Ladakh Trip Guide - How to Plan a Flawless Ladakh Trip with Your Family

Discover Ladakh, the magical Buddhist ex-kingdom, and its unforgettable landscape. Make your way through high passes and the stark beauty of the mountains only to be left thrilled. Also known as the “cold desert”, Ladakh is a magnet that attracts ardent roamers and adventure freaks.

Before you opt for this mother of all trips, keep in mind that this particular expedition requires proper planning.  Here’s a rundown of a few tips and tricks to plan out a flawless journey to this extraordinary place. 

Best Time to Make a Visit

Once you are sure about your Ladakh trip, the very next thing you must know is when to visit. The months starting from April to September are ideal for exploring this captivating destination. From April to June, the sun shines brighter giving way to the spectacular beauty of the snow-capped mountains. In July and August, Ladakh witnesses the monsoons when frequent showers bring to life white-washed gompas and monasteries earlier covered with dust. September and October are perfect months characterizing sunny days, clear blue skies, and slighting cold winds blowing.

Choosing the Right Mode of Travel

Ladakh standing out as the most magnificent spot known for its high mountain passes, enchanting valleys, and mesmeric lakes, can be reached by rail, road, and air. 

Air- Journeying to Ladakh by air can be a lot comforting than any other means of transport. Travelers are open to several options when it comes to boarding a flight to Ladakh. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the closest airport to Leh that has flights shuttling between Leh, and major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Srinagar. Taking a flight to reach Ladakh will be the most hassle-free mode of travel. 

Rail - Some travelers prefer a train journey. Jammu Tawi, the closest railway station located at a distance of almost 700 km from Ladakh is well-connected to the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Travel arrangements to Ladakh by a private vehicle can be made from Jammu.  

Road- Ladakh has a well-connected road network linking it with cities like Manali and Srinagar, offering a golden chance to cover the distance by road. Traveling on a bike to Ladakh is sure to bless you with a trip of a lifetime. 

Outline the Duration of Your Trip

You must have information on how long your trip lasts. As your travel and stay, arrangements will depend on the number of days you are on the move. Keep an outline of the trip ready before you head out.  The duration of your trip entirely depends upon your mode of travel.  Considering a minimum of 12 to 14 days is recommended.

Food & Lodging Know-How

You can find several standards, deluxe and luxury hotels in Ladakh that offer you the best food and lodging facilities. You may choose as per your budget and enjoy a comfortable stay. If you wish to mingle with the locals, ideal would be to opt for a homestay. These family-run establishments offer incredible hospitality and the perfect chance to learn the local way of life.

Get your facts right (Acclimatization & Mountain Sickness)

Acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness is a problem faced by numerous globe trotters. As one goes high up in the altitudes, the oxygen levels start to drop. An individual facing this issue can experience dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, and rapid heart rate. Thus visitors are asked to acclimatize by taking proper food and rest before going around the place. It is always better to fly to Srinagar rather than flying directly to Ladakh.

Intra-state Transport

There is no need to worry about traveling within Ladakh as there are some options available. You will get to find buses leaving from Leh City to the prime spots of Ladakh. Owing to the unpredictable weather the buses are not regular. Yet Leh offers a fleet of tourist transport facilities, and all you need to do is choose out of like Mahindra Scorpio.

Pocket Required Permits

Obtaining the inner line permit from the DC Office in Leh is very important for your Ladakh trip. There are multiple locations and checkpoints where you will have to present the inner line permit. Failing to do so might fill your trip with a lot of hindrances. You can either register online for the inner line permit or can visit the DC Office.

Keep Identity Proofs Handy

Carrying multiple copies of driving license, vehicle registration papers, PUC, insurance, is a must if you are one of the roadsters traveling on your vehicle. Apart from this, PAN card, voter id card, or passport should be with you all through. Remember, while journeying to the interiors, you will be asked to submit copies of your identity proofs at various checkpoints.

Things to Pack

Warm clothes, caps, backpack (50-60l), water bottle, fleece jackets, thermals, extra pair of socks, hiking shoes, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, gloves, lip balm, cold cream, and toiletries must be in your packing list. Do keep a first-aid kit along with Diamox, a medicine to tackle mountain sickness (please check with your doctor). Also carry gadgets that you will need during the trip.

Traveling to Ladakh will be no less than journeying to the top of the world. If you haven’t been there yet, it is time to fasten your shoelaces and set off to witness unparalleled beauty of Ladakh in September and October.