Acute Mountain Sickness Guide – All You Need To Know
In my previous post about how to prepare for Ladakh, I talked about how Ladakh was one of the most extreme places and the things you should know before visiting Ladakh. I had also mentioned that of all the ‘dangers’ that pose a threat to someone visiting Ladakh. Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS is the one thing you really should know well about before visiting Ladakh or any high-altitude destination for that matter. The topic of how to avoid altitude sickness is a big one but I will try to be precise here. So buckle-up and be rest assured that by the time you are on the other side, you will have a clear idea about how to have a safe and wonderful trip to Ladakh.
Khardung La – One of the High-Altitude Passes
What is high-altitude?
When you are visiting a mountainous region, you know that with every kilometer you move ahead you are also gaining altitude. But you have been to places like Manali, Shimla, etc. before and you have never been bothered about AMS, then why now? Well, that is because you have not really been to heights which are at a ‘high altitude’. To be considered at high altitude — the height at which the effects of lack of oxygen in the air starts showing – up in the human body — you have to be at a height of at least 8,000 feet (2,348 meters). Most people can easily go up-to this height without much discomfort or problem. However, anything beyond that and up to 18,000 feet can be dangerous to many and is called very high altitude. Anything beyond 18,000 feet, extremely high altitude.
What are the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS?
The symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness start showing up soon after you have moved to a higher altitude. The symptoms vary depending upon how bad one is affected by AMS. Having said that, the basic symptoms to keep an eye open for are the following:
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Lightheadedness
Rapid heart-beat
Feeling exhausted
Mild headache
Dizziness
While these symptoms by themselves are not dangerous, they can turn life-threatening within a matter of hours. if you don’t go to a lower altitude quickly enough (more on that below).
In Ladakh, you always go higher and higher
Severe symptoms of Acute Mountain Symptoms
If the symptoms mentioned persist even after more than a couple of hours after you have reached a high-altitude destination and proper rest but not progressing you can just stay put and let your body acclimatizes. However, if you find yourself struggling more and more and have started to find it difficult to breathe coupled with other symptoms like coughing, inability to walk in a normal way, rush to a nearby hospital. Hospitals in Leh are well-equipped to handle cases of mild to moderate AMS. If you still don’t get better, the hospitals would suggest you rush to a lower altitude. If they do, don’t even have any second thoughts about it, rush to somewhere lower.
Things to keep in mind when gaining altitude rapidly, Ladakh
How do I keep AMS away?
The the most importantway to try to keep AMS away is to let your body acclimatize to the high altitude. More so if you have flown in from the plains. The body needs time to get used to working at much lower levels of oxygen than it generally does. If you don’t give it that time, you are inviting AMS. Try to do the following and you will in all probability, be able to keep AMS at bay:
Acclimatize. Whether flying in or otherwise, take the first day at Leh very slow. Rest, rest and rest. Or maybe just a brisk walk. No activity on this day.
Climb gradually. Ideally, a day’s rest after every 2000-3000 feet of climb beyond 10,000 feet but in real-world scenarios, try to make the ascent as gradual as possible. Take the road instead of flying-in to Leh. Choose the Srinagar-Leh highway over the Manali – Leh highway, which is steeper.
Climb high, sleep low. Cross high-altitude areas during the day but by night, sleep at lower altitude. One that should at least be significantly lower than the highest point you have crossed that day.
Drink lots of fluid (not alcohol). Green tea, water, juice whatever. But drink. Keep yourself hydrated.
Keep the energy-supply going. Dry fruits, chocolates or anything that packs a punch in it. The point is to never run low on your energy levels.
Do not exert yourself. No jumping, no dancing, no running around. Totally no un-wanted physical activity.
Medicine for High Altitude – Diamox dosage for altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is not something that can be ‘treated’ with medicines. The medicines prescribed just increase your body’s capability to get used-too faster while trying to mask the mild symptoms. Just like different people acclimatize at different rates and AMS affects different people differently, the effectiveness of the medicines which are generally prescribed for AMS– Diamox (Acetazolamide) & Dexamethasone — too varies from people to people.
Having said all this, I would like to iterate that all the information here is for you to keep in mind. If you take it slow and easy, in all probability, you will not face any issues related to AMS. Keep in mind that things like light head-ache and loss of appetite when you are at a higher altitude which would fade away on their own.
So, be relaxed, go with a happy mind and come back with memories of a lifetime.
*For taking any Medicine consult with Doctor first
10 Safety Do’s & Don’ts While Touring on a Two-wheeler
Planning to go on a long road trip on your motorcycle? Two-wheeler trips across India have become more common than you would have imagined just a few years ago when the infrastructure or the motorcycle market was not mature enough to support the biker lifestyle. But today there are a ton of adventure motorcycles as well as the existing options have become much more advanced which has made long distance cross country touring a common activity. If you are planning one of those special trips of your lifetime, here are 10 safety do’s and don’ts that you need to be aware of before setting out on your journey.
Always wear a helmet
Most avid riders who love riding motorcycles do not leave their homes without a helmet, but the small unwitting mistakes they make when they are on the road are simply beyond imagination. Never think that you do not need a motorcycle helmet just because you are riding half a kilometer to a store to buy water for the camp or some grocery. The motorcycle helmet is something that has to be on you always whenever you are on the bike because you never know when disaster might strike. For those times when you have to ride in hot conditions, make sure to open up the air vents on your motorcycle to allow flow of cool air instead of riding without a motorcycle helmet! Invest in a modern branded motorcycle helmet that has multiple air vents on the front as well as at the top and rear which facilitates a comprehensive air circulation which will take care of the humidity and hotness inside the helmet.
