Packing for the Everest Base Camp trek is one of those tasks that sounds simple until you actually start doing it.
You need to stay warm at 5,164 metres in Gorak Shep, move comfortably for six to eight hours a day, and keep your porter's bag under 15 kilograms. Get those three things right, and the rest takes care of itself.
This list covers everything you need on the trail. It is based on what we tell our clients before they leave Kathmandu — not gear-guide theory, but what actually works on the mountain.
One thing before we start. Almost everything on this list can be rented or bought in Thamel, Kathmandu's gear district, at prices well below what you would pay at home. Sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, duffel bags — it is all there. We recommend bringing your boots, your base layers, and your personal medications from home. Rent or buy the rest in Kathmandu if you don't already own it.
Everest Base Camp Packing List
Clothing
- 2× Merino base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Light puffy jacket
- Heavy down jacket (hooded)
- Waterproof shell jacket
- 2× Trekking pants
- 1× Thermal leggings
Accessories
- 7× Socks (merino)
- 7× Underwear (moisture-wicking)
- 2× Gloves (light + warm)
- Beanie
- 2× Buff/neck gaiter
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Broken-in trekking boots
- Camp shoes/sandals
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (-20°C)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Earplugs
Health
- First aid kit
- Diamox (as prescribed)
- Pulse oximeter
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Lip balm (UV)
Electronics
- Phone
- 20,000mAh power bank
- Headlamp
- Universal adapter
Documents & Money
- Passport
- Permits
- Printed insurance
- Nepali cash
EBC Clothing — What to Pack for Every Condition
What you pack depends on the season you trek in. Spring and autumn are the most popular, and that's what this list is built around. If you're going in winter — December to February — you'll need to add warmer versions of most items below.
The key concept of EBC is layering. You start a morning hike in the cold, warm up as you move, and cool down fast the moment you stop. Being able to add and remove layers quickly keeps you comfortable and safe across the full range of conditions you will encounter.
Base Layers
The base layer sits closest to your skin, and its job is to move sweat away from your body. On the lower sections of the trail, you probably won't need it. Above 3,440 metres in Namche Bazaar, it earns its place.
Merino wool is our material of choice. It wicks moisture well, doesn't smell after repeated use, and works in a wide temperature range. Two sets are enough — one on your body, one drying.
No cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin. In cold conditions, that becomes a problem fast. Leave cotton clothing at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Mid Layer — Fleece
A good fleece jacket is your primary insulation layer while you are actually walking. It should be warm but breathable — you will be generating heat on the ascents, and you don't want to overheat.
Polartec 200 fleece jackets work well here. Brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Helly Hansen all make solid options. One fleece jacket is enough for the torso — you don't need fleece trousers.
Down Jacket
Top tip: This is not the item to cut corners on. Buy or rent a proper down jacket — 600 fill power minimum, with a hood.
From Lobuche at 4,940 metres upward, your fleece alone is not enough. The down jacket handles the cold mornings, the teahouse evenings, and the pre-dawn start on Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres. It does serious work on this trek.
If you don't own a good one, rent or buy in Kathmandu. Brands like The North Face, Rab, and Mountain Hardware make excellent options.
Waterproof Jacket and Trousers
You need a waterproof shell for wind and rain. A Gore-Tex membrane hard shell jacket is ideal — The North Face makes reliable options at various price points.
For the trousers, a cheap waterproof pull-over pair is fine. You may barely use them in spring or autumn, but they earn their place if the weather turns above 5,000 metres.
Trekking Trousers
Two pairs — one for hiking, one for teahouse evenings. Zip-off trousers are practical on the warmer lower sections of the trail.
Craghoppers and Columbia both make good trekking trousers. Avoid jeans or any cotton trousers entirely.
Trekking Shirts
You need around four to five shirts. Avoid cotton for the same reason as the base layer — it holds sweat. Go for breathable, quick-drying polyester, merino, or nylon. A mix of short and long sleeves works well across the range of temperatures you will encounter.
Thermal Leggings
One to two pairs. These go on for sleeping and for cold mornings when you are not yet generating heat from walking. Essential above 4,000 metres.
Underwear
Seven pairs of breathable, moisture-wicking sports underwear. Two sports bras for women. Same rule as the rest — no cotton.
Headwear for the EBC Trek
Sun Hat
A wide-brim trekking hat that covers your neck. The UV at altitude is stronger than most people expect — even on a cloudy day above 4,000 metres, you can burn. Lightweight and packable is what you want.
Beanie
A beanie is a must from Namche Bazaar upward. Cold mornings and teahouse evenings above 3,440 metres are genuinely cold. The North Face and Berghaus make good ones that protect your ears as well as your head.
Buff or Neck Gaiter
Cheap, lightweight, and worth its place in your pack. It keeps your face and neck warm on cold mornings, and it helps prevent the Khumbu Cough — the persistent dry cough that many trekkers pick up from breathing cold, dry mountain air. If you're going in winter, consider a balaclava instead.
