Top 5 Do’s & Don’t in Ladakh
The silence, vibrant blue heavens, dazzling rainbows, and shimmering lakes of Ladakh are sheer bliss. The highest motorable road in the world (Khardung La); a few of the highest peaks passes in the world (Zoji La and Tanglang La); magnificent picturesque drives in isolated areas; and some lesser-known gems like the psychedelic More Plains, Lamayuru, and the hypnotic Gata Loops are among the highlights of this car trip. It’s a driving journey all its own!!
1. Do Ensure To Hire The Suitable Cab/Rental Services.
Being impatient is your worst enemy, so keep it at bay while traveling in Ladakh!
Hence , it is important to hire a car rental service for a safe trip. We highly recommend : Ladakh Cabs for its affordable and accessible packages.
Because when you approach the state of Jammu and Kashmir on your way to Ladakh, the roads start to deteriorate. Windy roads, unpaved lanes facing steep hills, and traffic congestion on lofty mountain passes are all examples of the beautiful but difficult landscape.
Make absolutely sure your driver is used to driving on hills and never let him drive even if he is slightly sleepy. The roads in and around Ladakh demand your complete attention at all times. This is why it is safer to hire a local cab or rental service. If at all possible,choose a 4X4 or SUV for your trip. It isn’t absolutely necessary, but it will help a lot.
Don’t ever assume that any overhead debris or big stones will not strike the underbelly and obstruct, or that the road ahead is as level as an arc, a runway along which your car may glide, etc. Prepare yourself for a little rough experience being the passenger on this getaway.
Heaters must be avoided if possible, particularly at higher altitudes like the Manali-Leh Highway and Ladakh, because heated air from the heater depletes the oxygen concentration inside, making breathing difficult and exacerbating AMS symptoms.
As a result, it is advisable not to utilize the car heaters and instead let the outside airflow inside for healthy circulation.
Do not encourage driving after drinking. This should be first and foremost, but please do not drink or consume alcohol during your trip in the Himalayas, particularly when traveling from Delhi to Leh via Manali.
2. Do Make A Checklist For Essential & Medical Supplies.
Ladakh is indeed one of the nation’s most remote locations. Medical supplies can be difficult to come by in some regions, so it’s better to come prepared. Carry a first-aid kit as well as any medications you take on a regular basis.
Remember to bring altitude sickness medication.
Attempt to gradually adapt to the high altitude. If you’re traveling to Ladakh and stopping along the route, this isn’t an issue. You’ll have plenty of time to adjust to higher elevations thanks to the slow ascent.
Choose hotels or camps that offer oxygen supplies in case you require it. Before booking your accommodations, double-check this.
Remember to make your cab/rental carry these during your Ladakh Trip :
Basic Toolkit including
Jack and Spanner
Air Compressor and Foot pump
Hydraulic Jack
Spare Tyre (Check for puncture before leaving)
Puncture Repair Kit
Screwdriver Set
Torchlight
Jump Start Cables
Spare Bulbs
Tow Away Rope approx. 3-6 ton Capacity
1-2 Jerry Cans / Coke Bottles to carry spare fuel
Funnel
Spare Coolant and Engine Oil
A Long Stick/Rod
A Shovel and a Hammer
2-3 Packs of M-Seal and Quick Fix/Fevi-Quick/Elfy
Plenty of Drinking Water and Snacks/Dry Fruits
A water bottle to refill water and save the environment
3. DO Ensure Your Paperwork Is In Order.
Because Ladakh is near to the borders of surrounding nations, there is a large army presence in the region. If you are a foreign national, you will need supplementary permits to enter some sections of Ladakh even after an Indian visa. If you’re driving a rented car, make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork. Please be aware that rental automobiles have been prohibited in the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri since 2015. If you are traveling by rental service to Leh, you will also need to hire a local taxi to explore sites outside of the city.
4. DON’T Expect Unrestricted Mobile Connectivity & Internet.
In Ladakh, mobile coverage is quite limited. In Jammu and Kashmir, only postpaid Airtel and BSNL connections function. However, once you pass through Sonmarg on your way to Ladakh, you will only have access to the internet in a few big towns. Following Kargil, connectivity is extremely limited.
Airtel and BSNL connections are available in most of Ladakh’s famous tourist destinations, including Leh, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley. Mobile data is a fallacy in these regions; there is no 3G coverage, making it nearly difficult to use your phone to access the internet. A great reason to take a break from social media.
So here is the issue with the internet in Ladakh: while wifi access is good, the bandwidth is pretty good. Free WiFi is available in most guesthouses, B&Bs, cafes, and hotels. However, internet access in the area is limited to BSNL landlines, which are frequently unavailable for days. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to access the internet in Ladakh, but don’t rely on it.
You’ll be in a good mood in Ladakh if you’re comfortable disconnecting for a few days.
5. DO Not Use GPS & Plan Well Beforehand.
You usually use Google Maps to calculate how long it will take everyone to travel a specific distance. However, in the region of pandemonium, this seemingly sensible strategy fails. On your car trip to Ladakh, never use Google Maps to predict the time it will take to drive a section of road. Therefore , do decide the duration of your stay beforehand and do not fret later about it.
Do not try to force your decision for the route using your GPS . It will indeed direct you to the quickest route, but the roads along this journey are likely to be in poor condition. Hence , hiring a cab agency is a better solution to your problem.
Conclusion:
To plan on places to visit , you must read up on the route ahead of time; there are several websites and blogs that provide thorough information on these trips. Make sure to read a few recent postings to stay current on the state of the roads in a specific area . This helps you to visit the places at the right time on your trip and save time.
Always inquire of the locals; the Ladakh people are very friendly and seem to go out of their way to assist and guide tourists. Do remember to give back to the community living there while you are traveling to Leh- Ladakh .
