what to bring? 60 day 1st timer

Ryan7611

i am embarking on a trip to India on Sept 7, beginning in Delhi. After 3 days in Delhi, I am heading to Shimla, Mandi, Manali, Leh, Srinager, Jammu, McLeod Ganj, Amritsar, then back to Delhi on 10/1. From there, I going all around Rajastan for 3 weeks or so, then down to Goa and Kerala. I plan on doing some hiking, scuba diving, and living on a budget of $25 USD per day.

I just purchased the Eagle Creek Thrive 90L ~ 5600 ci. I've read on other posts about people traveling with much smaller bags.... but this really doesnt seem that big to me considering i need warm clothes. this is smaller than any suitcase i have ever used on much shorter trips. I'm certain I can carry this on the plane. Here is a list of what I plan on taking. Please let me know if this is too much and also what else I should think about taking. I am a first time backpacker so this feels pretty minimum to me.

clothing:
2 pairs of jeans, 4 pairs of cargo shorts, winter hat,
flip flops, sneakers, 2 thermal shirts, 10 t-shirts, 10 pairs underwear/socks, bathing suit, neck pillow (for plane/train sleeping)

personal stuff:
altitude drugs, diarhhea pills, malaria pills, DEET lotion, DEET spray, toothbrush & toothpaste, deoderant (i plan on buying most personal stuff there. but i need some for the 1st day or so), mask & snorkel

electronics:
ipod & charger
digital camera & charger

paper:
passport, diving card, insurance papers, LP book, reading books, journal,

Hal

I'd halve the number of shorts, t-shirts and underwear. You can get laundry done cheaply and easily in India. Jeans are really hot. I'd substitute one pair of long light cotton pants for the south, use the jeans in the north.

Don't forget a plug adaptor and check your chargers are rated for 240V.

You could probably fit that in a 60L or less, but if you're buying souvenirs your large pack will fill up.

bonded

I guess your list is comprehensive.

Also another thread for you TIPS for first time SINGLE TOURISTs---- Delhi

Ryan7611

thanks, Hal. definitely bringing a charger. and im hoping to pick up a pair of light trousers in India. although, i can see myself always in shorts with temps around 100 F

camelgirl

Don't forget your VISA And be sure to get the 10 year tourist visa which we lucky USA tourists can get. You still have to leave every 180 days but you can go back year after year without any further visa hassles!

I see you are leaving in a few weeks, so I assume you already got your visa!

I agree, jeans are hot & they take forever to dry. A pair of light cotton pants would be better. Khakis? (BTW a hindi word ) You can take fewer T-shirts. If you need more, they sell them there.

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wonderwomanusa

Take old worn clothes for the mountain cold, and plan on leaving it behind so you don't have to carry it to Goa! Whoever picks you up at the airport in NYC can bring your jacket!

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The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski

Amalfi

Where do you plan to do Scuba diving /Snorkelling ? Waters off the mainland coast are not too clear.

The only good diving sites in India are in Lakshadweep Islands and Andamans & Nicobar Islands. Both are world class.

If your budget can afford it , a trip to Andaman and Nicobar is strongly recommended. It's one of India's jewels. Chennai to Port Blair tickets on Kingfisher Red are at less than USD 100.

camelgirl

Excellent suggestion! In fact, take anything you don't want to keep & leave it behind. We always bring t-shirts & underwear to leave. Makes room for the inevitable purchases. Traveling really wrecks your clothes & you find everything gets kind of stained so it's easy to leave!

I've never left a warm jacket because I always bring a lightweight down that is very compressible. Not the heavy-duty down parkas. I use it for a pillow when I'm not wearing it & it flattens to nothing for traveling.

Darmabum

All good advice above . . . you can always ditch (give it away) stuff there if you find you have too much . . . can always buy at least anything you'll need to get through cold (I had a wool jacket made in Dharamsala for my three week stay during Losar, then gave it to a Tibetan nun before I left) . . .

Pack more patience than you think you'll need . . . a few more smiles

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Ryan7611

thanks, this is all good advice. i'll definitely leave stuff as i go. the jeans im bringing have not been worn in 5 yrs so there is no need to bring them home.

Amalfi, i didnt have a plan on where to dive. but now that i have looked into the Andamans & Nicobar, im furiously trying to figure out a way to add this into my trip. i'll check the calendar when i get to Goa and i may have to cut it short a few and head East.

Amalfi

Just a gentle nudge towards the Andamans . Check a few of my photos here:

Smith Island

Ryan7611

looks incredible. i will do my best to get there.