Leh Ladakh

Fast Facts

Climate

Local Languages: The local language of the area is Ladhaki (a Tibetan dialect) and Pahari. If you learn one word, make it jule (pronounced joo-lay), which could mean 'hello', 'goodbye', 'please', and 'thank you'! Hindi and English are also understood.

Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip between the summer months of early June - end September, before it starts snowing. Another reason to visit Ladakh during the summer months would be the several annual festivals organized by the Buddhist monasteries that render vibrancy to this otherwise bleak location.

Clothing:Cotton and light woolen during summer and heavy woolens including down-filled wind proof jackets in winter. Stock your baggage with thick socks, gloves, scarves and sturdy boots. Carry ample supply of sunscreen, lip balms and goggles.

Moving around: Bus is the cheapest mode of transport no doubt, though hired taxis are the best way of exploring this area. For visiting the newly opened areas of Nubra, Dah-Hanu, Tsomoriri, Tsokar and Pangong Lakes, it is advisable to engage the services of a registered travel agency for making all required arrangements.

Permits: You would require permits and special permissions to visit the Inner Line areas of the Nubra Valley, Pangong-Tso, Tso-Moriri and the Dha-Hanu Valley. These are easily available for one-week with a single application made at the Collector's Office in Leh. Carry a number of photocopies of the permit, since these would have to be deposited at every check point en route.

Acclimatisation: You would probably feel ill-at-ease for a day or two. This is normal till you get used to the sudden dip in the oxygen level. So take it easy for a couple of days. Rest well, drink a lot of water and avoid alcohol. In case the symptoms persist or get worse, consult a doctor immediately.