Ladakh feels like another planet. Bare brown mountains, a sky so blue it looks painted, prayer flags snapping in the wind. Then you come over a pass and Pangong Lake appears – changing from turquoise to deep blue as the clouds move. Nothing prepares you for that colour.
- Permits for Indian travellers
- Acclimatise – it really matters
- When to go
- A 7-day itinerary
- What to pack
- Questions travellers ask
Permits for Indian travellers
Indian tourists no longer need a separate inner line permit. Instead, you pay Ladakh’s Environment and Development Fee online (a small one-time fee, plus a modest daily wildlife fee) on the official LAHDC portal and carry the receipt. It covers Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and other protected areas. We arrange this for you as part of the trip.
Acclimatise – it really matters
Leh sits at about 3,500 metres. Flying in is quick, which means your body has had no time to adjust. Spend your first 36–48 hours resting in Leh: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and sleep well. Most cases of altitude sickness come from rushing. Talk to your doctor before travelling if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions.
The secret to Ladakh is patience. Rest on day one, and the mountains will reward you every day after.
When to go
May to September is the main season, with sunny days and open high passes. July and August are warm in the day and green in the villages. The Manali–Leh and Srinagar–Leh roads usually open from around May–June until October. Winter brings deep cold, frozen lakes and very few visitors.
Hand-picked packages
A 7-day itinerary
- Days 1–2, Leh: arrive and rest; gentle visits to Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
- Day 3: Sham Valley – Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill and the Indus–Zanskar confluence.
- Days 4–5, Nubra Valley: cross Khardung La, Diskit Monastery’s giant Buddha and the sand dunes of Hunder with double-humped camels.
- Day 6, Pangong Lake: drive via Shyok to the lake; stay in a lakeside camp under unbelievable stars.
- Day 7: Return to Leh via Chang La.
See our Ladakh tours.
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Get a free quoteWhatsApp an expertWhat to pack
- Layers, a warm jacket and a cap – nights are cold even in summer.
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm – the sun is strong at altitude.
- A reusable water bottle and basic medicines.
- Cash – ATMs are limited outside Leh, and only postpaid SIMs work in Ladakh.
Questions travellers ask
Do Indians need an inner line permit for Ladakh?
No. Indian tourists now pay an online Environment and Development Fee instead, which covers Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri and other protected areas.
What is the best time to visit Ladakh?
May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the high passes are open.
How do I avoid altitude sickness in Ladakh?
Rest for the first 36–48 hours in Leh, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and climb gradually. Consult your doctor before travel if you have health conditions.
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Visa and entry information last checked on 3 October 2026. Government rules can change at short notice – please confirm the latest requirements before you travel, or ask our team.