Never ride unless you are completely focused
A common mistake many riders make when they are starting on the two-wheeler lifestyle is that they tend to ride their motorcycles even when they are not completely focused. There could be multiple reasons why you may not feel focused. One reason could be consumption of alcohol. The second reason could be a lack of good sleep at night. And the third reason could be ill health caused by stomach infection, fever or some other health concern. The key thing to remember when you are on the road is that you are alone and there might not be anyone around to help you out if you ever get in trouble. That is why, you need all the faculties in your body to be working at peak performance so that you don’t make a mistake that could have been easily avoided had you been completely focused on the road. If you feel that your body is not ready to take the load of riding 600-700 kilometers at a stretch, then it is advisable that you don’t push yourself! Take the day off and reschedule your itinerary to match the delay in your ride.
Always do a pre-ride check
When you are riding long distances across rural areas where you have to put up for the night there are many things that could have gone wrong during the night. Speaking from experience, our riders have had wild animals chew down brake cables, or knock down their bikes at night and they were not aware of the damage until much later when they were on the highway. That is why it is important that you always complete a pre-ride check-up before throwing your leg across the seat. Check for fuel levels and do a quick visual overview of all the mechanical parts to see if everything is in proper order.
Don’t leave your bike or luggage unattended
Whenever you are stopping for the night do not leave your luggage and motorcycle riding accessories outdoors unattended because that might end up becoming a victim of theft. That is the last thing you want when you are on the road. Not only does that mean that you have to spend a lot of money to buy replacements, there may be times when money may not be enough to solve the problem! For example, if you happen to lose some important documents that were inside the motorcycle luggage bag then replacing them will take more than just money. Always make sure to carry luggage and important things indoors and keep the motorcycle changed and locked properly to a solid pillar or parked inside a garage for the night.
Don’t depend on a single source for critical information
It is a good idea to have a GPS device on you at all times instead of relying on strangers for directions. Talking to strangers is not such a bad thing but you must never completely rely on the information because one, they may not know themselves and two, you never know when you might come across a miscreant. In the rare case when you have to depend on someone else for information always follow the rule of asking thrice. What this simply means is that you ask the same question to a minimum of 3 different people and compare their answers. If all the answers are the same, then you have got the correct information. If that is not the case, start asking another set of 3 people all over again. As soon as you have three common answers you know that you are on the right direction.
Always have redundant communication connections
Never solely rely on just one mode of communication when you are on the highway on a long cross-country ride. It is a good idea to have a dual SIM mobile phone with multiple connections so that you never run out of options even if one of the mobile networks do not have coverage in the area you are riding across. Back in the day, there used to be telephone booths (PCO) where you could walk in, dial a number, pay the charge and connect with people, but nowadays those that have completely vanished. You may walk into a shop and request to use their communications equipment but chances are that they will deny it. Mobile phone networks have come of age and they are good enough to keep you connected across india but if you are planning a cross continent motorcycle ride then it might be a good idea to invest in a satellite phone.
Riding solo is great, but if group ride is better for beginners
If this is your first time riding long distance then refer to have someone accompany you on your ride. There are motorcyclist forums where you can find people planning their own cross-country tours and you can group up with them. That has a lot of advantages, primarily in terms of safety but also so it will keep you motivated to complete the ride which might be arduous if your machine is not equipped for huge distances (small CC bikes) or are you often find yourself digging deep into your soul for inspiration. However, know that the more people in your group the more complications there will be!
Power back-up is a must
Our lives around gadgets and electronics. Even when you are on the road you are going to need your mobile phone to check the GPS for directions and to call people back home and update them about your progress. There might be times when you run out of juice on your mobile phone especially if you have been using the GPS functionality in your phone which is a huge power hog. That is why you must always have at least a couple of power banks in your motorcycle luggage bag or in the fuel tank bag so that you can easily access them to recharge your mobile on the go! Also, if you prefer camping over staying in a hotel, you might not have the access to power outlets to recharge your gadgets which makes the presence of power backups even more important.
Know the limits of man and machine
New riders often overestimate the capacity of their motorcycles and push it beyond its optimum operating capacity. There are multiple repercussions of doing that. First, it pushes the machine over the edge which could result in a mechanical failure. Second, it stretches the safety equipment place in the motorcycle for your protection and may lead to an accident and thirdly, it creates a lot of mental stress and anxiety which is the last thing you want when you are on a pleasure ride across the country. Always plan your travel well in advance, making time and distance calculations in detail so that you know how much time you are going to need to cover a particular stretch of the road even if there are small delays in between for police security checks at state borders or meal breaks.
Medicines aren’t optional
Pharmacies and medicine stores are plenty across the highways of India but unfortunately, they suddenly become rare exactly at the time when you need medicine! While you don’t have to stuff your bags with a lot of medicines and first-aid kits, but it is important that you carry at least a few basic things such as bandages and antiseptic cream along with a few common medicines for fever and stomach infection. A couple of painkillers in your medicine bag is also a good idea, but do not depend on them for minor muscle/joint pains which is common when you ride for long distances without taking breaks. To avoid those, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks after every 200-300 kilometers.
Do’s and Don’ts for riding your motorcycle with confidence
How do I get away the fear of accidents while riding the motorcycle and drive with confidence?
Turn fear into caution. Fear results in paralysis and makes you a worse rider. Caution comes from experience, maturity and preparation. Caution makes you a safer, better rider. So follow these Do’s and Don’ts to replace fear with caution.
Don’t focus on the road directly in front of you. Your gaze should be approximately 4-5 car lengths in front of you and should be broken up with glances all around. These glances should include your mirrors, looking far in front of you and to each side of you. If you fixate on the road directly in front of you, you will be unable to anticipate any dangerous conditions. Also, you are likely to become “hypnotized” by the sight of the road quickly passing by you.
Don’t drive slower than traffic. Driving overly cautious often results in driving slower than the speed of traffic. Also overly cautious drivers tend to tap their brakes at unpredictable moments, creating a lack of predictability for those drivers around you. If you don’t feel safe driving at the speed of traffic, you shouldn’t be on that road.
