1. Backpack (60 - 65 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame.
2. Trekking shoes – no tennis shoes please. You need traction on snow and sport shoes with their PVC soles are hardly the choice.Ensure the shoes are well broken in before the trek. Forclaz 500 and Woodland are good choices.
3. Ladies with smaller feet size find it a problem to get a similar shoe. Forclaz 500 has special trekking shoes for women. Power/Addidas/Reebok have sport shoes with deeper treads. Look for them in the bigger stores.
4. 3 pair of track pants (at least one should be synthetic (quick-dry) kind). Or 3 pair of cotton pants with lots of pockets. Track pants are light and we highly endorse them. Plus when things get cold you can wear one over the other.
5. 3 cotton tees with collar. No bright colours like reds and fluorescents. Stick with lighter tones. There are plenty of birds to be seen on the trek and you don’t want to scare them with your sense of dress.
6. Full sleeve sweater. A fleece jacket would be an alternative.
7. A full sleeve thick jacket or something similar.
8. 2-3 pairs of cotton inners (optional)
9. 1 pair of thermal inners (useful when we are on snow) but optional.
10. 4-5 pair of usual sports socks, at least one woolen pair.
11. Woolen monkey cap/balaclava that cover the ear.
12. Wind cheater (to escape a quick burst of rain). Or a light rain coat/poncho.
13. Woolen hand gloves + synthetic glove (water proof).
14. Sun glasses – curved ones will cover your eyes well. No blue coloured sunglass — they don’t block UV. Blacks, greens, browns are fine. Avoid multi tone sunglasses. The brand of the glasses or the price does not matter. What matters is that they are dark and not blue in colour. Sunglasses prevent snow blindness. Sunglasses are mandatory for this trek.
15. People who wear spectacles, choose one of these:
    1. Use contact lenses.
    2. Photochromatic glasses
    3. If either of the above is not possible, wear your spectacles and carry a big sunglass that can be worn over your spectacles.
16. Sun cap and/or head-scarf.
17. Light towel (should be thin, quick drying kind).
18. Chapstick or lip balm.
19. Cold cream & sun screen lotion (SPF 40+).
20. 2 Water bottles (1 L each).
21. Torch with 2 extra set of cells. Buy LED torches. They last longer, are more durable and give good light.
22. Personal toilet kit (minimal) and toilet paper.
23. Personal medicine kit containing:
    
    
    1. Crocin - 10 tablets
    2. Avomine - 4 tablets
    3. Avil 25mg - 4 tablets
    4. Diamox - 15 tablets
    5. Combiflam - 5 tablets
    6. Disprin - 10 tablets
    7. Norflox - 6 tablets
    8. Crepe bandage - 3 to 5 meters
    9. Band aid - 10 strips
    10. Digene - 10 tablets
    11. Gauze cloth - 1 small role
    12. Leukoplast - 1 small roll
    13. Cotton - 1 small roll
    14. ORS - 5 packets
    15. Betadine cream
    16. Moov spray
    17. Nebasulf/ Soframycine powder
    18. Water purifying tablets (small)
        
        
24. Small repair kit consisting of safety pins, needle, thread and string.
25. Camera, memory-cards, batteries etc (carry enough spare batteries. Electricity is not available on the slopes)
26. While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags.
27. Slippers/sports sandals (for walking around campsite).
28. Trekking pole (optional).
29. Some trekkers feel loss of energy more than others. While there is adequate food provided on the trek, carry a few energy bars (5 Star/Munch and dry fruit pouches. 2-3 per day). Optional.

DON’Ts

1. Leave your denims behind – these are ill suited for treks.
2. Snacks, colas, alcohol and personal food – No need to overburden yourself with food.
3. Don’t get any sleeping bags. We are going to carry high altitude sleeping bags with us. We would also be carrying Alpine tents, ice-axes, and other equipment required for such treks.
4. After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in the range of 7-8 kg – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential.
5. Carry light and what is essential. As an example, toothpaste should be bought in small size (that can last you 10 days). If you are not sure you need to carry “XYZ” or not, email us please at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

And now some general advice about clothing…

Dressing in layers is the mantra. Two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T-shirt that is thick. This is just a guideline. Mileage vary based on your physical condition, threshold to cold etc. If you are prone to cold, carry an extra sweater.

Along with the above list, please ensure you also carry the following documents

1. An identification card (like driving license, voters ID card etc)

2. A medical certificate specifying the following points (Download pdf here).

• Any chronic disease
• Overall physical fitness
• Any drug allergies
• Are you under medication of any kind
• Blood pressure (and are there any issues in the past)
• Blood group

3. Disclaimer certificate (Download pdf here).

The documents are mandatory. Without them you will not be allowed to trek.