Female Packing List for Nepal… for Non-Trekkers

When I visited Nepal, I knew I would need to pack differently than I typically might for any other trip. I scoured the internet for the perfect female packing list for Nepal, but I kept hitting the same road block… every single packing list I could find was for trekkers. And I had no plans to go trekking. There are so many things to do in Nepal besides trekking, so I encourage you to still visit for the other highlights of Nepal that shouldn’t be missed, like the culture, wildlife, and food.

To help guide you as in preparation for your trip, I put together this 12-day female packing list for Nepal based on what I packed for my own trip in late May. My bag of choice is my trusty 48L REI carry-on backpack. You’ll be able to get around with regular luggage if you have transport arranged during your trip, but I found it much easier to navigate with just a backpack.

Female Packing List for Nepal

Clothes:

• 3 pairs of harem pants – these were my favorite pants to wear in Nepal as they are conservative enough but are also lightweight and breathable for those hot days
• 2 pairs of workout capris or leggings
• 1 long, breathable skirt
• 4 plain, casual shirts
• 4 tank tops
• 1-2 scarves to cover your shoulders when wearing tank tops
• Rain jacket
• 7 pairs of underwear — The comfortable and quick-drying Give-n-go low rise ExOfficio underwear are my favorite for travel!
• 3 regular bras
• 1 sports bra
• 5 pairs of socks
• 1 swimsuit (for hotels with pools)
• Lightweight shrug (in case it gets chilly at night)

In front of the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara

Toiletries:

• Shampoo/Conditioner – Buy reusable travel size containers to fill up instead of buying new ones every time you use them up.
• Body wash
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wash
• Brush/Comb
• Hair mousse
• Extra hair ties
• Razor
• Basic makeup
• Moisturizer
• Neutrogena sunscreen stick
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Lip moisturizer
• Travel laundry detergent (I just filled up a 3oz travel tube at home)
• Scrubba Wash Bag to easily wash your clothes on the go
• Prescriptions
• Glasses/Contacts
• Bug spray – This will be especially useful at Chitwan National Park
• Dramamine, or other motion sickness medicine – I like the Dramamine less drowsy formula for short flights or bumpy car rides where I want to stay awake – you’re going to thank yourself for all the long bus rides along curvy Nepalese mountain roads. For longer flights I use the original formula that doubles as a sleeping pill for me as it puts me right to sleep.
• Vitamin C – An immune system boost is a must after being on the road for so long.
• Imodium because it never hurts to be on the safe side
• Oral rehydration salts in case of dehydration
• Probiotics – I recommend starting to take these one-week prior to departure
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer

Shoes:

• Walking shoes
• Ipanema Maya sandals – I have been traveling with these sandals for years. They are super comfortable and double as a dressier shoe if needed since they are fancier than plain flip flops.

In Kathmandu’s Durbar Square

Technology:

• Laptop and charger
• Cell phone and charger
• Phone battery case – I have this charging case for my iPhone, and it’s a lifesaver when you’re out and about exploring all day. It gives my phone nearly two additional charges!
• Plug Adapter – I like this one in particular because it has two USB ports on the side and it can be used in plugs from over 150 countries around the world.
• Camera and charger – I’d be lost without my Sony a6000!
• TSA cable lock – Deter theft and help keep your items secure with a TSA approved lock. This one has a flexible cable that allows you to maneuver the lock to fit where you need it to.

Miscellaneous:

• Sunglasses
• Turkish towel
• Book
• Headphones
• GRAYL filtration water bottle – The water from the tap is not typically safe for drinking (or brushing your teeth with) in Nepal, so this water bottle is a must, and it helps save plastic.
• 2 in 1 flashlight lantern – There are regular power outages throughout Nepal, so it’s good to be prepared with a backup light when that happens.
• Flashlight
• Passport
• Cash
• Important travel documents
• Day pack crossbody purse/messenger bag to securely carry your camera and other daytime necessities
• Travel clothes line
• Laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Compression sack – This is a must to make use of all the space in your backpack. I’d recommend getting two mediums, or a small and a medium. The 20L large fits a lot of clothes, but it can be a pain to dig through it if you need something at the bottom.

Don’t forget to leave some space to take home souvenirs! There are so many shops you’ll pass through on your trip and you can get some amazing deals. Believe me when I say you’ll certainly be taking some goodies back home with you!

Have you been a non-trekker in Nepal? What packing recommendations would you add?

Special thanks to the Himalayan Travel Mart, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Nepal Tourism Board for facilitating this Nepal trip. All opinions are my own. Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission that will help support this site if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or products mentioned on this page, please reach out to me and I will happily answer them.