Bhutan Trekking Packing List
Notes
- In your day pack, take along water, snacks, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, rain jacket and pants at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you may not see the porters until the end of your trek for that day. Your guide can give you good advice on what to pack that day.
- The porters will carry your backpack or duffel with all your other gear.
- Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
- As with all hiking and camping adventures, you will want to dress in layers — to be able to take an outer layer off when you get too warm…and put a layer on when you get chilled.
- Bring double extra sets of batteries as cold weather shortens their life.
- Carry critical trekking gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.
- You may want to bring some older items of warm clothing as gifts for your guides and porters.
- Bring money for tips along with you.
Clothing
You want your inner layer to be wicking — no cotton. Next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be water proof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and for sleeping. Layers are important as temperatures vary greatly.
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Short-sleeved shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Undergarments
- Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
- Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho
- Sun hat with brim and chin strap
- Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Cold Weather Clothing
- Down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)
- Fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Waterproof/rain/shell pants
- Long underwear
- Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
- Wool or pile hat
- Balaclava or neck gaiter
- Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
- Medium weight down jacket or parka
Footwear
Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike!
- Hiking boots, preferrably warm, waterproof, and with ankle-support — not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
- Hiking socks for warmer conditions
- Wool socks for colder conditions
- Sock liners to wick away moisture
- Gaiters (for mud and scree)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (Rated 32 degrees F/0 degrees C or colder is recommended)
- NOTE: Sleeping pads are provided at no charge.
Baggage
- Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover, for porters to carry (80 liters or larger)
- Day pack and rain cover, for you to carry
- Waterproof plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible). Remember to set the date and time on your cameras.
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries
- Camera, lenses, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Video camera, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Tripod (travel size)
- GoPro, memory disks, batteries, charger/power cord
- Lens cleaning cloth
Toiletries
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deoterant
- Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Facial tissue
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers, nail file, nail brush
- Insect repellent
- Q-tips
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
- Prescription drugs
- Malaria pills (if necessary)
- Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen, Aspirin
- Bandaids/plasters
- Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
- Throat losenges
- Vitamins
- Antihistemines
- Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
- Gauze bandages and tape
- Diahrea medicine (Immodium AD or similar)
- Ace bandage
- Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
- Diamox for altitude (talk to doctor)
Other
- Sunglasses, straps
- Eyeglasses, contacts/case/solution
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Notebook, lots of pens
- Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
- Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
- Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
- Matches or lighter
- Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2006 with no tears)
- Guide books, maps, language books
- Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season or even for sun shade
- Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
- Gifts for guides and local children
- Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place, santa hats for your holiday photo
- Trekking or ski poles
- 2-3 Water bottles and Camelback (no disposable water bottles)
- Bring 3 liters of bottled water for the first day of hiking.
- Guides will boil water or use steripens for water sanitization for you along the route.
- Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals