Ladakh a land of high passes is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It has snow-clad peaks which kiss the clouds, serenity exists in peaceful lakes and time seems to stand still since there is no rush and bush in their life. Life in Leh is full of divine, spirituality and you will find surprises at every turn of your journey. You cannot predict about nature and climate at Leh-Ladakh because it frequently changes. You will find hot during daytime and during night time you might require winter wear. If you are planning to visit Leh Ladakh you should carry winter wear as well as summer wear.
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BASIC MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR TRAVEL KIT
2 copies of E-tickets, travel itinerary and a travel map for personal assistance.
Carry a pen and a small diary to jot down an address or a contact number or a brilliant idea that the journey might give you.
Bag locks (2 or more).
1 Torchlight/Head Light – for the offbeat places like Pangong/Sarchu where electricity supply is not available mostly after 11pm. Otherwise we also carry spare Torchlight
Hand Sanitizer + Hand Towel + Handkerchiefs.
Multi plug – very useful in such remote areas with limited power points.
Plastic zip lock bags/ plastic bags for used clothes.
A pair of slippers at the end of the day would make it very relaxing.
Few pair of socks (couple of woolen socks as well) + woolen hand gloves.
A pair of thermals + couple of jackets.
Photo copy of identity proof (Driving License, PAN Card, Election Card). Foreigners are requested to bring Original Passport with a valid India Visa on it.
Sun goggles, Sun Cap, Lip Balm
Charger (for mobile, camera and other gadgets, if any)
It is advised to label your luggage so that it can be easily identified at all places.
A small handbag to carry snacks, camera, water bottle, ongoing medicine and other requirements during traveling.
Water bottle in which you can keep the water to drink. It can be any normal plastic water bottle.
EATERIES
Chocolates, candies, dry fruits, chewing gums, mouth freshner, water bottle, chips for traveling. Some of the things you may buy while traveling, as they are easily available on the route.
TOILETRIES
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Toilet Soap
Toilet Paper
Shampoo Pouches
Lip Guard
Sun screen Lotion min 40spf
Face wash
Wet Tissues
Hair oil
Deodorants
Moisturizing Cream/ Cold Cream
Body Talc
Comb
CLOTHING: TRY CARRYING VERY LESS CLOTHES
Jeans / Cargos / Lowers 3-4
Jackets. Heavy Winter Jacket will also be fine, Woolen Cap.
T-shirts / Shirts / Sweat Shirts, Muffler & 2 Light Woolens (Half Sleeve Pullovers)
Undergarments (As per your convenience)
Towel (Otherwise you will get towels at all places. Recommended not to carry your towel as you won’t even get time to dry the used towel, towels in all hotel are clean & hygienic.)
NOTES:
Ladakh is not a dangerous place as told in many blogs and other sites, its a destination to be enjoyed with your mind open; thats all. Panicness and aggression on this terrain may ruin the fun and enjoyment.
If you are short of something as per the checklist you can anytime buy in Delhi / Manali / Leh
Camphor (Kapur)/Garlic had been the age old remedy for altitude sickness, drink maximum water. When ever at any high altitude you feel like breathless or dizziness inhale Camphor through nose multiple times.
The best way to interact with the people of Ladakh is to greet them by saying “Jullay”. It means Hello/ Thank you/Bye.
ATM card machine are available at Manali, Keylong, Leh, Kargil, Srinagar
Help us maintain the fragile ecology and beauty of the place by bringing back personal garbage like pack lunch boxes, wafers, and mineral water bottles etc to your guesthouse, where it can be disposed in a dustbin.
Only Post paid connections of Airtel & BSNL work in J & K. Telephone & post facilities are available in Leh, Kargil, Srinagar and Nubra valley. Internet cafes are available in Leh, Kargil & Srinagar only.
Always put your shoes off before entering a monastery & take permission from the monks before taking photos inside the monasteries.
Avoid Alcohol / Smoking / Heavy Dinner at Sarchu & Pangong &
Avoid heavy dinner during the trip, have dinner at around 8.00pm.
The meals at the accommodations are Buffet with mix of Veg & NonVeg dishes. In case of pure veg meals (No onion/no garlic) advance intimation is must.
Try out Butter Tea, Kashmiri Kaava, Leh berry juice and other local delicacies in the nearby restaurants in the Leh Market.
Leaving on time is the main aspect of this trips, you are requested to be ready on said time so that the whole group can leave in time & reach on time.
You must take permission before clicking photographs of any person or monument. Remember photography is restricted in some of the monuments and monasteries in Ladakh.
Please do not carry more than 02 Luggage. One small Hand Bag for essentials & another main luggage suitcase or bag where all your luggage will be kept. As you will have to unpack and pack the luggage everyday. The least the stuff the less the time it will take.
Please do not carry multiple footwear, all you need is a sport shoe or similar in which you feel comfortable, and a spare shoes, in case one gets wet. Females; it would be hard walking with high heels on this terrain. So please take care of this thing.
Please do not carry gold ornaments or any expensive accessories with you, as we will checkin and checkout every day and the chances of loosing such small things are maximum and we are not going back to the same hotel again.
We will be taking the first aid kit, please take ongoing regular medication; if any.
Please start taking Diamox tablets 250mg twice a day (from Manali) for altitude sickness/ acclimatization. Concern your doctor for the same. Diamox can cause numbness on your hand fingers and dizziness but that is OK. If it cause any skin irritation please stop taking medicine.
Always carry plenty of water as hydration is vital in high altitude conditions to keep you going. Carrying snacks and energy drinks will also help.
Avoid wearing clothes such as skirts, sleeveless blouse or tops while travelling in Ladakh, especially in Buddhist Gompas as you might offend their sentiments.
Plastic bags are officially banned in Ladakh, hence, it is advisable to avoid carrying them.
Do not exert yourself anywhere in the trip, don’t run or rush as it would cause breathing issues.
Sunscreen & Lip Guard is to be applied again and again in this Terrain. Otherwise you can get sunburn very easily.
Items marked BOLD & ITALIC in checklist to be kept in hand bags.
MEDICINES YOU MAY CARRY
At least 5 ORS or ORS –L Tetra packs
Diamox tablets for altitude sickness/ acclimatization issues
Spray for pain relief
An antiseptic cream like betadine
An antiseptic solution like dettol or savlon
Pain killers like combiflaim or flexon
Crocin or paracetamol for mild fever
Avomine for prevention from motion sickness and vomiting
Digene / Eno for relief from indigestion or acidity or gastric issues
D-cold total or Vicks Action 500 for cold issues
Pudin Hara for stomach pains
Cotton and dressing bandage
A pair of scissors
Eye tone
Nasivion for blocked nose
Ongoing regular medicines (if any)
