List of things to carry on a trek

ITEM

QUANTITY

REMARKS

Sleeping Bag

1

GVH will provide. If you have one, bring your own for hygienic reason after consulting with us.

Sleeping Mattress (Foam/Rubber)

1

GVH will provide.

Micro spikes/Anti slip grip &
Gaiters

1

GVH will provide if required.

Rucksack/Backpack

1

Must, Between 40 to 50 Litre

Note: You don’t need a backpack more than 50 L unless planning for an extended trip.

Rucksack cover (Waterproof)

1

Advised for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the poly pack(s) back to home and reuse/recycle).

Daypack/Knapsack

1

MUST, when you offload your rucksack/main luggage. Always carry items in your daypack which you may require during your walk. E.g. DON’T offload Water bottle(s), any dry food, wind/water proof, gloves, cap, personal medicine kit etc.

Trekking Shoe/Boot

Pair of shoes

A good quality rubber sole shoe/boot with mid sole cushioning and ankle support (Medium or high ankle). Wear at least 2 weeks to break in the shoe. Otherwise you may get sores/blisters when on mountain.

Note: Sports shoes are NOT recommended for high altitude Himalayan treks. For relatively low altitude Easy treks you may wear but an additional back up shoe is advised.

T-shirt (Base layer while you
are hiking)

2/3

A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially
when you walk.

Warm Jacket (Mid layer
clothing for warmth)

1

A Must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (a.k.a Hollow Fill) Jacket/Down feather Jacket.

While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite.

Windproof Jacket/Wind
Cheater (Outer layer
clothing for protection from
wind and rain/snow fall)

1

A Must item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.

Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny. Wear this specially if the weather is windy while hiking or in campsite.

Thermal wear (Base Layer
once you reach campsite)

1

Upper and lower (Woolly cot material ). Must item for winter treks.

Trek pant

2

A MUST item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.

One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is highly advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.

For altitude around or above 5000 m/16400 ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.

Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof
clothing

1

Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.

This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant if these are waterproof/water repellent.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.

Balaclava/Woollen skull
cap for warmth

1

Must item for protection against cold conditions .Normally these are made of woollen/mixed synthetic warm material.

Sun cap/Wide-brimmed
Hat/Bandanna

1

For protection against sun while you hike.

Under garments/Inner wear

As per need

Hiking Socks

3/4 pair

Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks).

100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woollen socks in winter treks (mostly for using at campsite but not while you walk).

Woollen gloves

1 pair

A MUST item

Waterproof gloves

1 pair

Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.

Camp sandal

1 pair

Optional. Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.

Walking Sticks/Trekking
Poles/Ski Poles

1 pair/single

Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending.

Water bottle/Hydration pack

1

Must. Bottle made of durable plastic etc.

Knee cap

1 pair/single

Optional. Makes a difference especially if you had knee injuries/problems (Open patella Neoprene added variant is better).

Sunglasses

1

This is must for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection.
Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.

Torch/Head Lamp with extra
batteries

1

Must. Head torch is better as it keeps your hands free.

Sunscreen lotion

1

Optional. If you think necessary, bring one with 50 SPF or more.

Chap Stick/Cold & Moisturising cream

1

Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.

Toothbrush and paste

1 each

Carry small toothpaste tube.

Soap/Soap strip

1

Carry a small soap or a Soap strip.

Hand sanitiser

1

Optional. Small bottle.

Tissue roll ( Toilet paper)

1

This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.

Towel

1

Small to medium size (light weight). Bathing is NOT advised during any trek as you can catch cold easily.

Anti-Fungal Powder

1

Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoes drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.

Camera with extra cells

1

Optional. There is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes. Carry spare batteries/pack or power bank (mobile phone camera user)

Dry food items

Kit

Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and Glucon C/D/Tang/Getorade.

Medicines Kit

Kit

A MUST. Inform us if you are on medicine(s) given by a doctor.

a) General medicines for headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
b) Anti Diarrhoearal
c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DON’T take Codeine based painkillers).
e) Strong analgesics (Co- Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care, Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium).
g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug). Consult with a doctor or us while planning.

Lunch box

1

MUST item. You need not to carry plate/bowl/mug/spoon from home. We will provide these as required during meals. You must carry a lunch/tiffin box (compartmentalised or in all in one) to keep the packed lunch item we will provide when required on treks.