Leh-Ladakh At a Glance 4 nights / 5 days

Inclusions:

• All detailed transportation requirements in preferred Non-AC vehicle with an experienced Hindi speaking driver
• 4 nights accommodation as specified in your preferred package
• Daily meals as specified in your preferred package
• Inner line permit required for restricted areas
• Wildlife fees and compulsory red cross donation

Exclusions:

• Any increase in the airfare / taxes / routing charged by the airlines for tickets.
• Airline and hotel surcharges (if applicable) during high / festive season / trade fairs to be paid extra per person.
• Cost of extension, upgradation, validity, date change or deviation of your air-ticket
• Travel Insurance Policy, Medical test and Premium cost of insurance valid for passengers above 70 years of age.
• Porterage at hotels, apartment, airports and seaports, TIPS, laundry, wines, mineral water, telephone charges, all items of personal nature and also food and drinks not forming part of the holiday package.
• Baggage handling fee charged by the operating airline for the excess check-in baggage.
• Any increase in rate of foreign exchange leading to an increase in tour cost coming into effect prior to departure. However, the rate prevailing on the given day of payment will apply.
• Goods and Services Tax of 5% or any applicable taxes as per the Government notification. 
• Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
• Optional and add-on tours.

Health Note & Medicine :

Ladakh is a high altitude region and it is not uncommon for people to experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness on arrival. For this reason, we suggest clients consult their doctor before travel and if recommended, take Diamox (or a similar medication) to help with the acclimatization process. We purposely arrange a complete day of rest for the first day of all tours and our guides and drivers are well equipped to handle altitude related emergencies throughout the tour.

Most other standard medications are available in the main town of Leh, but if you prefer your own trusted brands or if you have any specific prescriptions please bring these with you for your Ladakh holiday period.

People often suffer from pulmonary oedemas and the likes as a result of not taking it easy at high altitudes

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can hit the best of us, with nausea and headaches ruining a perfectly good trip. Stay off the alcohol, ideally through the trip, but definitely while acclimatizing.

Staying hydrated is incredibly important. You may not feel the need to drink water, but ensure that you intake sufficient amount of water. Don’t spend more than 20 minutes at Khardungla pass as the high altitude may hit you.

Staying Connected:

All prepaid Indian SIM cards will not work in Ladakh and due to security restrictions it is very difficult for outsiders to obtain a local SIM card. Post paid services with BSNL, Airtel and Aircel will work but we suggest relying on internet based services such as Skype, Viber, Whatsapp, Facebook or email to keep in touch.

Note: There is free WIFI in most hotels and there are plenty of internet cafes in the main bazaar, but be aware that power failures occur frequently and it is not uncommon for all satellite internet connections to be lost for up to a few days at a time.

Weather :

The best time to vacation in Ladakh is between May and September. Days are usually nice and sunny, but the nights can be quite cool. It is unlikely clients will experience much rainfall but they may get wet from snow at Khardung La or snowy areas whilst driving.

Currency :

Ladakh falls in Jammu & Kashmir and is an integral part of India and local currency is Indian National Rupee (INR) . The credit & debit card facilities are not always available so we suggest using local ATMs or currency exchange services at hotels or government approved vendors.

Shopping :

The best buys in Ladakh include: authentic pashmina shawls and stoles, handwoven rugs, carpets or decorative wall hangings, locally made woollen socks, gloves, beanies or jackets, trekking gear including backpacks, clothing, boots and climbing accessories, traditional ‘chung’ pots, teapots, and singing bowls, tibetan handicraft items including prayer wheels, bowls, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings and a variety of silver and traditional Ladakhi turquoise jewellery.

Clothing :

Ladakh is a very casual although somewhat conservative although and you don’t need too many outfits as laundry services are available in the main town of Leh. As a general rule, we recommend loose fitting, lightweight materials which will be the most comfortable, plus a warm jacket or layers of warmer clothes are advised for cooler evenings and trekking trips. Suggested packing items include:

• Pants/ trousers / long skirts or long dresses
• Light cotton T-shirts or long-sleeved tops for wear during the day
• Comfortable walking shoes (ones that slip on and off easily are best as shoes are not generally worn indoors) At least one warm jacket or jumper to use for the cooler evenings and late nights
• Sunglasses / hat (useful to protect your eyes from the wind/ glare and the top of your head from the hot sun) A scarf or bandana (useful to protect your face against the dusty wind)
• A few pairs of socks and underwear
• Swimming costume (if you want to take a dip in the cool waters or you plan on participating in water rafting)

Other Handy Items (To be brought) :

• A day bag to carry your important things during the daily sightseeing
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Anti-bacterial wipes / lotion
• Tissue paper
• Small pocket torch and spare batteries for use in the village
• Conversion plug – with two horizontal round prongs
• Camera and spare battery/memory card
• Book / personal music player (for the long car rides and any free time)
• Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
• Snacks from home or anything else you can’t live without

Important Instructions :

• All passengers have to report 02 hours prior to the departure due to security checking at the airport.
• No hand baggage will be allowed to carry inside the aircraft due to security reasons. Only jewellery and laptops will be allowed for cabin baggage.
• We reserve the right to re-arrange itinerary to suit hotel availability without changing the total number of days in each destination and without compromising any services.
• The vehicle used is non air-conditioned and is available at trip wise not on disposal subject to municipal limits. Clients are requested to follow the timings in the program. In case any services are missed due to delay in departure, the operator will not be responsible for any refunds.
• Hotels mentioned above are subject to availability at the time of booking otherwise an alternative will be provided.
• Due to security reasons prepaid numbers are not working in Jammu and Kashmir while as post-paid are working in entire Jammu and Kashmir
• Any dispute relating to or arising out of all or any one of the above stated terms and conditions shall be subject to the exclusive Jurisdiction of Courts at Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir).

Grand Package :

Hotels Offered:

• The Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh,
• (or similar standard Hotels)

Luxury Package :

Hotels Offered:

• Singge Palace Hotel in Leh,
• (or similar standard Hotels)

Deluxe Package :

Hotels Offered:

• Snowland Hotel in Leh,
• (or similar standard Hotels)

Standard Package:

Hotels Offered:

• TseRab Guest House in Leh,
• (or similar standard Hotels)