5 remarkable essentials to pack for Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is one such Himalayan town which has the most unpredictable weather. It can be bright and sunny one minute and change into a torrid storm with rain, hail and snow.
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Listed below are the things which you should pack for this Manali road trip but make sure you don’t end up over packing.
This list is perfect for anyone travelling to Manali for two to 14 days.
Travelling gear:
A rucksack of a minimum 50 litres.(Must have)
A day pack 20L to move around with ease.(Must have)
A camera with a minimum of 8GB.(Optional)
Carrying a one litre water bottle along is a great thing for every person who hits the road.(Must have)
A backpack rain cover.
Clothing for Manali:
Two or three short sleeve cotton T-shirts or shirts during the summer months between October to May.
One half pants and one long pants. Cargo pants are favourable due to multiple pockets and their quick dry quality. Please avoid carrying jeans.
During the winter months from November to February carry winter clothing. Jacket, monkey cap, shawl, thick socks and gloves. Long thick pants will also be ideal.
Sweatshirt. (Must Have)
Manali experiences cold temperatures, especially during the winter months, so it is important to pack warm clothing like sweaters, jackets, thermals, gloves, hats, and socks.
Three sets of undergarments and three sets of socks. Please avoid white socks.
UV protected sun glares are a must.(Must have)
Cap.(Must have during summer months)
A thin towel is preferred to a thick one as it saves on space in the bag pack.
A pair of shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip. Anklets are preferable. Since Manali offers various outdoor activities like hiking and trekking, it is essential to pack comfortable shoes or hiking boots to explore the beautiful landscapes.
Slippers or flip-flops. (Must have)
Manali is prone to occasional rain showers, so it is advisable to pack waterproof clothing or rain gear like a raincoat or umbrella.
Personal:
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap bars, shampoo sachets or small bottle of shampoo.
Toilet roll.(Must have)
Paper soap, hand sanitizer, detergent soap sachets.
Sunscreen with a minimum of 40 SPF.(Must have)
Body sprays are also good but glass bottled perfumes are better kept at home.
Mosquito repellent cream.
Two thin Bed-sheets.(Optional)
At higher altitudes, the sun’s rays can be more intense, so it is important to pack sunscreen with a high SPF and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Don’t forget to pack essentials like a water bottle, flashlight, Swiss army knife, travel adapter, extra batteries, and a portable charger to ensure you are prepared for any situation.
Pack basic toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and any other personal hygiene products you may need.
It is always a good idea to carry some snacks and a water bottle while exploring Manali, especially if you plan on indulging in outdoor activities for an extended period.
Manali offers breathtaking views, so don’t forget to pack a camera or your smartphone with a good camera to capture those memorable moments. Also, carry extra memory cards to accommodate all the pictures and videos you might take.
Accessories:
Power board to charge multiple gadgets is a must as most lodging and boarding places have only one plug point. Buy one which has usb slots.
A LED torch is a good thing to carry along as the lights tend to go.(Must have)
Ten garbage bags to carry dirty clothes while travelling is good to have. These also help to junk the trash and keep the natural setting clean and green.(Must have)
A small knife while on the road is a safety measure that is advised.(Optional)
Medical:
Glucose powder.(Must have)
Tablets for headaches, diarrhoea, motion sickness.
Bandage.
Cotton.
Aspirin.
Medication for rashes.
Sprain relief plasters.
Personal medication if any.
If you have any specific medical conditions or require regular medication, ensure that you pack an ample supply for the duration of your stay.At higher altitudes, the sun’s rays can be more intense, so it is important to pack sunscreen with a high SPF and a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
If you expect to have downtime during your journey or in the evenings, consider packing a book, playing cards, or any other form of entertainment to keep yourself entertained.
Remember to pack light and only take what is necessary to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable backpacking experience in Manali.
