A comprehensive list of things to pack for a mountain trip in India will be super beneficial for those who have planned a mountain trip in India. Packing appropriately is essential for a smooth trip in the mountains.
Being a frequent traveler to the mountains in India, I am here to help my fellow travelers with super handy list things to carry for a mountain trip in India. So lets get started.
Things To Pack For A Mountain Trip In India
If you are looking for handy packing list for a mountain trip to India, I’ve got you covered.
Trip to mountains can be really overwhelming for first time travelers and utmost care needs to be taken while packing for a mountain trip.
So In this blog I’ve penned down all the aspects of packing for the mountains based out of my experience in the mountains. By the way, here are 5 Epic backpacking itineraries to experience the surreal beauty of Himachal.
Clothes To pack For Mountain Trip In India
If you have got the question “What to wear for mountain trip In India” on your mind. Don’t worry, below is where I’ll elaborate on the clothes you can pack for your mountain trip.
Just make sure that you don’t pack too much. Packing light is always the key in the mountains.
If you love to tread on off the beaten path, here are 27 extremely pretty lesser-known places near kullu Manali that you’ll surely love I my opinion.
Trousers/loose pants/ trek pants
Even though a lot of people wear jeans on their trips, I would really advise against it. In the mountains it is very crucial to wear breathable clothes that will help you move around comfortably.
And Jeans or denims do not offer that. Therefore, I always prefer and advise folks to pack breathable clothes like trousers, trek pants, baggy pants.
Wearing these will really enable you to move around freely amidst the treacherous mountainous terrain to be honest.
You can also wear shorts during summers in the Himalayas, Sahayadris, Aravalis. But if you are going to spend more time outdoors then shorts may not be the best options.
I personally pack 2-3 such trek pants cum trousers which are really enough for a 7-10 day trip to mountains in India. If you were to stay longer just wash them occasionally and you should be good to go.
T Shirts/ Shirts / Tops
Men can choose from comfortable shirt or t shirt while women can choose from Shirts, Tshirts, Tops etc.
I personally prefer to wear t-shirts and I carry 4-5 of them during my trips to the mountains which are certainly enough for a 7 to 10 day trip in the mountains. If you are going to stay longer just wash them.
Women can where dresses but I thing they might be not appropriate to wear in the mountains due to weather and altitude.
Warm Clothes to Pack For A Mountain Trip In India
Warm layers are the most important things to pack for a mountain trip in India. Especially if you are going to explore the Himalayas.
Western ghats, Aravallis, Nilgiris are hot during the summers but during the winters, early mornings and nights are super cold. Himalayas are brutally cold during during winters and remain cold almost throughout the year.
If you are visiting Manali an have this query “Is thermal necessary for Manali” then this detailed blog on the same will put all your queries to rest.
Thermals
If you are visiting Himalayas not matter what the season you must carry a thermal layer. Of course, depending upon the season you are visiting, thermals might not be needed. But there is no harm in carrying them.
Thermals are definitely needed to protect you from cold during the brutal winters, early spring, late Autumn of Himalayas. The need to be worn as the innermost layer to trap the body heat which helps you keep warm.
Even in summers if you are visiting High-altitude valleys of the Himalayas thermal could come in handy. You’ll always find a thermal no matter what the season in my rucksack whenever I am traveling to the Himalayas.
Light sweater/ Fleece layer/ Hoodie/ Sweat Shirt
The key to protect oneself from cold is to layer up. Therefore, If you are going to Indian Himalayas ensure that you carry at least one or even multiple such layers depending on the season.
If you are visiting places like Mahabelshwar, Ooty, Mount Abu make sure you carry one of these during winters. Summers are warm at these places.
But Himalayas tend to remain cold throughout the year. Except for 3-4 months during summers and monsoons Himalayas remain cold throughout the year especially in winters.
The temperatures are sub-zero in the winters during mornings and nights even in the mid-hills of Himalayas. So basically Himalayas will be cold from October to April.
Good Quality Warm Jacket
A good quality warm jacket is absolutely for your trip to the mountains in India. You may or may not need in Western ghats, Aravalis, Eastern Ghats depending on the season. But you certainly need it in the Himalayas.
A waterproof/resistant jacket is a highly recommended in the Himalayas to tackle the sub-zero temperatures. Of course, you have to wear more layers depending on the cold.
I personally have been using this quechua water resistant jacket which can keep me warm upto -10 degrees with layers. And I must it has been worth every penny and has helped me tackle winters in the Himalayas.
Woolen Socks/ Woolen Caps/ Woolen Gloves
Woolen socks, caps, gloves are necessary if you are traveling to Indian Himalayas especially during the winter months.
Apart from the Himalayas, woolen socks, woolen caps, and gloves may or may not be necessary during the winters depending on the region.
