What to pack for your Nepal holiday
Packing is one of the least enjoyable parts of going on holiday (although unpacking at the end is even worse!), and packing for a visit to Nepal can be especially tricky. With such a range of altitudes, temperatures and activities, you’ll need more than just a few t-shirts and some swimwear.
Of course, you should always be aware of the season you’re travelling in since the weather can vary greatly throughout the year. However, weird weather is nothing new for Nepal, so expect the unexpected.
Through our experience and local recommendations, we’ve compiled a Nepal packing list to help you fill your luggage with useful things, so you’re not caught short during your Nepalese adventure.
P.S. Many of these things can be purchased locally in Nepal, especially in the shops of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Watch out for fakes though, especially with trekking equipment.
Documents
- Flight info
- Insurance info
- Passport and extra passport photos
- Pre-arranged visas or medical certificates
- Hotel or tour booking vouchers
- Photocopies of all of the above!
- Money
Equipment
- Day backpack
- Face masks
- Rubber gloves
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
- Unlocked mobile handset
- Personal entertainment (books, tablets etc.)
- Insect repellant
- First aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Plug adaptors (Nepal mostly uses types C and D)
- Refillable water bottle (with a filter or purification tablets)
- Earplugs
- Sunscreen
- Eco-friendly toiletries
- Money Belt
- Torch
- Alarm clock
- Small padlocks for bags
- Small towel
- A pen (for filling in documents)
- Personal medical items
Clothing (without trekking)
- Lots of layers! Think thin long-sleeve tops and sweaters
- Thermal tops and trousers, especially in winter
- Warm gloves and hats
- Lighter clothing for summer (nothing revealing though, you’re in Nepal!)
- Sunglasses and a sun hat
- Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
- Thick socks
- Comfortable shoes or trainers
- Windproof rain jacket
- Sleeping clothes
- Underwear (we probably don’t need to tell you that….)
If you’re trekking
- Hiking boots (preferably worn in)
- Spare laces
- Wool hiking socks
- Thermal layers
- Warm jacket or coat
- Waterproof gloves
- Windproof rain gear
- Sleeping bag (can be rented for 100 – 200 NPR per day)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Bandana
- Waterproof backpack cover
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Compass
- Trail snacks (can be bought locally)
P.S. The best clothing for trekking is either wool or synthetic materials in layers, as this is quick-drying and can keep heat in better. We suggest a base-layer, then a mid-layer such as a light fleece jacket or similar, then a windproof and waterproof layer.
