First and foremost, very warm Welcome and Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂
I am Dheeraj Sharma, an avid traveler, a day-night dreamer, and a soul lost in the Himalayas. I have a zest for driving whilst exploring new places & sharing back those travel experiences with other fellow travelers. I love Spreading Smiles in the Himalayas through DoW Causes & currently enjoying life as a happy traveling soul on this website.
Some 12 years back I realized that living your passion to dive into the unknown and testing your limits of body and soul, really helps in boosting your well being. Since then I never looked back. Frequently, I get on my wheels to hunt this unsatisfied hunger of rejuvenating myself in the endless beauty which the Himalayas does offer to us.
While traveling to the Himalayas, I feel I went through a kind of metamorphosis that led to my reincarnation. I am working hard to materialize the vision & mission of the DoW Travel Community with the support of all other members of our community.
Well, professionally you can call me a Software Development Manager… A few years back, I came to live in the USA with my family on a work assignment for my company. As of now enjoying every bit of this new life and travel in this beautiful country, the United States of America 🙂
Besides traveling, I enjoy and love my work to the core, trying to be ever competitive in challenges offered to me in my professional life. Personally, Cricket, Computers, Netflix, and Hollywood Movies always find special attention in my day-to-day life. Before I die, I would love to see the vision of the DoW Community getting materialized where both the Himalayan lives & travelers get benefit from each other. Just as everything starts with a cause, so does this whole chapter of traveling in my life. If you are interested to know more please read the post “Everything has a start…“
One day a thought rippled through my mind for sharing all I learn from travel with the likes of you, hence I choose to start this blog. This Blog (& DoW – Himalayan Travel Community) is simply about my hobby and passion for traveling to the Himalayas and getting connected with them in one or another form. You can expect experiences, learning, thoughts, tips, guides, routes, maps, suggestions, hotel reviews, travel news, etc. You all are most welcome to join in, be a part of DoW – Himalayan Travel Community, and share your comments, experiences, thoughts, suggestions, etc, or any stuff related to traveling, driving, dining, riding, etc.
The vision of my blog is to help travelers, backpackers & tourists from all walks of life in planning memorable trips to the Himalayas – Smartly, Safely, and Responsibly. It is all about living my passion for travel & driving but at the same time to share as much valuable + more practical Himalayan travel information and experiences as possible with other fellow travelers or tourists in order to help them travel with a difference in the Himalayas…
Since 2009, I have extensively traveled in the Himalayas on my own and hence, carries a vast amount of practical Himalayan travel experience. In the last decade, I have possibly answered 100,000+ questions about traveling to the Himalayas. My work has appeared in a range of mediums, blogs, publications, and newspapers.
Over the past few years, Travel has taught me many things and if you are interested to know more about it, you can read How Travel Transformed and Made Me Feel that Alive is Awesome. Along with it, you can also read about the 6 Reasons Why I Travel.
I dedicate this blog and offer my sincere thanks to my Family (Lovely Mom and Dad and a beautiful wife, my little superhero), Relatives, Friends, Uncle (Mr. Dev Dutt Sharma) for their never-ending love, care, affection, and support. Of course, they sacrifice their time with me and allows me to help me grow this Himalayan Travel Platform to benefit the lives of all Himalayan Travelers and Himalayan Lives. May GOD bless each one of them and their families too.
You are most welcome to leave a comment if I missed something, I will get back to you within no time. I hope you will subscribe or join the community to read/share what’s new in Himalayan Travel with each passing day and keep on visiting again and again to share your Travel (or driving or riding) experiences, comments, thoughts, suggestions, etc.
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3,109 Comments
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all, immense respect for your efforts in putting all these bits n pieces together. Its great to see someone equally passionate about spreading responsible travel. I would like to get in touch with you about my upcoming plan to visit Kinnaur-Spiti valleys in May’16.
More on this when we interact. thanks a ton for sparing your time reading this!
Regards,
Yatin.
I just replied to other comment, feel free to post any more queries you have
dhiraj 6 people travelling in June mid from pune . our tour plan will start from Srinagar — kargil — leh– diskit– pangong — manali — chandigarh . plz guide us for taxi rate . what is advisable according to you . if possible plz send on mail id . we have 12 days.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2015 – 16 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
There have been some tensions now in taxi unions and to settle it out what they have done is that they have a transit point just before Fotu La while going to Leh from Kargil. All Leh taxis stop there and kargil taxis too. They exchange passengers and move back in respective directions. Leh taxis take passengers to Leh coming from Srinagar/Kargil and Kargil guys take passengers to Srinagar/kargil coming from Leh
Dear Dheeraj,
Firstly, thank you so much for this initiative. It is a boon to travellers like us who dont have much of information on hand about places in the Himalayas.
We planned our trip to Leh a couple of years back and your tips were invaluable. Also, did one to North Sikkim… Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang etc earlier this year
We are planning another trip now to Spiti Valley during the 1st week of April. 5-6 bikes, 1 self drive SUV and a couple of rented cars. My queries are:
– Can i hire a Zoom car or any self drive rental car for this trip since it is from the Kinnaur side?
– Have read a few of your blogs and some of other travellers on DoW, where it is said to be dangerous to go during that time because of landslides, slush and black ice etc.
Your guidance here will be much appreciated.
Cheers
Arun
Dear Dheeraj,
Your guidance is eagerly awaited.
Thanks
Arun
Aruna, just replied. Please check and feel free to post any queries. Bear with me for these temporary delays in replies but will reply for sure 🙂
Hello Arun,
Sorry for late reply, in the transition of settling a bit at home, so not getting enough time for the site now a day. I am sure as the new year kicks in I will be back to normal pace of replying and publishing articles on DoW 🙂
Back to your query,
1. Yes, you can take an self drive rented car to Kinnaur – Spiti, Himachal
2. Yes, very true the roads are quite bad or worst of the season during those days as snow starts to melt in higher reaches and snowslides with landslides are common. Expect such delays for sure.
Thanks for the revert Dheeraj. Hope you are now settled at home.
I think we will head there around 2nd April. Will have some kids with us. Will plan the itinerary post taking inputs from DoW threads. In the meanwhile if you have any specific words of advice, they are more than welcome.
Thanks once again
Well, personally, with kids, I would like to avoid that route keeping in mind my experience of so many trips up there and what can go wrong. I will still advice that if possible make the trip in May types.
Hi Dheeraj
I wanted to ask if December is a good enough time to visit Kasol?
Yes, December is a OK time to visit Kasol but keep in mind few restrants will be open along with few hotels. Also, there will be less tourist and the charm of sitting besides river will not be there being cold conditions.
Hi Dheeraj,
I plan to visit : Delhi > Shimla > Sarahan / Narkhanda > Sangla > Chitkul > Kalpa > Chandrataal > Manali > Delhi.
I want to visit with my family (myself, wife and 5 yrs old son) and parents (70 yrs, 60 yrs) during last week of May next year. Is it good time to visit the region if I intend to witness snowfall / view snow just on roadside. If not, what is the best time to experience snowfall as well as have a safe travel without much hindrance from road safety point of view?
Please share your views which will be very grateful. Also I plan to keep around 10 days for this entire trip ex-Delhi. Will it be sufficient? I don’t want trip to be too hectic. Please advise.
Also request you to kindly activate my login since I have not received the ‘Activation link’ in email ([email protected]).
Regards
Shankhajit
Hi Shankhajit,
Yes, May-June is good time to visit Kinnaur Valley and weather is quite pleasant and cool during those days. Snow might be in remains around Chitkul or glacier point of Sangla if at all. However, snowfall wise it will be purely luck and mostly unlikely possibility. 10 days is a very good time to travel and make it aboslutely hassle free. You can check: Kinnaur Valley Travel Guide | Kalpa, Sangla & Chitkul for complete comprehensive guide to Kinnaur
Thanks a lot Dheeraj for the response. I want to ask you few other things:
1. Which time we will definitely get to see snow (already fall happened, but not melted) and yet roads will be safe and secure to travel?
2. I have thought of an itinerary ex-Delhi. Can you please confirm if this is a good enough plan. Also, I would want your advise on transport – like if I book a full car Delhi – to – Delhi…will it be economical rather than trying to book individual cars at each location?..also can you please advise of any reliable and well behaved driver for this purpose who will suggest a economical rate?…
Km Time (hrs) Nt
kolkata delhi 2 rajdhani 27-May
delhi shimla 360 8 1
shimla narkanda 64 3.5 1
narkanda sangla 156 6.5 2
sangla kalpa 50 2 2
kalpa kinnaur 51 2 1
kinnaur kaza / kibber key 156 6.5 3
kaza manali 201 6 2
manali delhi 550 12 1 flight 11-Jun
Regards
Shankhajit
Hello Shankhajit,
1. Early March is the time in such a case where you can find snow in Kunnaur but you will not find snow in Spiti. Even in this case if you can add few days more you can have snow around Kunzum Pass but you need to return any how from Kunzum Pass as the road beyond to Manali gets open in second or third week of June only. So, above plan is not feasible too.
