Easily the best Everest Base Camp packing list video. Good fun but straight to the point and all done in under 10 minutes. I keep coming back to this. Thanks!
Another nice video. Love those mountains. Won't be coming there next year now, had car trouble and upgraded to new car. Might get there if I have a lotto win. 😂 👍
Superb video! I’ve been backpacking for years and am already familiar with all of these items, but I wanted to see if there was anything special that would be needed for Nepal. Your presentation is informative and entertaining for experts and beginners alike. Thank you!
Hi Richard, great video, thanks. May I ask some questions please: 1. Gloves: do the outer ones need to be waterproof? (can't seem to find waterproof ones in decathlon, only windproof ones). 2. Waterproof jacket: would a waterproof jacket (2-layered, rated '5000mm Schmerber') also be considered windproof by default ? --and if so, then I need not worry about getting a separate 'windproof' jacket to deal with purely windy days. 3. Did you actually manage to do any laundry? Would the number of items of clothing (underwear, socks, base layer tops/tees) be different if you didn't do any laundry throughout the 13-day trek? 4. Did you find carrying a solar panel effective? (I'm going in April, so not sure if it may be more cloudy and therefore less effective?). 5. Would you recommend packing body/hand warmers? I hope you will be able to answer at least some if not all my questions above. Many thanks! cheers! Glenn
1. Not really. I think windproof should be fine. 2. A waterproof jacket will be ok. 3. There are laundry services at Namche. It dries pretty quickly in the sun there. But take quick drying stuff just in case. Not really as you don't sweat too much anyway. 4. It worked well for me. But depends on the weather I guess. 5. Personal choice, but if you have thick gloves I don't think you need them.
I asked chatGPT what the temps are like, and here's the info: General Temperature Ranges: - Autumn (September to November): Daytime Temperatures: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes. Nighttime Temperatures: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp. - Winter (December to February): Daytime Temperatures: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) at lower altitudes. Nighttime Temperatures: -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp. - Spring (March to May): Daytime Temperatures: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes. Nighttime Temperatures: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp. - Monsoon (June to August): Daytime Temperatures: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes, but it’s usually not recommended to trek during this period due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails. I also asked what the best seasons to Trek EBC are, and in summary: 1) Spring & Autumn is the answer, because of better visibility, & clearer skies offering better views of the mountain ranges. 2) Moderate temperatures, (in my pov). 3) Spring: "blooming rhododendrons and other flora, especially in April and May" & Autumn: "The landscape is lush and green after the monsoon rains". 4) Vibrant, busy time of the year, tea houses are busy, but you'll have plenty of company along the way. p.s. I'm Indian, love the cold, and live in Canada but I vastly underestimated the prep involved for this trek. Most winters I'm in a t-shirt & unzipped jacket, and I only have a motorcycle so when the roads are dry & ash colored, I've gone motorcycling in as low as -29*C weather (10-15mins max for groceries). But I suppose there's a lot more planning and consideration I need to do for this, thank you for the video :).
Amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I will probably follow all your tips, since I think this was the most helpful equipment guide video I have seen. I will be doing the camp base marathon, plus 16 days trekking or so; do you have any good advices about that? Once again thanks a lot for sharing your experience in this very humble video. Cheers and congratulations for made it up to the Everest!!
Hi Richard, did the microspikes work well on icy terrain without dropping off ? Our travel agent will provide pretty much the same crampons when we do ACT in Apr. And how was the snow condition when you were in EBC in April ? Cheers.
I used them on one day, but we probably didn't even need to. As for snow, we only had a little bit of snow on one afternoon and it wasn't much. Guess we were lucky!
The Decathlon duffel bag is not made to be carried on the back for extensive periods of time, usually after one or 2 hours it's getting very uncomfortable and it can even hurt. So planning to have it carried by someone else is... well you get the point. Would have been more honest to carry your 120L+ rucksac alone mate.
Would you recommend high tops boots (ankle) or low cut runners (ie trail runners). My main concern would be snow and mud getting in the low cut runners. THanks !
Hi Richard, your video is very helpful! Just wanted to ask, what's the best time to summit EBC and why do others pack two different shoes (hiking & heavy leather)? Thanks!
