Essentials

• Backpack (55 – 65 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame.
• Day pack (20 L)  Useful for summit/pass day or in case you offload your Backpack.
• Trekking shoes. You need traction on snow. Ensure the shoes are well broken in before the trek.
• 3  track pants. Track pants are light and moreover when things get cold you can wear one over the other.
• 3 cotton t-shirts with collar.
• Two full sleeve sweaters or fleece jackets.
• A full sleeve thick jacket.
• 3 pairs of undergarments.
• 1 pair of thermals
• 3 pairs of sports socks.
• Woolen monkey cap/balaclava that covers the ears.
• Rain coat/poncho.
• 1 pair of woolen gloves or synthetic gloves (water proof).
• Sun glasses which cover your eyes well are mandatory, as they prevent snow blindness.
• People who wear spectacles, choose one of these:
  • Use contact lenses and a sun glass.
  • Wear a big sun glass over your spectacles.
• Sun cap.
• Towel (Thin, quick drying type).
• Lip balm.
• Cold cream and sun screen lotion (SPF 40+).
• 2 Water bottles (1 L each).
• A plate, a spoon and a coffee mug.
• Torch with extra set of batteries (head lamps recommended).
• Personal toilet kit (minimal) and toilet paper.
• Personal medicine kit. If you are travelling with friends, you can share a medical kit amongst 2-3 people.
• List of Medicine 

• Photographers (also budding ones), carry extra memory cards, and batteries as electricity is not available on the slopes
• Slippers/sandals (for walking around campsite).
• Some trekkers feel a loss of energy easily. While there is adequate food provided on the trek, do carry dry fruit combinations or energy bars as snacks.
• While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes
• Leave your denims behind – they are ill suited for treks and add unnecessary weight.
• Do not carry any disposable plastic bottles like Bisleri, Aquafina, plastic wrapped/packaged items. Do not bring any non biodegradable material.
• After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in the range of 7-8 kgs – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential.
• Carry light and what is essential. As an example, toothpaste should be bought in small size (that can last you 10 days). Do not plan for “if” situations. The list of things mentioned here are exactly what you need and nothing more.
• To protect yourself from cold, dress in layers . Two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T-shirt that is thick. Three T-shirts worn one over the other is as good as a full sweater. This is just a guideline. If you are prone to cold carry an extra sweater.

• An identification card (like driving license, voters ID card etc), along with a photocopy
• A passport size photo
• A medical certificate
• Disclaimer certificate

Download your Medical and Disclaimer forms here.

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