Booking a holiday to Ladakh from London is an experience in itself. Here, way up in India’s far north, is Ladakh – a desert at high altitude, renowned for its spectacular scenery, serene monasteries, and tough treks. Whether a serene cultural break or a family trek in Ladakh you are looking for, this guide will assist you in preparing for a holiday you will not soon forget.
Understanding the Geography and Climate of Ladakh
Ladakh is situated between the Karakoram and the Himalayas. Its capital, Leh, is around 3,500 metres above sea level. The weather is tough with hot days and cold nights, even in summer.
June to September is the best time to visit, with all trails open and trekking conditions favourable. Winters are extremely cold and not suitable for beginners.
Flights and Entry Points
There are no direct flights to Ladakh from London. You will have to go first to Delhi or Mumbai, from where there are numerous flights by the likes of British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or Air India on scheduled flights.
Alternatively, you can take a connecting domestic flight from Delhi to Leh. It is a short flight (around 90 minutes) but with a stunning bird’s eye view of the mountains.
It’s better to remain in Leh for two days at least after arriving to let your body acclimatise. Nausea, headache, or breathlessness are to be expected on the first day, particularly in tourists coming from sea level.
Visas and Permits
You will require an Indian tourist visa as a UK citizen prior to travelling. You can get an e-visa for a stay of up to 60 days by applying online. You will need to download your approval for the e-visa.
Inner Line Permits are required for certain places in Ladakh, which are close to the borders. These are only reserved by local travel agencies or websites once you are inside India.
Choosing the Right Trek and Activity
Ladakh offers a wide range of trekking experiences—from short hikes ideal for families to challenging multi-day routes for seasoned trekkers. If you’re travelling with children or elderly members, opt for a family trek in Ladakh package that focuses on moderate terrain, cultural immersion, and shorter walking distances.
Popular family-friendly treks include:
- The Sham Valley Trek, or “baby trek”, with easy slopes and homestays.
- Nubra Valley treks, sand dunes, double-humped camels, and ancient monasteries.
Experienced trekkers can try out the Markha Valley or the Stok Kangri Base Camp treks.
Most Ladakh trekking packages provide an option of customisation to the experience level of your group.
Health and Acclimatisation
Altitude sickness is a serious possibility in Ladakh. To reduce risks:
- Rest for the first 24–48 hours after arrival.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but not to excess.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking in the first few days.
- Take useful medications like paracetamol, anti-nausea tablets, and, if required, acetazolamide (Diamox) to acclimatise.
Also, have a consultation with your GP prior to travelling so that all required vaccinations and general fitness advice for travel at high altitude are undertaken.
Accommodation and Packing Advice
Accommodation in Leh is from low-budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. In villages outside Leh, it is more basic, particularly in trek villages.
Pack:
- Layered clothing (temperatures wildly vary).
- Trekking boots, sunglasses with protective UV, and sunscreen.
- Power banks and a universal adapter (little electricity available in some areas).
- Reusable water bottles and purification tablets (clean water not always available).
Don’t overpack—most tour operators include tents and sleeping bags in Ladakh trekking packages.
Finding Local Support: Dream Land
If a place is as far away and off the beaten path as Ladakh, the expertise of a qualified local operator can be worth its weight in gold. Dream Land, a trek and travel company based in the home, is a specialist in arranging personalised, guided experiences for families and experienced travellers alike. Their familiarity with terrain, culture, and logistics takes the planning chore out of the process and ensures safety and authenticity along the way.
Whether getting the permits, organising homestays, or making you enjoy the most memorable family trek Ladakh has to offer, their ground-level assistance can have your trip suave and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Ladakh is not quite a normal destination. Visitors prepared to take a bit of hassle are presented with unimagined natural beauty and a crushing sense of tranquillity. Sorting things out from London takes a bit more hassle, such as organising visas, flights, and acclimatising, but if one does some planning ahead, none of them is prohibitive.
Ladakh is one of those places that continues to linger in your mind long after you have left it behind, be it your plan to take some quality time out with family on tranquil strolls or embark on a long trek. With appropriate planning and counselling, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and not a vacation.