A Winter Ladakh Trip With Senior Parents

We (my wife & I) had been planning a Ladakh trip for a realllly long time .

Finally managed to pull this off last year . The kicker being - We went in Peak Winter - the months of ‘Chilai Kalan’, when the temperature drops down to ~ -20°C . AND - we took our parents / in-laws (aged 60-70 years) with us, to altitudes between 12,000 - 18,000 ft.

Before planning any trip to a place that I’ve never been before , I pretty much go through every available, relevant video on YouTube that I can practically cover to get a sense of what lies ahead. While there were those odd couple of videos where people took their senior parents to Ladakh - nobody seemed to have done so in peak winter.

Literally everyone that I broadly threw a hint about this plan at, thought it wasn’t a good idea (and I wouldn’t blame them - it could have very easily turned out to be so) . From the freezing cold to altitude sickness , there were so many variables that could go wrong.

But they didn’t & we had the best times of our lives !!

I have documented the entire journey in a 7 part YouTube series (still working on the last 2) - would really appreciate your thoughts on this work of love .( not posting the link here lest it count as promotion, but it’s pretty much the only series you get if you search for Ladakh Winter Senior Parents)

Some pointers for anyone planning to take senior family members to Ladakh -

1. It’s tough & pretty risky in Winter , but if you do decide to take the leap , after considering all the possible variables, especially their health conditions (our folks have some mild hypertension - but largely in shape beyond that) , a winter trip to Ladakh is something that will give a new meaning to their lives .

2. It’s safer to go through an experienced travel provider - while we had 1 day each at the beginning & end of our 5 day itinerary for our own plans & acclimatisation, we booked our trip through Thrillophillia - apprised them of our entourage & requested them to have all contingencies ready . While it cost around 30% more than the actual on ground rates , having an entire team ready to help you out if need be is a massive relief .

3. Carrying a portable Oxygen cylinder , at-least on the days you cover Pangong & Khardungla, is an absolute must . Thankfully we didn’t need ours . Carry an Oximeter - blood oxygen levels being around 85-90 in Leh is normal .

4. Prepare for altitude sickness well in advance - start taking Diamox at least a day before you reach Ladakh (you’ll pee a tonne , but it’s a lifesaver) . Carry smelling salts / camphor for inhalation- helps . Have at least one full day for acclimatisation on reaching Leh - do not step out on this day . Just lay back & rest , practice deep breathing exercises if possible.

5. Lastly, do not risk the window seats on the flights to & from Delhi . Pay those extra ₹300 bucks - you’ll get one of the best possible returns on the views . Our folks never expected to see the Himalayan peaks so close .

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Check out the entire trip in the form of an 8 part travelogue on Youtube :