Kasol is probably one the most sought-after and most visited places in Himachal. If you are first time traveler visiting Kasol you might looking for a list of things to pack for a Kasol trip. After All packing things properly is one of the important parts of Himalayan trips.
So Kasol trip was one of first backpacking trips where of course I made a few mistakes when packing. So to avoid those and to provide you guys with a solid list of things to pack for a Kasol trip, I am curating this blog to help my fellow travelers with things to carry and pack for a Kasol trip.
31 Super Important Things to Pack for A Kasol Trip
Packing is one of the most important aspects when it comes to traveling. Especially in places where things are not really easy to get.
And its always better to have a packing checklist whenever packing for trips. So to help out my fellow travelers I have created a packing checklist to make sure that you don’t miss any of the essential items.
By the way, if its your first time going to Kasol, check out my complete backpacking guide on Kasol from Mumbai. It will surely very helpful. So here is comprehensive list of 31 things you must pack for a Kasol trip.
| Clothes
Full Trousers or Trek Pants or Denis (I would highly recommend against it and explain why) Shirts, T shirts for men Women can choose from what they normally wear |
| Warm clothes
Light woolens during summers and monsoon A good winter jacket for winter, Spring, Autumn Thermal Wear (Especially during Winters, Spring) Woolen Socks (Especially during Winters, Spring and Autumn) Woolen Cap and Gloves |
| Must carry things
Government ID card Cash Mobile phone Power Bank Camera Day Pack Water bottle Poncho – Preferably all the time but must in monsoons |
| Footwear
Sandals and Flip Flops Normal Shoes Proper Hiking or Trekking shoes (In case you are into trekking) |
| Toiletries
Hand sanitizer Dental Hygiene products Moisturizer Sunscreen Soap or Bodywash Or Shampoo |
| Medicines
First Aid Kit Dolo Tablet Avomine Pain relief Sprays Any regular medications if you take Any |
What Clothes to Pack for Kasol Trip
Be it men or women whatever you wear on your trips or in day to day life you can definitely pack them. But do not pack n clothes for n days of your trip. You yourself will have to carry the burden.
For men you can take trousers, hiking pants, or Jeans and shirts and Tshirts. Women can take whatever they usually wear on their trips. Avoid Jeans or Denims if possible as they are not very comfortable when hiking or outdoors.
By the way, here is a detailed comparison blog Kasol versus Manali. Feel free to let me known your thoughts on it.
1. Trousers
So 2-3 trousers will be enough for around 7-10 days trip. Even if you plan to stay longer, you can always wash your clothes instead of carrying more. And Of course, you can re use them if they don’t get very dirty. I always advise to carry few less clothes so have minimum weight.
And for those who love Denims or Jean, I would advise you against it. One of the main reasons is they are not very comfortable if you want hike around. And you have to walk a lot if you wish to see beautiful places in mountains. And Kasol is no exception.
Personally, I just carry 2 trouser/hiking pants I bought from Decathlon these days. Be it a week long trip or month long or more. And have completely given up on Jeans to be honest as these are much more comfortable to be very frank.
2. Shirts and Tshirts
So you can carry 4-5 Shirts or Tshirts or combination of both. And then also reuse it again. Again do not pack n different shirts or tshirts for n days as it is only going to add more wait to your luggage.
Personally, these days I only take 4 or 5 comfortable Tshirts with me as I do not want to carry unnecessary load on my back. And wash it every 5-7 days if I am on long trips.
By the way here is I personally find Kasol very overrated due to these 11 honest reasons. And Therefore, here are 16 beautiful alternatives to Kasol.
Warm Clothes to carry for Kasol Trip
As you would have already known by now, Kasol is located in the Himalayas. So its obviously cold for 80 % of the times in an year. Even summers can be quite cool if it rains regularly which of course is rare but cannot be ruled out.
So packing warm clothes is extremely important. Of course, summers and monsoon is when you’ll need the least amount of warms clothes, but during winter, spring, autumn you need good layers to keep you warm.
Kasol is winters is just heaven. And in case you are looking to visit Kasol in winters, here is detailed winter guide for Kasol. It surely be of a great help.
1. Light woolen Jacket/Sweater
So a light woolen sweater or a hoodie kind of thing is kind of apt. during summers and monsoon this can be quite helpful during early mornings and nights as it can get a bit cold. So in my opinion, you should always carry it whatever be the season in Kasol.
During winters, spring and Autumn this can act as a layer along with thermals, and good winte jacket. Of course, depending how cold it is or you feel you can put layers accordingly.
Personally, I have a light sweater which I’ll always make a point to carry in the Himalayas whatver may the season be.
2. A good winter jacket
A decent winter jacket which is kind of waterproof resistant and works in snow is necessary on your trips to Kasol. Apart from summers and monsoon, It can get pretty cold during the days and nights.
Winters are the coldest. So a good winter jacket is absolutely must. Preferably, ones which can endure at least -5 degrees. Of course, in winters you’ll still need mutliple layers like thermals, light sweater in addition to this.
