Every trip no matter where you are going, requires preparation, some a little more than others. Trip to Ladakh however requires a lot more preparation. This is not a place where, if you run into trouble, help would be just around the corner. This is not a place where you can take out your cell and dial a number to fix things. Even a punctured tyre here can ruin your day.
Visiting Ladakh requires that not only you prepare yourself but also your vehicle for the adventurous journey ahead. Below is a list of items that i believe you must pack for this trip, depending upon your mode of transport.
PREPARE YOURSELF :
List of things advised to carry for yourself.
- Woolen clothes
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Cap
- Cold Cream
- Sunscreen Lotion, SPF50 or higher.
- Lipguard
- Polycovers to waterproof your bags and prevent from dust, if you are traveling on a motorcycle.
- First Aid Box
- Scissors or a small Swiss army knife
- Diamox, to fight mountain sickness
- Crocin or Dispirin
- Spare shoes (If you are traveling on motorcycle. Your shoes may get wet while crossing a water stream and if you are not carrying an extra pair, you will have to ride in cold wearing wet shoes)
Essential documents:
- Valid Photo Identify Proof
- Driving license
- Registration Papers of the vehicle
- Insurance documents
- Pollution under control certificate
PREPARE YOUR MOTORCYCLE :
Ladakh is a very rough terrain to ride or drive and a mechanical failure in this region can be a serious problem with no mechanic available for miles. It is always advisable that you learn minor repairing so you can take care of some faults on your own.
Please get you motorcycle serviced before the journey to ensure everything is in place and fastened. Also learn minor repairing like changing tyres, fixing punctures, changing bulbs. Get a final check done on the following before you start your journey.
- Clutch Plates
- Piston Rings
- Drive Chain & Sprockets
- Air filter
- Spark plug
- Clutch & Accelerator wires
- Brake (both rear and front)
- Engine oil/filter
- Carburetor Tuning
- Tyres
- Timing Gear and Chain
Tools that you should carry
- Tool kit
- Screw Driver set
- Foot or Electric air pump
- Puncture repair kit
Spares that you should carry
- Engine oil
- Replacement bulbs for headlight and brake lights
- Chain locks
- Clutch and accelerator wires
- Spark plug
- Spare key
- Nylon Rope
- Bungee cords
- Petrol pipe
- Spare tube for both tyres
PREPARE YOUR CAR :
Please get you car serviced before the journey to ensure everything is in place and fastened. Also learn minor repairing like changing tyres, fixing punctures, changing bulbs, checking and adding water, coolant and oil. Get a final check done on the following before you start your journey.
- Clutch Plates
- Coolant
- Air and fuel filter
- Brakes
- Electrical
- Battery
- Tyres ( Condition of tyres and alignment)
- Engine oil and filter
Tools that you should carry
- Tool kit
- Scotch tape
- Foot or Electric air pump
- Puncture repair kit
- Jump start cable
- Spare can to carry fuel
- Screw Driver set
- Petrol pipe 1-2 meter
Spares that you should carry
- Engine oil
- Replacement bulbs for headlight and brake lights
- Battery Water
- Spare fuse
- Coolant
- Rope (In case your car breaks down and you need to tow it)
- Spare Key