I'm not sure which is the best time, but most Everest (summit) expeditions aim for end of May when change to monsoon gives a gap in weather. But Base camp is obviously not as tough. As for boots, I have no idea. Maybe to do with snow? Better to ask someone who recommends that.
Identical to this: www.ebay.com/itm/175900912628?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1ChS4gCmDRm2nVqAU_cTn7Q36&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-167022-057772-8&mkcid=2&itemid=175900912628&targetid=293946777986&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1012810&poi=&campaignid=20686205678&mkgroupid=158704283430&rlsatarget=pla-293946777986&abcId=&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP6sBhDAARIsAPfK_wb6ry_Nbg9ub6SojbiqczoHH0qPEa6eRbhAt7gp0BSbGo5aIVqJSvUaAjEYEALw_wcB
I’ve a question about camera gear. Is it definitely worth bringing a dSLR as well as an iPhone? I’m trying to decide if the better photos are worth the increase in weight/batteries to charge etc.
Tough to say, but if you are going to have a porter then I think it's OK as they will do most of the heavy lifting. All depends on how keen a photographer you are.
I’m struggling to decide what type of waterproof I should get. A proper rain jacket, a simple pack away rain jacket or , and I’m leaning toward this, a poncho. Can you advise?
Depends which season you go. It didn't rain at all for us, but I still used my rain jacket a lot as a wind cheater. it's definitely worth taking one. Or you can rent one in Kathmandu if you want.
love this video. Im going in October. Basically I don't need anything fancy to complete trek?Cheaper brands will do the trick? You had a big jacket for Kalapathar correct?
Yes. A thicker down would be better, depending on your preference and cold tolerance. You can rent them in Kathmandu if you think you won't be warm enough
I'm not sure I understand what the duffel bag is for. I usually trek with a 45l backpack with very similar gear plus a tent, air mattress and at least 3 lbs of food and everything fits fine...
If you hike with a porter, as many people do in Nepal, the porter will carry most of your gear in the duffel bag while you take your daily essentials in a day pack. While some hardcore hikers don't agree with this method it's very common in Nepal.
When I went in 2018, the only way to get a reliable signal is to get a Nepali SIM card, but even that is patchy. Some of the places have WiFi along the route, but less and less as you get closer to basecamp. It may be different these days though.
Great video, thank you! Quick question. The company I'm going with says your duffel can't be over 10kg. That goes for the plane ride to Lukla. Check bag 10kg only. And your hand baggage 5kg. Do they really check this and how did you manage that? Thanks!
@@AsiaHikelopedia thanks, so if your duffel is 10kg, your backpack is your "hand baggage" and can only be 5kg? I'm not understanding that part. Thanks!
Hi there, thanks so much for the informative video. I’m doing EBC next March and hiring porter on site. Would the luggage need to be a duffle bag or can it be a big backpack? I was thinking to bring a big backpack and small day pack. Please let me know!
Hi, I’m planning an EBC adventure next year and need some advice. Would you know if cashless payment is accepted in Nepal - in areas like Kathmandu or lukla?
Hello, I recently returned from Nepal and most people just carry cash. There are some shops and restaurants etc that accept card payments but it is hit and miss. I wouldn't rely on it. I used cash the entire time as did all the people in my group. There are ATM's in touristy areas of Kathmandu and everywhere in Pokhara. I never went to Lukla so cannot say but I would assume it is mainly cash. I made sure I always carried 5000 rupees (around 50 Australian dollars) as a minimum. Certainly outside of Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large tourist areas it will be cash only. (Remember to change your rupees back to your own currency at the airport BEFORE you leave Nepal, as it is a closed currency and will not be accepted at currency exchanges in your home country. I have about 10,000 rupees in my wallet because I forgot, lol. But not to worry, I'm going back this year. I'll spend it then). Enjoy your trip!
I went at the same time and had only a thin down jacket (from Uniqlo) which was just about enough when worn with several other layers. But I would recommend something a bit heavier, especially after the sun goes down as it can get rather cold.
