Packing for a Himalayan trek is mostly an exercise in restraint. You need less than you think, but the few things you do need matter enormously. This list is the one we send with our trek briefings.
The essentials
- Rucksack, 50–70 litres, with a waterproof cover
- Trekking shoes with ankle support — not running shoes
- An insulated jacket, plus fleece or woollen layers
- Thermal inner wear, upper and lower
- Trek pants and trousers; gloves, cap and neck cover
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and moisturiser
- Water bottles, a personal toiletries kit and a basic medical kit
- Raincoat or poncho, a power bank, toilet paper and sanitiser
- Government photo ID — passport, Aadhaar card, driving licence or voter ID
What we provide
You do not need to buy camping equipment. Our treks include high-quality tents — separate living, kitchen, dining and toilet tents — along with sleeping bags, mattresses and utensils. Safety equipment travels with every group: a first aid kit, an oxygen cylinder, stretchers and rope. On the routes that need them, spikes and gaiters are provided for the summit sections.
The small bag question
Bring a small daypack only if you plan to offload your main bag to a mule or porter, or if the itinerary has a summit day. On those days you carry water, snacks and a layer while the rest stays in camp.
Offloading your backpack
- Offloading to a mule or porter is available on most treks and is charged per bag per day.
- Rates vary by route — the exact range is listed on each trek page.
- Your bag must weigh no more than about 11 kg and needs a waterproof cover.
- Suitcases, trolleys and duffel bags are not accepted.
What to leave behind
Wheeled luggage of any kind, more than one change of trekking clothes, and anything you are carrying purely in case. Weight you do not need is weight you will regret on the third climb of the day.
Rental gear — jackets, shoes, trek poles, headlamps and ponchos — is available at the base camp market on several of our routes, so a one-off trek need not mean a wardrobe of new kit.
