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126 Comments
Hi Dheeraj, have you used any facebook plugin to view the albums.. it shows few pictures, and when you click more, it displays more pics.. and somehow, same pics are getting repeated twice / thrice.. not sure if uploaded like that on purpose or some problem fetching pics from your FB album..
Hi Vinod,
Yes, I am using a plugin only. Seems like I will have to come up with some more elegant solution, may be a photoblog all together
… The bug is from the plugin and that guy has stopped supporting it 
. Thanks for letting me know brother, will see if I can do something for it.
Regards
Dheeraj
Brilliant site man! Thanks for sharing your experiences and helping others have a memorable trip. I am also planning to visit Leh, will contact you for advice
.
Thanks alot Rishabh. Please do let me know for any queries you might have for the same.
Hi Dheeraj,
I would like to visit Leh in June end via Kashmir and come back through Kashmir. What would be the best Itinary??I would be travelling from Bengal to Delhi via train and then from Delhi to Jammu…I would like to hire a rented taxi. What would be the best itinary and best places to stop?
Hello Nirmalya,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. In this itinerary instead of going towards Manali from Tso Moriri, you will come back to Leh and then will have to follow the same route towards Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu to come back via Jammu instead of Manali. I think the roads will open through Manali as well at the time of end of your trip so you can also go towards Manali and then to Delhi and finally take the train back. This way you will see the ever so beautiful and adventurous Manali – Leh Highway as well
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the current leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2012-13 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a ton for your suggestion….One more question..Have contacted with a tour company here in Calcutta…They have suggested that the entire tour will take 13 days to complete if we go in through Kashmir and come back from there….Is this really possible???
Hello Nirmalaya,
It depends upon the itinerary they have shared or prepared for you ex. Delhi if can do some hectic rides it might be able to be done in 9-10 days as well excluding 1 of top three tourist spots. The above itinerary I suggested is a relaxed one. You can opt out with rest day and a day trip to Pangong Tso instead of two day and there you are, doing the trip in 12-13 days only
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi…. this site is really helpful……. If we visit manali in jan…. what activity can we do… and what kind of temp r we looking at…
Hi Buddha,
Thanks alot. Well, in January night temperatures can go down to sub-zero in Manali and day temperatures would be around 5-10 degree may be. You will be able to do all snow activities at snow points of Manali ie Gulaba, Kothi or Solang.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
How are you doing….
Need one information regarding Leh-Kaza Road, plz let me know in which month Leh-kaza road is open.
Hi Amol,
Buddy, I am doing great. Leh – Kaza will open in month of June, most likely after 15th June and remains open upto mid of October types.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi dheeraj, i have seen u r photos.really very nice. i wanna ask you that how we can reach deoria tal-tungnath.plz. solve this problem. thanks . waiting 4 ur reaply
Hello Varun,
Please check the links below and you will get all the required information about these places:
Delhi to Tunganath Temple and Chandrashilla, Uttarakhand | Travel Guide
Delhi to Deoria Tal, Uttarakhand | Travel Guide
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj ,
I wanna know that how can i cover Lahaol & Spiti Valley while coming from Leh – Nubra Valley tour – Tso Pangong Lake – Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – towards Manali .
Hi Abhishek,
Lahaul can be covered once you reach Keylong/Jispa ahead of Sarchu n a day or two. After Baralacha La Pass, Lahaul Valley starts and runs all the way upto Rohtang Pass on Manali side and upto Kunzum Pass on Spiti Valley side. You can stay for a day at Jispa and cover Triloknath – Udaipur sightseeing as Day trip. This will cover most of Lahaul Valley. Then you can start towards Kunzum Pass with an overnight may be at Chandratal and enter Spiti Valley which essentially require about 2-3 days upto months to explore and finally exit via Kinnaur Valley – Shimla to Delhi. All this depends upon how many days you have in hand.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj ,
Thanks for yr prompt response.
With the big help of yr blog I got to know very important informations regarding getting there at Leh-Ladakh and also abt Mr.Sahil Duggal (Nomads Cottage – Losar) . After having very pleasant phone conversation with Mr Sahil and giving yr reference also He gave me a 50 % discount on room rents as well as he proposed us the following itinerary for our tour as I have told him that we r reaching to Leh by flight on 11 Sep.
Sep 11th – Delhi to Leh. Acclimatize + Local sightseeing
Sep12th – Leh. Acclimatize + Local Sightseeing
Sep 13th – Leh to Hunder. Distance 130 kms
Sep 14th – Hunder to Leh. Distance 130 kms
Sep 15th – Leh to Pangong Tso and back to Leh. Total Distance 170 kms + 170 kms ( Easily covered in a day, provided you start early)
Sep 16th – Leh to Tso Moriri. Distance 230 kms
Sep 17th – Tso Moriri to Sarchu via Tso Kar & Pang. Diatance 225 kms
Sep 18th – Sarchu to Losar. Diatance 230 kms ( Easily covered in a day, provided you start early)
Sep 19th – Losar to Chandra tal/Lake of the Moon and back to Losar. Total diatance 40 kms + 40 kms
Sep 20th – Losar to Kaza/ Langza/ Komic/ Kye Monastery/ Kibber and back to Losar. Total diatance 58 kms + 25 kms + 25 kms + 15 kms + 15 kms + 58 kms.
