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Here's a comprehensive guide on all the travel tips and tricks you need to know for your adventure in Leh.
Leh, the capital of Ladakh, serves as a gateway to stunning mountainscapes. With its ethereal beauty and tranquillity, the city is every traveller's dream destination. However, the region's proximity to the border and high altitude can make your journey somewhat complicated. That said, thorough research and meticulous planning can make a big difference in how your trip turns out. Here are a few travel tips and tricks to keep in mind for a memorable trip to Leh.
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Owing to its proximity to India's international border, the Ladakh region has a few government-imposed restrictions on tourist travel. When I travelled to Ladakh for the first time in 2014, the authorities had waived the requirement of Inner Line Permits for Indian travellers.
It proved to be a blessing as it saved us a trip to the Leh DC Office. During this trip, and again in 2016, I was able to visit Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri without the ILP. However, in 2017, the authorities of Ladakh reimposed the requirement, making it mandatory for all domestic tourists to obtain the ILP. Acquiring it in advance can save you time and hassle in Leh.
Indian tourists can apply for an IPL on the official website of LAHDC, and the same process applies to foreigners seeking a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Before applying online, ensure that your trip dates are fixed. Keep your ID proof and home address handy while filling up the details for the permit. The process also requires you to select the circuits you will be visiting.
After generating the ILP, you can pay the ILP fee either online or at the Leh DC Office. The fee varies depending on how many days you stay within the inner line area. It usually ranges between INR 500 to 600 per person, and you can pay online through Netbanking or using your Debit/Credit cards. But a trip to the Leh DC Office or Tourist Information Center is still mandatory to verify your permits and get them stamped. For the Hanle and Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri direct route, the ILP is issued offline at the Leh DC office.
Leh sits at 11,480 ft in a high-altitude zone with low oxygen levels. A rapid ascent to such an elevation can set in AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. AMS can prevent you from enjoying your holiday, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening. The only cure is to descend from that altitude, which will likely derail your travel plans. Acclimatisation is the physiological process through which your body adjusts to the reduced mountain air and is important for mitigating AMS symptoms.
It was after making four trips to Leh that I was able to understand how to acclimatise in a better way. Gradually ascending the Srinagar-Leh Highway helped me acclimatise to the place better. I spent a night at Kargil, at 8,792 ft, before reaching Leh. On the other hand, when travelling on the Manali-Leh Highway, it is recommended you spend the first night in Jispa at 10,500 ft.
The first signs of AMS are experienced between 8,000 to 9,000 ft, making the location of your first night's stay a deciding factor in how your body will react. The chances of falling sick on the Manali-Leh Highway are higher as the terrain is consistently above 10,000 ft. While the highest point on the Srinagar-Leh Highway is Fotu La, at 13,478 ft, the route through Manali reaches 16,000 ft on the second day at Baralacha La.
Taking ample rest on your first day in Leh can help prevent overexertion, which may otherwise result in breathlessness and a feeling of heaviness in the head. If you are flying to Leh from Delhi or Srinagar, it is even more important to rest for a full day. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can help too. Make sure you stay hydrated.
During my second trip to Ladakh, one of my travel companions could not acclimatise well. She suffered from nausea and vomiting, prompting us to rush her to the Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital in Leh. Of course, we did not know where the hospital was and had to ask around. Researching where you can get medical care beforehand can save you precious hours in such a situation. As it turned out, my friend had suffered the side effects of Diamox—a drug that is said to help you acclimatise.
While at the hospital, we saw several patients who had not acclimatised well. What caught my attention was a diabetic man who had forgotten to bring his insulin. Remember that it is essential to bring your regular medicines, as high altitudes can exacerbate your existing health issues. You should also pack a first-aid kit along with prescription medicines. OTC medicines, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can help with headaches and body aches. Ibuprofen came to my rescue when I suffered from a rare case of Barodontalgia while ascending to Leh on one occasion.
When packing your travel essentials, remember to carry alcohol wipes, Dettol, band-aids for an accidental cut, and O2 or Imodium for stomach trouble. Be sure to take any kind of medication only after proper doctor consultation and in the prescribed dosage to avoid a case similar to what my friend experienced.
Due to security concerns, the government does not allow prepaid SIM card connections bought outside Ladakh. Carrying a BSNL, Airtel, or Jio postpaid connection can help you stay connected with your loved ones from Leh. Alternatively, you can buy a local prepaid SIM card from Leh market—like I usually do. The required documents typically include your identity proof and proof of address.
Knowing someone in Leh helps if the operator demands a local address proof. Foreigners also need to carry a copy of their passport and visa. Despite having a working connection, be prepared for weak network signals and slow (or unreliable) internet access. Travelling beyond Leh into remote places in Ladakh can further affect connectivity. I usually time my calls or messages before leaving Leh and during intermittent connectivity en route.
While the lack of connectivity doesn't bother me so much, informing my family about my movements keeps them from worrying. Turtuk, Tso Moriri and Korzok, the Leh-Manali highway stretch from Upshi to Jispa, and the Shyok route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso are some locations where I have lost network coverage in the past. In addition to a functional mobile connection, a charged phone is equally important. When irregular electricity in Leh proves to be a hindrance, power banks come in handy.
Be prepared for unexpected weather conditions and allow for an extra day in your itinerary as a buffer. Pack warm clothing to tackle harsh weather. Even in summer, remote places like Pangong and Nubra Valley can become chilly at night. I have figured that layering always helps me better than a single heavy layer.
Shops and restaurants in Ladakh won't accept card or UPI payments. If you run out of cash, there are ATMs in Leh Market for withdrawals. As these ATMs often face cash unavailability issues, consider conducting your transactions in Srinagar or Manali before heading to Leh.
These travel tips and tricks have consistently ensured that I have a superb trip to Leh, each time I visit. And they can also help you make incredible memories when you head to this place! Don't forget to carry extra memory cards for capturing all those precious moments. You'll need them!
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