Leh is a busy little town with cafés, ATMs and decent internet. Beyond it, things get simpler quickly. Here's what to know.
Mobile phones and SIM cards
For security reasons, prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh don't work here. Postpaid connections from the major networks (BSNL, Jio, Airtel) generally do.
- Indian travellers on prepaid should switch to postpaid before travelling, or buy a local SIM in Leh with ID.
- Foreign travellers can buy a local SIM in Leh with their passport, visa and a photo, though it can take a day or two to activate.
- Coverage is good in and around Leh, patchy in Nubra and around Pangong, and absent on most treks. Download offline maps before you go.
Internet
Most hotels and cafés in Leh have Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. In remote villages and camps, expect no internet at all. Many travellers find it's one of the best parts of the trip.
Money and ATMs
- ATMs are found in Leh and a few larger towns such as Kargil and Diskit. They can run out of cash in peak season.
- UPI and cards are widely accepted in Leh, but homestays, small shops and drivers in remote areas often prefer cash.
- Carry enough cash for your days outside Leh, including tips and homestay payments.
Fuel
There are fuel stations in and around Leh, and a few in larger villages, but long stretches have none. On the Manali–Leh highway, fill up at Tandi and expect almost nothing until Karu near Leh. Riders on our motorbike tours travel with a support vehicle carrying spare fuel.
Electricity
India uses 230 V with Type C, D and M plugs. Power cuts happen, especially outside Leh, and many remote homestays run on solar power with charging in the evening only. Bring a power bank.
Water
Don't drink tap water. Many guesthouses and cafés in Leh offer filtered water refills, which is far better than buying plastic bottles. On treks, our team boils or filters drinking water.
Time and shops
Most shops in Leh open from about 9 am to 9 pm in season. Many close completely between November and March.
