This Nepal packing list covers Kathmandu sightseeing, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna trekking, and Chitwan jungle safaris. Three different environments, three very different gear requirements.
See our full guide: What to Wear in Nepal.
Kathmandu City Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes with support (Thamel’s streets are steep)
- Lightweight scarf (temple head/shoulder covering)
- Light jacket or cardigan (Kathmandu evenings cool, especially Sept–Nov)
- Casual trousers or jeans + blouses/tops
- Sandals that slip on/off easily for temple shoe removal
Everest Base Camp / High-Altitude Trekking Packing List
- Merino wool base layers (top and bottom) — 2 sets
- Fleece mid-layer
- Down jacket (600-fill min, packable)
- Waterproof hardshell jacket + trousers
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in before trek)
- Trekking poles (2)
- Warm hat + balaclava (for high camps)
- Gloves (liner + outer windproof)
- Glacier sunglasses (UV400, wraparound)
- Merino wool socks — 4 pairs
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Diamox / altitude sickness meds (consult doctor)
- Sleeping bag rated to -15°C (or rent in Kathmandu)
- Reusable water bottle + purification tablets/filter
Chitwan / Terai Jungle Packing List
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts in neutral tones
- Long trousers (protection from insects + jungle)
- Strong DEET insect repellent
- Anti-malarial tablets (Terai has risk)
- Light rain jacket (afternoon monsoon showers)
- Waterproof sandals or jungle boots
Documents & Practical Nepal Essentials
- Nepal tourist visa (on arrival or pre-arranged; USD cash for on-arrival)
- TIMS card + national park permit (for trekking areas)
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (essential for Himalayas)
- USD cash (ATMs in Namche Bazar and trekking hubs but unreliable)
- Power bank (teahouses may charge for electricity)
- Portable solar charger
💡 Book Kathmandu tours, Everest region flights, and jungle safari packages through Viator Nepal, and accommodation through Booking.com.
FAQs: Nepal Packing List
Can I buy or rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Yes — Thamel has hundreds of gear shops selling both genuine brands and local copies. Quality varies widely; inspect carefully. Boots and base layers are worth buying quality; poles, sleeping bags, and down jackets can be rented at good prices.
What should I not forget for EBC trek?
Altitude medication (Diamox), helicopter evacuation insurance, and properly broken-in boots. These three items prevent the most common trek-ending disasters: altitude sickness, medical emergencies, and blisters.