My Ultimate Packing List and Advice for Everest Base Camp Trek

My Ultimate Packing List and Advice for Everest Base Camp Trek

06 Mar 2020 / Linus Lin

51

These are the items I prepared and brought along for my Everest Base Camp trek. Those items which I did not use eventually were marks as "-was unused".

Equipment to buy in KTM
Sleeping Bag rental US$1 per day (-5 degree) - was unused
Water purification tablets (portable aqua) US$3 per 100L
N-Cell Sim card - buy at Thamel
Everest Link Internet - Buy along the trek once N-cell lost signal

Clothings (Trekking Top)
1x Winter jacket (High Altitude)
1x Puma windbreaker (Mid Altitude)
1x Windbraker with hood (Low Altitude)
2x Breathable Base Layer (XL and 2XL)
2x thin inner layer shirt (Low Altitude)
2x Dry fit short sleeve (Once back to Starting point)

Clothings (Trekking Bottom)
1x Long pants (detachable to short pant)
2x Fleece Base layer pants (XL, 2XL)
5x sports underwear

Clothings (Sleeping & Acclimatization Day)
2x cotton long sleeve (for sleeping)
1x thin track pant (for sleeping)
1 pair Sandals
2x Cotton underwear
1x shorts

Clothings (Trekking Foot)
4x woolen socks (normal trek) - used only 3
2x thermal socks (EBC final push)
1 pair High ankle shoes
1 pair Snow Gaiter (ankle high) - Was unused

Clothings (Others)
1x Neck Gaiter
1x Inner Glove
1x Thick glove
1x Beanie
1x cap
1x Ear muffle

Technology
1x File transfer cable from phone to USB drive
1x Large USB Drive 128MB
1x Solar Panel 21W
1x Head torch with spare batt
1x Anemometer
3x power bank fully charged
1x OnMove GPS Fitness Tracker
1x Oximeter
1x Ipod mini
1x wired earpiece
1x Fully Charged wireless earpiece
5 AAA spare battery - was unused
3 AA spare battery - was unused
Waterproof zip lock bags for electronic items

Personal Medication/Safety/Hygiene
1x Face Mask - was unused
3x Malaria Pills
1x Diamox - was unused
1x Nivea Hydration cream - was unused
1x Prickly Heat Powder
1x Shoe Glue - was unused
1x Sunglasses
1 roll Toilet paper
3x Panadol with flu/cold/cough - was unsued
1x Charcoal Pill - was unsued
1x Deep Heating rub- was unused
Some Plasters - was unsued
1x Knee Guard - was unsued
Basic Mobile First Aid Kit - was unused
1x Sun screen (SPF 50) UV protection - was unused
32 sheets Baby wipes
1 pair trekking pole 
1 roll Blister tape - was unused
10x Warmer Pack (Small)
10x Warmer Pack (Large)
1x scissors
Thermometer

Administration
5x Photocopy of passport
4x Passport Photo (2 for Sim card)
1x Cash pouch
Enough Cash (See below for detail)
Passport (with at least 6 month validity)
Visa Application paper
Hotel Voucher
Online Research Notes

Personal Nutrition
750g ice milo 'peng' powder - (to make 4.3 Litre worth) - used half
48x Pocarri sweat (9.6 litre) - used half
24x Energy bar - was unused
3x 1L empty water bottle - used only 2

For Fun
mini SG pin

Toiletries
1x quick dry (Micro fibre) trekking towel
3x small shampoo packet
3x small body wash packet
1x Shaver
1x toothbrush
1x toothpaste

Others
1x Haversack (red)
1x Inflatable neck sleeper
1x pocket size sleeping bag linear (to be used together with the rented sleeping bag) - was unsued
1x Small Alarm clock
1x 90L Duffle bag
1x Lock for Duffle bag
2x key for Duffle Bag lock
10x plastic bags for packing

From my personal experience, here are my comments on these items I brought with me.

Regarding trekking clothing (top):

Early in the morning, it will be very cold. But after trekking for about 30min and as the sunshine beats on you, it will become warm, even though the atmospheric temperature is about 5 degree. This is because your body absorbs the  radiation from the Sun. So it is most advisable to only wear black or dark coloured outer layer to maximise the heat absorption from the sunshine.

I was able to survive with just a thin long sleeve breathable layer till about 3500m in altitude during the trekking. Beyond that altitude, I wore double layer. It was only after the 5000m mark, that I wore the thick winter jacket.

I wore the same thin long sleeve (breathable material) for 3 - 4 consecutive days before changing to another one. Once I arrived at a guest house for the night, I will change to my sleeping clothing and air dry the trekking clothing. 

