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27 Comments

1. navi rana says:

   January 23, 2012 at 2:47 am

   hello dheeraj
   i read all ur tips for leh ladakh trip. we r going to leh ladakh via manali on august 17 2012 and returning thru jammu and this trip is around max 14 days . i want to know what kind of weather those days.and can u send me some places information and what we need to keep with us . we r using 4×4 like gypsy on this trip.
   regards
   navi rana

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     January 23, 2012 at 11:38 am

     Hello Navi,

     Thanks alot bro, for much appreciation. As I said, it is so encouraging to know that information proved useful on the blog. Weather is generally good though rainy. Ladakh is a rain shadow area but still in recent years there have been rains there as well in August. But, I guess after reaching Leh there might not be much issues. From Manali to Sarchu and Kargil to Delhi types, you will surely face monsoon fury …

     Now, first suggestions would be reverse the direction of your journey. Go via Srinagar side and come back via Manali side. Why? Two Reasons. First, the gain in altitude is gradual, so minimum chances of getting stuck with AMS. Your body will be acclimatized to great extent to face the high altitude region of Manali – Leh Highway while you return. This is very important in order to enjoy the journey rather being sick throughout the 5000+ Meters range of Manali – Leh Highway.

     Secondly, it will save you one day on return as you can easily adjust visit to Tso Moriri and Tso Kar Lakes while on the way towards Manali. Otherwise, you will need to visit Tso Moriri and Tso Kar and then return to Leh the second day to start the return from Srinagar. Since you have 14 days, I will suggest you the following itinerary -

     Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop
     – Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop
     Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
     – Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
     – Overnight at Srinagar
     Day 3 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
     – Enjoy the vistas enroute
     – Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
     – Overnight at Kargil
     Day 4 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
     – Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
     – On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar
     – Overnight at Leh
     Day 5 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
     – Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
     – For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
     – Overnight at Leh
     Day 6 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
     – Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
     – On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
     – Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
     Day 7 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
     – Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
     – Overnight at Leh
     Day 8 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
     – Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
     – Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
     Day 9 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
     – Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
     – Overnight at Leh
     Day 10 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
     – Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib
     – Overnight at Leh
     Day 11 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
     – Cover Karzok Monastery
     – Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
     Day 12 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
     – Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
     – Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
     Day 13 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
     – On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
     – Overnight at Manali
     Day 14 | Manali – Delhi
     – Return
     Day 15 + 16 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.

     Additional Points:

     1. Instead of coming back to Leh from Nubra Valley, you can head towards Pangong Tso via Wari La route. This will give you an additional day which can be spent in Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso or Leh. If you are riding then you need to carry sufficient fuel for it.

     2. In Srinagar you can also visit Floating market > Shalimar Garden.
     I hope this helps you. Let me know incase you have more queries of doubts.

     3. For cheap and moderate budget accommodation or hotels in Leh – Ladakh you can refer the links here and here respectively.

     Regards,
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
2. Sagar says:

   January 17, 2012 at 12:09 pm

   Hey Dheeraj, pics r amazing, i came across at ur blog while searching for some tips and information for my leh and ladakh trip. But ur blog is much more informative dan any other websites available..any ways I am planning in May to go there,, can u tell me is it a right time to go there ?

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     January 17, 2012 at 12:27 pm

     Hello Sagar,

     Thanks alot. There is a dedicated section for most things around planning a journey to Leh – Ladakh on the blog here. Thanks to the extreme love towards this heaven on earth.

     Coming back, all the roads to Leh – Ladakh will be closed most probably in first half of May and in second half there are slight chances that Srinagar – Leh Highway will be open. This year even Srinagar – Leh got opened in first week of June. So, if you are planning by road then I will suggest that you postpone it till mid-June types to enjoy the road journey to Leh. Please let me know how you plan to go there, how many days you have in hand and is there any special place you like to see there? I will try to provide all possible inputs I can which may be required for planning your trip to Leh – Ladakh …’

     I hope this helps.

     Regards
     Dheeraj

     Reply
3. Jeff Williams says:

   January 3, 2012 at 11:23 pm

   Hi Dheeraj, I’ve read all your tips of help to those who have left their comments here… You’re very obliging, honest & free with ur advice… thank you & good luck.

