Family Trip to Ladakh

Introduction

You already know that Ladakh was not a family place; it was always about avid bikers and adventure lovers. Right? For decades, because of harsh weather conditions, rugged paths, and extreme altitudes, Ladakh never made its place on the travel bucket list of parents who wanted to take their kids and elders to Ladakh. But with modernization and easy transportation conveniences over the years, Ladakh finally marked its spot among India's favorite family holiday destinations.

Here's the question you need to ask before planning a trip to Ladakh with your family: If we asked you what your preferred tourist destination for a family trip in India would be, would your answer include Ladakh?

Now, for those curious to know if Ladakh is safe for families, when they need to plan a trip to Ladakh with family, what to pack for Ladakh, and whether their kids will be okay in such weather conditions, we have the answer to all these questions. Here's a comprehensive guide to learn how to plan a family trip to Leh Ladakh.

Is Ladakh safe for families?

Yes and No. You may ask why. Well, Ladakh is, for the most part, safe, but you cannot deny the fact that tourists and bikers face some problems here. To be safe, you must follow all the rules such as not venturing into remote areas, maintaining a slow and steady pace of travel, and taking extra precautions like carrying necessary medicines and acclimatizing properly, especially if you have kids and elders with you. Don’t do anything out of the blue moon; you will be fine.

What is the best time to plan a Ladakh family trip?

May to September is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh with family and enjoy your Ladakh trip to the maximum. It is the peak tourist season, and you can enjoy all the activities during these months, such as trekking, camping, and sightseeing at various monasteries and lakes. Visiting here before May and after September may put your family in trouble as the region experiences extreme weather conditions, and they might get sick. If you don’t want that, we suggest you stay between May and September to visit Ladakh.

What is the age limit for Leh Ladakh?

If there is no medical history of elders and no lung or infection in kids involved, you can travel to Ladakh. So, to answer your question, NO, there is no age limit for visiting Ladakh. However, there are a few things you need to ask yourself -

Is your kid under three months? If so, then do not travel to Ladakh. You may risk their health at such altitudes. Wait until they are at least 3 to 4 years old so they can at least share the problem if they face some.
Was your baby born premature? Or does the baby have any heart or lung condition? If yes, trash your Ladakh plan with kids.
Are your elders/ parents free from ailments? If yes, you can travel, but take health advice from a professional.

Do we need to consult a doctor?

One of the most important steps in planning a family trip to Ladakh is consulting a doctor. This is especially crucial if you're traveling with elders. By discussing their medical history and ensuring they're not at risk for any health conditions, you can prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember to carry their prescribed medicines and some additional ones for common ailments like headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. This proactive approach will help you handle any health-related issues that may arise during your trip.

How can acute motion sickness be prevented in Ladakh?

To prevent AMS in Ladakh, we suggest you not travel with a baby younger than three months. Wait until they are older than 18 months, as the lungs of a baby younger than three months cannot handle altitude sickness. Similarly, senior people cannot be stressed enough. Get them a thorough checkup with a doctor and travel only after the doctor’s approval.

Everyone can get sick at such extreme altitudes, from adults to kids. However, the main problem is that AMS symptoms in kids are hard to identify. So, make sure you travel slowly and get adequately acclimatized before you continue your journey to higher altitudes. And keep looking for symptoms in kids at all times.

If your elders are feeling sick, cancel the further journey and return to lower altitudes immediately. This can help them recover soon and will not put their health at any further risk.

What to pack for a family trip to Ladakh?

Ladakh’s temperature is very unpredictable, so whatever season you are planning a trip in, you must always prepare for the cold weather. Apart from carrying diapers, snacks, an electric kettle (if possible), and powdered milk, some common things to pack include precautionary medicines, woolen wear, water, windcheaters, dry fruits, and chocolates.

Where to stay in Ladakh with family?

When traveling to Ladakh with family, you do not have to be adventurous and venture out to remote places. A STRICT NO. Book your stay in more touristy areas like Pangong and Nubra Valley, which are known for their scenic beauty, comfortable accommodations, and safety measures. This ensures your and your family’s safety during your Ladakh family trip. But, with Leh Ladakh India, leave the accommodation struggle to our experts, who’ll arrange it for you according to your choice.

Things to carry during Ladakh trip with Family

The packing and things to carry during the Leh Ladakh family trip are not the same as those for other trips. If you are traveling with family, then you need to take care of a few extra things as you are going to a high-altitude region with elders and kids. So, keep everything while packing for the Ladakh trip with your family. Here are a few things that you should pack while traveling to Leh Ladakh.

Warm Clothes

Ladakh experiences cold throughout the year, irrespective of the season and month. The mountain passes are covered with snow and experience chilly weather. It is advisable to carry clothes in layers to wear or take off the jacket whenever required. The temperature in the afternoon remains comfortable in summer; however, in the evening, it starts to dip. So, it is better to have extra layers to combat the unpredictable climate here.

