Hi Backpackers,
Packing mishaps range from merely inconvenient (heading to the Gulmarg without your favorite jacket) to downright disastrous (finding you’ve left for the trip without your wallet or medication) but most are preventable. To help you arrive with essentials you need, we’ve created this ultimate packing guide for your checked bag, complete with suggestions. Do have a look!
1.WHAT TO EXPECT FROM WINTERS: Winters in Gulmarg can be fairly unpredictable and vary depending on when you’re visiting — which also makes packing more challenging. It can get very cold and windy with white sheet of snow all around.
2.CHOOSING LUGGAGE AND PACKING LIGHT: It’s good to stick with a backpack that’s carry-on size, but don’t go overboard if you choose a backpack over the carry-on limit. For reference, carry-on size roughly translates to 50-60 L (give or take).
Daypack: A day pack is a small backpack you wear while exploring. It should be just big enough to carry a few things (journal, souvenirs, small umbrella/light rain jacket, camera, power banks etc). This is literally the most convenient thing to carry around the entire day.
3.TRICK FOR LAYERING: It is very important to keep yourself warm. The clothing you choose to pack will have a huge impact on the enjoyability of your winter travels. That’s why it’s smart to choose your clothing carefully — remember, you’re going to spend much of your time outdoors so staying warm and dry should be your number one priority.
-The real secret to dressing for winter is layering: What is layering, you ask? It’s a technique of wearing multiple thinner layers of clothing instead of one or two super bulky layers. This technique helps keep you warmer and it helps you pack lighter. Ensure you have both upper and lower thermals and warmers.
Base layer — This is worn tight against your skin. This helps keep your warm and dry. These are usually your thermal wear. Ensure you have both upper wear and lower wear thermals. Mid Layer — This is basically your normal clothes (pants, shirts, sweaters, fleece, etc.). It’s better to have multiple thin mid-layers (like a shirt and a fleece) than one bulky mid-layer (like a really thick sweater). Outer Layer — This “shell” layer protects you from the elements like wind, rain, and snow — so it’s basically a coat or jacket. A lot of times this is a waterproof layer or a heavy winter coat. Pick a waterproof coat if possible and don’t waste space on an extra rain jacket. Go for a longer, slightly oversized coat that you can easily wear lots of layers underneath.
4.PACK MOUNTAIN BOOTS, NOT SHOES: We are big believer in the one-pair-of-shoes rule. For winter travel, go for a comfortable pair of slip on boots.
Why boots?
Boots are easy to take on and off (travel-friendly — check)
They match virtually everything (fashion — check)
You can walk for hours in them (comfortable — check)
They keep your feet warm and dry better than sneakers or flats (warmth — check)
If you do have to bring a pair of shoes, do ensure that your shoes are water and snow proof. You can find them on Amazon or Decathlon or any adventure store easily.
5.SOCKS : Socks + base layer = toasty. A great pair of socks will make a huge impact on the comfort of your feet so don’t skimp on the socks. Boots alone won’t keep your feet warm. It’s important to pack warm socks when packing for cold weather anywhere.
Bulky winter socks also take up more space than thin socks in your carry on. So pack 3 or 4 pairs of lightweight socks(or another comparable brand) and plan on washing them as you go. Pro Tip: Wash your socks and undies when you take your morning shower. You can buy good winter socks in a store like Decathlon or other certified adventure sports shops.
6.WARM ACCESSORIES
When packing for winter travel, focus on those accessories that’ll keep you warm as well:
-Hats
-Gloves
-Scarves
-Long socks (for ladies)
7. TOOTHBRUSH COVER: Sounds funny & unnecessary. But a major necessity when backpacking especially for hygiene reasons when packing in a ruck sack.
8.SUNSCREEN LOTION: UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging to the skin, even during the harshest of winter, so don’t forget to carry a good quality sunscreen lotion eg. Lotus Herbal Sunscreen Lotion with rating of SPF30 or higher and apply it properly before going out in the sun.
9. UV SUNGLASSES: As mentioned earlier, UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging and this holds true for eyes as well. So having decent quality UV sunglasses (Fastrack ones are available for as little as Rs. 800) is quite essential, especially if you are traveling early in the season or during winter, when mountain passes have a lot of snow cover and sunlight reflecting from the snow can be even harsher!
10. LIP BALM: Dry and cold weather will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.
11. MUSTARD OIL: Mustard oil can be used for moisturizing skin, putting it in your hair and for lubricating insides of nostrils, which can become quite dry and painful due to dry and cold winds. Don’t carry coconut oil as it may freeze in the high altitudes.
12. OTHER PERSONAL ESSENTAILS: Paper soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and toilet paper. You can also carry your shaving kit and face wash if you have the space and need for these and any other toiletries.
13. DOCUMENTS & IDs: It is essential to carry at least one government issued identity card and couple of photocopies of it, since it is needed at certain places, to register at the check post.
14. MEDICINES: Medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold and cough syrup may be required by you too. Though Tripver Tour Captains will be carrying first aid kit, but it’s always advisable to carry your own medicines also as per your health conditions.
15. WATER: Water is the most essential thing while traveling, since dehydration can further complicate health issues at such a high altitude. So make sure you are carrying at least couple of liter of water per person all the time and drinking at regular intervals.
Other important things to note:
Self Conduct: Please treat other travellers like you like to be treated yourself i.e with respect. Our Captains are core members of the community and are usually fun loving happy go lucky people, but are usually not pleasant to travellers who cause inconvenience to mother nature or other travellers during the trip especially under the influence of alcohol. Our community has never faced a situation like this as we have always had amazing open minded travellers, but in case required the Captains would not hesitate to discontinue a traveller’s trip and then further blacklist from Tripver for the above mentioned reason. As we follow this policy strictly we have high credibility and decent reputation especially among solo women and other like minded travellers.
Medical conditions: Tripver takes no liability for any medical condition or will be able to give any advice on medical grounds.
Terms & Conditions: While making the booking it states that you have read terms and conditions for the trips and agree to the same mentioned on the website. You may www.tripver.com/terms-conditions/
Luggage Safety: We request you to please be cautious and keep your luggage and other belongings safely. Tripver- Travel Community is not responsible for any loss, damage or theft of cash, jewellery or other valuables left unattended by the travellers.
Signal Issues: There will be less or no signal throughout the journey. Please ensure that you inform this to your family members/ friends/ guardians. They may contact toll free number to ask the whereabouts and status of the traveller travelling with the trip.
We hope this information helps. In case you have any further question we are available on our 24 x 7 toll free number. Feel free to buzz us & ask many times you like for any further details till you are absolutely satisfied with your pre arrival planning. We’ll be very happy to help !
Happy Tripping !
