Makalu Base Camp packing list: what a camping trek needs
Written by our trekking team
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, Apr 2026.
The short version
Makalu needs more gear than any of our other routes, because above Tashi Gaon you camp for ten nights. The items that matter most are a sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C, a heavyweight down jacket and insulated camp trousers, broken-in boots with strong ankle support for the Shipton La complex, glacier-rated sunglasses and a headlamp with spare batteries. The crew carries tents, the kitchen and your duffel. You carry a 30 to 35L daypack.
What's different about packing for Makalu
On a teahouse trek, the lodge does a lot of your warming up for you. On Makalu, from Khongma Danda to base camp and back, your tent and your own clothes do it. That's the main reason this list is longer than our Manaslu or Tsum lists. On Day 1 in Kathmandu we go through the full camp gear list with you.
| What | Makalu | Manaslu (teahouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag | Rated to at least -20°C | Rated to at least -15°C |
| Camp trousers | Insulated | Fleece or thermal |
| Down jacket | Heavyweight, for camp nights above 4,000m | For high-altitude nights |
| Sleeping pad | Provided by the crew (confirm before departure) | Not needed |
| Nights above 4,000m | Langmale Kharka, Merek, base camp ×2 | Dharamsala |
Upper body
- Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2–3).
- A fleece or light insulated mid-layer for walking.
- A heavyweight down jacket for camp nights above 4,000m. On Makalu this is the piece you'll wear most after dark.
- A waterproof, windproof shell jacket.
Lower body
- Moisture-wicking base layer bottoms.
- Trekking trousers, two pairs.
- Insulated camp trousers. Put them on when you reach camp and you'll stay warm through dinner.
- Waterproof, windproof shell pants.
Footwear and accessories
Boots. Broken-in, waterproof, with strong ankle support. This matters more on Makalu than anywhere else we go, because the Shipton La complex is rocky and you cross it twice. Our Shipton La post explains why.
Camp shoes or sandals. For the evenings, so your boots can air out.
Socks. Five or six pairs of wool or synthetic trekking socks, plus liner socks. Keep one dry pair just for the tent.
Gaiters. For snow or scree on the passes and moraine.
Photo: Remote Nepal Treks, Apr 2026.
Head and sun protection
- A sun hat and a heavyweight insulated hat.
- A buff or neck gaiter.
- Glacier-rated UV-protective sunglasses, for the moraine days around Merek and base camp.
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
Personal and medical
- Your own first aid kit and any personal medications.
- Diamox, if your doctor agrees. Talk to them before the trip.
- Hand sanitizer and basic toiletries.
- Trekking poles. You'll want them on the steep drop to the Arun River on Day 4 and on every descent after.
- A headlamp with spare batteries. Camp evenings are dark early.
- A reusable water bottle with purification tablets or a filter.
Documents
Your passport, with at least 6 months' validity, and passport-sized photos for the permits. Bring your travel insurance documents, too. Insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover isn't included in the price, so arrange it before you fly. Printed or digital copies of your flight and trip confirmations round it out.
Everything else
- A duffel bag for the crew to carry.
- A 30 to 35L daypack for what you need during the day.
- A sleeping bag rated to at least -20°C. Makalu has more nights above 4,000m than a standard teahouse route.
- A sleeping pad. The camp crew provides one, but confirm it with us before you leave.
- A power bank and a universal adapter.
- Snacks or energy bars from home.
What you don't need to bring
Tents, cooking gear, stoves and food all come with the crew. So does the work of carrying them. If you're coming from a teahouse trek like Manaslu, everything else on our Manaslu packing list carries over. Upgrade the bag and the camp clothing and you're most of the way there.
The full list also sits on the Makalu trek page, and what camping on Makalu is like explains how a camp day runs.
Frequently asked
What sleeping bag do I need for Makalu Base Camp?
One rated to at least -20°C. Makalu is a camping trek with more nights above 4,000m than a standard teahouse route, including two nights at base camp (4,870m).
Do I need to bring a tent or sleeping pad?
No tent: the crew carries and pitches them. The crew also provides a sleeping pad, but confirm it with us before departure.
What boots are best for the Makalu trek?
Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with strong ankle support. The Shipton La complex is rocky and exposed, and you cross it twice.
How big should my daypack be?
30 to 35 liters. Porters carry your duffel, so the daypack only needs water, snacks, layers and sun protection.
Is travel insurance included?
No. You need your own travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover, and the documents should come with you on the trek.