Everest Base Camp Winter Packing List – What You Actually Need
Trekking to Everest Base Camp in winter is no joke—temperatures can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, and staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key. After doing the trek with my family in December 2024, I’ve put together a no-nonsense packing list based on what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I had.
Weight Limit & Baggage Info
Most trekking companies, including Northern Trekking Team, have a weight limit of 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) per trekker for the duffel bag that porters carry. If you book with Northern Trekking Team, they provide a duffel bag for your gear, so you just need to pack smart!
For your daypack (the one you carry), aim for 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs) max. You’ll be carrying this every single day, so pack only the essentials (layers, water, snacks, camera, first aid, etc.).
Clothing – Layering is Everything
🧥 Base Layers (2-3 sets)
- Merino wool base layers (top & bottom) – Keeps you warm and odor-free.
- One set for hiking, one for sleeping.
🧥 Mid-Layers
- Fleece jacket (I took two) – One for hiking, one for sleeping.
- Insulated vest (optional) – Good for extra warmth.
🧥 Outer Layers
- Down jacket (800-fill or higher) – You’ll live in this at high altitude.
- Waterproof shell (jacket & pants) – Essential for wind and snow protection.
🧥 Trekking Pants (2 pairs)
- Fleece-lined for cold days.
- Lightweight for lower altitudes.
🧦 Socks (4-5 pairs)
- Merino wool – Two for hiking, two for sleeping, one emergency pair.
🧤 Gloves (2 pairs)
- Liner gloves – For mild cold.
- Insulated gloves – For high-altitude trekking and freezing mornings.
🧢 Hats & Buffs
- Warm beanie – Essential for early mornings and nights.
- Buff or face mask – For dust and wind protection.
👖 Sleepwear
- Thermal base layers – Because sleeping bags alone don’t always cut it.
Footwear – Keep Those Toes Warm
🥾 Trekking Boots
- Waterproof, insulated boots (we used Meindl Women’s Wide Boots).
- Make sure they’re broken in before the trek!
🥾 Camp Shoes
- Lightweight sneakers or Crocs – You’ll want something comfy after hiking.
Sleeping Gear – Stay Warm at Night
🛏️ Sleeping Bag
- -20°C (-4°F) rating – Don’t skimp on this. The teahouses get COLD.
🛏️ Sleeping Bag Liner
- Adds warmth and keeps your bag clean.
🔥 Hot Water Bottles (LIFE CHANGER!)
- Fill it up at night, throw it in your sleeping bag, and stay warm all night.
- We brought four and never regretted it.
Gear & Accessories
🎒 Daypack (30-40L)
- Carries your essentials (snacks, layers, first aid, etc.).
- Osprey Tempest 40L would have been my pick—learned that the hard way.
👜 Duffel Bag (for porters)
- Usually around 80-100L – Carried by porters, you won’t access this during the day.
- We bought LEKI poles in Thamel for $10 each—totally worth it!
- Helped save our knees on those long descents.
🔦 Headlamp (MUST-HAVE!)
- For dark mornings and power outages in teahouses.
- Bring extra batteries.
🔋 Power Banks (2-3 recommended)
- 10,000mAh per person – Phones drain FAST in the cold.
- One large 12V power bank – Powered our heating pads and charged everything else.
Hydration & Nutrition
💧 Water Bottles (2-3 per person)
- Joypur 1L Filtered Bottle – Great for refilling on the trail.
- Contigo Thermal Mug – Kept our tea warm for hours.
💊 Electrolytes
- A must to stay hydrated and prevent altitude headaches.
🥜 Snacks
- Protein bars, trail mix, chocolate.
Toiletries & Medical Kit
🚽 Toilet Paper (BYO!)
- None provided at teahouses—get a few rolls in Lukla.
🧼 Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
- Showers are available, but the water temperature varies as they are powered by solar energy.
- Blister plasters, altitude sickness meds (Diamox), ibuprofen.
Extras That Made a Difference
🛏️ Heating Pads
- Lifesaver for cold teahouse nights.
👂 Earplugs
- Teahouse walls are paper-thin. You’ll thank me later.
📷 GoPro or Camera
- Because you’ll want to remember this.
Final Thoughts
Packing for EBC in winter isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about staying comfortable, prepared, and smart with your gear choices. If I could do it again, I’d stick with this list and not skimp on the essentials.
Have questions about trekking in winter? Drop a comment or DM me!