Traveling to Ladakh With Parents – Senior Citizens

How to plan traveling to Ladakh with parents and senior citizens is a frequently asked question. Year after year, many people ask the same question, and we provide them with the desired answer.

As majestic and beautiful as it may sound, there are some things that every visitor has to keep in mind. From keeping all the necessary medicines to keeping yourself acclimatized to the air pressure and oxygen level, the adventure of Ladakh also calls for utmost caution at every step. Ladakh might be one of the most sought-after destinations for youngsters, but it has repeatedly lured senior citizens. For a family person, traveling to Leh Ladakh with parents can be challenging but not impossible. Every year, several senior citizens visit Leh Ladakh to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the places here. What was once known as the biker’s paradise has become an active vacation destination for kids, parents, and even senior citizens.

There is a healthy chance you will face the same crunch. If that’s the case, here is a guide to help you easily travel to Leh Ladakh with elderly parents or plan a Ladakh family tour package.

When traveling to Ladakh with parents or senior citizens, there are a few things to remember.

Consulting a doctor is a must

People usually think Ladakh is not an ideal destination for elderly people or for planning a Leh family trip, but that’s not true. Those with good health and no ailments can enjoy Ladakh just as they would have desired. So, the first thing that one should do is consult a doctor. Most people look for things online or ask people who have already visited the union territory. Visiting Ladakh with family is a responsibility; one should take nothing leniently. 

Therefore, rather than taking suggestions and cues from people and travelers, take a trip to your family doctor and consult about the precautions that must be taken. Another demerit of asking people around is the difference in each body. These are a few essential things that one should only trust to discuss with the experts and no one else. Let the doctor know about the medical condition and, if possible, get the medical check-up done.

Acute mountain sickness

One of the significant problems that not only elderly people but also young ones have to face is Acute Mountain Sickness. This problem is seen in most people traveling to Leh Ladakh who have not adequately acclimatized their bodies to the atmospheric pressure change and reduced oxygen. Though it is the mildest form of altitude sickness, depending on the physical strength, people can experience dizziness, nausea, muscle pain, headaches, nose bleeding, and a few more problems. Many doctors have already said that AMS is independent of age and gender. It is highly dependent on the health condition and the fatigue caused by the long journey.

If the entire family is traveling to Ladakh via plane, then it should be ensured that each one of the family members gets sufficient time to acclimate their body. On the contrary, people who wish to take the road for this journey should create a relaxing itinerary, especially for older people. Several people would suggest keeping Diamox in the pouch, but don’t follow people just because they say so. Consult your doctor before taking any medicines or keeping any in the bag.

Appropriate Clothes

The Leh Ladakh trip for senior citizens would always be difficult because of the age factor. Keeping various things in mind throughout the journey is something that one has to follow. One of the things that includes these is wearing the appropriate clothes. Irrespective of the traveling mode, make sure to carry several warm clothes. It is not just the elderly people; it is recommended that the young ones also wear warm clothes in layers. This helps lock the body heat better while allowing people to take out a few when the temperature becomes warmer.

The temperature of Ladakh highly fluctuates w.r.t to day and night, sunlight and shade, low or high altitude. On top of woolen clothes, senior people must have a windproof jacket. The winds here are heavy and chilly all year long. To protect elderly people and give them a chance to enjoy their time together, it is a necessary precaution. Cover the head and neck and keep warm socks and waterproof shoes for their benefit. Usually, walking on slow or such trails can be difficult, and water seeps into the shoes, which can be a problem for them.

Let them be comfortable

Another thing that most people do ask often is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh with family or senior citizens. The most comfortable and ideal time to visit here is during the summer. Though it won’t be near warm temperatures, even in summer, one still needs to visit during summer. This is when most people travel to Ladakh; all roads are cleared, all the passes are motorable, and so on. Throughout the trip, one thing a person must remember w.r.t the senior citizens is their comfort. Everything is essential for them, from giving food promptly to resting correctly. Stop by places at reasonable intervals so they can come out of the car and move around. Also, create a longer itinerary so that the elder people get sufficient time to relax and you get enough time to enjoy the places.

Keep them hydrated

Besides body movement and food, keeping the body hydrated is also essential for people. As much as young travelers need it, senior citizens also require it. Those planning to take a senior citizen trip package to Ladakh from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and other significant cities must keep motivating and telling elders to drive sufficient water. People tend to skip drinking water whenever and wherever the temperature is lower because of the cool environment. That cannot be the case while traveling to Leh for many reasons. So, make sure to keep everyone hydrated throughout the trip. Senior family members, especially, are advised to avoid eating too many wafers.

Keep medicines

Apart from everything a person should do while traveling with elder family members, this one is of the utmost importance. Keep all the necessary medicines in the pouch. Keep all the medicines accessible for emergency times. Once you consult a doctor, ensure all the medicines are in the car. Apart from the prescribed medication, keep some tablets that would check for vomiting, headaches, stomach pain, loose motions, and others.

It's not exactly medicine, but on your trip to Leh Ladakh with elder members of the family, do keep sunscreen, glasses, lip balm, moisturizers, and other essential products of your own. That helps protect the skin from rashes, burns, and deterioration from harsh temperatures.

Keep a complete itinerary beforehand

Youngsters might not be inclined to create a complete plan before starting their trip to Leh Ladakh, but when traveling with senior citizens, it is always better to do things according to plan. The list of halt points and destinations can allow the family to enjoy their trip better.

Conclusion

The trip to Leh Ladakh and its top attractions can be done better if all the abovementioned things are handled. It is very important to take precautions to keep the senior citizens traveling to Leh Ladakh in good shape and mood. If all the measures are appropriately taken, it can help impart equal joy and amusement to the elders and the youngsters. Though there are a few other things, such as refraining from taking them to remote areas and spending a night at camps, they are understood, and most people take care of these small things while they stay in Leh Ladakh.

With Leh Ladakh India, your trip to Ladakh will be smooth and rewarding. Let our experts craft a customized itinerary to suit your requirements. Our Ladakh tour packages include comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and guided excursions, ensuring a remarkable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh.