What to Pack for Nepal

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable shirts (good for warm days in Kathmandu/lowlands)
• Long-sleeve shirt (sun protection and temple visits)
• Convertible or quick-dry pants (useful for travel and hiking)
• Warm base layers (essential for mountain areas and cool nights)
• Fleece or light puffy jacket (for evenings and higher elevations)
• Waterproof shell or rain jacket (especially for monsoon season Jun-Sep)
• Comfortable socks, including a few wool pairs (better for trekking)
• Sleepwear (can get chilly in tea houses and mountain lodges)

Footwear

• Broken-in walking shoes (for city streets and day trips)
• Hiking boots or trail shoes (if trekking)
• Sandals or slip-ons (for relaxed days and showers)
• Warm socks for trekking/altitude (keeps feet dry and warm)
• Gaiters (helpful on dusty trails or in rain/mud)
• Spare insoles or blister protection (long walking days)

Toiletries & Health

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (high UV, especially at altitude)
• Lip balm with SPF (dry mountain air)
• Hand sanitizer (useful where water access is limited)
• Wet wipes or biodegradable wipes (backup for remote areas)
• Personal medications in original packaging (carry enough for the trip)
• Altitude sickness meds if prescribed (for trekking above 3,000 m)
• Basic first-aid kit (blister pads, bandages, antiseptic)
• Rehydration salts (helpful for heat, trekking, or stomach upset)
• Insect repellent (important in warmer Terai areas)
• Toilet paper/tissues (not always provided)

Electronics & Gear

• Universal travel adapter for Nepal (Type C, D, and M plugs may appear)
• Power bank (frequent power cuts in some areas)
• Phone and charging cable (for navigation and local apps)
• Headlamp or flashlight (very useful during outages and treks)
• Camera or action cam (for landscapes and trekking)
• Small daypack (for hikes, temple visits, and city outings)
• Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets (safer on the go)
• Trekking poles (recommended for mountain trails)
• Dry bags or zip pouches (protect gear in monsoon or dusty conditions)
• Offline maps app downloaded (cell coverage can be spotty in remote areas)

Documents & Money

• Passport valid for at least 6 months (required for entry)
• Visa documents or visa-on-arrival cash/requirements (check current rules)
• Travel insurance policy details (strongly recommended for trekking)
• Copies of passport and visa (paper and digital)
• Cash in small denominations (handy for taxis, tea houses, and tips)
• Debit/credit cards (ATMs available in cities, less so in remote areas)
• Emergency contacts list (including embassy and insurance)
• Trekking permits if arranged in advance (for restricted areas)
• Passport photos (useful for permits and paperwork)
• Proof of onward travel (may be requested)

Nepal-Specific Essentials

• Modest clothing for temples and monasteries (shoulders and knees covered)
• Scarf or shawl (easy cover-up for sacred sites and chilly evenings)
• Type C/D/M plug compatibility check (Nepal uses mixed plug types)
• Local SIM plan info (Ncell and Nepal Telecom are common options)
• Monsoon gear: packable rain poncho or umbrella (Jun-Sep, especially in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
• Dust mask or buff (helpful in city pollution and dusty roads)
• Trekking permit wallet or neck pouch (to keep permits accessible on trails)
• Water purification solution (safer for tap/refill water in remote areas)
• Small gift/snacks from home (optional for remote homestays/teahouses, if appropriate)