FAQ/Important Questions

FAQ/Important Questions:

How to reach Ladakh?

By Air:
There are daily flights from Delhi to Leh, these flights are operated by Air India, Spicejet, Vistara, IndiGo and Go Air. You can check availability, and fares and do online bookings for flights by logging onto:

www.airindia.in
www.airvistara.com
www.goindigo.in
www.goair.in
www.spicejet.com
OR
www.makemytrip.com
www.yatra.com
www.cleartrip.com

By Road: Another option is coming by road either from Srinagar or from Manali. Both of these routes take two days with one night stop on the way. These roads are mostly open from May to October.

What if the flights are too expensive between Delhi & Leh?
In that case the best option is to fly from Delhi to Srinagar, and take a jeep ride to Leh which takes only 10-12 hrs. For example if the fare to Leh is approximately 15000 INR to Srinagar it should be around 5000INR. The cost difference is not due to distance its just because from Srinagar they have almost 30 flights a day, and to Leh they have only 8 to 10 flights a day. While driving to Leh from Srinagar you can cover most significant and must see places in Ladakh. First famous destination is Sonamarg of course that is in Kashmir, than Zojila Pass, Drass, Kargil, Mulbek, Lamayuru, Rizong, Alchi, Likir, Basgo, Phyang and Spituk. Even you can take another route to Suru valley and Zanskar from Kargil.

How long does it take to get acclimatize?
Abruptly going to a height of 3500 m, one naturally feels a difference. Your body reacts and behaves differently in rarefied air at high altitude. What you need to do is just take it easy and give some time to your body to adjust in to less oxygen (hypoxia) by a slow physiological process called Acclimatization. Time taken for acclimatization varies from person to person; usually you nee atleast 2-3 days in order get well acclimatized and you need to take complete rest for the 1st day even if you are feeling fine. Drink plenty of fluids at least 3-4 liters. Diet should be high in carbohydrates, less oily and efficiently vegetarian. Avoid excess of alcohol and tobacco in any form.

How we look after your health while trekking?
Our guides are careful to prepare your meals with your enjoyment in mind. Typically these plentiful meals will be primarily vegetarian in nature with some meat or protein in the form of canned fish or tofu. This is typical of the Ladakhi diet in general. Our guides are encouraged to use hand sanitizers such as alcohol based gels prior to food preparation. You are encouraged to do the same. Dishes are typically stainless steel bowls and pans and are cleaned after meals with scrub pads and soap. Our staff will provide rehydrating liquids in large quantities throughout your trek. Take advantage of tea, coffee, juice and water whenever you can. At altitude it is natural not to feel much hunger or thirst. Make sure you stay adequately fed and drank plenty of fluids both at meals and along the trail. During summer, heat can be a real factor requiring significant intake of liquids while you trek. So always carry 2 liters of water with you.

Our guides will make every effort to pace your day so you are not pushed to your physical limits. This means you will be getting up and away in good time so your day will allow a consistent but moderate pace.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or other chronic illness it would be wise to let Dreamland Trek and Tour know of this condition prior to leaving Leh. This way your guide will understand that you have medication along with you should someone other than yourself have to administer the drugs.

Preparation for altitude during the trek is vital. Acclimatize in Leh prior to departure on your trek. Take at least 4 days doing tours or other easy to moderate physical activity prior to beginning your trek. If possible start low and go slowly for the first few days of your trek. Some routes will not allow this, so acclimatization is even more important in these cases.

Prior to your trek meet with your doctor and discuss your overall physical condition and your doctor's recommendation for high altitude medication. You may also wish to discuss treatment and medication for traveler's diarrhea as you experience new foods and bacterial environments.

With these simple ideas in mind, your trekking experience will be most enjoyable for you and other travelers along the way.

How We Look After the Environment?
Economic: We make every effort to purchase locally grown fresh vegetables and employ local people and ponies during the trekking season. Whenever we camp in a village or a pasture we pay a fee for each trekker using the campsite. Grazing fees are also paid to the local people for the ponies used during your trek. We will make stops along the way at tea tents run by women's group. Here you can rehydrate, buy locally grown or produced products and help Ladakhi women join the cash economy.

