Is there any oxygen problem in Leh?
Leh is located at a high altitude - nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. As one climbs higher, the amount of oxygen in the air begins to fall. So, yes, there is less oxygen in Leh, as compared to low altitude and plane areas.

Effects of low oxygen levels:

Low oxygen levels and a decrease in air pressure can be harmful to people who suffer from asthma, respiratory problems, and for senior citizens. It may get difficult for them to breathe. Thin air can also result in Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS. Your body may not have enough time to adapt to the quickly changing environment. Paired with low oxygen, and highly demanding activities like trekking and hiking can further aggravate the problem. AMS itself may cause headache, fatigue, stomach problems, nausea, dizziness, and even vomiting.

Suggested Read: Guide for How to Rent a Bike in Ladakh

Acclimatization:

But there are certain steps that can be taken to prevent these problems. First of all, low oxygen causes problems like AMS only when there is a sudden change in altitude. The terrain of Leh is such that there is a gradual increase in altitude, so most people get used to less oxygen slowly over the course of their journey. People who have medical problems should carry medication and get the approval of their doctors. The key is to travel slowly, and not strain your body. Allow yourself to get acclimatized to the surroundings. Also, take care not to drink or smoke. 

Medicines to carry:

Remember to take all necessary medication like Diamox, Aspirin, and Dexamethasone with you. You can also opt to carry oxygen cylinders if you suffer from asthma and the problems get severe. Make a list of all the hospitals and medical dispensaries nearby in case of an emergency. Get a complete physical checkup before you leave too, and ask your doctor if it is okay for you to undertake the trip.

Also Read: Manali to Leh Ladakh Highway Guide

General precautions against AMS

The low oxygen problem in Leh is not really a ‘problem,’ if you make a proper Ladakh trip itinerary and allow your body some time to rest and recharge. As soon as you land in Leh, take a day off just to acclimatize. Drink plenty of water, and stay away from overexertion. If you start feeling any symptoms of AMS, treat them right away. Avoid overheating, alcohol, and cigarettes. If you are prone to AMS, do not spend too much time at high altitude passes, and ascend the altitude slowly.

Leh is breathtaking in its beauty. Enjoy the spectacular vistas to the fullest by following the aforementioned precautions.

Ladakh Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Ladakh

More Ladakh Attractions

Magnetic Hill, ladakh Magnetic Hill, ladakh Alchi Monastery, ladakh Alchi Monastery, ladakh Leh Palace, ladakh Leh Palace, ladakh Hemis National Park, leh Spituk Monastery, ladakh Spituk Monastery, ladakh Hall Of Fame, ladakh Hall Of Fame, ladakh Chadar Trek, ladakh Chadar Trek, ladakh Mulbekh Monastery, ladakh Mulbekh Monastery, ladakh Tso Kar Lake, ladakh Tso Kar Lake, ladakh Phuktal Monastery, leh Stakna Monastery, ladakh Stakna Monastery, ladakh Chang La Pass, ladakh Chang La Pass, ladakh Shey Monastery, ladakh Chemrey Monastery, ladakh Shey Monastery, ladakh Chemrey Monastery, ladakh Kongka La Pass, ladakh Kongka La Pass, ladakh Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, ladakh Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, ladakh Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, ladakh Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, ladakh Leh Post Office Donkey Sanctuary, leh Sakti Village, ladakh Sakti Village, ladakh Jispa, ladakh Jispa, ladakh Upshi, ladakh Upshi, ladakh Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, ladakh Hunder Village, ladakh Karu, ladakh Ladakh Bungee Jumping Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, ladakh Hunder Village, ladakh Karu, ladakh Markha Valley, ladakh Markha Valley, ladakh Kargil War Memorial, ladakh Zanskar Valley, ladakh Lamayuru Monastery, ladakh Basgo Monastery, ladakh Thiksey Monastery, ladakh Dah Hanu, ladakh Leh Market, ladakh Shanti Stupa, ladakh Tanglang La Pass, ladakh Nyoma Leh, ladakh Kargil War Memorial, ladakh Zanskar Valley, ladakh Lamayuru Monastery, ladakh Basgo Monastery, ladakh Thiksey Monastery, ladakh Dah Hanu, ladakh Leh Market, ladakh Shanti Stupa, ladakh Tanglang La Pass, ladakh Nyoma Leh, ladakh Losar Festival, ladakh Losar Festival, ladakh Lachung La Pass, ladakh More Plains, ladakh More Plains, ladakh Tiger Hill ladakh Tiger Hill ladakh Basgo, ladakh Ladakh Hot Springs Shyok Valley, ladakh Puga Valley, ladakh Central Asian Museum, ladakh Zorawar Fort, ladakh Turtuk Village, ladakh Shang Gompa, ladakh Hanle, ladakh Wanla Gompa, ladakh Umling La Pass, ladakh Hundur Monastery, ladakh Sangam Leh, ladakh Yarab Tso Lake, ladakh Basgo, ladakh Stok Village, ladakh
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