Tips for firsttimers to northern India

Visa requirements

Contrary to rumour, Australian travellers do not get a 30-day visa on arrival. You can apply for an Electronic Tourist Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The forms are lengthy and may take several days to process so it’s recommended you apply at least two weeks before travel.

Temple etiquette

Observe the general rules of entering Buddhist temples: no headgear, footwear or revealing clothing. You may photograph without using a flash inside most temples, except where it is expressly forbidden. Always ask for permission before you photograph anyone, especially monks.

Acclimatising

Whether you’re scaling summits or strolling around monasteries, once you’re at an altitude of 10,000 feet (3048 metres), you’ll need to ascend gradually (1000 feet a day) and keep your hydration up. Garlic in water will maintain oxygen levels. Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and cigarettes – at least for the first day.

Essential gear

Pack clothes you can layer. From May to September, you’ll encounter T-shirt-andshorts weather and sweater-and-thermals weather, sometimes on the same day. Take comfortable walking shoes that are easy to remove at monasteries. Other essentials are sunblock, lip balm, sunglasses, headgear and a book for evenings by the fire. Plastic bags are banned in Ladakh.