Don’t ride a bike too big or too fast for you to feel comfortable. Some riders think that a bigger bike will be a safer bike. Others feel that a faster bike will allow them to avoid dangers. However, the most dangerous choice is one that you can’t comfortably handle. A motorcycle that is a weight and size that fits your height, build and strength, will be easiest to handle.
Don’t ride under the influence of ANY drugs or alcohol. Regardless of the whether you are under the legal limits, alcohol drastically increases the likelihood of being in an accident. Remember, you’re only on two wheels and have no cage around you.
Do wear proper safety gear. Regardless of what the law says, a full face helmet, riding gloves, riding boots and full leathers is the smartest riding gear. This is true, even in warm weather. If it’s too hot for proper riding gear, it may be too hot to ride. In the unfortunate case that your body hits the pavement, proper riding gear lessens and avoids many painful and permanent injuries.
Do take a motorcycle safety class before getting on a motorcycle. This will eliminate a lot of fears. It gives you the tools for dealing with the roadway, the traffic and any conditions that arise. If you are a more experienced rider, an advanced riding class is even better. It will prepare you for any avoidable situation you encounter.
Do ride in less trafficked areas and on less traffic days. Less traffic means less encounters with cars. This still leaves dangerous road conditions, animals and debris, however these are easier to anticipate if you are not watching out for other humans in cars.
Do ride in daylight only. Visibility is increased. Visibility of you and by you!
To get away from the fear of accidents a balancing act is necessary. You have to master both thinking and instincts at the same time. This way you won’ t be over-thinking your moves on the road, and you will be thinking about your choices before you get on the bike.
While you’re planning for Leh-Ladakh, Sikkim or North East Road Trips, here is a check list which we have prepared for you all. This check list has all the points which you can go through and plan your respective road trips in advance.
1. MEDICINE – INCLUDING AMS
For AMS Related Problems, use herbal medicine Gingko Bilabo
(Avoid Diamox anyway which causes Nausea).
Why Gingko Bilabo ? Read more at: https://photoseek.com/2012/acclimatize-to-high-altitude/
a.) Carry medicines for fever, stomach upset, ache etc.
b.) Dettol, Cotton, Bandage
c.) Sunscreen: 100SPF
2. MOBILE CONNECTIONS:
When you are riding to remote areas especially near the International border, you can only use BSNL Post-paid Connections. Due to the restrictions, one might not be able to use Prepaid Sims.
Get the BSNL Post-paid Sims before the trips.
3. FOR MOTORCYCLES
1. ) Extra Clutch Cables, Throttle Cables, Extra Tubes for Tire, Chain Link Locks, Clutch and Break Lever (In case it breaks during shipping or on a fall), Spark Plugs, Headlight Bulbs etc.
2. ) Extra motorcycle ignition keys (Just in case).
4. MOBILE CHARGERS
Mobile Chargers with Power Sockets: Bolt Mobile chargers, Power Sockets.
If you are using 10maH or more Power Banks, you can carry Asus Power Bank as a backup.
5. TYRE INFLATORS
Foot Pumps: Use Super Foot Pumps which are heavy duty once and these foot pumps come with extra spares too for the cylinder and the spring. Can be used to pump Car, Jeep, SUV and Motorcycle Tyres.
Air Compressors: We recommend you to use Kennedy Air Compressors as these are heavy duty once. Kennedy Brand just like Stanley is premium tools suppliers worldwide.
If you want to use these compressors for your respective motorcycles, you will have to install a Power Socket. Keep the Engine Running while using compressors.
6. TOURING TOOLS FOR ROYAL ENFIELDS AND OTHER MOTORCYCLES
We’ve handpicked all the necessary tools that are required for long distance road trips. NH4 Motorheads Touring Tools + Bag comes handy for any long distance road trips and has all the tools that are required to fix any Royal Enfields for e.g. Wheel Nut Opener, Chain Adjuster, Tire Levers, All Spanners, Allen Keys, Tyre Valve Remover, Knife, Chain Lube, Insulation Tape.
Street Mini Off-road Tank Bag, Street Master Off-road Tank Bag which can be used as a Tail Bag, DSLR Tank Bag which can be used as a Backpack (Designed for only DSLR Camera), Magnetic Tank Top.
4L for Bajaj Avenger, 8L fits and Royal Enfield including Himalayan and 12L fits only Royal Enfield Himalayan.
These bags are designed to carry tools, water bottles and fuel for long distance roadtrips.
8. WAIST POUCH
Waist Pouch which you can use it as a Shoulder Sling Bag. Comes handy and one can carry wallet, small camera, mobile, money, vehicle papers etc.
9. WARM WEAR
If you are planning for Leh-Ladakh, Spiti-Lahaul Valley, Sikkim & Bhutan, North East Trips, you can purchase these warm wear:
Sweaters: mals.
Shemaghs: mals.
Multifunctional Headwear: mals.
10. HELMETS
Helmet: It’s very important to use a Good Quality full face helmet with clear visors for any long distance road-trips. It’s Mandatory for both rider and pillion. You can opt for MT helmets.
11. TORCH AND SMALL KNIFE
During the dark hours, if you need to fix something on the highway, Led Lenser Torches comes really handy. You can
Quick access tool which comes really handy is Stanley 12-in-1 Multifunctional Tool, which comes with a Belt Pouch:
12. BOOTS, GLOVES, KNEE GUARDS
You can use Army Boots, JCB Excavator Boots and good quality Knee Guards.
13. BUNGEE CORDS OR STRETCH CORDS
Bungee Cords – Set of 4 or Set of 6. You can purchase it here:
14. WATCH
Watch: 100m/200m like G-Shock.
15. SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses: Any sunglasses with good UV Protection.
17. TENTS
Tents: If you wish to carry tents,
18. SLEEPING BAGS
Sleeping Bags: If you wish to purchase sleeping bags,
19. TYRES FOR LONG DISTANCE ROADTRIPS
Your life is depended on those wheels and to be in Safer Side, use good button tires, avoids stock MRF ZAPPER Tires as Traction isn’t much in it and chances of slip is always there. CEAT, BIRLA, MICHELIN Etc will help.
Tire Pressure: Front 22-23, Rear: 32-33 – Use Nitrogen instead air. During peak summer, air tends to expand whereas Nitrogen doesn’t.
(Note: Do not use Puncture Patches, during peak summer puncture patches tends to come out and it’s very risky if you are at 70-80kmph.)
20. ACTION CAMERA
Motorcycle Helmet Mount Camera’s (Action camera’s) – Record your respective trips with SUNCO Camera’s. Check: or you can purchase Go Pro or Sony Action Camera’s too.
21. GARBAGE BAGS
Garbage bags M Size to cover your feet during any water crossings and if you are planning for Camping, use it for the Trash.
22.Himalayan Saddle Stays
If you install Himalayan Saddle Stays, you can use bigger saddlebags like Highway 500-50L or Highway 700-65L
You can purchase Saddle Stays at:
Highway 500 Link:
Highway 700 (NH4)Link:
Rynox
Road Gods
23. TOWING ROPES –
For motorcycle get an 1 inch Nylon Ropes, available on any Hardware Shop and For Cars, use the 4 Ton Towing Ropes.
Please Note :For Medicines Please consult with your Doctor .
Winter in Ladakh is one of the harshest in India and temperatures can fall upto -30 degree Celsius at night. For the adventurous soul, this is the best time to visit Ladakh, as you not only get to experience near arctic temperatures, but also explore it at a time, when even quite a few Ladakhis leave Ladakh for better employment opportunities and warmer climate and there are only handful of tourists around.
While this winter travel guide would help you prepare for your upcoming adventure, you have to keep in mind that there are very real dangers of traveling to Ladakh in winter and no amount of planning can help, if the nature decides to unleash its full fury or if you throw caution to the wind and stop listening to your own body. So remember to proceed with caution and treat nature as well as your own health with respect and care.
How to prepare and plan for a winter trip to Ladakh?
Planning becomes all the more important, when you are traveling to Ladakh in winter and it is best to have a rough plan in place and carry essential things needed for a trip of this scale, in order to avoid any complications later. Planning well in advance will not only help you get your gear and travel plan ready, but also mentally prepare you for this harsh yet wonderful journey.
When designing your itinerary, it is crucial to schedule at least first couple of days in Leh, in order to acclimatize to high altitude and cold environment. It is also a good idea to spend the last day in Leh, so that you have a buffer day to fall back on, in case of any delays en route. For free personalized itinerary,
Please go through our list of essential things for winter trip to Ladakh, for our recommendation on things you should carry, including types of clothes, shoes and eatables.
If it is snow you are after and wish to see and walk on the frozen Pangong Tso, then it is best to visit Ladakh between middle of January to end of February, when winter is at its peak and majority of snowfall occurs.
While you do not need to be extremely fit to visit Ladakh, it is a good idea to start getting in the habit of walking and climbing stairs, before your trip. Because even after hiring a taxi, you will still end up doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, while visiting monasteries, and at high altitude and in cold climate, your stamina would be a lot less than what it normally is.
How to reach Ladakh in winter?
While Manali – Leh Highway normally closes in November, Srinagar – Leh Highway remains open till December. However these aren’t the best time to take the land route and once both these routes close, the only way to get in and out of Ladakh is by flight.
While several major airlines operate regular flights to Leh from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar, due to fog and severe weather conditions, there can be delays and postponements at times, especially if you are traveling in January or February.
How to travel in Ladakh during winter?
During winter the only comfortable way to travel in Ladakh is by taxi. However at that time, finding seats in shared taxis is extremely difficult due to fewer tourists.
Hiring a taxi while being expensive is the most convenient option and allows you to travel at your own pace and stop as often as you want for photography and sightseeing., though contacting drivers directly will allow you to get a custom quote based on your own itinerary and get discount on the listed price. Rigzin (+919622954779 and +919469472772) and Dorjee (+919906971501) are two drivers who have been hired by several BCMTians and have a good rapport.
Hiring a taxi in advance will allow you to know the total transport expenditure you would be incurring, and you will also have the option of getting accommodation booked at various places through your taxi driver. If you do not wish to book taxi in advance, then you can arrange one through taxi union or your hotel, after arriving in Leh.
What to do after arriving at Leh?
After your flight lands in Leh, you should head straight to your hotel and try and acclimatize to high altitude and cold weather. By noon if you are feeling alright, then you can visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Main Market. However make sure not to overstress yourself, otherwise Acute Mountain Sickness can strike in a nasty manner.
Try and stay indoors, after sunset, since temperature can fall quite rapidly, once sunlight is gone and dogs in Leh can be quite aggressive as well. Try and reach your hotel/restaurant before sunset and if you need to travel after sunset, do it in a taxi.
Places to visit
While both the land routes to Ladakh close in winter, majority of internal roads remain open and can easily be explored in a taxi, even in peak winter. However please keep in mind that in case of Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, road can get closed for couple of days or more, in case of heavy snowfall. Hence it is best to keep your plan flexible and avoid covering the above routes on your last day in Ladakh. Also keep an eye on weather forecast and check with locals about the prevailing weather and road conditions.
