The Perfect Everest Base Camp Packing List [2022]

Are you looking for the best Everest Base Camp packing list? You’ve come to the right place!

Unlike most other trekkers preparing to hike the Himalayas, I arrived in Nepal extremely unprepared. With a backpack filled with bikinis and summer gear, I had no idea what was in store for me.

But if you’re reading this, it means you’ve done slightly more research than I did.

In this comprehensive packing list for Everest Base Camp, you’ll not only find exactly what you need to pack but also what you don’t need to! It’s the perfect Everest Base Camp packing list for females and males and also includes tips and tricks for trekking through the colder months.

This post is more than just a packing list – it’s a detailed buying guide with everything you need to consider for what to pack for Everest Base Camp, and how you can do it on a tight budget!

I use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, I might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What to Pack for Everest Base Camp Trek

When elevations change and temperatures fluctuate, your body will pay the price.

You’ll be exhausted from hiking nonstop, clinging to your comfort levels – this is the one thing you can prepare for.

Because high altitude trekking is a whole different ball game!

Things to know about this Everest Base Camp packing list

All your gear will be split in two. You’ll wear a small day pack during the day and porters will carry your large duffle bag between tea houses.

There are strict weight restrictions for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Your duffle bag cannot weigh more than 10kg and your day pack can be a maximum of 5kg.

It’s all about layering. You’ll need to include three layers on your Everest Base Camp packing list: A base, middle and outer layer.

Whilst the weather in March, April, and October is generally sunny and warm, the temperature will drop below 0’C no matter what time of year you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp. Ensure you have sufficient warm layers.

Pack a set of non-trekking clothes that you can wear at the tea houses. There’s nothing better than putting on fresh and comfy clothing after a long day of hiking.

Clothing Quality. I should be telling you to only buy Merino Wool and quick-drying fabric, but I’m not going to! If you can afford expensive, good-quality items, then go for it. But, if you’re on a budget, there are cheaper alternatives. The more lightweight and breathable, the better but I often wore regular cotton and had no issues – as long as you’re comfortable.

Where to Buy Your Hiking Gear for Everest Base Camp

While it’s easier to buy everything on your Everest Base Camp kit list before you arrive in Nepal, this might not be possible for some people (or you might realize mid-flight that you’ve left something at home).

The neighborhood of Thamel in Kathmandu is a hiking hub with stores that stock everything you need to pack for Everest Base Camp trek, from expensive brand names to cheaper knockoff alternatives.

If you’re only looking for top-quality, reputable brands, my advice would be to purchase your gear for Everest Base Camp at home rather.

If you’re in search of more affordable items, then you’ll be spoiled for choice in Thamel.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Essential Items

Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp

• World Nomads Travel Insurance

No matter how fit or experienced you are, you need travel insurance.

Hiking at high altitude has its risks. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real thing, and you could also seriously injure yourself while trekking.

The only way to get off the mountain during an emergency is to be evacuated by a helicopter. I was shocked to see just how many people are helivaced to a lower altitude – there’s constantly a hover of helicopters up above you, making their way between the small villages and Lukla.

Travel insurance for your Everest Base Camp trek is one thing you cannot take lightly. It can be a life and death situation, and if you do not have the funds to cover these emergencies, you will be risking your life.

I used World Nomads for my trip as they cover high altitude trekking of up to 6 000m – Everest Base Camp sits at 5 364m. You can get an online quote here and they have a team who operate around the clock.

Expedition Bag or Hiking Backpack for EBC

70 L Duffle bag (hiking with a tour group)

If you’re doing a guided trek, porters will be responsible for carrying most of your hiking gear and personal items in a duffle bag.

You’ll pack this bag every morning, hand it over to the porters who’ll carry it throughout the day, and you’ll get it back again when you reach your tea house in the evening.

Your tour operator will most likely provide this expedition bag with a waterproof cover, but confirm this first.

55-65l backpack (hiking independently)

If you’re trekking independently, make sure you invest in a good-quality backpack for Everest Base Camp that’s light and durable.