Whole video packing list:
- Duffel bag
- Day pack (20-40l)
- Hard shell jacket
- Water proof trousers
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- 2 Long sleeve tops “merino” (1 thin, 1 thick)
- 2 t-shirts “merino”
- 2 trekking pants (1 with unzippable legs)
- 2 thermal pants (1 thin, 1 thick)
- 2 underwear (merino or polyester)
- 3 socks (2 trekking, 1 thick for sleeping)
-
- warm hat
- cap
- buff
- 2 sunglasses
- 2 gloves (1 thin, 1 thick)
- 1 head lamp
-
- tooth brush
- tooth paste
- soap
- micro-fiber towel
- lip balm
- hand sanitizer
- sunscreen
-
- camel back (2-3L)
- Nalgene bottle
- filtration device
- trekking poles
- walking boots
- micro-spikes
- flip flops / trainers
- Ziplock / packing bags
- swiss army knife
- sleeping bag ± lining
-
- power bank
- solar charger
- small bag
- camera
- mobile phone
- small tripode
-
- medical kit: ibuprofen/paracetamol + imodium + diamox
- bandages / compeed
- throat sweets
- toilet paper / tissues
- playing cards
- snacks
I'm doing the ebc Trek April 2025
I keep coming back to this video efficient and simple no fancy brands.
@@306seal Good luck!
The most efficient packing video I've ever seen, THANK YOU!
Wow, thanks!
I agree, straight to the point! Thanks for this!
Easily the best Everest Base Camp packing list video. Good fun but straight to the point and all done in under 10 minutes. I keep coming back to this. Thanks!
Thank you kind sir!
Thanks for this, it did make me laugh! I'm going in October, so I'm trying to get organised
Good luck! You will love it!
Basically identical to what you need for Kilimanjaro. Thanks for the reassurance!
Made me laugh 😂 ! This is hilariously brilliant and informative
Another nice video. Love those mountains. Won't be coming there next year now, had car trouble and upgraded to new car. Might get there if I have a lotto win. 😂 👍
Thankyou for this info. I'm planning on doing this trek May 2024.
Have fun. You will love it!
Superb video! I’ve been backpacking for years and am already familiar with all of these items, but I wanted to see if there was anything special that would be needed for Nepal. Your presentation is informative and entertaining for experts and beginners alike. Thank you!
Hi Richard, great video, thanks. May I ask some questions please:
1. Gloves: do the outer ones need to be waterproof? (can't seem to find waterproof ones in decathlon, only windproof ones).
2. Waterproof jacket: would a waterproof jacket (2-layered, rated '5000mm Schmerber') also be considered windproof by default ? --and if so, then I need not worry about getting a separate 'windproof' jacket to deal with purely windy days.
3. Did you actually manage to do any laundry? Would the number of items of clothing (underwear, socks, base layer tops/tees) be different if you didn't do any laundry throughout the 13-day trek?
4. Did you find carrying a solar panel effective? (I'm going in April, so not sure if it may be more cloudy and therefore less effective?).
5. Would you recommend packing body/hand warmers?
I hope you will be able to answer at least some if not all my questions above. Many thanks! cheers! Glenn
1. Not really. I think windproof should be fine.
2. A waterproof jacket will be ok.
3. There are laundry services at Namche. It dries pretty quickly in the sun there. But take quick drying stuff just in case. Not really as you don't sweat too much anyway.
4. It worked well for me. But depends on the weather I guess.
5. Personal choice, but if you have thick gloves I don't think you need them.
I asked chatGPT what the temps are like, and here's the info: General Temperature Ranges:
- Autumn (September to November):
Daytime Temperatures: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes.
Nighttime Temperatures: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp.
- Winter (December to February):
Daytime Temperatures: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) at lower altitudes.
Nighttime Temperatures: -15°C to -20°C (5°F to -4°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp.
- Spring (March to May):
Daytime Temperatures: 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at lower altitudes.
Nighttime Temperatures: -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F) at higher altitudes near Base Camp.
- Monsoon (June to August):
Daytime Temperatures: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at lower altitudes, but it’s usually not recommended to trek during this period due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
I also asked what the best seasons to Trek EBC are, and in summary:
1) Spring & Autumn is the answer, because of better visibility, & clearer skies offering better views of the mountain ranges.
2) Moderate temperatures, (in my pov).
3) Spring: "blooming rhododendrons and other flora, especially in April and May" & Autumn: "The landscape is lush and green after the monsoon rains".
