Packing List for Peak Climbing in Nepal

In the first place, to stay away from any confusion on what to pack for climbing in Nepal, we have prepared a perfectly designed packing list. Although it is not decisive, the list is intended as a guideline to all trekkers, including the climbers. But remember IT IS NOT DECISIVE in any way.

However, your final packing list for Nepal climbing will depend on your personal preference. Not just that, but a good sense of judgment, as well. Though most of the lodge-to-lodge trekking or teahouse trekking in Nepal have a similar packing list, it may differ sometimes depending on the number of trekking days.

As an illustration, from the tentative essential climbing gear list given below, Himalayan Glacier will provide lodges, meals (3 times a day), a sleeping bag, a duffel bag, and a down jacket (for all seasons). Nonetheless, we will provide the items indicated by an asterisk (*) in the checklist, which are included in the trip cost.

In fact, a single porter is limited to carrying 33lbs. (15kgs) of your personal belonging. Also, this happens to be your weight restriction for all domestic flights in Nepal. Since you will have gears and equipment, the weight limit would exceed a certain extent. Of course, we will bear the cost of your extra nominal weight. But, if your luggage is much heavier than the limit, be ready to pay the extra cost. In short, you can acquire a pretty informative idea about the complete packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek, which will help you understand what needs to be carried out during the initial trekking phase before your climbing expedition in Nepal.

Yet, never forget to be selective in what you carry!

1. Travel Documents 

• Valid Passport
  Bring along 2-3 photocopies of your passport and also a photo on your phone in case of loss or theft.
• Airline Tickets & Trip blueprint
  Undoubtedly, it is required if you are not carrying a smartphone (with confirmation and trip itinerary).
• Nepal Visa
  Indeed, Nepal Visa is provided on-arrival in Kathmandu airport (except for some countries that need to apply for visa at their country’s Embassy or consulate.
•  4 Passport size photos
  Obviously required for various reasons, including permits, local SIM card etc.
• Travel Insurance
  During your trip that covers all your medical costs, flight cancelation or trip cancelation costs, rescue and air ambulance on the trip (if any). Keep a paper copy as well as a digital copy.
• Proof of Immunization against COVID-19
  On account of health issues, please contact your physician or visit the CDC website for detailed information.
• Yellow Fever Certificate
  For travelers 9 months and above coming from or who were in transit for more than 12 hours from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• Cash & Credit Cards
  You will require cash during the trip (at least $200-300) along with your credit/debit cards.

Note: Make sure that your passport has a validity of at least 6 months remaining while leaving your country. Because it is mandatory, else you may be unable to exit from your country of origin.

2. Travel Clothing

Headwear

• Brimmed Hat or Sun Cap
• Sunglasses
• Buff/Neck Warmer/Neck Gaiter
• Knit Hat (preferably a fleece or woolen hat)
• Balaclava
• Bandana or headscarf

Bodywear – Torso

• Lightweight thermal tops
• Fleece Pullover or Jacket
• Waterproof Jacket
• Down Jacket or Puffer Jacket*
• Long/Short, Polypropylene Sleeve Shirt (for trekking at lower altitudes)
• Sports Bra (Women)
• Soft Jacket
• Insulated Jacket

Handwear

• Lightweight Gloves (wool or fleece)
• Heavyweight Gloves or Down Mittens

Bodywear (beneath the torso)

• Hiking Pants
• Fleece Pants
• Light thermal trouser
•  Underwear
• Hiking Shorts (optional) (for summer-time trekking)

Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• Hiking Socks
• Trekking Sandals
• Cotton Socks (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)
• Running Shoes or Trainers

3.  Personal Gears & Accessories

• Expedition Backpack, 65L
• Trekking Backpack, 30L-40L
• Sleeping Bag*
• Trekking/Climbing Poles
• Head torch with extra batteries
• Duffel Bag (90L/20 Gallons) *
• Sleeping bag liner
• Raincoat
• Thermosets (to provide extra insulation for the sleeping bags)
• Binoculars
• Navigation Equipment
• Glacier Glasses
• Daypack cover
• Garbage bag
• Water Bottle
• Face Mask
• Book/Diary/Games

