The Ultimate List of things to pack for the Everest Base Camp Trek

It is said that pre-COVID, over 40,000 people used to trek to the famous Everest Base Camp during its two peak seasons – Spring (April & May) & Autumn (September & October). One common goal – trek to see the world’s highest peak – Mt. Everest. The Everest base camp is said to be one of the toughest treks that an individual can undertake. Mount Everest Base Camp trek is usually planned and executed by professional trekkers. However, it is open to anyone who has trained enough and is willing to take this gruelling trek. It’ll teach you life lessons such as endurance, persistence, and tolerance, and push you to stretch your mental and physical limits.! 

Make your first-ever Everest Base Camp trek more memorable, safe, and well-prepped with our help! 

If you are an ardent planner like us, then this Mount Everest Base Camp trip planning would be effective if only you had a checklist to help you with the same! 

We got your back! 

Check out this list of items to pack for a fantastic Mount Everest Base Camp trek. 

Double or triple check if you want, as every little thing matters to make your treks as exciting as you want them to be! 

Mount everest base camp trek- Ultimate list of all things to pack to trek to the tip: 

These are some things to think of and pack when planning to go on an adventure to Mount Everest! 

Read carefully and take notes. Or ever better jot down the checklist on your phone or an oldie but a goldie concept – use a notepad.

Let’s get going! 

1. Trekking equipment:

Your base camp in Kathmandu will be your point of departure. There are varieties of trekking gears available for shopping in the Thamel area. However, if you are not a frequent trekker, suggest renting the equipment.

Some of the trekking equipment that you would require for the EBC trek include:

• A rucksack – 70-80 liters (10 kg max per person) (These may be given to the porter)
• A day backpack – 20-30 lts
• A laundry bag – Preferably a light cloth bag to bring back all your laundry from the trek
• A shoe bag – Preferably a light cloth bag to carry your casual shoes.
• A sleeping bag (optional)
• Trekking pole – preferably 2 (poles are useful when climbing down, as it would reduce load on knees and ankles and prevent falling)
• Sunglasses – category 3/4 – polaroid
• Headlight (headlamp- the wearable kind)
• A pee funnel (just for emergency cases)
• Water bottle or Camelbak Pouch
• Hot water bottle 

It’s important to note that you’ll have to use Nepalese currency; therefore, have some money exchanged just to be on the safer side.

The overall trek + equipment (if you are a first-time trekker) can be around Rs 2,00,000 (US$ 2,500+). Read our blog on how to finance your treks.

2. Clothes to wear: 

We will be trekking to the base of Mt Everest. The weather here is extremely cold – it may go to -16 to -20 Degrees at night. Also, sometimes it rains out of the blue too. The winds are usually chilly, and there is snow all around. This means you will have to be well equipped with the right set of clothing for the EBC trek. 

The list below will give you an idea of what to pack to brave any kind of weather change that you may experience during the trek:

• A hat and/or a beanie 
• Neck gaiter
• Merino wool base layer clothing
• Insulation layer made of fleece to wear above the base layer
• Trekking shirts 
• An outer layer which is usually your waterproof jacket 
• Trekking trousers
• Cotton/breathable fabric underwears
• Outer-insulated gloves and woollen inner gloves
• Raincoats or ponchos
• Socks (Cotton sports socks, hiking socks, and Merino wool socks preferably) 
• Hiking Boots
• Hiking sandals (to be used in and around the teahouses so that your feet may relax)

3. Emergency food supplies:

EBC trek is not really a stroll and hence an average trekker would burn a lot of calories. Thus, it is possible for you to feel hungry mid-trek. While we always suggest a heavy breakfast, keeping some emergency food supplies is also advised. Some of these supplies could be:

• Chocolates or toffies (not the dark kind)
• Jellies or packet puddings. 
• Salted Potato Chips
• Energy drinks
• Protein bars

While snacking during the trail is important, we strictly advise that you carry back all snack wrappers and any other plastic/non-biodegradable waste produced during the trek back to the base camp. WE DO NOT SUPPORT LITTERING ON THE TRAIL.

4. First aid kit: 

An emergency first aid kit is a must for any adventurous expedition. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. These are some of the items to pack for your first aid kit. 

• Dettol and cotton pads
• Oximeter. (to test your oxygen levels now and then) 
• Common medication for cold, fever, and headaches
• Medication for motion sickness
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes or baby wipes 
• Bandages and gauze
• Painkillers
• Antiseptic creams 

Please note: Your trek lead/guide will be carrying a basic first kit. However, we recommend you consult your physician about taking your personal prescribed medication on treks.

5. Travel documents: 

It’s essential to have your travel documents on you at all costs. It is advised to keep five copies of each document with you as you may need to deposit them during the trek.

• Tourist visa to Nepal and itinerary of the trip. 
• Your passport
• Driver’s license
• Cash of the country (Nepal currency) 
• Passport size photographs (5 to 10 pictures) 
• International debit card (if any)
• Contact information of tour guides, the trip organizer, and at least 3 trek team members. 

Let’s Get Set Go

So, now that we have discussed what we should pack for the EBC trek, it’s about time to get those bags and get going. Our next set of treks to EBC will start on:

1. 3rd September
2. 17th September
3. 8th October

To know more about the departures, visit here!

It will be a 15-night, 16-day trek, so you can pack accordingly. We understand that you must have many questions, so we have also written a couple of other blogs for you.

You can check out:  

1. How to create your EBC Trek training schedule
2. The best season to go for EBC
3. The level of difficulty of the EBC trek
4. And, of course, the EBC Trek itinerary

And if you have any queries, you know where to ping us!