Two rules underpin everything below. Keep your daypack under 10kg, because you carry it every hour of every day. And keep your porter's load under 25kg, which is our hard limit and the reason we ask for a duffel rather than a suitcase.
Footwear
Trekking boots with ankle support, already broken in — this is the single most common cause of a ruined trek. Trail shoes or sandals for the evenings. Three to four pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks. Gaiters for high or snowy routes.
Layers
- Thermal base layers, top and bottom, wool or synthetic — never cotton
- Two trekking shirts and one fleece or soft-shell mid layer
- A down jacket. Essential above 4,000m and hireable in Thamel
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell, jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers plus one warm pair for evenings
- Warm hat, sun hat, buff, liner gloves and insulated outer gloves
Sleeping
A sleeping bag rated to -15°C for high-altitude routes. Teahouses supply blankets, but supply is limited on cold nights and unreliable above 4,000m. A silk liner adds warmth and keeps the bag clean. Bags can be hired in Kathmandu.
Sun, water and health
The sun at 5,000m is genuinely dangerous. SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm and category 3 or 4 UV sunglasses are not optional. Carry a reusable bottle with a filter or purification tablets — cheaper than buying bottled water, and it keeps plastic off the trail. Bring your personal medications, blister plasters, rehydration salts and any Diamox your doctor has prescribed. Your guide carries the group first aid kit and a pulse oximeter.
The rest
Trekking poles (they save your knees on descents like Ulleri), a headlamp with spare batteries, a power bank — charging is a paid extra and often unavailable, a quick-dry towel, wet wipes, and a small padlock for teahouse rooms.
What we provide
A duffel bag, a trekking map and a company T-shirt, plus first aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide. What you buy on the trail: hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and bottled drinks.
Hire it in Thamel
Down jackets, sleeping bags, poles, gaiters and microspikes are all available to rent or buy in Kathmandu at a fraction of home prices. Boots are the exception — never trek in boots you have not worn in.
We send a route-specific version of this list with every booking confirmation. Winter departures on the Mardi Himal Trek and any high-pass route need microspikes added.