2. Book a car from Shimla to Shimla and go to Shimla by Volvo.You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Hey Dheeraj,
Hope my comment finds you in the best of your spirits. I am myself a writer and hence was really happy to read some of your so very precise replies to queries. I have been travelling on my cruise bike but upto a max distance of 500 kms. We are 2 families with 1 kid of 8.5 years each. Planning to travel from Ahmadabad Gujarat to Leh- Ladakh in our self owned Scorpio Diesel, and we all 4 adults can drive as and when required.
I would appreciate if you could please help me with following details:
1) We are planning to travel in the month of May, with a target to spend 19th May 2016 at Khardungla – is it fine?
2) Ideally how many days trip should it be that we may anticipate? Gujarat to Leh and Back – approx 2000 kms.
3) Is it advisable to travel with these 2 kids of 8.5 years?
4) Self Owned Diesel Scorpio – will that be a big challenge with the permits and all, as non HP vehicles are either not/limited numbers are allowed to go ahead from Manali? what all documents and kind of permits we should be having with us? can all these permits be applied for and taken online ?
5) I read one of your readers asking you about separate trip of Leh and Ladakh, so can it not be a clubbed trip? it would be nice if you could please elaborate on this.
6) I saw a lot of pics where people are staying in tents overnight, would you recommend it, and if yes – what kind of travel back packs you would recommend.
7) Please suggest some good reads that can give us some more insight on aforesaid queries.
Please add on to any important points that I might have missed out on.
Sincerely,
Chirag Shivalker
Hey Chirag,
My replies below:
1) In case you are interested in Manali – Leh Highway, I will suggest to make a plan in June or May end.
2) You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh. You can add for Delhi – Gujrat
3) Yes, there shall not be any issue with kids of that age. In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
4) Since, you will be traveling from Srinagar to Leh to Manali, you will not need any permits. In Ladakh, please ensure car belongs either to you or your family or anyone in the car or his/her family.
5) Leh is the main / capital sub-district of Ladakh district in j and K state. Leh acts as the hub and rest of the places in Ladakh are visited from there only.
6) It depends, in case you want to sleep in tents you can they provide all the beds as well as quilts, so no need to carry anything special.
7) You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
For the list of good restaurants in Leh – Ladakh or eateries or food joints where food is enjoyed by many travellers including me, you can check the link here: List of Good Restaurants in Leh – Ladakh | Restaurant Reviews
Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
To know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Also, our maps of Ladakh will give you a better idea too. Here is the link: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang
However, I will request that if possible for you then better put the saved money to use for Responsible Travel in Himalayas and support our DoW Causes right there in Ladakh when you travel there. Here is the link which provides all the details on the causes we support in DoW Community: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel
Hope it helps 🙂
Sincerely,
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj, first of all thanks a ton for all your advice for the Ladakh trip. It was fantabulous. 🙂 I would like to recommend Mr. Lobsang Tsering. He was our driver and guide for the entire trip. Very nice fellow and very knowledgeable. His contact no. is 94192 69824.
Now coming to our next trip, we are planning something in mid May for 9 days. We have Manali, Spiti Valley, Auli and Kufri in our mind. Can you please suggest an itinerary for 9 days covering these places. Or something in the north where we can get snow. Basically, we want to to enjoy the cold weather.We would be travelling from/to Mumbai by flight. Waiting for your reply. Many many thanks in advance. 🙂 Aditi
Hello Aditi,
Glad to know that and thanks for the recommendation, will be great if you can post his review under the List of Drivers of Ladakh thread in DoW Community: https://devilonwheels.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/listof-taxi-drivers-for-ladakh-srinagar-leh-manali-t353.html
Since, you have 9 days I will advice you plan for Spiti Valley trip as below:
Day 1 | Mumbai – Chandigarh – Narkanda/Kotgarh
Day 2 | Narkanda/Kotgarh – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza and around (Ki, kibber, gette, hikkim, komik, langza – Choose whatever you possibly can)
Day 6 | Kaza towards Kunzum Pass, if possible Chandratal and back to Kaza OR come back to Tabo for night stay
Day 7 | Kaza/Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Kalpa/Sangla
Day 8 | Kalpa/Sangla – Chitkul – Sarahan
Day 9 | Sarahan – Chandigarh (long drive but as last day you can rest at home)
Hi Dheeraj, thanks for the prompt response. I wanted to know whether we cover Manali, Kufri and Auli in this trip..since I wanted to cover these places too. And is it a possibility to get snow during Mid May in the the places you covered in the Spiti Valley itinerary.
Aditi, these are nothing in comparison to what you will be visiting. You will get snow ahead of Kaza towards Kunzum Pass in abundance. You can cover Manali – Auli anytime with short break but since you have good amount of days in hand better make use of it. In fact you will be covering Kufri in the above plan, it comes after Shimla but again it is nothing but a place filled with horse/mule dung all around and nothing else. Best is give it a pass and move to much better Narkanda 🙂
Thanks alot Dheeraj for explaining it so well. 🙂 I am convinced now. Will do the bookings soon and contact you if any further information is required. Cheers!
Hello sir,
Many thanks for your great service, we would like to thanks Mr, Sanju (098054-04395 )who was the Innova cab driver & put the great efforts each and every moments. Many thanks for DOW team
Which trip you took Nakul?
Hi Dheeraj,
I apprreciate you for your information about chandratal trekking.I am trek some different part of Himalay. So many days, I am waiting for chandratal trek.In the time of monimahesh trek ,we visit this manali-rotung – batal- kunjum-kaza- rampur-Simla route.But we can’t take the opportunity of this route,due to the shortage of time.I think,July next year,I am try to trek this route.From Derhadun, I start my journey.If any information you have, please inform through mail. Thanks, Prabir Roy.
Prabir bhai, you can read all details you want under: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a vaccation at Manali, from 9th -15th of Jan 2015. Major aim is to enjoy the chill ;). We, (me n wife) are arriving there by flight on 9th morning and have got a booking at the Orchards House by Aamod. We are thinking of hiring a bike for 3-4 days and do the sight seeing on it. Please provide some advice upon what all we can do during the period, and also if you have any other opinion than renting a bike.
With all due regs,
Hi Dileep,
If you are comfortable riding in cold conditions then you can take the ride for sure. You can check a detailed guide for Manali to note down and pick things you want to do when you are in Manali. Here is the link to it: Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh – Travel Guide
Hello Mr.dheeraj
May god bless you with loads of strength in helping those true minded people who are really in search of beauty and inner peace at Himalayan belt.
Thanks for your advice,we visited Leh during the last week of September 2015 and it was truly wonderful. though we had only 6 days and 5 nights plan but your guidance was so helpful to us.
Pl do recommend the hotel we stayed (if needed) at
Leh- Hotel Pangong and
Hotel Ser Bhum tso Resort at Pangong Lake.
Such an amazing team of people over there. The hospitality was something out of the world.
The food at both the places was wonderful. It might be useful for people seeking advice for concrete building stay near the lake rather than the tents.But it is little expensive,but if you wish I can provide the contact details too for future bookings.
the entire trip was so memorable
thank you once again
do continue your good will job for ,as long as possible.
rgds
Sundar
Chennai
Thank you Sundar for the update, glad that you had a wonderful trip. Yes, it will be great help if you can share the contacts.
hi Mr.Dheeraj
sorry for the late reply
I here by furnishing the hotel details at Pangong lake:
Hotel Name: Ser Bhum Resort
Hotel owner name: Namgail Dorjay
Contact no: 9419176660
The only place which is close to the lake and to avoid tents, this is the best place to stay. They provide hot water and good food. Electricity is available between 7 – 10.30 pm.
most of the rooms are lake facing.
Hope these details will be sufficient
thank you once again for the stupendous work you are doing
sundar
No worries, thank you Sundar for the details it will surely help others plan their trips as well.
Hi Dileep,
I had visited Manali along with my wife from 10th to 15th October 15. We had a rented Royal Enfield there. My advice to you is to go ahead with bike renting, preferably Royal Enfield. 350 cc model is more than sufficient for travelling in and around Manali. Being January, not much rush is expected in Manali. So in my opinion you should get a rented Royal Enfield between 800 to 1100 Rs per day depends upon negotiation and age of the bike. Please go for newer one to avoid any breakdown and maintenance issue on the way.
Avg mileage of the bike would be 30-35 km per litre.
It’s awesome to experience bike riding in chill.
Good luck for your journey.