For this trek, a 55-65l backpack will be sufficient for all your gear as you will be staying at tea houses along the route (so you won’t need to pack food or camp gear).

Keep in mind that if you’re joining a tour group, you don’t need this big hiking backpack for Everest Base Camp – you need a smaller day pack, which I’ve highlighted below.

Everest Base Camp Hiking Day Pack

• 30-40l Day Pack

A good day backpack for Everest Base Camp is a critical item for your kit list.

Most of your gear will be in your big duffle bag with the porters, but they won’t be hiking with you through the day.

You will need this day pack to carry your essential items including water, tissues, snacks, sunscreen, a camera, and extra layers if it gets cold.

But there’s so much more to choosing the best day pack for Everest Base Camp trek than meets the eye! Trust me – I returned the first one I bought.

Daypack for Everest Base Camp trek: Considerations

Size: I recommend a 35l-40l day pack like this with a waist strap so that the weight rests on your hips, and not on your shoulders.

Extras: Make sure you get an Everest hiking pack that has a separate holder for your hydration pack and an outlet for the pipe. Don’t buy one if it doesn’t have this feature! You’ll thank me on those long trekking days when you’re desperate for water and the hose is conveniently within arm’s reach.

Zips and pockets: These extra mesh pockets on the sides of your day pack are a game-changer as they allow you to get small items without having to stop and remove your entire backpack.

Hydration Pack

• 1 x 2L Camelbak / Hydration bladder

A water bladder is essential for your Everest Base Camp packing list. To help your body acclimatize, you need to drink at least 3 liters of water every day (even if you’re not thirsty).

Having this in your day pack provides an easy and convenient way to ensure you’re always hydrated.

A 2-liter hydration pack is a good size but make sure it’s a good quality item as the seal can break if you opt for a cheaper alternative.

Water bottles

• 2 x 1L water bottles

You’ll have 2 liters of water in your hydration pack, but you will need another 2 liters in bottles which you’ll keep in your day pack.

I recommend going for two x 1-liter water bottles for Everest Base Camp instead of one x bigger 2-liter bottle.

It should also have a tight seal and a large opening.

As you get to higher altitudes, your guides will clean the water by boiling it every night. Once boiled, it will get transferred into these 2 water bottles. This is why they should have a bigger opening as it makes it easier to pour the boiling water inside.

In the evenings, these water bottles can double up as a hot water bottle, so they need to be good quality and able to withstand being filled daily with boiling water.

Also, your water may freeze!

Everest Base Camp packing list for November

I was packing for Everest Base Camp in November which is notably colder than other months. As you approach EBC, the temperatures can reach below 0 and so the water in your hydration pack and bottles will freeze.

If your bottle has a small opening, you won’t be able to open it. Because the temperatures can be temperamental, rather be safe than sorry and get the large opening instead.

I packed two of these bottles and they were perfect!

Sleeping bag

• 1 x sleeping bag (-15)

You need a good quality, down sleeping bag to keep you warm in the tea houses as there’s no insulation and the rooms are freezing! Tea houses do have blankets on the beds but they’re not going to keep you warm.

If you’re trekking with an operator, confirm whether they provide you with an Everest Base Camp sleeping bag and ensure you’re happy with the warmth rating, which should be at least -10.

I knew that I would get freezing cold, so I requested a -20 sleeping bag. And while everyone thought it was a bit extreme, I was warm and comfy every night.

Sleeping bag liner

• 1 x sleeping bag liner

A sleeping bag liner is great to pack as an extra measure in case you get cold at night. It’s small and light and I used mine every night!

Hiking Boots

• 1 x Gore-Tex hiking boots

Your Everest Base Camp trek shoes need to be Gore-Tex waterproof and lightweight with a good grip, but most importantly, they need to be comfortable.

Because I’m not an avid hiker, I was reluctant to invest in an expensive pair of boots (like these ones) that I would only use once.

