Ultimate Packing List for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Gear, Clothing & Essentials

It may seem normal, but finalizing the packing list for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than it seems. It is more than just a trip, but brings you to some of the furthest and last corners of the world. 

There is no better thing than being prepared with the necessities and turning your experience into a comfortable, safe, and smooth event. 

Hence, prior to your departure on this wonderful adventure, there is a list of items that you absolutely cannot forget to pack since they will help you organize an intelligent and comfortable traveling.  

There is a saying, after all, that good preparation does make a good journey. 

Travel Documents and Permits for Kailash Yatra

Before you begin with your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you will need all your essential papers in order.  

Unless you have the proper permit and documents, you have no right to enter restricted zones and proceed with your trip.  

You should never lose these documents and should be able to carry them with you all the time when you are traveling. Always remember that photocopies and original copies need to be carried so that a minute mess is not created.   

Documents to carry:

• Valid passport of at least 6 months’ validity   
• A visa to enter the country you are coming from (India or Nepal)   
• Government-issued Kailash Mansarovar Yatra permit   
• Inner Line Permit (in case of necessity)   
• Travel insurance paperwork   
• Duplicates of every permit and ID   
• Emergency cell phone details   

What to wear at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

The climate in the yatra is quite erratic. During the day, it could be hot and, in the evening, so cold. Layering will also make you adapt easily to changing temperatures and stay comfortable during the journey. 

Here is the way you are supposed to plan your clothes:  

Base Layer (Next to Skin):  

• 2, 3 moisture-wicking pairs of thermal tops and bottoms   
• They will aid in keeping the sweat off you and keep you dry.  

Middle Layer (Insulating)   

• 2 sweaters/jackets fleece /woolen   
• 2 sets of warm trekking trousers, or insulated trousers.  

Protective or Outer Layer:   

• 1 windproof, waterproof, and hooded jacket   
• 2 waterproof trekking pants   
• This safeguards you against rain, wind, and snow   

Additional Clothing:   

• 3-4 pairs trekking socks (wool or synthetic)   
• 1 hat or beanie   
• 2 waterproof/insulated gloves (preferably)   
• 1 dust/cold neck gaiter/ scarf   
• 2-3 layering or warmer day T-shirts   
• 1 pair of short trekking trousers or very lightweight trousers (Optional in lower altitude treks in proportion to high altitude treks)   
• 1 comfort outfit on a lay-day or nighttime rest wear   

Footwear:   

• 1 pair of good waterproof trekking boots (well broken)   
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes or sandals to rest in   

Equipment and Gear 

Getting the right gears would be so much different as you undergo your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. As well as, you will be walking a long way on a rough surface.   

Offloading gear that is reliable, lightweight, and trekking suitable for high-altitude items should be made. These are the necessities that you must carry:   

• Pack: A well-padded, good-supporting yet comfortable backpack carrying a capacity of 40-50 liters, with a rain cover   
• Sleeping Bag: The sleeping bag is rated to work at sub-zero temperatures and is a high-quality, warm, and high-grade sleeping bag.   
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles, which can be adjusted to help balance and take away most of the weight off the knees.  
• Hydration system or Water Bottle: 2 Liters at least; preferably an insulated bottle so as to avoid it being frozen by the cold. 
• Headlamp/Torch: Carry backup batteries that must be worn when it is dark or it is run during early morning hours.  
• Sunglasses: UV protection to spare your eyes from the glare of grave sun and snow glare.  
• Sun Hat or Cap: Daytime protection against the sun.  
• Backpack Rain Cover: You do not wish for your items to get wet when the rain suddenly starts.  
• Ziplock Bags: To keep electronics and clothes dry   
• Multi-tool or pocketknife: Good to use if there is something small to fix or an emergency.  
• Personal Identification and Money Pouch: These should always be kept well and close to the body.  

Before planning this journey learn about how to reach Kailash Mansarovar using different routes.