Ladakh and Zanskar Road Map by Aarti and Harsh. Click to enlarge
Leh, Sham Valley and Monastery Circuit
Leh along with Sham Valley and Monastery Circuit has a lot to offer to a visitor and can easily be covered in 2-3 days. Add to that, Leh and surrounding area is comparatively lower in altitude and generally isn’t as cold as the Changthang Region and Pangong Tso. Hence it makes sense to spend the first couple of days exploring Leh (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa and Hall of Fame) along with Sham Valley Tour (Alchi, Likir, Spituk and Basgo Monasteries, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Indus and Zanskar Sangam and Magnetic Hill) or Monastery Circuit (Hemis, Thiksey and Shey Monasteries).
Where to stay:
While majority of hotels in Leh close down by middle of October, a few remain open. Since weather is extremely cold, it is best to stay in a hotel which offers central heating. Our recommendation would be for Hotel Tso Kar (Rs. 2500/night onward) or The Grand Dragon (Rs. 7000/night onward).
Where to eat:
Just like hotels, majority of restaurants in Leh are also closed during winter and finding delicious food is difficult, especially if you love spicy food. We recommend Neha Sweets in Leh Main Market, second last dhaba at Karu and restaurant next to samosa seller in Nimmu for delicious meals.
Nubra Valley and Khardung La
Khardung La along with Nubra Valley is a must visit for all those visiting Ladakh for the first time. Not only is Nubra Valley at similar altitude as Leh, it offers a wide variety of landscape and cultural experience to its visitors. You can either do Nubra Valley as a day trip, covering Khardung La, Diskit Monastery and Hunder Sand Dune. Or spend one or two nights there and cover Hunder Sand Dunes, Diskit Monastery, Turtuk, Sumur Village and Panamik Hot Springs and Monastery. If you are an NRI or Foreigner, you will need Protected Area Permit in order to visit Nubra Valley. Indian Citizens will just need to submit a self declaration form at check posts en route (available at photocopy shops in Leh.)
Where to stay and eat:
During winter, accommodation is severely limited in Nubra Valley, hence it is recommended to either book the accommodation in advance or at least confirm its availability, before your trip through your taxi driver or hotel in Leh. Our recommendation would be for Habib Guest House, which offers decent budget accommodation and food and has gas powered heaters.
Pangong Tso
Pangong is one of the largest high altitude lakes in India and while only one third of this 135km long lake is in India and rest in China, it is nonetheless a slight to behold. During peak winter (mid-January to February end), Pangong Tso becomes completely frozen and hard enough for cars to drive on! It is a must visit for all travelers, no matter how many times you have visited Ladakh. There are also several smaller lakes and streams en route, which you can explore and on normal permit, you can drive up to Merak Village.
You can also take a detour from Tangste to Harong Wet Lands, which are quite scenic and are rarely visited by tourists. You can do Pangong Tso as a day trip, or with a night stop at Tangste Village, in order to spend more time at Pangong Tso and visit Harong Wet Lands. Indian Citizens with right permit can also drive along Pangong Tso to Chushul village and thereafter proceed to Hanle or Tso Moriri. Since Pangong Tso is on the LAC, NRIs and Foreigners need Protected Area Permit in order to visit Pangong Tso. Indian Citizens will just need to submit a form at check posts en route (available at photocopy shops in Leh.)
Where to stay and eat:
While you might be able to find homestays at Spangmik or Man and Merak Villages, it is best to spend the night at Tangste Village, which is lower in altitude and comparatively warmer. Only budget accommodation is available in Tangste with Ladakhi toilets and gas powered heaters, which you have to shut off at night. Food too is a basic affair at Tangste, and nonexistent at Spangmik, unless you can convince a local to cook for you. Second last dhaba at Karu is a good place to have breakfast.
Tso Moriri
While being smaller in size than Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri is almost as beautiful and also freezes completely during winter. Located 211km from Leh in Changthang region, Tso Moriri is higher in altitude than Pangong Tso and route leading up to it is even more scenic than the one you encounter en route to Pangong Tso. Due to the distance involved, it is extremely difficult to do a day trip and hence it makes sense to spend the night at Chumathang Village, which is 70km before Tso Moriri. You can also incorporate Tso Moriri in a trip to Hanle or as part of a trip covering Pangong Tso and Changthang Region, Leh – Pangong Tso – Chushul – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh. If you are an NRI or Foreigner, you will need Protected Area Permit in order to visit Tso Moriri. Indian Citizens will just need to submit a form at check posts en route (available at photocopy shops in Leh.)
Where to stay and eat:
ng is just about the only option, if you are planning to visit Tso Moriri in winter. It is also a very comfortable place to stay, since it is located on top of Hot Springs and remains comfortable, even at night. Karu en route to Tso Moriri is a good place to have breakfast, while for lunch and dinner, Chumathang is just about the only option, since there is almost nothing available at Korzok Village, which is located on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake. If you are traveling from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, then have your lunch at Chushul Village, since the tea shop at Nyoma isn’t open at times.
Chushul, Hanle and Changthang
Chushul, Hanle and other areas in Changthang Plateau aren’t open for foreigners, and they can only go till Merak Village on Pangong Tso side and Loma Check Post. In case of Indians, getting permit for Chushul is half the battle, since even after having permit, Army or ITBP can turn you back, based on the condition along the LAC (ceasefire line between India and China). However if you do manage to get the permit and then permission to go across Chushul, then it is a lovely place to visit, since off road drive along the Pangong Tso is a wonderful experience and at Chushul, you can visit Chushul and Rezang La War Memorials. At Hanle you can visit the highest altitude observatory in India and Hanle Monastery.
From Hanle you can visit Photi La, Chummur, Kyun Tso and from Chushul or Mahe, you have the option of visiting Mitpal Tso and Yeye Tso. However do these routes only if you are interested in exploring off beat places that few if any go to and don’t mind traveling on extremely bad terrain with no help around for miles.
