For the Kedarkantha trek, you need to carry sturdy trekking boots that are well broken-in prior to the trek, along with a strong and comfortable backpack that carries your clothes and your essentials. Also carry a personal first aid kit and your personal toiletries kit (small napkin, toilet paper, paper soap, bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.).
You should carry a hand torch with extra batteries, UV protection sunglasses, two 1 litre water bottles, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, small lightweight leak-proof lunch box, basic cutlery such as plates and spoons, tea/coffee mugs. Carry your camera with extra batteries. And yes, carry some snacks including dry fruits, chocolate bars, etc.
For the winter trek, you'll need a woollen cap, gloves, scarf, and thermals. The tour operator will also provide you with a packing list once you book this trek, make sure to carry each and every item from the packing list to ensure a comfortable and safe trek to Kedarkantha.
How can I pick the right backpack, daypack, and covers for my bags? Why do I need them for the Kedarkantha trek?
Check with your operator to choose the right size of the backpack you’ll need to carry, then purchase an appropriately sized rain cover for your bag that fits it well and ensures that it stays completely dry.
A few weeks before your trek, CHECK YOUR BAGS! Fill your backpack and day pack up completely and hoist them on your back. Examine all straps, zips, and velcros of your bag and make sure they’re in good condition and are able to support the weight of the bag. If you find anything that needs fixing, get the mends done and recheck your bag.
Generally, your backpack will be carried by a porter (don’t forget to cover your backpack before handing it over to them). You will only have access to your backpack when you reach the campsite for the day, which is why you need to carry a daypack for your water bottles, snacks, emergency and prescription medicines, camera, extra batteries, headlamp, basic toiletries, jackets, etc. A few weeks before your departure, check your daypack as you checked your backpack.
Disposable plastic or reusable synthetic bags are essential to keep your wet and soiled clothes separate from other clean items in your bag, so carry a good amount of those to last you the entire trek.
How can I pick the right sunglasses for me? Why do I need them for the Kedarkantha trek?
The Kedarkantha trek in summers can get sunny and give you slight headaches. In the winters, the snow can reflect the sun and cause glares that can be blinding. To protect yourself from this, we recommend carrying sturdy, UV resistant, plastic-framed sports sunglasses (metal frames tend to get very cold). They should fit you well and not be too tight or too loose. If you wear prescription glasses, check if your sunglasses have the same updated prescription to ensure you can see clearly through them and don’t get uncomfortable trying to adjust to different prescriptions. Carry sturdy cases to store your sunglasses and prescription glasses.
How can I pick the right head lamp for me? Why do I you need it for the Kedarkantha trek?
A headlamp is strongly recommended to bring with yourself on the Kedarkantha trek. It comes in handy if you need to find your way back to your group, find the washroom at night, or trek after sundown due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure your headlamp fits your head comfortably, is functioning properly, and has fresh batteries. Do carry some extra batteries just in case you run out.
How can I pick the right trekking pole for me? Why do I need it for the Kedarkantha trek?
A trekking pole can come very handy in the Kedarkantha trek, especially in the winter months. It helps in evenly distributing the weight and helping you gain balance, keeping you comfortable and safe. Make sure your pole is sturdy, has a good grip, and is collapsible so you can easily fit it in your daypack. In case you don’t wish to invest in a trekking pole, you can ask your operator to rent one out to you at an additional cost.
What toiletries should I carry for the Kedarkantha trek?
Carry enough of the following toiletries in a waterproof pouch to last you the duration of your trek, and then some more. There is a possibility of not coming across any shops at all where you can purchase these from:
- thick face and body moisturiser
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- moisturising lip balm with SPF
- body wash
- shampoo
- toothpaste and toothbrush
- anti-fungal and anti-rash creams
- insect repellent
- menstrual products and plenty of thick plastic bags to dispose of used sanitary napkins or tampons. Please do not litter. Ask your trek guide about the appropriate disposal methods. We do not recommend carrying menstrual cups or reusable pads/period panties as it will be difficult to wash and disinfect them while on the trek.
- prescription medicines
- wet wipes
- dry tissues
- sanitiser
- face masks
What water bottle or hydration pack should I carry for the Kedarkantha trek?
We recommend carrying at least 2 one-litre reusable water bottles per person. It’s preferable if one of your bottles is thermally regulated as you may need to sip on warm water or soup when it gets cold (your trek staff will give you the boiled water or soup). If you don’t want the bulk of carrying water bottles, you can opt for hydration packs that you can wrap around your chest and back. They should be able to hold at least 500ml of water and should fit you well. We would still recommend also carrying at least one thermal flask for the hot water/soup.
Do I need to carry a pen knife for the Kedarkantha trek?
Yes, you should always carry a basic pen knife with a pair of scissors, a knife, toothpick, screwdriver, etc. You can use it to dislodge peddles stuck in your soles, make minor fixes to you backpack and daypack, cut open snack packets and fruit, and more.
What should I carry in my medical kit for the Kedarkantha trek?
Carry any pills prescribed to you, the same brand that you’re used to. We don’t recommend starting any new medication while on a trek in case it doesn’t sit well with you. Pack enough to last you all the days of your trek and then some extra in case your trek gets stretched beyond what was planned.
Your trek guide will be carrying a first aid kit, but you should also carry a personal first aid kit with gauze, sprain bandage, antiseptic liquid, cotton, muscle relief spray, and loads of band aids. Also carry altitude sickness pills (please consult your trek guide before taking one) and pills for headaches, an upset stomach, cold, cough, allergies, and nausea. Do check your medical kit for stock and expiration dates well in advance.