Where and How to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder for Ladakh Trip

Dealing with network problems is a choice, but dealing with an oxygen problem is not - especially if you are in a high-altitude region like Ladakh. You can’t ignore the importance of oxygen in a terrain with an elevation of 10,000 ft (approx.) above sea level. At such a height above sea level, the atmospheric pressure gradually decreases due to the absence of trees, the primary oxygen source.

Remember that trees have the capability of performing photosynthesis, which results in the production of oxygen in plains. Ironically, a change in altitude will change your attitude - not in a positive way if you ignore the importance of an oxygen cylinder for the Ladakh trip. Therefore, considering the importance of oxygen cylinders in Leh Ladakh is wise.

Before we delve deep into renting an oxygen cylinder for the Ladakh trip, we must mention that we are not doctors, and none of our team members come from a medical background. All the information you will read in this Ladakh travel guide for renting an oxygen cylinder is prepared based on the reviews and experiences our valuable guests share with us! Bookmarking tips for you is to consider consulting with your family doctor about your medical situation. You must avoid visiting Ladakh on a serious note if you have Asthma, respiratory problems, or similar breathing troubles. Ensure your physician permits you to travel to a high-altitude region like Ladakh.

Does it Mean Traveling to Ladakh is Not Possible Without Oxygen Cylinder?

This is one of the most Google questions on the web regarding planning a Ladakh trip. But honestly, the answer to this depends upon the person visiting Ladakh. From endurance to health conditions to what route and transportation mode plays a crucial role in selecting. So, predicting if you need an oxygen cylinder for travel is an attempt in vain. However, let us take you across a few refined situations and modes of transport that make it necessary to consider an oxygen cylinder for the Ladakh trip.

If You Choose to Arrive Ladakh Via Flight

Tourists travel to Ladakh via two modes of transportation: air and road. Air travel is less stressful because it gives you enough time to explore sightseeing places without wasting the days spent on the road. The only drawback of air travel is that you get less time for acclimatization because you land directly in Leh from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and other cities or towns.

However, this is the suggested way to visit Ladakh if you have time constraints. The best you can do to overcome acute mountain sickness in Ladakh is to acclimate for 2-3 days inside your accommodation and explore the places at a stone's throw distance. Before you go for higher altitude tourist attractions in Ladakh, make sure you follow this tip.

If You Choose to Arrive Ladakh Via Road

Indeed, it is worth mentioning traveling to Ladakh via motorbike is one of the best life experiences. The mighty Himalayas surround you, snow-covered backdrops surround you from both sides, and lush green valleys welcome you! Apart from all the thrills every biking enthusiast receives on the journey to Ladakh, you get enough time to acclimate at a different halt point when traveling via road. Your body gets used to high-altitude drives, and the chances of falling sick due to Acute Mountain Sickness are rare.

So in What Case, I Would Need an Oxygen Cylinder For Ladakh Tour?

Anything can happen in the extreme foothills of the Himalayas, so it is recommended that you take oxygen cylinders in Ladakh. Having them with you assures you an extra safety level, which will guard you if you need oxygen.

Can You Provide More Refined Reasons For Renting An Oxygen Cylinder in Ladakh?

When you are above 8,000 ft (approximately), chances of Acute Mountain Sickness increase due to a fall in atmospheric pressure. It becomes challenging to get enough oxygen in each breath. The highest peak in Ladakh, Stok Kangri, is at an elevation of 20,187 ft (approximately), and the air pressure drops down at such an altitude. However, some are affected even at low altitude regions! In such instances, your body may not have enough endurance to adjust to the new environment quickly, so an oxygen cylinder kit is beneficial.

Moreover, Ladakh is a region of adventures, including trekking and mountain biking. Even most of the monasteries in Ladakh require hiking to reach. So, when sightseeing and hiking are paired with low oxygen, problems arise, including nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and breathing!

Shall I Rent Oxygen Cylinder From My Hometown or Rent it From Ladakh?

You have both options at your convenience - either you carry a portable oxygen cylinder from your hometown or purchase it from Ladakh. But remember that you can’t take an oxygen cylinder from your hometown in flight due to tripping hazards. You can carry it in your vehicle - be it a motorbike or car. But make sure space for people and luggage won’t become a concern. Plan the number of travelers and luggage capacity accordingly.

The Benefit of Carrying from Home: You must pay daily, which is less costly than renting from Ladakh.

The Drawback of Carrying from Home: The only drawback of carrying an oxygen cylinder for a Ladakh trip is that if you don’t need it, taking it would be an unnecessary hassle, and you would also need to pay the rent.

What If I Want to Rent an Oxygen Cylinder Within Ladakh?

Yes! You can rent an oxygen cylinder within Ladakh. As per our assumptions, we assumed that you are asking for the places in Ladakh where it is easy to rent an oxygen cylinder. This is a vastly remote place, and Leh is the only place to rent an oxygen cylinder in Ladakh. You will be guaranteed to find an oxygen cylinder in the capital of Ladakh, and the only operational airport - Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, is situated there. Thus, India's government has taken preventive measures for the tourists to eliminate Acute Mountain Sickness.