Reducing Environmental Impact:
Our guides will make every effort to pack out what we pack in. You should do the same with any non perishable items. Give any garbage you do not wish to carry to your support staff. As a responsible member of the local travel operators, understood of most Ladakhi trekking companies, we send a team of staff and ponies through the popular trekking routes at season end to collect any garbage thoughtlessly left by others. We encourage the use of the typical Ladakhi composting pit toilets in established campsites. They are quite sanitary, with little odor as a result of the dry climate. After the waste has composted adequately it is used as a valuable source of fertilizer for fields.

If you are forced to use the outdoors along the route, please follow these simple rules:
Dig a shallow pit with your boot or stick at least 100 feet from any running water.
Do your business.
Burn any toilet paper used, being careful not to cause a widespread fire.
Bury the remains
Use an alcohol based hand cleaner to prevent spread of nasty bacteria. Maintain your health and that of the others on the trek.

Do not:
Make your toilet near a watercourse Leave toilet paper “poo birds” around the countryside Who carries the things/gears and food during the trek? In Ladakh normally you have to trek around the height of 4000mts and the passes are around 5000mts so its very difficult to carry heavy loads at this height, that's why we provide pack horses/ponies they will carry everything, trekkers will have to carry only the pack lunch, water, camera, note book, and some delicate things which they don't want to keep with the horses.

How SAFE is Ladakh?
Unlike other tourist destinations in India, Ladakh is considered one of the safest place in India for tourists. In Ladakh you just need to take good care of your belongings. Even if you are a lone traveler or a women you can go ahead without wasting time in looking for companions, here you will always feel at home.

What is the process to avail an Inner Line Permit?
It's very simple you can obtain it within one working day. You just have to approach a tour operator/travel agent in Leh and there you have to fill a form along with that you also have to give your original Passports in order to produce it to the Magistrate, after that around 4:00 pm you will get your passport back along with the valid permits.

What's the cost for the Inner line Permit?
It costs around 1000 to 1500 INR/Person depending on the route and the number of days you apply for.

Are Every Nationality eligible for the Inner Line permit?
No, some citizens are not eligible. People from China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are not allowed to the restricted areas, due to security reasons

So what can the People from China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka can do if they come to Ladakh?
As I told you Ladakh is vast and there are many more opportunities even if they don't go to the restricted areas and the options are: They can do Cultural tours/Sightseeing/Trekking/Rafting in Zanskar and Suru valley.

Other Trekking options are:
Trekking in Markha valley, Lamayuru Chilling, Lamayuru Alchi, Likir Temisgam, Ney to Khaltse. Stok Kangri 6153m & Kang yatse 6200m are mountaineering/climbing options. Tour to Lamayuru, Alchi, Likir, Rizong, Basgo, phyang and spituk and to the east you can visit Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Chemrey, Takthok, Stakna, Matho, and Stok. There are no restriction at all for these citizens to travel by Leh Manali and Srinagar Leh highways, and they can also take to & frolights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Jummu.

Whom should I have to contact at Dreamland Trek & Tour?
Your contact will be Mr Javeed who is the owner and the trekking manager (cell No +91(0)9419178197 OR +91(0)9622149625 dreamladakh@gmail.com

Is Dreamland trek & Tour genuinely a local Ladakhi organization?
Yes Dreamland Trek & Tour is completely a local Ladakhi organization and is run by a team of local Ladakhi based in the heart of Leh, has been organizing adventure activities in various parts of Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang, since1994. We strongly believe in Responsible-Tourism and Sustainable Tourism that strives to minimize its impact on the environment, to respect and benefit our local people and our culture. Besides that we are a member of ALTOA (All Ladakh Tour Operators Association) only local Ladakhi operators are listed there. Tour Operators from India & Abroad are not allowed to organize & run treks and tours in Ladakh. They can only work under the banner an ALTOA member.

You can also verify through our clients through our testimonial page www.dreamladakh.com/testimonial.htm by sending an email, most of them have given their email addresses with their reviews.

What's the situation of COVID-19 in India and what are the Guidelines:

General
India is open for leisure travel from all countries. Can I travel to India? All arrivals can enter India.

Do I need to go into quarantine when arriving to India?
Quarantine is not required when arriving in India.

Are COVID-19 tests required to travel to India?
A COVID test is not required when arriving in India.

