What to Pack for a Himalayan Pilgrimage

Packing for the Char Dham or any high-altitude shrine is about balance — enough to stay warm and safe, light enough to carry on a trek.

Start with layers: thermal innerwear, a fleece, and a waterproof outer jacket. Mountain weather changes within hours, and rain is common even in clear seasons.

Footwear matters most. A broken-in pair of trekking shoes with good grip will save you on wet stone paths. Carry a walking stick and a small daypack for essentials.

Keep your ID, registration documents and emergency contacts in a waterproof pouch. Carry any personal medication, a basic first-aid kit and altitude-sickness remedies recommended by your doctor.