Sep 21st – Losar to Bilaspur. Distance 290 kms ( Start early)
Sep 22nd – Bilaspur to Delhi . 8 hrs drive ( Start early and reach Delhi station by 2 pm to catch the train to our home town Jabalpur at 3:25 PM )
1.Can u do any justice with our itinerary keeping in consideration that we are 3 couples with 1 child of 3.5 yrs and 2 infants of 18-20 months .
2.I have a doubt that on 16 sep we r doing night halt at Karzok/Tso Moriri and on 17 sep we r doing our night halt at Sarchu , so is there might be any problem there for kids after having acclimatized for 5-6 days at Leh , Nubra , Pangong and all….???
3.One more thing which I wanna ask u is can we make our Sham Valley tour on the day 1st or 2nd i.e. 11th OR 12th Sep. in collaboration with the local sightseeing being divided into 2 days 11th and 12th Sep.
4.How can we shorten our programme for 1 day (if possible) in Spiti valley as one of the couple wants to catch the train from Delhi on 21st Sep , so we all have to adjust with them and make our programme shorter for 1 day. Till now we don’t have our return reservations from Delhi, so we will plan it according to your advice.
5.Is there any alternate route from Losar to Delhi to reach there earlier than through Bilaspur.
Looking forward for your reply.
Regards ,
Abhishek Jain
Hi Abhishek,
1. Well, Though overall plan looks feasible to me but with few concerns after reading that you are three couples with kids as well. You are traveling alot in my sense. I will suggest you drop Tso Moriri out of the plan and make a two day relaxing trip to Pangong Tso. Then, better do Leh to Jispa straight instead of Leh – Sarchu, though will be a bit long but definitely save the long day next day to Losar where you can reach in 8 Hrs and then relax if you are at Jispa. Then, continue as is and instead of doing Losar to Bilaspur, do Losar to Manali and then Manali Delhi.
2. AMS can happen to anyone not just kids and infact adults are more prone to it rather kids. Plan is OK to minimize AMS.
3. Well, whole Sham Valley would be hectic, something I will not suggest considering you are flyin-in. You can check out confluence, magnetic hills and Pather Sahib Gurudwara at least.
4. I do not think you guys can shorten it further already it is too packed with lots of traveling in it.
5. The other one will take 3 days to reach Delhi which goes via Kinnaur – Shimla. Better stick to Manali – Bilaspur route.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj ,
According to your valuable advice I had made vast changes in our itinerary .
Firstly , after having discussions (or u can say debate) with all the other guys going with me , We came to the conclusions that we are really travelling a lot and If we do so then all the mothers and kids will going to suffer a lot (b’coz they don’t have the habit to travel so rapidly) and this can ruin our whole trip. They all need a comfortable and relaxing vacation not a exhausting one , so taking all this in mind we have done some changes which needs your approval.
We have decided that we are going to drop out the whole Lahaul & Spiti area from the trip and we will definitely explore it in our next trip .
New Itinerary :-
Sep 11th – Delhi to Leh by morning flight . Acclimatize + Local sightseeing
Sep12th – Leh. Acclimatize + Local Sightseeing + confluence, magnetic hills and Pather Sahib Gurudwara.
Sep 13th – Leh to Hunder. Distance 130 kms
Sep 14th – Hunder to Leh. Distance 130 kms
Sep 15th – Leh to Pangong Tso
Sep 16th – Pangong Tso to Leh
Sep 17th – Return towards Manali starts here.
Sep 18th – Return towards Manali.
Sep 19th – Manali to Delhi by Volvo
Sep 20th – Buffer Day (If we want to stay one more day at Leh/Ladakh or reserved for getting tickets to Delhi from Manali if we cannot reach Manali on the time)
Sep 21st – Delhi to Jabalpur by train at 2:00 p.m. from New Delhi Railway Station.
I have done the return reservations from Delhi to Jabalpur for 20th & 21 st Sep. as well b’coz if we reach Delhi by 20 th on time , then we will cancel the reservations for 21 st Sep. otherwise we will cancel the 20th Sep tickets .
1.Plz. suggest me the stoppage (Night Halt) place towards Manali .
2. Plz. Do tell me whether the above given itinerary is fine or not or have some more good suggestion regarding this.
Looking forward for your reply,
Best Regards,
Abhishek Jain
Jabalpur
Hi Abhishek,
1. You can stop overnight at Sarchu while coming down towards Manali from Leh.
2. Above itinerary is much better and relaxing than the previous one. I am sure you will be going to enjoy it.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
No Reason Happy Day To You !!!!!
Our main destination is Leh Ladakh and with limited time,our travel plan is something like this:
2ndSept:leave from Jammu railway station 7 am.for Srinagar.Night stay at Srinagar.
3rdSept: Local sight seeing in Srinagar.Night stay at Srinagar.
4th Sept: Morning leave for Pahalgam,spend the day and return Srinagar for night stay.
5th Sept: leave for Usman and Aru,spend the day,return Srinagar.Night stay in Srinagar.
6th Sept: Start early morning for Kargil. Night stay at Kargil.
7th Sept: Start early from Kargil for Leh.On the way try to cover Mulbekh Maitrey,Lamayuru Monastry,Lunar landscapes,magnetic hills,Gurudwara, confluence at Nimmu.Reach Leh. Night stay Leh
8th Sept: Local sight seeing, Permit papers and early rest.Night stay in Leh.
