u/ballerina_capp

I'll be in Kargil from October to the end of November, volunteering as an English teacher with a homestay arranged. It's my first time in Ladakh and in serious cold, so I'd love advice from anyone who's been there, especially as a solo woman.
Route: Best way to reach Kargil: fly to Srinagar/Leh, or road? How reliable is Zojila in Oct–Nov?
Winter essentials: What should I pack, and what's better bought locally? How do homestays handle heating and hot water?
Female concerns: Safety, dress and cultural norms, period/hygiene management, access to a female doctor.
Things to carry: Medicines, first aid, SIM/connectivity (postpaid only?), anything people usually forget.
Any other do's and don'ts are welcome. Thank you! 🙏