High Passes, Lakes and Milky Way!

This trip is ex- Leh. Arrive anytime on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 9.

• Ladakh is a high altitude cold desert. So while the temperature may not exceed 25 degrees C, the afternoons can still feel extremely hot due to the sharp sun. 
• Mornings and Evenings will be cold, especially near Pangong Tso  with temperatures as low as -3 degrees C at night. In other words, typical cold desert autumn weather – pleasant but extremely sunny days and cold nights in Leh/Nubra(~3000m) and very cold nights at Pangong(~4500m).

*Please note that now a days, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days

• Leh – A well appointed boutique hotel in the city, not far from the market
• Sumuru – Ladakhi styled cottages near the Nubra river
• Pangong Tso – Luxury cottages on the banks of the lake
• Hanle – A basic homestay with simple but clean rooms and extremely hospitable local people. Rooms will have attached bathrooms.

Please note that Hanle is extremely remote and the accommodation and services will be basic. It is a Dark Sky Reserve so man-made light pollution is restricted and bright lights are not allowed after dark.

• Simple Indian food such as rotis/dal, rice etc. Toast/Omelettes will be available.
• We will be trying local cuisine including a traditional Ladakhi lunchi in Stok and traditional Baltistani cuisine in Turtuk
• If you have special dietary requests, please let us know beforehand. 
• It would also be a good idea to carry some meal packets with you if you have special requirements. While a variety of food is available in Leh, the options will be limited when we are on the move to far flung places. 

Alcohol on higher altitude can make you extremely dehydrated. And even smaller quantities can cause altitude-related issues. If you have to taste a local alcohol, try it towards the tail end of the trip.

Avoid smoking at higher altitudes as the oxygen is already rare. 

We remain cautious about the fitness of our participants for a trip like Ladakh. The trip lead will have all medical necessities, the vehicle will have a portable oxygen cylinder and in case of emergencies there are army first aid centres at higher altitude. We have conducted a number of very successful trips to Ladakh. We have had an asthmatic person travel to Ladakh without any issues. However, every person has different coping levels to high altitudes and young age or physical fitness may still not guarantee easy acclimatisation. Here are some tips and advisory for the trip

• Proper Rest:  A well-rested body copes better with altitude stress. All tourists/visitors arriving in Leh must undergo at least 48 hrs of acclimatisation before initiating their journey to high-altitude areas as per the Leh Ladakh GOVT health advisory. Also, ensure you get enough sleep during your stay.
• Hydration is Key: For acclimatisation, staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to minimise the risk of altitude. A minimum of 3 to 4 litres of water per day is advised. Sometimes water doesn’t do as much justice hence keep some sachets of ORS like Electral handy and keep taking sips of it.
• Gradual Acclimatisation: Allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude by spending the first day in Leh without strenuous activities. Slowly increase your physical exertion over the next few days. We have planned our itinerary in a way that gives us ample time to do that. So, it might look like we are not doing a lot in a day but that is because we are not travelling to plains.
• Altitude Medication: Consult a doctor for altitude sickness medication, like Diamox, before your trip. This can help prevent and alleviate symptoms. If you are already consuming any blood thinner medicine in your regular chart then mention that to the doctor specifically.
• Indigestion is another reason why people feel nausea when they reach high altitude regions like Leh ,hence it is advisable to keep in hand digestive/ antacids of your choice or ask the host for natural local home remedies. Have a light meal on the first day of arrival to avoid indigestion. Consume a diet rich in carbohydrates and low in fats. This helps in acclimatisation and provides energy for your body to cope with the altitude.

• Ladakh is a high altitude desert and part of our journey will be through some of the highest roads in the world ~ 4000 m above MSL. Please consult your physician before booking the trip. Please note that we will be staying in certain places where no specialised medical help is available. 
• You will need to sign an agreement with F5 that you are undertaking this trip after your doctor’s consult on travelling to high altitude
• The first two days are strictly for acclimatisation. We expect all travellers to follow the guidelines.
• There will be long road journeys on 5 days (6-7 hours). Please reconsider if that is not convenient for you or if you have back and knees issues
• Expect traffic jams! (especially enroute Khardungla and Changla)
• Hanle is extremely remote and the accommodation and services will be basic. It is a Dark Sky Reserve so man-made light pollution is restricted and bright lights are not allowed after dark. Hot water will be made available in buckets.