what to pack for a himalayan retreat
Yoga retreats are coolest ways to revamp the spiritual button of your life. There are numerous benefits to doing a yoga retreat, but how to choose, where to go? In everyday world of work stress and other responsibilities we tend to forget about the beautiful gift of life that we’ve been rewarded by mother nature. To enjoy life there is an immense beauty in it and a lot of us miss it by involving most of our time with work. At Rama Space, our priority is to restore the missing spark of life by ways of teaching yoga, meditation, going on nature excursions, etc. etc. The 6 days Yoga Retreat by Rama Space is designed in a way to help you rejuvenate and reignite your passion for life.
What should i pack for a himalayan retreat? How should i pack for a multi-day hike? What things to buy and and what not? Will i be carrying it all by myself? Will it be too much or too little? Many of us gets caught in this dilemma before going on for a hike for the first time. Actually the trick lies in cutting down on heavy and unimportant things and carrying the right ones. Always try to avoid unnecessary toiletries which are heavy
and of little use on a mountain. Remember, even a handkerchief can weigh you down on a trek! Pack light.
Note : The following suggestions mainly applies to multi-day treks where your staying and eating arrangements are taken care of already. If you are camping by yourself, then you need to add food, camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear to everything below. I’ll discuss the list of personal and important articles that you need must bring on the Himalayan trek. Depending on the no. of days, the quantity of discussed articles may vary and please note that this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days.
WHAT YOU NEED TO CARRY
1. Rucksack/Backpack : Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60 lt unless you are going on an expedition.
2. Rucksack cover (Waterproof) : It will protect your backpack/rucksack from rain, dust and stain during unpredictable weather conditions.
3. Daypack/Knapsack : This one is optional as it’ll help you on routes where you need not to carry your whole rucksack and bring only water-bottles and a fewer items.
4. Waterproof Trekking Shoes/Boots : You are as good as your hiking shoes on a mountain. Note that your shoes must have a sticky rubber sole as well as good ankle support.
5. T-shirt (Base layer) : These are great in moisture wicking and dries off quickly. It is made of synthetic materials which ventilates the sweat/moisture. Cotton t-shirts are not recommended and avoid wearing them while hiking.
6. Warm Jacket or fleece : Down feather jackets are advised. Although, you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you are at your campsite and not while hiking.
7. Waterproof Jacket/Wind Cheater : Helps in protection from wind and rain/snow fall. Use this as a outer layer clothing, along with the Base Layer (t-shirt) while hiking.
8. Thermal wear : Change your base layer and put on these once you reach the campsite. Must for winter treks.
9. Hiking/Trekking Pants : Use wind proof and water proof trek pants while on a high altitude trek. Avoid wearing cotton and opt for a dry-fit/quick dry hiking pants.
10. Raincoat/Poncho : Waterproofing is must during your trek in the Himalayas, ALWAYS. These will come handy if you don’t have a waterproof jacket and trek-pants.
11. Balaclava/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Ensure that it is made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
12. Sun cap/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
13. Inner wear/under garments, Hiking socks and woolen gloves (waterproof for winter treks).
14. Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles : Supports you by reducing the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending.
15. Sunglasses : This is a must bring for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarized/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV protection.
16. Water bottle/Hydration pack and Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries.
17. Accessories/Toiletries : Can be shared when you travel in group.
18. Camera with extra cells : Optional. Remember to carry spare batteries/power bank.
19. Dry food items : Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and Glucon-D/Tang/Electrols.
20. Sunscreen (SPF 40+)/Moisturizing cream, Tooth brush/tooth paste and Soap/Soap strip, Hand Sanitizer and Tissue roll ( Toilet paper), Towel (Medium size).
21. Medical/First-Aid Kit : It should contain Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc. Remember to include some medicines for headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray). Also, bring some Diamox tablets as it helps in better acclimation but drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug.
P.S.: You may use and share common kit for toiletries and medicines if travelling in a group.
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