Hi Mr Dheeraj,
Good you have provided a platform where people can get advice and share there experiences. Myself planning to visit Manali in Dusshera vacations, is Rohtang pass open around Dusshera and please advice about which other spots to visit. We will be staying for 2nights and 3 days.
Yes Sajiv, Rohtang Pass unless it snows heavily during those days should be open during that time of the year. Just relax around Manali and pay a visit to Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley in the time you have in hand.
Hi
We will be reaching Chandigarh on Oct 2, 4:20 PM. I wanted to do a quick check with you about the rough itinerary we have designed. Please let me know if you think its doable. We wanted to keep the trip laid-back. Also, we’ll be taking the buses when available.
Oct 2: Reach Chandigarh at 4:20 PM. Take a overnight bus to McLeodganj (This I have read is about 6-7 hours). Please share some details on from where we can find a bus.
Oct 3 & 4: Stay in McLeodganj – Bhagsu Falls and maybe Triund trek
Oct 5: McLeodganj to Barot (Not sure of the time required)
Oct 6: Stay in Barot
Oct 7: Barot to Tirthan valley (3-4 hours). Please share the transportation tips for this journey.
Oct 8,9 & 10: Stay in Tirthan valley
Oct 11: From Tirthan valley, leave for Delhi and catch a train at 7:30 PM back to Ahmedabad.
Thanks.
Hi Richa,
Bus might be available in main Chd bus stand guess in sec-17/18. Mcleod to Barot will take again 5-6 hrs. If you are looking for relaxed trip, better skip Barot and spend that day in Tirthan or Mcleod to cut down more travel.
Hi Dheeraj,
I appreciate your prompt reply. Thanks.
What is the cheapest way to reach Tirthan from McLeodganj. Also maybe the easiest? 🙂
Well, bus will be the cheappest wway. But you may get the direct bus. The bus you need to take from Mcleod Ganj to Mandi or Bhunter or Aut goign to Kullu and from Mandi or Kullu there will be bust conncecting to Shimla going via Banjar. From Banjar, I think there will be shared taxis or some buses available to go back to Tirthan Valley or Gushaini
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks. We are now booked in a hptdc resort and sarahan and ready to start our trip today.
I just wanted to check if it is safe to carry my DSLR (canon 600D) to kaza and more importantly chandratal? The weather update is showing a min temp of -10 deg. I do not want to risk my most priced possession.
Yes Nikita, it is completely safe to carry camera. No worries from altitude or temperature perspective. It is recommended not to carry or switch on laptops at high altitude places or anything that has a HDD.
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
I am literally a fan of this website. Thanks a lot for guiding us so well. I need suggestion from you.
1: I am Planning a trip to manali in oct last week. We want to enjoy snow.
so will there be snow at Rohtang Pass in oct last week ?
2: I have heart that Rohtang pass gets close by oct last. Is it right ? Is it right time to go manali ?
3: We are planning to travel by Bus (HRTC). Do we need any pass or permit to go Rohtang Pass ?
Thanks and Regards
Rahat
Noida
Hi,
Please do reply, as we have to do bookings.
Thanks and Regards
Rahat
Noida
Replied it just now.
hi dheeraj …
let me take this opportunity to thank u from my bottom of the heart …
ur advise helped us so much throughout the trip ..
we were 30 pax ( min age 2yr to max 65 yr) and we traveled from 8 sept to 20 sept.
we have to cut down morriri fr our plan because of heavy traveling and big group . we enjoyed every moment and every landscape there .. it would not have possible without help of yours … thanks a ton from all of us and god bless you.
Bhavesh, that is such a great update to know that all of you had wonderful trip and also DoW was helpful in making your trip successful 🙂
Hi Rahat,
Thank you.
1. I doubt if you will get any snow at Rohtang Pass in last week of October unless it snows during those days for consecutive days so that remains last for longer period
2. By last day of October in general BRO officially declares Rohtang Pass as closed, meaning there will be no rescue operations in case there is someone stuck not obeying the official declaration
3. No by traveling by HRTC bus you do not need any permit.
Hello sir,
If it does not snow till October last week, den why do they declare it closed by October last week?
Please suggest in which month we should pay a visit to enjoy snow.
Thanks and regards
Rahat
Rahat, because it can snow anytime and when it snow it snows in abundance at Rohtang Pass. There have been instances of causalities as well as tourist getting stuck towards end of October. Once cannot predict weather there. end of September all passes starts to get snow but snow does not remain there. However, in case one is stuck at a pass during the time of snowfall, situation can go worse in matter of few hours only.
If you want sure shot snow, then visit in the month of end November or December.
Hello Dheeraj Sir,
First of all thank you so much for your suggestions. We have booked hotel from 22nd -25th October . Now just wishing for snow at rohtang pass.
and we are not planning in November or December coz rohtang pass will be closed that time.
I ll text you about my rohtang pass experience, if we were stucked or not. 😀
Thanks
Rahat
Noida
Rahat, all will be luck, It did snow up there at the passes couple of days back. So, in case it happens around your time too, it will be great.
Hi Dheeraj
I Sushil Kumar Form Delhi I Plan For Leh Tour At 05th Oct. – 10th Oct. 2015.
Pls. Suggest What Condition Of Weather In This Time.
Hi Sushil,
I just returned from Ladakh and Zanskar Valley trip last night. Well, the last to last day temperature at Tso Kar lake was minus 6 degree Celsius 🙂 … So, you can expect little chilly but bearable conditions during that time of the year. Go prepared with heavy woolens for sure.
Regards
dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj ji
On flying 4 day visits, planning to spend first night at Leh, 2nd at Nubra, 3rd and 4th at Leh or should we spend 2 nights at Nubra ? also want to avoid places with steep steps/stairs/climbing , any suggestions, pl
MM Lohia, first two nights must be spent just relaxing in Leh doing nothing. 3rd day make a day trip to Khardung La and 4th may be day visit to Pangong Tso.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planing to visit ladakh on 4 oct First , i want to is this suitable time for visiting ladakh? because i heard that many roads are blocked due to snowfall .
I dont have enough money so i want to spend 10k in ladakh ? i am going alone. I want to know if what is the cheap mode of accommodation? Will local people allow me to stay at their house ? if not can i pitch my tent ? and is it safe? if both of the options are not avail;able then what is cheapest hotel to stay ?
Ajinkya, there will not be many road blocks but certainly can be there in case it snows during that time you are traveling a high mountain pass. Manali – Leh is OK with a little risk up to first week of October but remember it will be cold and Sarchu/Pang will not have any options of stay.
Hi
Dheeraj
I Shrikant Form Indore MP.I Plan For Leh Tour At 20 -30 Sep 2015.
Pls. Suggest What Condition Of Weather In This Time.
Hi Dheeraj,
Please guide me when should I visit to Kinnur,Lahul,Spiti for seeing Red Apples & Golden Apples hanging on trees. I am very interested to see that. Please help me by informing the period of travel (i.e. Which dates) so that I can plan my tour.
C.R.Bhattacharjee
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for your crisp and wonderful information. Me and my family are planning a trip to
Shimla->Sangla->Chitkul->Kalpa-Spitivally->Kunzumpass-Manali between 10th October to 17th October. We are planning to hire self-driven (Zoom) car XUV/innova/scorpio vehicle from Delhi. I have few questions
1. Anywhere in this route, I need to take any approval/permission from local authority? I heard some permission is required to cross Rohtang pass although I am going from Kaza to Manali via Losar.
2. Like Leh, is there any agitation for outside HP vehicle which we need to aware of?
3. Do we get a chance to see some snow covered mountains in October? how would be the temperature in October specially in spiti vally ?
Hi Dheeraj,
Read your blog and got most of the information. Need some suggestion from you for my trip.
We are travelling from Delhi to Leh by flight (10-16 Sep).
In the travelers we have my 10 months old son, my pregnant bhabhi (2nd delivery, first one was normal and she is feeling alright this time too), my wife, my mom (65 yrs), myself and 2 of my cousins (28 yrs – 32 yrs)
1st day: Complete rest
2nd Day: 3 – 5 hrs local sightseeing
3rd Day: Again local sightseeing
4th Day: Leh – Nubra Valley. Overnight
5th Day: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake. Overnight
6th Day: Pangong Lake – Leh. Overnight
7th Day: Flight
Please advice if this is alright. I am bit confused in Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake travel. Is it easy or hectic??
Also will it be okay travelling with my son and mother. All family members are healthy and have no medical history. Baby was also healthy when born and no medical issues.
Please suggest if we can rent oxygen cylinder in Leh in case of emergency. Is help easily available during the transfers if anybody is not feeling well.
Any other precautions we need to take?
Also add any information you think will be useful to us for this trip.
