Planning to trek the Himalayas in 2021-2022? Or travel afar from the usual hubbub of life? If you’re reading this, consider this as a sign for you to go to the mighty Himalayas for a trek of a lifetime! But before you go and book your tickets, you may want to check out our expert list of things to carry while trekking for a more enjoyable trip. We have listed out the most essential things to take on a Himalayan trek.

As much as it is important to strip to your bare minimum while going for an intense trek in a harsh environment, we highly recommend that you carry the below-mentioned things while going trekking. All the things will prove to be useful and anyway, it is better to have something and not need it than not have it and need it badly.

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We have updated the list as per the latest 2021 COVID-protocols in Himalayan regions.

What Should I Pack For Snow Trekking?

THE BASICS

1. PROPER CLOTHING: Sport shoes, cotton pants are a big NO-NO. Ensure that you have brightly-coloured weatherproof clothing as you don’t know when you might need an extra layer of insulation.

2. PROPER GEAR: Sunglasses, flashlight, emergency whistle, first-aid kit, trekking pole, water purifying tablets can go a long way in keeping you as safe as possible while trekking the mountain.

3. ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS + PHOTOCOPIES: this includes ID cards, travel documents, passes, permission slips, etc.

4. LIGHT SNACKS WITH LIGHT WATER BOTTLE: While climbing the steep heights of the Himalayas, you are bound to lose energy faster than normal. So to keep up with the vigorous workout, protein bars, trail mix, dry fruits, snickers can prove to be more useful than you imagined.

5. LIGHT BACKPACK WITH COMFORTABLE TREKKING SHOES: instead of cotton clothes, keep synthetic clothes since they absorb sweat quickly and dry up quicker. Make sure that you have worn your trekking shoes before. They must be lightweight, sturdy, waterproof and warm that also provides ankle protection and can hold a firm grip on slippery surfaces.

6. SWISS KNIFE: It’s one of the most essential things to take on a Himalayan trek. Apart from personal safety assurance, a multi-purpose utility knife coupled with a trek map can come in handy in sticky situations if you ever find yourself in one.

7. FIRST AID KIT: in this, be sure to keep a:
   1. paracetamol, 
   2. painkiller, 
   3. anti-fungal cream (since you won’t be bathing for 2-4 days), 
   4. ORS packs, 
   5. dressing material, 
   6. Diamox (helps in acclimating to the weather)
   7. A broad spectrum anti-biotic,
   8. Anti-diarrhoeal

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COVID PROTOCOL PRE-REQUISITES

1. A Negative RT-PCR test report: the report must be less than 72 hours old before the date of the trek.
2. Vaccination certificate (if you’re vaccinated)
3. Medical Fitness Certificate: this is to assure the proper authorities that you are fit to undertake this trek
4. Hand sanitiser & reusable face masks – don’t take anything that is use-and-throw. Littering pristine natural locations with plastic face shields, gloves, surgical masks is disrespectful, to say the least. If you have to, you can take a separate bag wherein you can stash all your used items and later dispose of them responsibly.
5. While making a list of things to carry while trekking, ensure that you possess a fit body with good immunity before embarking on the Himalayan trek first;
6. Opt for contactless paperwork through online bookings.

DON’T FORGET TO:

1. Keep a sunscreen because once you’re in the mountains, whichever side of your body is facing the sun is vulnerable to bad sunburns;
2. Mke sure you have a set of rechargeable batteries for your flashlight and a good power bank for your electronics;
3. Keep a knapsack or a day-pack equipped only with essentials. You won’t need your main luggage while climbing the steep Himalayan mountains;
4. Keep some reading materials to keep you entertained when you’re on the way and have got nothing to do.

If you are planning to trek the Himalayas any time soon, we wish you all the very best. Bookmark this article to gain quick access to our expert guide on the things to take on a Himalayan trek! Happy Trekking.

Also Read: Think you are a pro-trekker? Try scaling these 7 most difficult treks in India

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