License No: 237321/076/077

Trekadviser
Before You Climb

Trekking & Summit Packing List

Everything you need for a Himalayan peak or expedition — from base-camp layers to the summit-day down suit and climbing hardware.

See the Summit Kit

Packing Guide

What to Pack for a Himalayan Climb

Climbing above base camp asks more of your kit than a teahouse trek. On summit day you are dressed head to toe in layers built for freezing wind, and every piece has a job.

This list starts with what you wear, from helmet to crampons, then covers the documents, toiletries, medicines and small items that keep the rest of the expedition running smoothly.

Trekadviser tip: Try every layer on together before you fly — boots, gloves, harness and down suit should all fit over one another.

Summit Kit

Dressed for the Summit

Layer by layer, from helmet to crampons — what you wear above base camp, mapped onto a full summit suit.

Summit suit

Upper Body: Head / Ears / Eyes

  • Sun Cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Wool / Fleece Hat
  • Balaclava
  • Hand Warmer
  • Neck Gaiter / High Neck
  • Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves
  • Wind Stopper Fleece Gloves
  • Summit Gloves – Heavy (Mitten)
  • Head Torch & Spare Batteries
  • Earmuffs / Plugs

Core Body

  • Short Sleeved Shirts / T-shirts
  • Lightweight Top / Therma Coat
  • Midweight Top
  • Heavyweight Top
  • Synthetic or Fleece Jacket
  • Down Insulated Jacket
  • Windproof Jacket
  • Gore-Tex Jacket

Technical Devices / Climbing Gears

  • Climbing Helmet
  • Headlamp with Spare Batteries
  • Summit Down Suits
  • Ice Axe (Semi-technical)
  • Harness
  • Carabiners (Lock & Unlock)
  • Ascenders / Jumar
  • Belay Device (ATC / Figure 8)
  • Assistant Rope
  • Tape Sling
  • Ice Screw
  • Summit Boot / Alpine Boot
  • Crampons
  • Sleeping Bag: -30°C to -40°C
  • Thermarest Inflatable Mattress
  • Thermarest Cell Foam Mattress
  • Sun / Glacier Glasses (UV)
  • Snow Goggle (UV Protection)
  • Extendable Trekking Poles

Lower Body – Legs

  • Undergarments
  • Lightweight Long Underpants
  • Midweight Long Underpants
  • Heavyweight Long Underpants
  • Trekking Pants
  • Down / Synthetic Insulated Pants
  • Gore-Tex Pants

Feet

  • Thin & Thick Good Quality Socks
  • Summit Socks
  • Comfortable Hiking Boots
  • Spare Boot Laces
  • Lightweight Slipper / Lodge Shoes
  • Half a Dozen Clothes Pegs
  • Safety Pins

Everything Else

Base Camp Checklist

Documents, toiletries, medicines and the small things that keep an expedition running smoothly.

Travel Documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Passport Size Photos (3 copies)
  • Durable Wallet / Pouch
  • Credit Card
  • Insurance Papers with Contacts
  • Family / Company Contact Details
  • Visa Fees in USD or Euro

General

  • Warm Sleeping Bag (up to -15°C)
  • Duffel / Rucksack (55 to 70 L)
  • Daypack (25 to 40 L)
  • Walking Poles
  • Water Purification Kit

Toiletry Kit

  • Hand Disinfectant
  • Wet Tissue / Tissue Paper
  • Towel
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Shampoo
  • Lip Guard
  • Sun Block Cream
  • Soap / Hand Wash Liquids
  • Garbage Bag

Medicines & First Aid Kits

  • Paracetamol (Headache & Fever)
  • Ibuprofen (Aches & Pains)
  • Burnt Cream
  • Imodium / Pepto-Bismol
  • Antibiotics (as prescribed)
  • Blister Treatments (moleskin, band-aids)

Miscellaneous

  • Pocket Knife
  • Umbrella / Raincoat
  • Snack Foods & Energy Bars
  • Books, Cards, MP3 Player
  • Travel Diary & Pen
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Neck Warmer
  • Wet Wipes
  • String / Para-cord (12 feet)

Good to Know

A few notes before you pack

  • We provide all the necessary technical climbing gears, already included in the price.
  • The listed items are a general guideline — add or adjust as per your own needs and availability.
  • Most gear like sleeping bags or trekking poles can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Let us know if you wish to rent.
  • Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription medicine sometimes used to prevent or treat altitude sickness. It is not a routine packing item and does not replace gradual acclimatisation — talk to your doctor before your trip about whether it is right for you.

From Trekadviser

Summit Packing Tips

  1. 1

    Layer, don't bulk

    Several thin layers trap more warmth than one thick one, and let you adjust as you climb.

  2. 2

    Test it all together

    Wear your boots, crampons, harness and down suit together before the trip so nothing pinches or fails to fit over the top.

  3. 3

    Protect hands and feet

    Carry spare liner gloves and summit socks in an inner pocket so they stay warm and dry.

  4. 4

    Keep batteries warm

    Cold drains batteries fast — keep your headlamp, phone and spares close to your body.

  5. 5

    Guard your eyes

    Glacier glasses and goggles with UV protection are essential above the snow line.

  6. 6

    Ask your expedition team

    Your final list should match your peak, season and route — we check your gear with you in Kathmandu.

Ready for Your Himalayan Climb?

The right equipment helps you focus on what matters most: the trail, the mountains, the people, and the experience. Our local team can help you understand what you actually need for your chosen route and season.

Contact our team

Want route-specific advice? Get in touch