• Home
  • THE LODGE
  • EXPERIENCES
    • WILDLIFE
    • SEASONS
  • BEYOND BEARS
  • PROJECT DRENMO
  • THE TEAM
  • More
    • Home
    • THE LODGE
    • EXPERIENCES
      • WILDLIFE
      • SEASONS
    • BEYOND BEARS
    • PROJECT DRENMO
    • THE TEAM
  • Home
  • THE LODGE
  • EXPERIENCES
    • WILDLIFE
    • SEASONS
  • BEYOND BEARS
  • PROJECT DRENMO
  • THE TEAM

DRENMO LODGE PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

    The trans-Himalaya is the region comprising the Karakoram, Ladakh, Pangong and Zanskar range and the Tibetan plateau. It is essentially a cold desert that lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. The general altitude of the landscape is 4000m and slides down to around 3000m above sea level towards Drenmo Lodge in Western Ladakh. 

Drenmo Lodge is opened in the first week of April and runs till end November. ( the bears hibernate from December to mid March roughly) 

In the months of April, May and November the temperatures can drop to -10 degrees at night and at dawn and dusk but on clear days the bright sun and the lack of humidity can make it very warm. (It still stays cold as soon as one steps into the shade). The months of June, July, August, Sept and October are comparatively warmer. 

This document has been put together to give the guest a general idea of the kind of conditions, the physical fitness level required, the gear needed and a brief idea of the generally suggested medical procedures while on the expedition in the high altitude landscape of Ladakh. 


Equipment List 

As mentioned above, the conditions in the region are very variable so keeping all the factors in mind, this list below is the recommended set of equipment that one would need when visiting Ladakh. 


During summer months 

  • Fleece jacket
  • Breathable waterproof jacket and lowers 
  • Ankle length (for ankle protection while hiking) waterproof shoes with thick soles
  • Hiking trousers 
  • Working gloves 
  • Dark ( black ) shades ( the wrap around kind are preferred as the sun light can
    be very harsh and is amplified and bounced around by the snow) 
  • Smaller waterproof daypack and water bottle for the day trips 
  • Sunscreen ( SPF 50+ ), a good moisturiser and petroleum jelly 
  • Socks 
  • Warm nightwear 
  • Caps or Ski Caps – ones that cover the ears also to shield from the cold winds on
    bad weather days 
  • Head torch with extra batteries 
  • Walking Pole ( optional) 

     

During winter months 

  • Thermal underwear 
  • Fleece jacket 
  • Thick down Jacket  
  • Breathable waterproof jacket and lowers 
  • Ankle length (for ankle protection while hiking) waterproof shoes with thick soles  
  • Hiking trousers ( down or padded trousers work well in these conditions)  
  • Working gloves and woollen gloves on top ( the new synthetic waterproof gloves are a good substitute) 
  • Hand and toe warmers ( depending on how one’s body reacts to the temperature – these also act as good camera battery and phone battery warmers as batteries tend to die out quickly in colder weather )  
  • Dark ( black ) shades ( the wrap around kind are preferred as the sun light can be very harsh and is amplified and bounced around by the snow)  
  • Smaller waterproof daypack and water bottle for the day trips  
  • Sunscreen ( SPF 50+ ), a good moisturiser and petroleum jelly  
  • Socks ( thick and thin to make two layers )  
  • Warm nightwear ( the rooms are heated but we still suggest guests sleep with
    warmer clothes on like long trousers and full sleeve nightwear and a fleece too if
    they feel comfortable as the temperatures can drop a lot post 12 or 1 am)  
  • Caps or Ski Caps – ones that cover the ears also to shield from the cold winds on
    bad weather days  
  • Head torch with extra batteries  
  • Walking Pole ( optional)  
  • Spare fully charged batteries for cameras if you are carrying a digital  
  • Guests with larger cameras are suggested to carry a good tripod that can stay
    stable in windy conditions.  
  • Medication as required or prescribed by your doctor.
     

