15 Tips While Traveling to Ladakh

Widely renowned as the Cold Dessert of India, Ladakh is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is a dream destination of many travelers. Lifestyle in Ladakh is largely influenced by Tibetan culture and is home to many Buddhist monasteries. Because of the tough climatic conditions, it is necessary to take some precautions during your Ladakh tour.

Here are some tips to keep in mind before you book your Ladakh Tour Packages:

  1. Because of a large variation in altitude in Ladakh, a contrast in climate is quite natural. Temperature can stoop quite low, sometimes even in summers. Therefore, travelers must be properly equipped with heavy woolens at all times.
  2. Since tourism is comparatively new in Ladakh, there are certain regions in the Inner Line that require a permit that can be obtained easily through registered travel agencies.
  3. As you trek higher, the oxygen level decreases and exposure to such low levels of oxygen can cause Altitude Sickness. So, it’s better to adjust yourself to the weather conditions for 2-3 days before you start trekking.
  4. Keep your identity proofs with yourself at all times. You may be asked to produce copies of your ID proofs at various checkpoints.
  5. Keep enough stock of drinking water and other necessities such as a first-aid box, medicines and, dry fruits in your backpack.
  6. Being a politically sensitive area, certain places in Ladakh have some Photography restrictions. Always look out for signboards which warn you of such restrictions before you take a snap.
  7. Make sure that you carry enough Indian currency while traveling to Ladakh as shops and eateries don’t accept credit cards here.
  8. Banking facilities are limited to Leh and Kargil only. Remote areas of Ladakh do not Have ATMs/Banks.
  9. For medical facilities, there is a well-equipped hospital in Leh (SNM Hospital). Small clinics and dispensaries are also spread across Ladakh and Kargil
  10. The only mobile connection which will work in Ladakh is a BSNL post-paid connection. So it is advisable to get a BSNL connection before you travel to Ladakh to ensure connectivity.
  11. Leh, which is the capital city of Ladakh, is the only place in Ladakh connected to internet facilities. Internet won’t work anywhere else, so you should perform all your internet related tasks before proceeding further.
  12. It is advised to carry bottled drinking water with you whenever possible since the water in Ladakh is very polluted.
  13. The majority of the hotels here are family run establishments and offer personalized services. Opting for homestays is a great way of getting acquainted with the Ladakhi people.
  14. Due to heavy snowfall in winters, the condition of the roads can be very bad. Roadblocks and landslides are frequent as well. So one must be ready at all times.
  15.  The people of Ladakh are quite mild-natured and peace-loving. Behave nicely and try to strike a friendship with them, they can help you at times of need

Hope these points help you before you embark on your Ladakh Tour.

Leave a Reply