Gloves
You need two pairs. A lightweight inner glove for most of the trail, and a warmer insulated outer glove for the cold sections — particularly the pre-dawn ascent of Kala Patthar, where you leave Gorak Shep at 4 am in complete darkness.
The inner pair handles tasks like tying bootlaces and adjusting pack straps. The outer pair keeps your hands warm when temperatures are in the negatives. Black Diamond and Outdoor Research both make reliable outer gloves for this purpose.
Footwear for the Everest Base Camp Trek
Top tip: Make sure your boots are properly broken in before you arrive in Nepal. Brand new boots will give you blisters. Sort this before you fly.
Footwear is, without a doubt, the most important gear decision you will make for this trek. Your feet carry you 130 kilometres to Base Camp and back. Blisters at altitude are a different problem than blisters at sea level — they slow the whole group, and they don't fix themselves on the mountain.
Trekking Boots
A mid to light-weight boot with waterproof uppers and good ankle support is what you need. You should be able to fit one finger behind your heel — that is the right fit. Good brands include Salomon, Scarpa, Meindl, and Berghaus.
Buying boots in Kathmandu is possible, but we do not recommend it. You cannot break in boots in Thamel in two days.
Camp Shoes or Sandals
Lightweight, comfortable, and for use around the teahouses after a day on the trail. Your feet will be grateful. Sandals worn with socks work fine here.
Socks — Merino Wool
Bring seven pairs. Merino wool only — breathable, moisture-wicking, and warm. Bridgedale, Smartwool, and Coolmax all make good trekking socks. Add one pair of thermal socks for sleeping and for the coldest sections above 4,940 metres.
Gaiters
From our experience, gaiters are not essential for spring and autumn treks on the main EBC route. That said, they are not expensive, and some trekkers swear by them. If you are going in November or any winter month, bring them.
Bags — The Two-Bag System for EBC
Duffel Bag — 80 Litres
This is the bag your porter carries. It should be water-resistant, durable, and lockable. Keep it under 10-12 kilograms — that is the standard porter load limit, and we hold to it.
Daypack — 25 to 30 Litres
You carry this on the trail every day — water, snacks, warm layers, camera, documents, and first aid. 30 to 35 litres is the right size. The Osprey Talon range is a reliable choice. Get a rain cover for it, too.
Sleeping Bag — The Most Critical Item on This List
Along with your boots, your sleeping bag is the most critical item on this list.
Teahouse blankets are available, but they are not warm enough above 3,000 metres. The rooms are cold — thin walls, no insulation, and heating that goes off by 9 pm. At 5,164 metres in Gorak Shep, the inside temperature of your room drops well below -10°C before 3 am.
Rent a bag rated to -20°C minimum in Kathmandu. Not -10°C, not three-season. -20°C. A rental runs NPR 150–250 per day. It is the best money you will spend on this trek.
A mummy-shaped bag with an insulated hood is ideal. If you are renting, use a sleeping bag liner inside it for hygiene.
Earplugs are worth considering if you are a light sleeper. Teahouse walls are thin.
Trekking Poles — Do You Need Them on EBC?
For most trekkers, poles are recommended. They reduce the stress on your joints significantly — especially on the long descent from Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres down to Pheriche, which is over 1,200 metres of elevation loss on tired legs after a pre-dawn start.
If you have trekked with poles before and genuinely don't like them, they are not mandatory. But most people who try them don't go back.
Buy poles in Kathmandu for around NPR 1000-1500.
Sunglasses — UV400 Minimum
A good pair of UV-protecting sunglasses is essential. The UV at altitude is significantly stronger than at sea level, and the snow glare near Kala Patthar adds to it. You need 100% UV protection and at least 80% light reduction.
Standard fashion sunglasses are not adequate above 4,000 metres.
Headlamp and Spare Batteries
You leave Gorak Shep before sunrise for Kala Patthar — in complete darkness, on rocky terrain. A headlamp is not optional.
Cold drains batteries faster at altitude — keep the spare set inside your jacket pocket, not in the outer pocket of your pack, where it will freeze overnight.
Water and Hydration on the EBC Trail
Dehydration contributes to altitude sickness. Drink two to three litres per day on the trail.
Bring either a hydration bladder or two one-litre hard plastic water bottles. Purify all water you drink on the trail. Teahouses provide boiled water, but we still recommend using purification tablets or a UV purifier like the SteriPen as a backup. This applies to the water you brush your teeth with as well.
Technology and Electronics
Power Bank — 20,000mAh
Teahouse charging above 4,410 metres in Dingboche costs NPR 300–500 per charge session and is not always available. A 20,000mAh power bank keeps most trekkers running through the upper mountain without needing teahouse power.
Camera
Your phone camera has improved a lot, but it will not do justice to the Khumbu. A proper camera — or at minimum a GoPro — captures what you are actually seeing. Bring a spare battery and keep it inside your jacket in the cold sections. The light on Kala Patthar at sunrise is worth a charged backup.
Universal Adapter
Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets. A universal adapter covers all of them.
Books or E-Reader
Bring a lightweight e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite. Evenings in teahouses are free and quiet, so it’s perfect for relaxing with light reading after a long day on the trail.
