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About Me

First and foremost, very warm Welcome and Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂

Julley! I am Dheeraj, welcome to my blog – Devil On Wheels.

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

  1. Shubhanshu Pandey on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    we are planning a trip from Delhi to Sangla and we need to cover

    Sangla
    Rakcham
    Chitkul

    Kalpa
    Nako

    we are planning to stop stay at Sangla (around which we will cover Rakcham and chitkul) and then a stay at nako where we would cover Nako monastery and lake and on the return kalpa and nearby point.

    can you please give us an idea about bus timings and some better ideas for this trip, like how should we preferably cover these places and where are the hotels.

  2. Shiva on

    Hi, Dheeraj Bhai,

    It is wonderful to meet you here again.

    I’m Planning a Documented Biking trip Leh to Kanyakumari. Request your advice on below two points.

    1. I’ll travelling to leh via Manali,
    – Should i have obtain Bike permit at Manali Office to cross Rohtang Pass to reach Leh.
    – If yes, is there any option to do it Online, kindly share the Link.

    2. One of my friend is riding “his Friend’s (White board) bike” from Bangalore.
    – What original documents to carry
    – Will there be any issue from local Union
    – Himself intend to take Inline permit at Leh D.C office to Visit Controlled areas like Hanle Chusul etc… If the Bike is not in his name, will there be any objection from D.c Office.

    Kindly advice.

    Shivasankar G,
    Bangalore

  3. Renu Goel on

    Hi,

    I am planing a budget trip to Leh and I want to travel Leh – Nubra,Pangong Tso TsoMoriri along with local sights. I am a female. Please help me plan a trip which will be great but not very expensive. I would like to travel via texi in leh and want to stay at safe place.

    • Dheeraj Sharma on

      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 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 2018 – 19 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 12-15% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.

      You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.

      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: Tips on Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

      You are alone/couple and 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 the worst case, you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meeting new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂

  6. Rudro on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    Thank you so much for all the information on here! We’re planning a driving trip to Leh next month. We were wondering how best to plan a Leh to Chandigarh journey with 2 night stops so that we can return to Chandigarh by noon and limiting driving time to around 7-8 hours a day. Any advice on where one can stop for the nights?

  7. Sumita Sen on

    Your informations ars simply marvellous and they do sincerely help.
    I am a solo traveller. Been to garwal kumaon etc. But now want to explore H.P where i never been to. Could you help me in making my itinerary? Is it expecting too much? I love solitude and like to visit isolated places. Bus and hire car ok with me. Moderate budget placed fits my bill. But foremost is beautiful landscape and less crowded spots. I have in mind jibhi and tirthan valley too. Could you please help.
    Thanks
    Regards

  8. Paul on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    First of all, your blogs are very useful for people who are going to such places very first time, like me.. 😛
    From all of your suggestion, i am planning a trip to Manali like below. Need your expertise on some points,

    I will start from Chennai and on 22nd Sept afternoon i will reach Delhi and start for Manali in night in Volvo.

    23rd Sept: I should reach Manali in morning. I will keep the day for sightseeing including Solang Valley.

    24th Sept: I am planning to hire a taxi for 3 to 4 days from your suggestion. I will go to Chandratal Lake for a night stay in any camp based on availability. Looks like I have few options, need to contact and confirm. How much time the journey will take? I will go via Rohtang pass so will it be possible to take some break in middle? And do i need any separate permit at the pass, in advance, for travelling through local taxi?

    25th Sept: I will start for Kaza. How much time it will take? hopefully after check in to a hotel and having a meal i can cover Ki monastery and Kibber villages on this day. Night stay at Kaza.

    26th Sept: I want to return to Manali on this day. So what else can i cover near Kaza before I start the return journey. Night stay in Manali. How much time it takes from Kaza to Manali? is it 10 to 11 Hrs?

    27th Sep: I have this day as buffer for altitude sickness or if need to adapt our body we can stay somewhere in above places. And i was under impression that i need a separate day for Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. but if above plan is possible then i have this day as buffer. You may suggest where else to utilise it.

    28th Sept: Manali to Shimla. Night stay.

    29th Sept: Shimla sightseeing. Night start for Delhi.

    Please suggest if you you have some concern on the plan and please suggest any tips to improve the plan.

    Thanks,
    Paul

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      I will recommend that you travel to Kaza first and then move to Chandratal. You can book on the spot and you can stop at Rohtang Pass, no extra permit needed. Rest your plan looks good, may be skip Shimla too as nothing is left to see and explore there but concrete buildings and use the day in Spit.

  9. shweta sharma on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    After my 1.6 year of pregnancy and delivery i am now planning trek to chopta chhandashila with my husband and 7 month baby. Like you, i am too a mad about Himalayas and keep traveling to places. EARLIER use to do many unplanned back packing trips to hills, but now with baby, i have to first see the accommodation and basic things . can you please help me with the accommodation options near chopta and tungnath and also let me know how the path of trek is i have my 60 yrs parents with me ( fit and fine ) .. we are planning to take taxi from rishikesh ..