First Aid Kit  

It is very important to remain healthy during the yatra, as you may even be performing the trek in high mountains, and the situation may be challenging.   

A simple first aid kit and some health necessities will ease the task of simple bodily hurts or illness without any difficulties. So, here is what you need to take:   

• Basic Medicines: Pain killers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory pills, and fever pills.  
• Altitude Sickness Medicine: Diamox is an approved drug, depending on the doctor.   
• Bandages and Adhesive Tapes: To use on blisters, cuts, and scrapes.  
• Antiseptic Cream or Ointment: Wound infection prevention.  
• Antihistamines: Allergic reactions or insect bites.  
• Digestive medicines: Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation.  
• Electrolyte Powder or ORS: To keep hydrated and replenish minerals. 
• Thermometer: To examine fever.  
• Personal Prescription Medicines: Whatever medicines you take, day to day.  
• Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: Portable hygiene. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes are a great movable hygiene solution.  
• Lip Balm and Sunscreen: So that the skin does not become dry and burned by the sun.  

Read More about Altitude Sickness and preventions for this yatra.

Toiletries and Personal Hygiene  

To ensure hygienic living during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, one needs to maintain the following few healthy habits. 

Although accommodations can be primitive, please bring your basic travel necessities when packing up simple toiletries to make you feel fresh the whole time. The following is the stuff to take: 

• Toothbrush and Toothpaste  
• Soap or Body Wash- biodegradable  
• Tiny Quick-Dry Towel   
• Tissues and Wet Wipes   
• Hand Sanitizer   
• Travel-size deodorant   
• Shampoo/conditioner (small bottles)   
• Hairbrush or Comb   
• Sanitary Pads or Tampons (should necessity arise)   
• Nail Clippers   
• Toilet Paper (bring your own since it may run out)   
• Lip Balm (against dry skin) and Moisturizer (against dry skin)   

Snacks and Food   

Once you are in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is very necessary that you carry adequate food and snacks along with you. It may be a long and grueling journey, and you must have the energy to climb on every day.   

The route to Mount Kailash has places to eat at, although this may be restricted at times and costly. This is why it would be much easier to bring some snacks and some simple food stuff you can cook along the way. 

Why take your own food?   

• Even having some snacks so that you can satisfy your hunger when you feel like you need a quick energy snack. 
• To reduce starvation during long trekking sessions where food outlets are minimal. 
• To spend less and not have to count on unknown, as well as costly, food   
• To ensure that you become acquainted with safe, familiar food that fulfils your taste and dietary requirements.  

Best Snack to Carry:  

• Energy Bars or Granola bars: These are nutritious and lightweight bar that brings instant energy.   
• Dry Fruits and Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, cashews, and raisins are amazing stamina food and portable as well.   
• Biscuits and crackers: Good quick crunch and light hunger stuff.   
• Chocolate/ Candy: This is the ultimate on-the-spot sugar fix when you are tired or feel the cold.   
• Instant Noodles or Soups: These are convenient since all they require is hot water and are suitable for quick meals in the cameras or at tea houses.   
• Electrolyte Powder: Recommended to replace the salts lost during the trek and before going to high-altitude places. 
• Tea or Coffee Sachets: Bring with you your favorite tea or coffee to have a warm drink when you feel like it.   
• Powdered Milk or Protein Powder: Not a requisite but would be helpful in case you wish additional nutrition.  

Eating on the Trek tips:

• To stabilize energy, eat little, often, in place of large amounts of food.   
• Take a lot of water during the day.   
• Stay away from raw food or food found on the streets that may create stomach upset.   
• It is always advisable to carry snacks in airtight containers or bags to ensure that there is no moisture and that they will remain fresh until used.   

Electronic Gadgets and Chargers   

An important aspect of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the availability of each electronic device that you can carry to be connected, photograph, and keep your bearings. Do not forget that electricity is not always present, so plan it.   

