Kinnaur Packing Guide: What to Bring for Every Season

Essential Packing

What to Bring to Kinnaur

Mountain environments require thoughtful preparation. This list covers everything from a 3-day Sangla visit to a week-long multi-destination trip.

👕

Clothing (All Seasons)

Warm fleece or mid-layer jacket (essential even in summer)
Waterproof/windproof outer layer
3–4 base layer tops (merino wool ideal)
2 pairs trekking trousers (convertible recommended)
Warm hat and lightweight gloves
Thermal base layer for nights above 3,000m
Modest clothing for temple visits (covered knees & shoulders)

👟

Footwear

Sturdy walking shoes or light trekking boots (ankle support recommended)
Sandals or flip-flops for guesthouses and evenings
Comfortable shoes easily removed (temple visits require bare feet)
Gaiters for higher trekking routes (optional)

🧴

Sun & Skin

Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is extreme at altitude)
Good quality sunglasses — UV400 or polarised
Lip balm with SPF
Moisturiser — air is very dry at altitude

💊

Health & Safety

Personal prescription medications (pharmacies are limited)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol (altitude headaches are common)
Oral rehydration salts
Basic first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, bandage)
Water purification tablets or filter bottle
Altitude sickness medication if prescribed by your doctor
Hand sanitiser and basic hygiene supplies
Travel insurance documents (carry physical copies)

🔦

Gear & Tech

Headtorch with spare batteries (power cuts are common)
Portable power bank (charging may be unreliable)
Universal travel adaptor
Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps, Maps.me)
Camera with extra memory cards
Daypack (20–30 litres for excursions)

💰

Money & Documents

Sufficient cash (₹5,000–10,000 minimum beyond Reckong Peo)
Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence)
Photocopies of all important documents
Emergency contact numbers written down (not just on phone)
Inner Line Permit if required (foreign nationals)

🎒

Day Trip Essentials

Water (1.5 litres minimum — more for Chitkul)
Snacks: trail mix, energy bars, local apples
Packed lunch if heading to Chitkul (limited food available)
Light rain jacket always in daypack
Trekking poles for rocky terrain (optional)

📦 Bag Size: You do not need a large expedition pack for most Kinnaur visits. A 40–50 litre bag is sufficient for a week-long trip. Keep a small daypack (20L) for excursions — you'll be walking on uneven terrain and rolling suitcases are impractical.

Seasonal Additions

Season-Specific Extras

🌸

Spring (April–June)

Light down jacket for mornings and evenings. Allergy medication if prone to hay fever (blossom season). Rain cover for camera gear. Insect repellent for lower valley areas.

🌿

Monsoon (July–August)

Quality waterproof jacket and trousers — not just a shell. Waterproof bag covers or dry bags for electronics. Quick-dry clothing. Patience for weather delays.

❄️

Winter (Oct–Nov onwards)

Heavy down jacket. Thermal underlayers top and bottom. Warm sleeping bag if camping or if homestay heating is limited. Hand warmers. Crampons/micro-spikes for icy paths.