|
Approaching Sikkim for your trek and tour holiday requires that you come well equipped with all your personal gear as there is little hope on locally acquiring most of listed items.
The equipment list mentioned below has been prepared on an average weather trend but do keep in mind that weather conditions in the Himalayas are very unpredictable. We advise you to be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, un-seasonal cold, or heat. If you wish to bring less and take your chances, that is entirely your responsibility.
Touring
Summer: Light cotton and light-woolen jumpers-jackets for early mornings and late evenings. Sun hat and sun glasses.
Winter: Heavy woolen pullovers and jackets in addition to warm trousers and shirts. Woolen caps for early mornings is also recommended.
Trekking
This checklist includes items most essential for your trek, and should be brought along. These will cover all possible conditions on your trek but mountain weather is unpredictable, and it’s likely you may never get to use all the listed items. Do bring a lot of clothing. One or two changes are all you will require. Casual attire is permitted in most of the hotels we use.
The most important thing about getting attired for trekking as well as for touring in the Himalayas is to dress in layers, which can be removed or added easily.
Sleeping Bags
Your camping overnight-essentials include pillows and mattresses but does not include sleeping bags
For The Feet
• Walking Boots: Lightweight and waterproof
Be sure to wear them in well before your trek
Ensure there is enough toe room
Ensure they are comfortable with double socks
• Trainers / tennis shoes / sandals for camp wear.
• Socks: 4 to 5 pairs of each
(a) wool-blend and (b) thin cotton,
to be worn in combination.
For the Body
Pants:
• Lightweight pants
• Long shorts
• Track pants for camp wear and colder days.
• Long skirts are an excellent alternative to shorts for women
and culturally more acceptable
• T-shirts: shirts with collar to provide protection from the sun
• Underwear: as required
• Waterproof Jacket: with an effective hood, waterproof
and windproof, should be thigh length
• Jacket: lightweight, quick drying polar fleece.
For The Head and Hands
• Hats: -Woolen hat or balaclava and a peaked sun hat
• Sunglasses: 100% UV filtering
• Gloves
Accessories
• Daypack: medium size comfortable with waist strap.
Size should be 30 to 40 liters.
• Water bottle: 1-liter minimum.
• Flashlight: lightweight camper style or headlamp
and spare batteries.
• Penknife: Swiss Army or Leatherman type.
• Toiletries: biodegradable from health or camping stores.
• Moneybelt: for security on the trails and around town.
• Inner Liner for Sleeping Bag: preferably cotton
High Altitude Treks
• Thermal Underwear - long sleeved vest (2) and long johns (1)
• Windproof/Waterproof Overpants
• Snow Gaiters
The above mentioned equipment list has been prepared on an average weather trend but do keep in mind that weather conditions in the Himalayas are very unpredictable. We advise you to be prepared for all eventualities, be it rain, unseasonal cold or heat. If you wish to bring less and take your chances, that is entirely your responsibility.
|
