1. Backpack (55 - 65 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame. Quechua Forclaz
60 is a good choice.
2. Daypack (20-25 L) - optional. Useful for summit/pass day, handy if you want to
offload your backpack on the trek.
3. Trekking shoes - Sports shoes are an absolute NO in trekking. You need
Traction on Snow and Sport Shoes with PVC soles hardly justifies the choice.
Ensure the shoes are well used before the trek. Forclaz 500 and Woodland are
good choices.
4. 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 we highly
recommend them. Plus when things get really cold then layers of clothes matter.
5. 3 cotton t-shirt with collar. Avoid bright colours like red and fluorescents.
Stick to lighter tones. There are plenty of Birds and Animals one would come
across while trekking and you won't want them to get scared with your dressing
sense.
6. One full Sleeve Sweater. A fleece jacket would be an alternative.
7. A full sleeve thick Jacket.
8. 4 pairs of Undergarments.
9. 1 pair of Thermal Inners.
10. 4-5 pair of Sports Socks.
11. Woolen Monkey cap/Balaclava that cover the ear.
12. Light weight Rain Coat/Poncho (to escape a quick burst of rain).
13. Hand Gloves (water proof).
14. Sun glasses - Buy the one which will cover your eyes well. Choose from
Black, Green, Brown. Blue coloured Sunglass cannot block UV rays.
Avoid multi toned ones too. Sunglasses prevent snow blindness, and are mandatory
for treks.
15. Sun Cap and/or Head-Scarf.
16. Trekking Pole is mandatory.
17. People who wear spectacles should have any one of these:
Contact Lens
Photo Chromatic Glass.
If either of the above is not possible, wear your spectacles and carry a big
sunglass that can be worn over your spectales.
18. Light towel (a quick drying kind).
19. Chap stick or Lip Balm.
20. Cold Cream and Sun Screen Lotion (SPF 40+).
21. 2 Water bottles (1 L each). Do not carry packaged water bottles.
22. Life straw personal water filter (optional) - buy them online at Pepperfry
23. LED torch with extra set of cells/ Head Lamps (preferred).
24. Personal Toilet Kit (minimal) and Toilet Paper.
25.Small Repair Kit consisting of Safety Pins, Needle, Thread and String
(mandatory).
26.Slippers/Sandals (for walking around campsite).
27.While there are
adequate food provided on trek, some do feel very less energetic compared to
others. So you can carry few energy bars, dry fruits, etc.
NOTE-
We carry High Altitude Sleeping Bags with us hence please do not carry yours. We would also be carrying Alpine tents, ice-axes, and other equipment required for such treks.
Some Common advice about Clothing..
To protect you from cold, dressing in layers is the 'Catch'. Two T-shirts worn one over the other is warmer than a T-shirt that is thick. 3 T-shirts worn one over the other is as good as a full sweater. This is just a suggestion. If you are prone to cold carry an extra sweater.
Please ensure to carry the following documents:
An identification card (like Driving License, Voters ID card, Passport etc), along with a photocopy.
Passport Size Photos.
A Medical Certificate specifying the following points
Disclaimer Certificate (Download pdf here).
All mentioned DOCUMENTS are MANDATORY, without which you won't be allowed to trek.
For a High altitude Himalayan Trek.
Minimum Age: 9 years
Past experience in trekking: Useful but not essential.
Fitness required:
You need to be in good physical condition before the
start of the trek. You should be able to jog 4.5 kms in 30 minutes before
commencement of the trekking expedition. Any high altitude in Himalayas above
15650 feet, higher than most European summits, here the air is thin and the
surrounding becomes difficult. You need to carry a backpack that weighs 7-8 kgs.
Your physical fitness is very important for the successful completion of trek.
Prepare yourself to get to a jogging distance of 4.5 km under 30 minutes; this
would make your lungs strong enough to trek in such conditions. Simultaneously
also tone up with some active stomach exercise like leg rise and sit ups minimum
3 sets with push ups strengthening your shoulder, pelvic and chest.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility is the ability of muscles and tendons to
relax and stretch easily. It determines the amount of movement your bones can
make in any direction around joints such as shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
Stretching improves your posture and helps to prevent low back pain. Stretching
your hamstrings, quadriceps, hip flexors and low back muscles regularly,
promotes relaxation in the tissues reducing the strain on your back. On your
trek, it is important that you arrive on the slopes with your muscles relaxed.
Carrying a backpack, however light, can become a strain after a while. These
exercises will help you to be in good shape before the trek.