Ladakh Nubra Valley Trek Planning

Paperwork

We welcome your questions! Please send any questions from logistics to reading to our Director of Programs and India expert Gordon Janow ([email protected])

Please return the requested paperwork as soon as possible.

Application
Flight itinerary
Passport Copy
Two Passport Photos (scans are fine)

Trip Insurance & Evacuation Coverage

We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Even with the best planning, unexpected circumstances — such as an injury or family emergency — may prevent you from joining your trip.

Trip Insurance Info

Meet Times & Transport

Getting to Delhi, India

For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we are happy to make hotel and airport transfer arrangements. Please contact our office in advance of your departure if you would like us to make additional reservations for you.

Arrival: Most flights arrive very early morning, please insure you arrive before the first tour and consider arriving a day early. We will pick up all travelers as the airport. . Please look for an Alpine Ascents sign upon leaving the terminal. It is very rare that we miss a pick up. Upon arrival at the airport in Delhi, be aware of people trying to “help” you with your luggage cart and then demanding large tips. Better to decline their services, roll your own luggage cart outside to the pick-up area and then follow the directions of the Alpine Ascents representative, who you need not tip. Our arrival city is New Delhi.

Departure: See day to day itinerary noting that most flights leave very late at night Extra nights and pickups before or after scheduled dates easily arranged for an extra fee. We can also arrange 2 day tours to Taj Mahal or Varanasi. Travelers will depart from Mumbai

Note: You cannot bring a satellite phone or two-way texting device into India as per the India government. Failure to comply can result in immediate arrest, large fines, the confiscation of the device, deportation, and significant travel delays.

Visas Needed for India Travel

We will advise of all visa and entry requirements approximately 4 months prior to departure. Currently and on line visa can be completed 4 months before arrival. This will involve and on line visa form and an health affidavit. Alpine Ascents will provide any necessary letters and information to obtain your visa.

Hotels

Alpine Ascents will make all lodging arrangements based on the listed itinerary. We are happy to make pre and post trip reservations for you and can provide a list of hotels (all subject to change). All our hotels will be in the 4* to 5* category. A full list of hotels will be sent to you prior to departure.

Our Delhi Hotel:

https://www.claridges.com/the-claridges-new-delhi/

Gear List

Please refer to your Gear List:
Ladakh Trek Gear List (opens in new tab)
You are required to bring every item on this list as described, so be as precise as possible when packing. We are happy to work closely with you on finding the proper gear.

If you plan to rent gear, your rental form must be submitted at least a month prior to expedition start date. Please call our office or e-mail [email protected] with any questions.

Gear Lexicon

If you’re confused by items and/or language on the Gear List, we encourage you to refer to our Gear Guide for explanations on layering systems, differences between boots, etc.
Gear Guide (opens in new tab)

Other Resources

Below are articles written by veteran Alpine Ascents guides that you may find helpful in preparing and packing for your expedition.

Medications & Prescriptions for Mountain Climbing

Women’s-Specific Tips

Not on the Gear List, but in our Backpacks

Packing Tips

People generally take too much “stuff” rather than too little. Study each item before you pack it. Eliminate redundant items, extra changes of clothing, and excessive “nice to have” luxuries. You will benefit from traveling light because of the costs of excess baggage and because of the frequent loading and unloading of bags. Remember to review your airline’s weight limits and pack accordingly. Traveling light may be your key to summit success. Take everything on the required equipment list and little else.

Luggage

Stage 1 – Travel to India

Pack everything (except for a few items mentioned below) into your large duffels and check it in with your airline.

Pack your small duffel or backpack as your carry-on, and remember any usual comfort items for international air travel. Staying relaxed during your travel will contribute greatly to the enjoyment of your tour!

Stage 2 – Trip Prep in Delhi

It’s nice to have a small selection of town clothes with you, suitable for touring the city, going out to dinner, etc. Lightweight easy to wash travel clothes are recommended. While in Delhi, we complete a thorough gear check and reorganize our luggage. Here’s how we pack:
Small duffel – anything not coming into the mountains, like your town clothes. You’ll check this in with your hotel and it will be stored until you return.
Trekking duffel – 1 large duffel of the gear you need at night while on the trek.
Trekking pack – the gear you will carry on your back while trekking.

Stage 3 – Trekking

While trekking, you will have access to all your gear except the small duffel of items left at our hotel in Delhi. Your guides will advise on what gear to pack each day for the rest of the trip.

Expenses

Please note the inclusions on the website. We estimate $300 for meals not covered. It is easiest to use ATM’s (in the cities and at the airport) . Hotels will take credit cards as do most restaurants and shops in the cities. We would suggest $500 in US dollars for emergencies and to rely on credit cards and ATM’s for other expenses. We will make suggestions on obtaining rupees/changing money before we head to AP. We recommend bringing a travel credit card that does not have transaction fees.

Early Departure/Evacuation

If you need to leave the expedition early, you are responsible for all incurred expenses (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc). A comprehensive trip insurance plan is recommended, which can cover these costs in the event that they occur.

Tipping

We recommend:

~$300 for local trekking staff.
$100 – $200 for various personal – such as drivers and assistants.
$400 – $700+ for the Alpine Ascents Guide.
$200 – $300 for local Lead Guide

Health Suggestions

You may want to consult your physician for advice on treatments for gastrointestinal upsets that you may encounter on your trip. In the past, climbers have relied on antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin. Your doctor may recommend medications such as Lomotil or Imodium to stop diarrhea, and Compazine to prevent nausea.

Weather will likely be moderate most days between 60 and 80 degrees