Cold hands can turn a spectacular day in the Himalayas into a numb-fingered nightmare. Whether you’re heading to Everest Base Camp in early spring, deep winter, or the mild post-monsoon days, the right pair (or pairs) of gloves can make all the difference.
But before you go panic-buying a dozen types of gloves, here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense breakdown of what actually works—based on real trekkers’ experiences and trail-tested advice.
Do You Even Need Gloves for EBC?
Yes. But how many and how thick depends entirely on the season you’re trekking in and your personal tolerance to cold. EBC temperatures can swing dramatically—from mild at lower altitudes to biting cold at night above 4,000 meters.
Glove Strategy: Layer Like a Pro
Just like your clothing system, your glove setup should be layered:
1. Liner Gloves (Base Layer)
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Material: Merino wool or synthetic fleece
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Use: Mild daytime trekking, sun protection, holding trekking poles, handling gear
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Works in: Spring, autumn, and even summer treks
“I used just merino wool liners in May. Never touched the ski gloves I brought.”
– A recent EBC trekker
2. Midweight Gloves (Insulated or Windproof)
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Material: Softshell with windproofing, light insulation
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Use: Higher altitudes, cold mornings/evenings, windy passes
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Works in: Late autumn, early spring, and cooler trekking days
“Good windproof fleece is recommended, especially if you’re using poles.”
3. Outer Mittens (Down or Waterproof Shell)
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Material: Down-filled or synthetic insulation, sometimes waterproof
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Use: Extreme cold (e.g. nights at Gorakshep, Kala Patthar sunrise, winter trekking)
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Works in: Winter treks (December to February), or over gloves for added warmth
“I brought snowboard mittens for Cho La Pass—trekking through snow at -15°C!”
Bonus: Sun Gloves
If you’re trekking in spring or post-monsoon season and skipping full gloves, consider light UV-protective gloves.
“My hands were burnt to a crisp when I didn’t wear sun gloves. The UV is no joke up there.”
Which Gloves for Which Month?
| Month | Recommended Gloves |
|---|---|
| January–February | Liner gloves + Midweight gloves + Down mittens |
| March–April | Liner gloves + Windproof fleece or midweight |
| May–June | Liner gloves (maybe add sun gloves) |
| July–August | Rain protection more relevant than warmth |
| September | Liner gloves + Light fleece or midweight |
| October | Liner gloves + Windproof midweight or softshell gloves |
| November | Liner gloves + Down mittens for higher altitudes |
Renting Gloves in Kathmandu
Yes, you can rent or buy decent gloves in Thamel, especially thick outer mitts. Most shops offer name-brand knock-offs and high-quality local brands.
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Cost to Rent Down Mittens: NPR 150–250 per day
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Buying Liner Gloves: Starts around NPR 800–1,500
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Tip: Bring your own liner gloves for hygiene and sizing comfort, rent mittens if needed.
Features to Look For
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Touchscreen compatibility (liners or fleece gloves)
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Grip-friendly palms for trekking poles
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Elastic cuffs or wrist straps to prevent snow or wind entry
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Dexterity: Can you zip your jacket or hold your water bottle?
What Most Trekkers Actually Carried
“I had 3 pairs in March: jogger gloves for warm-ups, softshell for mid-altitude, and snowboarding mitts for the Cho La Pass.”
“Only used my liner gloves. My ski gloves stayed buried at the bottom of my pack the whole time in May.”
“Did it all in merino liners. Never even took out my outer gloves.”
You get the idea—don’t overpack, but do pack smart. Two pairs will usually cover you well: a liner plus a backup mitt/glove if things get really cold.
Final Tips
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Trekking Poles Compatibility: Ensure gloves allow solid grip and comfort
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Keep Gloves Dry: Always have a waterproof pouch or dry bag
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Bring Extras: A second pair of liners weighs almost nothing and saves the day if one gets wet
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Cold Evenings: Gloves are useful for chilly tea house dining rooms, not just on the trail
Conclusion
Gloves might seem like a small part of your EBC packing list, but the right pair can protect you from frostbite, sunburn, blisters, and that trail-wide misery of freezing fingers.
So whether you’re trekking in spring bloom or Himalayan winter, layer up, rent smart, and keep those digits happy.
And remember—a warm hand holds the best memories.
Got a favorite pair of gloves that saved your trek? Or wondering if your gear will hold up to the Himalayan chill? Drop your question in the comments or check out our latest EBC Gear Guide for more tips!
