Ladakh is a high altitude region and it is not uncommon for people to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness on arrival. For this reason, we suggest clients consult their doctor before travel and if recommended, take Diamox (or a similar medication) to help with the acclimatization process. We purposely arrange a complete day of rest for the first day of all tours and our guides and drivers are well equipped to handle altitude related emergencies throughout the tour.

Most other standard medications are available in the main town of Leh, but if you prefer your own trusted brands or if you have any specific prescriptions please bring these with you for your Ladakh holiday period.

 People often suffer from pulmonary oedemas and the likes as a result of not taking it easy at high altitudes

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can hit the best of us, with nausea and headaches ruining a perfectly good trip. Stay off the alcohol, ideally through the trip, but definitely while acclimatizing.

Staying hydrated is incredibly important. You may not feel the need to drink water, but ensure that you intake sufficient amount of water. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes at Khardungla pass as the high altitude may hit you.

Staying Connected:

All prepaid Indian SIM cards will not work in Ladakh and due to security restrictions it is very difficult for outsiders to obtain a local SIM card. Post paid services with BSNL, Airtel and Aircel will work but we suggest relying on internet based services such as Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, Facebook or email to keep in touch.

Note: There is free WIFI in most hotels and there are plenty of internet cafes in the main bazaar, but be aware that power failures occur frequently and it is not uncommon for all satellite internet connections to be lost for up to a few days at a time.

Weather:

The best time to vacation in Ladakh is between May and September. Days are usually nice and sunny, but the nights can be quite cool. It is unlikely clients will experience much rainfall but they may get wet from snow at Khardung La or snowy areas whilst driving.

Currency:

Local currency is Indian National Rupee (INR) . The credit & debit card facilities are not always available so we suggest using local ATMs or currency exchange services at hotels or government approved vendors.

Shopping:

The best buys in Ladakh include: authentic pashmina shawls and stoles, hand woven rugs, carpets or decorative wall hangings, locally made woollen socks, gloves, beanies or jackets, trekking gear including backpacks, clothing, boots and climbing accessories, traditional ‘chung’ pots, teapots, and singing bowls, Tibetan handicraft items including prayer wheels, bowls, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings and a variety of silver and traditional Ladakhi turquoise jewellery.

Clothing:

Ladakh is a very casual although somewhat conservative although and you don’t need too many outfits as laundry services are available in the main town of Leh. As a general rule, we recommend loose fitting, lightweight materials which will be the most comfortable, plus a warm jacket or layers of warmer clothes are advised for cooler evenings and trekking trips. Suggested packing items include:

Pants/ trousers / long skirts or long dresses

Light cotton T-shirts or long-sleeved tops for wear during the day

Comfortable walking shoes (ones that slip on and off easily are best as shoes are not generally worn indoors) At least one warm jacket or jumper to use for the cooler evenings and late nights

Sunglasses / hat (useful to protect your eyes from the wind/ glare and the top of your head from the hot sun) A scarf or bandana (useful to protect your face against the dusty wind)

A few pairs of socks and underwear

Swimming costume (if you want to take a dip in the cool waters or you plan on participating in water rafting)

Other Handy Items (To be brought) :

A day bag to carry your important things during the daily sightseeing

Sunscreen and lip balm

Anti-bacterial wipes / lotion

Tissue paper

Small pocket torch and spare batteries for use in the village

Conversion plug – with two horizontal round prongs

Camera and spare battery/memory card

Book / personal music player (for the long car rides and any free time)

Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.

Snacks from home or anything else you can’t live without

Important Instructions:

All passengers have to report 02 hrs prior to the departure due to security checking at the airport.

We reserve the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.

The vehicle used is none air-conditioned and is available at trip wise not on disposal subject to municipal limits. Clients are requested to follow the timings in the program. In case any services are missed due to delay in departure, the operator will not be responsible for any refunds.

Hotels mentioned above are subject to availability at the time of booking otherwise an alternative will be provided.

Due to security reasons prepaid numbers are not working in Jammu and Kashmir while as post-paid are working in entire Jammu and Kashmir

Any dispute relating to or arising out of all or any one of the above stated terms and conditions shall be subject to the exclusive Jurisdiction of Courts at Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir).

On your planning to visit the beautiful valley of Ladakh, you should be aware of these things

Carry your sun protection with you such as a hat, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.

Carry your Warm cloths.

Carry your vaccination certificate

Carry your ID proof

You need to power bank

Camera backup battery

While entering the monasteries, take off your shoes. Do not smoke in the premises of Monasteries. Avoid touching the statues and thanks.

Electricity is only available in between 6:00pm to 11:00 pm in Nubra valley and Pangong Lake.

Be more civilized and ask before clicking a picture of the inhabitants and their belongings.

Do not litter around the tour routes or the camp sites. Please handover all the wrappers, plastic bags etc. to the driver after the completion of tour or Use proper Dustbin.

Flash photography is prohibited inside the monasteries. So, don’t use flash inside the monasteries.

Carry boiled or purified water during your tour.

Try not to take carry plastic bags, it will harm environment if it’s come in contact with it.

Do not tease or disturb the wildlife during your visit to the places in Ladakh or elsewhere.