How can a person living in the tropics be better prepared to travel to snowy areas?

How can a person living in the tropics be better prepared to travel to snowy areas? - Woman Wearing Red Romper on Beach

I live in a hot and humid part of India, and plan to vacation for a week at one of the hill-stations close to the Himalayas, to experience snow for the first time. This might involve a bit of light hiking.

To not keep the topic too broad, my questions are about:
1. Handling the cold
2. Options for food and drink
3. Being prepared for snow

Handling the cold:
Not being accustomed to cold and not having much of a fat deposit beneath my skin, what would be the basic warm clothing required? I'm guessing thermal tops, long johns, wollen sweater, jacket, wollen socks and normal leather boots would be the basics (am basically looking to purchase boots that I can use in the snow and then use it back at my hometown, with formal wear so that it wouldn't be a waste of money). Would mittens, muffler and monkey cap be necessary too?
When shopping, should I give preference to wollen clothing or ones made with fleece?
If I get close to catching a fever or catch a cold, is it a sign that I should get out of the hilly areas ASAP?

Options for food and drink:
What kinds of food naturally keep the body warm (I heard peanuts do) and what to avoid? I'm considering carrying a bottle of curd too, as it gives energy for physically demanding times. This website mentions bread with peanut butter and dry fruits. As for drinks, I guess only water in a thermos flask would be ideal? What about soft drinks (sugar = carbohydrates)? Would carrying packets of soup powder or instant noodles be good if I can find a place to heat water and prepare soup?

Being prepared for snow:
I understand I shouldn't walk on snow with a jeans pant, since it'd get wet from the snow. Since I have a two piece raincoat (one piece as a pant and the other piece like a large jacket), would it be advisable to wear the raincoat pant over the jeans pant and tuck it into the boot?
Would there be any issues wearing a thin money pouch below all those layers of clothing?

Location Update:
A possible trek in Jan to Triund or Dhanaulti or Shimla or Manali.






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How do people adapt to cold countries?

  • Get outside more often. You should spend at least two hours a day outside. ...
  • Avoid overdressing. Wear just enough clothes to keep warm. ...
  • Turn down the thermostat. Slowly start decreasing the temperature in your house to a level you can tolerate. ...
  • Take cold showers. ...
  • Drink ice-cold beverages regularly.


  • How do people survive in snowy weather?

    Inside the house
  • Keep your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. ...
  • Check the location for the main water shutoff in your home. ...
  • Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. ...
  • Check that fireplaces, wood stoves and electric heaters are working properly. ...
  • Keep your fireplace flue closed when you're not using it.


  • How do you survive in a snowy environment?

    Top winter survival and cold weather tips
  • Prepare! ...
  • Hypothermia and frostbite are the real dangers. ...
  • Protect your body heat. ...
  • Keep covered. ...
  • Dress in layers. ...
  • Avoid sweating and stay dry. ...
  • Snow is an insulator. ...
  • Avoid eating snow.


  • What are the advantages of living in the tropics?

    Warmth and sunlight can offer a real benefit to your health, from improved heart and lungs, to enhanced mental performance with less aches and pains that come with older age. Living in a warm climate may give you just the health boost you need, a better lifestyle, in a less stressful environment.



    How to travel the world with almost no money | Tomislav Perko | TEDxTUHH




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Artem Beliaikin, Asad Photo Maldives, Pawan Yadav, Asad Photo Maldives