9th Sept: Visit Thiksey,Hemis, Shey. Night stay in Leh.
10th Sept: Start early for Pangong lake,use the day and return LEH. Night stay in Leh.
11th sept: Start early for Nubra,Diskit,Hunder, camel ride. Return to Leh. Night stay in Leh.
12th Sept: start early for Tso moriri,,Tso Kar, Debring ( descent for Manali),Sarchu.Night stay at Sarchu.
13th Sept: Start early from Sarchu for Manali. Night stay in Manali.
14th Sept: sight seeing in Manali during day.Leave Manali by evening for New Delhi.
15th Sept: reach morning New Delhi. Board Rajdhani for Mumbai at 4.50 pm.
Now considering the four main sites namely,Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, local LEh, and other not-to-be-missed places,kindly see if any changes would do justice to our Leh Ladakh trip.
Regards,
Ujwala Batra.
Hi Ujwala,
If main destination is Leh – Ladakh then the above itinerary do not do justice at all. Above, all you will not be able to cover Tso Moriri here. You need two day for Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu stretch. Similarly, just touching Deskit town and coming back will only be possible for you in a single day and camel safaris might not be possible as it has morning and evening timings only. A Day trip to Pangong Tso is fine.
But, again you need at least one more day and still I will say it is action packed. My advice would be to stick to one region only either Kashmir or Ladakh inorder to enjoy better or add at least a day to cover all these places and be OK to travel everyday as soon as you get up. Along with that extra day, you can cover the monastery tour (9th Sept.) on the way to Tso Moriri which will give you chance to cover Leh – Tso Moriri – Sarchu in two days. But, still you need a day for Nubra Valley. If you get one then do Nubra Valley first, then day trip to Pangong Tso, then start from Tso Moriri while visiting the monasteries you mentioned for 9th Sept.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planing to leave on 11th Aug from chandigarh. Please share the latest status of roads, are main roads open or pepople are going through diversions?
Please reply quickly, as time is very less
Hi Ajit,
Both Manali – Leh highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway have been opened for traffic and yes, there are some diversions made but roads are operational now.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
Thank you.I truly appreciate your zeal in sharing your travel experiences and help other enthusiast in planning and preparing.For me it gave a great insight into what I am getting into when we, a group of 4 women in our 50+ will be going to leh
on 1st September this year.
I experience vertigo problems since past 2 years. Do you think its OK to travel ?
Our plan is to travel via Srinagar from Jammu.are there Volvo bus services from Jammu to Leh ? We are almost finalsing our itenirary and will be seeking your suggestion on the same.
Regards.
Ujwala Batra.
regards
Hello Mrs. Ujwala,
Thanks a lot for such praising words
… Regarding the problem, I will suggest that you consult a doctor and tell him if high altitude and travel would have any concerns over it or anything else he might think could be an issue, since I have least medical knowledge so I am not the correct person to answer or comment on this.
From Jammu, you will need to go to Srinagar first from where you will be able to get private taxis. There are semi deluxe buses that run on this route but better hire a private taxi since you are 4 in number as it will give you more flexibility in terms of stoppages on route and comfort as well. AFAIK, there are no Volvo buses which run on highways to Ladakh.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
i am planning to go to ladakh in june 2013 on moterbike.is it posible to go leh on moterbike with pillion rider ? if yes then please advice what precautions do we take while riding ?
Hi Dheeraj, How are you doing i hope u remember me, last time you help me a lot. Dheeraj can you tell me is it safe if i go with Hyundai Verna ? ( last year i went by Ford Fusion) please suggest.
I just returned from leh travelling by road all the way fro jammu to leh and then many other places. I dont thin Verna is suitable for those roads
Oh Bhaskar
i sold my fusion this month only
Hi Bhaskar,
thanks alot for sharing the feedback and sharing your inputs with us. Do share your pictures on FB page, if possible
…
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
Aapki site ne to PAGAL kar diya, thanks. we are 4 friends from Jabalpur(M.P.) visit ladhal nest month. our programme.
7 Aug. – Jabalpur to Jammu
8 Aug. reaching jammu
9 Aug. Jammu to Srinagar
10 Aug. stay at Srinagar
11 Aug. Srinagar to Leh
12 Aug. reaching Leh
13 Aug. to 18 Leh
19 Aug. back to manali
20 Aug. manali to Delhi (overnight)
Please advice us how we make out trip memorable. and is it possible in Rs. 25,000 per person
Vijay Parmar from Jabalpur
Hello Vijay,
I think it will be manageable within 25000 if you are not the ones spending lavishly on mostly vacant hotels rooms
… Regarding the plan, I will suggest you something below from Srinagar to Manali (10 Aug to 19th Aug)
Day 1 | Srinagar
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | 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 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
– Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
– On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
– Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
– Cover Karzok Monastery
– Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 9 | 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 10 | 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
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry, for the delayed response, was offline for last few days.
Hello Amol,
I do remember you buddy and hope you are doing great. Good to know about your second trip. Regarding your query as I might have told you last time:
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Like to share my last time leh photos. My trip was sucessfull and all credit goes to you. Coz of you i got moral support.
Thanks for help.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.20852361…
Very nice pictures Amol, thanks alot for sharing with us. You and your fusion looks awesome!!
