How long should I acclimatise in Leh before going higher?

Minimum 36 hours of complete rest in Leh (3,500 m / 11,500 ft) before any high-altitude excursion. We monitor pulse oximetry on arrival, at 12 hours and at 24 hours. No high passes before day 5.

Can I take a Ladakh trip if I have a cardiac history?

Cardiac, pulmonary, and pregnancy considerations require written physician clearance before booking. We do not bend on this. Some conditions are absolute contra-indications; others can be managed with route modifications and supplemental oxygen — we will compose accordingly or counsel toward Kashmir instead.

What do you carry medically on every Ladakh vehicle?

Medical-grade oxygen, pulse oximeter, dexamethasone, acetazolamide, and nifedipine. Our guides hold Wilderness First Responder certifications. We have on-call relationships with Leh's senior physicians and helicopter evacuation arrangements on standby at our cost.

What if I develop symptoms during the journey?

Anything beyond mild headache triggers immediate descent. We maintain reserve vehicles and medical contacts in Leh and have evacuated guests by chartered helicopter when warranted. The mountain comes second to your wellbeing.

Managing AMS in Ladakh: a medical guide for the discerning traveller

Olympic athletes have been evacuated from Ladakh; sedentary travellers have completed the trans-Himalayan arc without symptom. The variable is your individual response, and that response can change journey to journey. With Leh at 11,500 feet and the highest passes above 17,500 feet, AMS is a serious risk that demands clinical respect.

How long should I acclimatise in Leh before going higher?: Minimum 36 hours of complete rest in Leh (3,500 m / 11,500 ft) before any high-altitude excursion. We monitor pulse oximetry on arrival, at 12 hours and at 24 hours. No high passes before day 5.
Can I take a Ladakh trip if I have a cardiac history?: Cardiac, pulmonary, and pregnancy considerations require written physician clearance before booking. We do not bend on this. Some conditions are absolute contra-indications; others can be managed with route modifications and supplemental oxygen — we will compose accordingly or counsel toward Kashmir instead.
What do you carry medically on every Ladakh vehicle?: Medical-grade oxygen, pulse oximeter, dexamethasone, acetazolamide, and nifedipine. Our guides hold Wilderness First Responder certifications. We have on-call relationships with Leh's senior physicians and helicopter evacuation arrangements on standby at our cost.
What if I develop symptoms during the journey?: Anything beyond mild headache triggers immediate descent. We maintain reserve vehicles and medical contacts in Leh and have evacuated guests by chartered helicopter when warranted. The mountain comes second to your wellbeing.

The Himalayan Guru, custom Himalayan journeys, founded by The Himalayan Guru atelier in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. WhatsApp wa.me/919906666698, email hello@thehimalayan.guru.