Trek planning
Teahouse Trekking Packing List for Nepal
What to pack for the Everest, Annapurna and Poon Hill treks — clothing layers, footwear, sleeping bag, health kit and documents — and what you can rent in Kathmandu.
By Shiva GiriPublished 6 min readFacts checked
On a teahouse trek you sleep and eat in mountain lodges, so you don't carry a tent or food. Your porter carries the main bag; you carry a day pack. Pack light, pack in layers, and don't buy everything at home — Kathmandu's Thamel district is full of shops that sell and rent trekking gear.
Clothing (layers)
- 2–3 moisture-wicking base-layer tops (no cotton)
- Thermal leggings and a warm base layer for sleeping
- Fleece or light insulated jacket
- Down jacket — essential for Everest Base Camp; useful for ABC and winter Poon Hill (easy to rent)
- Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and over-trousers
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff or neck gaiter, liner gloves and insulated gloves
- 3–4 pairs of trekking socks
Footwear
- Broken-in, waterproof trekking boots with ankle support — never brand new
- Light shoes or sandals for the evenings in the teahouse
Sleeping and equipment
- Sleeping bag rated for the route (around −10 °C comfort for EBC; rentable in Thamel) — teahouses provide blankets, but nights are cold
- Day pack of 25–35 litres with a rain cover
- Trekking poles — they save your knees on the long descents
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Refillable water bottles and water-purification tablets or a filter (avoid buying plastic bottles on the trail)
- Power bank — charging at teahouses usually costs extra and gets pricier with altitude
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Health and hygiene
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm — UV is strong at altitude
- Personal medication, plus any altitude medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Blister plasters, painkillers, rehydration salts and an anti-diarrhoea remedy
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, quick-dry towel and toilet paper
Documents and money
- Passport and visa, plus photocopies and digital copies
- Travel insurance details covering trekking altitude and helicopter rescue
- Spare passport photos
- Enough Nepali rupees in cash for drinks, snacks, showers, charging and tips — ATMs are scarce or absent on most trails
What you can leave at home
Rent a down jacket, sleeping bag and poles in Thamel rather than buying them for one trek. Leave valuables, city clothes and spare luggage with us at the homestay while you trek — it will be waiting for you, along with a hot shower.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent trekking gear in Kathmandu?
Yes. Shops in Thamel rent down jackets, sleeping bags and trekking poles by the day, and sell everything else at a range of prices.
Do teahouses provide bedding?
Most provide a mattress, pillow and blanket, but a warm sleeping bag is still recommended, especially at higher altitudes and in winter.
Do I need cash on the trek?
Yes. Carry enough Nepali rupees for extras such as drinks, hot showers, charging and tips, as ATMs are rare along the trails.
