Even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs became exhausting ordeals.
Ladakh is best known for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear skies, highest mountain passes, Buddhist monasteries and thrilling adventure activities. However, a dream vacation to Ladakh turned into a daunting ordeal for Kirubakaran Rajendran and his family as they struggled to acclimatize to the high altitude. Mr. Rajendran recounted the terrifying experience in a post on X, describing how the thin air took its toll on their bodies. What should have been an exhilarating adventure soon turned into a desperate struggle for oxygen.
He explained, “Keep in mind that the availability of oxygen decreases as you move to higher altitudes. As the altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases and the number of oxygen molecules per breath reduces. Compared to sea level, places like Leh/Ladakh have less oxygen in the air.”
See the message here:
I went on a 10 day family trip to Ladakh, what was supposed to be an adventure trip turned into a nightmare. If you are planning a trip to Ladakh, this thread will help you with what to expect once you reach Leh. 🧵 photo.twitter.com/2sIjXab90G
— Kirubakaran Rajendran (@kirubakaran) July 30, 2024
Even simple activities like walking or climbing stairs became exhausting ordeals. Mr. Rajendran further warned of the dangers of crossing high passes like the Khardung La Pass, which is 18,000 feet high. At such extreme altitudes, oxygen levels plummet, making it difficult for even seasoned travelers to catch their breath. The family was advised by taxi drivers to limit their time outdoors on these peaks to just 10 minutes, to avoid succumbing to the debilitating effects of oxygen deprivation.
''It takes minimum 5 hours to travel from Leh town, if you want to reach places like Nubra Valley or Hanle. To reach those places, you have to cross high passes like Khardung la Pass which is at 18k feet. And the oxygen at these places is so thin, which makes it very difficult to breathe, even taxi drivers ask you not to stand outside on these peaks for more than 10 minutes,'' he added.
Despite having two days for acclimatization, Mr. Rajendran and his family could not handle the high altitude in Ladakh. So they decided to cancel their bookings and take a flight back home.
''But for us breathing was still a problem, even after two days our body did not adapt and my 10 year old child found it really difficult to breathe, his oximeter reading went below 65, all three of us could not eat properly, he started vomiting everything he ate, which dehydrated his body, could not sleep properly, even for adults climbing two floors was like climbing Everest,'' he wrote further.
''The holiday should be relaxing and enjoyable but not so adventurous that it endangers your health… Just be well prepared when planning your trip to Ladakh and plan for all worst-case scenarios. Ladakh is so beautiful, there is no doubt about that, but it may not be for everyone,'' he concluded, asking fellow travellers to be aware of the risks involved.
Responding to his post, a user wrote: ''Bro, high places are not to be rushed. Acclimatize, climb step by step, lots of rest is necessary. One of my friends works there as a guide and has many horror stories about how people can't handle it. Good that you are safe and sound.''
Another commented: “You made the right decision. Ignore those who say they didn't feel anything. AMS is dangerous and especially for people who have lived most of their lives at sea level.”
A third said: ''It is considered better to avoid flying directly to Leh. If we approach Leh by road, we are not exposed to sudden change in atmospheric conditions. The body gradually accepts the slow change if we approach Leh by road.''
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