Acute mountain sickness can occur to anyone at an altitude above 10,000 feet from the sea level. The most common symptoms of acute mountain sickness are headache, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, coughing, irregular breathing, breathlessness and lack of concentration.  

Since Leh town is situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft. above sea level, it is advisable to take the following precautions to acclimatize your body properly: 

• If possible, spend a couple of days in Leh before traveling to a higher elevation. This gives your body time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. 
• Do not do heavy exercise for at least the first 48 hours after you arrive. 
• Consider taking day trips to a higher elevation and then returning to a lower elevation to sleep. 
• Staying hydrated is also important. Drink water regularly. 
• If you feel lightheadedness, nausea, breathlessness and headache contact a physician as soon as possible. If you are getting drowsy or falling asleep, all you need to make yourself alert and awake is a few cycles of inhaling oxygen. 

It’s imperative to carry sunscreen with a higher SPF and deep nourishing moisturizer when traveling to Ladakh due to the high-altitude sun exposure, which can be intense and lead to skin dryness.  

Be aware of desert sun, wear a cap/hat and sunglasses to avoid headache. Dress in layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures. Evenings and mornings can be chilly, while the sun during the day can be intense. Always carry an all weather full sleeve jacket.