You know what? Embarking on my first trip, I forgot to pack important stuff—ORS, winter gear, waterproof gear, and so much more.
All of these are super important and can make your Kedarnath trip much more comfortable. Unfortunately, they’re way more expensive if you buy them there.
So, instead of forgetting something and paying extra on the spot, check out this comprehensive list of what to pack and what to leave while traveling to Kedarnath!
1. Plan Ahead
Now, before we head on to packing, you should focus on things that need your immediate attention. Like -
a) Right Time
First, pick the best time to visit because a big part of your packing depends on this—like which clothes to bring.
Kedarnath is open from April to October, but the best months are April to June and October. We went in October, and honestly, it was perfect. The weather wasn’t too cold or too hot—just right for a fun and comfortable trip.
b) Weather expectations
Kedarnath’s weather is unpredictable. It’s usually cold, especially near the temple, but the trek can get surprisingly hot.
And don’t forget about the sudden rains—they can catch you off guard! Make sure to pack a raincoat and boot covers to stay dry and comfy.
c) Registration and permits
For any Char Dham trip, you need to register on the official Uttarakhand portal. We did the registration too, though we didn’t need it during our trip. Still, it’s better to have it just in case there’s a checkpoint.
Here is a guide on How to register for the Kedarnath yatra.
d) Money
You might be surprised, but Kedarnath does support online payments like UPI thanks to decent network coverage. So, you won’t always need cash.
However, it’s still a good idea to carry some with you. While UPI works in most places, some shops on the trek might not accept it. Cash will come in handy in those situations. At the top, you can use UPI, but for the journey, always have some cash on hand!
2. Gear You’ll Need
Having the right gear is a game-changer for a trip like Kedarnath, especially the trek. Here’s a short list of essentials we learned from experience:
a) Trekking shoes
Shoes are easily one of the most important factors for any trek. If they’re too stiff, your feet will hurt (trust me, my toes were killing me!), and if they’re not durable, they might break mid-trek. Invest in good trekking shoes—they’re worth it.
b) Trekking poles
Trekking poles can be a huge help during the long trek. They provide support and make the climb easier. You can get budget-friendly poles online, or just buy a wooden stick at the trek’s starting point for ₹20. We went for the stick, and for a single trek, it worked pretty well.
c) Rain gear
Whether it rains or not, always carry two essentials:
Raincoat – To keep yourself dry.
Footwear Covers – Wet shoes can cause all sorts of issues like blisters, stickiness, and bad smells. These covers are a lifesaver.
3. Must-Have Essentials
Here’s a list of essential items you should definitely carry to make your Kedarnath trip hassle-free:
Purse or Small Pouch: To keep your ID, documents, and other small items organized.
Cash: Even though UPI is available, some shops, especially on the trek, only accept cash.
Torch or Flashlight: A lifesaver for early starts or late treks. The trail can get pretty dark at times!
Water Bottles: Essential to stay hydrated during the journey.
4. Important Documents
You don’t need any special documents to explore Kedarnath, and we didn’t need anything extra. However, it’s always a good idea to carry the basics:
Aadhaar Card
Driving License
Medical Certificates
5. Choosing the Right Backpack
For a trip like this, you’ll need a good backpack to keep everything organized. The perfect choice? A rucksack, specially designed for treks.
Your backpack should be lightweight, durable, waterproof, and easy to carry. Don’t stress—most rucksacks are already built for this! Just check your budget and ensure it fits your essentials.
6. Clothes
Next, you need to pack your clothes, and there are two types: one to wear and one to pack.
a) What to pack
In addition to your hiking gear, you'll need some extra clothes to change into, especially after the trek. Here’s a list of clothes to pack for those moments when you need a fresh change:
Extra T-shirt(s) – For when you want to swap out your sweaty trek shirt.
Extra trousers - It's the most comfy clothes you can ask for, especially for treks.
Thermal Wear – For those chilly evenings or early mornings at higher altitudes.
Comfortable Pants – After the trek, you'll want something comfy to relax in.
Underwear & Socks – Always pack extra pairs to stay fresh.
Rainproof Jacket – In case the weather turns unexpectedly.
Footwear - Durable and waterproof shoes plus light slippers. (I prefer crocs.)
