Most first-time trekkers carry too much of the wrong thing and not enough of the right thing. This is the list we actually send our Chopta and Churdhar groups.
We've watched a lot of people discover, at 3,500 metres, that their brand-new shoes don't fit and their cotton hoodie doesn't dry. Packing for a Himalayan trek isn't about buying expensive gear — it's about bringing the right handful of things and leaving the rest at home.
The three things that actually matter
If you get nothing else right, get these right: your shoes, your layers, and staying dry.
- Trekking shoes with ankle support — worn in for at least two weeks before the trek. Not new. Not sneakers.
- Layers, not one thick coat. A base layer, a fleece, and a windproof outer beat any single heavy jacket.
- A rain shell, even in a dry month. Mountain weather doesn't consult the forecast.
Clothing
- 2 quick-dry t-shirts (avoid cotton — it holds sweat and chills you)
- 1 fleece or light down jacket
- 1 windproof/waterproof outer shell
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers (not jeans)
- 3 pairs of wool or synthetic socks
- Thermal base layer for nights
- Warm hat, gloves, and a sun hat or cap
Kit
- Headtorch with spare batteries — camps have limited power
- 1-litre water bottle (we refill along the way)
- Sunscreen SPF 40+ and lip balm — the sun at altitude is brutal, even when it's cold
- Sunglasses, ideally UV-rated
- Personal medication and a small blister kit
- Power bank — charging points are scarce and cold kills batteries
What to leave at home
Jeans, cotton hoodies, a second pair of shoes, hair dryers, and the large suitcase. You'll carry a daypack; the rest goes in one duffel. Every extra kilo is one you notice on the ascent.
A note on fitness
Chopta and Churdhar are moderate trails, not technical climbs — but they are steady ascents at altitude. If you can walk briskly for 45 minutes without stopping, you'll be fine. If you can't yet, start four weeks out. That's genuinely all it takes.
We send a trek-specific version of this list after booking, with the actual temperatures for your dates.
Planning this trip yourself?
We'll send you a written itinerary with real inclusions and honest pricing — no obligation.
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