Footwear To Carry For the Trip To The Mountains
Decent footwear is a must have to tackle the treacherous mountain terrain. Depending on your likings and agenda’s in the mountains you can pack the footwear accordingly.
So in this section I’ll be talking about the footwear to pack for the mountains. By the way, if you are visiting Manali, here is a detailed blog on what kind of shoes to wear while in Manali
Sandals Or Flip Flops
Make sure you carry sandals and flip flops when packing for your trip to mountains in India.
They’ll really come in handy will moving around the property you are staying. This will enable you to not wear shoes every time you are wandering around your place of stay.
Normal shoes
If you are someone who is not a big fan of hiking and trekking in the mountains and just wants to visit places which are easily accessible, Sports shoes or casual shoes will suffice.
The downside with sport shoes are that they don’t have a good grip. A shoe with a good grip is usually preferred if you are to hike in the mountains. As the trails are not easy to deal with.
Hiking and Trekking shoes
If you are someone who loves to spend much of time on the pristine trails of the mountains then please pack hiking and trekking shoes in my opinion.
Basic hiking shoes will suffice on day hikes and dry weather. But for hiking in snow you need a bit advanced hiking shoes which are waterproof.
If multi-day trek is on your agenda and you are frequent hiker in the mountains, they I would suggest you to go for advance level hiking shoes. Here are some decent hiking shoes you should check out if you are looking to buy one.
Camping Gear To Pack For A Trip To The Mountains In India
Camping is one of the top things that people do in mountains. Whether you are camping as a part of multi-day trek or just for fun, you need to have certain gears to ensure a hassle free camping experience.
So let me guide you through essential must-haves for an enjoyable camping experience in the mountains. By the way, here are 13 easy hikes and treks around Kullu and Manali that are perfect for the beginners.
Tent
If you are looking to go on treks or go camping, the first and foremost thing you would need is a tent. So please ensure that you carry one.
Good quality tents are available at Decathlon. So according to your budget you can buy if don’t have one.
Alternatively you can also rent the tents if you are going for a popular hike. But it is advisable to rent a tent or just bring one along with before hand to avoid any hassle.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are of utmost when going trekking and camping, especially in the might Himalayas. Even though day-time temperatures are very pleasant on Himalayan hikes or camping places.
Sleeping bag will ensure that you body-heat does not escape which in turn will help you keep warm. Even if the temperatures outside are several degrees below 0.
The temperatures plummets several notches during the night. Especially in high-altitude areas. So make sure you have decent quality sleeping depending on the season you are visiting the Himalayas.
If you are need of sleeping bags, decently quality sleeping bags are available at Decathlon.
Trekking Mattress/Insulation
Trekking mattress and insulation is another key component of your trekking gear.
Along with the sleeping bag which traps the body heat, the insulation pad prevents the loss of heat to the ground.
So for an enjoyable hiking or camping experience it is essential that you carry a trekking mattress in my opinion. Decathlon has tons of trekking mattresses to choose from if you are looking to buy one.
Hiking Pole
A decent hiking pole can come in very handy if you are going to hike in the mountains. Hiking pole really provides the support that your body needs while ascending and descending steeps slopes.
Cooking gear
If you are planning to do a full self-sufficient camping or hiking trip to the mountains, you need bring along cooking utensils, gas stove etc.
So make sure that you have appropriate cooking items and gear in order to survive in the wilderness. Else if all this feels a hassle just go for trekking or camping with a trekking-company. Of course not forget the ration itself.
Toiletries To Pack For A Mountain Trip In India
Toiletries form an essential part of packing list for mountain trip in India. So here is comprehensive list to help you in your packing.
Soap/ Shower Gel/ face Wash/ Shampoo
Do not expect toiletries if you are going to stay in the budget accommodation on your trips to mountains in India. Therefore, make sure that you bring your own toiletries like soap, shampoo, body wash, etc before hand.
Some places in the mountains especially Himalayas are very remote and finding even basic toiletries could be a task. But expect to get basic toiletries in popular tourist destinations in the mountains.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is one of the important things that you must surely pack when planning a trip to the mountains.
I personally make sure to carry hand sanitizers so that I can quickly wash my hands without having to use soap and water. It usually comes in very handy when outdoors on exploration and hiking trips.
Toilet paper
Yes you heard it right, In India people generally do not use toilet papers You might find them in some properties but that there are chances that you might not find them at all.
So if you are not used to it, please make sure you carry toilet paper on your trip to India.
Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush
Again, this is no-brainer. Ensure that you pack a tooth paste and tooth brush of your own choice when going for trip to the mountains in India.
Unless you are staying in luxury properties just completely forget about getting tooth brush and tooth paste at the place of your stay.
Conditioner/Moisturizer/ Sunscreen
Harsh sunlight and altitude really in the mountains can damage or skin. That’s when Moisturizer and sunscreen come in handy.
