What clothes should you carry for your Ladakh Trip

Ladakh is a paradise for avid travelers and it is a dream destination for bikers. Every biker wishes to visit here once in a lifetime to explore the unparalleled beauty and have a unique experience. It is important to wear proper clothes and gear to enjoy the road trip otherwise you can face difficulties while traveling. Ladakh is accessible by road from May to October and the region experiences comfortable weather in these months. In this season, you need not bring heavy woolens and also, riding the bike is also not easy while wearing heavy clothes. If you are traveling by bike then you need to pack differently so that you can ride without hustle. For your bike trip, pack your regular cotton clothes and pairs of jeans, lower, track pants, or trousers. Wear them with inners, warmers, or thermals and a heavy windproof jacket. Carry a heavy jacket that is warm, waterproof, and windproof. When the cold is severe, it is also important to protect the neck portion as well using a full Balaclava or muffler. You can also buy bike gears for the Ladakh bike trip and the list is here:

• Jacket with inner elbow guard
• Pants with inner knee guards
• Riding Boots
• Biking Gloves
• Riding Goggles

Which clothes to carry for Ladakh by car

While traveling to Ladakh by car, you can wear the clothes you are most comfortable with and carry a few woolens. Always consider the weather conditions while packing for the Ladakh trip. It is very important to keep yourself warm as it reduces the chances of getting hit by Acute Mountain Sickness or cold. Always protect yourself from cold winds. Keep the warm clothes handy in the car as the temperature dips while approaching the high altitude regions and after sunset. It is important to carry clothes in layers as they help in adjusting the fluctuating temperature throughout the day. While driving the car, do not switch on the heater as it increases the chances of altitude sickness. It is advisable to keep the windows down and allow the air to circulate. Some of the clothes you should pack during the Ladakh trip while traveling by car are:

• Fleece
• T-shirts or sweatshirts
• Jeans, lowers, or track pants
• Warm socks for winters
• Thermals
• Windproof and waterproof jacket
• Heavy jacket in winter
• Cardigan, pullover, and a light jacket in summers
• Balaclava and Cap
• Muffler and gloves

Clothes for a Ladakh Trip by Flight

If you are traveling to Ladakh by flight then wear cotton clothes and keep a light jacket handy as the weather remains cold throughout the year in Ladakh and you need warm clothes once you land at the airport. Pack cotton clothes and light jackets if you are traveling in summer. However, if you are traveling in winters then carry heavy woolens and clothes in layers such as thermals, sweatshirts, and warmers. In Ladakh, you will have to rent a motorcycle or a taxi to travel, so pack accordingly. Always make sure that you have to keep yourself warm to save yourself from Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) and getting ill.

What kind of shoes to wear in Ladakh

While traveling to Ladakh, we need to choose shoes carefully as wearing comfortable shoes is essential. They can save you from blisters and injuries, which are the last thing you want when you are traveling. The choice of shoes for Ladakh depends on the type of activities you wish to engage in. Here are the different type of shoes, which you can carry according to your requirement:

Sports Shoes or Sneakers – They are comfortable walking shoes, which you need throughout the trip. These are the best for those who are traveling in a car or taxi.

Gum Boots or Waterproof Boots – These are the essentials for the bike riders as they can save your feet from getting wet every time you will cross the stream.

Trekking Shoes – They are different from sports shoes. If you are looking forward to indulging in trekking or hiking then you must carry trekking shoes as they provide good traction on rough, steep, slippery, and muddy terrains.

Winter Shoes – They provide good insulation and keep feet warm. If you are planning a trip in winter then furry shoes or winter shoes are a must.

Gloves for Ladakh

Carry both a light pair of gloves and a heavy thicker one. In summers, light pair of gloves will do and in winters, you can wear woolen gloves followed by light pair of gloves. You are planning to ride a motorcycle then carry windproof gloves. If you are traveling by car then woolen gloves will be the best.

Travelling Tips for Ladakh

• Carry layers of clothing as temperature varies throughout the day.
• Carry light clothes in summers and heavy woolens in winters. Also, you can wear light woolens into layers that can work for you in unpredictable weather.
• Carry comfortable clothes. Also, do not wear too tight and uncomfortable clothes.
• Always keep your woolens or jackets handy. As the weather in Ladakh changes very frequently.
• Wear full sleeves clothes, a cap, and sunscreen to save yourself from sunburn as the sun is quite harsh in Ladakh.
• Carry a few pairs of warm woolen socks if you are riding a motorcycle so that you change in case they get wet during the water crossings. Make sure you will keep a muffler and balaclava handy.
• Sunglasses are a must for winters as the glare of the sun on the snow can be quite harsh for the eyes.