Pack for a three day forest and mountain trek with a cold night at camp, a long rock climb and strict plastic rules. Keep your bag light: you carry everything yourself. Ask your organiser what a batch includes before you pack, so you do not duplicate food or camp items.
No plastic. The Forest Department bans plastic on this trek. Carry water in steel or other reusable bottles, and repack snacks into cloth or reusable containers before you reach the entry point.
Essentials
- Backpack of about 40 to 50 litres with a rain cover and a good hip belt.
- Trekking shoes with proper grip and ankle support, broken in before the trek.
- 2 to 3 quick-dry trekking T-shirts and 2 pairs of trekking trousers. Avoid jeans.
- Warm fleece or light down jacket for the night at camp.
- Light rain jacket or poncho.
- 3 pairs of socks, plus one pair kept dry for camp.
- Cap or buff, and sunglasses for the open ridges.
- Headlamp or torch with spare batteries for the early summit start.
- Steel or reusable water bottles totalling at least 2 litres.
- Original photo ID, fitness certificate and ticket copies in a waterproof pouch.
Useful extras
- Trekking poles, especially for the long descent.
- Gloves with grip for the rope section.
- Electrolyte sachets and energy snacks such as nuts, dates and chikki, repacked without plastic.
- Basic first-aid kit with blister plasters, pain relief and your regular medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm and a small towel.
- Power bank and a small amount of cash in small notes.
- Insect and leech protection suited to forest trails.
Leave at home
- Plastic bottles, plastic bags and single-use plastic.
- Puja materials and items for ritual offerings.
- Alcohol, tobacco and narcotics.
- Speakers and loud music. This is a protected forest.
- Heavy extras you will not use, like multiple spare shoes.
How to pack
- Put the sleeping layers and spare clothes at the bottom in a dry bag.
- Keep the rain jacket, snacks, water and headlamp at the top or in side pockets.
- Pack heavy items close to your back and high.
- Waterproof your electronics and documents separately.
Footwear and feet
Blisters end more treks than fitness does. Wear your trekking shoes on at least two long walks beforehand, trim your toenails, and carry blister plasters. Change into dry socks at camp.
Next: rules and restrictions.