List of things to carry on a Himalayan trek

Below is a list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks). Always try to avoid unnecessary toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light that you are comfortable during trek.

Rain/Snowfall is common and varies one trek to another in different seasons. ALWAYS wrap your clothing/non waterproof stuff inside waterproof poly bag (polythene/plastic packet) while packing in your backpack. Plastic material is most efficient evil on mountain for waterproofing. Use additional waterproofing even if you have a rain cover for your backpack.

For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:

Selection Of Equipment

How you should pack your backpack for trekking?

The below list applies for ALL high altitude Himalayan treks and winter/snow treks.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILE of “List Of Things to Carry to carry on a Himalayan trek”

ITEM

QUANTITY

REMARKS

Sleeping Bag

HT will provide. If you have one, bring your own for hygienic reason after consulting with us.

Sleeping Mattress (Foam/Rubber)

HT will provide.

Micro spikes/Anti slip grip &
Gaiters

HT will provide if required.

Rucksack/Backpack

Must, Between 40 to 50 Litre

Note: You don’t need a backpack more than 50 L unless planning for an extended trip.

Rucksack cover (Waterproof)

Advised for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the poly pack(s) back to home and reuse/recycle).

Daypack/Knapsack

MUST, when you offload your rucksack/main luggage. Always carry items in your daypack which you may require during your walk. E.g. DON’T offload Water bottle(s), any dry food, wind/water proof, gloves, cap, personal medicine kit etc.

Trekking Shoe/Boot

Pair of shoes

A good quality rubber sole shoe/boot with mid sole cushioning and ankle support (Medium or high ankle). Wear at least 2 weeks to break in the shoe. Otherwise you may get sores/blisters when on mountain.

Note: Sports shoes are NOT recommended for high altitude Himalayan treks. For relatively low altitude Easy treks you may wear but an additional back up shoe is advised.

T-shirt (Base layer while you
are hiking)

2/3

A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially
when you walk.

Warm Jacket (Mid layer
clothing for warmth)

A Must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (a.k.a Hollow Fill) Jacket/Down feather Jacket.

While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite.

Windproof Jacket/Wind
Cheater (Outer layer
clothing for protection from
wind and rain/snow fall)

A Must item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.

Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny. Wear this specially if the weather is windy while hiking or in campsite.

Thermal wear (Base Layer
once you reach campsite)

Upper and lower (Woolly cot material ). Must item for winter treks.

Trek pant

A MUST item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.

One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is highly advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.

For altitude around or above 5000 m/16400 ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.

Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof
clothing

Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.

This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant if these are waterproof/water repellent.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.

Balaclava/Woollen skull
cap for warmth

Must item for protection against cold conditions .Normally these are made of woollen/mixed synthetic warm material.

Sun cap/Wide-brimmed
Hat/Bandanna

For protection against sun while you hike.

Under garments/Inner wear

As per need

Hiking Socks

3/4 pair

Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks).

100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woollen socks in winter treks (mostly for using at campsite but not while you walk).

Woollen gloves

1 pair

A MUST item

Waterproof gloves

1 pair

Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.

Camp sandal

1 pair

Optional. Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.

Walking Sticks/Trekking
Poles/Ski Poles

1 pair/single

Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending.

Water bottle/Hydration pack

Must. Bottle made of durable plastic etc.

Knee cap

1 pair/single

Optional. Makes a difference especially if you had knee injuries/problems (Open patella Neoprene added variant is better).

Sunglasses

This is must for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection.
Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.

Torch/Head Lamp with extra
batteries

Must. Head torch is better as it keeps your hands free.

Sunscreen lotion

Optional. If you think necessary, bring one with 50 SPF or more.

Chap Stick/Cold & Moisturising cream

Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.

Toothbrush and paste

1 each

Carry small toothpaste tube.

Soap/Soap strip

Carry a small soap or a Soap strip.

Hand sanitiser

Optional. Small bottle.

Tissue roll ( Toilet paper)

This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.

Towel

Small to medium size (light weight). Bathing is NOT advised during any trek as you can catch cold easily.

Anti-Fungal Powder

Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoes drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.

Camera with extra cells

Optional. There is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes. Carry spare batteries/pack or power bank (mobile phone camera user)

Dry food items

Kit

Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and Glucon C/D/Tang/Getorade.

Medicines Kit

Kit

A MUST. Inform us if you are on medicine(s) given by a doctor.

a) General medicines for headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
b) Anti Diarrhoearal
c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DON’T take Codeine based painkillers).
e) Strong analgesics (Co- Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care, Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium).
g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug). Consult with a doctor or us while planning.

Lunch box

MUST item. You need not to carry plate/bowl/mug/spoon from home. We will provide these as required during meals. You must carry a lunch/tiffin box (compartmentalised or in all in one) to keep the packed lunch item we will provide when required on treks.

P.S.: You should consider and share common kit for toiletries/accessories and medicines while travelling in a group.

Important note:

If you need to offload your rucksack/backpack/main luggage to horse/porter, then you must carry a daypack/knapsack along with you while trekking. Do carry water bottle(s), dry food item, water/windproof, gloves, cap, personal medicine kit etc. in your daypack. Remember that you will leave your offloaded bag at one campsite and collect it back only in the next campsite You will not have access to your main luggage during you walk/trek.