1. Choose a suitable BIKE

   A suitable and comfortable bike makes your journey the best. The best advice for choosing a bike could be Royal Enfield (500CC or 350CC). The bikes with 150CC or 135CC can also fine (if you pretty sure know how to handle it in worse conditions). But do not carry unnecessary stuff on it.
   

   Source: Hello travel

   Bikes can also be rented. But they are only allowed until you reach Leh. Thereafter, you are allowed to ride only on bikes which are rented in Leh (if you are riding on a rented bike).
   

• Available routes to reach Leh
  

  • Srinagar – Leh
    
  • Manali – Leh
    

  Do not start from your place on bike as it would be exhausting until you reach your destination. A good start would be from Delhi or Chandigarh.
  

1. Keep adequate petrol in handy

   

   Source: odishatv

   One cannot expect petrol pumps in a snowy and a hilly area, obviously. So, all you need to do is full your tank and also carry petrol in adequate amount to have a peaceful journey.
   

2. Best season to visit
   

   

   Source: Esther by design

   Generally, all the routes to Leh are closed almost for months due to horrible snowfall. The routes would be open only at the end of October to March. The best time to plan a trip is
   

• Mid-May to July
  
• August to Mid-September
  
• Mid-September to Mid-October
  
• Mid-October to Mid-November
  
• Mid-November to March
  

1. Important documents to be carried

   

Source: Vangel

There are few documents which are very essential to carry while you are on a bike trip.

• Driving license
  
• Aadhar card
  
• Pollution Under Control (PUC)
  
• Bike insurance
  
• Passport size photos
  
• Map route of Ladakh
  

1. Food supplies and other essential things

   Source: Hargaa

   Correct and all necessary food must be carried for the survival. As you need to be healthy and strong enough to travel to your destination, you need to carry all the stuff that makes you capable of retaining throughout the journey.
   

   Things that should be carried:
   

• Maggi cups
  
• Biscuits, Chocolates
  
• Dry fruits
  
• Sweet potatoes
  
• Bread rolls
  
• For spicy lovers – Please do carry pickles as the food in Ladakh is a bit Bland
  
• Tea bags and coffee
  
• And everything you want to carry
  

1. Have a good sleep

   

   Source: Saga

   Yes, you read it right. You absolutely should have a good sleep while you are on a trip as it keeps you retained throughout the journey. Mostly you will be tired as it is a four days journey from Manali/Srinagar to reach Leh. Carry all the accessories that you need while sleeping such as tent for a shelter, blankets, jackets, etc.,
   

2. Creativity is in choosing place for your shelter

   

   Source: Saga

   Choose the safest place for your shelter. Beware of the place before you decide to rest.
   

3. Few more important accessories for safe journey

• Rain coat
  
• Sport shoes
  
• Sun glasses and gloves
  
• Body lotion or Sun lotion
  
• Oxygen cylinder
  
• Kapoor (for an alternative for oxygen cylinder)
  
• Waterproof bags and polythene covers
  
• Ropes, knife, spoons, etc.,
  
• Tooth brush, paste and tissues
  
• Charger, power banks
  
• Torch
  

1. Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

   

   Don’t be accustomed to AMS!! Be aware of this attack and take precautions accordingly. This a process in which an individual organism adjusts to change in its environment. Boring, right? Anything that happens is all because of our mindset. So, keep your mind positive, hope for the exciting trip and just go on. But, do take precautions and get prepared for the worst to happen too.
   

• Symptoms
  

  • Lack of appetite
    
  • Nosebleed
    
  • Fatigue
    
  • Insomnia
    
  • Vomiting
    
  • Headache
    
  • Swelling of hands, feet and face
    

• Precautions
  

  • Keep yourself hydrated
    
  • Carry proper medicines
    

• Medicines to be in handy
  

  • Diamox
    
  • Aspirin/Dispirin
    
  • Oxygen cylinder
    
  • Paracetamol
    

1. First aid Kit
   

   Source: Physical Sports Limited

   The most important thing to keep in mind is always your health. Be careful and think twice before every step you take while your drive. Keep all the first aid in handy and here are a few suggestions:
   

• Tablets for headache, stomach pain, fever, cold and cough
  
• Glucose
  
• Lip balm
  
• Bandage and plasters
  
• Eye/ear drops
  
• Anti-septic creams
  

1. Keep yourself hydrated

   

   Source: Everyday Health

   At least 3-4 liters of water should be consumed per day or can be even more. And try filling your water bottle every where you stop. This also helps in keeping the area clean by not throwing disposable bottles or packets. It may also save your money. Keeping yourself hydrated also helps you not to get accustomed to AMS.
   

1. Avoid smoking and drinking

   

   Source: 123RF

   Sometimes, smoking can also be dangerous as it flammable. And it also makes you dehydrated and suffocated at times. You have to avoid drinking even as it can also be a reason for your dehydration.
   

2. Phone connectivity

   

   Source: Saga

   As you go into the Leh area, you won’t find signals in your phone. Only post-paid connections work in those areas. Such as BSNL connection is only available. Thus, be prepared for this too!
   

3. Only cash no ATMs

   

   Source: Finance Yahoo

   Keep sufficient cash with you and do not expect ATMs as the area is hilly region. There are ATMs only in Kargil and Leh (i.e., beyond Srinagar and Manali). Even then don’t be dependent on those ATMs as they will have a large queue and would merely waste your time.
   

1. Last but not least – Maintain flexibility

   

   Source: Hindustan Times

   Do exercise and make your body flexible to the atmosphere there and also for a healthy and successful trip. Make your trip a memorable one. To maintain your health even after you go back home, you need to exercise and take care of your body.
   

   All the best for your dream journey. Go with enthusiasm, fulfill your dreams and come back safe…!!!