LEH
ACCLIMATISATION – When one flies into Leh from Delhi, there is a jump in altitude of almost 3000m in 1 hour so acclimatising in Leh is a must for anyone flying into the region. 48 hours is the minimum recommended period. In this period, the first 24 hours should be complete rest (with minimal slow walking), lots of water consumed and preferably, sleep only at night (early). It is vital that the first night is passed without too much discomfort as that means the body is slowly getting ready for the landscape. Day 2 can involve a minimum amount of walking (like in Leh market and a few day trips out in vehicles) but for those who experienced symptoms like a headache, breathlessness etc. on day 1, day 2 will be another day of complete rest. 

   

ALTITUDE SICKNESS - the symptoms usually involve headache and breathlessness. If these are experienced, the oxygen levels and BP need to be immediately checked by a doctor or your trained tour leader and oxygen needs to be administered immediately. This will provide a considerable amount of relief and may also help the person acclimatise sooner. Doctors are available on call at the hotels we use in Leh and any complication is at once attended to by a trained medical practitioner. This is one of the reasons why staying in Leh for 2 to 3 nights is mandatory.
 

MEDICATION - Regarding the prescription of pills like Diamox (for altitude complications) etc. the guests are requested to consult their own doctors before arrival.
 

HEALTH COMPLICATIONS - People with prior health complications are also requested to run the trip by their own doctors before arrival or signing up.
 

GEAR - Regarding gear, Leh has many adventure shops where all the winter gear is available. So for those looking for good mountain gear and can’t find it in their hometowns, picking them up in Leh is also an option.
 

LEH & SRINAGAR AIRPORT - In Leh airport, articles like drones, satellite phones, strong chemicals etc. are usually seized so carrying them in hand luggage (or even check in bags) is something we discourage.
Also, the day the guests are leaving, the Leh airport authorities allow clothing only in the check in bags. Camera equipment and laptops need to be packed in the hand luggage only. This is something they check seriously and often guests are made to repack if their arrangement is not in accordance with the above system.
 

ATM - Guests are requested to carry a minimum amount of cash as the ATMs in Leh and Kargil are unreliable.
 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Alcoholic beverages are not served at the lodge. We do not recommend the consumption of alcohol or smoking while on this expedition because of the extreme nature of the environment.
 

DAY OF ARRIVAL AT THE LODGE- 

FROM LEH VIA NH1 - On this day, the guests will leave the hotel in Leh in the morning post breakfast and drive west on NH1, stopping at specific spots like Lamayuru, Uleytokpo etc to take in the sights and for some wildlife viewing. The guests will reach Kargil for lunch where the vehicles will be switched (owing to the taxi cab union rules). Here the local brown bear expert and tour leader will meet the guests and take them further to the Drenmo Lodge. The guests arrive at the lodge by the evening. The total journey is going to take about 6 hours. The arrival day ends with some evening scanning for bears (if time permits), briefing and dinner. 

   

FROM LEH VIA ARYAN VALLEY - Guests will drive from Leh via the lower Indus region stopping at some of the villages and sites enroute such as Garkone, Domkhar rock art site. You will cross a high pass, Humbotingla at 4900m before entering Kargil for Lunch. where the vehicles will be switched (owing to the taxi cab union rules). Here the local brown bear expert and tour leader will meet the guests and take them further to the Drenmo Lodge. The guests arrive at the lodge by the evening. The guests arrive at the lodge by the evening. The total journey is going to take about 6-7 hours. The arrival day ends with some evening scanning for bears (if time permits), briefing and dinner. 


FROM SRINAGAR - From Srinagar, the lodge is situated at a distance of about 4 hours over the Zojila pass. Depending on the time of departure from Srinagar, guests will arrive by lunch time. The arrival day ends with some evening scanning for bears (if time permits), briefing and dinner. 


