Ladakh, with its breathtaking landscapes and high-altitude motorable passes, is a dream destination for many adventure seekers. The allure of the pristine scenery, the thrill of the bike rides, and the exceptional opportunity for stargazing under a sky with minimal light pollution, where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, make it an enticing choice. For Kirubaran Rajendran, the trip to Ladakh was supposed to be all of this and more. However, their adventure quickly turned into a challenging ordeal.
Preparation and Anticipation
Before embarking on their journey, Kirubaran and his family did extensive research on the places they wanted to visit, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri Lake, Lamayuru, and Hanle. They knew that covering all these places would require a minimum of ten days. To ensure they were well-prepared, they took precautionary measures such as carrying Diamox tablets to aid in acclimatization. Additionally, they planned to spend two days in Leh city to acclimate to the high altitude.
The High-Altitude Challenge
Traveling from Leh to places like Nubra Valley or Hanle requires crossing high passes like Khardung La, situated at an elevation of 18,000 feet. The thin oxygen levels at these altitudes make breathing challenging, with cab drivers often advising against standing outside for more than ten minutes. Despite their precautions, Kirubaran and his family struggled to adapt. Even after two days in Leh, their bodies did not acclimate well. Kirubaran's ten-year-old son found it particularly hard to breathe, with his oximeter reading dropping below 65. The entire family experienced loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, and difficulty sleeping.
A Decision to Return
The reality of high-altitude travel hit hard. While solo travelers might risk an extra day or two to acclimate, traveling with a child left no room for such risks. Faced with their son's deteriorating health, Kirubaran made the difficult decision to cancel their plans and book the next return flight. The vacation, intended to be a relaxing and enjoyable adventure, turned out to be an overwhelming challenge, putting their health at risk.
Reflecting on the Experience
Even though July is considered an ideal time to visit Ladakh, the experience highlighted how high altitude and thin oxygen levels can affect travelers differently. For Kirubaran, the trip served as a stark reminder of the importance of being well-prepared and anticipating worst-case scenarios. While Ladakh remains a beautiful and enticing destination, it may not suit everyone, especially those traveling with young children or those not acclimatized to high altitudes.
Final Thoughts
For anyone planning a trip to Ladakh, it's crucial to be aware of the potential challenges posed by high altitudes. Precautions such as taking acclimatization seriously, being prepared for health issues, and knowing when to turn back can make a significant difference. Kirubaran Rajendran's experience serves as a valuable lesson for future travelers: Ladakh's beauty is unmatched, but it demands respect and thorough preparation.