Many thanks in advance
Vikram Malik
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning a trip from Manali to Leh – Ladakh and back. Have few queries related to this:
1. Looking for a SUV to rent, any suggestions from where to? I am aware of the latest problems happening because of local taxi-union, is there any alternative. Chauffeur driven car is a big NO for us.
2. What would be the best itinerary for 6-7 days?
3. Can we discuss on phone in detail, if yes, please share your contact details on mail, [email protected]
Thanks a lot for all the guide and help you provide to the community.
-Ajay
Hi Ajay,
1. Only taxi is the option for Ladakh sightseeing as self drive rented cars are totally banned.
2. You want to cover Delhi – Manali – Leh – Delhi in 6-7 days? It take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali and 3 to come back with a drive of about 32 Hrs one side.
Dear Dheeraj,
I appreciate your passion for travelling and must commend you for the same. Basis some of your posts and recommendation I have finalised a travel plan for Leh for next year end May which is as follows..
28th May- Mohali to Solang- Night halt at Solang
29th May- Solang to Sharchu- Night Halt at Sharchu
30th May – Sharchu- Tso Moriri-Night Halt at Tso Moriri
31st May- Tso Moriri to Lukung- Night halt at Lukung
1st June- Lukung to Nubra Valley- Night Halt at Nubravaley( Hunder/Dishkit)
2nd June- Nubra valley to Leh- Night Halt at Leh
3rd June – Sight seeing at Leh, Overnight at Leh
4th June- Leh to Kargil- Overnight at Kargil
5th June- Kargil to Srinagar- Overnight at Srinagar
6th June- Sight seeing at Srinagar/ Reserve Day
7th june- Fly back from Srinagar to Delhi
I have few question on the above itinerary as follows?
1) Do you think the time is fine for covering all the places mentioned, Rain interruptions are expected?
2) Is it a good enough itinerary timing , distance, coverage wise , Do you think I am covering all the important places or I am missing something? pls suggest
3) Do you need to have local vehicle in Leh for sight seeing or the vehicle I am taking from Mohali ( Tranport not self drive) is good enough to do that bit.
4) can you suggest a good travel operator who can help me do this itinerary.
5) Do I need to hire a 4WD or 2WD is fine for this route?
Will look forward to your valuable suggestion in this regard.
Regards
Dipankar
Dipankar, Avoid sleeping at Sarchu or Pang at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there. It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you minimize the chances for falling sick or hit by AMS while going to Leh from Manali. And, then next day carry on the rest of the journey to Leh without sleeping in between anywhere by leaving early in the morning say, by 4-5 AM types. I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa. If you are coming back via Manali – Leh, then it should be OK to stay at Sarchu as your body will be acclimatized by that time.
You should not do Tso Moriri while going from Manali to Leh because first the taxi from Manali will not be allowed to visit Tso Moriri. Even if you manage Leh taxi or going on your own, then you will not be acclimatized to sleep at such high altitude so early in the trip and may cause some ugly AMS issues for you. Highly not recommended, because any help if required will be very hard to find in case you get hit with AMS.
Please rework on the plan.
Hi Dheeraj..
First of all thanks alot and Respect the way you are writing the blog – detailed, with maximum clarity.
Thank you again for your valuable suggestions.
We, group of 10 ppl are planning to visit leh with following itinerary
Day 1 – Oct 3 2015:
Mumbai to Srinagar Flight (reach by 2 PM)
start journey towards LEH : overnight stay on day 1: Kargil (but i m not sure whether we can reach there if we start our journey by 3: 30 as the schedule time of our flight arrival is 2PM, alternatively if we stay at Sonmarg then next day will be too hectic to cover entire distance in a day, i feel we should stay at drass but i m not sure whether any hotels are available at that region and how safe is this
Day 2- Oct 4 – Continue journey towards Leh
Overnight stay : leh
Day 3 -Oct 5 – Local Leh sight seen
Overnight stay : Leh
places to be covered – Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic
Hill, Sangam View
Day 4 – Oct 6 – Leh to Pangong lake
Overnight stay : Pangong camp
Day 5 – Oct 7 – Pangong – Leh
Overnight stay : Leh
places to be covered – Shey Palace, Thiksey monasteries, Sindhu Ghat
Day 6- Oct 8 – Leh to Nubra via Khardungla Top
Overnight stay : Nubra
Day 7- Oct 9 – Nubra to Leh
Overnight stay : Leh
Places to be covered – Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace.
Day 8- Oct 10 – Leh to mumbai flight
I would request your kind advice on 2 things
1. Where to stay on day 1 and day 2 if we start our journey from srinagar to leh by 3 30 PM as we dont want a hectic schedule. So whether reaching drass is possible on day 1 and leh on day 2 or we should stay at sonmarg on day one and some other place on day 2 (with max 100 KM pending to reach Leh on day 3) and reach leh on day 3 sometime at 11 AM or 12 PM.
2. We have one extra day (instead of OCT 10 we can leave on Oct 11) but are confused as to what to explore, whether to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of pangong lake or to enjoy and feel the nubra valley or visit tsomoriri lake or something else. I m more interested in tso moriri lake but i think its not possible in one day.
Suggest if any changes are required in the above itinerary and any other place which is must but we have not covered in that. Just to tell you that idea for the additional day is to relax and feel the natural beauty.
Would be glad to see your reply.
Thanks in advance
Naresh
Hi Naresh,
1. Your plan looks OK BUT you have to swap Nubra Valley tour with Pangong Tso as you must acclimatize first before heading to Pangong Tso. Drass will not be possible at max possible is Sonamarg and next day reach Lamayuru or Alchi.
2. Better relax in Leh and enjoy the nature, do some shopping. Else you can use that day for a visit to Turtuk when in Nubra Valley
Hello Dheeraj,
There is some kind of aura in this blog similar to the Himalayas ,may be due to its crisp writing,constant updates,very detailed information presented in the best format,or the fact that it deals with the mighty Himalayas itself.The love for Himalayas can be sensed in all the posts and that makes this blog so special than the other information sources.
The way in which you deal with various queries on the comment section even after an excellent,researched,detailed,no where to be found itinerary made me think that the your love for helping the fellow travelers and guiding them surpaces your love for the Himalayas, and when I found out your DOW causes I was totally spellbound.
Even though there may be many travelers among us who are sensible enough to not throw trash,understand the living conditions of the people in those remote lands and feel for them they might lack the direction of how to? And that is where your initiative stands out.I can see in coming years how this is going to inspire more travelers and help the lives of people living and of those travelling in that region.
I am aware of your blog two years ago when it started but,I never actually gone through it in depth until I have got to plan for our Shimla-Kaza-Manali circuit this September.I just couldn’t just simply post a query before appreciating and congratulating your effort.Finally I have one word to say. RESPECT.
Shantan, thank you so very much brother for such wonderful words of appreciation. Even if we are able to change one soul on earth for spreading smiles in Himalayas, our job from DoW is done but like you said it is just an ignite which was required to spark many flames in many souls and that is what we have been seeing now for sometime with the little initiative of our 🙂 🙂 …
Thank you for coming forward and joining the hands.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I have one more query regarding the bike permits from Manali to Leh. We are from Karnataka and we will be riding on our own bikes during Sept 2nd week. I had read in one of your previous posts that an ‘UNDERTAKING’ is needed; bit dubious i am about this Undertaking: What exactly it is? Any format you could provide ?? or just the online confirmation of hotel bookings would work to get the riding permits from SDM office, but I had also read in the same post that online booking of hotels is not accepted so would be glad if you could let us know how to get this undertaking and confirmation voucher of hotel bookings in LEH to ultimately get the riding permits from MANALI to LEH!
Prem, in case you are planning to ride from Manali to Leh then yes an undertaking is needed to declare that you are not going to Rohtang Pass rather will go beyond Rohtang Pass to Leh. The entire process is explained under the article: Rohtang Pass Rules & Restriction of Vehicles – Demystified
Hmmm.. Ok Dheeraj but how to get the Confirmation Voucher of a booked hotel in LEH as the above mentioned post also states that online booking done would not be allowed to grant the permits. Do we have to check directly with hoteliers in Leh if they could provide it or someone in Manali say a travel agent could help us to book a hotel in LEH and will provide a confirmation voucher/slip? Also if the payment is already made through online booking will that work as voucher to get ride permits?
Prem, you can just ask them to forward the conformation voucher to them signed by them. That will just do the job. Most of the times these vouchers are not asked because in any case you are giving a legal undertaking and violation of which will mean action against you.
Great! Thanks!!
Hi Dheeraj,
Great work with the website!!
So 5 of us are planning a trip from Chandigarh To Srinagar from 4th September to 14th September and this is our plan :
4th september : Arrive in chandigarh in the evening .. by 6pm. Take the bus to manali at night .We found that buses for manali leave between 10
pm – 12am.