4) Vibrant, busy time of the year, tea houses are busy, but you'll have plenty of company along the way.
p.s. I'm Indian, love the cold, and live in Canada but I vastly underestimated the prep involved for this trek. Most winters I'm in a t-shirt & unzipped jacket, and I only have a motorcycle so when the roads are dry & ash colored, I've gone motorcycling in as low as -29*C weather (10-15mins max for groceries). But I suppose there's a lot more planning and consideration I need to do for this, thank you for the video :).
Ahh this cleared my doubt. Thanks 👍🏻👍🏻
Happy to help!
This wassssss sooooo awesome. Very entertaining and I see you out hard work into making the video. Thank you for all the great tips
Thanks. Hope you learned something useful.
Really great, thanks! Hoping to make the trek sometime in the next year
You should!
Hi Richard! I’m about to do the Everest base camp trek in a few weeks and your video is a huge help!! Thanks a lot!! 🙏🙌
Glad it was helpful!
Doing this trip in September 2024, this video has been so helpful, thank you 🙏
Glad to know
What about without porter? That would be very helpful vs with porter
the most entertaining clip I've watched so far getting ideas for our planned trip in June of next year! Thanks for this!
Awesome! Thank you!
this is the most informative one .
Truly awesome love your video its been sometime since i was trekking in Nepal 10 years ago
Thank you from Ireland 🇮🇪🇳🇵😊👍👌 and funny great advise
Thanks. So nice of you!
Very informative thanks ! One question though what kind of sunglasses you recommend?
Don't have a recommendation, just get polarised ones.
Brilliantly done. Much thanks friend.
Many thanks!
Very nice show. May I ask what difficulties you might face other than the weather, such as altitude or hill sickness?
im planning go ebc . i hope
nice information, you were spot on.
Glad you think so!
best video of EBC packing list. immediatly to the point
Wow, thanks!
Very useful EBC packing list video clip. Thanks a l😍t!
what simple but informative video. looking to do this trek in the next year or two. Fab
Glad it was helpful!
@@AsiaHikelopedia Quick question, can the altitude sickness tablets be bought over the counter or go see the GP?
In Kathmandu you can get them over the counter.
The best list video!!! THANK YOU 🙏🏼
Wow, thank you!
I’m going EBC on April
You will love it!
Simply fantastic! Thank you!
Thank you too!
Very informative thanks !
Amazing video! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I will probably follow all your tips, since I think this was the most helpful equipment guide video I have seen. I will be doing the camp base marathon, plus 16 days trekking or so; do you have any good advices about that?
Once again thanks a lot for sharing your experience in this very humble video. Cheers and congratulations for made it up to the Everest!!
Glad it was helpful! As for extra advice, the best way is to do it and learn from others as you go. The most up to dat advice is always the best!
Fantastic video - I like the down-to-earth style, no fancy brands just sensible options.
Appreciate the effort u put into this video❤ it's so helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Great contact, and love that it’s short
This is the most entertaining gear video - well done.
Wow, thanks!
Great video very informative and to the point. Thanks for creating it 🏔
Glad you enjoyed it!
What type and how large of a daypack would you recommend if solo trekking without a porter?
I'm here after watching Le Sommet des Dieux(Summit of the gods) on Netflix and was interested about the mountaineering gear.
Welcome, but this list is just for hiking!
i love Nepol ! love Nepol .
Short video and very informative. Loved it. Can't wait to go.
Thanks!
Love your video! Do you mind sharing the links to your stuff that you got? For example, day pack that you used
Informative, brief and hilarious
Hi Richard, did the microspikes work well on icy terrain without dropping off ? Our travel agent will provide pretty much the same crampons when we do ACT in Apr.
And how was the snow condition when you were in EBC in April ?
Cheers.
I used them on one day, but we probably didn't even need to.
As for snow, we only had a little bit of snow on one afternoon and it wasn't much. Guess we were lucky!
@@AsiaHikelopedia Thank you Richard. Good to know there wasn't too much snow.
The Decathlon duffel bag is not made to be carried on the back for extensive periods of time, usually after one or 2 hours it's getting very uncomfortable and it can even hurt. So planning to have it carried by someone else is... well you get the point. Would have been more honest to carry your 120L+ rucksac alone mate.
