Leh, the famous holiday spot in Northern India is the capital of the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Nature in Leh has created magic with mountain peaks that appear to be wearing white fur caps or the fascinating views of green valleys. Rivers flow smoothly, and lakes rest calmly in the valley. It is a place every traveller should visit.
If you also crave to witness the majestic beauty of nature, why not plan holidays in Leh Ladakh?
Weather and Temperature
Lying in the shadows of the Himalayan ranges, the temperature is always low in the Valley. Leh is said to have the cold desert type of climate with dry winds during the day. Any time between the months of June and September is an ideal time for planning holidays in Leh Ladakh. Winters here are cold and harsh. Temperatures fall below the freezing point with chilly winds and heavy snowfall. It is impossible to reach Leh during the winters. The roads to Leh beyond the Rohtang Pass often gets blocked as snow caves in. During summers, nights are generally cold while the days are breezy and warm. This makes for a perfect climate to sneak around the valley.
What to Pack?
Now that you know about the climate in Leh and what to expect in various seasons, we will help you pack for the amazing trip to Leh. Here is the ultimate packing list for Leh with all the things you will ever need to survive at the heights. Read own to make your own checklist so you can enjoy a safe and stress-free trip to the scenic city!
In Summers: Layering your dresses is the best way to protect yourself from the temperatures at higher altitudes. Instead of packing few thicker wooden clothes, pack lighter ones and more cotton clothes that you can wear over one another. Also, summers might not always be cold in Leh, so you cannot possibly stay comfortable in woollen clothes By choosing to layer your clothes, you can adjust to the climate easily. If it is cold simply wear more layers of clothes and if it is hot, shed a few and stay at ease. You can carry light woollen clothes, cotton shirts, socks, monkey caps, hand-gloves, lighter jackets, and sunglasses will suffice for summers.
In Winters: During winters, temperature are normally sub-zero in Leh, which has hit up to minus 23 degree Celsius at times. Thick woollen clothes are necessary for these times. Winter shields and wooden clothes are a must on a trip at these times. Thermals, snow-gloves, wooden skull caps, sunshades, multiple pairs of socks and stoles should definitely be packed. You can also add windproof jackets and heavy woollen. You will also need waterproof shoes and insulated socks to traverse snow.
Whether you are travelling during summers or winters, the following list is a must for you. They are the stuff that you will most definitely need during the trip yet will most probably be not available for you on the way. It is better to go prepared than be stranded midway.
- GPS navigators
The trip is very long to Leh, so you cannot possibly know the route by-heart all the way. Always have a GPS navigator at reach to not get lost on your way.
- Boots or hard-soled shoes
Lasting and realizable shoes are a must for road trips. You will be encountering harsh weathers and rugged terrains, so boots are the best to go with.
- Spare batteries
Carry spare batteries for your cameras, lights, and torches. This is always a precaution for future. You can run out of battery since the trip is very long.
- Flares and lights
Flares and torch lights will come to your aid when you camp on the valley in on the way. They will also be required in case of any emergencies. Winter in Leh is quite harsh, so flares are a must carry if you are travelling to Leh in winter.
- Chargers
Chargers are necessary for all the electronics equipment you carry. Mobile phones, cameras, and laptops you take will need to be charged multiple times on your way.
- Power banks
It can’t be ensured that charger points are always available on the way. Power banks can be a temporary relief for all those times when you can’t use chargers.
- First Aid kits
The First aid kit should contain your regular medicines, bandages, cotton, gauze, sprays for sprain relief, scissors, distilled water and ointment at the least.
- Oxygen cylinders and masks
The altitude gets higher as you get closer to the city of Leh. Oxygen levels will drop, and it is normal that those who are not used to it will experience trouble in breathing. Oxygen masks and cylinders are for those contingencies.
- Snacks
Carry your favourite snacks, dry fruits, canned food and preserved items for the trip. Food might not always be the best in the world during the journey. It is always good to have back up. This way you will never go hungry even one night.
- Sunscreen
Sunscreen is important for the bikers who trip to Leh or those who visit Leh during summer months.
- Postpaid SIM cards
Prepaid SIM cards do not work within the state of Jammu and Kashmir, so you will need to carry postpaid sim cards with you to be used in Leh.
- Documents and IDs
These are never to be forgotten during a trip to Leh. You will need to carry your driver’s license and the papers of the vehicle you are travelling in. You will also need permits to enter various places such as the Rohtang pass to carry the necessary documents you will need to get the passes.