Where to stay and eat:
Chushul has restaurant where you can have noodles or maggi, while Nyoma has a tea shop as well. Accommodation is available at Hanle in the form of Sonam Guest House, which only has wood/dung powered heating during winter. Observatory Guest House at Hanle is a comfortable place to stay at; however it is no longer open to civilians. Hence you will need contacts to get permission to stay there.
Lamayuru and Kargil
If you are interested in visiting Lamayuru Monastery and Kargil in the dead of winter, then you can do that as well, since the road between Leh and Kargil remains open even in winter. You would also be able to club Sham Valley circuit in this trip with a night stay at Kargil.
Where to stay and eat:
Majority of the hotels in Kargil would be closed at that time; hence the best option would be to stay at the JKTDC Guest House. Food at Nimmu is good and at Kargil, you should be able to get food at JKTDC Guest House.
Tips
Since you will be traveling in extremely cold climate, it is best to keep yourself warm, as much as possible and avoid taking off gloves while outside (change camera settings before getting out of the taxi) and if you have to take off your gloves, make sure to put them back on again, as soon as possible.
Avoid moving from hot places eg. heated room/restaurant to outdoor immediately, spend a few minutes between both the places eg. door and let your body get used to the cold temperature, before proceeding further.
Avoid going out with wet hair or cloths, since that can lead to headache or worse, hypothermia.
Make sure to eat regularly and consume plenty of protein and fats, in order to keep yourself warm and energy level up. Regularly munching on dry fruits is a good way to get essential fatty acids and protein.
Make sure to stay hydrated by regularly drinking water and make sure the water you are drinking is hot. Carry couple of thermoses per person and get them filled regularly at your hotel and restaurants.
Avoid traveling with more than 4 passengers in a taxi (5-6 in case of Xylo), since due to heavy clothing, space is at a premium and more people will only make the trip uncomfortable. Also make sure heater isn’t running inside taxi, unless you really need to warm up fast. Because if the heater is running, then stepping outside the taxi can cause headache.
In case you have any queries about traveling to Ladakh, please feel free to post comment
Please Note :For taking Medicines along with Please consult with your First
Here’s a comprehensive list (hopefully) of things to carry for your motorcycle tours in the Himalayas — primarily Ladakh. This is designed for a group of 2-3 riders for a period of 25 days or more. Certain things may not apply to all riders depending on the route they intend to take and the availability of facilities.
Btw, I read the list put together by Yogesh with respect to spares and tools and this I believe would be an useful addition.
J&J Band-Aid FastHeal Washproof – Long, Square and circle patches
Voveran Thermagel – Ointment for sprains/muscular fatigue
Burnol – Antiseptic ointment (for Burns)
Betadine – Antiseptic Ointment for wounds and scratches
Candid B – Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial Ointment for topical application (esp. skin rashes)
Healex Spray or equivalent Mediderma – Aerosol spray dressing for fresh wounds
Relispray – Ayurvedic spray for sprains and aches
Dettol Antiseptic Liquid – 50ml
Water purification tablets – mild concentration
Vicks/Amrutanjan Inhaler (Not to be shared)
Vaseline/Himalaya Lip guard (Not to be shared)
Homeopathic Alternative:
Important: Do Consult a qualified Homeopath for dosage
Rhus Tox – Relief from severe body pain Belladona – Relief from Headache Coca – Relief from Altitude sickness (AMS) Gelsemium – Relief from Diarrhea/Loose Motion Veratrum album – relief from sever cases of vomitting and/or Diarrhea
Please Note :For Medicines Please consult with your Doctor First
Traveling to Ladakh is fraught with challenges and one of the biggest challenge and threat to travelers visiting Ladakh is that of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Acute Mountain Sickness occurs due to scarcity of oxygen at high altitude, and inability of our bodies to adjust to low oxygen content in air. Acute mountain sickness is defined as: In the setting of recent ascent to high altitude, headache with at least one of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue or weakness, dizziness or lightheartedness and lack of sleep.
While majority of travelers to Ladakh experience some or all of the symptoms of moderate AMS (headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite and shortness of breath while walking), few get affected by severe AMS (shortness of breath at rest, inability to walk, decreased mental status and fluid buildup in lungs). Severe AMS can in some cases, lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
Hence it is best to exercise caution while traveling to Ladakh and keep an eye on your health, as well as that of your co-travelers.
This practical AMS Survival Guide aims to give you the information you can use and is tailored for those planning to visit Ladakh.
Which is the best route to avoid AMS?
Srinagar – Leh Highway is lower in altitude than Manali – Leh Highway, with the highest point being 13,479ft (4,108mtr), Fotu La pass. In comparison, Manali – Leh Highway’s highest point is 17,585ft (5,360mtr), Tanglang La pass. And for the 200km long stretch between Zingzing Bar and Rumtse Village, altitude never dips below 13,780ft (4,200mtr).
Hence it is our recommendation that you take the Srinagar – Leh Highway, if you have the time and wish to avoid getting hit by severe AMS.
You can also take the Shimla – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Keylong route to Ladakh, which too will help you gain altitude gradually. However, please do not rush through it, since it will not only lessen your chances of gradually acclimatizing to high altitude, but you will also miss out on the wonderful sights en route.
What if I have to take the Manali – Leh Highway while going to Leh?
If you just have to do Manali route first or if that is the only route you are planning to cover, then it is best to avoid spending the night at Bharatpur, Sarchu or Pang. Instead you should stay at Keylong, Jispa or Darcha and then start in the wee hours of the morning for Leh. If you have to spend a night between Baralacha La and Tanglang La, then Sarchu is safer bet than Bharatpur and Pang.
Whatever you do, do not attempt to cover Tso Moriri en route to Leh. Since it is even higher in altitude than Pang and will drastically increase your chances of getting hit by severe AMS as well as increase the time you spend at extremely high altitude.
What if I am flying to Leh?