I personally learnt it the hard way during my first Parvati valley and Kasol trip. So for my next trip, I bought a quechua winter jacket from Decathlon which really works well in temperatures upto -10 degrees of course with layers.
3. Thermal Wear
So thermal for the whole body are absolutely necessary in winters. Somewhat necessary in early spring and late Autumn. And can be skipped during summer and monsoons, unless you are hiking to higher altitudes around Kasol.
But winters are very harsh in Kasol with temperatures being close to sub-zero and even dropping below zero during winters. I personally always make it a point to carry full body thermals during all my trips to Himachal.
4. Woolen socks
Again, a must have item especially during winters, early spring and late autumn to protect you from cold. Again, this is subjective according to how much cold you actually feel. But having them in winters is an absolute must.
You feel the most cold on your hands and feet. So covering them is of utmost importance during winters at least.
5. Woolen Cap and Gloves
Now a good woolen cap is what will for most of part of year in Kasol especially during winters, early spring, late autumn. As it gets very cold in Kasol.
Gloves are needed in winters if you cannot bear the cold. Woolen will give more warmth, water proof you can use even in snow. So make that choice appropriately. For rest of the seasons at least gloves can be skipped.
But it really depends on how much cold you can bear. I personally hate to wear gloves even in winters. By the way here are 8 reasons why you should not visit Kasol with your family.
Essential Items to Carry on trip to Kasol
So, these items you must carry not only on your Kasol trip but also to other places that you travel. Missing these might result in a Chaotic kind of situation.
Ensure that you have packed these items before hand and also double before leaving home for the trip. By the way, if you are traveling to Kasol solo, then read this blog on how safe is Kasol for solo travelers.
1. Government ID proof
So at place where you stay be it a hotel, hostel, guesthouse showing your Government Identify card is usually mandatory as they have to keep it for their records.
So Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, Drivers License etc can suffice this requirement. I personally carry Aadhar and Pancard with me all the time on my trips.
2. Cash
Now in todays world, carrying less or almost no cash you can get away with. Most of the people have gpay or paytm through which you can transfer the money online.
But carry a bit of cash is what I’ll always advise. Plus whenever we are short on cash we tend to withdraw it from the ATM’S, if online is not accepted.
But in Kasol, there is only one ATM and it being out of cash is not uncommon. So In my, opinion you should always carry some cash with you.
3. Mobile Phone
Again, this one is a no brainer. In todays time we are so dependent on mobile phones, that forgetting them could turn into a nightmare situation.
So always make sure before leaving, that you have your mobile phone with you.
4. Power Bank
Power Bank is again one of those essential things that always come in handy during dire situations. As I said earlier we live in an age where living even a few minutes without is unimaginable. So you surely do not want your mobile phone to run out of battery.
And Kasol is one such place where long powercuts are frequent. Or you might on a hike or trekking. So a good long lasting power bank is an absolute must in my opinion.
5. Camera
Again, if you are photographer or love clicking pictures, your DSLR is the one thing you cannot forget about. So just your photography and videography gear before hand in order to avoid any last minute mishaps.
6. Day Pack
Day pack is one the things which comes in very handy during excursions. A small 10 litre will suffice your needs. You can carry a 1 litre bottle, some food items, plus some other miscellaneous items you might need on your hikes and day trips
I personally always carry a 10 litre Quecheua Day pack from Decathlon. And I usually carry it on my long day hikes or day trips in the mountains.
7. Water Bottle
So wasting your money on plastic water bottles is not worth especially with such good quality water available naturally in the mountains.
So I personally have stopped buying plastic water bottles long back and only refill my personal water bottle on my every trip to Himachal. And I’ll also advice you to do the same. Trust me its not that hard.
8. Poncho
Now the fickle weather in the mountains is well know phenomenon. And it can rain anytime in the mountains. So in order to not get all drenched in rain, carrying a poncho is a must.
Of course, if you are going in monsoons its kind of mandatory, otherwise you’ll be stuck in your room the whole day. But these days weather has taken a very fickle turn especially in 2021. It does not snow when it supposed to and rains incessantly when its meant to be dry.
So I would rather advise you take a poncho in whichever season you are going to Kasol, it will be surely of a great use.
Footwear You Need To Carry For Your Kasol Trip
Footwear becomes quite important in Kasol. You cannot just walk around in sandals or flip flops while hiking around Kasol. At least not us mere mortals who are not from the moutains.
So here I am suggesting you footwear you need to carry on your trip to Kasol. By the way, here is detailed blog on where to stay in Kasol for under 1000 INR.
1. Flip Flops or Sandals
Now I’ll only recommend using Flip Flops or Sandals whenever you are roaming around the place you are staying. These are not to be used while on hiking.
Of course, you can skip them as well. But it becomes a little inconvenient when you are resting in your hotel, hostel or just venturing out nearby to wear shoes every time.