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj, but now i want to go by my New Verna. lets see . i think i need to take two long steel rods (flat) then only it will possible without anydamage.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.20321908…
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.20288755…
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.20071396…
More photo
Hi Dheeraj,
After a night halt in Diskit is it possible to cover Sham Valley (Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib) on our way back to Leh? Stay at Leh for the night & take the next morning flight to Delhi?
Hi Manjusha,
Sham Valley easily takes about 5-6 Hrs to explore it at least at some decent pace. It will take about 5-6 hrs for you to reach Leh from Deskit, and then move west towards Srinagar – Leh Highway in order to cover Sham Valley. I see it too tiring and hectic. Better enjoy things in Nubra Valley at easy pace and retunr by evening.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi,
I am Prashant from delhi and working in NDTV. so i am planing to go leh from 29-5 but the problem is that i am alone. so can any one tell me that who can go with me or i can go with whom?
Thanks
Prashant
Hi Prashant,
Better try IndiaMike or BCMT or TripAdvisor travel partner sections to team along. On my blog, there is no dedicated section for it
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Prashant, last time i had visited Leg with my mom and dad. i also want to go Leh but m alone. how you r going which transport.
Hi Dheeraj,
Loved your blogs, beautifully written and very informative.
One just can’t sit back after reading ur blogs.
Just amazing.
Warm Regards
Rekha
Thanks alot Rekha, I guess that is the whole-sole reason reason of this blog… To Travel and To Make Others Travel But With A Difference
…
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a road trip from Delhi to Leh from 30th June to 8th July.
The plan is :
Day 1- Delhi- Manali- Night halt at Solang valley will be a better option than Manali?
Day 2- Manali- Jispa (night halt)
Day 3- Jispa- Sarchu (night halt at Sarchu- which camps would be the most comfortable with attached toilets?)
OR can we stay at some other (better) location than Sarchu?
Day 4- Sarchu- Leh
Day 5- Relaxing and sightseeing at Leh
Day 6- Nubra valley and around via Khardungla pass , Diskit..overnite there
Day 6- camel ride, sand dunes etc…back to Leh
Day 7- day trip to Pangong lake
Day 8- morning flight to Delhi
Will this do justice to Ladakh in 8 days? Or should we do some amendments to the plan?
Look forward to hear from you.
Thanks.
Hi Nisha,
Plan looks really good to me. Yes, stay at Solang Valley as it helps in acclimatization. As I see you are going in July then HPTDC Bus service will also be in action if you plan to take it. The only suggestion would be to drop idea of night stay at Sarchu because you guys might not be acclimatized for its height. So, do Jispa to Leh that day by starting early in the morning. Most public transport do it like this only including HPTDC buses to avoid any hassles by sleeping at Sarchu. This will give you one extra day which you can insert between Day 7 and Day 8 just to keep it as buffer before the day of the flight. You can do Sham Valley tour if this buffer day is left un-utilized on Day 7. Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply.
We are hiring a innova from Delhi for Leh so transport is not a problem.
The reason why we were thinking of stopping over at Sarchu is because we felt Jispa -Leh which is almost 12 hrs may get very tiring and also there are lots of beautiful places after jispa on the way where we may just want to stop over for photographs and stuff. I also had this apprehension about night halt at Sarchu but we also felt doing Jispa Leh in a day might just get too tiring and the idea was so go easy…what would you say to that? Or is there any other place where we could break the journey instead of Sarchu which could make life easier? We are 5 people going and 2 out of them are slightly asthmatic. Is it worth taking the risk?
Also was wondering if you could suggest some good options in Solang Valley. At Jispa we were looking at Jispa Journey camps- this looked most comfortable- or would you suggest something else?
Look forward for your suggestions.
Thanks.
Hi Nisha,
Yes, I can understand that but the problem is AMS at Sarchu. You might get unaffected but it could be other way round too. So, there is always a risk of sleeping at Sarchu and considering Asthmatic people in the group, at least personally I will avoid sleeping at Sarchu and would be better off sleeping in car on 12 Hr journey from Jispa to Leh. There is no place beyond Sarchu that offers decent accommodation.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a tonne!
Avoid staying at Sarchu as you could have oxygen problem as my group of foreigners experience
Hi Dheeraj, first of all thank you for such a great website. It has all the information we needed n helped us planned our journey.
We have one day in our itinerary for cycling downwards from khardungla. However, not sure how difficult is this. We are a group of 8 people between age 20-30 & not much into regular physical activity. We really want to try this. Please could you advise if this can be done for small stretch 10 -15 kms ? What facilities are available en route? Any other information about this will be highly appreciated.
Hi Shilpi,
It depends when are you planning to have this day in your schedule. If your bodies are not very well acclimatized then it would be some really bad thing to do in such harsh terrain. So, your body shall be very well acclimatized before attempting any kind of exertion at such high altitude.
Regarding, downwards journey, it would be fairly easy on body I know but still due to lack of roads almost upto South Pullu (towards Leh), sometime it would be difficult and would require some kind of exertion. Rest of the journey from South Pullu upto Leh, you might not even require to pedal alot
… There is as such no facilities enroute, may be something at South Pullu and then upto Khardung La nothing. There is a cafeteria at Khardung La and army has installed Oxygen Cylinder as well there for the persons in need.
Just get acclimatized well before attempting it. There are many shops at Fort road who will be able to rent out the bikes to you.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks a lot for your response
.
