Direct answer
Ladakh is a high‑altitude, remote region in northern India (union territory of Ladakh). Prepare for altitude, limited services, permits for many areas, and dramatic weather. Proper acclimatization, permits, and flexible planning are essential.
Visa & entry requirements
- Foreign nationals: India visa required (e‑visa available for many nationalities). Obtain before arrival. Carry passport and visa at all times.
- Inner Line Permits (ILP)/Protected Area Permits (PAP): Required for many parts of Ladakh. Indian nationals need an ILP for certain border villages; foreign nationals need PAP/ILP for Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and areas near the China border. You can get permits online, at Leh DC office, or via registered tour operators.
- COVID/health rules: Check current Indian entry and regional health advisories before travel.
Best time to visit
- Peak season: June to September — roads open, milder days, many guesthouses and attractions accessible.
- Shoulder seasons: May and October — fewer crowds; nights can be very cold; some passes may be closed in October.
- Winter: November to April — extreme cold, many roads and passes closed; good for experienced travelers interested in solitude or winter sports but services are limited.
Altitude & health
- Leh elevation ~3,500 m (11,500 ft); passes like Khardung La exceed 5,300 m.
- Acclimatize: Spend 1–3 days in Leh doing minimal exertion. Avoid heavy activity, alcohol, and smoking for first 48–72 hours.
- AMS symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness. Descend and seek medical care if severe. Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) if prescribed by a doctor.
- Hydration and gradual activity: Drink water, eat light meals, avoid overexertion.
Safety tips
- Road conditions: Many roads are narrow, unpaved, and affected by landslides or snow. Allow buffer time for travel.
- Weather: Sudden temperature drops and storms possible. Carry warm layers and sun protection.
- Driving: Hire experienced local drivers; self‑drive is possible but challenging due to altitude and terrain.
- Wildlife and environment: Respect fragile ecology; avoid littering and use designated camping spots.
- Mobile & internet: Coverage is limited; BSNL/MTNL SIMs and eSIMs may work variably. Bring offline maps.
Local customs & etiquette
- Religion: Predominantly Tibetan Buddhist (and some Shia/Sunni Muslim communities in Kargil). Respect monasteries (gompas): remove shoes where required, ask before photography, walk clockwise around prayer wheels/stupas.
- Dress modestly: Especially in villages and religious sites.
- Greetings: A simple handshake or nod; a slight bow/placing hands together is appreciated at temples.
- Bargaining: Common in local markets but be polite.
Currency & money
- Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). Cash is widely needed in remote areas.
- ATMs: Available in Leh and a few larger towns only; carry sufficient cash for rural stretches.
- Cards & digital payments: Increasingly accepted in Leh and tourist businesses, but many homestays/shops accept cash only.
Transportation & getting around
- Getting there: Fly to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) from Delhi/other Indian cities — flights can be affected by weather. Overland: Manali‑Leh and Srinagar‑Leh highways open seasonally (June–October), long, scenic, and challenging drives.
- Local transport: Taxis, shared cabs, hired vehicles, motorcycles and cycle tours are popular. Public buses are limited.
- Permits for vehicles: If self‑driving across certain areas, ensure permits and vehicle paperwork are in order.
Accommodation
- Range: Guesthouses, homestays, boutique hotels, and some luxury camps. Book in peak season.
- Facilities: Expect basic amenities in remote areas; power may be on limited schedules in villages.
Must‑know tips & local insights
- Pack layers: Thermal base, insulating mid‑layer, windproof/waterproof outer layer. Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, warm hat, gloves.
- Footwear: Sturdy boots for trekking and uneven terrain.
- Fuel & supplies: Fuel stations are sparse; fill up when possible. Carry snacks, water purification tablets, and a basic first‑aid kit.
- Respect daylight & travel times: Many attractions are remote — plan day trips carefully and start early.
- Cultural experiences: Attend a local festival (e.g., Hemis Tsechu) if timing matches; try local Ladakhi/Tibetan cuisine (thukpa, momos, skyu).
- Photography: Breathtaking landscapes; always ask permission before photographing people.
- Sustainable travel: Use refillable water bottles, avoid single‑use plastics, and choose eco‑friendly tours.
Quick checklist
- Passport, India visa, ILP/PAP (if applicable)
- Travel insurance covering high‑altitude trekking and evacuation
- Warm clothing, sun protection, sturdy footwear
- Sufficient cash (INR) and backup cards
- Prescriptions, Diamox (if prescribed), basic meds
- Copies of permits, ID, and emergency contacts
Final note
Plan conservatively, allow extra days for acclimatization and weather delays, and respect Ladakh's fragile environment and local culture for a safe, rewarding visit.