Should I bring a sleeping bag?

Skip it unless trekking in mountains. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. A silk sleep sheet weighs less and works better in hot weather.

How much cash should I carry?

Keep 5,000-10,000 rupees ($60-120) on hand. Many places are card-friendly now, but cash is still king for street food, auto-rickshaws, and budget hotels.

Do I need special clothes for temples?

Bring one outfit that covers knees and shoulders. Many temples rent/sell covers, but having your own saves hassle. Avoid shorts and tank tops in religious areas.

Should I pack Western toiletries?

Bring essentials for first week, then buy local. Indian brands work fine and cost fraction of importing. Exception: contact lens solution can be harder to find.

How to Pack for Budget Backpacking in India

Pack light with quick-dry clothes, a solid daypack, and essentials for heat, monsoons, and basic medical needs. Bring less than you think — you can buy almost everything in India for cheap, and you'll want room for souvenirs.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 40-50L backpack with padded straps and hip belt. Skip wheeled luggage — Indian transport and accommodation stairs will destroy it. Make sure it fits airline carry-on limits to avoid checked bag fees.
Pack for three climates. Bring layers for mountains (fleece or light jacket), breathable clothes for plains (cotton/linen), and a rain jacket for monsoons. Pack 5-7 days of clothes max — laundry is cheap everywhere.
Essential electronics setup. Bring a universal adapter with surge protection, power bank (10,000+ mAh), and backup charging cables. Power cuts are common. Download offline maps and translation apps before you go.
Medical and hygiene kit. Pack basic first aid, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and any prescription meds. Bring oral rehydration salts and basic stomach meds — Delhi belly is real. Don't overpack medical supplies; Indian pharmacies are excellent and cheap.
Money and documents. Bring two debit cards from different banks, some cash USD for emergency, and photocopies of passport/visa stored separately. Get a money belt or hidden pocket. ATMs are everywhere but can run out of cash.

Should I bring a sleeping bag?: Skip it unless trekking in mountains. Hostels and guesthouses provide bedding. A silk sleep sheet weighs less and works better in hot weather.
How much cash should I carry?: Keep 5,000-10,000 rupees ($60-120) on hand. Many places are card-friendly now, but cash is still king for street food, auto-rickshaws, and budget hotels.
Do I need special clothes for temples?: Bring one outfit that covers knees and shoulders. Many temples rent/sell covers, but having your own saves hassle. Avoid shorts and tank tops in religious areas.
Should I pack Western toiletries?: Bring essentials for first week, then buy local. Indian brands work fine and cost fraction of importing. Exception: contact lens solution can be harder to find.