Here is our itinerary :
2 June- Delhi- Manali
3- Manali- Jispa
4 – Jispa – Leh
5 – Leh Local Sight seeing
6 – Pangong Lake
7 – Kardungla La
8 -Leh to Kargil/ Sonmarg
9 June – Kargil/Sonamrg to Srinagar
10 June – Fly back to Delhi
So, we are planning this on our 4th day in leh. Hoping by then our bodies will be well acclimatized.
Also, please could you suggest what would be a better place to stay Sonmarg or Kargil on our way back to srinagar ?
Hi Shilpi,
Hmm… this does not look that good in acclimatization part. Doing Pangong Tso on second day itself might create some issues while you guys are roaming there. Try to keep the stay short at Pangong Tso and in case any one of you start feeling AMS then start descending towards Tangste. The problem in such a case will be climb to Chang La. But, once you start descending from Chang La things will improve. All this said is only applicable if any one of you feel not good after reaching Pangong tso. Now, I guess you can attempt the Khardung La down ride as I do not see any better day fit it. Hope that the Day 6 goes fine. Also, it would make more sense in terms of acclimatization part iif you guys fly to Srinagar and start your journey from there and then exit from Manali to Delhi.
Better do Leh – Kargil and then Sonamarg – Srinagar or as suggested please do via Srinagar side with same night halts.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I just returned from Leh. I halted at Kargil the options are not great and electricity supply is aproblem in the place. Hotel greenland is ok avoid hotel siachen
Dear Mr. Dheeraj.
I am a leading travel agent and tour operator in Rajathan.
We are a group of 3/4 couples [aged between 48-52]reaching Manali on 7th June.Wants to do the drive from Manali to Leh by road from 9/10June onwards.
We will be in 2 vehicles [Audi -q5 -Qudro and Innova ] Kindly advise how we can do the trip smoothly. Are these vehicles suitable to drive. As Audi q-5 is brand new vehicle , is it safe to take it or not …I liked your site and have got some very important inputs on the matter.
Hello Mr. Siddharth,
Salute to your spirit of travel at such an age, wish I keep alive the same when reach the same
… Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey into almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
Q5 is fine I guess but Innova has always been at the bottom of my preferred list of vehicles for Leh Ladakh. But, with careful and cautious driving you can make it through with Innova as well. Just do not rush through the water crossings and check how others are crossing it. Then, only with safe passage in mind dive into it
… Just be careful and do not be over-confident at any stage. You may like to check some recent articles I wrote on Ladakh Self Drive Tips at the link here.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip at the link here.
Thanks for liking my website. I would really appreciate if you can provide any of your valuable inputs for the same. Thanks in advance!!
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, First of all thanks for the wonderful and useful information available on your website. We a group of 8 friends are planning our lifetime's most memorable trip.
I have used you 15 day itinerary and tried to modify this into 10 days. Kindly share your views on the same if this is ok.
Day1- 8th June- 7 pm
• Start the trip From Ghaziabad- leave for Jammu by Cab(2 cars one cab and one self driven)- 12-14 hours by Road.
Day 2- 9th June-
• Reach Jammu. Get Freshen up in Jammu.
• Take Cab from Jammu for the trip and leave for Srinagar. 8-9 hour trip. We will be able to see the beauty haseen Vadiyan on the way.
• Reach Srinagar by the night and stay overnight in Srinagar.
Day 3- 10th June- Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
• Leave for Kargil/Drass
• 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- 11th June 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
About 9-10 Hrs drive, , depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 5- 12 June Leh
• Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa, Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Zanskar, , Gurudwara Pather Sahib Road Stroll in evening. White River Rafting options 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
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 7- 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)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8- Leh to Manali via 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
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and of course the mess at Rohtang Pass
Day 9 Manali and way back to Delhi
Trip is planned for 9 days as we might have to keep 1 day buffer cos of situations on the way or some additional detour which we might take or in case we do rafting and all.
pls share your feed back
Hi Anubhav,
The itinerary is fine but you are not coming back to Leh on Day 6??? You need to do Leh – Khardung La – Leh on that day otherwise, get the permits done in advance and after little sightseeing leave for Nubra Valley on Day 5 itself. On Day 7 make a day trip to Pangong Tso and start early in the day to be back in time
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey Thanks a lot for the prompt reply. Really you have been of great help. probably you will be the invisible 9th person with us
…. just to bother little more.
1. Pls tell which all places do we need to take permit on the entire tour.
2. We are taking a 1 cab(SUV) and 1 self driven(Ford Figo), figo will be driven by 4 different people on the way and we plan to take that Figo for the entire trip. All of us 4 will be driving in hilly region for first time. Do you suggest doing that We will be taking Srinagar-Leh route. For us one reason is we want to enjoy the thrill of driving in heaven and second is as per our calculation it brings down the cost also considerably.
Kindly share your views on this.
Hi Anubhav,
1. Check the article linked here: Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh for all details regarding permits. For the basic tourist circuit, you need to write Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri if you are going via basic routes to these destinations.
