At altitude the air is thin and dry. You'll be warm in the sun and cold in the shade within minutes, and nights at camps and high lakes can drop below freezing even in August. The secret to packing for Ladakh is layers.
Clothing (summer, May to September)
- Two or three quick-dry T-shirts or base layers
- A warm fleece or wool mid-layer
- A down jacket: essential for evenings, passes and lakes
- A windproof and waterproof shell
- Comfortable trekking trousers, plus warm leggings or thermals for sleeping
- A sun hat or cap and a warm beanie
- Light gloves, plus warmer ones if you're going above 5,000 m
- Wool socks: they dry fast and don't smell
Sun and dry air
The sun at 3,500 m is far stronger than at sea level, and sunburn happens quickly, even on cloudy days.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, and lip balm with SPF
- Good sunglasses (category 3; category 4 for glaciers and snow)
- Moisturiser: the air is very dry
- A refillable water bottle and electrolyte sachets
Footwear
- Broken-in trekking shoes or boots with good grip
- Sandals or slippers for homestays and camps
- Waterproof boots if you're on a trek with river crossings
Health kit
- Any personal medicines, plus a copy of your prescriptions
- Altitude medicine if your doctor has prescribed it (see our altitude guide)
- Painkillers, rehydration salts, plasters, blister care
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Documents and money
- Photo ID and several photocopies for permit checkpoints
- Some cash: ATMs are scarce outside Leh (see connectivity and money)
- Travel insurance that covers high altitude and, if you're trekking, evacuation
Extra for winter (November to March)
Temperatures can drop below −20 °C. Add an expedition-grade down jacket, insulated boots, thermal base layers top and bottom, a balaclava and liner gloves. For the Chadar trek and mountaineering, we send a detailed kit list when you book.
Leave behind
Single-use plastic. Ladakh has very limited ways to deal with waste, and plastic bags are banned. Bring a refillable bottle and a cloth bag.
