How to Acclimatize to Ladakh’s High Altitude

Ladakh – the land of passes – is the cold desert of India, having many high-altitude passes, low oxygen, almost no vegetation, brown mountains, and snowy peaks. Many of us are unaware of AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh. That is why it is mandatory to acclimatize in Leh for two days before you start exploring Ladakh. This blog will talk about AMS and how to acclimatize to Ladakh’s high altitude in detail.

What is AMS in Ladakh?

AMS in Ladakh is acute mountain sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness Ladakh is simply the medical term for altitude sickness. Planning a trip to Ladakh is exciting, but because it is sitting way up in the clouds, your body has to deal with a major environmental shift – much lower air pressure and less oxygen. Symptoms of altitude sickness usually pop up within 6 to 24 hours of arriving.

On your first day in Leh Ladakh, you are instantly at an altitude of about 11,500 feet (3,500 meters). If you fly directly from sea level, your body doesn’t get a gradual transition. Every breath you take gives your lungs less oxygen than they are used to.

FAQ. Why is acclimatization in Ladakh so important?

Ladakh is at high altitude with thin air. It dehydrates you very fast just by breathing. When you ascend quickly, you might get AMS, and it could become fatal too. That is why acclimatization is important.

What Are the Symptoms of AMS in Ladakh?

1. The Headache

2. Fatigue & Dizziness

3. Loss of Appetite/Nausea

4. Disturbed Sleep

5. Shortness of Breath

FAQ. What is HAPE in Ladakh?

HAPE is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema. Common symptoms are shortness of breath, persistent dry cough or wet cough with pink frothy sputum, high heart rate, extreme fatigue, blue or purplish lips or nails, and chest tightness.

FAQ. What is HACE in Ladakh?

This is High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Symptoms are excessive headache, staggering or dissociated walking or talking, extreme fatigue, confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation.

How to Acclimatize to Ladakh’s High Altitude? 

1. Ascend Gradually

Ladakh is the land of high passes. Be it Leh or Pangong or Hanle, all are above 11,500ft. You can plan your trip from Chandigarh and gradually enter Leh, or you can gradually enter Leh through Srinagar-Sonmarg-Kargil-Zojila Pass. This will take two to three days and will reach Leh.

2. Relax & Rest in Leh

It is mandatory to rest in Leh for 48 hours. So after reaching Leh in the afternoon, relax in the hotel, like Dakpa House Ladakh, that day. Try to avoid rich food, alcohol, smoking, and physical exertion that day. The next day, you can explore Leh city after having breakfast.

3. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Leh Ladakh is extremely dehydrating. You lose hydration just by breathing, that too 3 times more than usual. Drink 3-4 litres of water every day. You can add electrolyte powders to your water and also drink warm teas. The key is to keep yourself hydrated.

4. High Altitude Medication

Many travelers take Diamox (Acetazolamide) to help their body adjust faster. It helps you breathe faster to intake more oxygen. It is best to consult a doctor about the dosage for Diamox. Also carry an oximeter to keep an eye on your oxygen levels in Ladakh.

FAQ. How many days should one stay in Leh?

You should stay at least 48 hours in Leh to properly acclimatize to the changed environment. You need to rest and relax in Leh, drink 3-4 litres of water, ORS, and enjoy the view from your hotel. Do not put physical strain on yourself.

Conclusion

Ladakh is a dream destination. But with it comes unpredictability due to the high altitudes of Leh Ladakh. So it is important to acclimatize to Ladakh’s high altitude before ascending from Leh. Follow this guide to help yourself in acclimatization in Leh Ladakh.