2. For driving Figo and that too for the first time: I will suggest you read about section "Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Ride to Ladakh" in the article linked here: How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway to give you an idea what to expect in self drive in hatch back. For a quick read:
The roads may be stabilized by that time but you will need to face few challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route which is opened for light vehicles earlier (most likely) and will be stabilized by then. It will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh Ladakh come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan back then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which yo might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnely, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks again so much…. after your views we reconsidered some options so bothering you again here….. do you suggest Tempo traveller from Ghaziabad till Leh. For Leh local we will hire cab from there and then we will travel again to Nubra valley and then to Manali in Temp traveler. The tempo traveler is a from a taxi service with Delhi No plate.
Hi Anubhav,
That tempo traveller will not be allowed to roam anywhere in Ladakh. It can only be used for journey to Leh and back but not any other sightseeing places in Ladakh. But, you will be paying for the same without using it. You can hire one taxi after reaching Leh which can do all sightseeing in Ladakh and drop you at Manali.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks again. But I am little confused you said that taxi taken in Leh to drop me back to Manali. Can't I use the same tempo traveler from Ladakh to Manali. What I want to know is, are taxi numbers allowed from Ladakh to manali highway?
Secondly can I get Bullets on rent in Leh itself to roam within Leh.
Thanks a lot again.
Regards
Anubhav
Hi Anubhav,
Yes, you can use that from Ladakh to Manali but inside Ladakh for Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri etc. you cannot use that tempo traveller. Taxi number are allowed on Manali – Leh Highway. And, yes, you can hire bikes from Leh. There is a fort road where there are lot of shops who give bullets on rent on decent prices.
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
hi dheeraj, these pictures are from which month?
Munir, pictures are from August month for Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
mr dheeraj I received your reply in my mail id in which you had mentioned that you will pass the contact numbers of ladakh drivers. can you do so. further should i contact them right away or after reaching there. please advise
Hi Bhaskar,
I guess you should have got the numbers by now
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj
Your tour itinery found very much useful for planning our trip to Leh & Srinagar. Kindly advice the following trip plan will work out. (We are a group of 5 adults)
Day.1 Reaching Leh on 26th Aug morning 06:30(by flight from Delhi)
Day.2 Stay at Leh
Day-3 stay at Leh
Day 4. By road to Krgil and stay at Kargil
Day-5 Kargil to Srinagar, Stay at Srinagar
Day-6.Stay at Srinagar
Day-7. Srinagar to Udhampur by road. Night train to Delhi.
Hey Dheeraj, nice pics and u got a lovely website which is quite informative and helpful.
I am planning to visit Leh-Ladakh in First week of July and would like to cover some part of Himachal Pradesh in my trip. Can you pls suggest whether it wud b a good decision to visit kinner villa in july? If not, can u suggest some other place? i am looking for snow fall, snow clad mountains or lush green beauty. Thanks. Sonal
Hi Sonal,
If you can make the trip before monsoon hits the northern india in July then it should be the favourable time. Please keep in mind going to Leh via Kinnaur Valley, helps alot in acclimatization but takes more time. I am not sure how many days you have in hand, how you want to commute, what will be the starting point etc. If you can let me know, then perhaps I can provide further insights to your trip.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for replying Dheeraj. We are a group of 5 – all adults, planning to start our trip on 5th July from Mumbai.
05/07 – Mumbai to Delhi by train.
06/07 – Delhi to Manali OR any place in HP (Not yet decided on this, we need to arrange for bus/cab as well.)
07/07 – 08/07: Sight seeing in whatever place we chose in HP
09/07 – Check out from HP and proceed to Leh by Bus. Yet to find out the local transport options. We don't have cars with us.
09/07 – 'Check in' a homestay in Leh.
10/07 – 12/07 – Sight seeing in Leh -Ladakh (Pangong Tso lake, Tso Moriri, River/waterfall Zanskar, couple of Monasteries etc) – The hotel guy will provide us a cab for sight seeing.
12/07 – Overnight journey from Leh to Delhi
13/07 – Delhi – Mumbai/Pune.
This is quite a superficial plan, but we'll travel mostly by train/bus/cabs. It wud be a great help if u can provide some local cab numbers in between Leh and HP. We have 2-3 days in hand to roam around in HP, it wud b nice if u can suggest smthing. Thanks
Some options I have in my mind to roam around in HP are either Palampur Or Manali (i guess we can cover kaza, Key monastery, spiti which r nearby manali) Or Kinnaur. I'm aware of some good hotels in these places.
I had thought of Valley of flowers too in UK but tht trekk itself wud take 5-6 days and m not sure hows the connectivity from Ghangaria to Leh (+ its quite far too). Also i've read tht its not that great place to visit.
