Advisories & Weather

Stay informed with health guidance, travel alerts, road conditions, and real-time weather updates for Ladakh.

Health Advisory

Travel Advisory

Weather

Important: Mandatory 48-Hour Acclimatization

All tourists arriving in Leh must undergo at least 48 hours of complete rest for acclimatization before travelling to higher-altitude areas. Consult a doctor immediately if you feel unwell.

Health Alerts

High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) RiskCritical

Travellers ascending rapidly to altitudes above 3,500 m are at risk of HAPE. Ensure mandatory 48-hour acclimatization upon arrival in Leh before proceeding to higher-altitude areas.

Pangong TsoKhardung LaTso MoririChang LaUmlingla

Extreme Temperature AdvisoryHigh

Winter temperatures in Ladakh can drop to -30°C. Visitors must carry adequate cold-weather gear, thermal wear, and emergency supplies when travelling between October and March.

All Ladakh

Limited Medical Facilities in Remote AreasMedium

Medical facilities are concentrated in Leh town. Remote areas such as Zanskar, Hanle, and Changthang have minimal medical infrastructure. Carry a personal first-aid kit and prescribed medications.

ZanskarHanleChangthang

COVID-19 & Respiratory Illness AdvisoryInfo

Travellers experiencing respiratory symptoms should consult SNM Hospital, Leh. Carry masks and hand sanitiser.

All Ladakh

Dos and Don'ts

Dos

Allow at least 48 hours for acclimatization upon arrival in Leh

Drink 3-4 litres of water daily to stay hydrated at altitude

Keep emergency contacts (hospital, police, embassy) saved on your phone

Take Diamox (Acetazolamide) 250 mg twice daily starting 2 days before arrival

Eat light meals on the first day and avoid overeating

Inform someone of your travel itinerary when visiting remote areas

Carry a well-stocked personal first-aid kit

Descend immediately if you develop severe altitude sickness symptoms

Don'ts

Do not rush to high-altitude destinations immediately after arriving in Leh

Do not consume alcohol or smoke during the first 48 hours of acclimatization

Do not take sleeping pills or sedatives at high altitude

Do not ignore symptoms of headache, nausea, or breathlessness

Do not undertake strenuous physical activity on the first two days

Do not travel alone to remote or restricted areas without permits

Do not drink untreated water from streams or rivers

Do not litter — Ladakh is an ecologically fragile zone

Do not skip meals or remain dehydrated

Do not ignore weather advisories when planning passes or treks

Travel Health Precautions

Recommended Medicines

Diamox (Acetazolamide) 250 mg

Altitude sickness prevention

Twice daily, starting 2 days before arrival

Paracetamol / Ibuprofen

Headache and body pain relief

As needed (max 3 times/day)

ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)

Dehydration prevention

1-2 sachets daily dissolved in water

Disprin / Aspirin

Mild pain and headache relief

As needed

Anti-nausea tablets (Domperidone)

Nausea and vomiting

As prescribed

Antibiotics (Azithromycin)

Traveller's diarrhoea / infections

Only as prescribed by a doctor

Acclimatization Guidelines

Day 1Complete rest upon arrival in Leh. No sightseeing. Stay hydrated and eat light.

Day 2Short, easy walks around Leh town only. No exertion. Continue hydration and light diet.

Day 3Visit nearby attractions at similar altitude (Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace). Monitor for symptoms.

Day 4+Gradually proceed to higher altitudes (Khardung La, Pangong). Increase altitude by max 500 m/day.

Oxygen Availability

Portable oxygen cylinders are available at select hotels and pharmacies in Leh

SNM Hospital, Leh provides emergency oxygen support

Oxygen concentrators are available at some higher-end accommodations

Army and ITBP posts along highways may provide emergency oxygen assistance

Carry a pulse oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels (normal: SpO2 > 90%)

Altitude Sickness Advisory

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

AMS is a condition caused by reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes (typically above 2,500 m). It can progress to life-threatening conditions — High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) affecting the lungs, and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) affecting the brain. Leh is at 3,500 m, and most popular destinations are higher. Proper acclimatization is the best prevention.

Mild AMS Symptoms

Persistent headacheMild nauseaDifficulty sleepingReduced appetiteSlight dizzinessFatigue and weakness

Severe Symptoms (HAPE / HACE)

Severe, worsening headache unresponsive to medicationPersistent vomitingConfusion or disorientationLoss of coordination (ataxia)Breathlessness even at restCoughing with frothy or pink sputum (HAPE indicator)Blurred or double visionAltered consciousness or extreme drowsiness

Prevention

1.Ascend gradually — avoid gaining more than 300-500 m altitude per day above 3,000 m

2.Take a rest day for every 1,000 m of altitude gained

3.Stay well hydrated (3-4 litres/day) and avoid alcohol completely

4.Take prophylactic Diamox as recommended by your physician

5.Avoid sleeping at a significantly higher altitude than where you spent the day

6.Listen to your body — if symptoms appear, stop ascending immediately

7.Sleep with your head elevated

8.Eat carbohydrate-rich meals and avoid heavy, fatty foods

Emergency Actions — If AMS Symptoms Worsen

Stop ascending immediately

Do not go any higher. Rest at current altitude.

Descend if symptoms worsen

Descend at least 500-1,000 m to a lower altitude as quickly and safely as possible.

Administer supplemental oxygen

Use portable oxygen if available. Maintain SpO2 above 90%.

Keep the patient warm and hydrated

Prevent hypothermia. Give warm fluids (not alcohol).

Seek medical help immediately

Contact SNM Hospital Leh (01982-252014) or the nearest Army/ITBP post.

Evacuate if necessary

Arrange emergency evacuation to Leh for cases of HAPE or HACE.

Emergency Contacts

Dr. Dolma Chuskit

Chief Medical Officer

941981115601982-252012lehcmo@gmail.comCMO Office, Leh

Dr. Jamila Parveen

Deputy CMO, Leh

941927868901982-252649deputycmoleh@gmail.comDy.CMO Office, Leh

Dr. Rinchen Chosdon

M/S, SNM Hospital, Leh

941921747301982-252014snmhospital2013@gmail.comSNM Hospital, Leh

Dr. Skarma Phunchok Yountan

District TB Officer (DTO), Leh

946972787701982-252758dtojkleh@rntcp.orgDistrict TB Office, Leh

Downloadable Resources

Acclimatization Guidelines

Complete guide to acclimatizing at high altitude in Ladakh

PDF

AMS Prevention & Treatment

Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms, prevention, and emergency response

PDF

Recommended Medicines Checklist

Essential medicines to carry for high-altitude travel

PDF

Emergency Contacts Directory

Full list of hospitals, helplines, and medical officers in Ladakh

PDF