4.  Climbing Equipment

In the meantime, with the right gears and equipment, the chances of mishaps are less frequent. The following mountain climbing gear list will help you decide what you need to carry on your trip:

• Climbing Boots
  • High Altitude Double Boots (for 6000m+ peaks)
  • Triple Mountaineering Boots (for 7000m & 8000m+ peaks)
• Climbing Helmet
• Crampons
• Expedition Mittens
•  Expedition Suit/Special Bodywear
•  Ice-Tools
  • Ice-axe
  • Ice-hammer
  • Ice-screw
• Harness (for safeguarding a person to a rope or an anchor point)
• Tape Slings (for building a belay or improvise a chest harness, and also used for rescue purposes)
• Screwgate Karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock) (used to quickly and reversibly connect the various components during climbing)
• Ascender (Jhumar) (used for directly ascending a rope or for enabling protection with a fixed rope during mountain climbing)
• Descender (eight figure) (important gear used for controlling the descent)
• Snow Bar/Snow Anchor* (these are built for added protection when traveling on a glacier, crossing steep slopes, or during crevasse rescues)
• Ropes*
• Belay Device* (used along with a Screwgate karabiner to control the rope during belaying or rappelling; used as a friction brake)

5. First Aid & Medicine 

Himalayan Glacier Guides carry an all-around comprehensive first aid kit while trekking or climbing in Nepal. However, we recommend that you carry a personal first aid kid as well for any minor maladies. The following list engrosses the essential first aid items and medicines you may require while trekking or on an expedition in the mountainous regions of Nepal.

• Antibiotics
• Painkillers
• Cough Lozenges
• Plasters, Bandages & Zinc Oxide Tape
• Foot Powder
• Skin-blister repair kit
• Antidiarrheals
• Altitude sickness drugs
•  Water purification tablets or water filters
• Earplugs
• Prescriptions
• Sunscreen Cream
• Lip Balm
• Insect Repellent
• Hand Sanitizer
• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes
• High-calorie snacks (optional)
• Electrolytes, powder, or tablets (optional)
• Eye Drops
• Oral Rehydration Sachets

Note:
Specifically, please do not bring sleeping pills as they are respiratory depressants.
For that reason, please consult with your Guide before taking these altitude sickness drugs or if you experience any kind of uneasiness while you are trekking in Nepal.

6.  Toiletries/Personal Hygiene

There are limited or no permanent showers or bathing facilities at the teahouses, especially at higher altitudes. However, upon payment of a small fee, you will be provided a bucket of hot water. But, during the climbs, you will have to manage in tent toilets.

After all, to keep your toiletry items organized and safe from damage or uncleanliness, we recommend that you have handy toiletry bags with you. You can carry the following list of toiletries or personal hygiene items that you will need daily during your hike and climb:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Small bar or soap bottle
• Dry Shampoo
• Quick-drying towel
• Multi-purpose soap
• Deodorants
• Nail Brush & Clippers
• Hairbrush
• Face Flannel
• Hand and face moisturizing cream
• Toilet paper

7. Miscellaneous Items

• Contact lenses
• Power glasses
• Flasks
• Umbrella
• Pad locks
• Multi-tools
• Stuff sacks, dry bags or Ziploc-type plastic bags (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Swiss Knife (optional)
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Activated charcoal (optional)

8. Extras (For Men)

• Small mirror
• Razor and shaving cream
• After shave gel or lotion
• Pee bottle

9. Extras (For Women)

• Urinating device (Shewee)
• Pee cloth
• Feminine wipes
• Menstrual cups
• Tweezers
• Sanitary Napkins
• After shave gel or lotion

Recommended Brands of Gears, Equipment & Accessories for Trekking

Recommended Brands of Gears, Equipment & Accessories for Climbing/Expedition

To rephrase it, this exclusive Nepal Mountain Climbing packing list will help you pack for your trips to the Himalayas.  With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for when renting or buying gear in Kathmandu. If you have any questions about the trip or any other confusion to clarify, contact us or drop in a message on our Facebook Page

Ongchhu Sherpa

Ongchhu Sherpa who has scaled different peaks including Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu is an extremely experienced trekking & mountaineering climber with multiple achievements under his belt. He has accompanied trekkers and mountaineers from countries around the globe.