Ladakh Travel Info & Visa
1. Passport
An international passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival into India is required.
2. Visa & Permit
Indian Visa is required for Singaporeans and other Nationalities. Each tourist visa is valid up for 6 months (from date of issue) and is non-extendable. Visa application requires 2 passport size photos, application form (available from visa office) and SGD60 visa fee. Kindly check for updated visa information with the India High Commission. No special permit is required to visit most of Ladakh, including Leh and Kargil towns. Permits are only required for tourists to visit the “Inner Line” areas.
3. Passport Size Photos
For india visa, 2 colour passport size photos with white background are required for visa application.
4. Vaccination
You can consult your family doctor or visit the nearest clinic in your neighbourhood for consultation at least a month before your trip if you confirm your trip early. There is also a travel clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
5. Altitude and Acclimatization
Leh, the capitol of Ladakh, is at 3500m above sea level. It is vital have your first acclimatization nights after arriving at altitudes over 3000 meters before venturing to higher altitudes. Rest and drink lots of water. It is not advisable to smoke or take alcohol.
6. Currency
Indian rupees are used in India. The exchange rate is estimated at SGD1 = Rs33, subject to fluctuation. We advise you to change your Indian rupees in Singapore. Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. US Dollars are the easiest currencies to exchange.
7. Money, ATM and Credit Cards
Cash is generally easily obtained from ATMs, found in larger towns and cities. Most of the major hotels and stores accept credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, Cash is the best option especially when travelling out of big cities. Credit card is useful for emergencies.
8. Time Difference
India (Ladakh) is 2hrs 30 mins behind Singapore.
9. Electricity
The power supply is 220volts. We suggest that you bring along a multi-purposed plug available in all electrical shops.
10. Climate
Best Season: Mar – May (Summer) & Oct – Dec (Autumn) & Feb (Winter)
Monsoon: Jun – Sep
11. Clothing
For touring and sightseeing, lightweight comfortable casual clothing is recommended. Do keep in handy a hat, sunblock lotion and sunglasses. Warm clothing or a light jacket for night is recommended. As there will be a lot of walking during tours, you are advised to bring a pair of flat, comfortable walking shoes.
12. Hotel Facilities
Generally air-conditioner, television, attached bathroom are available in the hotel rooms. Most hotels in the city have internet facilities in their business centre which are chargeable.
13. Hot Shower
Hot shower is available in majority of the hotels in the city and outskirts.
14. Communications
It is easy to go online at hotels and internet cafes in the cities. Local calls, long-distance calls and facsimile services can be made in the hotels or tele-communication shops in major cities. Most hotels have installed IDD in their guest rooms. Should you wish to make calls from your mobile, you should note that roaming service can be costly in Ladakh, including sms.
15. Shopping
You can enjoy shopping for curios and souvenirs in the bazaars and markets of Leh. Popular items with tourists are Pashmina shawls, stoles and other Pashmina wool garments. Locally handmade woolen socks, gloves, caps and sweaters are a favorite of tourists in Ladakh. Tibetan handicraft items including prayer wheels, Buddhist masks and Thangka paintings can be purchased in Ladakh. Tibetan silver jewelry and traditional Ladakhi jewelry with turquoise are also popular with tourists.
Handwoven rugs, carpets and shawls are available in a range of prices in Ladakh’s markets. The carpets have floral or geometric designs or dragon motifs on them and can also be hung as decorative wall hangings. Woven in wool gathered from Ladakhi goats, and dyed with natural dyes, Ladakhi carpets and rugs are thick, long-lasting and objects of utility and beauty, which you can buy while shopping in Ladakh. While shopping in open markets, bargaining is commonly practiced and the final price you pay for any product will depend on your skill at negotiating with the seller. In government-run crafts emporia and larger established stores the prices are fixed.
16. Tipping & Porterage
It is always a good gesture and customary to tip the coach driver and the local guides. Tipping amount is strictly at your discretion and experience.
17. Food & Beverage
Any changes in diet can have an effect but a few simple precautions should prevent any problems stemming from food or drinks. Tap water is NOT drinkable in Ladakh. It is safe to drink only mineral water from sealed bottle or from the boiled water supplied in your room. Vegetables such as potatoes, pumpkins, beetroots, and beans are cooked in a variety of different ways and accompany meat dishes. Mutton and chicken are the commonly consumed types of meat in Ladakh. The staple food of Ladakhi people are Sku and Thukpa (made of wheat flour), Pava (made of sattu) and khambir (local bread).
Tourists in Ladakh can try local Ladakhi food, which is nourishing and usually mildly flavored. Favorites include Thukpa, a thick soup with vegetables that provides a complete meal and delicious Momos or steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, accompanied by a fiery chili sauce. There are also many bakeries in Ladakh where you can buy freshly baked bread and enjoy eating it with locally made Apricot Jam. There are many restaurants in Leh, where you can have an international meal or choose from Tibetan or Ladakhi fare if you prefer.
18. Language
The principal language of Ladakh is Ladakhi, a Tibetan language. Most members of the tourist industry do speak English.
19. Culture
Ladakhis are known for their cheerful disposition and most of their festivals fall in winters, which serve as an excuse for social and convivial gatherings. In summers, archery competitions and native version of polo are quite common and especially among the Buddhists, these competitions are often a local ball where folk songs and dances add to the jovial atmosphere and ‘Chang’, the local barley beer is amply used.
This note serves only as a guideline and is accurate at the time of issue. Divine International Explore & Treks will not be held responsible for misinformation or omission intentionally or otherwise. All information are subjected to changes without prior notice. For more information, please check out travel literature or websites.