Nepal General Packing List
Notes
- More packing advice >>
- Extra luggage can be left in a locked storage room at your hotel for no charge.
- Valuables can be left in a safe deposit box at your hotel (typically $1/day).
- It's best to leave all jewelry at home.
- Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
- One porter is provided for every two trekkers. The pack that the porters carry is limited to 30 kg (65 pounds). Overweight or extra luggage will require an extra porter at an extra charge, so weigh your luggage ahead of time.
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments, socks
- Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
- Belt
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit (and cover up for women)
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferrably waterproof
- Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
- Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
- Suitcase or duffel (20kg/44lb max for internal flights)
- Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
- Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (ziplocs work)
- Packing cube, compression bag, clear toiletry bag for airplane
- Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
- Duffels can be purchased in Kathmandu for $10-15.
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks (you will not be able to download)
- Video camera, tapes
- Tripod
- Cell phone
- Batteries, chargers
- GPS (for Geocaching)
- Alarm clock
- Calculator (for currency conversion)
- Electricity adapter
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, file, brush
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen
- Bandaids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Throat losenges
- Vitamins
- Diahrea medicine
- Antihistemines
- Ace bandage
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Malaria pills (talk to doctor)
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)
Documents
- Document organizer
- Passport
- Visas for all countries as necessary
- Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
- Copy of AWR travel itinerary
- Medical insurance card
- Address book
- Business cards
- Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks' numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion's luggage and email them to yourself (or Google Docs).
Other
- Sunglasses with straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Notebook, pencil and pen
- Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape
- Matches or lighter
- Clothes line, sink stopper, detergent
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
- Steripen, water filter, iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets
- Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and markets
Kids
- Games, toys, books
- Swim toys
- Gifts for local children
Gifts for Guides, Local People
- Shoes, t-shirts, hats, warm clothing
- Nerf football, frisbees
- Candy, energy bars
- Pens, school supplies
Packing for the flight
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
- Snacks
- Water bottle (empty through security)
- iPod, MP3 player
- Cell phone
- Eye shades, ear plugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
