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We are almost always ready for that “Mera falsafaa kandhe pe mera basta” moment, but we are often questioning what to take with us in that basta (bag). While we are thankful for the various apps and the internet which help us know the weather of the place that we have selected for our holiday, it’s still awesome to know as to what to take with us for our trip to be as smooth like butter.
While Spiti is a beautiful place, it comes with its own difficulties. Being a cold dessert, the weather can be too cold for a number of people. Being an almost remote area, the electricity and network connectivity is low, which might become an issue for many. For someone travelling in their own vehicle, there will be questions about car/bike accessories that one needs to take with them.
But why fear, when we are here. We will help you make your Spiti Valley trip easy and smooth by giving you a checklist to refer to as to what you can add to your basta and enjoy your trip without worrying about the access baggage or forgetting your phone charger on your side table.
1. Backpack
Before starting with what to take in your bag, decide what bag to take. Though that usually
depends upon the type of trip you are going for, it is highly advisable to choose a rucksack
over a trolley bag. The backpack that you take should be comfortable for you to carry in
case of a difficult trek and wouldn’t make your trip a task. A rucksack of 60- 70L will do
the trick.
2. Handbag
You can also take a smaller backpack of 10L for essentials like documents, wallet, laptop
or things like snacks or water. You can also take a fanny pack depending on your needs.
3. Clothes
As Spiti Valley has a relatively lower temperature, it is advisable to carry enough warm
clothes.
(a) Take some fleece-lined clothes like jackets and lowers as they will keep your warm.
(b) Take a pair or two of thermals so that the body heat is locked in and you are warm
throughout.
(c) The pants that you carry should be light- weight as well as extremely comfortable.
Taking track pants instead of denims is a good option.
(d) Add some quick- dry t- shirts as well as lower for water sports activities like rafting.
You don’t want to carry heavy wet clothes which will take eons to dry up.
(e) Take some raincoats for the unannounced rain. Also, choose a raincoat over an
umbrella as holding an umbrella can be a tedious task while trekking.
(f) Take some good quality light- weight warm jackets.
(g) Pack some woolen socks to keep those feet warm.
(h) Take a windbreaker jacket to save yourself from the winds.
(i) Take a good quality warm cap to keep your head as well as your ears warm at all
times.
(j) A woolen scarf will keep your neck from getting cold.
(k) Take some good quality boots/ shoes which are comfortable to trek in as well as dry
up quickly in case of getting wet due to rain, snow, etc.
4. Important documents
As Spiti Valley lies very near to the border of Tibet, some documents for identification and address proof are needed for an easy-going trip. Do carry the originals and a few
photocopies of everything.
(a) Take your Aadhar Card/ Driver’s License.
(b) If you are a foreign citizen, then you must carry your Passport, Visa as well as a Permit
to visit the Protected Areas.
(c) One must also carry the Double Vaccination Certificate as well as a negative RTPCR
test report.
5. Medicines
As Spiti Valley is situated at a higher altitude, some people may find it difficult to
acclimatize to the place, some might get food poising because of the relatively different
kind of food or some might just get leg pains because of long and difficult treks, so it is
advisable to keep a small medical kit with you. The kit should include:
(a) Diamox- to reduce chances of AMS
(b) Digene/ Eno- for when you have acidity
(c) Camphor Tablets- to ease breathing difficulties
(d) Pain Relief Spray/ Gel
(e) Keep some OTC (over the counter) medicines for fever, nausea, headache, cold,
cough, motion- sickness, pain- killers, etc.
(f) Take your prescribed medicines for issues like diabetes, blood pressure, etc.
(g) Do carry menstrual products like pads, tampons or period cups.
(h) Band- Aids for those cuts that arise from nowhere.
(i) Betadine antiseptic solution, cotton and dressing bandage for any unfortunate event
(j) Vicks Vapourub
(k) Bug spray for all the nasty bugs that bite you when you sleep
6. The Gadgets
Carry the gadgets according to use and not clutter your baggage.:
(a) Power Bank- Depending upon your usage, one should carry a power bank in case
there is an issue with the electricity and you can’t charge your phone.
(b) Torch- As there are chances of night treks or just strolling during the night, carry a
torch for those extremely dark routes just to be safe.
(c) Camera- For all the Instagram-worthy pictures that you are going to click.
(d) Memory Card- Do carry a memory card for your camera and a spare one depending
upon your needs.
(e) Chargers- Carry chargers for all the gadgets that require charging.
(f) Extra batteries- Carry some extra batteries for the camera as well as a torch.
(g) Headphones/ Earphones- Who doesn’t like some music!
7. Toiletries
Though we usually get the basic toiletries in our hotel rooms, it is highly advisable to go
prepared. You can get travel-sized toiletries from the supermarket or just transfer your
toiletries into smaller containers so as not to carry huge bottles/ containers and add to the
load.:
(a) Sunscreen with SPF 50++- Wherever you go, the sun follows you. Even when you are at a cold dessert. So, pack sunscreen that suits you and lather yourself during your trip
to keep yourself protected from the sun at all times.
(b) Moisturizer- To save yourself from dry skin, pack some good moisturizer for your face as well as your body.
(c) Lip Balm- Winters come with chapped lips and Spiti will not be any different. Take with
yourself a good lip balm to moisturize your lips throughout.
(d) Dental kit- Brushing your teeth is equally important on your trip, so pack some
toothpaste as well as a toothbrush.
(e) Soap and Shampoo- Though in winters we often think of skipping bathing for a day, when going on a trip for 6 days, taking a hot bath will be a good thing after you
come back from that long tour of the valley to your hotel room and that too, with a
good smelling soap and shampoo is just what heaven looks like on earth.
(f) Hand Sanitizer- For fighting the deadly virus and for just being safe.
(g) Shaving kit- If you are planning on getting some ootds clicked while looking suave,
groom yourself with the help of the shaving kit that you brought for just in case.
(h) Towels- Do carry a quick dry towel and a hand towel to keep yourself dry at all times.
8. Let’s munch
While you will find a lot of small shops during your trip, it is always safe to carry something with you for those just in case moments. As you will find the junk food very
easily, stack up some healthy snacks as well as water:
(a) Water- We all agreed to Geet when she said, “Paani ka kaam toh sirf paani hi krta
hai!”. So, take some water bottles with you and try to refill them as and when
possible. This will save you from spending money on a water bottle.
(b) Nutrition Bar- For when you suddenly want something to fill you up or for your mid- night hunger pangs.
(c) Nuts- Nuts like almonds, raisins and cashews are always a good idea.
(d) Glucose powder- For when you feel low.
(e) Chips- What road trip is ever complete without passing that chips bag in the car!
(f) Candy- For when you feel that motion sickness.
9. Miscellaneous
(a) Safety pins
(b) Pocket Knife
(c) Bag Locks
(d) Sunglasses
(e) A notepad and a pen
(f) Covid Face Masks
(g) Polybags
(h) Credit/ Debit card
(i) Cash
While we have given you a basic idea of what all you might need, you can obviously add or subtract things according to your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Take out your rucksack, pack it up and take that much awaited trip to Spiti Valley.
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