Important Travel tips
1) Health & altitude — top priority
Acclimatise properly. Spend Day 1 (and ideally Day 2) in Leh taking it easy — no heavy exertion, avoid long hikes immediately.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, breathlessness at rest. If anyone has moderate/severe symptoms, stop ascent and seek medical help immediately.
Medicines: Advise guests to consult their doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) and other meds. Do not self-prescribe. Carry personal prescriptions and a basic altitude-safe med kit.
Hydration & food: Drink plenty of water (carry a bottle). Avoid alcohol, smoking, and heavy meals for the first 48 hours. Eat light, warm food.
Oxygen: Vehicles carry oxygen cylinders —call staff if feeling unwell.
2) Packing checklist (compact & practical)
Essentials for each traveller (sharing group):
Photo ID (original) — Aadhaar/passport — MANDATORY for permits. Also keep photocopies and a digital photo.
Valid airline ticket / e-ticket & printed itinerary.
Layered clothing: thermals, fleece, insulated jacket, windproof shell. Nights are cold; days can be sunny.
Warm hat, scarf, gloves, wool socks.
Sturdy walking shoes / waterproof boots; flip-flops for hotel rooms.
Sunglasses (UV protection) and high-SPF sunscreen (sun is strong at altitude).
Lip balm, moisturiser, nasal saline (dry air).
Personal meds, small first-aid kit, motion-sickness pills.
Power bank + charging cable + universal travel adapter (power can be limited).
Reusable water bottle, quick-dry towel, small flashlight/headlamp.
Small daypack for essentials during excursions.
Cash in small denominations (ATMs may be scarce); keep some change for tips.
Garbage bag for wet/used clothes (leave no litter).
3) Group-sharing etiquette (rooms, vehicles, meals)
Rooming: Respect roommates’ sleep schedules and privacy. Keep noise low after 10 PM. Share one set of toiletries sensitively (ask first).
Luggage: Limit luggage to what fits in vehicle space. Use soft bags where possible — easier to store. Label bags with name & room number.
Vehicle rules: Keep aisles clear, follow driver’s instructions, and wear seat belts where available. No smoking in vehicles. Avoid sudden movements; help each other with luggage.
Meals: If food is shared or ordered for group, confirm dietary preferences (veg/non-veg) before ordering. Tip politely for good service.
Punctuality: Tours run on tight schedules — be punctual for pickups to avoid delays for entire group.
4) Safety & emergency plan
Buddy system: Pair up travellers for remote stretches or early morning outings.
Insurance: Strongly recommend travel insurance that covers high-altitude evacuation and medical treatment. Guests must carry policy numbers and insurer contact.
Weather & road alerts: Mountain weather changes rapidly — be ready for schedule changes. Vehicles/drivers will reroute or delay for safety.
Cash & valuables: Keep passports/IDs and cash in the hotel safe or with the group leader; carry only essentials while out.
5) Altitude-specific behaviour & tips
Move slowly on walks; avoid running or heavy exercise first 48 hrs.
Avoid heavy alcohol, sleeping pills or tranquilizers on arrival — they may mask AMS.
Eat salty snacks and carbohydrates for quick energy; sip water frequently.
If someone complains of severe breathlessness, confusion or fainting — this is serious; contact staff and seek medical evacuation.
6) Permits, ID & documentation
Original photo ID required for all Inner Line Permits (Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong). Keep photocopies and send scanned copies to the agent prior to travel.
Make sure all names on flight tickets and hotel bookings match the photo ID.
7) Money & communication
ATMs exist in Leh but withdraw cash before heading to remote valleys (Nubra / Pangong). Smaller villages have no ATMs.
Mobile signals vary — BSNL/airtel often work better, but expect gaps.
Carry small change for chai shops, toilets, tips and remote purchases.
8) Respect local culture & environment
Dress modestly at monasteries. Follow monastery etiquette: remove shoes when required, avoid loud talk, ask permission before photos of monks/locals.
Leave no trace: Don’t litter. Carry back plastic — many high-altitude camps struggle with waste disposal. Encourage reusable bottles.
Ask before photographing people, especially in small villages.
9) Weather & clothing quick guide
Day: Sun can be warm — bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Night: Temperatures drop sharply — insulated jacket, thermals and warm socks are must-haves.
Carry waterproof shell — sudden rain/snow is common at higher altitudes.
