Ladakh Travel Guide

Travel in Ladakh

• Is Ladakh safe to visit?

  It is important to note that tensions between India and Pakistan are unfortunately not new and there have been numerous low-intensity conflicts in the past. However, large-scale conflict between the two powers is highly unlikely. Small-scale exchange of fire between the two happens so frequently that it's almost considered routine but again, escalation remains extremely unlikely. 
  

   
  

  All of our trips in Ladakh take place a long way from the Line of Control. The buffer zone near the Pakistan border is Kargil, which is technically part of Ladakh but we do not visit that area or come within 50km of it as the crow flies. 
  

   
  

  Our local team remain vigilant in keeping up to date with the latest reports and developments from any tensions that may be occurring and if we feel it would be unsafe to run your trip, we would cancel all departures immediately.
  

• Do I need insurance for trips in Ladakh?

  Yes. Having adequate travel insurance is a requirement of joining any of our trips. Details of your policy do not need to be provided to us but should be readily available upon your arrival as you may be asked to show them to officials at the airport. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance details in your daypack so it is easy to get to if you need it. You will need to provide a copy of your insurance policy to our team for your climbing permit. Your insurance must cover you for trekking in Ladakh and to the altitude that you will reach. Your policy should include cover for medical expenses, rescue and repatriation if required. 
  

• Do I need permits for trekking or climbing in Ladakh?

  Yes you do! All trips in Ladakh require a permit either to climb or to trek a designated restricted area. Our local team will arrange your permits when you are in Ladakh but you will need to bring passport photos and your insurance policy with you as these are required to complete the permit process.
  

• Can I get a map of where I will be trekking in Ladakh?

  Due to disputed boarders with both Pakistan and China, the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is politically sensitive. For this reason, the region is not as well mapped as other major trekking destinations along the Great Himalayan Range. However, basic trekking maps for Ladakh can be found online and purchased easily. You will also find maps and route descriptions in guidebooks for the Indian Himalaya. 
  

• What temperatures should I expect in Ladakh?

  In the Indus Valley it is typically hot during the summer months and temperatures in during the day can peak at around 40°C. Once the sun has set, you should expect much colder temperatures at night, possibly falling below 0°C.
  

   
  

  Hiking to the summit of a 7000m peak such as Kang Yatse II will mean experiencing much colder temperatures, particularly if it is windy. As a guide, lower on the mountain, daytime temperatures may be around 10-15°C, dropping to -5°C or lower at night. At higher camps you should expect colder temperatures and on summit day you will be trekking when the air temperature is around -10°C. This doesn't factor in the wind chill and it will feel much colder if there is any wind on your climb.
  

• Can I rent climbing or trekking items in Leh?

  There are a number of rental shops in Leh where you will be able to rent sleeping bags, trekking poles, warm down jackets and some climbing equipment. However, the condition of items available to rent may very and we do not recommend relying on being able to rent climbing boots as sizes are typically limited. Sleeping bags are not always laundered after each use and you should take a good sleeping bag liner with you. 
  

• Can I take GPS devices to Ladakh?

  GPS devices are not allowed in Ladakh and, if you have brought one with you, it may be confiscated on your arrival at the airport. Currently, watches and phones that have inbuilt GPS are not being checked but you should check this before you travel.
  

• What is your procedure for assessing guests at altitude?

  Our guides carry pulse oximeters and will check everyone's pulse and blood oxygen level daily. They will also check everyone for altitude related symptoms such as headache, nausea and loss of appetite. The guide will record this information and track how everyone is doing. If they are concerned about anyone, the decision may be made to descend. The guide's word is final.
  

• Can I trek in Ladakh at any time of year?

  Not really, no. We operate our trips in Ladakh between mid June and early September as this is when the weather is at it's most stable. It is often not possible to trek outside of these months due to high amounts of snow on the mountain passes and high river levels lower down making river crossings impossible.