TREKKERS OF INDIA

(How to dress up for a Himalayan trek?)

This article gives you a brief idea to dress up comfortably warm in a Himalayan
trek without the hassle of carrying heavy clothing along with you. also, the
treks in Himalayas are not easy, as compared to trekking somewhere else and
compromising on these trek-essential clothing, surely makes your experience
unpleasant. So, please make sure you prepare yourself good, so you can enjoy
your stay in the Himalayas.
On a high altitude Himalayan trek, do not carry the regular heavy clothes with
you. Specially, designed clothes that are light-weight, quick dry and warm are
available to serve the purpose.

Let's sum this up by starting from head to toe.

Headgears:

• Balaclava/woollen cap: A warm cap to keep you warm on low

temperatures.
• Sun cap: Protects you from exposure to sunlight. The sun at high altitudes
is harsh and while trekking you need to avoid direct exposure of head to
sun.

Upper body:

• A warm inner thermal is a primary requirement: Keeps you warm, trapping

your inner body head. So, a good quality thermal is very essential.
• A set of two to three t-shirts, preferably full-sleeves: Wearing two or three
layers while trekking is enough. And at the campsite covering your body
with thermal layer, t-shirt and then fleece is very comfortable and
recommended.
• Down jacket: A not very thick down jacket serves the purpose of keeping
you warm by guarding you against the chilling winds.
• Fleece: A good fleece helps you keep warm, while you rest at your
campsite.
• Raincoat/poncho: Protects you against the rains, hails and snow.
Lower body:

• A warm inner thermal of good quality: Keeps you warm.

• A warm lower: A comfortable lower makes your stay pleasant at the
campsite.
• Two pairs of quick-dry pants/ tights will be enough: Makes your trek
easy, are light-weight and easy to carry.

Shoes and socks:

• At least three to four pair of socks, preferably cotton.

• A good pair of hiking/trekking shoes works fine, preferably high-ankle

trekking shoes, so that you have a extra precaution in avoiding ankle-twist.

• A pair of flip-flops.

Other trek-essential body gears include:

• A pair of polarized sunglasses. Highly recommended: Without this walking
on the snow won’t be allowed. And also, do carry a lace attached to your
goggles, so you don’t lose them in the snow. Protects you from Sun-
blindness.
• Synthetic hand gloves: Avoid woolen gloves as they get wet when you
expose them to snow. You can add a fleece glove if you’re more susceptible
to cold.

Above list includes items that helps you keep your trekking comfortable. There
is always room for improvement. One can also include one or two more pairs
according to one’s need but remember this will also add weight to your bag.
Also, enough pairs of undergarments is essential.