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Travel Tips

Ladakh for First-Timers: 10 Things to Know

Acclimatisation, permits, packing and road conditions — honest advice before your first trip to Ladakh.

Arjun KrishnanArjun KrishnanCo-Founder9 min read
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Biker on a Ladakh highway

Key takeaways

  • Rest for the full first day in Leh.
  • Carry cash — ATMs are limited outside Leh.
  • Only postpaid SIMs work reliably.

Ladakh is spectacular, but it demands respect. These are the tips we share with every traveller.

Acclimatise properly

Leh sits at 3,500 m. Spend your first 36–48 hours resting, drinking water and avoiding alcohol.

Permits

Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri need inner-line permits, which we arrange in advance.

Packing list

  • Thermal inners and a down jacket
  • Sunscreen SPF 50 and sunglasses
  • Lip balm and moisturiser
  • Basic medicines including Diamox (on doctor’s advice)

Frequently asked questions

Can I fly into Leh and go straight to Pangong?

No — you must acclimatise in Leh for at least two nights first.

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Arjun Krishnan

Written by

Arjun Krishnan · Co-Founder

Arjun has road-tripped every Himalayan pass from Ladakh to Sikkim and leads our adventure planning team.

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