is also the last place you'll be able to take cash out. You'll be here around day 2 or day 3 of your trek. Once you leave, you won't have access to ATM's/currency exchange. Make sure you budget enough for the duration of your trek.

SLEEPING BAG

I got away with bringing a summer sleeping bag though for some of you, a -10 deg c rated sleeping bag would be ideal. It does get cold at night when you're at the tea house (especially when you get closer to Everest Base Camp). In addition, the teahouse you're sleeping in will only give you a pillow and a blanket which is not enough so a sleeping bag is a must.

AQUATABS/STERIPEN

Water is sold on teahouses along the trail but they can be very expensive. I highly recommend bringing aquatabs or a steripen. Aquatabs are in a pill form which you put in your water, which then you have to wait about a half hour or so until it kills the bacteria and then you may drink the water. Steripen is another option which uses UV rays to kill the bacteria in the water. This is a much faster way though it is a bit pricier but I think it's worth the investment.

BPA FREE WATER BOTTLE

As mentioned water is sold along the trail and in addition to it being pricey, it is also not eco-friendly as you'll be consuming a lot of water during this trek which means a lot of plastics would be consumed. Bringing a water bottle of your own would be beneficial to you and the environment. Also, be sure that the water bottle you bring can handle hot water as drinking hot water is good for you as you do this trek. It'll keep your body warm and it's good for your throat (if you ever get sick and the Khumbu cough).

TREKKING POLES

I can't say much about this as I typically trek without trekking poles but if you trek with these, make sure you bring them. I saw a lot of people using them and they definitely will come in handy on different parts of the Everest Base Camp trek trail.

SUNSCREEN

Though you may not feel it, the sun is very strong! When I did this trek, it was clear blue skies every day. There were like a day or two when I didn't put on sunscreen before heading out and I got burned! Good thing I realized it halfway through the trek but that's how fast the sun can burn you in the Himalayas. Do not make the same mistake as I did, make it a habit to put on sunscreen especially on your face before you start your day.

QUICK DRY TOWEL

Depending on the teahouse you go to, they'll give you a towel. I just prefer bringing my own quick dry towel as it's compact, lightweight and well.. it's my own.

PHONE/CAMERA/CHARGERS

The Everest Base Camp trek has a very picturesque trail. It is beautiful! Bringing a phone or a camera would be ideal to get your snaps for memories.

SUNGLASSES

As mentioned, the sun is really strong so wearing sunglasses to keep the bright sun out of your sight would make your life a little bit easier on the trail.

TOQUE (BEANIE) AND/OR A HAT

Though the sun is out, it does get cold so you need to keep your head warm and keep the sun out of your face. Bring a toque and for the non-Canadians reading this, a beanie or a head warmer as well as a hat.

BUFFER

This is a very useful item to have during your trek so make sure you get one. A versatile piece that can be worn as a scarf which can prevent sunburn on your neck and it could also keep you warm. They can also cover your mouth and nose to keep your face that much warmer. I was also told by our guide that because it get's really cold at night, keeping the buffer over your mouth when you're asleep and most of the time on the trail can prevent the Khumbu cough.

JACKET/DOWN VEST/DOWN JACKET

I had one main jacket which was more than enough for me. Some people like to have a down vest or another light down jacket to wear around the teahouse and that's fine. I say 2 pc. max unless you're the type that gets cold easily.

HOODIE OR SWEATER x2

I brought a couple of hoodies to wear. One is for when I'm trekking and the other is to change into when I'm in the teahouse or when I'm about to sleep. You don't want to be wearing your trekking top or bottom when going to bed as they can get wet throughout the day because of sweat and well, they can smell funky. So for the tops and the bottoms, I've brought 2 each for this reason. Layers is key as the weather temperature varies along the trail.

LONG SLEEVE THERMALS x2

Thermals are a must. I have the dri-fit thermals and they kept me warm and also soaked up my sweat. I brought two, one for when I'm trekking and the other is when I'm lounging around the teahouse or about to head to bed.

LONG SLEEVES OR SHIRTS x2

I brought long sleeves as another layer to wear over my thermals and underneath my hoodie.

GLOVES x2

I brought two pairs of gloves because my hands get cold easily especially when I'm out and about handling camera equipment. One pair was fitted and thin and the other was slightly large so what I did was wear the thin one underneath the large pair and it kept my hand really warm! Especially when we did the sunrise hike up to Kala Patthar, it was really cold up there so I suggest doubling up even with your socks!

THERMAL PANTS x2

Same concept as the top thermals.

COMFORTABLE PANTS/TREKKING PANTS x2

Due to the time of the month I did the trek, I got away with wearing sweat pants. Yup, I trekked with sweat pants. I'm sure if it rained on one of the days I would've been in trouble because those pants would soak in water like there's no tomorrow. Do bring trekking pants or comfortable pants when doing this trek. Again, this is really based on your preference. I brought another pair of cargo pants which kept me warm in the teahouses and when I was in bed.

UNDERGARMENTS & SOCKS x5

5 is more than enough as an undergarment. This is an 11-12 day trek so there will be days when you'll be wearing them again for another day. You may do laundry by hand but there's really no need, they may take longer to dry which is not good especially if you have to go and shove it down your pack. We all know how slightly damped clothes that gets stuffed inside a compartment turns out hours later. Besides, you're up in the mountains, live it up and wear that undergarment for another day!

HIKING BOOTS/SHOES

Bring comfortable hiking boots. I suggest high ankle boots as it will keep your ankles supported and it'll keep your feet warm also. You may get away with wearing runners/trainers during the dry season but I actually preferred the high ankle boots as it kept my feet warm and I'm usually the type that treks with runners. I've done long treks in Peru several years back and Nepal last year and wore runners. You'll be on your feet trekking 6-8 hr. days so be sure they're comfortable. I wore hiking boots on this trek because the ones I have now are lightweight so I didn't mind. I suggest investing in a good pair as well.

FLIP FLOPS/LIGHT SHOES

In addition to a good pair of walking footwear, you also need to bring flip flops or light shoes that you can wear around the teahouse unless you're the type that can wear the shoes you've worn all day long as you relax then that's fine too.

TIGER BALM

Tiger Balm is great! I used this when I had a clogged nose and it worked like a gem! If you have any sort of muscle pain, you may also rub Tiger Balm wherever you're having pain and just let it do its work. I got mine in Malaysia but they also sell these in Kathmandu if you'd like to bring one on your trip.

TOILET PAPER

The teahouses are really basic so bringing a toilet paper would be handy for the 11-12 days! Thank me later.

BATH WIPES

Taking a cold shower up in the cold Himalayan environment sometimes just doesn't make sense as you may potentially get sick. Though hot water is advertised in most of the teahouses, sometimes hot water is not as easily accessible compared to where you're from. Things happen and only cold water is available. That's when bath wipes comes in handy. I highly recommend carrying a pack with you in case situations when you need them arise. I used bath wipes closer to Everest Base Camp as it was just cold to even think of taking a shower.