- By air: The fastest option. Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Jammu. This is the recommended route for most visitors as it avoids the long road journey. - Manali-Leh Highway (480 km, 2 days): Open roughly mid-May to October. A spectacular road journey through five high passes including Rohtang La and Baralacha La. Usually done in two days with an overnight stop at Jispa or Sarchu. - Srinagar-Leh Highway (434 km, 2 days): Open year-round but can close in winter. A scenic route via the Zoji La pass and Kargil.

Ladakh Travel Tips: Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know

Q: What to pack for Ladakh

- Warm layers — even in summer, nights at 3,500m can drop to 5-10°C - High SPF sunscreen — UV radiation at altitude is intense - Good quality sunglasses to protect against glare - Lip balm and moisturiser — the dry mountain air cracks skin quickly - Altitude sickness medication (Diamox / Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before travel - A good quality rain jacket for July and August when brief showers are possible - Power bank — load shedding is common in remote areas of Ladakh

May 18
2 min read

Ladakh is unlike anywhere else in India — and first-time visitors often have questions that guidebooks don't fully answer. After three years of welcoming guests from across the world at Nature Palace Farmstay, here are the most important things to know before you visit.

Altitude sickness — the most important thing to know

Leh sits at 3,524 metres above sea level. Altitude sickness (AMS — Acute Mountain Sickness) affects a significant number of visitors who ascend too quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. The golden rule: rest for the first 24-48 hours after arrival, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and sleeping pills, and do not exert yourself. Most guests who rest properly on arrival feel completely fine by day two.

How to get to Leh

By air: The fastest option. Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Jammu. This is the recommended route for most visitors as it avoids the long road journey.
Manali-Leh Highway (480 km, 2 days): Open roughly mid-May to October. A spectacular road journey through five high passes including Rohtang La and Baralacha La. Usually done in two days with an overnight stop at Jispa or Sarchu.
Srinagar-Leh Highway (434 km, 2 days): Open year-round but can close in winter. A scenic route via the Zoji La pass and Kargil.

Permits you will need

Indian nationals do not require a special permit to visit Leh. However, you will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit restricted areas including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Dah-Hanu. ILPs can be obtained online through the Leh district administration website or in person at the DC Office in Leh. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) and must travel in groups of two or more with a registered tour operator for certain areas.

Mobile connectivity and internet

Mobile coverage in Leh town is available on BSNL, Airtel and Jio networks. However, coverage drops off quickly in remote valleys, high passes and at lakes like Pangong Tso. Our farmstay has WiFi connectivity. If you need reliable data for work, BSNL and Airtel have the widest coverage in Ladakh.

What to pack for Ladakh

Warm layers — even in summer, nights at 3,500m can drop to 5-10°C
High SPF sunscreen — UV radiation at altitude is intense
Good quality sunglasses to protect against glare
Lip balm and moisturiser — the dry mountain air cracks skin quickly
Altitude sickness medication (Diamox / Acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before travel
A good quality rain jacket for July and August when brief showers are possible
Power bank — load shedding is common in remote areas of Ladakh

We are here to help you plan

At Nature Palace Farmstay we have helped hundreds of guests plan their perfect Ladakh trip. From itinerary advice and permit guidance to taxi bookings and activity recommendations, we are happy to help before you even arrive. WhatsApp us at +91-9599385259 or email care@naturepalace.in — we answer quickly, 7 days a week.