PackWise: 3 Essentials You Cannot Miss When Packing for a Monsoon Trek

Monsoon in the Himalayas holds a special charm for trekkers. Clouds hang low to the touch and the pattern of falling rain adds rhythm to the walk. The valleys turn a glistening green studded with exquisite flowers and invite trekkers to cross mountain rivers gushing with glee.

Take care to come prepared for the rain securing your experience of this monsoon paradise. Here are the three things you cannot miss when packing:

Cover Up Head to Toe with Rain Poncho

We vouch for a rain poncho over a waterproof suit.  Though apparently neat and complete with topwear and pants, waterproof suits can get you exasperatingly hot under the cover as the trek starts gaining momentum.

A poncho on the other hand gives maximum coverage with complete breathability. It is the best gear to stay prepared for rain in the hills coming and going on a whim. Also, a poncho allows trekkers to layer up adequately when caught in a cold surge.

Beat the Waters with Your Favorite Floaters

Geared with the right change of footwear on Monsoon Treks, you are free to discover Himalayan rivers at their fiercest best along with countless streams and rivulets that the rain breathes life into. That’s when you need the floaters. Instead of jumping in barefoot at the risk of riverbed pebbles stinging your soles or going with your trekking boots on and getting them dripping wet, slip on the safe shoes. Cutting through streams and fording rivers will be just sport with a pair of floaters strung to your daypack at all times!

Carry Your Monsoon Medical Kit to Stay Fit

The rainy spells in the hills last for months on end blotting out the sun, resulting in increased germ count. In addition to the complete medical kit our trek team would be carrying, it is advisable to come equipped with your personal medical essentials-

• Chlorine Water Purifier: Though you will have drinkable water filtered with chlorine at the campsite reserves, it is advisable to carry disinfectants for refills on the way. Despite the precaution, if you feel queasy in the stomach, keep doctor prescribed anti diarrhea pills for post-meal consumption.
• Anti-Bacterial Powder: Fungal infections spread unchecked in the monsoon dampness. Besides carrying a sufficient change of socks and underclothes, use anti-bacterial powder every day to keep infections away. Mix a good deal of medicated anti-bacterial powder in any regular talc and rub amply all over.
• Salt Shaker/ Pain Relief Spray: Rain in the hills brings to life things other than flowers, and these are not quite lovely. Yes, we are talking about leeches! These silent parasites could be put off with just a stroke of salt. You have to check for leeches especially when passing through a jungle and daub salt on finding any. Keep a handy salt shaker in your pocket and source the salt from the kitchen staff. Trek expert Sandeep from the TTH house confirms using the regular pain relief spray trekkers carry for muscle sprains for the same purpose since it is handier to spray than to slap salt.

Monsoon in the Himalayas can be beautiful beyond belief and with the right things packed in, you will be ready to float in ecstasy!