What to pack for the Leh Ladakh trip is one of the most searched questions. Apart from clothes, footwear, eatables, and battery items, one of the things that travellers shouldn’t overlook is the first-aid kit with basic medicines for common health problems. Why? Because medical help/facilities are sparse in Ladakh, the only good one you will find in Leh. Otherwise, when talking about the medical facility in other regions of Ladakh, it takes a day to reach from a place to the actual medical help centre. To make it easier for you to decide which medicines to carry for the Leh Ladakh trip, we have compiled a list below. We usually recommend a small medical kit to be carried by you in addition to your currently prescribed medicines. Here's a checklist of medicines to carry while travelling to Ladakh that you should definitely follow before embarking on your adventure-filled journey.
Medical Kit for Leh Ladakh
Here are some of the medicines to carry for the Leh Ladakh trip that you shouldn’t forget when packing your things.
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Acetaminophen or paracetamol for pain and fever.
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Ibuprofen for any kind of inflammation.
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Throat lozenges like Vicks Cough Drops or Strepsils for bad/sore throat.
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Sunscreen with SPF 50, Lip Balm
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Minor wound care supplies:
- Betadine, Iodine, Dettol, Savlon type disinfectant solution.
- Crepe/First-Aid Bandages
- Moleskin or favourite blister remedy
- Johnson White Tape
- Nonstick bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
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Lomotil or other Over the Counter Meds for Diarrhea
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Pudin-Hara or Gelusil or other Over the Counter Meds for Stomach Issues like Gastric or Acidity.
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A small vial containing Camphor Pellet.
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A Strip of Diamox (Please consult with your doctor to verify that it does not interfere or react with any other medication you may be already on.)
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ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) – available in small packets to be reconstituted with water, provides electrolytes for replacing losses from vomiting/Diarrhea.
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Personal medications (for pre-existing problems).
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For women, sanitary napkins, and tampons for menstrual flow.
Preventing Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh- How to Plan a Trip?
Ladakh is 3,000 metres above sea level and one must keep in mind that acute mountain sickness (AMS) is very common which is also called altitude sickness. However, there are certain measures one can take to prevent it. Of all the important things as discussed above is to keep the medical kit for the Leh Ladakh trip. On reaching Leh, travellers should take at least 2 days of rest to acclimatize. The reason being doing so is, that you can only visit Khardung La situated at a height of 5,359 metres, Pangong Tso situated at an elevation of 4,225 metres and more only when you are have taken proper rest and are now acclimatized to Ladakh’s altitude.
Below are some useful tips:
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Plan a visit to Leh city, the Indus valley and the Sham region at the beginning of your trip to Ladakh or in other words during your acclimatization period as they are situated at an altitude of 2,700 and 3,700 metres.
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Once you have acclimatized for 2 days, you can head to visit Nubra valley which is at a height of 3,150 metres. You will make your way through Khardung La pass which is at an altitude of 5,359 metres but you will be there for a short period of time.
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On the third or fourth day of your trip, you can head to Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. No matter what, carry your medicine for the Ladakh trip.
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Walk at a slow pace and avoid any sort of strenuous physical activity.
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Drink at least 3-4 litres of water throughout our Ladakh trip.
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Avoid alcohol and smoking as low levels of oxygen can cause breathing issues.
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Wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that can protect your eyes, and skin from harmful UV rays of the scorching sun and cold.
This was all about medicines to carry for the Leh Ladakh trip. Make sure to carry all the above medicines and take preventive measures to avoid getting hit by AMS. Ascend gradually and don’t be in a hurry to reach any high altitude destination in Ladakh. In case you need assistance with any other thing, Go2Ladakh is all ears.
