Checklist
Packing Checklist
Everything you need for a Himalayan trek. Pack light, your back and your porter will thank you.
Summer (May-Jul)
Light layers, strong sunscreen, insect repellent. Early morning starts to beat the heat at lower altitudes.
Monsoon (Jul-Sep)
Full waterproof gear mandatory. Leeches in some regions, carry salt and wear gaiters. Be prepared for trail reroutes.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Best weather but coldest nights. Pack extra warm layers. Clear skies mean strong sun and freezing nights.
Spring (Mar-May)
Snow on high passes. Microspikes may be needed. Flowers at lower elevations. Layer aggressively, mornings are cold, afternoons warm.
Cold Desert Treks
Spiti, Ladakh, Kinnaur, temperatures swing from 30°C daytime to -5°C at night. UV is extreme. Nothing dries overnight.
Extra down layer (rated to -10°C)
Full-face balaclava + ski goggles for high passes
SPF 70 sunscreen, reapply hourly
Thick wool socks + waterproof gaiters
Thermal water bottle (water freezes overnight)
Extra power bank (cold drains batteries faster)
Moisturiser + lip balm (desert air cracks skin)
Dust mask / buff for dusty roads
High-Altitude Treks (4,000m+)
Roopkund, Kedartal, Kuari Pass, above 4,000m oxygen drops to 60%. Pack for rapid weather shifts.
4-season tent-rated sleeping bag (or liner + ours)
Microspikes / crampons (March-May snow crossings)
Trekking poles mandatory (steep ascents at altitude)
Diamox + altitude sickness meds (consult doctor)
Insulated gloves + hand warmers
UV-rated glacier glasses (snow blindness risk)
Emergency bivvy bag (space blanket, 50g, lifesaving)
Pulse oximeter (we carry, but bring yours if you own one)
Monsoon & Forest Treks
Valley of Flowers, Jibhi, Triund, monsoon Garhwal, rain every afternoon, leeches in some regions, everything gets wet.
Full rain suit (jacket + pants) NOT just a poncho
Waterproof backpack cover + dry bags inside
Quick-dry everything, cotton is your enemy
Leech socks / gaiters + salt (for lower elevations)
Extra pair of dry socks in a Ziploc (reward at camp)
Waterproof phone pouch (or cheap ziploc bag)
Anti-fungal powder (feet stay wet for days)
Extra trash bags (for wet gear separation)
Road Trips & Motorcycle Expeditions
Spiti rides, Ladakh bike trips, Kinnaur road trips, you're on a vehicle, not trekking, but you still need mountain-ready gear.
Riding jacket with CE armour (if motorcycling)
Full-face helmet + clear + tinted visor
Riding gloves + rain over-gloves
Waterproof saddlebags / tank bag
Bungee cords + cargo net
Portable tyre inflator + puncture kit
Phone mount + offline maps downloaded
Warm layers for high passes (even in summer)
Clothing
Trekking shoesWaterproof, ankle support, broken in. Do NOT bring brand new shoes.
Camp sandals / crocsFor evenings at camp. Your feet need to breathe.
Quick-dry t-shirts (3)Synthetic or merino. Cotton is dangerous, it stays wet and makes you cold.
Trekking pants (2)Convertible zip-off pants are ideal. One pair can be lightweight.
Thermal base layer (1 set)Top + bottom. Merino wool is worth the money. Keeps you warm even when damp.
Fleece jacketMid-layer insulation. Thicker = warmer. Decathlon ₹800 ones work fine.
Down jacketFor evenings and high passes. Packs small. Borrow if you don't own one.
Rain jacket + pantsGore-Tex or any waterproof shell. Mountain weather changes in minutes.
Wool socks (3 pairs)Change at camp. Dry the day's pair on your backpack while walking.
Gloves (2 pairs)One thin liner, one waterproof insulated. Hands get cold first at altitude.
Warm beanie + sun capBoth. Your head loses 30% of body heat at night and fries during the day.
Neck gaiter / buffMulti-purpose, scarf, headband, dust mask, eye mask for sleeping.
Underwear (3-4)Quick-dry. Trust us on this.
Gear & Equipment
Backpack (40-60L)We provide porters for heavy loads. You carry your daypack (5-7kg).
Daypack (15-20L)For day hikes from basecamp. Holds water, snacks, camera, rain jacket.
Rain cover for backpackOr line your backpack with a large plastic bag (cheap, effective).
Sleeping bag linerWe provide sleeping bags. Bring a liner for hygiene and extra warmth.
HeadlampWith fresh batteries. Camp is dark. Your phone flashlight dies fast.
Trekking poles (2)Saves your knees on descents. Not mandatory but recommended.
Water bottle (1L x2)Or a 2L hydration bladder. More capacity = fewer refill stops.
SunglassesUV400 rated. Snow blindness at altitude is real and painful.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)Reapply every 2 hours. UV is stronger at 4,000m than at the beach.
Lip balm (SPF)Chapped lips at altitude crack and bleed. Carry in your pocket.
Power bank (20,000 mAh)No electricity for 3-7 days. Charge at tea houses when available.
Dry bags / Ziploc bagsKeep clothes and electronics dry. Rain doesn't care about your packing.
Trek towelMicrofiber. Dries fast. Small.
Personal Items & Documents
Government IDAadhaar card or driving license. Needed for permits and forest checkposts.
Passport-size photos (2)Some treks require these for permits.
Medical certificateFrom your doctor confirming fitness for high-altitude trekking.
Cash₹2,000-3,000 in small notes. No ATMs in the mountains.
ToiletriesToothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, tissues. Biodegradable soap.
Personal medicationInhaler, EpiPen, allergy meds, prescription drugs. Plus Diamox if advised.
Blister tape / MoleskinApply at the first sign of a hot spot. Don't wait for the blister.
First Aid (We Carry)
You still need your own personal medication and blister care.
Oxygen cylinderFor emergencies above 4,000m.
Pulse oximeterWe check your SpO2 at campsites above 3,000m.
Diamox (Acetazolamide)Standard AMS prevention and treatment.
General first aid kitBandages, antiseptic, painkillers, ORS, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines.
Satellite phoneFor emergencies in no-signal zones (available on select treks).
What NOT to Bring
JeansCotton denim gets heavy when wet, doesn't dry, and chafes. Leave them at the hotel.
Suitcase / trolleyYou're trekking, not flying to Goa. Backpack only.
Expensive jewellery / watchNothing to lose or attract attention.
Laptop / tabletNo electricity, no internet. You're here to disconnect.
Too much foodWe provide all meals. Extra snacks are fine (chocolate, nuts, energy bars).
Heavy booksOne paperback maximum. Or use phone/Kindle with power bank.
AlcoholAllowed at campsites in moderation. Don't carry bottles up the mountain.
Questions about gear? WhatsApp us at +91 88240 72726