Is public transportation open in India?
Public transportation in India is operating.

Are the restaurants and bars open in India?
Restaurants and cafes in India are open, under social distancing requirements.

Are businesses and attractions open in India?
Non-essential businesses and attractions in India are open.

Do I need to wear a face mask in India?
Wearing face masks may be required in some public places.

Sources
https://boi.gov.in/content/advisory-travel-and-visa-restrictions-related-covid-19-1 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements

Which other vaccine(s) does the travelers need in India?
Regarding Vaccines kindly check the below given summary of recommendations: All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure. Malaria: A Prophylaxis with Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone (atovaquone/proguanil), or doxycycline is recommended for all areas, except for areas at altitudes above 2,000 meters (6,561 ft) Like Ladakh, Kashmir & Manali etc;

Immunizations:
Meningococcal Recommended for all travelers to the states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram in the northeast Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers typhoid Recommended for all travelers Polio One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult yellow fever Required for all travelers arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise. Japanese encephalitis For travelers who may spend a month or more in rural areas and for short-term travelers who may spend substantial time outdoors in rural areas, especially after dusk Hepatitis B Recommended for all travelers Rabies For travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given Tetanus-diphtheria

Revaccination recommended every 10 years
What about Time Difference? The Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of London, 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Paris and about 10 hours and 30 minutes behind the New York City.

Am I fit enough for adventure travelling?
The trips organized by Dreamland Trek & Tour will be enjoyed by anyone who has an enthusiasm for the outdoor activities, different cultures and overseas travel and is prepared to be open minded and flexible at times! Our trips are fun, informal and attended by a wide range of people.

How can we make a reservation with Dreamland?
We encourage you to book as early as possible to ensure you get the holiday you would like. And have kept the terms and conditions simple. To book a place on a trip, please follow these steps: Choose the trip and ask for a day by day Itinerary and email us to ensure the trip is running for your dates. Confirm your trek by sending an email to us at dreamladakh@gmail.com OR dreamladakh@hotmail.com

Once we confirm your place, we will email you the booking procedure than you have to pay 30% of the total amount in our bank in Leh as an Advance/Security Deposit which will ensure your place for the trek with us.

We can always email you our Payment Condition & Terms and Conditions documents, once you are serious to book your trip with us.

What about travel insurance?
You must take out adequate insurance in the unlikely event you become sick or injured and a medical evacuation is required, and evidence of insurance must be shown to us before departure.

Where do I need a special permission?
As Ladakh is surrounded by China in the north east and from south west it's boarderd with Pakistan, therefore doing sightseeing or trekking near to these boarder areas you need to apply for inner line permission, which you can obtain just within a day through any local travel agent. Foreigners are required to carry a valid permit visiting Dha Hanu, Nubra, Korzok, Samad Rokchen, Karnak and Pangong Tso re and you have to provide us the photocopy of the same.

What we do with the garbage that are produced during the trek?
We are very keen to keep Ladakh clean, that's why we strictly instruct our staff to bring back all the garbage produced during the trek.

Can you give us more information about climate in Ladakh?
Ladakh lies on the rain shadow side of the Himalayan. Where dry monsoon winds reaches Leh after being robbed of its moisture in plains and the Himalayan Mountain. The district combines the condition of both arctic and desert climate. Therefore Ladakh is often called “ COLD DESERT ”

How often does it rain in Ladakh?
The average precipitation of rain and in Ladakh is 10 cm annually, its rains very little in Ladakh. The reason is the height of the Ladakh Range that prevents rain clouds from crossing into Ladakh, and as a result Ladakh receives only (10 cm) of rain/snow per year. These Mountain ranges cause moisture laden air masses to drop their rain and snow as they climb over the mountains. As the air descends, it warms and picks up moisture, dropping very little. This is known as a rain shadow and this prevents rain to drop in Ladakh.

Than what caused the cloud burst and flash flood disaster in Aug 2010? Cloudbursts in India occur during monsoon season over mountain regions in the Himalayan, north -eastern states and the Western Ghats. The associated convective clouds can extend up to 15 km above the ground. Analysis by the Indian Meteorological Department of satellite images of 4 th -6 th Aug 2010 indicates that an intense convective system developed in the easterly current which is associated with the monsoon conditions over the region. The convective cloud band extended from the southeast to the north west over Nepal and India during the afternoon of 5 th Aug. It gradually intensified and moved west northwest towards the Ladakh region. An intense convective cloud cluster developed to the east of Leh by 21:30 IST on 5 th Aug.

