Conquer Mount Kailash & Manasarovar: Packing & Wellness Guide for Indian-American Travelers

–

Clothing

Do not wear cotton garments. Use synthetic / wool-blend material. Synthetic undergarments for women and men are available at REI and at A 16.

Over undergarments wear the following garments in 4 layers:

i) 1st layer (innermost layer): Polypropylene or wool-blend type fabric upper body (pullover) and lower body (trousers) garments that snugly drape the body. Patagonia makes Capilene type garments that fit this description
ii) 2nd layer upper (next to innermost): Pullover and lower body trousers made of expedition grade synthetic material (Patagonia expedition, or KEI Polartec mid weight)
iii) 3rd layer (outermost layer):Down (goose feather) upper body jacket(North face makes Luptse brand Down Jackets). Trousers that are water proof made of Scholer fabric, and that may have optional zippers that can be unzipped to convert to shorts.
iv) 4th layer (in case of rain): A water proof shell to wear over the Down jacket

Remember to take swim wear for taking a dip in Mansarovar.

Head Gear

1. A hat that also offers protection to the back of the neck
2. Wind stopper – protects head, neck, ears and mouth – has a Velcro flap that can be used to cover neck and lower face
3. Optional silk scarf
4. 1 head lamp– costs about $20 to $50. This is important so that you can have both hands free especially while answering nature’s call at night!
5. 1 good pair of UV rated sun glasses
6. 1 pair of goggles to protect against dust and wind – costs about $10 at Army-Navy Store

Gloves

1. One pair of inner liner gloves made of Smart Wool – costs about $10 – $14
2. One pair of water proof outer gloves (eg. Marmot brand gloves – approx.. cost $50)

Foot Wear

1. One pair of synthetic material liner socks.
2. Two pairs of “outer” wear Smart wool/wool-blend socks
3. One pair waterproof boots with good ankle support and Vibram soles. Look for Gore-Tex brand (water proof shoes) boots. Buy oversized boots to allow room for inner and outer socks and for swelling of feet that may occur. Merrell high top hiking shoes for example are high top and support your ankles. Make sure, your shoes are weather proof and waterproof. A good supportive insert will make it even more comfortable.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are not required if you will be staying in a guest house or hotel.

Back Pack

Medium size back pack that can be carried on board airplane, and can accommodate all the items you might need whenever and wherever you go – like hats, scarves, wind stoppers, glasses, goggles, shirts, sweaters, socks, gloves, water, food, medicines, cameras and videos. A good brand of back pack is Zero Point.

Packing Kit

Get one that is large enough to hold all other things that you may not need at all times.

Other items that you would need to carry during your travel:

1. Trekking poles
2. Sunscreen lotion rated 30+ SPF to protect from UV light (good brands – Bullfrog, Banana)
3. Lip Balm – like Biacin
4. Tiger Balm
5. Lubriderm skin lotion for dry skin
6. Desenex powder to sprinkle in your boots, socks and on feet
7. Mole skin for treating blisters
8. First aid kit including band aids for cuts and bruises
9. Your prescription medicines in adequate quantities
10. Medicines, as advised in email dated Feb 2nd.
11. Flash light
12. Wet towelette
13. Sanitizer
14. Power pack for charging your camera, cell phone
15. Bottle of rubbing alcohol
16. Cottonelle towlettes for personal hygiene
17. A pair of surgical mouth/nose masks – might need them to keepaway bad odor
18. Pactowls (available at REI and A 16 stores) – nice handy towels that clean and dry quickly
19. Water bottle with an insulator to keep fluids warm
20. Optional inflatable pillows (a good brand – Thermarest) to sit on
21. Optional Polar guard sheet or Poncho liner (latter can be obtained from Army-Navy store)
22. Optional Titanium cup

Food Items

Tea bags
Dried fruits
Hard candy
Oatmeal square bars
Dry Gatorade powder to add taste to drinking water
Power Gel (contains sugar and caffeine) – provides instant energy and stimulation, but beware, energy likely to dissipate just as quickly

Names of some manufacturers of mountain camping equipment:

Northface, Marmot, Patagonia, Mountain Hard wear
Local stores in Orange County area that you can check out: (For Those In CA)
REI located in Tustin Marketplace off Jamboree exit from I-5
Adventure 16 store on Bristol south off Baker St in Costa Mesa

Web Sites

REI.com, Mountainhardwear.com

General Tips For Staying Healthy

1. Practice endurance training now. Walk 4 to 6 miles at least 3 times a week
2. During the yatra, drink 1 – 2 liters of water daily
3. Do not allow yourself to get dehydrated
4. Give yourself plenty of rest
5. Do not overstrain yourself at any time
6. Avoid wearing contact lenses
7. The atmosphere is thin, dry, cold, dusty and windy
8. Always think positive and keep happy thoughts in mind

– 0 –