Travel Tips for Ladakh
Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by Thrillchimp in Adventure, Destinations, Ladakh, Travel Tips
Blessed with true natural beauty, Ladakh is a nature lover’s paradise. Its rich heritage and colorful array of monasteries and picturesque mountain ranges attract tourists from all over the globe. Here you will find some interesting travel information about this destination aiding you to plan your dream holiday to Ladakh!
Best time to visit Ladakh:
Ladakh is open for tourist throughout the year, while the best period for tour and trek is between the months of June and October. Due to heavy snowfall, most of the trekking routes are closed after November. The best period for the frozen river trek at Zanskar, the Chadar trek is from January to Mid-March when the river is completely frozen due to extreme winter.
Ladakh’s climatic conditions:
Ladakh enjoys pleasant summer weather between June and September, with the temperature at an average of a comfortable 30 deg C. While extreme winter weather prevails during late December and January, when the mercury dips to a chilling -20C!
Some important precautions to be taken:
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can occur to any one at an altitude above 10,000 ft. from the sea level. The most common symptoms of acute mountain sickness are headache, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, breathlessness, weariness and lack of concentration. Since Leh Town is situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft. above sea level. It is advisable to take the following precautions, so as to acclimatize your body properly.
- Allow your body to get used to the lower oxygen levels by take complete rest for the first 24 to 36 hours of your arrival at Leh.
- In case you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please consult a Doctor.
Essentials in your travel kit:
Travelling to high altitude requires special preparations as the temperature is very different from elsewhere. Apart from its natural beauty, Ladakh is a popular trekking spot as well. Hence your travel kit has to include an ensemble of basic essentials plus some vital adventure gears. Let’s have a look:
- Clothing – Shirt and shorts can do during the daytime but in evening one needs Jacket or pullover.
- Winter wear – Protect yourself with woolens, gloves, socks while trekking, as the temperature at higher altitude can be unbearably chill.
- Shoes – Good waterproof shoes are needed while trekking.
- Sleeping Bag – A warm sleeping bag would definitely come into handy while on those mountain climbing escapades.
- Medicines – Carry along some vital medicines with you for common ailments.
Smart Travel Tips:
Carry cash, debit card: Credit Cards are not accepted by most of the hotels and travel agents except some antique shops. Hence, make sure to carry a good amount of cash along and a debit card in order to be able to withdraw from the ATMs as and when required. However, note that there are not too many ATMs around.
Photographing of locals: Take permission before you click a photograph of any one. Don’t take photo if they ask for money.
Plastic Bags: Plastic is officially banned in Ladakh; hence do not use plastic bags. Always separate and properly dispose litter while travelling here.
National Parks: Don’t disturb wild life during the trek; be aware of the highly sensitive ecology and the economy of the geographical and cultural landscape.
Travel to Leh, Ladakh this vacation to enjoy its mystic enchanting beauty and acquaint yourself a little bit about the past and present of this beautiful town of India.