2. Normal shoes
Normal shoes come in very handy when you are exploring Kasol on foot. These can be anything from Sport shoes to the ones which wear normally. Of course, they should be comfortable.
I personally just bought a quechua shoes which are sort of hiking shoes but not trekking shoes but has good grip and is worth the price of day hikes and walks. And they are indeed quite comfortable and has better grip than most of the sports shoe.
3. Hiking/trekking shoes
Now if you are someone who is going to go on high altitude treks around Kasol, then I would certainly recommend you to buy these trekking shoes. But only invest in this and bring all along if you do trekking and hiking frequently
Normal shoes would not work in snowy and slippery conditions. And when on a high altitude trek you will surely get to experience different conditions and challenges. The hiking shoes are known to give you impressive grip, but tend to be way heavier than the normal shoes.
Toiletries To Pack For A Kasol Trip
Well, again this is quite obvious. Usually everybody who goes on trip somewhere usually packs soaps, shampoos, moisturizer, sanitizer etc. Especially when staying at budget places where you don’t really expect to get these.
And Budget hotels in Kasol are no exception. Except for may be a basic soap. You’ll have to carry all the other toiletries for your trip to Kasol. Women can carry their menstrual hygiene products for a hassle free Kasol trip.
By the way here is a detailed blog on the mobile networks which are available in Kasol.
1. Hand sanitizer
Well, Hand sanitizer has become integral part of our lives due to the pandemic. But when on a trip, Hand sanitizer is the best way to keep your hands clean. And to have the trip in perfect health.
So I always make it point to carry hand sanitizer when on trips to Himalayas and you should too. Plus if you stay in budget hostels, hotels, guesthouses chances are you wont the Toiletries so better to carry your own.
2. Tooth Paste and Tooth Brush
Well this is a no brainer. All of us usually carry our own tooth paste and brushes to keep our dental hygiene. Again, its always better to carry these items.
By the here is an interesting blog on why do so many Israelis live in Kasol. Do let me know your thoughts about it.
3. Moisturizer
Due to dry and cold weather in mountains., skin usually becomes dry. So to avoid the dryness of skin I would recommend you to carry a moisturizer.
Especially in winters due to bone chilling temperatures, your skin can become extremely dry. So its always better to a carry a small bottle of moisturizer when taking a trip to Kasol
4. Sunscreen
I end up getting tanned on all of my trips to the Himalayas. So in order to avoid that you can take sunscreen along with you.
Of course, without sunscreen when you are back home, it will just to a bit of time for the tanning to wane off. And don’t expect that you’ll sunscreen at the place you are staying so better to buy one before hand.
5. Soap or Bodywash Or Shampoo
Most of the budget stays do not provide Soap, bodywash, facewash, Shampoo. So you should be carrying these before hand.
Of course, basic things like these will be available in Kasol, but its always better to carry them beforehand to avoid any hassles during the trip.
Medicines and First Aid Kit To Pack For A Kasol Trip
Carrying a first aid kit and a few basic medicines for common ailments like Fever, headache, cold, diarrhea and of course any other medicines that you regularly take is necessary as you might not get specific medicines in Kasol.
Plus the nearest big town is Bhuntar and Kullu. By the way, here is detailed blog on how much a Kasol trip costs
1. First Aid Kit
Whenever on a trip its always beneficial to carry a first aid kit comprising of band aids, antiseptics like Detol or Savlon, and other things required to dress up a wound in case of any external injuries.
Along with the above mentioned things, you should also carry basic medicines for common ailments like Cold, Fever, Headache, Diarhhea.
2. Dolo Tablet
It is one of the tablets you can use if you have Fever, Headache, Cold or you have some kind of pain. Dolo is basically paracetamol along with a pain killer.
But in case you symptoms still persist even after taking Dolo, then you should probably consult a doctor. And the chances of getting a good doctor in and around Kasol is highly unlikely so might have to all the way to Kullu.
3. Avomine
If you are someone you has the problem of motion sickness, then taking Avomine can certainly make sure you don’t face such issues when on serpentine mountain roads.
So in my opinion, you should always carry Avomine with you to avoid motion sickness. But please consult once before with your doctor.
4. Pain relief Sprays
Again this is kind of obvious. When hiking outdoors there are high chances that somebody might have some external injuries due to demanding hike.
So such pain relief sprays can be immediately applied topically to alleviate the pain in case of any external injuries. It is always handy to carry them on your trips especially to the mountains
5. Any regular medications if you take any
If you are taking any medications for any other ailments, then make sure you also carry them you are on your trip Kasol. Certain medicines may not be available in Kasol.
So it is better that you carry it beforehand. And continue taking your regular medicines if any to avoid any health issues in Kasol.
To conclude, I hope you now have a consolidated list of things to pack for a Kasol trip. In my opinion, do not carry unnecessary stuff and clothes which will increase the weight of your luggage. Packing light always ensures a hassle free trip.
In case you have any queries on things to pack for a Kasol trip, do let me know in the comments and I’ll be to happy to help.