5th September : Reach manali in the morning. Look for a private car for the journey to Leh. Besides that just rest most of the day and a little
bit of sight seeing in manali.
6th September : Start the journey to leh early morning. Travel from Manali to Sarchu . Overnight halt at Sarchu. (Would it be advisable to halt
in Sarchu or Jispa?)
7th September : Sarchu to Leh.
8th September : Local Leh sightseeing .
9th September : Leh to Nubra. Overnight stay at Nubra.
10th September : Numbra to Pangong. (Is this possible directly? or should we come back to leh & go from leh to Pangong?)
11th September : Pangong to Leh.
12th September : Leh to Kargil.
13th September : Kargil to Srinagar.
14 th September : Return flight from Srinagar to Mumbai in the afternoon at 3pm.
Does this plan look feasible to you?
Approximately how much should we pay for the Private car?
A local organiser has quoted 30k per head & inclusive of all costs (food , travel , stay)
Also it would be great if you could tell me the current road conditions especially Rohtang pass & other roads on this route.
Nubra – Pangong Tso direct route is not possible as both routes are closed. It is not advisable to sleep at Sarchu, better sleep at Jispa.
Dheeraj ,
Thank you so much for such a quick reply!!
So regarding Nubra – Pangong. Is leh – Nubra – Leh & Leh-Pangong-Leh possible?
And does the rest of the plan look doable to you?
yes, those ar possible rest is OK given the number of das in hand
HI dheerj
my trip date is 21 sep to 27 sep I am travelliing with my wife
The Itinerary
Day : 01 Route : Airport – Leh By Air Night Stay : Leh, Hotel
Day : 02 Route : Full day Local Sightseeing around Leh Night Stay : Leh, Hotel
Day : 03 Route : Leh to nubra Night Stay : nubra valley (camp or hotel)
Day : 04 Route : nubra to leh Night Stay : Leh, Hotel
Day : 05 Route : Leh to Pangong Night Stay : pangong, Hotel/Camp
Day : 06 Route : pangong to leh Night Stay : Leh, Hotel/Camp
Day : 07 Route : Leh to Airport (Departure)
so I need ur suggesting for local transport I am confuse so suggest two wheeler or taxi which is best for us. consider weather also…… and suggest camp or hotels in nubra nd pangong lake…..
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
How many of you are traveling? In case you are 4-5 in number then prefer a taxi else try to get shared taxi. private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself.
thanks for suggestion dheeraj, but as u suggest taxi si better option but I want to go by rental bike so is it safe in September month bcz we r only 2 me nd my wife. and any change need in this itinerary…
Bike is fine, but outside rental bikes are not allowed in Ladakh and you will have to again hire the bike in Leh as well.
Hi Dheeraj
Its amazing to see the time and patience you put in to answering all the queries put to you.
I too, like the others need your guidance. We are a group of 8 family members (5 men & 3 ladies) taking the trip of our lifetime to Leh. from 12th Sep to 19th Sep 2015.
We are from Mumbai. Our Itinerary is as follows.
11.09.15-Mumbai-chandigarh – flight – evening
11.09.15-Chandigarh – Manali – Bus travel – Night
12.09.15-Manali – Jispa – Tempo traveller – morning ( Is tempo traveller a good option?)
Earlier we planned to take bikes & a car from Manali to Jispa….. but some how the plan got cancelled because of the unfamiliar roads.
So we plan to take 3 bikes & a tavera for the below:
13.09.15 – Jispa-Sarchu-Leh
14.09.15- Indus valley Monastery and Khardungla – Bike
15.09.15- Leh – Pangong Lake – Bike
16.09.15 – Pangong -Leh – Bike
17.09.15- Leh-Kaydung (Sissu Camp)
18.09.15 -Keylong (Sissu to Manali)
19.09.15 – Manali Chandigarh.
Are the dates a good time to visit
Do you think the above is a good schedule?
What about the clothes ? more of warm or rainy wear? or both? for the above dates mentioned.
Any tips for the trip?
Anything that the ladies need to take extra care ? 🙁
Thanks & eagerly waiting for your reply
Ms. Deborah
Hi Deborah,
Thank you 🙂 … Given the number of persons, tempo traveller will be fine. Good that you cancelled bikes because you need to hire local Leh bikes for sightseeing in Ladakh. So, in that case you have to rent them again. Since, you have very less time I will not recommend going to Khardung La on a day after reaching Leh. That should be spent in rest and acclimatization. Rest OK with day trip to Pangong Tso but you might have symptoms of AMS.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj,
I just completed my first trip to Ladakh – over 20 days from Srinagar thro Leh, Nubra, Pangong and Tso Moriri. Got a lot of great tips from your blog – thanks so much for such an informative one. I’m now planning my next trip there sometime in May next year to see some places that i missed this time and thought I could ask you for some advice:
1. Can one drive from Chushul to Mahe through Kaksang La? I believe there are a couple of extremely scenic lakes on this route. (I did the route from Chushul to Tso Moriri through Loma and Mahe recently)
2. Is it possible to visit Spanggur Tso near Chushul? I’m told part of the lake lies within India.
3. I believe there is a direct road from Dha / Hanu to Turtuk. Can you throw some light on this?
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Vinodh
Hi vinodh,
1. In case army allows, yes you can do so. However, routes are completely no mans land and in case of issues you are at your own.
2. No idea on it
3. No there is no road that connects Dah Hanu with Turtuk or Nubra Valley.
Thank you, Dheeraj.
Hi Guys,
M travelling to leh via Srinagar with my wife, need some info on below topics.
1) We will land in Srinagar at 11:50, on 31/8/15 and need to reach leh by 01/09/15 night. So what are the options available?
2) Is there any bus or shared taxi services available after 1pm from Srinagar to Kargil?
3) Anyone has any contact no for shared taxis from srinagar to leh.
Hi Naimish,
1. Go to Srinagar on that day and if possible extend to Drass. Next day leave early morning and reach Leh
2. No, it will be quite difficult but you can explore reaching in Srinagar near TRC taxi stand
3. Doubt shared taxis will have any contacts, not sure for what reasons 🙂 .. They are based for locals transport only.
Hi Dhiraj,
First of all I would like to thank you for wonderful blogs that you write which are very inspiring and takes a person in a virtual tour. Keep up the awesome work….all our good wishes with you.
I need your help here in choosing a destination in himachal for a solo bike ride from 25th august to 30th august. ths is the only slot i have and my start and end point would be delhi.
Since this is going to be my first solo ride, i dont want to push myself too much and want to play safe. I am considering this to be a stepping stone for future endeavours.
Pls. suggest and guide.
Hi Animesh,
Thank you, glad you loved it. Hope the rains have subsided by then. I will suggest that you have a bike ride to Manali – Prashar Lake – bir Billing and come back to Delhi in 5 days since it is the first bike ride only
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj
This is my 2nd trip to Leh. Earlier had been to Leh in April’13. Had covered Leh local spot, all monstaries around Leh, Nubra Valley. Since both Pangong and Tso Moriri were frozen, we could not visit them.
This time I’m visiting Leh in 1st week of Sep’15 by my own car. You have been helping out all who had sought your avid knowledge.
My tentative itinerary is as following:
Day 1: Departure from Delhi. Night stay at Patnitop.
Day 2 : Departure to Srinagar and arrival at Srinagar.
Day 3-5: Stay at Srinagar and sightseeing.
Day 6: Departure early morning to Leh and arrival at Leh by evening.
Day 7: Departure to Pangong Tso and stay at Pangong Tso
Day 8: Departure from Pangong to Tso Moriri & stay there
Day 9: Departure to Manali; break at Sarchu
Day 10: Departure from Sarchu and arrival at Manali
Day 11: Local sight seeing at Manali
Day 12: Return to Delhi
I would request you to please advise on following:
1. Whether some modification is required in above itinerary?
2. Whether one can proceed directly from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri। If yes, whether some paper formalities are required to be done for this route?
3. Can you please recommend some homestay or cheap accommodations with their contact numbers & address at (a) Pangong Lake, (b) Tso Moriri Lake, & (c) Sarchu.
Shall remain grateful for your advice.
Regards
Sunil Kumar Singh
Sunil, It takes two days to reach Leh so you have to start from Srinagar on Day 5 to Leh and stop at Kargil. Then on Day 6 start from Kargil to reach Leh. You have to take one day rest in Leh before going towards Pangong Tso. Without sleeping a night or two at Leh and Nubra Valley you will not be acclimatized to sleep at Pangong tso or Tso MOriri. So, you have to make a day trip to Pangong Tso, may be come back and stay at Tangste to be at much lower altitude then come towards Leh and take a chnce to sleep at Tso Moriri with a risk of AMS. Then move to Sarchu and then further to Manali. This was you need one day extra or drop of Tso Moriri
Hi dheeraj,
I’m leaving Delhi on sep 5 on bike ,
Day 1 in shimla halt
Day 2 & 3 in and around manali
Day 4 head towards kaza early morning 5am (please let me know places to visit on the way to kaza )
Day 5 around kaza (let me know places around )
Day 6 please assist next days how to plan.
