7 Unforgivable Leh Ladakh Snow Mistakes Everyone Makes
Almost every avid traveler dreams of touring Ladakh at least once in their lifetime. Bikers paradise, Ladakh is full of breathtaking scenery, gorgeous lakes, and lush greenery. Every biker's ideal adventure is riding amid the towering peaks encased in snow. But, people who commonly visit the hilly areas of Uttarakhand or Kashmir often anticipate the same snowy conditions in this state. Well, they make a big mistake!
Ladakh's terrain is quite different, the temperature conditions are unimaginably extreme. People often return having suffered breathing problems and severe health conditions in Ladakh. they easily accuse this state's territory of being harsh and unforgiving. But the truth is that people should be aware of a few mistakes to avoid while visiting this surreal land. Having some knowledge about acclimatizing to the altitude and weather conditions in Ladakh can be quite useful for those who are planning a trip. Here we have listed 7 Unforgivable Leh Ladakh Snow Mistakes Everyone Makes and how to prevent them.
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Common but Unforgivable Snow Mistakes People Make in Ladakh
1. I do not need acclimatization, I am quite fit
If you have ever got an itinerary prepared for Ladakh by your travel agent, you will notice that they give you the first day free to relax in your hotel and get acclimatized to the altitude. Often, people traveling alone, avoid this important tip and start touring on the first day itself, thinking that they are absolutely healthy and fit. Well, acclimatization is irrelevant to being healthy. It is the simple concept where a person adjusts their behavior or physiology in response to changes in their environment.
Fact: Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness AMS can hit anybody irrelevant of fitness level. So, give your body time to adjust to the altitude and begin your tour the next day after arriving at base level in Leh.
2. My body is used to high-altitude trips, I don't need acclimatization
Some people who are into mountain hiking and have traveled to many snow-covered peaks in their lives think that their bodies are quite used to acclimatization. They avoid giving time to their bodies to acclimate and end up getting AMS.
Fact: Regardless of how many times you have been to Ladakh or other higher-altitude areas, your body needs to acclimatize every time since you basically live at lower altitudes.
3. I have clocked 100,000 miles on my bike all across the country, Ladakh is going to be easy
Avid bikers who have traveled across the country on their bikes think they are going to breeze through the roads in Ladakh. But, you need to be very careful as the roads can be quite narrow and dangerous. Many champion drivers in the plains find it very difficult to drive on the roads in Ladakh.
Fact: A bike ride on the Leh Highway from Manali to Leh can be the most strangest and adventurous ride you have ever taken
4. I love impromptu trips and Ladakh is going to be an instant decision for me
Some people do not think twice before picking up their bags and kick-starting their bikes to go on a long trip. While most trips to Goa are planned instantly, when it comes to Ladakh, you need to pre-plan, plan and plan some more. You can get hit by AMS really hard or even a case of diarrhea could be life-threatening in these hills.
Fact: Always check with your tour guide, travel agent, or some locals before you plan your trip to Ladakh. Keep your doctor's phone number handy and eat a healthy diet for a week before you leave for Ladakh.
5. Just as my friend's trip to Ladakh was Amazing, so will be mine
If someone in your close circle has completed an amazing trip to Ladakh, it is not necessary that you will have the same experience. Different bodies react to climatic conditions differently. While you may take tips from your friend, it is important that you do your homework properly and pack and plan accordingly.
Fact: Do not try to copy someone else's crazy Ladakh itinerary. Plan sensibly and take tips from experts before you head off to this mountain land.
6. I can travel with my infant to Ladakh as my cousin had done the same
It is not advisable to travel with an infant to Ladakh, even though someone you know might have done so. Babies have a tendency of exerting their bodies thinking they are in the same environment. This makes them more prone to AMS, which can prove fatal in some cases.
Fact: It is suggested to travel without small babies, infants, or toddlers to Ladakh as their resistance is low.
7. I can drink alcohol in Ladakh without any problems
Most travelers think that a trip without alcohol is incomplete. But, when in Ladakh, stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, sedatives, tobacco, or tranquilizers as these tend to slow down the respiratory drive during sleep, thereby worsening AMS symptoms.
Fact: Try to enjoy nature at its best without indulging in any cheap dopamine you get from drugs, smoking or alcohol.
Conclusion
While the low atmospheric oxygen in Ladakh is the reality, it is nothing to be afraid of. Acclimatization should not scare you from traveling to this beautiful land. With clever and responsible planning, you can have a wonderful trip to Ladakh. Visit the Nubra valley, Pangong Lake, the lovely marketplace of Leh, and the multiple monasteries there. Ladakh is a dream-come-true for most travel fans. So, if you are planning to visit Ladakh anytime soon, read this blog carefully before you start your bookings.
