Recommended Packing List – for trekking, climbing, safari and rafting

Certain basic equipment is really important for all type of trekking, climbing or expedition routes. Depending on the area, season, region, and altitude, it is most important that you have the right equipment or else you may feel discomfort or may need to shorten your trip. Nobody wants this to happen! Do you really want that to happen?

To guide you on your packing list for the adventurous tours we have compiled a comprehensive list of necessities. We believe this list will give you a general idea of what to bring including clothing, equipment & gear.

Recommended packing list for Trekking in Nepal

• Backpack/duffel bag – This is to carry your trekking equipment, clothes etc. We, Mosaic Adventure provide a duffel bag with a maximum weight limit of 9-10 kilogram per person.
• Daypack– You will require a small day pack which should be sufficient to carry your important personal stuffs and some equipment for the day. It may include a water bottle, a fleece jacket, gloves, hat, First Aid kit, etc. Porters (if you have hired one or comes with package that you purchased) carry your stuff that is around 9/10 kilograms.
• Shoes – A good pair of trekking shoes / lightweight boots is a must. If you are a female hiker, check out these best hiking boots for women. Waterproof footwear is preferable as you may be walking through some streams or in the snow. It is horrible to walk with soaked shoes in the cold for hours. Plus, it is worst when you have to put on wet shoes in the morning! It is better if you have worn in for some time before starting the trek.
• A pair of spare laces
• Flip flops or sandals to wear around your lodge
• Socks (3-4 pairs). Bring a bottle of body/foot powder and squeeze a generous amount into your socks before you wear them to keep dry and comfy.
• Fleece Jacket: Although during the day temperatures will (hopefully) be very pleasant, the mornings and evenings can be chilly.
• Down Jacket
• Sleeping bag
• A sweater or sweatshirt
• Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Long johns or thermal underwear
• Breathable Underwear 
• T-shirts: A combination of half and long sleeves
• Trousers: Lightweight trousers for lower altitudes, a heavier pair for higher altitudes. Trousers with cargo pockets at the sides and extra pockets are an advantage
• Waterproof over trousers
• Gloves-  waterproof, thermal (thickness depending on your trek)
• Warm hat, and sun hat/cap
• Lip Balm
• Sunglasses- UV resistant, better if covered at the sides (extension from the rims of the specs to the face), if possible, get a case that you can easily hang on your backpack or body.
• Head-torch – LED torches are long-lasting, more white with spare batteries. Electricity is erratic in Nepal and you may have to use a torch when you’re at the tea houses – lighting is not always guaranteed in bedrooms. Sometimes even in alleys of Thamel/Kathmandu.
• Sunscreen – Spf 50
• Water Bottle – mineral water can be bought along the trails but ideally to cut down plastic waste get a 1-liter water bottle.  Boiled water (paid) can be topped up at tea houses. Or, you can use a purifier.
• Basic First Aid kit – plasters, wound dressings, diarrhoea pills (‘Immodium’, ‘Arret’ or similar) if you can persuade your doctor to prescribe a course of Cyproxin do so – it’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic, particularly effective for stomach upsets that have not succumbed to other remedies, painkillers, crepe bandage (for sprains and strains), ‘Deep Heat’ or similar muscle-relaxant cream, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, water purification pills
• A small plastic bottle of antiseptic hand-wash: careful personal hygiene will avoid most stomach disorders.
• Sewing kit – fixes your clothes but will be invaluable if your haversack or daypack tears.
• Toiletries – usual, and wet-wipes. Toilet paper can be bought at most of the tea houses.
• Towel – medium size
• Walking poles – helps you with long climbs and descents, a good tool if you meet a wild or crazy animal too close!
• Waist Pouch – good for cameras and extras batteries while walking. It is a must-have if your trousers don’t have pockets.
• Scarf – good to have when the weather is cool, windy but too hot for a fleece jacket.
• A pack of cards- for some relaxation

If you are planning on doing Everest Base Camp trek then take a look at this detailed and ultimate packing list for Everest Base Camp Trek.

Peak climbing in Nepal [Climbing Part only]

• A duffel bag, canvas or nylon, without a frame (for porters to carry gear).
• Ice-axe:  Choose the appropriate length of it depending on your height. A strap to the axe can be good to get for steeper climbing or when we are on a ridge.
• Crampon: It must be compatible with your boot. It cannot fall off under any circumstances. Make sure that your crampon has anti-snow plates so soft snow can’t ball up below them.
• Harness: Make sure it has adjustable leg slings so you can take it on and off without removing your boots.
• Carabineers: Carry two pear-shaped large Carabineers with proper locking and two without locking.
• Ascender: For ascending on a fixed rope. It eases your ascends.
• Descender: It makes sure you have a good balance as you descend in the snow.
• Plastic shell mountaineering boots with high altitude liners
• 4 season Sleeping bag
• 4 season Down Jacket
• Expedition gaiters
• Neck gaiters
• Heavy shocks to wear over liner shocks.
• Waterproof/windproof shell jacket
• Expedition weight thermal tops
• Waterproof over trousers
• Breathable waterproof hard-shell pants [Zip from top & bottom]
• Shell gloves or mitts

Things that you might want to consider [Optional]

• Climbing Helmet
• Ear Muffs
• Neck Warmer
• Balaclava
• Instant hand warmers
• Anti-theft travel backpack

Jungle Safari

• Day pack
• Long sleeved shirts and trouser (Light dark cotton/breathable clothes, bright clothing is not suitable for jungle walk)
• T-shirts/Vests
• Swimming costumes
• Insect repellent cream
• Flashlight
• Hat/cap/shades/sunscreen
• Necessary toiletries and medicines
• Walking trainers
• Flip flops or sandals
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses/case
• Warm fleece jacket, sweater during winter

Rafting in Nepal

Multi-day trip

• Quality sleeping bag & sleeping pad
• Windproof & waterproof outerwear- jacket & pants (cortex or nylon)
• Fleece jacket/sweater (wool or synthetic only for the winter season)
• Camera equipment with spare batteries
• Pants, shorts
• Cotton underwear
• T-shirts, swimwear
• Lightweight long sleeved shirt
• Toiletries and medicines
• Head torch/flashlight with spare batteries & bulbs
• Water bottle, Flip flops or sandals
• Walking trainers or sneakers
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Socks
• Wet suit / Gloves – Nylon/neoprene or leather gloves for warmth, protection or better grip.

Day trip

• Water bottle
• Sandals or flip flops
• Sunglasses
• Extra pair of full sleeves shirts, t-shirts, and trousers
• River wears, shorts and swimming custom
• Walking shoes: either boots, light hiking or running shoes. For comfort make sure these shoes are already worn.

This list is just a guide. While you are not required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. We suggest you use your experience and the recommended items above to find the best gear for you. Most of the above-mentioned equipment & gears are available for sale or rent (i.e. sleeping bag, down-jacket) at Kathmandu.

While packing you need to consider many factors. Like the season you are planning for the trip, the place you are planning to explore, and the routes you prefer to choose for the trips. Depending on these factors you may need to add or deduct the necessities from your list.

So, before you start packing, decide what, where, and when are you planning for the trip.

And your adventurous tours solely depend on what you carry along the trek route. They are determinants to either make or ruin your trekking. So, while you pack, pack light! Pack wise!

Happy journey!

*Please Note:
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer please pack something to wear over the top of them. Too much exposure can draw the wrong kind of attention especially from males who may get the wrong idea or impression.

With some advance preparation and a list of what to bring, you’ll be on your way to having a safe and enjoyable trip!