MEDICINES, TOILETRIES, & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF TO PACK FOR TRAVEL IN LEH - LADAKH
It's Ladakh, not the moon.
That being said, make your stay enjoyable rather than uncomfortable just by bringing these few items with you on your journey.
My first venture into Ladakh I decided not to take Diamox or bring moisturiser. Why? I don't know. But I spent a lot longer than others in bed with AMS headaches and with painfully chapped lips. Save yourself stress later by packing well.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
This list is the extra items you should bring with you on your journey to the mountains. I took all these things in addition to my usual travel kit:
FIRST AID/Medicine
Aspirin
Aspirin works as a blood thinner and can enable your blood to carry more oxygen. I had some in my case just incase but didn't use it.
Diamox
Acclimatization when planning a trip to Ladakh is no joke. From the moment you step off the plane, you'll be seeing huge warning signs about AMS (acute mountain sickness) and let me assure you that it is not fun. Infact, AMS sucks. As Leh and most of the places in Ladakh are located above the altitude of 10,000ft, it is recommended to observe acclimatisation days and to take Diamox. Most hotels in Leh will freely offer it to you at reception, don't be shy or cocky (like I was) ad have your holiday ruined by AMS.
In a nutshell, Diamox helps the body to breathe faster and is taken as preventive medicine for AMS, not once you show symptoms. It's suggested to take 125-250 mg twice a day (consult with a doctor always), and side effects include tingling in toes and fingers, numbness, vomiting, nausea, frequent urination etc.
Additional items:
Lavender oil is said to be a natural alleviate of AMS.
Instead of coconut oil for relieving dry lips and noses, opt for mustard oil which doesn't freeze at low-temperatures.
Sunscreen. Especially for those travelling in summer. Don't let the cool weather fool you, that sun packs a punch that will leave you red-faced and sorry. If your face moisturiser has sunscreen built in, all the better.
Food & Drinks
Water Bottle
Keep the mountains beautiful. Take a refillable water bottle along with you and fill it up where you can. Hydration is also a very important part of adapting to altitude, so don't neglect this.
Snacks
Just because we all get hungry. Although if, like me, you're a big Maggi fan then you will never be hungry in Ladakh.
Plus, they have this amazing tea at lots of the cafes. Looks gross, tastes like heaven.
Electricals
Phone/Camera Chargers
No surprises with this one, just another gentle reminder to bring along a universal charger and be prepared for you phone not to charge completely. The voltage in the mountains is much lower than elsewhere, so everything will take longer.
Portable Chargers
An essential travel item, bring along different wires so that you can charge both iPhones and other devices. As the voltage was so low, I frequently found myself waking up to a charged phone of 40% despite being plugged in for about 9 hours. A portable will help to speed it up during the day.
A Torch
There are so many blackouts in the mountains that it's become the norm. Save your phone battery and have a small torch handy for such an occasion.
Money
Bring cash with you instead of cards
Ladakh is notorious for out-of-service ATMs, and my last trip I embarrassingly had to borrow money off the other model travelling with me because I didn't have any on me. I'd suggest 5k for spending money/food, as it's better to overestimate than to underestimate.
Looking for a good snack in Leh?
Look no further than these amazing eateries (with a meal for every budget!)