If you are planning to take a flight to Leh, thenk make sure to spend the first couple of nights in Leh or at places like Alchi or Uleytokpo, which are comparatively lower in altitude than rest of Ladakh.
Is there a particular pattern in which I should travel in Ladakh to avoid AMS?
Once you arrive in Leh (either by land routes or by flight), you should still be cautious about your sleeping altitude and only gain it gradually by doing Nubra Valley first, followed by Pangong Tso and then Tso Moriri, Hanle etc.. This is due to the fact that even though you have to travel on the highest motorable road, Khardung La, to reach Nubra Valley, it is lower in altitude than Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
In fact irrespective of your mode of transport and route, you should aim to spend at least first couple of nights in Leh, in order to acclimatize and unwind, before proceeding to any of the above destinations.
If despite taking all the precautions, you still feel effects of AMS at Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri, then instead of spending the night there, you can return to Tangste (in case of Pangong) or Chumathang (in case of Tso Moriri) to sleep at a lower altitude and minimize the effect and danger of AMS. Normally descent of just 300-900 meters (1,000-3,000ft) is enough to make you feel better.
Which medicines can I take to avoid AMS?
For AMS Related Problems, use herbal medicine Gingko Bilabo
(Avoid Diamox anyway which causes Nausea). Why Gingko Bilabo ?
While Diamox can somewhat speedup acclimatization process, by making your body breathe faster and help increase overall oxygen intake, it isn’t a surefire way to avoid AMS and it will not help if you take it only after you start feeling the effects of AMS. It is better off as a preventive medicine.
Current recommendations are 125 – 250 mgs twice daily, starting a day before ascent and continuing for a couple of days at the height or even for the entire duration of stay. If severe symptoms develop, Diamox will not be useful and in such cases, descent is the best way out.
Diamox has various side effects, ranging from numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, drowsiness and confusion. It will also make your cold drinks taste flat and increase urination. So make sure to drink water regularly to keep yourself hydrated.
You should consult with your family doctor, before taking Diamox, especially if you are on any medication. Also since Diamox is a sulfur drug, it cannot be taken by those who are allergic to sulfur drugs.
Taking a test dose a few weeks before your trip to see whether you experience any severe side effects of Diamox is a good idea.
Dexamethasone:
2-4 mg of Dexamethasone every 6 hours is also effective in preventing and treating AMS. The mechanisms of action of dexamethasone in relieving AMS symptoms are unknown. Its relative effectiveness compared to Diamox has not been established, but it likely is equivalent to Diamox. Dexamethasone should only be taken in consultation with your family doctor/physician.
Disprin/Aspirin:
Those who do not wish to take Diamox, blood thinners like Disprin, Aspirin etc. can not only help reduce some of the symptoms of AMS eg. headaches, but also help your blood carry more oxygen.
Oxygen Cylinder: You can also carry portable oxygen cylinders, which are available at chemist shops and should provide you temporary relief, in case you or those traveling with you start to feel uneasy.
What other precautions I should take?
You should avoid spending too much time at high altitude passes.
You should drink water at regular interval and water mixed with glucose or electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated and keep your energy levels up.
You should avoid overexerting yourself and take frequent breaks while walking or climbing stairs.
You should avoid overeating and eat light yet frequent meals.
You should avoid smoking and drinking till you are fully acclimatized, since alcohol is known to cause dehydration.
You should immediately approach hospital or an army base if you or a fellow traveler starts showing symptoms of severe AMS.
You should follow trekker’s mantra of climbing high and sleeping low i.e. even though you might travel across high altitude passes during day, you should try and sleep at lower altitude places.
And of course, travel to Ladakh with an open mind and an open plan, and avoid trying to stick to a plan/itinerary at the cost of your own health and wellbeing.
Disclaimer:
This article has been written by a traveler and shouldn’t be confused with medical advice. You should always consult a doctor before taking any medicines and read other opinions and articles on AMS eg. this one High Altitude: Acclimatization and Illnesses, to arm yourself with the knowledge that can help you and those traveling with you to Ladakh.
Please Note :For Medicines Please consult with your First
BIKERS are known for their patience. True. Lets Be an Example and set an Example to All…
Safe riding techniques to be kept in mind for all bikers
1. Before throttling your machine get synchronised with the road first – FOCUS ON ROAD with NO DISTRACTION 2. Don’t feed your over confidence- BE A NEW RIDER ALWAYS 3. Respect the road and bike 4. Road is meant for riding, Don’t encourage Racing- NO OVER SPEED 5. Know the condition of your bike – BRAKES 6. Its always worth to spend money on getting good protective gears. 7. Be physically fit, Exercises for neck and lower back pays off very much in long riding 8. Know the mentality of the drivers(Truck, Car etc.,) going ahead before over taking 9. Always wear your life savers-Protective gears
RIDING ON A HIGHWAY:
1. On High speed keep vision on the long distance 2. Get expertise on speed control 3. Don’t get too close with your fellow rider-MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE 4. Overtake with proper signal ( Horn, Distance, Light dipper) even with your rider group 5. Be alert on road merging and divertions 6. If the road is under construction- Be alert always
RIDING ON A HILL:
