Ladakh Trip Guide for First-Timers: Routes, Altitude and Permits

Ladakh's beauty comes with altitude: Leh sits at 3,500 metres and some passes exceed 5,000. A thoughtful route and slow start make the difference between a joyful trip and a headache-filled one.

Seven days is the minimum for Leh, Nubra and Pangong; eight to ten is better if you want Tso Moriri or Zanskar. The first two days should be easy, with local sights only.

Rest on arrival, drink water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and sleep well. Ask your doctor about preventive medication. Descend if symptoms like severe headache or breathlessness persist.

Our itineraries include oxygen backup and experienced drivers.

Day three goes over Khardung La to Nubra; day four to Pangong via Shyok, and day five returns to Leh via Chang La. Roads are scenic but long, so build in buffer.

Stay in comfortable camps at Hunder and Pangong for sunrise and night skies.

Indian citizens need inner-line permits for Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri; foreigners also need protected-area permits. Your operator can arrange them.

Mobile networks are patchy; postpaid SIMs work best. Carry cash for smaller villages.

Layers, a windproof jacket, sun protection, lip balm, a reusable bottle and basic medicines. Even summer nights drop close to freezing. This guide is illustrative demo content.