I read every forum and searched the internet for all the Everest Base Camp packing list blog posts I could find!

My question: Ankle hiking boots vs cross-trainers (or trail shoes)

I eventually opted for ankle-high boots like this and here’s why.

The trail is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery in places so the extra ankle support makes a big difference. Also, having a higher boot prevents stones and dirt from getting into your shoes.

Looking back on my experience of hiking to EBC, I didn’t necessarily need ankle-high hiking boots as there was no rain. Ultimately, solid trail shoes would have been ok if the soles had good traction.

Slippers for the tea houses

• 1 x trainers/slippers

Make sure you include a second pair of lightweight shoes in your Everest Base Camp packing list which you’ll use to walk around the tea houses.

You may also want to explore the villages after arriving and your feet will want a break from your trekking boots.

You can either pack a pair of trainers, which you can walk in during the first few days of the trek, or you can have a pair of lightweight slip-on shoes.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Headgear

Peak or sunhat

• 1 x cap

Despite the cold and overcast conditions, the sun is harsh!

A cap is something you’ll definitely need for your Everest Base Camp packing list and you’ll wear it immediately after leaving Namche Bazaar.

Warm hats

• 1 x fleece beanie

Remember how I mentioned that I kept a set of non-trekking items that I used for the evenings around the teahouse. Well, this is the first of those.

This fleece hat doesn’t need to be too thick but make sure it’s a comfortable one. I even slept with mine on (yes, I was that cold!)

If you plan on doing the same, make sure it’s not too tight around your head and doesn’t have any bobble or decorative features that may be uncomfortable when lying with your head on a pillow.

• 1 x hiking beanie

Depending on the weather, you won’t need to hike with a warm hat for the first 3 days of your trek.

But from day 5, it will get chilly and you’ll replace your sun hat with a beanie. I loved my beanie and it looked pretty good on too!

Buff

• 1 x thick buff

Buffs act as a scarf and keep your face warm on those chilly nights. I used my thick buff every night and even slept with it on.

This thick buff is for those cold nights at the tea houses, and you’ll also need it for your final day as you approach Everest Base Camp.

The reason you won’t want to hike with this buff is that they are very thick and not breathable, so it’s not practical to cover your mouth or nose when trekking.

If you’re susceptible to the cold, pack one in. If you don’t foresee yourself getting too cold, bring an extra thin buff instead.

• 1 x Thin Buff

If there’s one thing you can learn from me when deciding what to pack for Everest Base Camp, it’s to bring a thin, light buff.

I presumed I would get too cold so I packed in two thick buffs and didn’t bring a thin one. Big mistake!

You need this thin buff for trekking, and you should wear it from day 1.

Not only does it protect you from the sun and keep your neck warm, but it also acts as a mask, preventing fine dust and other particles from entering your mouth and nose.

And you need this mask effect! The route from day 1 to 4 takes you through forests and shrubby areas where there is a lot of dust and the yaks and horses kick up sand that you’ll breathe in (but you shouldn’t).

I suffered from a bad case of the Khumbu cough which I attribute to the dust on the first few days because I didn’t have a light buff or mask to wear.

So, even though it will be hot at these lower altitudes, the thinner, breathable fabric of the light buffs means you can wear them every day, even in the heat.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Upper Body

Base Layer

• 2 x long thermal tops (1 sleeping | 1 trekking)

Thermals are an essential base layer that you will need to include in your Everest Base Camp packing list.

You’ll need to pack 2 sets of thermals tops – one for the evenings, and another that you can use as your base layer when trekking.

Even if you’re not as prone to the cold as I am, I strongly recommend that you bring 2, unless you’re happy to sleep in the same thermals you hiked in!

Some people swear by Merino Wool thermals, but they are expensive. If you have the budget for them, go for it as the breathable fabric is incredible and they are said to keep you warm, dry, and sweat-free.

But I got a set normal and I had no issues.

