A brief guide on How to plan a trip to Ladakh

by Joy Martin Tech and Travels Consultant

BOOK NOW - LEH LADAKH TOUR PACKAGES

What is the best time to visit Ladakh

This is the first question that arises in your mind when you plan a trip to Leh, Ladakh. Because this place is closed and disconnected from the country through several months of the year. In general, the best time to visit Leh, Ladakh is from June to September. Most of the tourism activities occur between those months. But the accommodations and hotel prices will be a little higher in this tourist season. The common myth among travellers is that summer is the best time to visit Ladakh. Well, it is time to break these stereotypes. Because Ladakh has so much to offer on the other seasons too. April and May could be considered, but the roads on the peaks will still be under clearance. It will only be a problem if you are travelling by bike. If you are planning to take a car September would be the ideal month as the chances of landslides will be less. If you are planning to travel by bike, any time between June to August would be an excellent time. If you are planning to go with the family, we would suggest you to select between the months of June and September. As there will be hotels and transport facilities will be in full operating mode. You may have to check for the prices and book hotel for accommodation according to your budget prior to reaching here.

Best season to visit according to us is Fall(autumn) because all the hills around would be colourful and you will feel the gorgeous beauty of nature. Again for photography, it depends on the individual- whether you want snowfall time or the sweet colorful time to capture the best moments.

How to plan for Ladakh Trip

Now that you have decided when to travel to Ladakh, the next question is how to prepare for Leh, Ladakh trip. Because while speaking about a trip to Leh, Ladakh, it is not just a normal routine trip where you pack some clothes, everyday essentials and leave. It is a high altitude place where you could visit snowfall at any time. Not only that lowering levels of oxygen as you move higher are the main aspects to keep in mind and prepare for the trip accordingly.

Things to carry for the Ladakh Trip:

Warm woollen clothes are recommended, a pair of extra socks, a pair of gloves woollen/normal, caps to cover head, woollen scarf to cover your neck.
Move Spray, or any kind of pain relief spray, A pack of Glucose, Precautionary medicine Diamox, if you get caught off AMS. There are always going to be a natural remedy available in nearby restaurants or hotel stops they are garlic soup or soup made of lots of garlic. This is the local remedy used over there for years.
Everyday essentials - Sunscreen, Moisturiser, cold cream, shades/ sunglasses, thermal flask or thermal water bottle, comb, towel, face wash, Vicks, toothpaste, soap, deodorant(if you prefer to use).
Eatables like chocolates, dry fruits, almonds, raisins are prefered, Carry Maggi cup noodles or Instant noodles/foods, Instant coffee bags, a lighter, flask, etc.
Electronic gadgets- Camera, Camera Charger, Torches with new batteries, a spare memory card or a hard disk if you are into photography.
Cash- ATM at Leh, Ladakh is still rare to spot, so it is suggested to carry cash in hand.
Document- Copy of your permit letters, Address proof, reserved hotel slip, emergency contact number and address on a piece of paper pack with plastic and put in your jacket.
Phone Connectivity- Only postpaid services are available in Ladakh, we would prefer you to take a BSNL or MTNL postpaid connections just in case if you don't want to be out of grid.
It is recommended not to drink alcohol or smoke at these high altitude regions.
You need to take a 2days of rest as soon as you arrive at Leh or Ladakh as your body needs to adjust to the environmental conditions and lower oxygen level or you might suffer from serious AMS. We further advised to take rest as you move towards higher altitude levels, else you may feel fatigued or drowsiness.
Would recommend you to take this trip when you are physically fit and fine. Take precautionary measures and few articles on AMS and its symptoms and precautions prior to commencement of trip to Ladakh.