10 Things to Pack for a Ladakh Road Trip — Essential Gear List for 2026

Ladakh sits at 11,000 feet at its lowest point (Leh) and climbs to 18,380 feet at Khardung La. The altitude, UV exposure, temperature swings (−5°C at night to 25°C by noon in summer), and remoteness make packing more important here than almost any other destination in India. Here's what actually matters. ## 1. Warm Layers — Even in Summer June–August daytime temperatures in Leh hit 20–25°C. But every evening drops to 5–10°C, and passes like Khardung La and Chang La are around 0°C even in July. The shift happens fast. What you need: - Thermal base layer (top + bottom) — merino wool or synthetic - Fleece mid-layer - Windproof outer shell or down jacket - Don't rely on Leh market shopping — quality is inconsistent ## 2. Sunscreen SPF 50+ and Sunglasses At high altitude, UV radiation is significantly stronger than at sea level. You'll burn in 20 minutes without protection. Pack SPF 50 minimum, apply every 2 hours, and bring polarised UV-400 sunglasses. Snow blindness is a real risk near glaciers and snowfields. ## 3. Altitude Sickness Medication (Diamox) Consult your doctor before travel, but Diamox (Acetazolamide) is the standard prevention for altitude sickness. Most travel medicine clinics in Bangalore will prescribe it. Take it 24 hours before reaching Leh. Also pack: paracetamol, ibuprofen, ORS sachets, and antacids. **Key rule:** Rest fully on day 1 and 2 in Leh. Don't attempt any high passes in the first 48 hours. ## 4. Lip Balm and Moisturiser (SPF) The dry high-altitude air will crack your lips within hours. Cetaphil or Vaseline works. Bring enough for 2 weeks — don't count on finding quality products in Leh markets. ## 5. Good Trekking Shoes or Boots Rubber-soled, ankle-supporting footwear is essential. You'll be walking on loose gravel, snow patches, and uneven terrain near the passes. Regular sneakers slip. Pack a pair of flip-flops for the guesthouses. ## 6. Power Bank and Universal Adapter Power cuts in Ladakh are frequent, especially outside Leh. A 20,000mAh power bank covers 3–4 full phone charges. Bring an adapter — many guesthouses have non-standard sockets. ## 7. Offline Maps (Download Before You Go) Mobile networks are patchy along the Manali–Leh highway and around the high passes. Download Google Maps offline for Leh, Nubra Valley, and Pangong area before departing Manali or Srinagar. Also download Maps.me as a backup. ## 8. Cash (Lots of It) ATMs in Leh work but frequently run out. Beyond Leh, there are almost none. Carry ₹15,000–₹20,000 in cash minimum. Most guesthouses, dhabas, and petrol stations along the route are cash-only. ## 9. Sleeping Bag Liner Guesthouses along the Leh–Nubra–Pangong circuit vary wildly in blanket quality. A lightweight fleece or silk sleeping bag liner weighs almost nothing and guarantees you won't be cold at night. At Pangong especially, temperatures can drop below −5°C even in August. ## 10. Reusable Water Bottle and Water Purification Tablets Stay hydrated — altitude sickness is worsened by dehydration. Carry a 1-litre bottle and refill from guesthouses (where water is boiled). Water purification tablets (Chlorine or Iodine) as backup for remote stretches. ## What to Leave Behind - Formal clothes or heavy fabrics - Multiple pairs of jeans (they take forever to dry) - Perfume or cologne (you won't use it) - More than 2 pairs of shoes ## Packing Weight Target For a 7–10 day Ladakh trip, aim for a total bag weight under 12 kg. This leaves room for a day bag (3–4 kg) you'll carry on bikes or into guesthouses daily. ## Book a Ladakh Trip with TravelJar TravelJar runs guided Ladakh road trip groups from Bangalore. Fixed-departure, small groups, experienced leaders who know the altitude acclimatisation schedule and the best off-road detours. WhatsApp +91 90367 23529 or visit [traveljar.in/trips](/trips) to see upcoming Ladakh departures.