The Kedarkantha trek is among the most popular winter treks in the Himalayas. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand, it offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The base camp for the trek is located in Sankri, a village in the Uttarkashi district at 6,400 feet. From here, the trekkers begin their journey to the summit, situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, it is essential to pack all the necessary items. In this blog, you can find all the things to carry for Kedarkantha Trek.
1. ID card/Identity card
Carry your id card and a couple of photocopies. It is mandatory.
2. Rucksack/Backpack
Trekkers need an excellent bag pack, so invest in a good one. It would be best to have a substantial bag holding about 60–70 liters of stuff. Make sure it is waterproof.
3. Trekking Shoes
A good pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support is a must. The soles should also have a good grip.
4. Trekking Poles
Trekking poles help you stay more stable on rough terrain by giving you an extra set of limbs. If you’re having trouble keeping your balance on the bridge, poles can help. Fast-moving water, walking across snowfields and ice patches, trekking along narrow ridgelines, and going up or down hills on the loose ground like sand or scree.
5. Headlamp
Because the light is attached to your head, it will always shine in your desired direction. Even though it sounds silly, if you have to hold a flashlight for a long time, your arm will get tired, or you’ll get fed up.
6. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must in sunny places. If you like to trek and spend a lot of time outside, you must protect yourself. Even if it’s not very bright, UV radiation is more intense at higher altitudes and can still hurt your skin and eyes.
7. First Aid Kit
Get a good kit for first aid. It should have a knee cap, a bandage, painkillers, antiseptic cream or lotion, paracetamol, and other essential medicines for things like minor cuts, sunburn, blisters, fractures, altitude sickness, choking, muscle strains and sprains, cramps, Khumbu cough, flu, insect bites, dehydration, stomachaches, fainting, etc.
8. Rain Gear (Upper & Lower)
Waterproof pants and a rain jacket are essential for this vital part of your trek. A windshield is not a rain cover, so it doesn’t prevent you from getting wet.
9. Bag Rain Cover
If your bag is waterproof, you don’t need this, but if it isn’t, you can get a rain cover.
10. Daypack
For carrying the gear you’ll need in the backcountry, you need a daypack that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Choose a pack that is big enough to hold your most important gear and has easy access to water bottles or a hydration bladder.
11. Camping Slippers
You don’t have to bring these, but you should if you want to make camping on a trek easier.
12. Sun Cap
A comfortable cap made for treks in the sun for long days. It also keeps your neck from sunburning because the side flaps can be taken off. The frame is solid and flexible, which makes it more durable and rough.
13. Woollen Cap
When trekking, it’s essential to protect your head and face with a woolen cap, muffler, or bandana. During the trek, protecting your skin from direct sunlight is necessary, which can cause painful sunburns.
14. Buff
It’s a lightweight cloth tube that keeps warm air pressed against your skin. It’s stretchy so that you may wear it in various configurations, including a scarf, a lower face mask, a full balaclava, a headband, a bandana, and so on. A buff is helpful in any season.
15. Thermals (Upper & Lower)
Taking a thermal top with you on your high-altitude trek is a must. Moreover, it should be made of a synthetic fabric that won’t rot from sweat.
16. T-Shirts
Do not carry cotton T-Shirts. They weigh more, are more challenging to dry, and soak up sweat. Try to get synthetic T-shirts that can wick sweat away from your skin. The most awesome T-shirts to wear are those with long sleeves.
17. Fleece Jacket
Even though you probably wouldn’t want to wear your cozy jacket in the pouring rain, it can effectively shed the water that forms due to the low temperatures. This is a must-have if you’re a fan of the great outdoors and intend to do some hiking.
18. Down Jacket
Down jackets are stuffed with feathers from the birds’ undersides to keep you warm. The feathers insulate you from the cold because their air pockets trap your body heat.
19. Waterproof Gloves
Water on already-chilled hands is the last thing you need. Trekking gloves designed to withstand the elements, including rain and snow, are waterproof. They are waterproof up to the top of your hand (starting with the wrist). Wearing these gloves while doing the dishes is an excellent method for preventing frostbite on your fingers.
20. Trek Pants
You should invest in a pair of Trek Pants for your next hiking adventure. Because of the quick-drying material from which they are crafted, you can get away with wearing them even while it’s raining or snowing outside. Please, no jeans!
21. Socks
Always bring three pairs of socks with you on a trek; two pairs for trekking and one pair of warm woolen socks for sleeping. Socks on the trail should be synthetic, quick-drying, and ideally antimicrobial. Surely you don’t wish ill upon your fellow campers.
22. Water Bottle
You must keep drinking water regularly to keep your oxygen levels up. You sweat a lot when hiking but can’t tell because your forehead is always dry. As simple as breathing is, it causes water loss.
23. Tiffin Box, Spoon & Mug
On longer treks, in addition to the food provided, you will also need to bring your own. If you’re going on a hike with us, it’s recommended that you pack a tiffin box, a spoon, and a mug, so you don’t have to use any single-use plastic or trash.
24. Sunscreen
Use sun protection when going outside. UV rays are hazardous at high altitudes, so protect yourself adequately.
25. Lip Balm
It’s not good to have cracked and bleeding lips while hiking. You should always have some lip balm to maintain soft, supple lips.
26. Personal Toiletries
Bring a travel toiletry kit, including paper products, dental hygiene products, and more. If you’re going on a trek, don’t bring any scented products.
27. Camera/GoPro
Taking photos is optional but highly suggested if you want to keep the moments forever.
28. N-95 Masks & Sanitiser
As a result of the pandemic, everyone is more cautious about their hygiene. Protect yourself and the locals by always having an N-95 mask and hand sanitizer.
29. Power Bank
It is challenging to carry around a power bank, but it’s worth it if you want to keep using your phone on your trek.
Remember to check all the things to carry for Kedarkantha Trek for a fantastic winter trekking experience.