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     January 4, 2012 at 10:48 pm

     Hi Jeff,

     Thank you so much for such warm words of appreciation and stopping by my blog. It feels really good and such words sometimes acts as top up fuel to maintain the ignite for this passion of traveling… Proves great source of motivation too … I am just trying my level best to provide whatever insights I can and have over my past experiences in traveling. It feels really good when they prove useful for other fellow travelers.

     Thanks again!!

     Regards,
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
4. NIkhil says:

   December 23, 2011 at 8:33 am

   Awesome clicks!!!

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 23, 2011 at 9:31 am

     Thanks alot Nikhil, I am glad you like it

     Reply
     • Nikhil says:

       December 23, 2011 at 9:58 am

       I am planning to go to leh around 30th… Which hotel wud u suggest???

       Reply
       • Dheeraj Sharma says:

         December 23, 2011 at 10:58 am

         Nikhil, it will be seriously cold up there and I hope you are well prepared with good woolen gear. There only few hotels that run throughout the year… some of them are Shanti Guest House, Oriental Guest House, Hotel Lasermo, Hotel Asia. My bet always goes with Shanti Guest House as there it is a mix of homestay and hotel with economic and decent services. But, I am not sure if there is any heating services (centrally or room heater) being provided by them or not. Check the review here and ask them by calling at the contacts present. Oriental Guest House just aside Shanti is also good option. Just shared few tips from my side to someone who is also planning on similar dates, I hope it will be helpful for you too –

         Some tips from my side –

         1. Do acclimatize very well and take ample of rest atleast for first two days. When body acclimatize you feel much more cold

         2. Try to cover the tips of finger, toes, nose, ear with proper heaviest woolen gear. Do carry hand warmers in case hands gets numb.

         3. Dress up in layers and make sure throat is also covered. The cold is dry in Ladakh, so it is a bit different. Ensure that they carry heaviest woolens …

         4. Try to feel the local culture their at the time when the locals relax over there, indulge with them to get to know about life and stuff there. If possible try spending a day with some family guest house to actually feel the life.

         5. At any cost do not exert your body once you reach there.

         6. If the flights are booked for both side then do not stay overnight at Nubra Valley if they are planning to do so because a heavy snowfall can close the KTOP for 2-3 days.

         7. Same is tru for Pangong Tso. My advice will be explore regions around Leh, go to chilling on on day where Chaddar trek starts, once day tour to Sham Valley, One local Leh day and if feeling OK on the last day then go for a day trip to Pangong Tso or KTOP.

         I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.

         Regards
         Dheeraj Sharma
       • Nikhil says:

         December 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm

         Thanx a lot Dheeraj!!
5. Khushal Jaswal says:

   December 2, 2011 at 7:25 am

   Amazing pictures so nicely captured, Dheeraj!!

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 2, 2011 at 3:06 pm

     Thanks alot Khushal. I am really glad that you like them.

     Reply
     • Elizabeth Thomas says:

       December 15, 2011 at 8:20 am

       WE are a couple of seniors,still liketo see Ladak if possible visit nubra valley and manli.We are flying into Delhi 17th night and would like to fly to Leh and travel to manali or vice versa And be back in Delhi on June 23rrd to attend wedding reception on sunday June 24th .would like your advise of trip to ladak or manali back and itinery if possible .would appreciate any advise

       Reply
       • Dheeraj Sharma says:

         December 15, 2011 at 10:33 am

         Hi Elizabeth,

         I guess you have about 6 days in hand, which are too short for a road trip to Ladakh. Hence, I will advice you fly-in as well as fly-out of Leh o spend more time in Leh only. On 18th take flight to Leh from Delhi and on 24th take flight back to Delhi in the morning to attend the function at night or may be take flight back on 23rd. You can follow below itinerary for it -

         18th June | Delhi – Leh by flight and check in to hotel and then just relax to acclimatize properly. In the evening if you feel good then may be you can have a stroll in the Leh main market.

         19th June | Leh Local Sightseeing and Arrange Protected Area Permits for Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso from DC Office, Leh
         – Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa

         20th June | Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight in Hunder/Diskit (Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder)
         – Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari

         21st June | Hunder/Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
         – Sumur again has monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs

         22nd June | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
         – Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, Basgo Palace, Gurudwara Pather Sahib

         23rd June | Fly back to Delhi

         or

         22nd June | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
         23rd June | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
         24th June | Fly back to Delhi

         For first two days take as much rest as possible. If you do not feel well even after 2 days then shift the 22nd June plan of Sham Valley to 20th June and head towards Nubra Valley on last two days.