Short sleeve hiking shirt

• 1 x Short Sleeve Hiking shirt

Pack a lightweight, breathable exercise top. You only need one which you’ll wear on your first and second day as you hike from Lukla to Namche Bazaar and again on the last day when you return to Lukla.

If you generally get extremely hot or if you’re packing for Everest Base Camp in summer, then I suggest you pack an extra one.

Long hiking tops

• 1 x long sleeve lightweight hiking top

Layering is key and this lightweight long sleeve top is a must.

I wore this on most days and having the long sleeve was great as a sun protector. Try to get a breathable fabric so that you can wear it every day without having to wash it.

Top tip: Instead of packing 2 short sleeve tops (above), I packed 1 short sleeve and this lightweight long sleeve top.

• 1 x midweight warm hiking top

This midweight warm top is nice to have. I wore it at camp over my sleeping thermals and as an extra layer on these cold hiking days.

It has a similar purpose to the lightweight hiking top above, but it’s nice to have 2 options as they both have varying levels of warmth.

Fleece Jacket

• 1 x fleece jacket

A warm fleece top will come in handy as you head higher up the mountains and the temperatures drop.

I often wore mine in the evenings at the tea houses and on those colder trekking days as we got closer to Everest Base Camp.

Go for a zip-up as it’s easy to get on and take off. Mine also had zip-up pockets which were great as I could keep my GoPro or tissues inside.

Depending on the weather, you can wear your thermals and long sleeve hiking tops underneath.

Lightweight down feather jacket

• 1 x mid-weight down

This was the best investment, not only for your Everest Base Camp packing list but for life in general!

I wore mine all the time – either over my fleece and thermals or under my windproof jacket.

Down feather jacket

• 1 x heavy down jacket

A down jacket is only really needed for the Kalla Pathar summit when you start trekking at 4 am and temperatures easily reach below zero!

Also, the last few nights at the tea houses can be freezing cold. Your tour operator should provide you with this thick down jacket, so confirm this when making your inquiry.

If you’re on the fence about whether you should invest in one or not, I would say that this is not completely necessary, especially if your budget doesn’t allow for it.

But, you will need to have all the other items I’ve included in this Everest Base Camp kit list, including the warm fleece and waterproof jacket.

Alternatively, you can look at renting a down jacket in Kathmandu.

Top Tip: I added Island Peak to my EBC trek. It’s an extra 4 days but was the highlight of my trip. If you’re looking for snow climbing and incredible views, consider doing both Island Peak and Everest Base Camp.

Windproof Rain Jacket

• 1 x rain jacket with hood

You could have perfect weather and sunny skies every day. But, you may also get rainy days with gusts of wind so this windproof jacket is needed.

Your jacket should be slightly bigger so that you can wear it over all your layers. You preferably want a Gore-Tex material, but any waterproof, and breathable fabric will do.

Top tip: Don’t worry about buying a jacket with a warm inner lining as you’ll wear your base and middle layers underneath.

Rain Poncho

• 1 x rain poncho

Ponchos are light and small and will keep you and your backpack dry if it rains.

They don’t take up too much space and are relatively inexpensive, so I recommend you add this to your packing list for Everest Base Camp trek.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Lower Body

Base Layer

• 2 x long thermal pants (1 sleeping | 1 trekking)

As with the base layer for your upper body, you’ll be needing 2 thermals for your lower body.

One should be used in the evenings when you’re at the tea houses and to sleep in. There’s nothing better than putting on a fresh-ish pair of thermals after a wet wipe shower!

Your second base layer will keep you warm when trekking and you’ll wear it under your hiking pants as you get closer to Everest Base Camp.

Hiking Pants for Women

• 2 x long yoga pants (tights)

Yoga pants are a great alternative to hiking pants for women as they are stretchy and more comfortable. In my experience, these are the best kind of trekking pants for Everest Base Camp.

I wore yoga pants on the first few days of the trek and when it got colder, I hiked with them over my base layer, or under my thicker hiking pants.

Top tip: You’re not walking fast enough to work up a sweat so rather pack in a pair of longer pants than shorts.

