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| image copyright-jaya bhargava mahajan |
2. I went in my Ford Endeavour 4x4 from Delhi to KASHMIR/LADAKH/LEH and
vouch for its extreme reliability.
3. For most part of this road trip you will be on National Highway 1 (NH 1), also known as Srinagar-Leh Highway. It runs through a treacherous terrain,
following the historic trade route along the Indus River.
4. There are some essentials you must pack on this journey.
5. FOR THE SUV – Ensure it is serviced and in top shape (don’t forget
the spare tyre!). Carry a puncture kit and a can of ordinary water for keeping
your car clean. It’s a good idea to pack enough wash-cloth. If you plan to go
beyond Leh, carry jerry cans filled with fuel, as there is no fuelling station
for miles on end beyond Leh.
6. PACKING MATERIAL – Ropes, to ensure your luggage does not bounce around
on the jumpy highway. Wrap the nozzle of the jerry cans containing fuel with
polythene and rubber bands, and secure them to a stand (you may need to get an
iron stand made specially), so that the fuel does not spill. Keep a funnel (for
transferring fuel), rope cutter, old newspapers, LED torch, car mobile charger,
car camera charger and plenty of batteries handy on this trip (you must plan and stock up for a 15-20% drop in battery
life). Carry candles and match boxes (power supply is
erratic in Leh and beyond, even in Kashmir). Trust me you will need all of
this!
7. MEDICAL SUPPLIES – If you have any special health requirements, it
is best to first consult your doctor whether you are fit enough to go on this
trip, which will take you up to an altitude of 4,108 m (13,478 ft). Once the doctor clears your
trip, pack all your medical supplies at the onset of your journey. Most
emergency supplies are available up to Leh, but not beyond that. And even if
you have no special health conditions, you must carry Shades and Sun Screen (the sun’s glare is incredible), Moisturizers,
Body Oil, Moov, Iodex, ORS Solution, medicines for headache, dizziness, diarrhea
and body pain. Dispirin proves very effective.
8. HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS – Ha! Now listen carefully. Here is a
condition that can potentially spoil your vacation and ruin all your plans.
High Altitude Sickness can strike anyone from any age group and in any form of
fitness, in Leh or beyond. It is recommended that you rest completely for a day
or two after reaching Leh (even if you are travelling by road which makes
acclimatization easier). High Altitude Sickness is characterized by some or all
of these symptoms – headache/ dizziness/ body pain/ vomiting/ loose-motions/
loss of appetite / disorientation/ fainting
etc. (For more details please google search!)
9. CURE FOR HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS – One preventive drug is acetazolamide (DIAMOX) to prevent acute altitude
sickness (I took this and did not suffer from High
Altitude Sickness). This medication
speeds acclimatization and its recommended dosage is best decided in
consultation with a doctor or there is plenty of information on the internet.
OXYGEN CYLINDER – You can rent this and it comes in handy often preventing a
fatal situation. Once High Altitude Sickness strikes
someone it is recommended that they be taken to a lower altitude immediately
and hospitalized, where doctors typically put the patient on oxygen cylinders
than administer glucose and antibiotics.
10.
PERSONAL ITEMS – Carry all
essential toiletries, enough woollens (in Leh you may need cotton clothes
whereas in higher passes you may need heavy jackets, woollen socks, gloves,
mufflers and caps), tissue papers, napkins, thermos, dry rations like snacks
and biscuits (it is recommended that at each hotel stop get some food packed in
a hot-case as for long distances you will not come across a suitable eating
place, not even a tea-stall!), sturdy footwear, enough photo equipment and most
important to pack is Lots Of Mineral Water. Avoid smoking and alcohol on this
trip.
If you are keen on trekking and camping then plan accordingly. Best be prepared with all gear at the beginning of this journey, so that practical supplies do not come in the way of enjoying this road trip, which is nothing short of a spiritual adventure. Adios!
If you are keen on trekking and camping then plan accordingly. Best be prepared with all gear at the beginning of this journey, so that practical supplies do not come in the way of enjoying this road trip, which is nothing short of a spiritual adventure. Adios!
related link on kashmir/ladakh
related link on kashmir/ladakh
related link on kashmir/ladakh
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