Winter is one of the most lovable seasons for Trekking Enthusiasts. The Panoramic Views of the landscapes and campsites filled with snow are a treat to the eyes. As beautiful and dreamy it may sound, the views are only worth it if you have the right equipment and preparation for your favourite winter trek. In this blog we are going to discuss what are the Essentials Required for Kuari Pass Trek also known as the Lord Curzon trail. Kuari Pass is one the oldest and most scenic winter treks in the Country. It is Located in Chamoli region of Uttarakhand. Let us now check category-wise what essentials are required for the Kuari Pass Trek.
Let’s categories all the items in 3 sections to keep it easily notable for you:
Basic Trek Essentials: All Trekking essentials required for the Kuari Pass Trek.
Clothing or Layering: It is all about the necessary clothes required for Kuari Pass Trek.
Personal Utilities: It is about small useful items required for Kuari Pass Trek.
Basic Trek Essentials
Rucksack: 60-70 liters capacity rucksack with Rain cover is good enough for Kuari Pass Trek. The rucksack should come with chest and waist straps to keep the weight equally balanced. You can also check the Trekking rucksack manufactured by Team TSS at our Website.
Summit Bag or Day Bag: 10–20 liter Day bag is sufficient for this trek. The day bag specifically will be used during the summit climb. During your summit push you will leave your rucksack at the basecamp and will take only the summit bag along with you in which you will keep a raincoat, packed lunch and a water bottle.
Poncho or a Raincoat: It is the most important trek essential no matter how the weather is. Raincoat or Poncho is a Must. (And if you want to select in between raincoat and poncho, we would recommend a poncho ahead of raincoat as it also covers your rucksack) Also if you are buying a poncho, make sure to buy the adult size.Those who have a raincoat, please do not forget to carry a rain cover for your rucksack.
Trekking Shoes: The most important aspect of your trekking journey, as you would be on your feet maximum time… So, choosing a good quality high ankle trekking shoe with at least water-resistant property and good anti slippery sole is a must. For a detailed overview of how to choose the trekking shoes for your comfort trekking, we’ve made a separate video of it on our channel –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv0Vl6Wgp00
Headlamp: A reliable headlamp will guide you during the night time, ensuring you are keeping a safe footing wherever an uneven terrain is there. Do not forget to keep extra batteries of it in case of an emergency malfunctioning of the batteries OR low battery issue.
Trekking Pole: It helps you to reduce the effort by around 20-30% when you trek and makes ascend and descend easier, if you are buying a trekking pole make sure it should be of adjustable length and good quality.
Clothing or Layering
Starting From the Top, let’s take the Headwear: During the day time, one must wear a Sun Cap which will protect you from any Sunburn and during the night time you need to keep a Woolen Cap. You should also use a Neck Warmer along with the woolen cap to protect sensitive areas like forehead, neck and ears in chilly windy weather.
Two Quick Dry T-shirts: It is important to wear a Quick Dry t-shirt during the day time when you trek. As it will keep you dry and sweat free during your time of the trek. To protect from the sun, it is advisable to have a full sleeve t-shirt.
Thermals: They are the 1st warm layer of your clothing. A good and warm thermals are the most important part of your clothing as they protect you from the chilly winds and help you keep warm.
Fleece or a Sweater: At Kuari Pass Trek where the temp. can plunge down to -20 deg C in the nights it is imperative to have a good second warm layer. Mostly, Fleece is used as the second warm layer, for which you may opt for a sweater or a hoodie as well.
Down / Padded Jacket: The third and the last layer is your down jacket. Do not even think of compromising with it. Your Jacket should be equipped with a cap to provide you with extra warmth. It is advisable to get a jacket with utility pockets which will help you a lot while trekking. For Kuari Pass Trek, the Ideal temperature rating for your Jacket should be 0 to -10 deg C.
Gloves: It Should be Waterproof as it is a snow trek, try keeping at least two pairs if one gets wet.
Thermal Lower: One will need at least two layers of clothes on your legs too. So don’t forget to keep a warm thermal Lower which will act as your first protection.
Fleece Lower/Cotton Lower: It will be your second lower layer which will be used during nights. Make sure your night lower is warm and comfortable.
Two Trek pants: Trek Pants will be used while you trek in the day. Basic Snow hiking trek pants are good for Kuari Pass Trek.
Socks: Take a couple of pairs of Cotton Socks for the day and Warm woolen socks for the night.
Personal Utilities
Sunglasses of UV protection, so that the snow around on clear sunny day do not give a SNOW BLINDNESS due to UV Rays.
A Sunscreen with Minimum 30 SPF is recommended
Sandals with good quality sole for the night.
Moisturizer
The first Aid kit is very crucial, and do not forget to keep any ailment specific medicine if necessary.
Energy bars to keep yourself energetic on the trek.
Lunch box
A good quality water bottle or a flask is must with insulation property to keep yourself hydrated, drinking warm water when you will need it the most in that mighty cold.
Also, do not forget to keep a photo ID Proof.
Lastly, here are few TOILETRIES that you must carry for any Himalayan trek:
A toilet paper roll
Soap and Handwash
Wipes, should be unscented ones
Toothbrush with a toothpaste
Full body towel along with couple of hand Towels.
Sanitizer
Now, here is a complete list below for your better understanding:
Now you can say that you are ready to conquer one of the best winter treks out there. The Kuari Pass trek awaits, offering breathtaking landscapes that will leave you with an overwhelming experience at every turn.
So, with these necessities, now you’re not just prepared—you’re ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure that awaits with jaw dropping scenic views of Kuari Pass!