Updated 12June08
What to bring for travel in India
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 is very cold there, while trekking you will get hot and sweaty. In Nepal some of the trekking gear can be rented.
Suggested Requirements (adjust according your own experience,
I might have left out something…)
- One warm, light sleeping bag.
- Bedroll: foam or the like. (Please do, especially in Ananda Nagar you may
have to sleep on a concrete floor... you really do want something between
you and the floor!
- 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.
If you still have to buy the shoes it will be cheaper to buy them in
Nepal. Though the quality may not be the same, they do have reasonable quality shoes for around US$50 which need little walking-in.
- 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) We try to bring a ceramic water filter so you can safe the water expense if you are ready to put a little pumping effort. Otherwise you can buy your own water in most places for around EU0.20 per liter
- Pocket knife (very useful )
- Padlock and chain (to lock luggage to berth while on the train, sometimes
it goes walking...) A number lock is easier especially when sharing rooms and people
need to be able to come and go at different times.
- Mosquito repellent
- A strong and good closing lunch box will be practical while trekking or
on day tours.
- First Aid Kit: Organiser will only 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 by train, you
will really regret too much of luggage. When going up and down
hundreds of steps at train platforms and squeezing onto crowded trains, carrying
it to flimsy rickshaws, you will understand the full reality of things... For
this reason, a backpack with internal frame is recommended.
You have to be ready to carry everything you bring! Others have their own luggage already... And we share taking care of the kitchen and food bags...
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. 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...