Ladakh is not known to be frequently affected by this type of phenomena. Cloudburst in the low altitude Himalayan is not uncommon but in the high altitude cold desert region of Ladakh in the first week of Aug is not the usual but an extreme weather event. This is the first time floods have struck a populated area. On a single day and within hours, Leh town and its periphery were attacked by 200 cms of rainfall that was 10 times its annual precipitation. This kind of phenomenon was unheard in the history of Ladakh.

Was there any causality or accident to any of the trekkers going through Dreamland trek & tour during the Flash flood? Fortunately there was no causality or accident to any of the trekkers going through Dreamland Trek & Tours during the flash flood. We are thankful to our staff especially our guides and drivers who dealt with the situation tactfully using their experience and everyone (all the guest and Dreamladakh team) were fine. We have some client who came to Ladakh before during and after the flood. You can share their experiences by logging onto our testimonial page http://www.dreamladakh. com/testimonial.htm

What about the temperature (maximum and minimum) during the trekking season?
The average temperatures in the trekking routes during the trekking season are as under:
May................. (Max 15*C & Min -3*C)
June.... ............ (Max 25*C & Min 6*C)
July................. (Max 30*C & Min 10*C)
August ............ (Max 27*C & Min 8 *C)
September...... (Max 15*C & Min -2*C)
October........... (Max 8*C & Min -8*C)

Why are some treks more expensive than others?
If we have to organize a trek near Leh than it's less expensive for transportation and same is for the pack horses as we have to send them to the starting point. Even after finishing the trek we have to pay for the horses for reaching Leh. That's why there are different rates for different trek routes.

What about drinking water during the trek?
Being a local and an Eco friendly organization we request you to kindly use boiled water instead of plastic bottled mineral water coz that will help us to keeo the trekking routes/environment clean For the first day we will provide two liters of pressure boiled water, and from 1st evening of the trek our staff will supply boiled water, which would be pure just coming from the glaciers, and supply springs will continue till the end of the trek.

What kind of food is provided to our trekkers during the trek?
Breakfast:
Porridge, Cornflakes, Muesli, Bread, Apricot Jam, Honey, Butter, Peanut Butter, Cheese, Pan-Cake, Omelette, Tea and Coffee.

Lunch:
(You will have Pack-lunch while trekking) Sandwiches, Boiled Eggs, Boiled Potatoes, Fruit Juice, Chocolate Bars, Biscuits and Peanut Candies.

Tea Time:
You will have Instant Noodles, Tea/Coffee with Biscuits, when you end the day trek.

Dinner:
Soup, Rice, Curry (Veg. Mushroom, Paneer, & Dal) Noodles (Thukpa & Chowmien) Veg Momos, Tuna Momos, Spring Rolls and for Deserts Custard and Fruit Cocktail.

Please Note:
All of the above items are served different on different days and the items are subject to the availability in the market.

What we can provide for a trek?
Tents – suitable for mountain travel
Sleeping pads
All cutlery, plates, cups, bowls etc.
A complete cooking kit including pots/pans, stoves, fuel
All food for three meals a day (consult with us on your needs or dietary restrictions prior to trip)
A small folding table and chairs for your use in camp
A cook tent
Wash bowls
A toilet tent (for larger groups, as required)
Boiled water for your use in washing or for water bottles
Containers for all the camping gear, excluding your personal gear.

What you should bring?
A medium sized day pack, with plastic bag liner
Well broken in trekking boots
Stream crossing sandals – eg Teva's or reef runners
A medium sized day pack, with plastic bag liner
Water bottle(s),1 liter size – 2 bottles recommended
Insulating layer(s) – fleece jacket, wool sweater
Wind/rain proof layer – Gortex type jacket
Gloves – insulating
Sunscreen – SPF 30, and lip salve
Sunglasses
Water purification – pills, drop, filter etc.
Personal trail medications (if required)
Reading glasses (if required) Emergency First Aid kit including blister bandages
Toilet paper in a plastic Ziploc and lighter (purchased in Leh)
An alcohol based gel to sanitize your hands (eg Purell)
Emergency trail food such as granola bars, chocolate bars etc.