Hiking pants for Men (or women who don’t want to wear tights)

• 2 x hiking pants

These lightweight, thin hiking pants are great to hike in. I chose to wear yoga pants instead of hiking pants so you can pack either one or the other.

Some hiking pants have a zip which allows them to convert into shorts. This isn’t necessary – Gary’s trekking pants for Everest base Camp had this feature, but he never wore them as shorts. The material is super breathable anyway, so shorts are not necessary.

Because they’re made of such breathable materials, they won’t provide much warmth on colder days so you can wear your thermal base layer underneath if the temperature drops.

Warm hiking pants

• 1 x pair of waterproof hiking trousers

You’ll need warmer, water-resistant pants for the final push to Everest Base Camp when it’s freezing cold.

I alternated my layers when I wore these thicker hiking pants. But make sure you buy a pair that is at least one or two sizes bigger than your normal fit as you will be layering.

Some days I would wear my hiking pants over my base layer and if it was absolutely freezing, I would wear them over my base layer and yoga pants.

Fleece pants

• 1 x pair fleece pants

Baggy, oversized pants are a total luxury when you get to the tea house! I slept in mine (over my thermals, of course) and wore them every evening.

Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List: Underwear

Underwear

• 6 x underwear

Sports bras

• 3 x sports bras

Socks

• 3 x thick trekking socks

Good quality trekking socks are a must on every Everest Base Camp packing list. You’ll spend over 10 hours a day on your feet and so you must get socks that are thick and provide support and comfort.

Merino wool socks are the favorites as they’re breathable, quick-drying, and won’t absorb odors. But while they are superior, they are also costly.

I used normal trekking socks which are a lot cheaper and did the job just fine.

Top tip: If you’re wearing ankle-high hiking boots, make sure your socks go high enough so that you don’t get blisters from the boots.

• 2 x warms socks for tea house

After a long day of hiking, your feet are going to need some TLC!

Keep a pair of socks that you’ll only use in the evenings at the tea house. I also had a pair of super fluffy socks which I slept in.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Accessories

Sunglasses

• 1 x UV protective sunglasses

You’ll need to include a pair of good quality UV protective sunglasses to your packing list for Everest Base Camp. Snow goggles are not necessary!

You may want to pack in a cheap second pair just in case you break your first ones.

Headlamp

1x headlamp (and an extra set of batteries)

Don’t forget your headlamp for walking around the tea houses at night.

It’s better to buy one like this that has 2 or 3 settings so you can dim the brightness depending on where you are.

Gloves

• 1 x glove liners

These thin glove liners are the best! I initially bought them for extra warmth to wear under my thick gloves, but I ended up wearing them alone on most days.

Glove liners protect your hands from sunburn and they also help with grip and prevent blisters when using trekking poles.

These gloves will also keep your hands warm when doing tasks like tying shoelaces or taking photos. Get the ones that are touchpad friendly.

• 1 x hiking gloves

The higher you go, the colder it gets and so you’ll need thick gloves that you’ll wear for most days leading up to Everest Base Camp.

If it’s chilly, you can wear your glove liners under these thick gloves for extra warmth. You don’t need super thick down gloves that will suit the Everest summit!

• 1 x fleece gloves (evenings)

These fleece gloves are nice to have and they take up such little space in your bag so I suggest you pack them in.

Your glove liners and thicker gloves will be dusty and dirty after wearing them day in and day out, so putting on a fresh pair of gloves when you’re around the tea houses is the way to go.

READ MORE: HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TREK TO EVEREST BASE CAMP

Trekking poles

• 1 x light trekking poles

Trekking poles are yet another item that some people use, others don’t.

But I recommend you include them on your packing list for Everest Base Camp as they reduce the impact on your knees and make those steep sections more bearable.

It’s important to get durable and lightweight poles. But again, you don’t need anything fancy.

I used aluminium poles which are slightly heavier than carbon, but they were perfect and didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

If you’re a serious hiker and looking to buy equipment that will last, the Black Diamond poles are the best out there.

