Clothing & Footwear Due to wide range of temperature and climatic conditions choosing the right clothing and layering it properly is importat. Layering clothing is the best way to ensure comfort in changing weather conditions. Based on your activity and the weather, you can make quick adjustments, by putting on more clothing if it is cold or taking off layers as it warms up. Layers act as protection against the sun when it's hot, the rain when it pours, and the cold when the temperature drops. The following packing lists gives suggestion - everyone has their own favorites. Obviously what you pack depends on when you want to travel to Bhutan and your chosen activity level. Pick and choose from the following lists as you wish. On all Cultural Tour or Low Altitude Treks: Warm with Possible Cooling/Rain Shirts, Shorts, Jackets and Pants - 2 short sleeve and 2 long sleeve shirts - Few T-shirts - 2 to 3 pairs leightweight Hiking and Walking pants. - 1 pair of long hiking shorts - 1 or 2 pairs nicer pants or skirts for hotel stays - 1 or 2 Ploar Fleece Jacket and warm Sweater or Sweatshirt - A synthetic or down parka which is large enough to accommodate all the layers underneath (Mid Nov. - March) - Sleepwear and long warm underwear (Mid Nov. - March) - 5 - 6 pairs quick drying underwear Choose pants and shirts that can be used for both outdoor activities as well as in a formal place like a Dzong or a monastery. Choose low maintenance materials that will dry quickly and, resist stains and wrinkles. In general, avoid revealing and tight clothing or very short shorts and skirts. Go for loose cotton or a cotton/synthetic blend long or short sleeved shirts, T-shirts or blouses. And loose fitting hiking pants and not-too-short shorts and skirts. Footwear - 4 to 5 pairs natural fiber and wool socks. - Tried-and-true, lightweight hiking boots/shoes (don't buy heavy leather boots) - Pair of comfortable shoes and/or sport sandals for relaxing in the evening. Rain Gear Waterproof Rain Gear for protection against rain and a wide range of weather conditions and activities. Others (general items) Umbrella (optional) Sunglasses - to safeguard from harmful sun exposure Binocular (optional) Wax earplugs A penknife (Swiss Army type) Alarm clock A good flashlight (torch) with spare batteries Washing & Shaving kits Camera, accessories, and lots of film Books & maps Insect repellent Hand & face cream Pocket mirror Nail clippers Water bottle Sunscreen Lotion Hiking Pole Hat for sun protection For Trekking Rucksack 4-Season Sleeping bag Sleeping pad & Pillow (inflated or foam) Towel On a Mid to High Altitude Trek: Chilly to Snowy and Cold Long Johns Underwear Lightweight synthetic long underwear tops and bottoms. Add a midweight or expedition weight synthetic underwear top for extra warmth Shirts, Shorts, Jackets and Pants - 2 short sleeve and 2 long sleeve shirts - Few T-shirts - Thermal Baselayer shirts - 2 to 3 pairs leightweight Hiking and Trekking pants. - 1 pair of long hiking shorts - 1 or 2 pairs nicer pants or skirts for hotel stays - Sleepwear and long warm underwear - 5 to 6 pairs quick drying underwear Choose pants and shirts that can be used for both outdoor activities as well as in a formal place like a Dzong or a monastery. Choose low maintenance materials that will dry quickly and, resist stains and wrinkles. In general, avoid revealing and tight clothing or very short shorts and skirts. Go for loose cotton or a cotton/synthetic blend long or short sleeved shirts, T-shirts or blouses. And loose fitting hiking pants and not-too-short shorts and skirts. Mid to heavy-weight fleece tops (jacket and vests) or wool sweater and fleece pants to stay warm A synthetic or down parka which is large enough to accommodate all the layers underneath. A waterproof / breathable shell mountain parka and shell pants with side-zip entry (for extreme weather) Hat An insulated hat, either wool or synthetic and insulated gloves or mittens Footwear Synthetic and/or wool socks Comfortable mountain trekking boots Camp shoes or thongs Others (general items) Expedition Umbrella Hiking Pole Rucksack Good 4-season Sleeping bag (rated 5 to 0 F) Sleeping pad/Thermarest & pillow (inflated or foam) Water bottle Binoculars (optional) Sunglasses - to safeguard from harmful sun exposure Wax earplugs A penknife (Swiss Army type) Alarm clock A good flashlight (torch) or headlamp with spare batteries Washing & Shaving kits Small, quick drying towel and washcloth Camera, accessories, and lots of film Books & maps Insect repellent Hand & face cream Pocket mirror Nail clippers Sunscreen Lotion Basic First Aid kit How to Layer for comfort in all Conditions There are three basic stages in layering: The Moisture-Managing Base Layer Base layers can be anything from long underwear sets to tights and sport shirts. This against your skin layer manages moisture. Silk, wool or synthetic wicking fabrics such as Patagonia, Polartec, REI MTS and CoolMax polyester are good choice for the layer closest to the skin. Such fabrics work to transport perspiration from the skin, and keeps you warmer even when you sweat. The Insulating Middle Layer The middle layer provides insulation from the cold by trapping air next to your body. Fleece is a favorite insulation material because it's lightweight, breathable and insulates even when wet. The Weatherproof Outer Layer The outer layer protects you from wind, rain and snow, and it needs to be breathable or well vented to keep perspiration from collecting and chilling your body. This layer should also be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers. A variety of outer layers are available, including waterproof/breathable rainwear, water resistant wind shells and those with insulation built in. What to Pack Pack lightly The Golden Rule of traveling is to pack lightly. Lay everything out that you want to bring along on your trip and pack only half of it. Valuable items Try to leave valuable items like jewelry, cellular phones, unnecessary credit cards, etc. at home. Carry a list It's a good idea to carry a list of the contents of your suitcases or bags in case your luggage is lost or stolen during your trip. Photos of your luggage also help when submitting a claim to an airline. Choosing and Using Baggage We recommend a duffle bag for the trip. Within this bag, you may bring an empty duffel or a lockable softsided bag, so that you can leave behind the items that you buy on the trip or items you will not need if you travel to central or eastern Bhutan or go on trek. We also suggest one carry on bag that will fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Clearly label each bag with your name and other identifying information. Secure each bag with a sturdy lock. Airlines have put a total ban any knives and other sharp objects in carry-on luggage. Small knives such as Swiss Army knives, may be included with checked luggage, but not in carry-on bags. Avoiding Sunburn Most places in Bhutan are above 7000 feet and have intense sunlight during most part of the day. Take good care in protecting yourself from the sun. Keep in mind that at higher altitudes, where the air is thinner, burning ultraviolet rays are stronger. Sun reflected off snow, sand, or water can be especially strong, even on overcast days. We suggest that you apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher before you go out, and wear a wide-brimmed cap and sunglasses. Sunscreen Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 year-round, regardless of skin type. For the best protection, apply to dry skin 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors. And remember, you can still burn on an overcast day; 80% of the sun’s rays filter through the clouds.