Looking for snow leopards in winter
Patience, a good scope and a local spotter matter more than luck.
What to pack for the Markha valley
Layers, sun protection and good boots; ponies carry the rest.
On the Markha trek, ponies carry your main bag of up to 12 kg. You carry a day pack with water, snacks, a warm layer and a rain jacket. Here is what we suggest.
For walking: broken-in trekking boots with ankle support, two pairs of trekking trousers, three quick-dry T-shirts and a fleece. Mornings are cold and afternoons hot, so layers matter more than thickness.
For the evenings and the pass: a down jacket, thermal top and bottoms, a woollen cap, gloves and two pairs of warm socks. Nights in late September can fall below freezing.
The sun is strong at this height. Bring sunglasses with side protection, a wide-brim hat, sunscreen of SPF 50 and lip balm.
Also pack a headtorch with spare batteries, a one-litre bottle and a thermos, wet wipes, a small towel and any medicines you take, with a note for your guide.
We provide tents, mats, sleeping bags rated to −10°C, trekking poles on request and all meals. Leave cotton jeans and heavy books at the hotel.