But moisturizer, sunscreen will be difficult to get in the mountains of India especially in the remote and not so popular places.
Hence, I would advise you to please carry these items of your choice and brand when packing for a mountain trip to India.
Menstrual Hygiene Products
To all the fellow female travelers, please ensure that you pack appropriate menstrual hygiene items while on a mountain trip to India.
Menstrual hygiene products can really be hard to get in the mountains of India. Especially the far-flung valleys of Himalayas.
I have personally witnessed a fellow female traveler really struggle to get them in a remote village of Lahaul valley. Packing them before hand will ensure that you do not have any unpleasant experiences.
Medicines To Pack For a Mountain Trip In India
Staying fit and healthy for a mountain trip in India or anywhere in the world is quite obvious. So in order to avoid tackle basic ailments and illnesses, let me guide you through medicine packing list.
By the way, here is a detailed list of medicines that you should pack while traveling to India for a hassle free and enjoyable trip.
First aid Kit, Pain reliever sprays & insect repellent
If possible carry basic first aid kit items like Bandages, anti-septic creams, etc to treat minor injuries and wounds. Carrying pain reliever sprays is also advisable.
Basic Over the counter Medicines
Make sure you carry basic over the counter medicines for common ailments like cold, cough, fever, headache, allergy etc.
Sometimes finding even basic over the counter medicines can be hard to find in the remote areas of Himalayas. So carrying them before hand can really save you a hassle.
Here is comprehensive list of such basic medicines to carry while traveling to India. I am certain, that this will be quite helpful to you as a traveler.
Your own Medicines
In case you have chronic ailments or illnesses like Diabetes, Hypertension, make sure you carry your own medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
As I mentioned earlier getting even basic medicines is a struggle in the mountains sometimes so just forget about your specific medicines.
Altitude Sickness Medicines
If you are visiting high-altitude areas like Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh, Darma, Johar, Paddar, or on high-altitude treks AMS could become a problem.
Best way to avoid AMS is to be properly acclimatized. But in case you are short on time and you know you are going to gain altitude quickly without being properly acclimatized, you can carry AMS medicines before hand.
AMS threat is very real in high altitude valleys. And here is a detailed guide on how tackle AMS in the high-altitude valleys.
Diamox is the one which usually helps you acclimatize faster, while Dexamethasone will help you buy time to descend to lower altitude in case your AMS becomes worse.
Miscellaneous things to carry on Mountain Trip
Here are some miscellaneous yet very important things that you need to carry on mountain trip to India.
By the way, here is a detailed 7-day itinerary to one of the most beautiful destinations in India, Spiti valley.
ID card
Please ensure you carry a valid ID whenever you are going for a trip to the mountains in India or anywhere in India for the matter.
Usually you are asked to provide a valid identity card whenever you check into a hotel, homestay, hostel, guesthouses. So make sure you carry one.
Power Bank
Intermittent electricity is a common phenomenon in the mountains. So to avoid your devices running out of battery, Make sure that you carry a power bank.
Also while outdoors, it can really help if your devices are low on battery. I recently bought this one-plus fast charging power bank and it really works great.
Day Pack
Carrying a day pack will really make your life easy in the mountains.
While out an exploration trip or hiking you can carry a 10 – 20 litre day pack where in you can put water bottle, food items and other items that are important.
I personally always carry one in the mountains. And it comes in super handy while I am exploring the pristine trails in the mountains. I use the day pack to carry some fruits, food times and water along with power bank.
Poncho
Weather is something that you can’t predict in the mountains. And that’s when poncho can come to your rescue.
In order to avoid getting drenched in case of any sudden change in the weather, make sure you carry one. Especially if you are visiting the mountains during the monsoons.
Hat or Cap
Sunlight can be pretty harsh in the mid and high altitude mountainous region. And Tanning is inevitable.
But you can slow it down and save yourself a bit if you wear a hat or cap when outdoors so that sun doesn’t directly fall on your face.
Water Bottles
I personally always make it a point to carry my own water bottle when I going to the mountains in India. You do not need to buy packaged this way and can refill your bottles at regular intervals.
Water in the mountains especially in the Himalayas is the best water you can get and is safe to drink be it from springs, rivulets etc.
Sun glasses
If you are traveling to the mountains, sun is harsh especially at the higher altitudes. Plus if you are in snowy environment you definitely need sunglasses to avoid snow blindness.
Therefore I would advise you to pack sunglasses if you are going to high altitude valleys and snowy terrains.
So this brings me to the end of the this blog. I am certain that this blog will be very useful in packing and getting you ready for a trip to the mountains in India.
The key is to pack all the essential items but pack light so that the luggage does not become a literal burden. In case you have any other queries regarding list of things to pack for a mountain trip in India you can leave a comment below. I’ll be happy to help.