Perfect Packing list for your Leh Ladakh Trip

A bike trip to Ladakh means tackling the treacherous terrains of the mighty Himalayas, riding through harsh weather and facilities which are way more scarce than any other hill station you have ever visited. This will be one of the most challenging trips of your life and you must be prepared for it.

Your packing checklist must be extensive as well as lean so that you not only carry all your essentials but also avoid straining yourself with deadweight on the trip. This is why having a precise idea of your packing list plays a crucial role while you are on such unpredictable roads.

With sparsely available amenities and facilities like ATM, Fuel Stations, Accommodation, eateries, mechanic, and phone connectivity, you got to have a solid backup plan. Riding on a bike to these rugged terrains requires packing-which is specific and should be according to the mode of transport.

However, even if you are not planning a Ladakh bike tour but want to know what are some of the essentials you got to carry on this trip, then this article is for you too. We have listed down a comprehensive guide on how your luggage should look like before you embark on this journey regardless of your mode of transport.

Packing list For Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

1. Clothes to carry

This has been a frequently asked question by most travelers because they don’t have a precise idea of the climate on this trip. Weather in Ladakh is very unpredictable with fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. So, having clothes which can sustain any weather is necessary in order to avoid getting sick while on the road.

Wearing clothes in layers will not only help you fight the cold but also keep your body warm at all times. For this, carry light woolen clothes that are not so tight and can be easily removed when the temperature rises. So, having layers of cloth will help you balance your body temperature when the weather fluctuates.

Also, carry normal clothing like cotton T-shirts and trousers or jeans. Pack a set of thermals, a water-wind-proof jacket, and some light woolens. Here is a detailed list of clothing we recommend:

• Cotton T-Shirts
• Jeans and Trousers
• Woolen Socks and Gloves
• Wind-Waterproof Jacket
• 1 light jacket
• 2 Pairs of thermal inners
• Hats or Beanies
• Handkerchiefs
• Heavy woolen clothing (if traveling in winter)

2.  Basic Travel Kit

While traveling, you may not find things that are easily available at your home which can save you in a crisis. So, packing a complete travel kit can be a lifesaver on the road. You have to be prepared for every crisis you may face on the journey. Here is a list of some of the Basic Travel Kit you must carry on a Ladakh Bike Trip:

• Route details printout
• SunGlasses
• Woolen and Leather Gloves
• Multiplug extension cords
• Mufflers or balaclava
• BackPack Or Carry bag
• Nylon rope and bungee cords for bikers
• Flashlight or Torch lights
• Water bottle
• Candles, Lighter, and Match Boxes
• Power Bank
• Swiss Knife
• Bag locks
• Safety Pins
• Wrist Watch
• Hand Sanitizer
• Books to read

These items will come in handy on your trip and save you from any problem on the journey. If you want to know more, then contact us at BackPackClan. You can join us on our bike trip to Ladakh this season. We will answer all your queries in detail and prepare you for the journey beforehand.

3. Toiletries

Ladakh is still on the verge of development and because of this, finding your daily essentials would be a tough job. Carrying all your toiletries and cosmetics for your daily use will come as a sigh of relief for you on the journey. So, purchase all your toiletries before leaving for the trip. Here is a list of toiletry you must carry on a Ladakh adventure tour

• Hand Sanitizer
• Cold Cream
• Lip Balm
• Moisturizers
• Sunscreen lotion
• Tissue rolls
• Tooth Brush
• Tooth Paste
• Shampoo
• Comb & Mirror
• Deodorants
• Toilet Soap
• Face Wash
• Shaving Kit

4. Food Supplies

Chocolates and Dry fruits like almonds, cashew, walnuts, raisins, etc are our most recommended eatables on this trip. These foods will give you instant energy and are also easy to carry. Also, some tea bags and coffee pouches will keep you active and energized on the road while riding.