1.Be gentle on curves 2. Don’t ride down hill in free clutch-Be in control with gear engaged 3. Maintain Safe distance- Drive Staggered , Don’t follow the tail 4. Have a clear view of road ahead always 5. Be alert on small stones lying on roads- They easily make ur loaded machine fall easily 6. Love your front and rear brake equally- Apply Brakes front and back simultaneously on sudden speed control RIDING IN A GROUP
1. Never Ever leave your co-rider back 2. A small talk before starting the ride matters a lot 3. Allow the slow riders to lead and experienced rider to sweep in the last 4. Keep the new riders in middle- ( They feel secured and confident, Else when left at behind they over speed to catch up) 5. Follow signals among the group ( Hand signals indicating breakers, Potholes) 6. Encourage the team always, Extend ur hand whenever support required
NIGHT RIDING:
1. Focussing plays a major role
2. Clean your helmet visor, Head light and mirror frequently with water and tissue- To Avoid Reflection 3. Take Enough Breaks- Hot Tea, Hot Coffee 4. Don’t Ride at all if u more are sleepy 5. Some times you can try singing songs loudly with little body movement- Experimented and found successful 6. keep a night vision glass
CATTLE CROSSING:
1. Be serious about cattles on roads- Some major accidents were due to cattle’s 2. Reduce the speed on spotting a cattle at a longer distance itself 3. Overtake cattle from their tail end 4. Don’t try crossing them without reducing your speed, Cattles actions are unpredicted
Motorcycle servicing : • Slime in tires • Fuel Pump Filter/Carburettor • Air Filter replace • Oil Filter replace • Sprocket check/replace • Wheel Balancing • Rear View Mirror • All hose pipes/Breathers check/replace • Wheel Hub Rubber check/replace • Ball Bearing check/replace • Brake Fluid Refill/ Bleeding • Disc Pads check/replace • Get hazard light activated i.e all four indicators working simultaneously
To be fixed on motorcycle: • Jerry Cans • Ladakh Carrier • Bash Plate • Crash Guard • Dual Purpose Tires • Portable Charger • Charging Point • Mobile Holder • Bash Plate • Try to get water bottle attachment done on the crash guards (both side,2l*2). Will be helpful in hydration • Bottle holder
Just in case things do not go the expected way
Spare Parts:
• Accelerator Cable • Clutch Cable • Spare Bulb • Chain Link • Spare Tube • Spare Tire • Fuse • Engine Oil • Puncture Patches • Puncture Adhesive • Chain Lube • SPARE KEY • Disc Pads/Brake Shoes • Brake Fluid • Brake Spring • Cushion • Tire Pressure Gauge • Anti-fog film (if helmet has pin-lock arrangement) • 18 no brake bolt • Clutch Plates and Pressure Plates Tools: • Air Pump/Tire Inflator • Valve Opener • Tire Opener • Wrench/Spanner • Allen Key Set
Things going to come handy
Utility items:
• Medical Kit • Cushion • Bungee Cable • Luggage Cover • Backpack/ Rucksack • Portable Speaker • Rope (THICK) • Handheld Torch • Google Maps Update • Offline Maps • Swiss Knife • Camping Stove • Aluminum Pot • Funnel (for filling petrol) • Large good quality plastic pouches • Rubber bands • A small card with Name, Blood group and Emergency Contact Number • Lighter • Matchbox • Reflector tapes n tapes • M-seal • Tie belts • Plastic sheet to cover your luggage • Tools n wire cutter n plyer • Cash • Good 2 set of lowers and thermals for colder conditions • Utensil for emergency cooking • Extra polybags for wet clothes • Anti-fungal powder : Micoderm • Tissue paper • Small knife • Extra pipe • Oxygen cans or small cylinder • Cutter and scissor • Warmee Sachets
Riders ready for ride
Wearable:
• Balaclava • Full face helmet • Riding Gloves • Winter Gloves • Riding Jacket • Riding Trousers/Denims • Knee Guards • Riding Boots/Shoes • Gum Boots • Socks*3 • T-shirts • Undergarments • Winter cap • Riding Sleeve • Slippers • Shorts/Night Dress • BTWIN cycling shorts as a base innerwear (has gel padding and helps our butt a lot) • Wind cheater • Raincoat
Gasoline for rider
•Eatables: • Dry Fruits • Chocolates • Ready-to-eat items • Electral/ORS n liquid energy supplements • Water bottle • Soup • Butter • Milk Powder • Sugar • Tea/Coffee • Salt
Our tech-savvy generation
•Electronics: • Power bank/Portable Charger • Camera • Spare Mobile Set(Fully Charged) • Charger • Selfie stick • Extra batteries(Optional) • Waterproof bag for electronic items • GPS/Pre-downloaded offline maps • Portable Speaker
Camping: • Mat/Mattress • Sleeping Bag • Tent • Hammer • Knife • Multi-pin Socket • Camping light • Head lamp for natures call • Fire sling • Cutlery • Torch • Camping stove and gas for it @ butane
The legal ways
•Documents: • Govt. ID Card (Aadhar, Voter ID) • Passport size photographs*5 • Driving License • Vehicle RC • Vehicle Insurance • Vehicle PUC • Copies of all documents*5
Packers and Movers (Packing Tips)
• Tank Bag: • Mobile • Camera • Charger • Portable Charger • Bungee Cable • Rain coat • Tool kit • Puncture kit • Spare parts of bike • M seal • Snacks • Documents • Gloves • Cap • Sun glasses • News paper • Camphor • Hand Sleeves • Bike Fuse • Tooth Brush • GPS • Lip Guard • Tooth Paste • Face Wash • Paper Soap
Back Pack:
2 Thermal upper and lowers • 3 T-shirts • 3 pair socks • 2 pair shoes (Combination of riding and Gum Boots) • Petrol Can/Jerry Can • Tissue Paper • Jackets
Always keep informed at least one friend or family member about daily position. Before start, send an SMS indicating position and time. It helps in case if we get stranded in a desolate patch, at least our friend knows where to start searching for you
Carry loose change like ₹1 and 2 coins and 10s and 20s notes. It helps every time we stop for something on roadside.
Carry some stickers, toys, biscuits, mementos, key-chains, to gift to kids on the way or at shops or people we meet on way. Great way to break ice and make friends.
Carry a small pocket diary with couple of pens. This helps us to write down expenses, some town names en route, any additional information which we get on road and might forget. A pocket scribbling pad always helps.
Khardung La – One of the High-Altitude Passes
