Your sole goal for your Ziyarat Arbaeen pilgrimage should be to travel very lightly. We know this may be difficult, given the distance that you intending on walking.
Here is a list of items we recommend you pack and bring with you:
- Any medicine you are required to take and may need to take. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please consult your physician on specific medications you should bring and take during your Ziyarat.
- Pain reliever in case you need any, such as, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
- Electrolyte packets, such as Vitalyte or Gatorade endurance packets. These packets can be mixed with water to help boost immunity and provide energy during your trip.
- Antidiarrheal medication, such as Pepto Bismol. Antidiarrheal medication can help treat travellers diarrhoea, indigestion, heart burn, and stomach pain (in case you experience any of this during your ziyarat).
- Melatonin to help you rest and ease jet lag.
- Muscle relaxer ointment, such as Tiger balm, Bengay, Voltaren gel. Such relaxer ointment is useful in relieving muscle and joint pain during the walk from Najaf to Karbala.
- Allergy medicine, such as Claritin, Zyrtec, or Benadryl, in case you have allergies.
- Plenty of KN95 or N95 masks.
- Plenty of hand sanitizers.
- Face shield, if you so choose to wear one.
- Sunscreen to help protect your skin from the blazing sun during daytime hours.
- Small lightweight towel.
- Undergarments.
- Athletic socks that can wick moisture away from you feet and keep your feet dry.
- Depending on the time of year of your travel and weather, a woolen cape, hoodie, or shawl to help keep you warm.
- Vaseline to prevent blisters on your feet. You may not realize that this will help, but here’s an article on how vaseline prevents blisters on your feet.
- Candy/Sweets for yourself, for kids you meet along the way who are also performing Ziyarat Arbaeen, or kids who greet you with snacks, massages, or food.
Aside from knowing what to bring, you may want to have a general understanding of the etiquette of performing Ziyarat Arbaeen visiting Imam Hussain and how to prepare yourself for your Ziyarat Arbaeen walk.