Acclimatize Before You Explore
Altitude sickness is the single biggest risk in Ladakh. Spend your first 24–48 hours in Leh resting, hydrating, and avoiding alcohol and strenuous activity.
Only after acclimatizing should you head to higher spots like Khardung La, Pangong Tso, or Nubra Valley.
Quick Tips
- Talk to a doctor about Diamox before your trip.
- Drink 3–4 litres of water a day and avoid smoking.
- Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.
Permits You Will Need
Many of Ladakh's most famous areas — Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, and the Dah-Hanu villages — require an Inner Line Permit for Indian nationals and a Protected Area Permit for foreign nationals.
These are easily arranged in Leh or through your tour operator, but you must carry multiple printed photocopies for the checkpoints.
What To Pack
Layering is everything. Temperatures can swing from warm sun to freezing wind within hours, especially at the passes and lakes.
Quick Tips
- Thermal base layers, a fleece, and a windproof outer shell.
- Strong UV sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- Offline maps (Maps.me) — mobile signal is unreliable off-grid.
- A power bank; charging points are scarce on long drives.