Apart from Leh, we don’t assure you will find an oxygen cylinder. However, the beautiful Nubra Valley, the double-humped Bactrian camel's valley, has a village named Diskit, where you can seek medical assistance for oxygen from the outlet but can’t rent it.

Any Tips For Carrying Oxygen Cylinder From Home For Ladakh Trip?

• You might not get oxygen cylinders quickly from all the medical shops. So, you must speak with your doctor or medical expert to learn where to find the oxygen cylinder facility.
• Upon finding the place to rent an oxygen cylinder, verify and compare the rental and security price they are asking.
• Lend them your ears while you get a briefing about the oxygen cylinder from the renting point in your hometown.
• To cover up, make a video on your mobile while demonstrating how to use an oxygen cylinder.

What is the Average Price of Oxygen Cylinder in Leh?

The average price of an oxygen cylinder in Leh varies depending on its capacity in liters and types. You can find two types of oxygen cylinders in Leh or bring them from your hometown. The first is a portable oxygen container (small oxygen cylinder), and the second is a big oxygen cylinder. Here is what we mean to say:

Portable Oxygen Cylinder: It is 6 L (approximately) and provides 150 oxygen shorts. The price ranges from 600 INR to 1500 INR (approximately), depending on the brand. Use and throw it once it is empty. There is no refueling option. Remember that you can’t even take a portable oxygen cylinder in flight, although you can carry it in your private/hired vehicle.

Big Oxygen Cylinder: This type of cylinder comes in different size variants (small, medium, and large). The largest one is an 1800 L (approx.) variant and costs around 3000 INR-4000 INR for 2-3 days (approx.). The medium is an 800 L (approx.) variant and costs around 2000 INR - 3000 INR (approx.). The smallest one is a 220 L (approx.) variant and costs around INR 1200 - 1500 INR (approx.).

How to Determine the Need for Oxygen Cylinder For Ladakh Trip?

Good question! Several factors will determine whether you need to carry an oxygen cylinder for the Ladakh trip! A few of them are listed below:

Traveling with Adults (Between 35-60 years): Whether your parents or anyone else is traveling with you, you must consider renting an oxygen cylinder on your Ladakh trip. As age takes a toll on the body, breathing problems usually arise in adults. Even a short walk in a high-altitude region like Ladakh can be daunting. In that case, the oxygen cylinder will serve the purpose.

Traveling with Children (Not Infants): Kids tend to be restless and not sit in one place for more than a minute. This action might force you to take them outside once you arrive in Leh after unwinding for a while in your room. So, carrying an oxygen bottle or cylinder will save you from unforeseen circumstances.

As mentioned above, all these tips will provide a completely stress-free experience on the Ladakh holidays. However, if you are still worrying about your Ladakh trip, rest assured and opt for your Ladakh tour package with the Indian Holiday. Their experts will care for all your travel needs, from oxygen cylinders to fuel and permits, ensuring a joyful journey. Do let us know in the comments if we have missed anything you wanted to hear but not in this travel guide!

Why is it advised to rent an oxygen cylinder in Leh Ladakh?

If you are one of those tourists with a tight schedule and no buffer days, you won’t have enough time to acclimate to the reduction of oxygen and gain altitude. Renting an oxygen cylinder in Leh is better to be safer and not jeopardize your trip to Leh-Ladakh.

This is more important for people who have traveled to Ladakh via flight. They do not get enough time to get used to the altitude and face problems like breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, and more.

How much will the oxygen cylinders cost in Leh Ladakh?

The rates are constantly changing, and they depend on many factors when you visit here. The cost of cylinders is given below. It is always advised to contact the providers directly to know the exact oxygen cylinder price.

• For one oxygen cylinder with a capacity of 1880 liters, you will have to pay approximately 3500 INR for 3 days.
• For a 780-liter cylinder, you will have to pay roughly around 3000 INR for 3 days.
• For a cylinder with a capacity of 414 liters, you will have to pay around 2000 INR for 3 days.
• For a 220-liter cylinder, you will have to pay approximately 1500 INR for 3 days.
• A 6-liter oxygen cylinder will cost approximately 1500 INR (These are the oxygen shots/ cans that many people around Ladakh provide.)

Can I take an oxygen cylinder in my backpack in flight?

Carrying oxygen cans on a flight is unfavorable unless you have a doctor’s prescription. It is not allowed to bring these cans or shots on a flight. The best thing to do in such a case is to rent a portable oxygen cylinder in Leh itself. There are many centers where you can get oxygen cylinders.

If I prefer traveling on a bike from Leh to the other attractions of Ladakh, how should I carry the cylinder? 

Firstly, if you are traveling to Leh via flight, you should stay there for at least a day. This will give your body time to adjust to Leh's conditions and low oxygen levels. But if you do not have buffer time, renting a medium-sized oxygen cylinder is best and asking the person to offer you a backpack you can wear on your back.

Cannot I travel throughout Ladakh without carrying an oxygen cylinder?

Whether you need an oxygen cylinder depends on many factors, and one of the major ones is getting acclimated to the environment. If you are allowing your body to buffer or you are on a road trip, these are two ideal conditions in which you would not need to carry an oxygen cylinder with you. But then, if you have even the slightest of problems, look for an oxygen cylinder on rent in Leh.