VEHICLE SUPPORT – The guests will have vehicles with them throughout the trip as that gives the flexibility to access the various brown bear viewing regions of the region and also the other sites that western Ladakh has to offer. Experienced drivers who are well trained and knowledgeable in the wilderness of the region are used. 

Vehicles will remain with guests throughout their stay with us(this varies based on the booking - from airport to airport or from Kargil to Kargil). They can be used to access even further spots like Suru Valley, Zoji La pass and Hundarman border village museum. If the guests have specific sites they wish to visit, please get it checked by mail before departure. Vehicles will be switched at Kargil for those who travel from Leh because of local taxi cab union rules. Similarly, the vehicles will be switched at Kargil on the return journey to Leh. 

The return journey to Leh can also be routed through the Aryan Valley along the Indus gorge but this also needs to be pre-planned and is subject to change owing to weather conditions and local rules and regulations at the moment. 

   

FACILITIES AT DRENMO LODGE 

SETUP – Our lodge is established in an existing home owned by a local, refurbished with modern amenities and thoughtful touches of traditional architecture. The warm and cosy rooms are the perfect place to come back to after spending long hours in the outdoors viewing bears and other wildlife. Located in the remote Holiyal village (3100m) in Mushkow valley - a prime brown bear country, it is undoubtedly the best location in India for sighting this magnificent mammal.
 

  • We have six twin/double sharing rooms with views of the mountains and valley (Ensuite Bathrooms) Six Rooms: 2 Mountain view rooms with attached bath, 4 Valley View rooms with attached bath (Please note that the rooms vary in size. Only Mountain view rooms can accommodate 3 persons with an additional bed)
     
  • Dining area with an outdoor deck 


  • Lounge area to read and watch documentaries
     

  1. POWER SUPPLY – the lodge gets power from the local grid and has a 24 hour
    power supply. In case of power outage, there is a generator backup. Three pin charging and USB charging units are provided in each room. Guests are requested to bring converters incase of US charging units. 


  1. MOBILE & NETWORK CONNECTIVITY - While in Drass, post paid Airtel, Jio and Bsnl work, at and around the lodge the connectivity is very patchy. We have a dedicated WiFi connection in the lounge. However, the network strength still remains patchy owning to its remote location.
     
  2. HEATING – Heating in the rooms is done using wall mounted electric heaters. There is electric blankets also available in the rooms. Hot water bags can also be provided on request.
     
  3. BATHROOMS – Each room has an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water. However, sometimes during the colder months of April and November, water pipes tend to freeze due to low temperatures. In such a situation, hot water will be provided in buckets.
     
  4. OXYGEN CYLINDERS - Oxygen cylinders are available at all times at the lodge for guests who experience health complications while on the expedition. The guests will be driven to a larger town nearby ( 1 hour ) to consult a doctor for more complicated issues.
     
  5. MEALS AT THE LODGE – The meals served will be a mix of local Kashmiri, Ladakhi cuisine and also Indian and Continental dishes using ingredients that are sourced locally and those that are available in nearby larger towns. Guest preferences are taken into consideration ( if informed in advance ) when these menus are setup. Specific food requests or allergies need to be mentioned in advance so that the right ingredients can be flown in on time.
     
  6. LAUNDRY – Laundry facilities are not available at the Lodge.
     
  7. BINOCULARS and SCOPES – Good scopes and simple binoculars are there at the
    lodge but those are shared by all and not for personal use.
     
  8. PORTERS AND MULES – The drivers and spotters will help where they can but for 

guests who want dedicated help, porters/mules need to be pre-booked. (at an extra 

charge on a per day basis)


9. WATER - We discourage use of single use plastic bottles and encourage guests to 

bring their personal water bottles preferably insulated ones so that you can carry warm water. 

   

WILDLIFE VIEWING 


SPOTTERS, WILDLIFE TRACKING, LODGE OPERATIONS - The spotters (and driver too) are highly skilled at tracking and finding the wildlife of the region and all guests (or guest groups) will go out with one of our experts on day excursions. 

