The short answer
For sightseeing days carry a light daypack with a refillable water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, a light rain jacket, tissues or hand sanitiser, small notes for tips and entry fees, a copy of your passport, any personal medicines, a phone with a power bank and a thin layer for temple cold or evening wind.
Leave valuables and spare cash in the hotel safe. Wear shoes that are easy to remove, since you will take them off at temples, and carry a small bag for them if needed.
Key facts
- Basics
- Water, sun cream, hat, rain jacket
- Money
- Small notes, passport copy
- Health
- Personal medicines, sanitiser
- Tech
- Phone, power bank
How it works
- Pack water firstA refillable bottle.
- Add sun and rain protectionHat, cream, shell.
- Carry small cashNotes for tips.
- Include medicinesDaily ones.
- Leave valuables at the hotelSafe.
Building a bag that works all day
A tour day in Nepal can start cool, turn hot by noon and end with rain or dust. A small bag with water, a thin rain layer, sun protection and a few snacks covers most surprises. Keep the bag light, because you will carry it up temple steps, through crowded lanes and in and out of vehicles.
Put the items you need often, such as tissues, sanitiser and small notes, in outside pockets. Keep valuables in an inner zip pocket and carry only what you need for that day.
Small extras that help
A light scarf or shawl helps in temples and against sun or dust. A spare plastic bag keeps wet or dirty items away from the rest. A charged phone and a small power bank are useful for photos, maps and contacting your guide.
Ask your guide each morning what the day involves, since a visit to a hilltop or a long drive may change what you want to carry.
Insider tip
Keep your daypack under about 5 kg; walking days feel long.
Avoid this
Do not carry your passport original or large cash on city walks.
Related questions
Can I drink tap water?
No, use bottled, boiled or purified water.
Do I need a rain jacket?
Yes in monsoon and as a windbreaker in cooler months.
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