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I’m sure as I visit more yoga ashrams in India this list will grow. But already I have this list of items that are helpful to bring. Don’t think you have to pack everything unless you’re going to a more remote ashram.

The touristy areas make it easy to find refills of anything. About a 30 minute walk up the road from the ashram, is a backpacker district called Lakshman Jhula. I’ve seen more white people here than in the rest of my time in India. I even grabbed a falafel sandwich and my roommate picked up a cold Diet Coke yesterday. “Heaven,” she said.

Not where I’m going to spend my whole trip, but it’s a great place to restock on anything from travel size tissues to hats, not a commonly sold item here.

What you pack also depends on where you’re staying. As yoga students at Parmarth Niketan we have to wear all white. I just bought the pants and a shirt here and brought an extra white T-shirt with me. The pants I’ll likely leave behind. The harem pants work well because the tight cuffs keep your pants out of whatever is in the street, or the water on the floor in my bathroom. But they’re rather thin and looking a bit grungy after two solid weeks. Some people considered this when packing their undergarments, some didn’t.

Just don’t bring something you’re attached to because sending it in for washing may leave it with orange stains.

It’s also funny how even though we all have to wear white, the women have purchased scarves for the cool mornings and to show some personality.

Regardless of color, the yoga clothes should somewhat conform to local standards so tank tops are not allowed and longer tops are preferred. Indian custom is for women to cover and or disguise where the legs meet – baggy is better.

I also brought a travel mat. It’s already looking grungy, but I doubt the mats here are ever cleaned. Not sure they’ve had any issues like they have at gyms in the states, but that’s not something I’ll risk. My mat is rather thin so I put it on top of a regular mat. On the concrete tile floors however, it’s still hard.

The shopping area next to the ashram and the little store within the ashram sell yoga mats. I’m just not sure where I would pack it.

Some items you’ll need and can get either here or before you visit:

Mosquito wipes: Sometimes needed for class. Always needed for treks into the surrounding jungle or to visit the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram famous for its Beatles ties.

Tennis shoes: A trip to one of the waterfalls can be treacherous without proper footwear.

Flip-flops or similar easy on and off sandals: Shoes are not allowed in many parts of the ashram and even in some stores. After seeing the streets you’ll take them off at your door as well. That constant changing requires easy footwear.

Notebook and pen: Good for taking notes in yoga history or just your thoughts.

Travel tissues: Pranayama yoga practice requires tissues. So does the spicy food.

Earplugs: People equal noise and both are everywhere in India. Bells and chanting start at 4:45 a.m. If you plan to sleep later, you’ll need earplugs. Other times they’re needed to sleep through the party raging across the street until 2 a.m. when you have 6 a.m. yoga class.

New sports bras: Twice-daily and sweaty yoga classes do a number on undergarments.

Refillable water bottle: The two ashrams I’ve been to both provide purified water. I also have a SteriPen so I can purify tap water easily in my room when needed. Having the water bottle means I’m not contributing as much to the massive garbage problem they have here and I don’t have to think about buying water when I’m out.

Knife: For cutting up fruit and peeling apples.

Nail brush: I have no idea how my nails get dirty but they do. Some days it’s like I’ve been in the garden. And it can do double duty scrubbing clothes.

Laundry soap: Easy to buy here, but possible to bring your own.

Sinus medications: Most everyone in my class is stuffed up. It’s one medicine I didn’t bring.

Yoga strap: They’re not provided and I always like my own stuff touching my feet. I’ve also used my water bottle to double as a yoga block.

Braces: Any type of knee, elbow or back brace you occasionally have to use. You always sit cross-legged and two workouts a day is more than most are used to. That does a number on your joints.

Headlamp: The power goes out at least once a day.

Any other must have items?