Your Auli Chopta packing list should start with layers: thermal innerwear, a fleece, and a down or padded jacket. Add waterproof gloves, a woollen cap and trekking shoes with good grip. In winter, add micro-spikes for the icy Tungnath trail. Carry a power bank and at least ₹3,000 cash per person, because Chopta camps have limited power and ATMs are scarce.
Packing for Auli and Chopta is different from packing for a regular hill station. You'll sleep in a forest camp with no grid power, trek up to about 4,000 m, and drive long hill roads where there's often no mobile network. This list is built from the questions our travellers ask most before they go, and the things we see people forget most often.
How to layer for the cold
The golden rule in the mountains is layers. Temperatures at Tungnath can fall to around –5°C to –10°C in winter, and nights are cold even in May. Three thin layers keep you warmer than one heavy coat, and you can adjust them as you warm up on the trek.
- Base layer: a thermal top and bottom that sit close to your skin and hold in warmth.
- Mid layer: a fleece or woollen sweater that traps heat.
- Outer layer: a down or padded jacket, ideally windproof, to block wind and snow.
On the trek, you'll peel off layers as you climb and put them back on at the top, where the wind is cold.
Clothing checklist by season
| Item | Winter (Dec–Mar) | Summer (Apr–Jun) | Autumn (Sep–Nov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal innerwear (top and bottom) | 2 sets | 1 set | 1 set |
| Fleece or sweater | 2 | 1 | 1–2 |
| Down or padded jacket | Heavy | Light | Medium |
| Waterproof jacket or poncho | Yes | Yes (afternoon showers) | Yes |
| Trek trousers (not jeans) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Woollen cap and neck warmer | Yes | Cap for nights | Yes |
| Gloves | Waterproof, plus thin inner gloves | Light | Waterproof |
| Woollen socks | 4 pairs | 3 pairs | 4 pairs |
| Quick-dry T-shirts | 2 | 3–4 | 3 |
| Comfortable clothes for the camp | 1 set | 1 set | 1 set |
Not sure which season you're going in? Read the best time to visit Auli Chopta.
Footwear
Shoes matter more than anything else on this trip.
- Trekking shoes with deep-grip soles. Wear them in for a week before the trip to avoid blisters. Sneakers slip on Tungnath's stone steps, and badly on ice.
- Micro-spikes in winter. These are small metal spikes that strap over your shoes and grip ice. They make a huge difference on the Tungnath trail from December to March. You can rent them locally.
- Gaiters if there's fresh snow, to keep it out of your shoes.
- Slippers or sandals for the camp and hotel.
Trek gear
- A small daypack (20–30 litres) for the Tungnath trek, with space for water, snacks and a layer.
- A trekking pole. Very helpful on the steep descent from Chandrashila, especially for knees.
- A headlamp or torch. For early starts and for walking around camp at night.
- UV-protection sunglasses. Snow glare is strong, and the sun is intense at altitude.
- An insulated water bottle. Trail tea stalls close in winter, and cold water is hard to drink.
- A cap or hat for sun in summer.
Electronics and power
Chopta has no grid electricity. Camps run solar panels or generators for a few hours each evening, and there may be one charging point for the whole camp. Bring:
- A 20,000 mAh power bank per person, fully charged before you leave Ukhimath
- A car charger, to top up phones on the long drives
- Spare camera batteries, kept in an inside pocket (cold drains them fast)
- Offline maps and downloads, because the network is patchy
Mobile network is weak or missing at Chopta and on the upper Auli slopes. Share your plan with family before you leave Ukhimath or Joshimath.
Money and documents
- Cash: at least ₹3,000 per person. ATMs are few after Ukhimath and Joshimath, and card and UPI payments fail when the network drops.
- Small notes: tea stalls and dhabas often can't change ₹500 notes.
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence or passport). Hotels and forest checkposts ask for it.
- Travel insurance details if you plan to ski.
- Printed or offline copies of your bookings.
Health and toiletries
- Your regular medicines, with a few days' extra in case of delays.
- A small first-aid kit: pain relief, antacids, motion-sickness tablets for the winding roads, ORS, plasters and blister pads.
- If you have a heart or lung condition, speak to your doctor about altitude before the trip.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50), lip balm and moisturiser. Cold, dry mountain air cracks skin quickly.
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser. Water is icy in winter, and camp toilets are basic.
- A small bag for your own waste, to carry back down from the trail.
What to rent there instead of buying
You don't need to buy expensive gear for one trip:
- Ski gear (skis, boots and poles): about ₹550–₹1,500 per day in Auli. See our skiing in Auli guide.
- Ski suits and snow boots: available from rental shops near the Auli slopes in season.
- Micro-spikes: available locally in winter; ask us to arrange them for you.
What not to bring
- Jeans: cold, slow to dry, and heavy when wet.
- Large hard suitcases: camps have little space and paths are uneven. Soft duffel bags or backpacks work far better.
- Single-use plastic bottles: carry a refillable one. Chopta is a wildlife sanctuary.
- Hair dryers and other high-power appliances: camp power can't run them.
- Expensive jewellery: there's nowhere to wear it, and it's one more thing to worry about.
Packing for children
Kids feel the cold faster. Pack extra layers, two pairs of waterproof gloves (they'll get wet in the snow), a warm cap that covers the ears, and their favourite snacks. A small torch of their own makes camp nights more fun.
Travel light with us
Cab, stays, meals and route are all handled on our Auli Chopta tour package, so all you need to do is pack your bag. Call or WhatsApp +91-90459-16770, +91-78307-18687 with any packing questions.
Heading up Tungnath? Read the Tungnath Chandrashila trek guide. Choosing between camps and hotels? See where to stay in Chopta and Auli. For the full trip plan, read our Auli Chopta travel guide.