Comfortable Shoes

You may need to walk a lot in Ladakh, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes. They can save you from blisters and injuries, which are the last thing you want when you are traveling. Carry sports shoes and sneakers, as they are sturdy and comfortable for kids and elders.

Important Documents

Make sure you carry your original photo identity proof, itineraries, hotel booking tickets, and pre-booked traveling tickets with you. It is advisable to keep them handy. Do not forget to apply for the Inner Line Permits (ILPs), as they are mandatory to visit the protected and restricted areas of Ladakh, including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, Tso Moriri, Panamik, and Shyok Valley. However, when you plan your Ladakh family tour packages with Leh Ladakh India, you don’t have to fret about the permit. Our experts will handle all your requirements, from transfers to permits, and customize the Ladakh itinerary according to your preferences, providing a fun-filled Ladakh holiday.

Cash

Unlike other tourist places, you cannot find ATMs at every corner of Ladakh. The availability of ATMs is restricted to Leh and Kargil and is only in Ladakh. There are few places where you can swipe credit or debit cards. So, carrying sufficient cash with you is essential, as hotels in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and other tourist places mainly accept money. The fuel pumps and restaurants also accept cash in Ladakh.

Medicines and First-aid Kit

Remember to carry prescribed medicines and first aid kits. Make sure you pack basic medicines for headache, vomiting, cold, cough, fever, pain reliever, and mountain sickness. Antiseptic ointment, glucose, and iodine-based water purification tablets are important to carry during the trip as they cannot be found everywhere in Ladakh.

Toiletries and other items

Carry toiletries, a toothbrush, tooth paste, and paper soap with you. You can find them in hotels, but while traveling, you may require these basic things. Cold cream, moisturizing cream, vaseline, and lip guard are also important things you should carry while traveling with your family.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses

This is a high-altitude region, so the chances of sunburn are very high. Carry sunscreen to prevent sunburn and tanning. Sunglasses will block UV rays, which reflect from the snow and can damage your cornea.

Oxygen Cylinder for Ladakh Trip

It is strongly recommended that you carry an oxygen cylinder if you or a family member has any medical situation involving asthma. Since oxygen cylinders are prohibited in airplanes, you can rent them from Leh or carry them from your hometown if you are traveling by car.

Also Read: Where and How to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder for Ladakh Trip

Permits for the Ladakh Tour

There are two ways to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) online and offline mode. You can apply for them online on the official website of LAHDC (Leh Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council): http://lahdclehpermit.in/. Fill in the details, the route you wish to travel, pay the fees, take the printout of the online application, and then visit the DC Office in Leh to get the permits stamped in person. For offline mode, you can directly see the DC Office in Leh, where you must fill out the form, pay the fees, and get the permit stamped. You must show valid photo identity proof issued by the government to get your permit stamped. Also, ensure you keep the extra copies of the Inner Line Permit, as you must submit the copies at several checkpoints before visiting Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso. Avoid this process by opting for your Ladakh tour package with Leh Ladakh India.

Tips for traveling to Ladakh with kids

Monitor your child’s behavior. If you notice any symptoms, descend to lower altitudes immediately.
Carry enough snacks and water with you. After Leh, there are not many places to halt and enjoy snacks.
Consult a pediatrician at Leh only as there is no medical care after that.
If your kid enjoys running around, do not run after them at all times. Ensuring their safety is a must, but being involved so much might ruin your and your kid’s fun time.
If you have an infant, an electric kettle will come in handy. You cannot feed them cold water at night, and also you cannot.
wake up hotel staff every time the baby feels thirsty.
Communicate with your 4- and 5-year-olds to not run too far from you. Otherwise, they might have an unfortunate accident.

Tips for traveling to Ladakh with Senior Citizens

Travel slow. Plan to visit places like Leh and Nubra Valley first, and if they feel any AMS symptoms, avoid visiting Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri.
Before traveling, get a thorough checkup to look for any ongoing ailments.
Do not cover more than 150 to 200 km in a single day.
Book the hotels in advance so that elders do not have to wait.
Bring lots of water, dry eatables, biscuits, or chocolates.
Avoid giving them unhealthy food. This can worsen their health.
In an emergency, visit Leh Memorial Hospital or Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital.

Important Tips

Acclimatization: You need to get your bodies properly acclimatized there as it is a high-altitude region.
Consult with your doctor: Before planning a trip, consult with your doctor to determine whether children and elders can travel to Ladakh. Ensure that your child or elder is in good health.
Check the weather: Make sure you will check the weather and pack accordingly.
Keep yourself hydrated: Drink a lot of water, as it helps acclimatize better.

Also Read: A Complete Guide Traveling to Ladakh With Parents – Senior Citizens

Conclusion

There you have it! We hope this information on the family trip to Ladakh travel guide will come in handy while planning your trip. Follow all the necessary precautions, and you will be fine. Travel to Ladakh with your family without any worries, and keep the tips we suggested in mind. Happy Journey with Leh Ladakh India!

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Ladakh Tourist Guide