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What to Pack for Your Trek

Being well-prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable journey through the Himalayas. Below is a detailed list of recommended items for your trek. Most gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu if needed, but it's best to bring tried-and-tested personal essentials with you.

Clothing
  • 2 long-sleeve tops made of moisture-wicking fabric
  • 1 short-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt
  • Insulated fleece or down jacket for warmth
  • Waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex preferred)
  • Windproof layer and rain poncho
  • Fleece pants, 2 trekking trousers, 1 pair hiking shorts, waterproof over-pants
  • 10 pairs of hiking socks, 1 pair of thermal socks
  • 2 sets of thermal underwear, 10 pairs of underwear
  • Sturdy hiking boots (broken in) and light camp shoes
  • Glove liners, insulated gloves or mittens
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, warm hat that covers ears, neck gaiter or bandana
  • Optional: sweatshirt, sock liners, gaiters (especially Dec–Feb)
Trekking Gear & Essentials
  • One large duffle bag for porter (max 20 kg for couple or two trekkers)
  • 40L daypack with rain cover
  • Refillable water bottles or hydration bladder
  • Sleeping bag rated to at least -18°C (available for rent)
  • Trekking poles, headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • Water purification system (filter, tablets, or UV pen)
  • Drybags, stuff sacks, travel pillow or case
  • Camera, extra batteries, SD cards
  • Small padlocks for bags
Snacks & Hydration
  • High-energy snacks (bars, trail mix, dried fruit)
  • Electrolyte powders or hydration tablets
  • Thermos (optional for hot drinks on cold days)
Health & Hygiene
  • Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper, wet wipes, quick-dry towel
  • First-aid items: pain relievers, Diamox, personal medications
  • Antibiotics for travel-related illness (e.g., Cipro), blister care supplies
  • Deodorant, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, razor
  • Hand sanitizer, anti-chafing cream, diaper rash cream
  • Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
  • Earplugs for noisy lodges, face cream, hairbrush/ties
Optional Items
  • Solar charger or power bank
  • Journal and pen, book, or card game for downtime
Documents & Travel Essentials
  • Valid passport (needed at trek check-ins)
  • Visa on arrival in Kathmandu ($30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days – USD)
  • Cash ($200–$300 recommended; trail ATMs are unreliable)
  • Passport photo (sometimes needed for Annapurna permit)
  • Travel insurance (must include high-altitude coverage)

Trekking Permits

Trekking in Nepal requires official permits, which vary depending on the region you're exploring. Our team will handle all the necessary paperwork for you, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure without the hassle.

For popular routes like Everest Base Camp, you’ll need two main permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. These are checked at various checkpoints along the trail.

For the Annapurna region, trekkers are required to carry the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. Similar rules apply in other regions such as Langtang, Manaslu, and Mustang—with specific permits for each.

All permits require a copy of your passport and a few passport-sized photos. We’ll guide you through the entire process to ensure everything is arranged before your trek begins.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all participants joining our treks. It ensures peace of mind and financial protection should unexpected situations arise during your journey. Your policy must specifically include coverage for high-altitude trekking and offer protection against the unique risks of traveling in the Himalayas.

At a minimum, your policy should cover the following:

  • Emergency helicopter evacuation up to at least 6,000 meters
  • Medical treatment and hospitalization while in Nepal
  • Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
  • Personal liability coverage

Many standard travel insurance policies only cover evacuation up to 4,000 meters. Since most treks—including Everest Base Camp—go well beyond this altitude, be sure your coverage extends to 6,000 meters. If your itinerary involves any climbing or technical ascents, ensure your provider covers "climbing" or "mountaineering" as an activity.

Some providers may require you to pay for emergency services like helicopter evacuations or hospital visits upfront, reimbursing you later. As these services can cost several thousand dollars, we strongly recommend checking whether your insurer offers direct billing options in Nepal.

You only need coverage for the days you'll be actively trekking. To avoid misunderstandings, it's best to contact your insurance provider before departure to confirm your policy details. While Above & Beyond Trekking doesn’t endorse specific insurers, we're happy to offer guidance or share what past trekkers have used successfully.

Fitness Training for Your Trek

Preparing your body for the physical demands of trekking in the Himalayas is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. While trekking to Everest Base Camp and other high-altitude destinations doesn’t require mountaineering experience, it does demand a good level of cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength.

We recommend starting your fitness training at least 6-8 weeks before your trek. The goal is to improve your endurance, strength, and overall conditioning so that your body can handle the challenges of long days on rugged terrain and at high altitudes.

Recommended Training Plan
  • Cardio Workouts: Aim for at least 3-4 cardio sessions per week. Activities like brisk walking, hiking, cycling, running, or swimming will build stamina and improve your cardiovascular health. Include uphill walks or stair climbing to mimic the uphill sections of the trek.
  • Leg Strength: Focus on building leg strength with exercises like lunges, squats, step-ups, and calf raises. These exercises help prepare your muscles for the constant uphill and downhill movements you'll encounter on the trail.
  • Endurance Hikes: Try to incorporate longer hikes into your training, ideally on uneven or hilly terrain. Carry a loaded backpack to simulate the weight you'll be carrying on the trek.
  • Flexibility and Balance: Yoga or stretching routines will help improve flexibility, balance, and recovery, especially after long, strenuous days on the trail.
  • Core Strength: A strong core helps with stability and posture, particularly on uneven trails. Incorporate planks, leg raises, and other core exercises into your routine.

Don’t forget to rest and allow your body to recover. A well-rested body performs better and is less likely to suffer injuries. If you’re new to exercising, start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overtraining.

On the trek itself, your guides will ensure a steady pace, allowing you to acclimatize properly and avoid pushing your limits too quickly. But being in good physical shape beforehand will make your experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.