What to Pack

The way we have planned this trip, we will be leaving for Kailash Mansarovar from Lhasa and on the way back, we will be returning to Lhasa for one night to catch our connecting flights back home.

We have made arrangements to leave our properly labeled suitcases back in Lhasa which we can collect on our way back. With this in mind, we will divide our packing into 2 parts-

The first part will include everything for the 4 nights on the way to Kailash + 2 nights on the way back.

– Appropriate clothing and footwear for our stay in Kathmandu and Lhasa(return included) keeping weather, temple visits and sightseeing in mind.

The second part will be 2 nights for those returning from Lake Mansarovar and 5 nights   for those performing the Parikrama.

Onward from Lhasa we cannot carry suitcases. It is recommended to take 2 small waterproof bags with side pockets instead of one big bag. These bags should be labelled properly with Full name, address, and complete contact details.

Here is a list of items you will need on your journey from Lhasa:

Back Pack – 2 small waterproof duffel bags or backpacks(with side pockets) to carry all essential items. Please pack wisely and keep the bags as light as possible.

Good Quality Hiking Shoes with ankle support– During the Parikrama we will be wearing 2 pairs of socks- cotton inside and woollen over it. Buy or Rent shoes accordingly. It is possible to wear sneakers as well as long as they have good support and cushioning.

IMP: Please buy your shoes well before the trip and break into them properly. Do NOT wear brand new shoes for the Parikrama.

Extra pair of Shoes– In case it rains, you will need a back up pair of shoes. If you are wearing hiking shoes for the Parikrama, you can bring a regular pair of sneakers as your extra pair. Waterproof shoes if available are a super idea!

Walking/hiking sticks– This is needed by those doing the Parikrama. Collapsible/telescopic poles used by hikers are best suited as they come in pairs to support both sides and also have a small shock absorber at the end. Their lengths can be adjusted for individual use.

Sleeping Bags– During the Parikrama we will be sleeping in tents. The tour operator is providing us with sleeping bags. If you are not comfortable, you can bring your own medium sized down bags and use the rented ones on top of it.

Torch and Whistle with a string to hang around the neck-This is very important for ALL travellers. At Lake Mansarovar and during the Parikrama especially we will need these torches to use the toilet at night. Carry extra batteries for the torch or bring a rechargeable one. The whistle is to attract immediate attention in case of an emergency.

Electrolytes/Oral Rehydration salts– ORS or other such sachets of rehydration salts are very helpful during the Parikrama. At high altitudes the body gets dehydrated rapidly.

Water Bottles– Carry two one-liter water bottles for the trip. During the Parikrama the Sherpas carry 20L mineral water jars from which we get our bottles refilled. You can make ‘Tang’ or an electrolyte solution in one of the bottles to keep sipping and stay hydrated.

Toilet Paper– please carry your own wet wipes, toilet paper, sanitiser, and tissues.

Rain suit/poncho- The weather in Kailash is unpredictable. It is important to carry protection from the rain- something light that can fold up neatly and fit conveniently. **The raincoat/poncho should be loose and airy since you will be wearing it on TOP of all your layers.

Please explore the idea of carrying a waterproof cover for the shoes as well.

Waist bag/pouch– This will be with you at all times to hold your passport, money, whistle, torch, iPod, phone, pen, and a proper label/ID inside the pouch with full name, address, contact details and person to reach in case of emergency.

Sunscreen,Lip Balm, Hat & Sunglasses- Good UV protection is mandatory at high altitudes where the air is thin and you can burn easily. Carry a wide brimmed hat with a string to prevent it from flying away in the wind. You need UV protection of at least 30SPF or above so please carry a protective sunscreen and lip balm. Don’t carry sunglasses with a metallic  frame as they get very hot during the day trek.

Face and nose mask– To prevent yourself from the dust on the trekking path, a couple of the regular 3 layer surgical masks are good to have handy in the side pockets of your bag.

Medicines– Even though we will be travelling with a general First Aid Kit, If you take any prescription drugs, please carry enough to last you for the entire trip. Additionally carry meds you are comfortable using for headache, nausea, stomach issues and diarrhoea. It is recommended to carry pain relieving patches, ointments or balms to soothe sore muscles during and after the day’s trek.

Towel– Please carry thin ‘gamcha-like’ towels which dry easily and occupy very little space in the bag. You will need this to dry off after your dip in Lake Mansarovar as well.

Food– Please carry some dry fruits and healthy munchies in your bag to give you instant energy during the trek.

Sweets and Lozenges  help to keep your throat moist while climbing.

Clothes– Keeping the varied temperatures of Tibet in mind, it is advisable to carry layers. The outermost layer should be light, wind proof,  water repellent and capable of providing enough warmth.

If the sky is clear, the sun can be strong in the day and one might feel hot. Early mornings when we leave for the Parikrama and evening onwards it can get extremely cold and windy.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that people doing the Parikrama will not be able to bathe at all for the 3 days of the circumambulation of Mt. Kailash. Only on your return to Himalaya Kailash Hotel in Darchen, will that facility be available. During the trek, you can only change your innermost layers of clothing and ‘dry clean’ yourselves.

Here is a list of clothes you should consider carrying. Quantity of each item is determined by the number of nights spent after Lhasa:-

Clothes:

  • Thermal vest and pyjama
  • Undergarments
  • Night wear
  • Full sleeves cotton round and polo neck
  • t-shirts
  • Comfortable and WARM pants/leggings/trousers
  • Cashmere/ woollen sweater
  • Down jacket (able to accommodate inner layers)
  • Cotton socks
  • Woollen socks
  • Balaclava (monkey cap)
  • Shawl/scarf
  • Gloves – cotton/woollen mittens AND a pair of snow gloves for those doing the Parikrama
  • Wind cheater with hood
  • Slippers to be worn with socks
  • Swimsuit (hot spring in Chui Gompa)
  • **Something to wear while taking a dip in Lake Mansarovar (NOT a swimsuit)

List of toiletries:

  • Tooth paste & brush
  • Lip Balm and Sunscreen
  • Deodorant & perfume
  • Shampoo sachets
  • Soap strips
  • Skin moisturiser
  • Toilet paper rolls/personal hygiene wipes
  • Small mirror
  • Comb/hair brush
  • Hair ties

Other important miscellaneous items:

  • Luggage Tags
  • Number locks for luggage
  • Battery packs for phone and camera
  • Camera with extra storage memory/batteries
  • Phone and camera chargers (Nepal and Tibet have same plug adapters as India)
  • Plastic bags to separate used and unused clothes
  • Swiss knife
  • iPod and headphones

** Photocopy of passport in each piece of luggage with complete contact info