Packing Checklist
Ladakh
Extreme high-altitude desert (3,500–5,600m). Severe altitude sickness risk. The most demanding packing of any Indian destination.
Total Items
34
Essentials
25
Climate
-20°C to 25°C (Leh town: 15–25°C in summer)
Best Season
June–September (road open), July–August (safest)
👕Clothing11 items
Heavy down jacket (-20°C rated)Essential
Thermal base layers (thick, wool-blend)Essential
Waterproof shell jacket (windproof)Essential
Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)Essential
Fleece mid-layer (2)Essential
Heavyweight glovesEssential
Balaclava / woollen face maskEssential
Woollen socks (6–8 pairs)Essential
Insulated trekking bootsEssential
Gaiters (for snow crossings)
UV-blocking glacier glasses (not just sunglasses)Essential
High altitude UV is extremely intense — eye damage risk
💊Health & Altitude10 items
Diamox (acetazolamide) — consult doctorEssential
Start 24h before arrival, taper off after 48h in Leh
Pulse oximeter (monitor blood oxygen)Essential
Paracetamol & ibuprofenEssential
ORS packets (minimum 20)Essential
Dexamethasone (emergency AMS — carry but only with guidance)
Antidiarrhoeal & antacid tablets
Full first aid kit
Sunscreen SPF 60+Essential
Lip balm SPF 30+Essential
Moisturiser (extreme dryness)
📄Documents & Money5 items
Original government ID (Aadhaar / passport)Essential
Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Nubra, Pangong, etc.Essential
Obtained in Leh on arrival — carry passport/Aadhaar
Hotel confirmations (offline copy)Essential
Cash (Leh has ATMs but no ATMs beyond)Essential
Emergency contacts + travel insurance docs
🎒Gear8 items
Sturdy 50L backpack or duffelEssential
Trekking polesEssential
Headlamp + spare batteriesEssential
Power bank (20,000 mAh)Essential
Portable charger with solar panel (useful for camping)
Sleeping bag rated -10°C (if camping/homestay)
Waterproof duffel bag liner
Thermos (1L)Essential
Do NOT Bring
- ✕Alcohol (worsens altitude sickness — avoid for first 48h)
- ✕Heavy non-essential items (weight matters on treks)
- ✕Perfumes / strong scents (attracts insects)
Local Tips
- →Acclimatise in Leh for 2 full days before going to higher altitudes
- →Never go from Delhi to Pangong in one day — altitude sickness is dangerous
- →Drink 3–4 litres of water daily — dehydration accelerates AMS
- →Leh has everything — buy/rent gear there rather than carrying from home
- →Download offline maps (Google Maps, OsmAnd) — internet is unreliable
