Updated: 25 Mar 2011

We will be arriving in India in winter. During the days, the temperature is rather warm, however, at night it can get cold. Therefore, both warm and cold weather clothing is required. Llikewise for the Himalayas, and even though it can be a bit cold there, while trekking you will get hot and sweaty. In Ladakh some of the trekking gear can be rented but at this point I do not know what and at what rate. One can buy a warm sleeping bag for around USD30

• One warm sleeping bag rated at -20 Celcius. (it can freeze during the higher parts of the trek)
• Bedroll: foam, thermorest or the like.
• Good walking shoes with grip, and preferably ankle support. (for trekking).
• 3 pair of socks, thick and thin ones.
• Towel and toiletries
• Sunglasses and sun block can be needed at high altitude. An umbrella was very useful to protect us from the sun. It can be quite strong at these altitudes
• Warm jumper or jacket, a down jacket can be good.
• 2 pairs of trousers
• 3 T-shirts
• 5 sets of underwear (during trekking it will be difficult to dry things)
• Thermal underwear can be a good idea, but can be bought there.
• Good flashlight and spare batteries (in many places there will be no electricity) Water Purifier, if you want to stay longer (can be bought from a chemist)
• Pocket knife (very useful )
• Anti diarrhoea medicine, but best be careful with your food and water...
• A strong and good closing lunch box will be practical while trekking or on day tours. (Breakfast and dinner are cooked, Lunch we need to prepare in advance and carry)
• First Aid Kit: the organiser will only carry a simple one.
• You may want to bring a camera, travel diary, etc. (With a digital camera make sure you have enough batteries... for 10 days without electricity so no recharging either!)
• You may like to bring some dry food, just some things you like (to share) and can't get in India
• Inoculations are not compulsory, but you can check with your doctor. But be carefull some docors like to give a lot of completely unnessesary things. Things possible more harmful than useful. You do need proof of Yellow Fever inoculation if you come from various African or South American countires. Check it if not sure. If you need it and don't bring it you'll be kept in quarantine for ten days.

Note: It is best to keep luggage to a minimum when travelling, you have to be ready to carry everything you bring plus sometimes a little more from the collective stuff! Also a small backpack will be useful on shorter walks or for shopping. During the trek you can leave part of your things safely in the home base, so you don't have to carry more than you need. Still if all you come for is the trek there may not be any need to leave anything behind.... Myself, I still notice at the end of the tour that there are things which I haven't used at all.

When we fly from Delhi to Leh we can check in only 15Kg, we probably bring our own tents so please don't have more than 12 Kg to check in and less if possible. You'll be happier also :-) You can probably handcarry an other 5 to 8 Kg .