Leh Ladakh

Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Ladakhi

The ancient inhabitants of Ladakh were Dards, an Indo- Aryan race. Immigrants of Tibet, Skardo and nearby parts like Purang, Guge settled in Ladakh, whose racial characters and cultures were in consonance with early settlers. Buddhism traveled from central India to Tibet via Ladakh leaving its imprint in Ladakh.

Their culture is rich and colorful, centering around the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, the predominant religion. Ladakh and the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, east of India, are perhaps the purest remaining examples of traditional Tibetan societies since China's subjugation of Tibet in the 1950s.

Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert in the rain shadows of the Himalayas with 300 days of sunshine and only 100 millimetres of precipitation annually. In Leh, at 3,500 metres altitude, the average temperature reaches 25°C during the day in summer while it dips to -15°C at night in winter.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

The taxi service in Leh is quite dependable, and due to the accessibility, you will easily find taxis. In some cases, you might be swindled by taxi drivers. So, to avoid that, please check the Taxi Union website for the right rates. 

To visit places around Leh and the Manali-Leh highway, you do not require permits. You will be required to get a permit for Nubra valley, Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Dah, Hanu Villages, Man, Merak, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Turtuk, Tyakshi, Chusul, Hanle, Digger La, and Tangyar

The permit is also called Inner Line Permit, and it mandatory to carry it while you travel. The fee(INR) is divided into two parts; Environmental fee, which is Rs. 400 and Rs. 20 per day for Wildlife Protection Fee. Visit the website of Ladakh District Permit Tracking System for more information. You can get the form here, but there is no online payment system. 

Usually, what travelers do is visit the DC Office in Leh and get the permit within an hour. Also, do carry your valid ID proof. The DC Office remains open throughout the week from 10 am to 6pm (2pm-3pm is a lunch break, so avoid going at this time

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO

Before you head out on your Ladakh trip, considering the weather conditions and the route is a must. This will give you a better idea on how and what to pack.

Depending on your Ladakh Tour, you will either fly in to Leh or travel by road. Whatever the mode of transport, do ensure to acclimatize to the high altitude for at least 36 hours once you reach Leh.

Always carry plenty of water as hydration is vital in high altitude conditions to keep you going. Carrying snacks and energy drinks is also mandatory.

Travel to Ladakh only during the summer (May – September) as the passes are motorable and you will be able to see Ladakh in bloom!

Do pack cotton wear, light woollens, strong walking shoes, sunglasses and other items in your backpack. A good sunscreen and moisturiser is also recommended as it will keep your skin protected.

A First-aid box with all necessary medicines is another must-have in your bag. If you are on medication, do include them in the box as well. If you aren’t carrying one, do consider buying one and keep it with you at all times.

Carry extra batteries for your camera and mobile phones as electricity in certain places of Ladakh can be an issue.

If you are planning a trip to Ladakh on your bike, it is advisable to go in a group. More the merrier than going solo.

While within monastery premises, do take permission of the monk or the person in charge before clicking pictures.

Do ensure that you have all documents and permits required as certain attractions admit tourists with requisite permits only.

DON'T

Avoid wearing clothes such as skirts, sleeveless blouse or tops while travelling in Ladakh, especially in Buddhist Gompas as you might offend their sentiments.

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking during the initial days of your Ladakh trip. Besides, avoiding them completely can be good for your health and the trip.

Plastic bags are officially banned in Ladakh, hence, it is advisable to avoid carrying them.

The land is abundant with gorgeous flora and fauna. Do not harm or disturb them as you trek across the geographical and cultural landscape.