If you cannot resist your hunger then cup noodles or Maggi can come to your rescue. However, you will easily find eateries along the road but they are scarce in number. So, it would be better if you can at least carry some food supply as you might get stranded in roadblocks. Fresh fruit juices or fresh fruits like apple, guava, grapes, and other locally available fruits can also be carried.

Water is your savior because at such a high altitude, keeping yourself hydrated is a big issue. As you don’t want to get sick for no reason right? So, make sure you carry extra water bottles at all times.

Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs will be a big bummer at such a high altitude. So, don’t even try this stunt on your trip.  Some of our riders ignored it on our last bike trip to Ladakh and they had to suffer from acute mountain sickness. We don’t want you to go through that.

5. Medical Kit:

Ladakh’s high altitude and extreme weather can get you sick if your body is not prepared for it. Without proper precautions, acute mountain sickness is a common condition that can lead to severe headaches, vomiting, nausea, and weakness. Also, accidents can happen at any time so having a backup plan can save your life.

Carrying a first-aid kit which will help in healing any injuries or sickness on the way. Also, consult your doctor and tell him to prescribe you medicines for mountain sickness as well. You can also carry glucose as it will keep you hydrated and will give you instant energy on your ride.

Making proper medical arrangements would be of your top crisis because medical facilities won’t be available everywhere for you and it can take a long time to reach you. So, be prepared.

6. Documents

Ladakh is a pretty restricted zone because of its conservation policies to protect its land and culture. So, carrying some important legal documents would be mandatory for you. You might get fined heavily if you do not abide by their rules. Carry at least one legal government-issued identity proof with you like Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Voter card, passport and don’t forget your driving license.

Here are some other documents which if you carry will save a lot of your time:

• Inner line permit (multiple copies)
• Print out of your itinerary
• Phone numbers and address are written in a paper of your family and friends
• Passport size photographs
• Medical Insurance if you have any

7. Another Backup plan

Here are some of the things for which you must have a backup plan. Do not forget to carry them.

• • Fuel
    Fuel stations are scarcely available on the way to Ladakh and even within Ladakh. So, carrying some extra fuel would be a great backup plan for your Ladakh bike trip. As soon as you see a fuel station, get your machine refilled because you never know when you will get to see another. If you are a bike rider then do not ignore it.

• • Cash
    Facilities like ATM also won’t be available for you everywhere on this journey. Carrying extra cash would be the best idea because you have to halt for the night in hotels and also pay for the food. In Ladakh, unfortunately, you won’t find even a single ATM, only Leh has all of them. So, don’t depend on credit cards and carry some extra cash

• • Mobile connectivity
    In Ladakh, only the Postpaid connections of BSNL will work. So, if you are coming from a different state, get yourself a BSNL postpaid connection to avoid any inconvenience. Leh does support other networks but getting a BSNL postpaid would be best if you don’t want to lose contact on the way.

8. Photography Gear

If you are a photographer then check this list out so that you make sure you have carried everything you need to meet your requirement.

• Chargers
• Extra Batteries or Powerbank
• Tripod
• Filters
• Rain cover
• Extra Memory cards
• Lamps for night photography

Note: If you want to take your laptop there are some precautions you must take because in extreme cold and high altitude your laptop can get damaged. So, carry a waterproof bag and also do not switch at elevations more than 11000 ft above sea level. As laptops also have to acclimatize themselves to the climate.

Conclusion:

Cross-checking this list before embarking on your journey can save you from a major crisis on your Ladakh bike trip this season. This way you won’t forget anything and also won’t get frustrated while on the journey. However, for some riders, this list may not be perfect but we have laid down the most important and the ones which are mandatory.

If you feel we have left out on any of them, then please let us know. We will keep adding them to the list. Anyways riders, we hope that you have got a much broader idea of your luggage from this article and we hope to see you this season conquering these roads.

If you are alone and want to join a group, then please visit us at BackPackClan. We will provide you with an affordable package on your bike trip and also provide great assistance on the road. We will take care of you in summary. So, don’t worry much because we got your back on this.