Great information. Thank you!
You bet!
Would you recommend high tops boots (ankle) or low cut runners (ie trail runners). My main concern would be snow and mud getting in the low cut runners. THanks !
I personally prefer high tops as they give more ankle support/protection
Thanks for the quick packing list!
Bring what you need to hydrate and stay warm-everything else is optional.
Thank you this is good.
One of the best video
Great video!
Thanks. Hope you found it useful!
Thank you so! much for this vid. I'm starting a checklist myself for a trip soon. Did I also spot a USCSS Nostromo cap?
Yes you did. Alien us one of my favourite films ever!
@@AsiaHikelopedia Awesome! I made myself a Ripley flight suit and just 3d printed a Pulse Rifle!
Sounds like you are much more into it than me! Haha!
very informative. thank you
You are welcome!
Hi Richard, your video is very helpful! Just wanted to ask, what's the best time to summit EBC and why do others pack two different shoes (hiking & heavy leather)? Thanks!
I'm not sure which is the best time, but most Everest (summit) expeditions aim for end of May when change to monsoon gives a gap in weather. But Base camp is obviously not as tough. As for boots, I have no idea. Maybe to do with snow? Better to ask someone who recommends that.
What month/year did you do the trek? Was the light sleeping bag you carried enough at subzero temperature at higher altitudes?
Brilliantly done ✔ 🙌🏽
Great info and will be using it to pack for my trip in Sept. can you give me more information on the solar pack you showed.
Identical to this: www.ebay.com/itm/175900912628?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1ChS4gCmDRm2nVqAU_cTn7Q36&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-167022-057772-8&mkcid=2&itemid=175900912628&targetid=293946777986&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1012810&poi=&campaignid=20686205678&mkgroupid=158704283430&rlsatarget=pla-293946777986&abcId=&merchantid=6296724&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwP6sBhDAARIsAPfK_wb6ry_Nbg9ub6SojbiqczoHH0qPEa6eRbhAt7gp0BSbGo5aIVqJSvUaAjEYEALw_wcB
Hi there do you know what adapter to use I am travelling with uk 3 pin plug not sure what adapter to use many thanks
Very informative, Thank you for the video
Thank you, great informative and fun video.
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant!
Would this also work for Annapurna circuit?
I think it would be ok, but it's probably better to check other sources as each trail has different requirements.
I’ve a question about camera gear. Is it definitely worth bringing a dSLR as well as an iPhone? I’m trying to decide if the better photos are worth the increase in weight/batteries to charge etc.
Tough to say, but if you are going to have a porter then I think it's OK as they will do most of the heavy lifting. All depends on how keen a photographer you are.
I’m struggling to decide what type of waterproof I should get. A proper rain jacket, a simple pack away rain jacket or , and I’m leaning toward this, a poncho. Can you advise?
Depends which season you go. It didn't rain at all for us, but I still used my rain jacket a lot as a wind cheater. it's definitely worth taking one. Or you can rent one in Kathmandu if you want.
love this video. Im going in October. Basically I don't need anything fancy to complete trek?Cheaper brands will do the trick?
You had a big jacket for Kalapathar correct?
Pretty much, but October may be colder than when went in April/May. So you may need a big jacket. Ask around first!
Does the clothing still apply for colder months? I.e feb? The down jacket looked very thin
Yes. A thicker down would be better, depending on your preference and cold tolerance. You can rent them in Kathmandu if you think you won't be warm enough
I'm not sure I understand what the duffel bag is for. I usually trek with a 45l backpack with very similar gear plus a tent, air mattress and at least 3 lbs of food and everything fits fine...
If you hike with a porter, as many people do in Nepal, the porter will carry most of your gear in the duffel bag while you take your daily essentials in a day pack. While some hardcore hikers don't agree with this method it's very common in Nepal.
thanks for the video
You're welcome
Cool summary but not for someone that is aiming for no-potter option. ;) i guess you need to exclude few things
Yeah, thanks. I think people who are planning not to have a porter probably already know what they need!
Nice video, may I know the gear list is suitable during which season weather?
