What to Pack for Your Snow Leopard Expedition

Adventure Guidelines

• Temperatures on this trip can get quite cold, especially on our December, January and February departures when average daily lows hover in the 20s and 30s and can dip into the single digits at night.
• Loose, comfortable layers are far better than single, bulky garments, as each layer you add traps warm air close to your body. We recommend wearing a base layer (silk, polypropylene, etc.) closest to the skin, a second layer (warm sweater or fleece), and an outer layer that is water and wind repellent. It is easy to shed layers if you become too warm.
• Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they trap warm air and stay dry. Many synthetic fabrics—polar fleece in particular—are also good for keeping you warm and dry.
  
  

Clothing

• Water-repellent outer shell (with a hood) 
  —Helpful as an outer layer should we experience any precipitation during the trip. Weather-resistant is ideal (does not need to be waterproof)
  —A heavyweight jacket is appropriate for December–February departures. As temps warm throughout the season, a medium- weight jacket may become more appropriate for layering.
• Warm, windproof fleece 
  —One that can be layered under your down jacket is ideal
• 1–2 pair of snow/ski or insulated cold-weather hiking pants
  —Water and wind resistant pants are recommended
  —As daytime temperatures warm up in Mar/April, lighter weight pants may be more appropriate.
• 2 pairs of long underwear (tops and bottoms) 
  —These items should be used for layering and made of light- to medium-weight, moisture-wicking material, such as polypropylene, wool or silk. Fleece leggings also work well in colder temperatures. These can be worn under your jackets and hiking pants for additional warmth.
• Comfortable warm pants
  —Such as fleece, for wearing in the evenings at the lodge.
• Extra  or warm sweatshirt
  —To wear in the lodge after excursions
• Long-sleeved shirts 
• Warm gloves or mittens 
  —Wind resistant is recommended.
• Glove liners
  —Thin glove liners are highly recommended, as they allow you to take your gloves off to take pictures while still keeping your hands warm.
• Warm hat 
  —Make sure it fully covers your ears
• Fleece neck gaiter
  —Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-trip package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Hiking boots
  —Your boots should be sturdy and fully waterproof, with good ankle support and traction for walking on snow and ice and broken in to prevent blisters.
• Socks
  —Bring warm socks made of wool or other moisture-wicking material;
  cotton socks are not recommended.
• Sock liners 
• Underwear
• Warm sleepwear
  —The rooms in the lodge are heated; however, they can still get chilly at night.
• Slippers
  —Lined Crocs or warm, hard-soled slippers are highly recommended
  for wearing while at the lodge.
• Extra clothing
  —For your time in Delhi, where temperatures are considerably warmer than Leh and Mangyu.
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —Our hotel in Delhi has a swimming pool.
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash 
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use and food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
  —For hotel transfers for early arrival or late departures staying at a different accommodation (if applicable)
• Binoculars
  —Binoculars are a huge asset for wildlife viewing and are highly recommended. For optimal viewing, we suggest those with specs between 10x42 and 8x42. You may even try 8x35, but only if they contain high quality glass. Practice using your binoculars before your adventure to make sure they are not too powerful or you do not have trouble holding them steady.
• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera equipment or other gear during outings.
• Headlamp or small flashlight 
  —Power outages are not uncommon in this part of the world. Carry spare batteries.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
  —This is particularly important at high altitude to adequately protect your eyes.
• Hand and foot warmers
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Earplugs
• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste 
  —Shampoo, soap and conditioner are provided at our hotels in Delhi and Leh, but not at the Snow Leopard Lodge.
• Washcloth
  —You may wish to bring a washcloth if you prefer to use them, as they may not be provided by all accommodations.
• Toilet paper
  —As toilet paper is not always available in public restrooms, you may want to keep a roll in your daypack. Take out the center roll for easier packing.
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF30)
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  —Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Hand sanitizer 
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.
• Small calculator (for currency conversion)