Regarding night resting:

After I ended the day-long trek and arrived at the guest house, I did not shower for fear that I may catch a cold or fall sick. Baby Wipes became very crucial for me. I was able to use 4 packs of 8 pieces each for 10 nights to wipe areas like face, neck, arm pit, groin area and feet. Each night, I only allow myself to use 3 pieces of baby wipes to 'clean' myself. Then I will change into my 'sleeping clothing' which is made of cotton (for comfort) and an outer windbreaker. I wore the same 'sleeping clothing' throughout the whole 12-days because it is unlikely to sweat at all in the cold while resting. I also used 'snake powder' otherwise known as Prickly Heat powder at my neck, arm pit, groin and feet for added comfort and killing bacteria.

Disposal warming pack was a life saver for me. Because in November, the indoor temperature at the sleeping area can go down to -5 to -15 degree. I slept using 2 thick blankets (provided by the guest house) and also 2 warming pack for both of hands. I will sleep with my beanie to keep my head warm. Throughout the night, I used my Oximeter to check my oxygen saturation in my blood because at resting pulse rate, I realised that at times, the oxygen level in my blood went down to below 80%. So I have to do artificial panting to maintain the oxygen level to higher than 85% or 90% after some time, my body will adapt.

Instead of slippers, bring a pair of sandals and wear it at the guest house and also your mini venture in the various villages. These mountain villages are on slopes also. So its easier to move around with a comfortable pair of sandals. 

Sleep is very important. I made sure that I have at least 10 - 12 hours of sleep every night. 

Regarding trekking clothing (bottom)

I wore 3 layers through the trek: underwear, long inner layer, long outer layer. I used all breathable material which I strongly recommend. I wore the same trekking underwear (breathable material) for 3 days before changing to a new one. I wore the same cotton underwear for 5 nights before changing to a new one. I wore the same sleeping socks for all 11 nights. I wore the same trekking socks for 3 days before changing to a new one. This is why I keep emphasizing 'breathable material'. So that they can dry quickly at night.  

Always make sure you have 1 pair of thermal socks for the final EBC push because the temperature may go way below 0 degree and with sweat, the socks may freeze.

Some other comments:

1) Sleeping bag - I brought it along and totally did not use it because its off peak season so guest houses have extra blankets. So I used 2 thick blankets instead of the sleeping bag.

2) Water purification Tablet - It cost US$3 to buy enough tablets for 100 litres of water. Its way cheaper than using portable filters. I did not fall sick at all using the tablets. Just make sure only drink the water after the tablet is added into the water for 30 minutes.

It was advisable to drink 6 litres of water a day. For me, I carry with me 2 litres of water in 2x 1L water bottle during the daily trekking duration. One bottle is filled with clear water and the other, I added rehydration salt to the water. I brought along my own Milo powder (those type that can mix well with cold water, known as Milo 'Peng') in separate dry bottle and at times, I will add the powder into the clear water to make into milo drink. (I call it 'Happy Drink' because the going can be tough, so needed such morale booster at times). Before the daily trek starts, I drink 0.5 litre of water and after the trek ends, I drink another 0.5 litre.

So for me, I was able to survive well with about 3 litres of water daily (excluding the soupy food I ate for my meals and occasional fizzy drinks I bought during meal time. I drink fizzy drinks 3 or 4 times during the 12-day trek).

3) Sim Card - I bought N-cell Sim card which gave me internet access till about 4000m. After that, I had to buy 'Everest Link' at the guest house to continue to be connected online.

4) Money - My 14-day solo-climber package with a guide cost me US$1080 (all inclusive) in November 2019, just after the peak season.

I paid another US$50 for my visa-on-arrival. (Note that you need to register online within 2 weeks before arrival at Kathmandu Airport) This is paid on arrival at the airport. Also note that if you stay in Nepal for 15 days, its only US$30 for visa. I didn't know about this and bought my flight to stay at Nepal for 16 days... thus US$50 for me. The counter staff looked surprised when she saw that I am staying in Nepal for 16 days.

I paid US$440 for my 2-way flight from Singapore to New Delhi and transit from there to Kathmandu on India Air.
(Note that Flight Delay is very frequent. 3 of my 4 flights were delayed by about 1 hour or more. But I learnt that if you transit with the same airline, the 2nd flight will wait for you if your 1st flight is delayed. If its different airline, then if you 1st flight is delayed, the 2nd flight won't wait for you. So I suggest buying both flight from the same airline). Also note that Airport WIFI at New Delhi airport were not working when I was there for both transits. And you can check whether your flight is delayed by entering the flight number in Google.com and it will show you.

I spent another US$80 for 3 extra night hotel.

I spent no more than US$280 on my personal expense during the trek and also 3 extra days after the trek for my own
travelling expenses.

All in all, I spent no more than US$1880 for these 16 days stay in Nepal.

