Leh-Ladakh is perched at an altitude of 3500 metres above sea level making altitude sickness a common problem for tourists, especially if you have traveled by air from the plains.
To prevent altitude sickness among tourists, the Leh-Ladakh administration has made it mandatory for tourists arriving in Leh to undergo 48 hours of acclimatisation. Only after proper acclimatisation, you can initiate their journey to higher reaches of Ladakh.
- Keep yourself adequately hydrated.
- Eating and drinking habits: Eat light and drink plenty of fluids.
- Do not exert yourself.
- Carrying an oxygen cylinder while travelling is also advisable and the same is easily available at a chemist shop.
- Keeping yourself adequately warm. Remember to dress up in layers. This is particularly helpful when you are gaining height as you can add to the layers effortlessly.
- Having a carbohydrate rich diet. Light meals at frequent intervals are advisable. It is prudent to avoid heavy meals.
- A good night’s sleep can go a long way in mitigating the effects of mountain sickness. Remember not to over-exert yourself.
- If the problem becomes acute try descending to a lower altitude to take some rest before carrying forth with your journey.
- It is advisable to sleep with your head elevated while sleeping.
- It is best to avoid alcohol at least for the first couple of days till your body has got used to the high-altitude conditions. Similarly, it is best to avoid smoking and tobacco.