A regular day at the lodge involves early morning and evening bear sightings on foot or in our vehicles. During the day, we do wildlife excursions to other valleys by vehicles or we also recommend doing hikes and village walks, cultural sightseeing (based on your fitness level, interest and season) or you can choose to spend your time at leisure at the lodge itself. 

Like most wildlife, bears are active during the early morning and evening hours. Each morning our local wildlife spotters brave the cold temperatures and head out to the different locations to scan for bears.The plan for the rest of the day will be based on the sightings 


WALKING and FITNESS -The biggest advantage of the Lodge is the fantastic road access that takes guests right up to the wildlife spots on most occasions. The location of the stay in prime bear country also makes it possible to have a good chance of seeing the wildlife from the village area itself using scopes and binoculars. We do encourage guests to walk (simple walks) into the valleys and to some low passes as these are the best ways to connect with the starkness of the landscape and develop a real appreciation and understanding of the wildlife of the region. Having said this, there is plenty to do for those who prefer not to walk. The fitness and health of the guest will be taken into account when the plans are made. 


PAYMENTS AND TIPPING AT THE LODGE 


BEVERAGES – Our costs include tea and coffee throughout the stay. Soft beverages are chargeable. Alcoholic beverages are not served at the Lodge keeping the sentiments of the local people of the village in mind. 


TIPPING – Guests who wish to tip the team can do so separately – 2 spotters, 1 local naturalist and the driver who drives you to and from Leh and the driver who takes over from Kargil. (Please note – the tip is not shared amongst these three separate groups). 

If there is someone who has lost livestock in the course of your stay to wildlife, and if we see the animals owing to that kill, we recommend that some amount of money is contributed by the guests to that family to keep the ideas of wildlife among the local communities positive. 

   

DO’s and DON'Ts 


At the lodge: 

  • Avoid venturing out on foot at night as there may be wildlife moving in the area 
  • Drinking alcohol in open and public spaces is prohibited  
  • We only serve RO filtered drinking water to avoid use of single use plastic
    bottles  
  • Help us to conserve electricity by switching off the room heaters and water
    heaters when not in use or when you leave the room.  
  • We provide customary daily housekeeping. However, we do not change the
    bed linen everyday unless it's necessary. Should you require it, we would be happy to accommodate your request.

 In the Outdoor:
 

  • Ensure to drink plenty of water & stay hydrated  
  • Ensure to carry adequate clothing layers 
  • Don't walk on fields when on hikes. Always follow the defined trails.  
  • Avoid plucking flowers and plants  
  • Don't litter. Instead try and get litter to camp  
  • Avoid making loud noises or bluetooth speakers  
  • Respect local people and their culture. Ask for permission before clicking
    pictures or taking videos
     

   

STAFF AND LOCAL COMMUNITY 


Drenmo Lodge is focussed on developing the local community and bringing them closer to the wilderness of the region. For this, our lodge employs members of the local community as much as possible. They are all very warm and friendly people and have trained and learnt their responsibilities well over the recent years. We still request the guest to excuse smaller mistakes like language differences etc., and be patient if something is not communicated properly. Our manager or tour leaders are usually around to help out in these situations. Guest cooperation will go a long way in supporting our cause, changing attitudes and helping conserve the wilderness of this vast landscape. 


PROJECT DRENMO 


Drenmo Lodge is supporting the livelihood of the local villagers and is working constantly to mitigate the issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region. In this project, we have collaborated with the Himalayan Brown Bear Trust and Wildlife Trust of India to initiate a dialogue based on awareness and better practices to help the villagers live in harmony with the wildlife around them. We have committed 10% of our annual earnings towards brown bear conservation work specifically with conflict mitigation. 

We encourage guests to consider contributing to the cause. To know more about our project, visit www.himalayanbrownbear.org
 

Copyright © 2025 Drenmo Lodge - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • FINE PRINT
  • CANCELLATION POLICY
  • PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept