Sandakphu Trek Packing List

How to pack for the Singalila Ridge

The ridge swings from warm forest in the afternoon to below freezing at night, often on the same day. The answer is layers you can add and remove as you walk, not one heavy coat. Aim for a backpack of 8 to 10 kg for a multi-day trek, including water.

You'll sleep in simple lodges and homestays with blankets or quilts, so you don't need a tent, stove or cooking gear. Suitcases and trolley bags can't be carried on the trail. Leave extra luggage at your hotel in Darjeeling or Siliguri.

Clothing: the layer system

• Two thermal base layers (top and bottom), one for walking and one kept dry for sleeping
• Two or three quick-dry trekking T-shirts; avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold
• A fleece jacket or warm mid-layer
• A down or synthetic insulated jacket for evenings and summit sunrises
• A waterproof, windproof shell jacket with a hood
• Two pairs of quick-dry trekking trousers (not jeans)
• Waterproof over-trousers or a poncho in spring and autumn
• Warm hat or beanie, a sun cap and a neck gaiter or buff
• Liner gloves plus warm waterproof gloves
• Three or four pairs of trekking socks and one thick pair for sleeping

Footwear

The trail mixes stone paths, forest mud and a rough jeep road. Grip matters more than weight.

• Broken-in trekking shoes or boots with good grip and ankle support; new boots cause blisters
• Light sandals or slippers for evenings at the lodge
• Gaiters if you're trekking in snow or just after rain

Backpack and bags

• A 40 to 50 litre backpack if you carry your own gear, or a 20 to 30 litre daypack if you use offloading
• A rain cover for your pack, plus dry bags or plastic-free liners for clothes and electronics
• A small pouch for ID, cash and phone that stays on you

On the Sandakphu Phalut trek you can add optional offloading, which carries a backpack of up to 10 to 12 kg between stops. Keep your ID, water, snacks and a warm layer in your daypack. See the Sandakphu Phalut trek page for current offloading details.

Health and first aid

• Personal medicines, with a few extra days' supply and prescriptions
• Painkillers, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea tablets, and oral rehydration salts
• Blister plasters, antiseptic cream and a small bandage roll
• Lip balm with SPF and sunscreen of SPF 50; UV is strong at altitude
• Altitude medicine only if your doctor recommends it

Your guide carries a group first-aid kit, but bring what you personally need. Tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness on the way up.

Water and food

• Two one-litre water bottles, or a bottle plus a hydration bladder
• Water purification tablets or a filter bottle; plastic bottles are hard to dispose of on the ridge
• Energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, chocolate and energy bars for long walking days

Meals on multi-day treks are home-style dal, rice, vegetables, noodles and momos in lodges. Tea houses along the way sell tea and simple snacks.

Documents, money and electronics

• Original government photo ID plus two photocopies (see the permit guide)
• Enough cash for the whole trek: there are no ATMs on the ridge and card or UPI payments are unreliable
• A headtorch with spare batteries, for early starts and lodge toilets at night
• A power bank of 10,000 to 20,000 mAh; charging points are limited and may cost extra
• Your phone, with offline maps and downloaded entertainment; mobile network is patchy

Toiletries

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and a small bar of soap
• Toilet paper, wet wipes and hand sanitiser
• A quick-dry towel
• A small bag to carry your used wipes and rubbish back down

Hot water can be limited at higher stops, so expect quick washes rather than showers.

Extras by season

Not sure which season you're trekking in? Check the best time for the Sandakphu trek.

Overnight hike or multi-day trek?

For the two-day Tonglu overnight hike, a daypack is enough: one warm layer, a shell, a change of base layer, water, snacks, a headtorch and your ID. For the Sandakphu Short Trek and the full Sandakphu Phalut trek, pack the complete list above.

What not to bring

• Suitcases or trolley bags
• Jeans and heavy cotton clothes
• Single-use plastic you can't carry back
• Expensive jewellery or more electronics than you need
• A drone, unless you hold the required permissions for the border area

Ready to go? Plan your route with the getting here guide.