Travel Regulations in Ladakh

The picturesque location of Leh-Ladakh attracts tourists round the year. However, it is best to visit this place between June and October. Adventure tourists would do well to note that majority of the trekking paths remain closed after November owing to heavy snowfall at high passes with the exception of the trekking route of Liker to Kahltsey (Sham). During your visit to Leh-Ladakh, it is advisable to follow the Leh-Ladakh travel regulations so that your trip goes on smoothly.

For reaching Leh-Ladakh via air, the bi-weekly flights run by Indian Air may be availed of. You can also fly with Jet Airways which runs daily flights between Leh and Delhi. People taking the road to reach Leh-Ladakh may use the ordinary and deluxe buses of the Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation. Tourists may also use buses run by Manali private bus union and Himachal Pradesh tourism, HRTC. These buses will take you to Leh in 2 days, after a night stop at Darcha or Sarchu. 

On your tour to Leh-Ladakh, shirts and shorts would serve you well throughout the day. However, remember to pack some Jackets or pullovers which you will need in the night when temperatures drop.

These warm clothes would also serve you well when you go for a trek above 4000m. If you are coming to Leh-Ladakh during June, it is advisable to bring raincoats or wind cheaters, as it rains or snows sometimes during the period. For adventure enthusiasts, good quality waterproof shoes are a must. Also, packing an extra pair of sandal and shoes will be handy. It is also advisable to carry a warm sleeping bag and a good quality large rucksack.

Tourists don’t need permit for visiting Leh. However, all foreigners must get themselves registered at Drass, Sarchu and Rumtse in case they travel by road. Those approaching the place via air can do the registration at the airport. Tourists need to acquire a permit for restricted regions like Pangong Lakes, Tsomoriri, Nubra Valley, Tsokar and Dhahanu. The permit can be acquired through registered travel agencies. It is desirable to bring six photocopies of the permit while on the move as you would be required to submit the documents at the Checking points.

Tourists coming to Leh-Ladakh would do well to carry enough cash with them as most of the travel agents and hotels do not accept credit cards. Adequate precaution should also be taken to beat acute mountain sickness, which is a common phenomenon in case of visitors coming to Leh-Ladakh. Also, bringing water purification piles on this tour would be a good thing to do. Make sure not to use plastic bags in Ladakh as plastic is banned officially in this place.