Useful information on travel to Ladakh

Pre-Travel Preparations

1. Physical Fitness: Ladakh is at a high altitude, so it's important to be physically fit. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises and strength training to prepare your body for lower oxygen levels.
2. Acclimatisation: Plan your trip with sufficient time for acclimatisation. While travelling to Leh by air, one must allow a full day of complete rest for getting used to low oxygen levels. Spend the first couple of days in Leh, gradually ascending to higher altitudes.
3. Medical Check-Up: Consult with your doctor before travelling, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
4. Medications: Carry your prescribed medications, including Diamox for altitude sickness, and consult your doctor about its usage.
5. Children travelling to Ladakh: Please note that children below 3 years of age are not advised to visit Ladakh.
6. Travel Insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Packing Essentials

1. Clothing: Pack in layers to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Include thermal wear, a good quality down jacket, a windproof and waterproof outer layer, warm socks, gloves, and a hat. During winter, jackets must be carried in the handbag and worn upon arrival at Leh airport.
2. Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy, and well-broken-in hiking boots are essential.
3. Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against strong UV rays.
4. Hydration: Carry a reusable water bottle and hydration packs. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
5. Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, energy bars, and chocolates.

During Travel

1. Acclimatisation: Follow the "climb high, sleep low" rule. Ascend gradually and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours.
2. AMS Symptoms: Most common symptoms are mild (headache, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness).
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking as they can exacerbate altitude sickness.
4. Eat Light: Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals to reduce the strain on your digestive system.
5. Rest Well: Ensure you get enough sleep and rest to help your body acclimatise.
6. Listen to Your Body: If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness), descend to a lower altitude and seek medical help if necessary.

Activities and Sightseeing

1. Plan Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary but allow flexibility for rest and acclimatisation days.
2. Cultural Respect: Be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and seek permission before taking photos of people or religious sites. Ladakhis are gentle folks and would be happy to smile for your camera. Please ensure you ask for permission before photographing locals or their homes.
3. Environmental Responsibility: Ladakh is a no plastic zone, which means no plastic bags. Littering is an offence towards the environment- make sure you do not litter. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers to reduce plastic waste. Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
4. Monastery guidelines: Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals to reduce the strain on your digestive system.
   • Remember a monastery is a place of worship and reverence. Please take off your shoes before you enter this sacred place.
   • Flash photography is not allowed inside the monasteries as it causes damage to the frescoes.
   • Do not touch monks, statues, thangkas, frescoes and other objects as it is considered disrespectful
   • If you wish to photograph monks, please ask for permission before doing so.
   • Sitting or standing or climbing on stupas is not allowed. Remember they contain ashes or relics of the dead and each of these edifices are installations in their memory.
   • Smoking is prohibited in all monasteries.

General Important Information

1. Visa and Permit
• Tourists can visit Ladakh on a normal Indian tourist visa, and there's no need for any special visa or permit for travelling to Ladakh.
2. Protected Area / Inner-line Permit
• All tourists, whether domestic or international , are required to obtain Protected Area Permit / Inner-line permit from the Deputy Commissioner Leh office for visiting the restricted / protected areas like Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Pangong Lake, Dah-Hanu, Khardungla & the Nubra Valley. Such permits are to be obtained through registered travel agencies / tour operators.
• Visitors from the following countries will not be issued permits from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh. They are required to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs – New Delhi india, at least 8 weeks before the date of expected visit:
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• China
• Bangladesh
• Burma
• Sri Lanka
• Other nationals of Pakistani origin
3. Mobile Phone Service
• Mobile phones with post-paid connection of AIRTEL, BSNL & JIO are operational in most parts of Ladakh.
• Mobile phones with pre-paid and international roaming services do not operate in Ladakh.
4. Automated Teller Machines [ATM] -
• The following banks have ATM points in Leh: State Bank of India, J&K Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB Bank, YES Bank
• Both domestic and international cards work on the above mentioned ATMs
5. Identification credentials: Remember to carry a valid photo ID card with you. PAN cards are NOT accepted. Driving license, Voter Card, Passport is accepted.

How To Reach

There are daily flights to Leh from Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu. Additional flights from Chandigarh and Mumbai

Leh is also accessible by road during the summer months - April to November from Himachal Pradesh through the Atal Tunnel via the Manali – Leh Highway, 430 Kms and from Srinagar in J&K via the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh road, 434 Kms.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and comfortable trip to Ladakh, making the most of its breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural experiences.