Thnx,
SUNIL.
Sunil, how many days do you have in hand?
Sep5 to sep 13 total 9 days
You can try out following:
Day 1 in shimla halt
Day 2 & 3 in and around manali
Day 4 head towards kaza early morning 5am (please let me know places to visit on the way to kaza )
Day 5 around kaza Ki Kibber Gette Tashigang
Day 6 Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 7 Tabo – Kaza – Komik – Langza – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 8 Kaza – Chandratal
Day 9 Chandratal – Manali
Bro I want to continue towards kalpa kinnaur sarahan, don’t want to come again manali ,
What I thought manali -kaza -tabo-kalpa-sarahan-shimla then Delhi.
Please help me to plan my trip .
Sunil, then it makes much much better sense that you travel from Shimla to Kinnaur to Spiti to Manali which will also help you not hit with AMS or medical conditions.
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Hi dheeraji,
1st : Narkand-kalpa-tabo-kaza-manali in this spiti circuit has any petrol pumps
2nd : in 9 days it is possible to visit Tso Moriri from Delhi on bike , only one rider , we are couple going.
3rd : please update weather also.
4th: could U share Ur mobile no , I need to talk to you.
Thnx,
Sunil .
9901111143
Sunil, yes please refer the article: Spiti Valley | Most Common Itinerary. Tso Moriri falls in Ladakh. Are you planning Spiti Circuit or Ladakh?
hello mr.dheeraj
I am planning to visit Leh during the 3rd week of September. Need your advise on some certain concerns: we are reaching leh on 25th and returning to delhi on 3oth morning flight.
First two days at leh , third day for khardong Pass ,fourth day o/n stay at Pangong lake and fifth day leh local sightseeing.
Is there any way I can visit nuber valley in this schedule
MY DOUBT IS: after visiting khardong pass can i proceed to nuber for overnight stay and do sightseeing for next half day over there and proceed direct to Pangong lake.
please share your expert knowledge on this which wil be off great help to us
thank you
sundar
hi dheeraj
we are 3 ( 2 adult 1 child age 11) travelling, what are the medicines you would advice us to carry
Looking forward for your reply
Your blog is too good. Keep the good work going on
thanks
Sundar
Sundar I can only advice on the generic medicines which I carry in case of some emergency. Please cross check with your doctore if they suit to you. You can refer the article: List of things to carry when you go on trip
Sundar, yes you can proceed to Nubra Valley and rest there for a day and then next day come back. That will make it 4 days for you. Then you can start for Pangong Tso lake on the 5th day and 6th day return. You have enough days to cover it.
thank you so much for your prompt reply
will seek your advice accordingly
sundar
Hi Dheeraj,
I would like to take your suggestion on planning my trip to Leh Ladakh region in second week of september and the trip will be around 8 to 9 days and planning to return by flight from Srinagar to Delhi.We are group of 3 people who would be starting from Delhi. So request you to throw some inputs to start in better way from Delhi to reach Leh or Srinagar either by flight or train. And Is this good idea to reach Srinagar from Delhi by flight and then from srinagar to Leh Ladakh region and sight seeing some important palces and then return to srinagar from Leh so that we will return to Delhi from srinagar.Kindly reply.
Thanks,
Kishore.
Hello Kishore,
9 days ex. Srinagar will be a bit tight though doable. It takes 2 days to reach Leh from Srinagar and 2 days to return. So that makes it 4 days. Now, rest 5 days can be done as below:
Day 1 | Leh Rest Day
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra
Day 3 | Nubra – Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Pangong Tso covering Shey and Thicksey
Day 5 | Pangong Tso – Leh covering Hemis
Day 6 | Start back
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for your prompt reply and suggestion. And one more thing,as we need to travel from Srinagar to Leh(To 2 days) and from Leh to Srinagar(return 2 days), can this be done covering different routes? for example, while going to Leh, can we cover Kargil, lamayaru etc and while returning from Leh, some other places?
Please suggest corresponding itinerary also if possible.
Thanks,
Kishore.
Yes Kishore, you can do following:
Day 1 | 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 2 | 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
AND while coming:
Day 1 | Leh – Dah – Hanu – Batalik – Kargil
— Cover Dah and Hanu Villages on the route to Batalik and Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Spend sometime at Sonamarg
However, first enquire about the flood situation on Dah Hanu Villages and then only take a call.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your great help and we will plan accordingly. Can we include Hemis national park also in this itinerary or it will be hectic?
Hemis National Park is a trek Kishore, it will need about 3-5 days to do some justice to it 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Oh my bad. I didnt know that. Thanks for letting me know. As per your suggestion, we planned our travel like below:
Day 1 | 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 2 | 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 3 | Leh Rest Day or Local sight seeing
– Leh Palace, Tsemo Castle, Local Leh market,Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa , Hall Of fame
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
– Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
– Overnight at Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Dah – Hanu – Batalik – Kargil
— Cover Dah and Hanu Villages on the route to Batalik and Kargil
Day 9 | Kargil – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Spend sometime at Sonamarg
Please suggest if any modifications needed.
Thanks,
Kishore.
Plan looks good to me Kishore.
Hi Dheeraj,
As the trip schedule is ready to take off, I have couple of questions 🙂
Can we do river rafting/paragliding/Skiing during this itinerary? Could you please suggest the places where we can do that.
Thanks and Regards,
Kishore.
You can try your hands with Rafting for sure in Leh but rest wont be possible
Hi Dheeraj!
I am travelling to Ladakh on 6th september via Amritsar, Katra and Srinagar from Delhi and would be returning back from Manali. I had couple of questions regarding this trip. Even though I have read most of the articles on this wonderful website. I will be taking my own Swift Dzire. Do you think its alright to drive in such regions in a sedan, although people do travel in a hatchback and similar cars. Do you have any local contacts in Leh or nearby areas who can help me with the accommodation arrangements in Leh and on the return journey from Leh to Manali? Do you think its wise to break the journey, perhaps, at Jispa or Sarchu? Any staying arrangements here, if yes? How are the road conditions a currently? Do we need any permits to travel to these areas and to Khardung La? If yes, then where can I get them?
Rohit, For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
If you are looking for booking the stay options, you can connect with [email protected] as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and their transparent policies.
Hello bro,
I’m inspired by U again, I’m planning to go manali ,tso moriri, kaza, kalpa,shimla .
I HV 9 days is that sufficient to cover these places .
Thnx,SUNIL
Thanks Sunil, but Tso Moriri is a mis fit in the above places. You should plan only Kinnaur and Spiti and skip Tso Moriri for some other time with Ladakh circuit
Thanks , 9 days is enough for leh ladakh trip
Hello Sunil I was wondering if you riding alone to these places? Would you need another biker company to come along with then do buzz me on my email [email protected] I am wanting to do this on a bike but have no company.
Hi Dheeraj,
Greetings!!!
I am writing from Ladakh i have gone through your blog, Very nice and helpful for the person travelling to Himalayas. One of your friend came to Leh for and i arranged the trip for them they had a wonderful trip after departing from Leh they have mention my cell No on your Blog and these days i am getting lots of quries about Ladakh, As I have a small travel company here in Ladakh and i am getting help through you Blog, so i want to thank you for creating such a useful and beautiful blog.
Regards,
Chosgain
9419979141
Good to Chosgain, Julley from Delhi !! 🙂 🙂 That is the mission and vision of DoW Website, to help and uplift the locals living in Himalayas 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Greetings! First of all what a great blog! Well, im planning to bike Manali-Keylong. Stay the night at keylong. Keylong-Sarchu. Stay the night at Sarchu. Then Sarchu-Leh. As im a first-timer to Leh, was hoping if this plan is any good. It will only be 1 way to Leh as i will fly out to Delhi after a few days of local sightseeing. Please advise on the route to Leh as mention. And also i will be alone for the trip. Will it be dangerous to bike alone in those terrains? Though im first timer to Leh-Ladakh but i have biked in a few countries before. Hope to hear from u soon!
Regards,
Derek
Thank you Derek !! 🙂 🙂
I will still avoid Sarchu because body is not acclimatized to the altitude of Sarchu and you might be taking chance with AMS in such a case. Most people do Manali to Jispa and then leave by 5 Am to do Jispa to Leh.
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for the infor! Well maybe i should just follow ur 2014 itinerary? But will it be too much for a first timer traveling alone though time is not an issuse.. please advice..
