Packing
Pack layers you can peel off by mid-morning. The temperatures below are average night lows and day highs from our planning guide, season by season, with what to add for the early starts and high days.
Photo: Svitlana Ivanova / Pexels
October and November
Darjeeling runs about 6 to 19 °C (43 to 66 °F) and Gangtok 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F). Bring layers, a fleece, a light down jacket, shoes with grip and sunglasses, plus a hat, gloves and a warm jacket for Tiger Hill or Tsomgo before dawn.
Photo: Harsh Suthar / Pexels
December to February
Darjeeling runs about 2 to 14 °C (36 to 57 °F), and Thimphu drops to -2 °C (28 °F). Pack thermals, a proper down jacket, a woollen hat, gloves and thick socks, and slippers: many older houses have no central heating. Add insulated boots for Phobjikha, Tsomgo and Sandakphu.
Photo: Bhaskar Palit
March to May
Darjeeling runs about 6 to 19 °C (43 to 66 °F), with Kalimpong reaching 25 °C (77 °F). Light layers, a fleece, a packable rain shell and walking shoes cover most days; keep a warm layer for Barsey, Chele La and the Pelling dawns.
Photo: Krishnendu Biswas / Pexels
June to September
Darjeeling runs about 13 to 20 °C (55 to 68 °F) and Kathmandu up to 30 °C (86 °F). Pack a rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, a spare pair of shoes and a small umbrella, and leech socks for forest trails. High roads often close, so monsoon plans stay low.
Photo: ARTO SURAJ / Unsplash
Any month
Monasteries, temples and dzongs ask for shoulders and knees covered, and Bhutan's dzongs for hats off. Long sleeves, trousers or a long skirt, slip-on shoes and thick socks for cold stone floors, plus one smart outfit for a festival or ceremony.
Photo: Deepavali Gaind / Unsplash
Treks and ridge nights
For the Singalila Ridge or Goecha La, bring broken-in boots, a down jacket, thermals, a head torch and a large power bank. Liners and poles are lent on the Singalila Ridge.
Photo: Amey Meher / Unsplash
Next step
Send your travel month and the houses you are considering, and we ask each one about heaters, fires and extra quilts before you arrive, so the bag can stay light.
Photo: Abhinav Das / Unsplash