1. Backpack (60L) 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.

Ladies with smaller feet size find it a problem to get a similar shoe. Power/Addidas has a shoe that is uncannily close in design to a trekking shoe for ladies. Look for it in the bigger stores.

3. 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 I highly endorse them. Plus when things get cold you can wear one over the other.

4. 3-4 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.

Avoid loose fitting clothes. They restrict your movement. Plus you are going to lose weight while on the trek.

5. Full sleeve light sweater. A light fleece jacket would be ideal.

6. A full sleeve feather jacket or something similar.

7. 2-3 pairs of cotton inners (optional)

8. 1 pair of thermal inners (useful when we are on snow) but optional.

9. 3-4 pair of usual sports socks, at least one woolen pair.

10. Woolen monkey cap/balaclava.

11. Wind cheater (to escape a quick burst of rain). Or a light rain coat.

12. Woolen hand gloves + synthetic glove (water proof) – if you have one.

13. Sun glasses (100% UV Protection) – 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. Sunglasses prevent snow blindness. Sunglasses are mandatory on the trek.

14. Sun cap and/or head-scarf.

15. Light towel (should be thin, quick drying kind).

16. Chapstick or lip balm.

17. Cold cream & sun screen lotion (SPF 40+).

18. Water bottle (1L) [Hard plastic is recommended for boiled water at higher camps].

19. A cup, a plate and a spoon.

20. Torch with 2 extra set of cells. Buy LED torches. They last longer, are more durable and give good light.

21. Personal toilet kit (minimal) & toilet paper.

22. Personal medicine, assorted antiseptic plaster, blister kit – Note: We would cover Diamox and AMS stuff. So only bring your usual headache, stomachache tablets.

23. Small repair kit consisting of safety pins, thread and needle and a string is good idea to carry.

24. Camera, spare films/memory-cards, batteries etc.

25. While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry few extra plastic bags.

26. Slippers/sports sandals (for walking around campsite).

DON’Ts

1. Leave your denims behind – these are ill suited for treks.

2. Snacks and personal food items – No need to overburden yourself with chips, dry fruits etc.

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.

After packing, weigh your gear. It should be in range of 7-8 kg – preferably on the lighter side. Anything heavier, you will need to iterate and remove what is not essential.

Carry light & 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, ping me please.

And now some general idea about clothing…

Dressing in layers is the mantra. So 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.

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

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

2. A medical certificate specifying the following points

• 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