Packing Cubes

• 3 x packing cubes

Your duffle bag will be filled with all your things and you will have to pack and unpack it every day. This is time-consuming (and even worse when you’re tired, cold, and grumpy!)

Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to organizing your Everest Base Camp packing list as they make it easier to find what you need at the teahouses. Make sure you buy ones like these that come in varying sizes.

Top tip: I always kept my teahouse clothes separate from my trekking clothes using these packing cubes.

Ziplock bags

• 6 zip lock bags

While packing cubes are great for organizing clothes and underwear, zip lock bags are perfect for storing toiletries, medication, and snacks.

Padlock

• 1 x padlocks

Theft isn’t common on the mountain but as an extra measure, you may want to lock your big duffle bag.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Toiletries

Toiletry bag

• 1 x ziplock bag

Instead of buying a fancy toiletry bag, use a packing cube or zip lock bag to store all of your toiletries.

Sunscreen

• 1 x Factor 50

You’re spending long days outside and even though it gets cold and cloudy the further up you go, the sun is harsh, and you can get extremely burnt. Bad sunburn will make the trek unbearable!

Wet wipes

• 1 x 60 wet wipe pack
• 1 x 20 wet wipe pack

I packed in a few too many wet wipes – you don’t need more than two packets!

You’ll use 3 or 4 per day for your “wet wipe shower” and then it’s good to keep a smaller pack in your daypack that you can use while trekking.

Remember, your baggage is weighed before you get on the flight to Lukla and it cannot weigh more than 10kg.

You’re going to have to leave off a lot of items you had initially included in your Everest Base Camp packing list. One of them being the excess wet wipes!

Hand Sanitizer

• 2 x 50ml hand sanitizer

You’re probably thinking the same thing I did – you’ll have wet wipes to clean your hands so why do you also need hand sanitizer?

I didn’t include this on my EBC packing list but it’s one of those things I wish I had!

Hand sanitizer is great for when you’re trekking – you’ll want something that is easily accessible and fits into the mesh pockets of your day pack.

Shampoo (multi-purpose)

• 100ml Shampoo

If you’re following my Everest Base Camp itinerary, the best place to shower would be on day 2 in Namche Bazaar, and day 10 in Pheriche where you’ll have a well-deserved hot shower that won’t cost you a fortune!

To save space and to stick to your weight requirements, I recommend that you decanter your shampoo into a small container and use this as your handwash as well as body, face and hair wash for the 2 days you’re able to shower.

Towel

• 1 x Microfibre towel

A microfiber towel is small, light, and affordable and can easily fit into your bag.

The tea houses along the route don’t provide towels, so I recommend that you pack one in (even though you won’t be showering much!)

Toilet paper

• 1 x roll of toilet paper

Some tea houses and restaurants provide toilet paper, others don’t. And while your tour operator may give you with a roll or two, pack an extra one just in case!

Tissues

• 4 small packs of tissues

My nose was running all day, every day! Keep these tissues in your day pack because you’ll need them.

Other toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Small mouthwash
• Roll-on Deodorant
• Lip balm (with sunscreen)
• Hair ties and clips
• Mosquito repellant
• Body lotion

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Electronics

Powerbank

• 20 000 mAH Powerbank

After Namche Bazaar, you’ll start paying for electricity (which isn’t cheap) so bring one or two power banks along with you.

Multipower adapter

• 1 x multiplug

I’m going to let you in on a little secret! When paying for power, you’ll be charged per hour per outlet – not per item you change.

Having a multiplug like this allows you to charge more items at one time. You will still need a universal plug adapter that connects the multiplug to the plug socket.

GoPro

• 1 x GoPro with charger and spare battery

If there was ever a need for a GoPro, it’s for your EBC trek! This was the best thing on my packing list for Everest Base Camp, especially for those wide-angle shots and selfies!

Sony camera

• 1 x Camera with charger and spare battery

So often I was so exhausted and didn’t take the time to stop and admire the scenery and mountains that surrounded me.