5) Glove - Have 2 layers. The inner Skin layer and the outer thick layer. I used only the inner layer for altitude up till 4500m and then double layer after 4500m.

6) Camera and storage - I only depend on my Samsung S7 Smart phone for photo and video taking. So I brought a  128GB USB drive and an adapter to back up the photo and video along the way. My phone has a 256GB Mini SD Card
inserted also. More than enough storage capacity for me this way.

7) Solar Panel - My 21W panel was able to meet about 90% of my energy need. I still depended on the guest house's
power supply at times to charge my power bank.

8) Oximeter - ITS A MUST!!! Especially for Singaporeans who live all our lives at the sea level. 5364m EBC altitude is not easy for us and we have a higher chance for altitude sickness, especially beyond 4500m. The device will let us know our oxygen level and help us detect possible High Attitude sickness.

9) Diamox - Eventually, I was able to reach EBC (5364m) without taking this pill. I am confident partly because I have ever been to 4000m altitude before in Malaysia without having High Altitude Sickness and also my Oximeter reading gave me some confidence. If EBC is your 1st high altitude trek, I suggest you just take the pill to play safe. But do note that once you are on this pill, you will tend to need to urinate frequently.

10) Toilet Paper - Lucky I brought this. There is no toilet paper in any toilet. AND using water to clean your bottom is VERY cold on the mountain (The water even froze on some morning and I can't get water from the tap to brush my teeth). Oh and remember don't flush the toilet paper down the toilet. Throw them in the bin beside. If not, we may jam up the pipes.

11) Sun Screen - I didn't use it at all because throughout the trek, my whole body is covered by clothing, sun glasses, neck gaiter, glove and so on. (I thought I look like a Ninja...)

12) Trekking pole - Invest in a really good one. Those that has 3 sections and secured by twisting.

13) Warmer Pack - After you buy it, please open up and try one first and see if it works. One of my warmer packet of  10 pieces was not working. Also, read the instruction carefully. There is specific ways for it to work like only shake them in your pocket and not shake it while exposed to surrounding air.

14) Re-hydration powder - I used Pocarri Sweat. Its quite good and can mask the slight unpleasant taste of tablet-  purified water.

15) Energy bar - Turns out to be weight waster. I didn't eat a single one of them. This is because, my Milo powder was already good enough for energy boost and during the tiring trek, I had no appetite at all for dry solid food. I brought 24 bars up and brought 24 down. In the end, I gave all to my guide as a gift at the end of the expedition =)

16) Quick Dry micro-fibre towel - Its really good. Although it feels uncomfortable to use it, it dries really fast and no foul smell also.

17) High Ankle Snow Gaiter - Turns out to be another weight waster. It was not used because there wasn't any snow during the trek. And those small rocks and fine sand that enters the boots does not cause much discomfort also.

18) High Ankle trekking boot - Its really important to have high ankle ones rather than low ankle ones. The trekking route has lots of peddles on the slope. So its easy to slip and fall if we are not careful. My high ankle boots save me from twisting my ankle on at least 4 occasions.

19) Weight Limit - Internal 2-way flight between Kathmandu and Lukla only allow 10kg check-in luggage per pax and a small hand carry bag. I brought along 17.6kg and bought some supply in Kathmandu before the flight to Lukla. I ended up needing to leave some stuff at Kathmandu and go on the trek without them and collect them back after the trek. My guide's bag was pretty light. So he was able to help me carry about 5kg of load while I carry my own 10kg load. So do factor in this weight limit if you do not wish to pay a hefty penalty at the airport.

20) Small Shampoo and Body Wash Packets - I was lucky to have brought them along because guest houses do not provide any. I did not bath throughout the trek and only took warm shower when I arrived back to Lukla after the 12-day trek and was surprised that no toiletries was provided in the shower room of the guest house. 

21) Small alarm clock - I brought this that run on AA size battery because I wanted to preserve my phone battery when I was sleeping. So I do not want to use my phone as an alarm clock. 

22) 90L Duffle bag - I decided to leave this at Kathmandu to save some weight. I basically packed all my things in various plastic bags and squeeze them into my haversack and also my guide's haversack. 

23) Plastic bags - A good way to pack our trekking things is to categorize our things in various plastic bags. For example, all sleeping clothing in 1 plastic bag, all trekking clothing in 1 plastic bag, all toiletries in 1 plastic bag, all technological items in 1 plastic bag and so on. Once you arrived at your guest house, you can easily remove all the plastic bags from your haversack and you can easily find your stuff this way. 

These are some packing tips I have an hope it helps you in your next trip to the Himalaya!

Feel free to message me if you have any question! I am glad to help.

If you are looking for guide for your trek in Nepal, I can recommend you my guide and you can check the latest price  with him.

He is very trustworthy and helpful too!