Nepal Trekking Equipment Checklist

Moisture-wicking merino wool or high-grade synthetic. Never cotton, which holds moisture and chills you.

Breathable merino wool leggings for cold mornings and sleeping at high altitudes.

Polartec 200 or micro-grid fleece for warmth during chilly daytime ascents.

700–800 fill-power hooded down jacket. Essential for cold evenings in unheated teahouses. (Can be rented in Kathmandu for ~$2/day).

Gore-Tex or equivalent (15,000mm+ water column) with hood and underarm ventilation zips.

Stretchy, abrasion-resistant pants that can roll up or zip off into shorts in warm lower valleys.

Lightweight shell pants to slip over hiking trousers during sudden mountain rain or snow flurries.

Broken-in leather or synthetic Gore-Tex boots with rugged Vibram lug soles.

Cushioned, naturally odor-resistant socks (e.g. Darn Tough or Smartwool). Bring 1 heavy pair reserved strictly for sleeping.

Slip-ons or running shoes to let your feet air out in the teahouse dining room after 6 hours on trail.

Keeps snow, scree, and mud out of your boots on high passes (Thorong La, Cho La, Larkya La).

Igloo Himalaya Treks provides a complimentary heavy-duty waterproof expedition duffle bag for our porter team to carry (weight limit 10–12kg).

To carry your daytime essentials: 2L water, rain jacket, fleece, sunblock, camera, passport, and snacks.

Waterproof elastic cover to protect electronics and spare layers during afternoon downpours.

Teahouse rooms are unheated and blankets are limited. (High quality sleeping bags can be rented in Kathmandu for ~$2/day).

Adds 3°C of thermal warmth and keeps your rental sleeping bag clean and fresh.

To pack clothing into waterproof bundles inside your porter duffle.

High altitude UV reflection from snow can cause painful snow-blindness. Must offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Protects scalp, neck, and face during sunny daytime ascents.

Covers ears completely for freezing mornings and night walking.

Crucial protection against the dry, dusty air that causes the infamous "Khumbu cough".

For taking photos and mild chilly mornings.

Windproof, fleece-lined outer gloves for high pass crossings and sub-zero summit mornings.

Reduces knee impact by up to 25% on rocky descents and provides stability on icy trails.

Vital for 4:00 AM summit pushes (Kala Patthar, Poon Hill) and unlit teahouses at night.

Cold temperatures deplete battery life rapidly. A power bank saves on high teahouse charging fees.

Must withstand boiling water. At night, fill with hot water and slide into your sleeping bag as a hot-water bottle!

Chlorine dioxide drops or Aquatabs to avoid single-use plastic bottles on trails.

UV intensity increases by 10-12% for every 1,000m gained. Reapply multiple times daily.

Teahouses do not supply towels. Wet wipes are invaluable for quick hygiene on freezing evenings.