Its first wedding anniversary for 2 couples in our group in July but we hardly have any options in monsoon
Hi Sonal,
As I said, you do not have enough number of days to make it to Leh by road. Better fly to Leh – Ladakh and it will also dry out the possibility of suffering from monsoons in lower Himalayan range. If you want to explore Himachal then go for Kinnaur + Spiti Valley which can be done in 7-8 days you have in hand. Let me know your choice and I will suggest the plan accordingly
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Sonal,
If I make it correctly, I see you have just 7 days ex. Delhi for Leh – Ladakh. I am not sure if you know that it will take three days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali and when you will be risking yourself with dangers of acute mountain sickness and then 3 days to come back. You are left with just one day for Leh – Ladakh which I feel will not be logical decision to go for it. I will suggest you either fly in and out of Leh or take a place in Himachal only for your traveling. Go for Spiti Valley via Kinnaur Valley. If you need I can suggest a plan for Himachal Trip and if you feel you can fly to Leh then I will suggest the suitable plan for it as well.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Oops .. I never really researched and imagined tht it wud tk so long to reach Leh from Delhi
. Well in that case, i wud just target on Leh by flight. I found out that Delhi-Srinagar flight is quite cheaper than Delhi-Leh. And if we opt for Srinagar – Leh via Kargil by road, i guess it wud tk 2 days. I would like to cover atleast Pangong Tso, Khardungla pass, shey palace, couple of monasteries and Tso Moriri if possible. How long wud it tk to visit all these in Leh? We can increase the duration if required. Can u suggest what route would be ideal to reach Leh in terms of cost, time and weather? We don't want to be hit by heavy monsoon. Thanks for regularly replying to me. Its really appreciating that u tk time to reply everybody, doing justice with ur motto – Traveling with a difference !!!
hi Sonal,
Thanks alot. I am just trying my best to share whatever little knowledge I have with other travelers. if you are flying to Srinagar then you can do it in the following way:
Day 1 | Delhi – Srinagar
– Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
– If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
– Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | 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 3 | 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 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Fly back to Delhi
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts or inputs.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
wow .. u almost designed our trip covering many places especially Magnetic hills, hot water springs and confluence of zanskar which wud b a first time and an enthraling experience for us. Will we get to see any glaciers during July? hv heard of drang drung near zanskar valley. Let me find out d accomodation options and cab bookings. Can I trust on BCMTouring for the same. They've provided lot many info on accomodations at places on Srinagar-Leh route + a taxi union number. I tried calling the taxi union but nobody picked up d phone
, will keep trying for a couple days. Any idea hows their service? Sorry if m asking too much frm u .. Thanks alot .. Sonal
Hello Sonal,
Glad that you liked the itinerary and plan. In July, it will be hard to find any, just you might see some snow at Khardung La, Chang La and Zozi La passes. Rest it would be hard to find. Drang Drung glacier in Zanskar valley is not that close to be seen as a day tour from Ladakh. You need o take de-tour from Kargil to visit it and if you are OK with a little long day then you can visit it from Kargil and come back to Kargil the same evening. For accommodation, check the nice, prefered list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting from the link here
I will email you contacts of the Ladakhi drivers with taxi and you can get in touch with them for your taxi requirements. Talking to drivers directly will help you get about 10-15% discounts on the taxi union rates.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts or inputs.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hey .. Did u get a chance to share the ladakhi taxi driver numbers on my email ? Pls provide Srinagar cab contacts as well if u got. Thanks alot.
Hi Sonal,
I already messaged you on Facebook that very day. Once I will reach home in the evening, I will share couple of Srinagar contacts as well.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Oh yes.. Dint login to facebook since a couple days .. Thanks
Hey Dheeraj .. jst wanted to share that we have finally planned our tour Srinagar – Leh – Manali starting from 25th June till 6th Jul. I hope we'll get to see/ play in snow . We'll cover gulmarg, sonmarg, drass, kargil, leh (pangong, nubra, monasteries etc), proceed to keylong via tanglang la, lachung la, sarchu, deepak/suraj tal, darcha etc. Proceed to manali via rohtang pass and finally reach Delhi to board the train to our Pune
. It wud b great if u can suggest some good ladakhi food that we must try !! Thanks again for your help.
Hi DevilonWheels,
First of all I congratulate you on this wonderful website and the amount of information you have collected for a Ladakh travel. Now for my query. We are a group of 11 people traveling to Leh from Bangalore. We are reaching Manali by taking a flight to Delhi and from there a Bus to Manali (reach early morning). We intend to freshen up within a couple of hours and start off for Leh. Could you suggest some hotels which would provide a few rooms for a couple of hours or so?
PS: Are you on team-bhp with the same handle?
Hi Nithin,
Well, it is not advisable at all that you reach Manali in the morning and scale 4000 Mtrs above sea level the next day from almost close to sea level. You are calling trouble for yourself here. Better stay at Solang Valley for the night and then start the journey next days towards Leh. Also, if you plan to cover the whole circuit then there is nothing better to take flight to Srinagar from Delhi and then start from Srinagar side towards Leh and after Leh – Ladakh sightseeing, start back towards Manali from Leh. It will be much easy on your body and you will enjoy more rather feeling uneasiness due to AMS all the time while going via Manali – Leh Highway. Plus, coming via Manali – Leh Highway will help you enjoy the beauty in better way since your body will be completely acclimatized.
How many days you are planning for the trip?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Actually all my flight bookings are done. Here is a brief plan of my trip.
Day-1: Flight from Bangalore-Delhi. Evening catch a overnight bus to Manali
Day-2: Reach Manali. Find taxi who can take us to Leh. Start off to leh. Halt at Keylong/Jispa.
Day-3: Leave early by around 5AM, visit Suraj tal (?) and reach Leh by evening.
Day-4: Leh- Arrange taxi/permits(?) for leh sight seeing & if possible squeeze in local sight seeing.
Day-5 & 6: Kardung la ( highest motorable road in the world) Nubra valley
Day-7: Pangong lake
Day-8&9: Tso Moriri lake
Day-10: Flight from Leh-Bangalore.
