Packing Checklist
Manali / Himachal Pradesh
Cold mountain destination. Layers are essential. Temperatures can drop to -5°C at night even in summer.
Total Items
37
Essentials
21
Climate
-5°C to 25°C depending on season
Best Season
October–June (snow: Dec–Mar, peaks: Apr–Jun)
👕Clothing12 items
Thermal base layers (top + bottom)Essential
Heavy fleece or down jacketEssential
Waterproof windcheater / rain jacketEssential
Jeans or trekking pants (2–3 pairs)Essential
Warm sweaters / hoodies (2–3)Essential
Gloves (waterproof, warm)Essential
Woollen socks (4–5 pairs)Essential
Balaclava / woollen cap / beanieEssential
Scarf or neck warmerEssential
Snow boots or waterproof ankle boots
Light indoor slippers / flip flops for hotel
Sunglasses (UV protection)Essential
🧴Toiletries & Health9 items
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (mountain sun is intense)Essential
Lip balm with SPFEssential
Moisturiser (air is very dry)Essential
Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox — consult doctor)Essential
For Rohtang/Spiti passes above 3,500m
Basic first aid kit (bandage, antiseptic, paracetamol)Essential
ORS sachets (stay hydrated at altitude)
Hand sanitiser
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Personal medications (carry extra)
📄Documents & Money5 items
Government photo ID (Aadhaar / passport)Essential
Hotel booking printoutsEssential
Cash (many places are cash-only)Essential
ATMs available in Manali town but unreliable at higher altitudes
UPI apps as backup
Emergency contacts saved offline
🎒Gear & Tech8 items
Day backpack (20–30L)Essential
Trekking poles (for snow/Rohtang)
Headlamp / torch with extra batteries
Power bank (10,000+ mAh)Essential
Universal travel adaptor
Camera or phone with extra SD card
Ziplock bags (keeps things dry)
Thermos / insulated water bottle
🍫Snacks & Food3 items
Energy bars / chocolate / dry fruitsEssential
Higher altitude = less appetite
Instant noodles / ready-to-eat meals
Water purification tablets
Do NOT Bring
- ✕Too many shoes — 2 pairs max (boots + hotel slippers)
- ✕Formal/office clothes — not needed
- ✕Lots of cotton clothes (takes ages to dry in cold/damp)
- ✕Fragile electronics without cushioned cases
Local Tips
- →Layer up — you can always remove layers, but can't add what you don't have
- →Rohtang Pass requires a permit (book online at rohtangpermits.nic.in)
- →Don't rush uphill — acclimatise for 1 day before high-altitude activities
- →Pack light — you can rent winter gear in Manali at low cost
