Updated: 28 Apr 2008

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. This is likewise for the Himalayas, 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 warm, light sleeping bag.
• Bedroll: foam or the like.
• Good walking shoes with grip, and preferable ankle support. (for trekking). You can buy slippers or sandals for daily use in India, for around a dollar.
• 3 pair of socks, thick and thin ones.
• Towel and toiletries
• Sunglasses and sun block can be needed at high altitude
• Warm Jumper or jacket
• 2 Trousers
• 3 T-shirts
• 5 Underwear (during trekking it will be difficult to dry things)
• Thermal underwear can be a good idea, but can be bought cheap in Nepal
• Good flashlight and spare batteries (in some places there will be no electricity) Water Purifier, if you want to stay longer (can be bought from a chemist)
• Pocket knife (very useful )
• Padlock and chain (to lock luggage to berth while on the train, sometimes it goes walking...) A number lock is very useful when sharing rooms and people need to be able to come and go at different times.
• Mosquito repellent ?
• Anti diarrhoea medicine - carob powder is very effective (3 tablespoons with a little water)
• A strong and good closing lunch box will be practical while trekking or on day tours.
• First Aid Kit: Organiser will carry a simple one.
• You may want to bring camera, travel diary, etc.
• 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. An injection against Hepatitis can be considered. Some of the areas we go through have a low malaria risk in the rainy season but as we are in the dry and cold season, the risk is very low. Malaria tablets are not giving 100% protection either, have to be taken regularly from a few weeks before, till a few weeks after the trip, and can have very strong side effects...

Note: It is best to keep luggage to a minimum when traveling, you have to be ready to carry everything you bring! Others have their own luggage already... Also a small backpack will be useful on shorter walks or shopping. During trekking you can leave part of your things safely in the home base, so you don't have to carry more than necessary still if all you come for is the trek there would be no need to leave anything behind.... Even after so many trips myself I notice there are always things at the end of the tour which I didn't use at all...