Hello Nithin,
Day – 2 is where you are inviting trouble. Do keep in mind that if you face traffic jam at Rohtang Pass, (last year jam lasted for more than 36 Hrs and a person died due to illness there) it would mean a lot of trouble to you. So, better spend at least one night at Solang Valley and then take taxi early morning say by 3 AM types, to Keylong / Jispa to avoid jams at Rohtang Pass.
Suraj tal is on the highway itself, you will in any case visit it. for anything related to permits you can check the link here. You would be able to do local sightseeing in the second half of the day at Leh. 2 day trip to Nubra looks fine. Again, other days also looks fine.
Now, in order to save a day for you to be spent at Solang Valley. Try to arrange permits through a travel agent and then after spending sometime in Leh leave for Nubra Valley by skipping the local sightseeing.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I have posted my query twice but i could not get your reply
we are planning to visit Leh via Manali,Keylong route between 25 May to 5th june via Hire vehicle like TATA SUMO/Bolero alongwith my family consisting of 3 couple and 5 child age group of 4-12 years
I need your guidance is it advisible toplan with children ?
kindly guide me for necessary precaution and safety
Kirit
Hi Kirit,
This is what I replied on another page. Guess you are checking on wrong page and the email might have gone to your spam folder
Well, 25th May it might be possible that Rohtang Pass might not be open. In case, it is opened 9 days are very less and plus you are carrying children with you I will not recommend doing Manali – Leh Highway and that too when road conditions are pretty unstable if at all opened. I will provide you the contact number over email and you can call me anytime in the evening.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase of any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Beautiful pictures. I've had my share of adventure trips in the Himalayas(Ladakh, Spiti, Kinnaur, Lahaul) but have always found it tough to document them in such great detail. You've put up amazing & useful information. Kudos to you! And you're such a gracious host – answering each & every comment/question with such passion and in such detail.
Wish you the best
Sir, I wanna go to leh by own car TATA SAFARI,this 2012 and suggest the best month for visit.and i wanna to enter by manali and exit to srinagar jammu. so please give me an advise to carry in vehicle. and about CHANGTHANG.
@ Saket, Saket i think you to go Leh via Srinagar and come back from manali coz as per New rule; they are not allow any private vehicle from manali to Leh.
@ Dheeraj, Dheeraj please correct if i am wrong.
Nopes, Amol. He can go via Manali route as well and the new rule says, that you need permit to travel Manali – Rohtang Pass road from Manali side if you have vehicle registration number outside Himachal Pradesh. So, by getting the permits he is eligible to travel. However, it is not at all advisable to go via Manali considering the acute mountain sickness (AMS) because the ascent is not gradual from Manali side. Going via Srinagar side lets you increase the altitude gradually and there by helping you acclimatization of your body and minimizing the chances of AMS. This way when you come back to Manali from Leh side, you enjoy your journey in much better and organized way.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Saket, as I mentioned above go via Srinagar side and come back via Manali side. It helps in acclimatization and minimizing the acute mountain sickness. Plus you do not need to worry about the permit to travel on Manali – Rohtang Pass road in case you are coming from the other side. This will save you one day which gets wasted now in getting the permit while you go from Manali side.
If you want to see snow, then go in mid-June to mid-July period. Of course this will mean very bad and adventurous roads. If you love beautiful colors of the landscape then go in after mid-September when monsoon resides. Of course, in late September you will find very less/no snow.
Let me know how many days you have in hand and from where you will start the journey and I will suggest the itinerary accordingly.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Sir, we are planning to go there by car from ahmedabad and we have just 15-16 days in our hand so please give me suggestion and i want to ask about the kids, is it the possible for kid 16 month old, is there any problem at there to kids.
Saket, buddy the problem with kids is that they won't be able to let you know if they are sick or not. This is quite a dangerous proposition with kids especially the Manali – Leh Highway. Even still if you wanna make the trip then do not plan to travel Manali – Leh Highway and go via Srinagar Leh Highway only and that too with very slow ascent, with nights spent at Srinagar, Kargil, Lamayuru, Alchi and then finally at Leh for a day or two. This way you will make sure that you guys are properly acclimatized to the altitude of Leh. Then, go for Nubra Valley with very short time spent at Khardung La on the way and spend couple of days either at Hunder or Deskit. Finally, only make day trips to high altitude lakes (Pangong tso and Tso Moriri) and do not plan to spend any night at these altitudes. At any moment, you feel that kids are bit uneasy, not playing much etc. descend immediately towards Kargil starting with Alchi. You can read more about for tips/precautions on taking kids to high altitude at the article linked here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
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
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
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 ?
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
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.
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
Awesome clicks!!!
Thanks alot Nikhil, I am glad you like it
I am planning to go to leh around 30th… Which hotel wud u suggest???
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
Thanx a lot Dheeraj!!
Amazing pictures so nicely captured, Dheeraj!!
Thanks alot Khushal. I am really glad that you like them.
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
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
Hi can u plz tell which place is this n how to reach over there. It's just beautiful
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.
Hey Dheeraj… Loved your pics… I hope you remember, I inquired you about Manali.. That was awesome trip
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
Dheeraj I want to share my photo, how i can ? please advice.
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.
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
photos are tooo goooood yaaaaaaaaar
when 30th May will come i have to go i can not control now.
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.
which camera is best ?. Sony launch H7X camera just now
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
hay can you tell me from which camera did you click these photos ?