• Mobile Phone: Emergencies and communication in/ Outbound calls and SMS   
• Power Bank: A fully charged power bank that will save your gadgets whenever there is no electricity   
• Camera: To capture the beautiful sceneries and momentous shots (can do away with this in case you like your phone camera)   
• Chargers and cables: Do not leave at home all chargers and other spare cables for your appliances   
• Universal Travel Adapter: Only necessary when you are arriving internationally, or if other plug types are used   
• Headphones or Earphones: To enjoy music or to make calls during breaks. The hexagonal-shaped headphones are made of tough rubber and foam to enable the ear to breathe and have sound clarity.   
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Flashlight or headlamp is very important when trekking or in case of power failures   
• Spare batteries: Spare batteries to use with gadgets such as headlamps or cameras   
• Portable Solar Charger: Useful when you want to charge your gadgets during long treks that are not electrified   

Tips:   

• Also, carry the Communication/ Electronic devices in waterproof or cushioned bags, and take precautions against falls and rain.   
• Make battery conservation by turning off gadgets when they are not in use.   
• Tell the family or friends what plan you have so that they can contact you when necessary.  

Money and Important Contacts  

During your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is essential to know how to manage money and save important contacts because you can never be sure what you are going to do with it. 

Given that the route lacks enough ATMs and banks, it is advisable to be prepared with the relevant cash and contact details that can come in handy without causing any stress.   

• Cash: Bring enough local currency (Indian Rupees or Nepalese Rupees, depending on your route) to cover day-to-day, food, and emergency needs.   
• Small Fronts: Can be used to purchase low-value goods or tipping   
• Credit/Debit Cards: You might accept them in certain towns, but you cannot wholly depend on them. 
• Emergency Contact List: Contact numbers of your trekking company, field guides, and emergency contacts   
• Important Documents Copies: Ensure your passport, permits, and insurance have photocopies that are carried apart   
• Hotel and Guesthouse Addresses: This is handy to use in case you are unable to book accommodation quickly.   
• Family or Friend Contact: A person who knows your travel plans and who can assist you in case of emergency.

Tips:  

• Carry money and valuable papers in a safe and pocket-like money belt or pouch that is close to the body.   
• It is risky to take big bundles of cash at once.   
• Also, you should notify your bank when travelling to prevent card blocks.   

Why you shouldn’t miss this Kailash Yatra in your lifetime? Know more about significance of Kailash Mansarovar

Miscellaneous Essentials   

In addition to the primary equipment, which includes gear and clothes, there are some additional things that can ease your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and will make it much safer. Those little, yet significant nuances, might really be useful:   

• Travel Pillow: To enable a good sleep in case of a long trip or flight  
• Notebook and Pen: To quickly write down the important stuff or the memory   
• Plastic Bags: Use them to separate the dirty clothes or wet things   
• Ziplock Bags: As backup noise protection and protection against water damage to electronics and documents   
• Sewing Kit and Safety Pins: Safety Pins and Sewing Kit are in order in case we need to urgently fix something.  
• Energy Gels or Chewing Gum: These are useful to refresh and feel energetic, and stay alert  
• Insect Repellent: Useful in the lower altitude areas   
• Cash Belt or Hidden Pouch: So, something aside would hold monies and valuables securely  
• Reusable Shopping Bag: To carry extra products or shopping   
• Small Lock: It is used to lock your backpack or luggage  

Tips for Packing Light and Smart  

Smart packing may make your trip easier and less exhausting. Travelling with excess baggage will only cost you the speed of movement and make trekking cumbersome. The following are some of the tips that will enable you to carry light yet be very well prepared:   

• Opt for multi-functional clothes that can also be combined and worn in various types of weather   
• Limit toiletries to travel-size bottles and essential items only   
• Pack items that are lightweight and quick drying   
• Take just one pair of heavy shoes and one pair of sandals or easy ones
• Do not carry excessive gadgets or surplus things   
• Prepare a list and follow it to prevent last-minute packing