Medical Facilities & Emergency Healthcare in Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude and remote region with limited medical infrastructure. Travellers are strongly advised to acclimatise properly and be aware of available healthcare facilities before visiting remote areas.
🏥 Leh – Main Healthcare Hub
- Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital – District hospital with doctors, emergency services, diagnostics, and inpatient care.
- 153 General Hospital (Army) – General medical and emergency services (primarily for army personnel).
- Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable Hospital, Leh – General care and emergency support.
- 🫁 Oxygen cylinders and oxygen bars are available for altitude-related symptoms.
- ⚠️ SNM Hospital is expected to have a hyperbaric chamber for severe altitude sickness emergencies.
🏥 Nubra Valley (Diskit, Hunder, Panamik)
- Bogdang Hospital, Diskit – Local general care.
- P.K. Child Care Hospital, Panamik – Local clinic.
- Public Health Centres in Diskit / Tangtse areas provide basic care and first aid.
- ⚠️ Oxygen cylinder availability is limited. Rent in Leh before departure.
⚠️ Pangong Lake & Hanle Region
- Tangtse Public Health Centre – 24-hour basic PHC support.
- No major hospitals near Pangong Lake or Hanle.
- Only basic first-aid facilities are available.
- 🚑 Serious cases must be transported to Leh or nearby PHCs.
- Altitude Advisory: Visit Pangong only after proper acclimatisation (minimum 3–4 days in Leh).
⚠️ Tso Moriri & Tso Kar Areas
- No large hospital facilities available.
- Basic first-aid shelters may be available near camps.
- 🚑 Serious medical cases require evacuation to Leh.
🏥 Sham Valley & Aryan Valley
- Sham Valley (Indus Valley) has small primary health centres.
- Aryan Valley is extremely remote with no civilian medical centres.
- ⚠️ Only military or field medical posts may be available.
- 🫁 Carry oxygen cylinders and emergency medicines.
🏥 Lamayuru & Alchi Area
- Small health sub-centres for first aid and minor issues.
- ⚠️ Not equipped for serious emergencies.
- 🚑 Evacuation to larger centres is required.
🏥 Kargil Region
- District Hospital Kargil – Major public hospital with emergency services.
- Hospital Silmoo – 24-hour general care.
- Medical Centre Skamboo – Local healthcare support.
- ✅ Many serious cases can be managed in Kargil.
🏥 Zanskar Region
- Health & Wellness Centres provide basic care.
- 🫁 Limited oxygen support available.
- 🚑 Serious cases require transfer to Kargil or Leh.
🚑 Emergency Evacuation Options
- Indian Air Force / air ambulance services can be arranged (costly).
- Ambulance service 108 is functional in select remote areas.
✅ Medical Safety Tips for Tourists
- Spend at least 2–3 days in Leh for acclimatisation.
- Carry personal medicines and basic first aid.
- 🫁 Rent oxygen cylinders in Leh if required.
- ⚠️ For serious altitude sickness, visit SNM Hospital immediately.
- 📵 Mobile connectivity may be limited in remote areas.
Disclaimer: Medical facilities and emergency services in Ladakh are limited and may change based on weather and local conditions.