Himalayan trek packing list: winter and summer

A good Himalayan packing list is mostly about warmth and dryness: three layers, a warm jacket for camp, waterproof shoes and a head torch. The rest depends on the season, and the heaviest items, like a padded jacket and rucksack, are often cheaper to rent than to buy.

How should you layer?

REI's layering guide describes three layers. The base layer sits next to your skin and moves sweat away; synthetics (polyester, nylon) and merino wool or silk work. The insulating middle layer, such as fleece, holds in body heat. The outer shell blocks wind and rain and must be breathable enough not to trap sweat. REI also advises carrying all three on every outing, since you can shed layers but cannot add ones you left behind. Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly, which is why operators say to avoid it.

The National Park Service's Ten Essentials list adds a few non-negotiables for any hike: navigation, sun protection, extra clothing for the worst weather, a headlamp, a first-aid kit, a fire source, repair tools, extra food, water and treatment, and emergency shelter. On a guided trek, your operator covers shelter and fire, but the rest are yours.

Winter packing list (Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Dayara)

This list draws on the Kedarkantha and Brahmatal pages on Treqz and Himalayan Dream Treks' list for Dayara Bugyal, where winter nights can reach about -15 C.

• Clothing: 2 to 3 thermal base sets, a fleece jacket and a sweater, a hooded down or padded jacket rated for about -10 C, a windproof and waterproof shell, 2 quick-dry trek pants, a warm hat, balaclava or neck warmer, and two pairs of gloves (a fleece liner plus a waterproof outer).
• Feet: waterproof high-ankle shoes, 3 to 4 pairs of socks plus woollen socks for the night, gaiters and microspikes, and camp slippers.
• Gear: a 40 to 60 litre rucksack with rain cover, a day pack, trekking poles, a head torch with spare batteries, two 1-litre bottles (one insulated so it does not freeze), UV sunglasses, and a power bank because there is no charging on the trail.
• Papers: photo ID and a photocopy, a medical certificate and self-declaration form where the operator asks, trek insurance, and cash in small notes.
• Health: your own medicines, blister plasters, ORS, sunscreen and lip balm, and snacks such as dry fruit.

Summer and monsoon packing list (Hampta Pass, Valley of Flowers)

Bikat's Hampta Pass list and Trekkaro's Valley of Flowers list are lighter on insulation and heavier on rain protection.

• Rain protection: rain jacket and rain pants or a poncho, a pack rain cover with a plastic liner inside, and zip bags for phone and papers.
• Warmth: thermal top and bottom, a fleece, and a warm jacket, since Hampta Pass nights are 0 to 5 C and Hemkund is cold in wind and mist.
• Feet: waterproof, broken-in shoes with ankle support, gaiters for mud, and waterproof warm gloves for the pass.
• Sun: a sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen. Sun is strong at altitude, even between showers.
• Other: a head torch, two 1-litre bottles (plastic is banned inside the Valley of Flowers), your own plate, spoon and mug on Hampta Pass, and a power bank.

For more on rain trips see best monsoon treks, and for cold trips best winter treks.

What should you rent and what should you buy?

Himalayan Dream Treks lists these rentals in Dehradun. Prices fall with the number of days (1 day / 3+ days):

At the 3+ day rate, renting shoes, a jacket, a bag and poles for five days comes to roughly ₹2,250 before any deposit, which is our arithmetic from the listed rates. Check the deposit and the condition of the gear with the shop. Many operators already give tents, sleeping bags, microspikes and gaiters, so ask what your fee covers before you rent anything. Bikat also hands out rented shoes, poles, a fleece jacket and a rucksack in Sankri for Kedarkantha.

Our suggestion: buy what touches your skin or must fit you exactly (thermals, socks, gloves, and shoes if you trek often) and rent the bulky warm layers. Our trek pages list Decathlon in Dehradun for thermals, socks, fleece, gloves, a torch and poles. The shoes and poles guide explains fit.

What should you not bring?

• Jeans and cotton base layers. Trekkaro says to wear quick-dry trek pants and moisture-wicking layers instead.
• Wet wipes that are not biodegradable, and single-use plastic. Govind National Park, which covers Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun, bans polythene and non-biodegradable items and asks you to carry all garbage out.
• Suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags if you use offloading; Trekkaro's limit is 9 kg for offloaded bags on the Valley of Flowers.
• Alcohol. The NHS advises against drinking it while travelling or climbing at altitude.

Download the trek's map before you go; see offline maps for treks in India.

General planning information. Prices and operator inclusions change; check with your operator. Treqz does not sell gear or run treks.

Sources

• REI: Layering basics
• US National Park Service: The Ten Essentials
• Himalayan Dream Treks: Dayara Bugyal (things to carry)
• Himalayan Dream Treks: gear rental in Dehradun
• Bikat Adventures: Kedarkantha
• Bikat Adventures: Hampta Pass
• Trekkaro: Valley of Flowers things to carry
• NHS: Altitude sickness
• Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park: rules

Quick questions