         I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts or queries.

         Regards,
         Dheeraj Sharma
6. Saumil says:

   November 17, 2011 at 5:36 pm

   Hi can u plz tell which place is this n how to reach over there. It’s just beautiful

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     November 18, 2011 at 12:15 am

     Saumil, these are three different places viz Ladakh, Spiti and Deoria Tal – Tunganath. Please let me know in which place are you interested in and I will suggest you accordingly.

     Reply
7. kedar says:

   September 10, 2011 at 10:17 am

   Hey Dheeraj… Loved your pics… I hope you remember, I inquired you about Manali.. That was awesome trip

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     September 10, 2011 at 11:10 am

     Hi Kedar,

     Thanks buddy, Glad that you like the pictures so much and great to know that you had an awesome trip to Manali. It is indeed an awesome place to spend a vacation for sure.

     Regards,
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
8. Amol Shivarkar says:

   June 22, 2011 at 8:32 am

   Dheeraj I want to share my photo, how i can ? please advice.

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     June 22, 2011 at 2:19 pm

     Amol, I am sorry but you cannot upload the pictures at the blog here as I do not have such configurations for non-admins. But, yes you can share them on Facebook Page of the blog at the following link: Facebook Page of DeViL on WheeLs. First you need to Like the Facebook Page and then you will be allowed to upload pictures on the wall. On the Facebook Page, you can click on Share: Photo and then out of three options select “Create an Album”. It will then ask you to select the photos and once photos are uploaded, it will finally ask you to name the album. All your selected pictures will be uploaded and shared in that album on Facebook. You can then copy the public link of the album and share it here.

     Reply
9. Dheeraj Sharma says:

   April 21, 2011 at 9:51 am

   Hey Amol,

   That should be Sony HX7 and it is a P&S camera. Well, the camera is really good but I am not sure about the price though. Also, one cannot say that one camera is best and other are not because there are lot of factors that depends on individual to individual. Choosing a camera, first you need to decide what do you like to shoot and what is the budget. Secondly, how far you want to go with Photography. If you don’t want to go through the learning curves of DSLRs then probably P & S is the good choice. Now, in between P&S as well there are lots of things which you need to keep in mind. Some of them are, do you need manual controls as well on your camera?, do you need Large Optical Zoom as well? do you need HD Video recording as well? etc.

   If you need large optical zooms, then probably long zooms in P&S are the way to go. Also, do compare your pick with the likes of Nikon P500, awesome with zoom capabilities.

   Regards,

   Dheeraj Sharma

   Reply
10. Amol Shivarkar says:

    April 21, 2011 at 9:43 am

    photos are tooo goooood yaaaaaaaaar
    when 30th May will come i have to go i can not control now.

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      April 21, 2011 at 9:58 am

      Thanks alot Amol for liking the pictures that much. I am glad that you appreciate them. Thanks. And, ofcourse 30th May will come soon, not many days left now. I too had the same feeling on my trip to Ladakh. But, patience is the key dost. The magical colors will capture your heart in Ladakh. I always say to my family, although I my body has come back from Ladakh but my soul has been left there forever and each year I will be visiting this holy place to pay pilgrimage to nothing but mother nature. There is no other place on earth like Ladakh. I hope my plans also unfolds well this time in September.

      Reply
11. Amol Shivarkar says:

    April 21, 2011 at 9:16 am

    which camera is best ?. Sony launch H7X camera just now

    Reply
12. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    April 21, 2011 at 9:07 am

    Hey Amol,

    I hope you liked the pictures. Well, since last year I have taken the pictures using a DSLR Nikon D3000. All other pictures before 2010 are taken from an old aged Nikon P & S (Point and Shoot) camera. As I am in learning processs and that too at an early stage, I hope to improve these pictures in my future trips. Atleast I am happy that with each new trip some kind of pictures are improving …

    Regards,

    Dheeraj Sharma

    Reply
13. Amol Shivarkar says:

    April 21, 2011 at 8:52 am

    hay can you tell me from which camera did you click these photos ?

    Reply

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