Cards
No trekking trip is complete without a pack of cards. Bring them.
Medications and Toiletries for the EBC Trek
Diamox
Diamox (acetazolamide) is the most commonly used medication to help prevent altitude sickness. It is a preventative — it does not treat AMS once you have it. Talk to your doctor about dosage before departure. If symptoms become severe, the only treatment is descent.
Personal Medical Kit
- Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Imodium for stomach issues
- Compeed blister plasters — not standard plasters
- Rehydration salts
- Antihistamines
- Any personal prescription medications — bring more than you think you need
- Hand sanitiser — use it before every meal
- Wet wipes — washing facilities are limited above 4,940 metres in Lobuche
- 2-3 rolls of toilet paper — available on the trail, but good to have your own
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
SPF 50+ minimum for sunscreen. Lip balm with UV protection alongside it. The lip balm is the item that clients are most surprised they needed and did not
bring. Above 3,440 metres, the air is dry, and lips crack fast. Apply both before leaving the teahouse each morning. Reapply every two hours on the trail.
Pulse Oximeter
This small device measures your blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. It is optional but useful for monitoring how your body is responding to altitude.
Documents and Money for the EBC Trek
- Passport — original, carried on your person
- Travel insurance documents — printed copy in your daypack
- Sagarmatha National Park permit — we arrange this for all our clients
- Nepali rupees in cash — draw plenty in Kathmandu. The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metres. Cards are not accepted at the teahouses above that point
- Emergency contact details — written on paper, not just stored on your phone
Travel Insurance for Everest Base Camp
Standard travel insurance does not cover this trek. You need insurance that covers trekking to 6,000 metres and includes helicopter evacuation. The latter matters — if you develop severe altitude sickness, the fastest way to get you to safety is by helicopter.
Read the small print before you buy and make sure both boxes are ticked.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EBC Packing List
Can I rent gear in Kathmandu for the EBC trek?
Yes — and for most items we recommend it. Thamel has sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, duffel bags, and gaiters at prices well below Western retail. Bring your boots, base layers, and personal medications from home. Give yourself a day in Thamel before making decisions. Jet-lagged purchases in a loud gear market are rarely the right ones.
What sleeping bag do I need for Everest Base Camp?
Rent a bag rated to -20°C minimum in Kathmandu. Not -10°C. At 5,164 metres in Gorak Shep, room temperatures drop well below -10°C before 3 am. A -10°C bag leaves you awake at altitude, fully dressed, jacket on. We have had clients push through three consecutive nights above 4,500 metres in the wrong bag. They made it to Base Camp. They arrived exhausted. A -20°C rental costs NPR 150–250 per day. Worth every rupee.
Do I need to break in my boots before the EBC trek?
Yes. Non-negotiable. You cannot break in boots in Thamel in two days before flying to Lukla. We have watched clients with unbroken boots slow the whole group from day three onward. Blisters at altitude do not heal on the trail — they get worse each day. Three long day hikes at home, minimum. If they hurt during training, fix it then.
How much cash should I carry on the EBC trail?
Draw everything in Kathmandu. The last ATM is in Namche Bazaar at 3,440 metres. Nothing above accepts cards. Budget NPR 2,000–3,000 per day on trail for meals, drinks, charging sessions, and tips. Bring USD cash separately for the Nepal visa on arrival — USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days.
Are trekking poles necessary for Everest Base Camp?
We recommend them to every client without exception. The descent from Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres to Pheriche at 4,280 metres is over 1,200 metres of elevation loss on tired legs after a pre-dawn start. The descent is harder than the ascent — not your lungs, your knees. Without poles, the load lands entirely on your joints.
What travel insurance do I need for the EBC trek?
Standard travel insurance does not cover this trek. You need a policy covering trekking to 6,000 metres with helicopter evacuation explicitly included. Without it, a rescue costs USD 5,000 to 10,000. Read the small print before you buy. We require proof of adequate cover before every departure. No exceptions.
Is a pulse oximeter worth bringing on EBC?
Yes. It measures blood oxygen saturation — the most objective early indicator of how your body is handling altitude. Normal at sea level is 95–100%. At 4,000 metres expect 80–85%. Below 70% descend immediately. Use readings alongside your symptoms, not instead of them. Your guide carries a group kit, but having your own means you can check at 2 am when it matters most.
What do trekkers most often forget to pack for EBC?
Lip balm — every season, someone asks where to buy it in Namche. The answer is everywhere, at three times the Kathmandu price. Pack two sticks at home. The second most forgotten item is hand warmers. Nobody thinks about them until 4 am outside Gorak Shep with the wind off the glacier and the trail still dark ahead. Pack both before you fly.
Final Thought
The trekkers who do best on this trail are not the ones with the most gear.
They are the ones who packed light enough to move well, warm enough to sleep properly, and carefully enough that nothing failed them when the mountain asked the most of them.
Three things matter more than everything else on this list. Get your sleeping bag rated to -20°C. Break your boots in before you arrive in Nepal. Keep your duffel under 15 kilograms.
Get those three right. The Everest Base Camp trek handles the rest.
