Packing for the Snow Leopard Lodge requires preparation for a “high-altitude cold desert environment” (3,500m–4,000m) where temperatures are highly variable regardless of the season.
Essential Clothing for Winter
Winter tracking involves extreme cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to -20 degrees Celsius.
Layering: Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, and a thick down jacket. And more.
Outerwear: Breathable waterproof jacket and waterproof lowers.
Lower Body: Hiking trousers (down or padded trousers are recommended). ==>>
>> Winter
Hands & Feet: Ankle-length waterproof shoes with thick soles, woollen gloves, and working gloves to wear underneath (or synthetic waterproof substitutes).
Warmers: Hand and toe warmers are essential for both body heat and keeping camera/phone batteries from dying in the cold.
Headwear: Caps or ski caps that cover the ears to protect against cold winds. Sun caps / hats.
Personal Toiletries: Not to forget.
Essential Clothing for Summer
While warmer, the weather remains variable, and night temperatures can drop significantly.
Attire:Normal trousers, shorts, and shirts/T-shirts.
Layering: Socks (thick and thin to create two layers) and warm nightwear (long trousers, full-sleeved tops, and a fleece) to handle temperature drops after midnight.
Headwear: Caps or ski caps that cover the ears to protect against cold winds. Sun caps / hats.
Items Provided by the Lodge
You do not need to pack these items as they are provided to guests. Optional? yes 🙂
Bedding/Warmth: Hot water bottles or electric blankets and central heating.
Optics: Shared high-quality spotting scopes and binoculars. Please treat this as optional, always great to carry your own personal optics.
Camping Gear: For overnight excursions, the lodge provides tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows.
Gear and Protection
Sun Protection: Dark (black) wraparound sunglasses are preferred to combat harsh sunlight amplified by snow. Include SPF 50+ sunscreen, moisturiser, and petroleum jelly.
Field Gear: A small waterproof daypack, a water bottle, a head torch with extra batteries, and an optional walking pole. Personal scopes and binoculars are optional.
Photography: Large camera users should bring a stable tripod for windy conditions and spare fully charged batteries, as the cold drains them quickly.
Logistics and Health
Cash: Carry sufficient cash, as there are no credit card facilities at the lodge and ATMs in Leh can be unreliable.
Medical: Bring all necessary personal medications. Note that the lodge stocks oxygen cylinders and first aid kits.
Leh Airport Security: When departing Leh, airport authorities typically allow only clothing in checked bags. Camera equipment, laptops, and electronics must be packed in hand luggage. Drones and satellite phones are prohibited and may be seized.