Regards;
Derek
Yes, you can go ahead with it. Take rest at any place you feel like as time is not a constraint for you and you can keep the flow as per that plan 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
Thanks for the infor. Hopefully i will be able to join you and Co for a drive trip next time! Cheers! And safe trip this coming mega meet! 🙂
Best,
Derek
Sure Derek, most welcome anytime 🙂
Hello..Dheeraj Sharma.Am from kerala.We 8 people are Coming to Srinagar on 24 August..We want to Travell Srinagar-Manali via Leh.Our Return Ticket from Delhi at 7 September… Off All The Blogs we Read.Yours is By far The Most Useful Resourse On Ladakh And Great Himalaya. Very Helpful For Us..Thank You Very Much. We All really appreciate the work you have done.
How will the weather be and whether conditions will be ok then?And will it be possible To do the trip at this time?
Regards,
SHAMEEM IQBALl(orudavu)
Shameen, thank you so much for the wonderful appreciation from your side. It helps a lot at hard times 🙂 🙂
In case it rains during last week of august it might play some spoil sport in lower hills else it should be OK
Hi shameem me too planning on sept 5 can u msg on 971558533678 watsapp plss
Hi Dheeraj ,
I m a big fan of your BLOG , now i don’t have to search much for any other adventurous trip , its all here on your website , search end at devils place. lolz
all thanks to you, i took my 4 friends last year to leh by road with the help in you website and now i need your personal guidance to explore again this time , this time my plan is totally different from last time
i’m going with my girlfriend there by air (DELHI-LEH) direct on 19th of this month early morning flight and return flight is from SRINAGAR – DELHI on 25th 15:00 .
1. what precaution i have to take to travel by air
2. is it all safe to be with girl there
3. in case of any emergency whom should i can contact
4.we would like to explore local and beauty of ladakh maximum in 5 days
5.how to travel from leh to srinagar , what are the options and how much time it take and how much it cost for 2
6. is it good to stay with locals ( home stay )
7. till now my itinerary is like :
19th – DELHI-LEH , check in at leh and all day rest and in night local market
20th – LEH – HEMIS – PANGONG TSO
21st – PANGONG TSO -LEH
22nd – LEH – KHARDUNG LA – DESKIT – HUNDER
23rd – HUNDER – SUMUR – KHARDUNG LA – LEH
Now, the main part that i don’t know anything , please guide me
24tH – LEH – SRINAGAR ( point no. 5) overnight at srinagar
25th – SRINAGAR – DELHI
waiting for your reply asap.
Thank you Mayank. Here are the replies:
1. your first two days HAVE to be only like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain with taxi driver and you can refer the thread for a comprehensive list of drivers: List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
2. Yes, many people go up there as couples 🙂
3. Army personnels near you or police or any local. Most of the people up there in Ladakh are very humble and welcoming plus help too
4. You cannot do too much. first two days are mandate for rest only else you might fell real sick
5. You have to take a shared taxi to save cost. The taxi might stop at Kargil. So, please ensure you plan two days in advance.
6. You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
7. You dont seem to have much days to explore. First two days I have explained above. Then do it like:
21: Day trip to Khardung La
22: Day trip to Pangong Tso or stay at Pangong Tso.
23: Leh to Kargil or Pangong Tso to Lamayuru, in latter case you need to take private taxi which will be costly
24: Reach Srinagar
thanks for the reply dheeraj , is it necessary to rest for 2 days , cant we go to pangong Tso/ hunder on 2nd day .
we will take a bullet there to make our trip economical and experience self ride . our plan is to stay both at pangong Tso as well as hunder also as i m not a regular rider and that will be tired journey for me to come back to leh on same day
Mayank, yes, it is mandatory to have two days of rest in Leh else you challenge life and death. AMS can be fatal, do remember and in Leh – Ladakh medical facilities are not that great or sophisticated so it can turn out very ugly. Bullet should be fine in case you are used to ride and good command over it otherwise there is always a risk of skidding while braking because those who are not used mostly put front brakes which makes the bike skid on loose gravel or dust 😀 …
First go to Hunder and then go to Pangong Tso
Hi Dhiraj,
I am from Pune and have a plan to visit leh-ladakh from 14th Aug- 27 Aug. The news of heavy rainfall in that region actually confused me. What would you suggest me whether to visit during the scheduled date or can I postponed my plan ??? Dont want to stuck up in heavy rainfall, roadslides etc… I just want a nice road trip with full of photography having the fullest colours of nature…. Please comment…….
In case you do not want to suck up in landslides or rainfall then you have chosen wrong time. Better it will be made in September when colors are most vivid and beautiful in entire season
Hey Dheeraj
Firstly, thanks for creating this community. I think the intention is really commendable and like you I do hope that travel benefits the villagers as well as travelers. I along with 7 friends of mine have planned a visit to Kinnaur-Spiti from 26th Sept to 3rd Oct. We will be flying into Chandigarh on 26th morning and start our journey from there. We have an evening flight (5:50 pm) from Chandigarh to Mumbai on 3rd Oct. I have drafted the following itinerary.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive at Chandigarh at 11:40 am — travel via Hindustan-Tibetan road to Sangla. Stay overnight at Sangla
Day 2 – Explore Sangla and Chitkul. Stay overnight at Sangla (helps acclimatize?)
Day 3 – Depart for Nako via Kalpa (any recommended places to visit en route? or in Nako?)
Day 4 – Travel to Tabo (any recommended places to visit en route? or in Tabo?). Planning to visit Dhankar monastery and lake
Day 5 – Travel to Kaza (confused between visiting Langza, Hikkim and Komic OR Kye monastery + Kibber?, Is it possible to do all in the same day?)
Day 6 – Depart for Chandratal (Stay overnight in tents)
Day 7 – Depart for Manali early morning by 7 am – reach Manali by 3-4 pm. Leave Manali by midnight for Chandigarh
Day 8 – Reach Chandigarh by 8-9 am and relax. Depart for Mumbai in the evening.
When you find time, do let me know –
1. Is the itinerary realistic or would it account in to too much travel? if it is the latter, would you suggest an itinerary where we cover the most beautiful places without exerting ourselves with too much travel?
2. We have a 4 year old kid accompanying us on the trip. Should we be concerned about AMS for him?
3. Is there anything specific you would recommend we do / carry to deal with AMS?
4. We have hired a tempo traveller. Would it be equipped to travel to all places or do you suggest hiring 2 cards like Innova / Scorpio?
5. Is tent accommodation easily available near Chandratal or do we need to make bookings in advance?
6. Any useful contacts that you can suggest?
7. My biggest worry is if the kunzum – manali route is not open then the above itinerary goes for a toss. Do you have any suggestions on how to alter our plan IF that happens.
Apologies about too many questions. Hope you won’t mind answering 🙂
Cheers! And thanks a ton. Nikita
Thanks Nikita.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive at Chandigarh at 11:40 am — travel via Hindustan-Tibetan road to Sangla. Stay overnight at Sangla
— Starting 12 noon types from Chandigarh and reaching Sangla is tough ask better target Sarahan
Day 2 – Explore Sangla and Chitkul. Stay overnight at Sangla (helps acclimatize?)
— To an extent, better stay at Rakcham
Day 3 – Depart for Nako via Kalpa (any recommended places to visit en route? or in Nako?)
— Just enjoy the beauty of the road
Day 4 – Travel to Tabo (any recommended places to visit en route? or in Tabo?). Planning to visit Dhankar monastery and lake
— Visit Geyu Mummy after you cross Sumdo, in fact go to Kaza on this day from Nako after covering Dhangkar Monastery. It will take about 8 Hrs in all from Nako to Kaza covering Tabo and Dhangkar or may be skip Dhangkar
Day 5 – Travel to Kaza (confused between visiting Langza, Hikkim and Komic OR Kye monastery + Kibber?, Is it possible to do all in the same day?)
— If you reach Kaza early then only possible to do both else only one will be possible
Day 6 – Depart for Chandratal (Stay overnight in tents)
Day 7 – Depart for Manali early morning by 7 am – reach Manali by 3-4 pm. Leave Manali by midnight for Chandigarh
Day 8 – Reach Chandigarh by 8-9 am and relax. Depart for Mumbai in the evening.
— Rest seems OK
Regarding queries:
1. Yes, travel is there but it is quite OK given the number of days in hand. Rest suggestions above inline.
2. Age does not matter, PLEASE keep an eye on his day to day activities as for such small kids it is difficult to convey uneasiness. In case there is uneasiness stay at Tabo then. Nako could be the day where you guys might feel AMS
3. Drink plenty of fluids, mostly ORS or Glucon-D soluted
4. Yes, traveller shall do the job
5. Yes, it will be availale. You can check with Parsol Camps run by Bishan
6. Tsering bhai at Sakya Abode or hotel Snow lion, most reliable contact in Spiti Valley.
7. Kunzum – Manali will be open but bear in mind that it might close too in case snowfall happens. Also, it will be damn cold night at Chandratal, not so easy and straightforward during those end days of season. So, go prepared with heavy woolens.