My camera was around my neck the entire time and I took hundreds of snaps, without paying attention to what I was photographing.

I now look back and appreciate the incredible Himalayas through all the photos I took.

Phone

• Samsung S10 with local sim (N-cell)

N-cell has the widest coverage and you’ll have cell reception until you reach Dingboche.

As you get closer to Everest Base Camp, you’ll go off the grid for a few days.

Headphones / earphones

• 1 x earphones

The days are long, and you’ll often be walking alone. Having some good tunes and motivational music will keep you going.

While Gary loved having his headphones on him, I found that I didn’t need mine.

Everest Base Camp packing list: Snacks

Even if you’re not a snack person, pack in a few things to nibble on throughout the trek. Small, one biter snacks are the way to go.

You can purchase these on the mountain, but they’ll be a lot more expensive!

Here are a few snacks I packed for Everest Base Camp.

• Kitkat, snickers
• Chewy sweets
• Oreo biscuits
• Granola bars
• Rehydrate

Everest Base Camp Packing List: First Aid Kit

Your tour guide should also carry a first aid kit, so you don’t need to go overboard with the below items, but it’s a good idea to keep them handy.

It’s best to purchase these back home. While there are plenty of pharmacies in Kathmandu, you may find you prefer to take medication you’ve used previously.

• Headache tablets (paracetamol/ibuprofen)
• Throat lozenges
• Vitamin C
• Band-Aids/plasters – bring different shapes and sizes

Diamox: Should this be on your Everest Base Camp trek Packing list?

Diamox is a medication that is effective in preventing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other issues that could occur due to the high altitude.

You can purchase Diamox in Kathmandu (without a prescription), but it’s recommended to speak to your doctor back home before taking the medication.

Why I didn’t take Diamox

I debated whether or not to take Diamox.

During my Mount Kilimanjaro trek a few years back, I got extremely sick as a result of the high altitude. I never imagined my fit, healthy body to react the way it did!

Luckily, I recovered after walking to a lower altitude and getting a few hours of sleep. 2 days later I was able to make it to the top of the highest mountain in Africa.

But this scarred me, and I didn’t want to take any chances with altitude sickness for Everest Base Camp.

While Diamox does increase the rate at which your body acclimatizes, it does not guarantee that you will have a successful climb. People who take Diamox have also complained about a tingling sensation in their hands, like pins and needles.

It is also a diuretic which means you’ll have to urinate often. This could be a positive thing as it means you’ll be making regular stops which is recommended as a way to acclimate properly.

Allowing your body to acclimatize naturally

Another way to beat altitude sickness is to walk slowly, make regular stops, stay hydrated, and ensure you get enough food nutrients. (By the way, you should be doing this even if you take Diamox).

I opted to let my body naturally acclimate and so I didn’t take Diamox – although my guides had on them, just in case I needed it.

Every day, I was the last one into camp, I walked the slowest and listened to my body. Yes, I struggled, but I never had the same excruciating headaches and nausea I felt on Mt Kilimanjaro.

Gary and I were the only 2 in our group who didn’t take Diamox. And while everyone felt strong after taking it, the day we arrived at Everest Base Camp was a different story.

People struggled with the altitude, and one of our fellow trekkers had to be put on oxygen, even after taking Diamox.

That just goes to show that taking Diamox does not mean you won’t get sick. Because you can. So, if you choose to take it, hike as if you didn’t – Go slow and drink lots of water.

Everest Base Camp Packing List: Documents

Passport

• No less than 6 months before expirary

Nepal Visa

• VOA

You can get your visa on arrival in Kathmandu. Ensure you have USD on you to pay for this. I didn’t have cash on me at the time and the ATMs were not working. After 5 hours of trying to get cahs, I managed to leave the airport with my visa!

