Trekking to Everest Base Camp was an incredible journey that challenged and stretched me physically and mentally. Coming from sea level, the altitude was no joke! To maximize chances for reaching base camp (yes, some people do not make it), it is important to be prepared by packing appropriately. Here is a list of packing essentials for trekking to Everest Base Camp.
- Sleeping bag. Even if you are staying in a tea house equipped with beds, you will still need a sleeping bag to sleep with for warmth and cleanliness reasons. It gets cold at night, especially in the higher elevations, so make sure to bring a good quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures. I used North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag, and it kept me very warm!
- Layers. It can get quite warm during the day and while you are trekking, but once the sun disappears it gets really cold. To be prepared for these drastic changes in weather, make sure to bring lots of layers to use throughout the day. I found my winter snowboarding clothes to be quite useful on this trip.
- Toiletries. Keep your toiletries to the bare essentials to keep weight down. When packing your toiletries, make sure to keep questioning yourself – “do I absolutely need this?” If you are planning to shower during the trek, make sure to bring a small travel towel and soap/shampoo.
- Baby wipes and hand sanitizers. These were the most useful items on the trip. Just make sure to only bring enough for the trip to keep weight down.
- Toilet paper/pack tissues.
- Sunscreen. It may be cold, but you can still get burned. Make sure to pack sunscreen for the trip, and also chapstick with SPF.
- Head lamp. Some tea houses may not have lights/power in the rooms. You will need a light to get around at night.
- Diamox. Altitude sickness is no joke. Be sure to pack enough Diamox for the trip, even if you do not think you get altitude sickness. You or someone else may end up needing it.
- Small medical kit. You’d never know what would happen during the treks. When I went on the trek, half of my group came down with a really bad viral cold. We ate cold medicine like candy. Be sure to pack a small medical supply kit that includes pain medication, cold medication, stomach medication, cuts/bruises ointment, and bandaids (for blisters and such). Of course always make sure you bring any personal medication with you.
- Vitamins. Make sure you stay healthy on the trip. Don’t get sick!
- Water filter. You can always buy bottled water or ask tea houses to boil water for you for a fee, but cost can add up considering the number of days you will be there. Since supplies are carried on foot or by yak, the higher you go, the more expensive supplies get, including water. If you want to save some money, bringing a water filter will really help. We used only one water filter within my group of 7 people, and it didn’t take too long to pump/filter water every night.
- Snacks. Teahouses offer food and snacks for purchase, but you may also want to bring some snacks while trekking. Energy bars and candy are at the top of my list.
- Hiking gear. Hiking poles (super helpful!), clothes, socks, and boots. Day pack with hydration gear + water bottle.
- Money. Even if you are on a guided tour with porters, you will still need money for incidentals like buying tea/snacks along the way, teahouse services (i.e., showers), Wifi access (yes they provide satellite wifi!), and tips for porters/guides.
- Cameras and chargers. At some teahouses there are power outlets they allow you to use for a fee. If you have cell phones or cameras you may want to bring along chargers to charge at these select teahouses. Even though some teahouses offer power outlets, you may still want to bring along extra batteries and portable chargers just in case. You don’t want to miss the money shot at base camp by running out of juice!
- Small treats for locals. Throughout the trek, you will pass through different villages where locals live and children play. You may also become friends with your guides/porters. Instead of friendship bracelets, bring along small gifts/treats (school supplies, snacks, etc.) for people you may meet along the way.
Been to Everest Base Camp? What else did you pack?