Essentials on the body:
Long sleeve hiking shirt Long quick dry pants Hat (sun), with hiking retention cord for windy days

Optional Gear in the Pack: Camera and accessories
Guidebook, maps
Trekking poles
Extra pair of hiking socks
Light emergency tarp
Notebook and pencil

In your duffel bag:
A sturdy waterproof duffel or zippered bag to contain your personal items. This bag will be roped to a horse, so ensure the contents are “crush” proof. Sleeping bag Mattress (optional) – eg Thermarest is good

Complete spare set of clothing including:
Underwear – regular and long
Quick dry long sleeve shirt
Durable hiking pants
Inner and outer socks
Insulating layer (another fleece or sweater)
Insulating hat

A backup pair of running shoes/camp shoes in case your boots give you trouble Toilet kit with your own soap, toothbrush, etc.
Towel
Medications
Books
Glasses (spares)
Headlight - flashlight
Water purification spares
Batteries for cameras,
GPS, etc.
Hand sanitizer “spares”

Our staff and the pony man will load all of your personal gear each day and unload it at the end of the days trek. They will provide you with all your meals, including a packed trail lunch. You can assist by having your duffel bag packed and ready for loading at the beginning of each trekking day.,

Ask your guide for advice on the route, scenic landmarks, mountains, passes and, most importantly, the people and culture of the valleys through which you are passing. Our guides are pleased to share with you their knowledge of the country and their own experiences in Ladakh.

How is a typical trekking day like?
Our typical day of trekking is based on the average level of client's physical fitness coupled with the nature of our weather and terrain. This could include very warm days during summer, high passes and the need to move between campsites which ensure adequate grazing for the ponies.

06:00 Bed tea is served to your tent, a great way to warm you up before packing up your gear.
06:30 Hot water is provided for your morning wash.
07:00 Breakfast is served as per our trekking menu.
08:00 your personal packing is complete and your trail lunch is available to place in your day pack. Your guide will go over the day's travel plans highlighting those areas along the route you will want to visit.
08:15Off on the trail with your guide, or with instructions as to the route and where he will meet you if he needs to assist with pony packing (depending on party size).
12:00 You will have lunch along the route, often in a meadow or beside a stream. A typical lunch might consist of a sandwich, juice box, cheese, boiled egg, boiled potato, apple, cookies and chocolate bar.
17:00 In camp with a pot of instant noodle, tea & biscuits after a great day of sights and trekking. The tent is up and you are making notes in your journal and taking photos of the picturesque landscape.
18:30 Supper is served, time for more tea and, perhaps, an early bed.

Expect to have rather long days of travel with plenty of time to take photos and look at the scenery, visit tea tents or local villages as you pass through. You will have plenty of time in camp each evening to meet with other travelers, compare notes, read a bit, take photographs or visit surrounding villages or sites either before or after your supper is served.

By starting early you will have made substantial progress in the cooler part of the day, and will be able to take your time ascending the passes which can be up to 17,000 feet (5,180 M) on some routes, arriving at your next camp with some reserves of energy for the evening.

Your personal level of fitness and the time you have allowed for acclimatization around Leh will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the trek. Allow at least 3-4 days sightseeing in the Indus valley prior to starting your trek at any significant altitude. Dreamland Trek and Tour can provide you with ideas or packages that will enhance your acclimatization period.

You may also wish to ask your doctor or a travel clinic as to the benefits of high altitude drugs such as Diamox taken before and/or during the trek. Know how and when to administer any prescription drugs you bring with you on the trek, and their possible side effects. Be aware of the signs of HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) in both yourself and others in the trekking party.

Which are famous mountaineering peaks in Ladakh?
The famous mountaineering peaks in Ladakh are, Saser Kangri 7627mts in Karakuram range, Nun 7135mts Kun 7085mts Zanskar range Kang-yatse 6400mts Stok Kangri 6150mts in ladakh range. Menthok, Chamsher , Lungser and Dzo Jongo

We are always looking for ways to improve our services so please give us feedback on your return from the trek either in our Leh offices visitor book or by sending an email.

Have a great trip !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!