People get excited and thrilled whenever they think or plan their trip to Ladakh. That’s alright, but we believe Ladakh is not any other destination we have in India. It is different in terms of beauty, adventure, and precautions. Over the past few years, a lot of people have started visiting Ladakh to enjoy their time. But not all of them enjoyed themselves equally and that’s because of the small mistakes they committed throughout the trip.
Ladakh is one of those destinations that can take a toll on your body and trip if taken lightly. One should always plan things beforehand and also follow the protocols that are written by experts or people who have already visited Ladakh. None can teach first-timers better than those who have already visited. Keeping in mind that every person has the right to know the safe parameters and ways; we are writing this blog for you. Listed below are some do’s and don’ts that one should keep in mind while going on a bike trip to Ladakh or taking any other means.
Do’s These Things While In Ladakh Trip
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things to do. It is important to mention here because all of Ladakh and the regions around Ladakh be it the Spiti and Lahaul or Srinagar are cool and they remain the same throughout the year. People have the tendency not to feel thirsty when the weather is cool. But if you are taking a road trip to Ladakh or are enjoying traversing the inner circuit; make sure to keep drinking water regularly.
Keep Having Food at Intervals
Snacking is also important because that will generate heat inside your body and also keep you charged up. Do not ignore filling your tummy now and then because that too is important. Back some energy bars that can be munched on while you take a break from the riding or driving part.
Take Short Breaks Regularly Throughout the Road Trip in Ladakh
You might have driven for extended hours in other cities of India and there would be high chances that you might have driven relentlessly in mountains too- but Ladakh is completely different. This is one of the most challenging places in India with roads being highly challenging. So, it is important to take short breaks on your trip.
Do Plan Your Trip Before Leaving Your Place
You might be a wild soul but heading to Ladakh unplanned might lead you to some problems. Ladakh sees a lot of travelers throughout the year. But it still is a secluded region of India. There are still places where you will not find many people and that’s the reason you can get stranded somewhere. If that happens, your trip might become a bit sour.
Know Your Limits and Respect Your Plans
There have been a lot of people who challenge themselves unrealistically, fr eg- taking extra miles in a single go. But if you want to enjoy every bit of your trip then know your limits and also respect your plans. It is important for you to make the right decisions because each decision you make defines the trip. So stick to the plan that you created and plan things keeping the endurance and time in hand. Keep buffer hours too.
Keep Enough Warm Clothes Even if You are Planning Your Trip in June
You might be under an impression that Ladakh will be a bit warm in June but that’s not true. Even the month of June is comfortable towards cold in the daytime and during the evening, you will have to wear a jacket. In places like Nubra and Pangong, you will have to make a quilt to keep yourself warm. Do not forget that Ladakh is located at a high altitude.
Carry Medicines That You Think Can Come in Handy
If you had any breathing problems in past, it is better to be on the safer side and take medicines along. It is going to be a great trip if you did that. Taking the slightest changes can turn out to be a trip spoiler. So, you can simply fit a few medicines extra in your first aid kit. Do not forget to carry a first aid box with all the basic medicines. Do keep the medicines related to AMS too.
Do Not Forget to Check the Weather Forecast Before Heading to Ladakh
It is always advised that one should check the weather forecast before heading to Ladakh. The weather here is highly volatile and it can change in a quick time. You will have to see if there are chances of bad weather or not.
Always Keep Buffer Days
Buffer days are always important irrespective of the destination. It keeps you calm and if there happens something that you can’t control- these buffer days would come in handy and help you. And with Ladakh, it is a must knowing that the challenges are high here and it can be a problem if you have a time shortage.
Acclimate Properly
Ladakh is located at a high altitude, and it is important to acclimate properly to avoid altitude sickness. Take some time to rest and adjust to the altitude before engaging in any strenuous activities.
Hire a local guide
Hiring a local guide can help you navigate the region safely and provide you with valuable information about the local customs and traditions.
Don’t Do These Things While In Ladakh Trip
Do Not Take AMS as a Joke
For those who are still unaware of this, AMS is the Acute Mountain Sickness that happens to people when they are at high altitudes. Ladakh is a destination that has multiple attractions that are located on high altitudes. Even if you hail from a mountain region, it is advised to respect AMS and let your body acclimatize according to the height.
Do Not Try to Take a Dip in Any Lake
A lot of people get tempted to take a quick dip in the lake but that should strictly be out of your mind. Do not put anything like this in your mind because that will only make your trip disastrous. Medical facilities are still not available in remote parts like Tso Kar and Pangong Lake. If you take a dip in the alpine lake’s freezing water, you might catch a cold instantly and in the worst case, you will get hypothermia. Things can become even worse if you fail to get any medical help.
Stay Away From Ladakhi Dogs
Ladakh dogs, how cute and adorable they might look- should be avoided at all costs. The dogs in Ladakh have a history of attacking people (especially those who are alone.) They hunt in packs and are very dangerous for people. If threatened or hungry, they won’t think twice before attacking. So, keep your dog love to yourself and try to stay away from them.
Try Not to Roam Outside at Night
There are two things related to this. Firstly, it will be cold, and secondly the deadly dogs. Both these are the contributors that keep people to stay put at night. It is for your own safety that you should not go out.
Do Not Drink or Smoke While on This Trip
Consuming alcohol can be harmful even if you are someone who drinks usually. For occasional drinkers, it is a no-no. The impact of consuming alcohol can be problematic and can lead to heavy head, nausea, and other things during the day. So, stay away from consuming anything that will keep you opiated. It will then be a situation for you to handle during your trip.
Avoid Riding or Driving at Nights
Ladakh is not like any other destination and rolling rocks are a normal sight here. The roads are highly challenging and there are no street lamps here. Therefore, it is better to stay rested at night because your body as well as the machine needs rest. Both of them get a lot of beating throughout the trip. So make a plan to drive or ride between 5 to 5 and rest in the other hours.
Prefer Not to Go When You are Sick
If you think you are not at your 100%, it is better to stay home and get well before embarking on your journey to Ladakh. The entire journey will be tiring and if you are not at your best in terms of health- you can jeopardize your trip as well as yourself. So, it will be better if you get well and then head on your journey.
Refrain from drinking tap water
Ladakh is known for its high-altitude desert climate, and it is important to stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking tap water as it may cause waterborne diseases.
Don’t take photographs of locals without their permission
The people of Ladakh are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. However, it is important to respect their privacy. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals.
Don’t littre
Ladakh is a fragile ecosystem, and it is essential to keep the region clean and pollution-free. Avoid littering and carry a trash bag with you to dispose of your waste properly.
Conclusion
These are some important things that you should not forget. All the do’s and don’ts are meticulously written and taken up from multiple experts who have been to Ladakh, multiple times. One of our writers has also helped us in framing the list as he has been to Ladakh 4 times. So, trusting all the above-given points is going to help you through and let you enjoy the trip to the fullest.
See Also: Things to do in Ladakh | Places to visit in Ladakh
