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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Northeast States, India

Winter Clothing Oct-Mar

Daytime: Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or breathable cotton tops. Evenings and Mornings: Temperatures drop significantly, especially in December and January. Layering is important, specifically for early morning safaris where temperatures can be near freezing.

Recommendations

Summer & Monsoon Clothing

Summer (April-May): Loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen is recommended. Opt for light colors to reflect heat. Monsoon (June-September): Pack lightweight, quick-drying fabrics. Synthetics perform better than cotton in continuous rain.

Recommendations

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

Comfortable Walking shoes are necessary for city sightseeing, markets, and general travel.

Urban Exploration

Sandals & Waterproof Footwear

Waterproof sandals or shoes prove useful during monsoon to handle wet conditions. Sandals or flip-flops for casual wear.

Wet Conditions

Hiking Boots & Socks

Bring Hiking boots or sturdy shoes for treks or extensive walking in national parks. Pack moisture-wicking Socks.

Outdoor Activities

Essential Documents

Your Travel Essentials

Always carry your original passport with your physical visa sticker, or a printed copy of your e-Visa approval letter. Keep multiple photocopies and digital copies (scans or photos) on your phone, email, and a cloud storage service. Keep these separate from your originals. A comprehensive travel insurance policy for India, covering medical treatment, evacuation, and trip interruptions, comes highly recommended.

  • Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary (physical and digital).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If self-driving (generally not recommended) an IDP is required in addition to your valid national driver's license.
  • Vaccination Records: Carry your vaccination card, especially Yellow Fever certificate.
  • Prescription Medications: Doctor's note explaining medication/dosage, especially for controlled substances.
  • Printed & Digital Reservations: Confirmations for hotels, flights, train tickets, and tours.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family/friends, embassy/consulate, local emergency numbers.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts (check local applicability).
  • Security: Keep original documents secure. Consider a Money belt or RFID blocking wallet.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

India operates on a 230V supply at 50Hz. Plug types C, D, and M are most common. Bring an universal travel adapter. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, so a separate voltage converter is usually not needed. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Indian cellular networks (GSM).

Mobile Phone & Internet

  • Verify your phone is unlocked. Obtain a local SIM card (Vodafone Idea, Airtel, Jio) at airports or retail outlets.
  • You will need your passport, visa copy, and a passport-sized photograph for SIM activation (can take a few hours to 24 hours).
  • Consider a prepaid eSIM from a global provider like Airalo for immediate connectivity upon arrival, though these might be more expensive.

Camera & Charging

For wildlife photography (Kaziranga, Manas), a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto zoom lens (e.g., 70-300mm or longer) is highly recommended. For general travel, a Compact mirrorless camera or a Smartphone with a good camera is sufficient. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. A Waterproof camera bag is useful if traveling during the monsoon.

Charging & Apps

  • Portable chargers and power banks are useful due to potential power outages.
  • Google Maps for navigation (download offline maps). Google Translate for communication (download offline packs).
  • Uber/Ola for ride-hailing in major cities. WhatsApp is the main communication app. UPI Apps (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe) for digital payments.

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Consider using cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for backing up photos, videos, and important documents.

External Drives

An External hard drive or USB drive provides physical backup for your memories and information.

Device Security

Enable password protection, biometric security, and remote wipe features on all your devices in case of loss or theft.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid Kit

A well-stocked health and wellness kit helps you manage minor ailments and stay healthy on your trip. It's a proactive measure to address common travel-related health issues quickly.

Kit Contents

Other Health Essentials

Carry enough of your prescription medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels and a doctor's note. Over-the-counter medications for common issues like cold, flu, stomach upset, and motion sickness. Altitude sickness is not a concern on Assam's plains, but consider remedies if extending your travel to higher areas.

Sun & Insect Protection

Personal Care & Motion Comfort

Motion Sickness

  • Motion sickness can occur on winding hill roads or long bus journeys.
  • Carry Dramamine Nausea Relief or other preferred remedies.
  • Altitude sickness is not a general concern in Assam's plains.

Personal Hygiene

  • Specific brands of toiletries might be difficult to find outside major cities.
  • Pack travel-sized versions of your preferred shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste for initial days.
  • Feminine hygiene products are available, but choice might be limited in rural areas. Consider a menstrual cup.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Wildlife Safaris

Bring Binoculars for better viewing of animals and birds. Wear neutral-colored clothing and apply insect repellent.

  • Good quality Binoculars are useful.
  • Safari jeeps are locally arranged.
  • Book safaris well in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Consult B&H Photo for camera gear.

Hiking/Trekking

A comfortable Daypack for water, snacks, and personal items. A Water bladder or bottles are useful.

Specialty Items

A small Notebook and pen for journaling. Consider a good book about Assamese history or culture, like The Brahmaputra: The Story of a River by Arupjyoti Saikia.

  • Rent bicycles on Majuli Island for local exploration.
  • Tea garden visits: Comfortable shoes, camera.
  • Personal first-aid kit is essential.
  • Power bank is also a good addition.

Rent vs. Bring Equipment

Items to Bring

Items to Rent Locally

  • Bicycles: Easily rented on Majuli Island for local exploration.
  • Safari Jeeps: Typically mandatory to use park-approved vehicles, arranged locally.
  • Specific equipment for short-term use, depending on availability.
  • Items that are bulky or too heavy to transport.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

These additional items contribute to comfort, security, and preparedness throughout your journey.

Travel Comfort

Reusable & Region-Specific

These items promote sustainable travel and readiness for local conditions.

Sustainable & Practical Items

Sustainable Travel Items

Carbon Offsets

Consider offsetting your flight emissions.

Waste Reduction

Minimize single-use plastics.

Support Local

Patronize local businesses and artisans.

Water Conservation

Be mindful of water usage.

Destination-Specific Items

For Cultural Interactions

  • A small phrasebook or language app with Assamese/Hindi basics.
  • Consider a camera with a good zoom for capturing landscapes and wildlife.
  • A guidebook on Assam or Northeast India.

For Specific Activities

  • Detailed maps of national parks if exploring specific trails.
  • Good quality sunglasses for eye protection from sun and dust.
  • A compact umbrella, specifically during monsoon season.

Packing Pro Tips

Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes for organization. Weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.

Consider bringing a small, foldable bag for souvenirs or extra shopping.