Horizon Global Travel understands that preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable Himalayan trekking experience. Having the right gear ensures your comfort and safety as you ascend to higher altitudes and encounter changing weather conditions. Our advice: pack light, but pack smart. This will allow you to move freely, stay warm, and make the most of Nepal’s stunning landscapes without being burdened by unnecessary weight. Below is a list of essential clothing and equipment we recommend you bring for your trek.

Head and Hat Gear

• Sun Hat
  Lightweight hat with a wide brim or visor for sun protection.

• Wool or Fleece Hat
  Warm and snug-fitting; essential for cold mornings and evenings.

• Balaclava
  Should be thin enough to wear under a fleece or wool hat, yet thick enough to wear alone.
  Especially useful above 5,000m where winds can be strong and icy.

• Neckband / Buff
  Versatile and lightweight—can be used as a scarf, facemask, or headband. Helps with warmth and keeps hair out of your face.

• Windstopper Fleece Gloves
  Any brand of windproof fleece gloves for daily trekking in cool conditions.

• Mittens with Pile Liners
  Thick and warm—ideal for cold evenings or light climbing in higher elevations.

Footwear

• Running Shoes
  Ideal for travel days and easy walking around towns or campsites.

• Hiking Boots
  Should be warm, durable, and fit well with both light and heavy socks. Prioritize fit over brand.
  Recommended brands: Asolo, Merrell, Scarpa, La Sportiva

• Gaiters
  Short, simple gaiters such as Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters are best for general trekking.
  Gore-Tex gaiters are recommended for winter trekking and climbing.

• Sport Sandals
  Comfortable for wearing in camp or around lodges during the evening.

• Lightweight Socks
  Bring several pairs of synthetic or wool-blend trekking socks

• Heavyweight Socks
  A few pairs of warm, thick synthetic or wool-blend socks for cold conditions

Clothing Layers

Base Layers

• Lightweight Long Underwear (Top & Bottom)
  Ideal for lower elevations or as a base layer in milder conditions.

• Midweight Long Underwear (Top & Bottom)
  Zip T-neck tops are recommended.
  Tip: Choose light-colored tops—they stay cooler in sunlight but are just as warm when layered.

• Briefs / Underwear (4 pairs)
  Synthetic or cotton preferred. Running shorts can also work well.

Shirts

• Short-Sleeved Shirts (2)
  Synthetic materials with moisture-wicking capabilities; nylon running or athletic shirts work well.

• Long-Sleeved Shirts (2)
  Ideal for sun protection and layering in cooler temperatures.

Mid Layers

• Lightweight Windproof Fleece
  Perfect for daytime trekking; adds warmth and wind resistance.

• Fleece or Synthetic Jacket / Pullover
  Lightweight and compressible options like Primaloft or Polartec 100/200 are ideal.
  Synthetic jackets are lighter and pack better than traditional fleece.

• Synthetic Insulated Pants
  Full side zips are highly recommended.
  Example: Mountain Hardwear Chugach 3D pants.
  Alternative: Fleece pants (Polartec 100 or 200), though they are bulkier and heavier.

Outer Layers

• Down Insulated Jacket (with Hood Recommended)
  A medium-weight down jacket is essential for cold evenings and higher elevations.
  Recommended brands: Marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia

• Waterproof Breathable Jacket & Pants
  Jacket must include a hood; pants should have full-length side zippers.
  Recommended brands: Arc’teryx, Marmot, Mountain Equipment Co-op

Personal Care & Accessories

Skin & Health Protection

• Sunscreen
  SPF 30 or higher, non-oily preferred.
  Recommended brands: Dermatone, Terrapin

• Lipscreen
  SPF 30 or higher; any reliable brand will suffice.

Toiletries Kit

(Use travel-size containers to save space)

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Skin lotion

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Soap

• Comb or brush

• Shaving kit

Essential Trekking Equipment *

* The following equipment are essential for strenuous trekking tours. If you’re unsure if your Nepal tour qualifies as such a tour, please send us a message or communicate with your tour coordinator as you’re packing.

Backpack & Storage

• Backpack (40L or more)
  Internal frame; top-loading, mountaineer-style rucksack is ideal for trekking.

• Pack Cover
  Strongly recommended to protect your gear from rain, snow, and dust.

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag
  Rated between 10°F and -10°F (-12°C to -24°C); Down fill of 700+ recommended.
  Suggested brands: Marmot, Mountain Hardwear
  (Note: Sleeping bags can be provided if you don’t have one.)

Hydration

• Water Bottles (2)
  Two 1-liter wide-mouth, leak-proof bottles (Nalgene or Lexan preferred).

• Pee Bottle (Optional)
  One 1-liter, wide-mouth, leak-proof bottle for nighttime use.

• Pee Funnel for Women (Optional)
  Optional device for convenience and hygiene during overnight stays.

Trekking Tools

• Trekking Poles
  Highly recommended for stability on steep ascents and descents.
  Adjustable models are preferred for easy packing.
  Recommended brands: Leki, Black Diamond

• Swiss Army Knife or Multi-Tool
  Handy for a variety of small tasks.
  Important: Do not pack in carry-on luggage for flights.

Important Note

• It’s important to note that the above clothing and equipment packing lists are recommendations. You should pack your clothing based on your personal preferences, previous trekking experience, and needs according to the tour you’ve selected. Please exercise your own judgment while packing to ensure that you do not over or under-pack for your trip. We understand that packing efficiently to minimize your load is important on international and domestic flights. 

Fly in and out of Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. The time of
arrival is flexible; if your room isn’t ready when you arrive the hotel can hold your bags
while you explore or get a bite to eat. We’ll have our welcome dinner early in the
evening, so if you can arrive before 4:00 p.m. then that is ideal. Flights from the US
typically arrive 2+ days from departure (e.g., leave Friday, arrive Sunday), other
countries usually take a day and a half and return +1 day. You can depart any time on
departure day.

We can easily arrange extra accommodations if you’d like to add on nights before or
after the trip. Please refer to the Nepal trip page for rates. After you go through
customs and collect your bag our driver will be waiting for you outside with a sign with
your name. You will be provided a car or van depending upon the group size.
You’ll quickly experience life of a local in Kathmandu during the 30-45 minute drive
from the airport to your hotel. You’ll see temples, markets, lots of motorbikes, and likely
a cow or two in the road. There are very few traffic lights and rush hour gets busy, so
take it all in on the drive!