Himalayan India

Allow a recovery night in Delhi before heading towards the Kullu–Manali area of Himachal Pradesh. Spend a couple of nights enjoying gentle walks and village surroundings rather than immediately committing to a demanding trek. Foothill stays ease the pace of travel but do not replace acclimatisation in Leh.

For an overland continuation, arrange the seasonal Manali–Leh journey with an experienced operator and discuss overnight elevations carefully. The road crosses very high terrain and is not automatically a safer acclimatisation option than flying. If travelling by air instead, check connections to Leh; returning via Delhi may be necessary.

Reserve your first several nights in Leh for acclimatisation, keeping initial activity minimal. Avoid strenuous walks, alcohol and immediate excursions to higher passes. Drink normally, eat regularly and do not assume that fitness protects against altitude illness.

Once comfortable, explore Leh’s old town at an easy pace, then consider nearby Indus Valley monasteries such as Thiksey or Hemis. Visit fewer places rather than racing between them. Headache with nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue can indicate altitude illness; stop ascending and seek medical advice. Breathlessness at rest, confusion or difficulty walking requires urgent help and descent.

After acclimatising, choose either Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso rather than trying to fit every celebrated landscape into a short trip. Nubra combines settlements, monastery visits and mountain scenery; Pangong involves a higher overnight setting that deserves particular caution. Neither should be your first stop after arrival.

Leave spare time before your onward flight. Landslides, snowfall and other disruptions can delay travel even during the summer season. If including Jammu & Kashmir, investigate the Srinagar–Kargil–Leh approach separately and check current security advice, traffic restrictions and road status.

Confirm current permit requirements, eligible routes and access restrictions with the Ladakh administration or relevant district authorities; rules can differ by nationality and destination. Check official weather warnings, road closures and monastery festival dates shortly before departure.

Choose locally run accommodation, ask before photographing people or religious ceremonies, and follow monastery rules on dress and photography. Conserve water, carry back rubbish and avoid disturbing wildlife. Never drive off established tracks onto fragile vegetation, dunes or lake shores.