Travel Toolkit » Survival Kit

TRAVEL TOOLKIT
Survival Kit

CLOTHING
Loose fitting light cottons for summer, and light woolens in winter are the general norm throughout India. However, those pursuing sporting trips in the mountain regions should carry wind- breakers and heavy woolens.

ESSENTIALS TO TAKE TO INDIA
Comfortable shoes, sandals and trainers are essential anywhere in India. The sun being strong, sunglasses, sun hat and high factor sun screen lotion are also recommended. Immunisation against cholera, malaria, polio, tetanus and hepatitis and medicines for personal use should be carried from your country of origin such as anti-malarial pills etc. Toiletries, contact lens solutions, tampons are available in large cities.

Documents such as passport the visa copy and photocopies of the same along with money/ travelers cheques/credit cards a few photographs, medical insurance, etc For personal security, it is recommended that you carry a money belt or a zipped document holder.

Other useful items that one can carry are a small but powerful flashlight, a stock of batteries, a combination padlock, a small penknife (for peeling fruit), a cheap tough alarm clock, earplugs and even a small sewing kit.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING FOR TREKKING AND JEEP SAFARIS IN THE HIMALAYAS
Here is a list of clothing and equipment recommended for treks and jeep safaris especially in Ladakh. The quantity of each item is not mentioned as one would have to use ones own judgment keeping in mind the number of days in the Himalayas , potential weather and weight restrictions. It is to ensure that one does not forget essentials but also not to carry excessive baggage which can be a burden on treks.

CASUAL CITY CLOTHES: A couple of pairs. SHIRT: Cotton, long sleeved (Button front or turtleneck) Cotton, short sleeved (Button front or T shirt). SWEATER: Down Jacket or Heavy sweater TROUSERS: Full length cottons, wind breakers, Shorts, (some women prefer to hike in loose fitting calf length skirts) UNDERWEAR: Regular everyday type, Thermal top and bottom HEADWEAR : Bandana, Wool or Balaclava, light sun hat with wide brim. FOUL WEATHER GEAR : Goretex parka or any mountain parka for rain snow and wind which must fit over bulky clothing. Umbrella- but not very essential in Ladakh. HAND WEAR: Wool or polypropylene mittens SOCKS (4-6 pairs), heavy duty type wool or pile Athletic type cotton or synthetic. FOOTWEAR: Tennis or running shoes( with traction soles) Hiking boots with padded ankle and lug sole, water proofed. DAY PACKS, RUCK SACKS, DUFFLE BAGS : Daypacks or rucksack should have a capacity of about 1500 to 2000 cu inches. A large duffle bag for the main luggage should sturdy and waterproof and be about 36 cms by 85 cms. SUNGLASSES SUN BLOCKING LOTION SUN BLOCKING LIP STICK OR OINTMENT FLASH LIGHT with spare batteries TOILET PAPER ( One roll for every 6-7 camping days) TOILETRIES TOWEL TOILET KIT COSMETIC KIT ( bare minimum) PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT AND MEDICINES INSECT REPELLANTS POCKET KNIFE BAGGAGE TAGS FILM: Please bring an adequate stock of film since this is normally not easily available in the Himalayas.