I went in mid-April
@@AsiaHikelopedia thanks
Thank you 😊
You're welcome
Great video. Can u tell me what is the WiFi or 4G situation on the treks? Thanks
When I went in 2018, the only way to get a reliable signal is to get a Nepali SIM card, but even that is patchy. Some of the places have WiFi along the route, but less and less as you get closer to basecamp. It may be different these days though.
Nice video sir 👍 👌
Great video, thank you! Quick question. The company I'm going with says your duffel can't be over 10kg. That goes for the plane ride to Lukla. Check bag 10kg only. And your hand baggage 5kg. Do they really check this and how did you manage that? Thanks!
Yes, they do. We ended up having to leave some stuff in Kathmandu as we bought far too much
@@AsiaHikelopedia thanks, so if your duffel is 10kg, your backpack is your "hand baggage" and can only be 5kg? I'm not understanding that part. Thanks!
Thank you for updating. You can check out my videos of Everest Trek too. Cheers 🤙🇳🇵
I will check it out
From Nepal City to base camp round trip, how much need to spend? Which exercise should do to minimize altitude sickness?
@@richardparker1338 Thank you so much.
this was fun
thank you that was so fantastic quick question i am trekking next month what kind of charger for phone do i need?
Just a standard USB cable with a Nepali plug adapter (you can pick them up in Kathmandu), And a power bank is useful too.
@@AsiaHikelopedia thank you
Great video.
Thanks
whether solar charger will be helpful at the time of may there and if possible provide the link for the same and review on it....
We went in April and used it every day.
@@AsiaHikelopedia can u provide the link to purchase the same ....?
From where Do we have to get the permit for the basecamp
Superbly helpful video and brilliantly made! Do we need to take polarized eyeglasses or RayBan aviators (not polarized) would be fine?
In april
No need. I just had normal sunglasses.
@@tailgunner13drop hahaha now I know my go to person for tips for the trek
Straight to the fucking point. Nice work
Thanks!
Hi there, thanks so much for the informative video. I’m doing EBC next March and hiring porter on site. Would the luggage need to be a duffle bag or can it be a big backpack? I was thinking to bring a big backpack and small day pack. Please let me know!
Should be fine. The porter will find a way. They are very resourceful!
Thanks for the video, I have a question for you: is it cheaper to buy some equipment in Kathmandu rather than Australia or Europe? Cheers!
It is cheaper for sure. You can also rent stuff in Kathmandu
Sir You Made Me Laugh. You Definetly Have skills with the camera 😂 .Nice Video .Thanks
Thanks for watching
Love it
Thanks 👍
Thanks a lot ❤
I think that person tossing the gear is holding a grudge 😂
My daughter!
Thanx! 👍
You're welcome!
👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻 thanks
The thin Uniqlo tights is normal heatech or extra warm? It dry quick?
Normal Heattech and dries pretty quickly.
@@AsiaHikelopedia thanks, very useful video
很實在內容 謝謝
謝謝！
11 to 15 degree C sleeping bag would be fine for EBC trek in the month of Mid May?
Yes. As you can also use blankets/quilts provided by the teahouses
Hi, I’m planning an EBC adventure next year and need some advice. Would you know if cashless payment is accepted in Nepal - in areas like Kathmandu or lukla?
Hello, I recently returned from Nepal and most people just carry cash. There are some shops and restaurants etc that accept card payments but it is hit and miss. I wouldn't rely on it. I used cash the entire time as did all the people in my group. There are ATM's in touristy areas of Kathmandu and everywhere in Pokhara. I never went to Lukla so cannot say but I would assume it is mainly cash. I made sure I always carried 5000 rupees (around 50 Australian dollars) as a minimum. Certainly outside of Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large tourist areas it will be cash only. (Remember to change your rupees back to your own currency at the airport BEFORE you leave Nepal, as it is a closed currency and will not be accepted at currency exchanges in your home country. I have about 10,000 rupees in my wallet because I forgot, lol. But not to worry, I'm going back this year. I'll spend it then). Enjoy your trip!
Going in late April 2022. How heavy a down coat do you recommend?
I went at the same time and had only a thin down jacket (from Uniqlo) which was just about enough when worn with several other layers. But I would recommend something a bit heavier, especially after the sun goes down as it can get rather cold.