Television actress Hina Khan has opened up about the challenges she faced during her first trip to Ladakh, describing the high-altitude region as “truly a test of endurance” and revealing that she suffered nosebleeds every day during her stay.
Sharing glimpses of her journey on social media, the Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actress said the experience gave her a different perspective on life and made her realise the importance of slowing down.
“My first trip to Ladakh—Ladakh is not at all easy; it’s truly a test of endurance. The region gives you another perspective of life. You realise how insignificant you are, and how these mountains give you no option but demand that you slow down,” Hina wrote, while sharing a list of essentials for travellers visiting the region.
The actress emphasised the importance of proper acclimatisation and taking precautions when travelling to high-altitude destinations. Her recommended essentials included an oxygen backup, a pulse oximeter, a digital thermometer and suitable clothing layers to cope with Ladakh’s changing temperatures. She also mentioned Diamox, a prescription medication used to prevent and reduce symptoms of acute mountain sickness, and advised travellers to consult a physician about its dosage.
Hina said that although she and her companions took precautions and none experienced high-altitude sickness or required oxygen, the region’s thin, dry air affected her nasal passages.
“Touchwood, none of us had high-altitude sickness or required oxygen; we took proper precautions, but this thin, dry air gets onto you. I bled through my nose every day due to clot formation in my nasal passage till I got back home,” she shared.
She recommended carrying saline nasal sprays and nasal moisturisers, gels or oils to help protect and soothe nasal passages against dry, cold air.
The Kasautii Zindagii Kay actress also advised travellers to pack basic hygiene supplies, including pocket tissues, hand sanitiser and toilet seat covers, particularly for long road journeys. Other items on her list included Category 4 sunglasses, a neck gaiter for protection against dust, a long-lasting power bank and a portable nebuliser for those who require respiratory medication.
Hina described the trip as a lesson in endurance and preparation, encouraging travellers to remain mindful of Ladakh’s high altitude and harsh climatic conditions.
