On a trek, packing well matters more than fitness. Pack too little and you are cold at camp. Pack too much and every climb is harder than it needs to be. This is the same list we give our own trekkers, for the two-day Dhauladhar treks and for the high passes.
What we provide
On our camping treks you don't need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, mattress, stove or food. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and meals are included, and on the longer treks mules carry the common equipment. Each trek page lists exactly what is included.
Clothes, in layers
Up here it can be hot sun at midday and close to freezing at night. A few thin layers work better than one heavy jacket.
- One set of thermals for camp and sleeping.
- Two quick-dry T-shirts and comfortable trekking trousers. Avoid cotton, it stays wet. Jeans are a bad idea.
- A fleece and a padded or down jacket. Above 3,500 metres bring three warm layers in all.
- A waterproof jacket, and a poncho that covers you and your pack.
- A sun cap, a woollen cap and gloves.
- Two or three pairs of trekking socks, plus one dry pair you only wear in camp.
Shoes
For short treks like Triund or Kheerganga, sturdy sports shoes with good grip are enough. For anything longer or rockier, like Kareri Lake, Hampta Pass or Manimahesh, wear trekking shoes with ankle support. Break them in on a few long walks at home, never on the trail itself. Carry sandals or light shoes for camp too. You will be glad of them in the evening.
Backpack and gear
- A 20 to 30 litre backpack for two-day treks, 40 to 60 litres for longer ones. Don't skip the rain cover.
- A trekking pole. It saves your knees on the way down.
- Two 1-litre water bottles. Fill them from the boiled water at camp.
- A head torch and spare batteries. A phone is a poor torch and the battery dies fast in the cold.
- Sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen. The sun is much stronger at altitude, and worse on snow.
Documents and money
- A government photo ID, for permits and check posts.
- Some cash. Above the roadhead the mobile network and online payments are not reliable.
- Travel insurance details, especially for the higher treks.
Things people forget
- Your own medicines, and something for headaches, blisters and an upset stomach.
- Lip balm and a small moisturiser. The air up here is very dry.
- A quick-dry towel, and swimwear if you are going to the hot spring at Kheerganga.
- A few zip-lock or dry bags for clothes and electronics.
- A small bag to bring your rubbish back down. Leave the trail cleaner than you found it.
What to leave behind
Heavy cotton clothes, jeans, a big hard suitcase, and anything valuable you would hate to lose. If you are staying in Dharamshala or Manali before the trek, leave the extra luggage at your hotel. If you want help with your pack, we can arrange a personal porter.
Every trek page has its own "Things to carry" list. Find your trek, or ask us if you are not sure about something.