Handkerchiefs.
Warm - Cap, mufflers, gloves, socks and more.
b) What to Wear While Hiking
No matter when you visit, the temperature on the trek will start off cold and get hotter as you go. So, comfort is the key—focus on wearing clothes that are practical rather than fashionable or for show. Choose light, comfortable layers that are easy to put on and take off as needed.
If you're starting early in the morning, you'll need multiple layers to stay warm. But as you progress on the trek, you’ll find yourself shedding some layers. By the halfway point, we were down to just one layer! Here’s a general list of what to pack:
Warm Caps
Mufflers
Gloves
Innerwear
Warm Socks
T-shirt
Sweater and Jacket
Trousers
Footwear
7. How to Pack Everything
Packing smart makes the trek easier. Here are some simple tips:
Wear Bulky Clothes: Wear your heavier and bigger clothes to save space in your bag.
Remove Unnecessary Items: Only pack what you need. If it’s not essential, leave it behind!
Don’t Pack Too Much: During the trek, it’s highly unlikely you’ll need extra items, so don’t overload your bag.
a) Smart Packing
Use Packing Cubes: Keep your clothes and items organized. It saves time and space!
Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes instead of folding them helps save space and avoids wrinkles.
Keep Essentials Accessible: Place your water, snacks, and jacket at the top for easy access.
b) Weight Distribution
Heavier Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items like shoes at the bottom for balance.
Distribute Weight Evenly: Spread out the lighter items to avoid strain.
c) Essential Items
Pack Essential Items in One Pocket: Keep items like your ID, phone, and money in a separate pocket for quick access.
Medicines: Keep your medications in a secure, easily accessible spot, like a small pouch.
Keep a water bottle at hand.
8. Taking Care of Yourself
Maintaining hygiene and self-care is essential during the trek to keep you feeling fresh and comfortable:
Personal Hygiene Items – Don’t forget toiletries like toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm – Protect your skin from the harsh sun and prevent chapped lips.
Wet Wipes – Useful for quick cleaning during the trek.
9. Medicines and Supplements
Kedarnath is a challenging trek with high altitudes, so carrying some health essentials is a smart move:
First-aid Kit – Include bandages, paracetamol, painkillers, cold medicines, and motion sickness tablets.
Altitude Sickness Medicine – Important to carry if you’re sensitive to high altitudes.
Glucose (ORS, Enerzal) – Helps keep your energy up.
Oxygen Cylinder – Just in case you need extra oxygen at high altitudes.
10. Temple Essentials
When visiting Kedarnath Temple for darshan, keep these in mind:
a) Offerings (if any)
You can buy prashads at shops near the temple in different price ranges (₹50, ₹100, ₹200).
b) Dress Code
Since it’s a religious site, wear decent, respectful clothes to maintain the temple’s serene atmosphere.
11. Food and Beverage
Here’s a simple list of food and beverages you can pack to make your trip easier and more enjoyable:
Snacks for Instant Energy: Keep chocolates for a quick energy boost during breaks.
ORS & Enerzal: Essential for staying hydrated and maintaining stamina.
Don’t Overpack Meals: You can buy food at hotels along the way, so there’s no need to pack too much.
Pack Some Light Foods: Bring along some easy-to-carry snacks like:
Fruits (Bananas, Apples, Oranges)
Peanut Butter
Roasted Chana (Gram)
a) During the Trek
During the trek, it’s important to stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and keep your energy up. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
Hydration
Drink water frequently.
Take one sip at a time to avoid dehydration or stomach issues.
Rest Points
Take frequent breaks and don’t overdo it.
Listen to your body—rest when needed to avoid exhaustion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is oxygen reruied at Kedaranth?
Does mobile work at Kedaranth?
What chocoloaated is good for trekking?
Wrap Up
Well, that's what I'll be packing for my next Kedarnath trip, and trust me, it’s coming sooner than I expected!
My recent trip played a major role in shaping this list, as I learned a lot from what worked and what didn’t.
The Kedarnath trip is long and the trek is challenging, so packing essential items is a must. But overpacking unnecessary things? That’s just a rookie mistake. Keep it light, keep it smart, and enjoy the journey!
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