Cash while on route

• $150 for costs incurred during the trek
• 10% of the total trip cost for a tip for guides and porters

Before you leave for Lukla, draw enough money to pay for luxuries such as hot showers as well as coffee and cake in Namche Bazaar. You can also purchase souvenirs along the route or items you may have left off your Everest Base Camp packing list

You will hand over tips to your guides and porters in Lukla on the last day of your trek. Instead of taking all this tip money with you, rather draw cash from the ATM in Namche Bazaar or Lukla on your way down.

• Notebook and pen

• Playing cards

What Not to Pack for Everest Base Camp

Pillow

The tea houses provide pillows so save space and leave those off your Everest Base Camp trek packing list. Your sleeping bag should also have a hood so you won’t actually have your face on the pillow.

Some people choose to bring their own pillowcases instead – each to their own.

Gaiters

If you’re trekking in hiking boots, gaiters are not necessary.

If you’re wearing normal trainers or doing a detour that involves venturing to areas with heavy snow, then you will need them.

Books

I packed in 2 books. I probably got to page 5 of the first one and that’s it! When you’re not hiking or sleeping, you’ll be chatting to people in the tea houses and playing card games.

Unless you’re an avid reader, rather save the space and leave your books at home.

Tripod

A tripod will just add to the weight of your bag and so many people will be more than happy to take photos for you!

Balaclava

I didn’t wear mine once – even though I get incredibly cold! If you’ve packed all the other gear on this list, a balaclava is not needed.

Water purification tablets

This is specifically for Gary and me. After doing a lot of research and consulting with our tour guides, we decided not to take any water filter. Why? Well, all the water is boiled and filtered already.

After 18 days on the mountain, because we hiked to Island Peak after Everest Base Camp, we didn’t get sick from the water we drank.

Taking water purification tablets is an additional measure so if you’re susceptible to food poisoning or getting sick, perhaps take with you.

Washing detergent

You won’t have the energy to do any washing! Air your clothes out every evening and they’ll be good to go the next day.

Solar chargers

Don’t want to pay for electricity at the teahouses? Bring a solar charger! Or not.

Admittingly, I didn’t include a solar charger on my Everest Base Camp trek packing list, but a few people in my group did and they weren’t too impressed.

With so much cloud cover in the mountains and the time it takes to fully charge the batteries, they were barely put to any use. So bear that in mind before investing in expensive chargers.

My Everest Base Camp Packing List Budget

I arrived in Kathmandu with hiking boots only! My first 2 days were spent walking the streets of Thamel where I bought all the equipment and trekking gear, I needed for two weeks on the mountain.

I spent less than $400 on everything (except for my hiking boots, which I had purchased prior). That’s right, everything you see on this Everest Base Camp packing list that was not provided by my trekking company, I purchased for under $400!

I had no issues with the quality of my gear and I still wear a lot of it today.

So, if you’re finalizing your packing list for your EBC trek and you’re on a tight budget perhaps it’s worth arriving 2 or 3 days earlier in Kathmandu so that you can buy everything there.

Top Tip: The only thing we struggled to find in Kathmandu were hiking boots for Gary. While the stores did stock the items, they didn’t have big sizes. If you’re quite particular about what you need, then it may be a better idea to purchase it at home.

You can also rent gear in Thamel. Numerous stores rent sleeping bags, down jackets, hiking boots, and more. However, be sure to note the quality as sometimes it may be better to buy a new item yourself.

Final Thoughts on Your Everest Base Camp Packing List

Phew – if you reached the end of my Everest Base Camp trek packing list, congrats!

This is a first-hand account of my experience on packing for EBC whilst trying to stick to a budget but also ensuring I had everything I needed for a successful trek.

Bear in mind that everyone is different and no one packing list will suit everything.

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Have you been to Nepal? What’s your top tip on what to pack for Everest Base Camp? Let me know in the comments section below.

Planning your trip to EBC? Check out my other posts!

• The Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
• 11 Key Things You Need to Know Before Trekking to Everest Base Camp
• Everest Base Camp Trek and Island Peak: My Photo Diary
• The Ultimate Mount Kilimanjaro Packing List

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