TIPS FOR A HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE STAY IN LADAKH
Leh is situated at an elevation where the effects of high altitude can be felt.
- While travelling to Leh by air, one must allow a full day of complete rest for getting used to low oxygen level.
- High Altitude sickness is a risky condition faced by visitors who do not allow sufficient time for proper acclimatization.
- Do not run or race - Walk at your comfortable speed.
- Drink plenty of liquid - At least 3-4 litres daily in order to pass ample clear urine.
- Avoid excess intake of Tobacco and Alcohol.
- Most common symptoms are mild (headache, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness).
After that you can explore Leh and its surroundings. The Hotel staff is always available with advice and any other help to make your transition to high altitude problem-free.
- Please note that guests are requested to have Diamox (High Altitude Medicine) 2 days prior to arrival, but only after consulting a private doctor. This medicine helps to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Please note that children below 3 years of age are not advised to visit Ladakh.
- As the weather will be quite cold, please carry your warm jacket, sweater, or any appropriate winter wear in your hand luggage (and not in Check-in luggage) so that you can conveniently wear the same upon your arrival at the Leh airport.
TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER CONDITION
The average elevation of Ladakh region falls above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). The capital Leh is at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet). The summer temperature is quite pleasant but in winter it touches the extreme as low as -20°C. So, you need to bring appropriate clothing for a range of conditions, because with global climate change, one can experience the occasional cool day even in summer. Please feel free to contact us, if you need advice on what to bring. And remember, you can also buy extra clothing in Leh, if needed.
GENERAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Visitors need to bring appropriate clothing for a range of weather condition. One can experience the occasional cool days even in Summer.
- Visa and Permit - Tourists can visit Ladakh on a normal Indian tourist visa, and there's no need of any special visa or permit for travelling to Ladakh.
- Protected Area / Inner-line Permit - All tourists, whether domestic or overseas, are required to obtain Protected Area Permit / Inner-line permit from the Deputy Commissioner Leh office for visiting the restricted / protected areas like Tsomoriri, Tsokar, Pangong Lake, Dah-Hanu, Khardongla & the Nubra Valley. Such permits are to be obtained through registered travel agencies / tour operators.
- Tourists from the following Nationalities will not get Permits from the DC office in Leh. The below listed foreigners will need to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs – New Delhi INDIA, at least 8 weeks before the date of expected visit:
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- China
- Bangladesh
- Burma
- Sri Lanka
- Other nationals of Pakistani origin
- Mobile Phone Service - Mobile phones with post-paid connection of BSNL are operational in most parts of Ladakh. In Leh Town area post-paid connections of Airtel and Jio Networks are also functional.
- ATM - State Bank of India, J&K Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, PNB Bank has ATM points in Leh town.
- ID card - Remember to carry a valid photo ID card with you. Pan cards are NOT accepted. Driving license, Voter Card, Passport is accepted.
HOW TO REACH
The most convenient way to reach Ladakh is by air. The capital Leh is serviced by three major airlines – most offering 1-hour daily flights from Delhi, Srinagar and Jammu.
For details of schedules and fares, contact Indian Airlines (www.airindia.com), Go Airlines (www.goair.in), Spice Jet (www.Spicejet.com), Air Vistara (www.airvistara.com).
If you prefer a more adventurous approach, you can arrive via one of two overland routes.
The 1st approach - about 430 kms – begins at Srinagar (Kashmir) and runs through numerous villages en route. It involves an overnight stay in Kargil (usually open from May to October). This route takes you over Zojila and Fotula pass; the latter at 4080 meters is the highest pass in the Srinagar – Leh highway.
The 2nd route via Manali (Himachal Pradesh) is open between mid-June to late September. Spanning 470 Km, it takes you over several high passes including Taklang-La, which at 5230 meters (about 17500 feet) is one of the highest road passes in the world.