Roads in the Leh-Ladakh region are unpredictable and you can't afford to arrive there unplanned. Check out these tips for better planning.
We all have a road trip to Ladakh on our bucket list. Manali-Leh is one of the most desired road trip routes however, it is also one of the most treacherous in the world. You can also choose to go via Jammu Kashmir. Anything can happen while you are on a road trip to Leh. Hence, proper planning and all the necessary due diligence are crucial to avoid any bad surprises.
Here, we have collated a list of Dos and Don’ts that you should keep in mind before throttling towards Ladakh.
Don’t drive if you are not an experienced driver in the mountains
When you start a trip from Jammu Kashmir to Ladakh, the roads between Jammu and Kashmir are not so good as they sit in high mountains. You have to fully concentrate on driving with confidence, but don’t be overconfident. We suggest driving a 4x4 or SUV car, but it is not necessary.
Don't forget to carry medicines
Ladakh is not a very resourceful place and in some places of Ladakh, you may have difficulty finding basic medicine. Don’t forget to carry medicines. If possible, carry a full first aid box and oxygen cylinder.
Always carry toilet paper on Ladakh road trips
When you start your journey to Ladakh, it is hard to find public toilets. If you find public toilets, they are located at a very far distance. So remember to carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer, which can help you a lot on a road trip.
Complete your paperwork for the Ladakh road trip
If we have seen the history of Ladakh, there are a lot of military issues. Ladakh is situated on the border of many neighboring countries. If you are a foreigner, you should have the proper papers for the Ladakh road trip. In Ladakh, there are many places in which you cannot go by private car. So you have to hire a local taxi to reach those places.
Don't follow Google Maps blindly for the Ladakh road trip
Ladakh roads can be unpredictable, so don’t trust technology completely for your Ladakh road trip. Especially the estimated time shown by Google maps is never correct as the road conditions in the Ladakh region can deteriorate in no time. On top of that, even if you plan to Google maps, make sure to download the maps of that particular region as you could be driving in no network zone for hours. When in doubt, always consult a localite or army personnel to find the right route.
Don't expect mobile connectivity or internet connection
As we saw in previous points, Ladakh is largely secluded from the real world, hence mobile connection and internet connection are very poor in these places. Only two network companies work here includingAirtel and BSNL. However, Airtel is not working in many places in Ladakh, but BSNL postpaid connection works. You can only get networks through wifi in hotels and tourist centers.
Don't forget to apply sunscreen.
The climate of Ladakh changes randomly. In some places of Ladakh, you feel very cold, and in some places, you feel very chilly. In these areas, you can suffer from dry skin and sunburn. Always apply sunscreen on your body and face to prevent the skin and face from dryness.
Hope these points will help you plan your Ladakh road trip better.