Thanks for the prompt reply, Dheeraj. I will alter our itinerary as suggested by you.
1. In case there are landslides / we run out on time, could you suggest the “MUST-VISIT” places so we at least cover those?
2. Can you indicate the approx travel time on each day basis the itinerary you have suggested? It will help us plan our departures better from each location
3. If we directly reach Kaza on end of day 4 as suggested by you, is it possible to cover both Langza, Hikkim and Komic AND Kye monastery + Kibber?
4. If Chandratal is going to be extremely cold, is there any place nearby where we can stay in hotels/ guesthouses rather than tents? (just worried about my friend’s son, so asking)
5. You meantioned – Tsering bhai at Sakya Abode or hotel Snow lion, most reliable contact in Spiti Valley. At which locations are these places? Kaza?
6. If Kunzum – Manali shuts, we will have to come back via Kinnaur I am assuming? In which case, do you think we can manage after visiting Chandratal? Or will we have to drop it and return from Kaza?
Cheers!
typo – mentioned* in point 5
1. Well, it all depends where exactly you get stuck 🙂
2. Refer this to get an idea between these places and time of travel: https://devilonwheels.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/
3. First half Ki + Kibber and second half Langza, Hikkim, Komik
4. Batal it will be where these is a shelter of PWD guest house but light will not be there too.
5. Yes, both these are hotels run by Tsering bhai only. He lives in kaza. Tsering contact number: 09418208987
6. No, dropping Chandratal will make more sense as in case that road is shut, it is not wise to travel beyond Kaza
Hi Dheeraj!
So the date of our travel is almost here. We will leave from Chandigarh by 2pm. As advised by you we plan to stay on day 1 at sarahan instead of sangla. My group members are getting a little unnerved since we have not made any bookings for stay. Their suggestion is to book a place at least at sarahan since there are 9 of us and we will reach only at night. Let me know what do you think? Are there suggestions you have on where we should stay in sarahan and should we pre-book?
Secondly, in terms of being well prepared for the cold, is it OK to carry woolen thermals and couple of jackets? Or is there anything else we need to carry?
Nikita, in case budget is not an issue I will also echo the thoughts. 9 pax is sometimes difficult to get accomodated at small places like Sarahan. You can also try the PWD Rest House at Jeori in case nothing works for you. Bhimkali Temple has rooms, then you have an PWD Rest House and HPTDC property too to book
Okay cool. If we need to book a place at sarahan is there a way of doing it? We could not find anything online. Do you know anybody who let’s our rooms there or any way we can pre book? Also do let me know what you think about the woolens we need to carry.
You can book the HPTDC property at Sarahan online: http://hptdc.nic.in/ohrs/PublicPages/PubHome.aspx
You know, this is amazing, yesterday someone informed me that he is going on a road trip to ladakh in September, I want to know how I can join your group and maybe go on road trips more regularly with your group.
Even i m planning to cover delhi -manali -lahaul-spiti-leh in first week of september nd i m lone driver… If there’s any grup goin???
Rishab, check the DoW Travel Calendar from the Menu and filter it based on your preferences
May meet you enrout as i am planning cycling on the same rout in the first week of Sep.
Sure sure !!
Hi Rishab I am wanting to do so too can you email me if you want come to ride along with? [email protected]
Even i m planning to cover delhi -manali -lahaul-spiti-leh-drass-kargil in first week of september for 20plus days trip nd i m lone driver… If there’s any grup goin???
Kapil, it is a mega meet which happens only annually once. People from different parts join it on their own by forming their own groups and travel together with us for a cause. You can read about it here: DoW Mega Meet 2015 – Suru & Zanskar Valley, The Wonderland
dear Dheeraj,
Greetings ! I am Narinder Singla from Chandigarh and had visited spiti long back in 1994 on my two wheeler via Kinnaur. For the last 4-5 I am into mountain biking and love cycling. I wish to travel Manali- rohatang- Kunzam- Kaza- Kinnaur- Rampur on my bicycle. Pl suggest if first week of Sep is ok. I am afraid of blockade at Malling Nallah. I can pedal almost 100 kms / day in most difficult terrains.
Nainder Singla
Narinder ji, good to connect with you here and know about your adventures. First week shall be quite fine to travel. Malling is now a days OK to travel. You can read an awesome travel tale going on in the DoW Community on cycling to Spiti Valley at: Cycling in the Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul
Hi Dheeraj,
We need your guidance on our trip to Srinagar and Leh, we have a 9 day plan to visit srinagar and leh, we will be reaching srinagar on aug 20th and planing to leave to Leh and cover leh -ladakh till 25th aug and will be returning to srinagar and we are trying to cover Srinagar on 26th, 27th and 28th aug, we would like your assistance with few questions,
1) Planning to directly reach sonmarg from the airport and halt overnight and next day planning to reach kargil, will this be fine? is there good hotel at moderate rates in sonmarg? is there any transport options from srinagar airport to sonmarg and how much might be the charge?
2) What are the transport options to reach kargil from sonmarg, what would be the fare and how long it takes?
3) We have 2 day plan to reach Leh from srinagar by road and would like to know which all places to cover?
4) which all places we need to cover in Leh and what are the transportation options available?
Regards,
Manjunath
Hello Manjunath,
1. Yes, that will be fine. By that time most hotel will offer good deal. Take a prepaid taxi to TRC Taxi stand and then take a Ladakh or Kargil or Srinagar taxi for a drop till Leh.
2. Suggested above. You have to get the taxi from Srinagar only
3. Stop at Sonamarg, o may be next at Lamayuru to divide the distance at evenly
4. Taxis will be required in Leh. In 3 days in hand, you can just rest for a day in Leh to acclimatize, then make a day trip to Khardung La or Nubra and then day trip to Pangong Tso
Thanks Dheeraj,
You are doing a great job, appreciate it. thank you again.
Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to Leh with my partner from Aug 24 – Sep 2 (9 days). The travel schedule is Manali – Sarchu – Leh and back. I have 4 questions and would be really grateful if you could help:
1. Is a 9-day duration ideal for such a trip (considering we don’t want to exhaust ourselves and there’s only one rider – me)
2. Is the ban on bikes rented from Manali at Leh still on?… and if so, would the manali guys charge 50% for the time their bikes are parked at Leh?
3. Is the timing correct (end-August)? and please provide some guidance on the weather conditions that would prevail and any preparations that might be necessary.
4. Is it really unwise to travel as a couple only with one bike or should we try to get in a group?
regards,
SMIP
Hi SMIP,
1. Manali to Manali 9 days is still OK to travel
2. Yes, it is ON and will remain ON AFAIK. You need to negotiate it with Manali rental guys. Some does charge 50% and some dont.
3. Mostly rains fade away by then but if not then there will be hassles in lower hills unless you reach the rain shadow region
4. It is in general OK, refer: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
One more important question… My partner has asthma. Not very acute but she has had attacks once or twice a year. Would it be advisable for her to undertake such a road trip.? From manali to leh and back.
Regards,
SMIP
Well, people with asthama have done Ladakh trips I know BUT still I will highly recommend that you visit the doctor and get his advice over it. Also ask him about the precautions need to be taken.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are group of 10 boys traveling to Leh-Ladakh next week for 12 days (from 8th August to 19 August)
Travel plan by Road – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Tsomoriri – Sarchu – Manali – Delhi.
We heard its pouring like anything in these places, roads are ruined, landslides happening, cloudburst at few places, Manali-Delhi highway is closed at some point, people are stuck in cars for 4 days and other such things.
Not sure if these are rumors or facts. Could you please let me know with your contacts in Leh -Ladakh if these things are true. Is it safe to travel to Leh and visit these places next week. Thank you very much in Advance.
Rajat, the rains are going on for sure and unlikely in Ladakh too. Manali – Leh was closed in the morning but is expected to open very soon. However, regarding the conditions please keep a tab on weather updates
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a big fan of your website. I planned my Ladakh trip 2 years back seeking all the help from your info. This time I am planning to visit leh in nov – dec. I am travelling by flight from Delhi to Leh in nov last. However, I want to travel via leh-srinagar road in the first week of december. Is this possible or will i have to travel via flight to srinagar? Please help coz else i will have to change my plans this winter.
Aditya, I will suggest to travel from Delhi to Leh and then also book Leh to Delhi flight too but take a call to cancel it once you are there if you are open to drive to Srinagar from Leh after checking the conditions. This will help you with the plan: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thanks alot and God bless you.
Respect the way you are writing the blog – detailed, with maximum clarity.
Thank you again for your valuable experiances and suggestions….
Thanks a ton, much appreciated 🙂