    Awaiting your reply .. we are 5 adults and 7 month baby …

    thanks

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Hi shweta ,

      I will surely recommend that you talk to your doctors before making any hectic hike in the Himalayas. At Chopta there isn’t much options available than camping. So, your options will be to stay at either Dugglabitta or Ukimath. I am not sure if it is wise to take 7 month baby for a trek of about 5 KMs though the trail to Tunganath is well marked and kind of path to follow, still. So, do consult with your doctor and also for being high altitude, above 3000 Mtrs.

  10. Chetan Bayas on

    Hi Dheeraj, Hope you are well.

    We, 08 of us, are traveling to Leh – Ladakh starting from 21st September this year. We are from Mumbai and have already booked our flights viz. BOM – SXR and LEH – BOM. We will be reaching Srinagar on 21st September and then move to Kargil next day. Our itinerary is as follows:

    1) Arrival in Srinagar. O/N in Srinagar
    2) Srinagar – Sonmarg – Drass – Kargil. O/N in Kargil.
    3) Kargil – Mulbeck – Lamayuru – Magnetic Hill – Pathar Sahib – Leh. O/N in Leh
    4) Leh – Thiksey – Shey – Leh city sightseeing. O/N in Leh
    5) Leh – Disket – Hundar
    6) Leh – Pangong Lake. O/N in Pangong
    7) Pangong –Hanle. O/N in Hanle village.
    8) Hanle – Tsomoriri. O/N in Tsomoriri
    9) Tsomoriri – Leh
    10) Departure from Leh by flight

    Need your suggestions on the below points:
    1. Firstly we are a group of 08 adults. We decided not to book any accommodation and travel arrangements and plan to do it directly upon arrival. What do you suggest??
    2. The group consists mostly of girls. So is it safe if we take a guest house/ homestay at places here??
    3. We would like to use local transport for travel between places and for sight-seeing. What options you suggest?? I understand there’s a union of vehicles there and they have a fixed rates.
    4. What about permits. I checked a website for permits but was not sure which one to choose as there were many places listed there. Can you let us know. Also, what if we obtain the permit once we arrive into Leh. Will our hotel/ guest house help us in obtaining the same?
    5. What about the permit for Hanle? I assume the same is difficult to obtain.
    6. What about camp stay in Pangong and Tsomoriri.

    Thank you in advance.
    Regards,
    Chetan Bayas.

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      I think you meant Hunder to Pangong Tso via Shyok.

      1. Unless you are too specific about stays, it should be OK to book on spot.
      2. Mostly safe again unless you have people who are too choosy or picky about places to stay. Driver of tax shall help you find decent place to stay always.
      3. I will suggest to have local taxi for 8 people or winger type of vehicle, such routes are not possible with public transport.
      4. You need to apply permits for direct routes and Hanle in person at DC office in Leh
      5. Hanle permit has started to issue again at DC office in Leh.
      6. You can stay at camps or home stays at Pangong Tso and Tso MOriri

  11. Simran arora on

    hi sir,
    Sir can you please guide about the rohtang pass permit.I am unable to get online. What all are the procedures that need to be followed?

    After the online permit…. is there any need to visit the permit office.??

    And also please guide about the validity of the online pass….(after the receival of the permit ..it remains valid for how many days?)
    Thank you

    • Mrs. avinder singh on

      Hi Dheeraj
      I am very keen and eager to do a road trip from srinagar to leh and see the beauty of the entire region its on my bucket list.
      unfortunately I would not like to go through the travel agents as i do not like their iteniaries , at the same time I would like to put up at good accomodations and travel in a private car but I don’t seem to know anybody who wants to go there.
      Is it possible through your contacts to get in touch with a group of 3/4 people who are keen to travel and i can accompany them and share the costs of the private car accomadation i will manage on my own only travel.
      I would be grateful if you could help me out with your vast contacts. I would like to travel in the month of june or july2018.
      thanks and god bless you

      • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

        Please look through the Travel Calendar from the main menu of the site, you can post your own too or you can reach up there and find travel partners within Ladakh. Please look through the Travel Calendar or reach up there and find travel partners. 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 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

  12. Harsh.V on

    Hello Dheera,

    Loved your blogs. They are very informative and well written. We are 2 couples travelling from Mumbai to Leh in Hyundai Creta around 19th June.

    We have planned the whole trip using the information from your blogs. Now we have few questions, if you could help it will be grateful of you.

    1) Coming from Kargil, we will be staying in Leh for 2 nights. After that we will be moving towards nubra valley and stay 1 night in hunder/diskit. From there can we directly go to spangmik or do we need to come back to leh for 1 night and then move towards spangmik ? I know there is route directly from diskit to spangmik, but is that route safe to travel now ?

    2) From Spangmik we are thinking to visit Hanle (routes we have studied). My Questions is what should we visit hanlo or tso Moriri ? Due to time schedule we can visit only 1 place.

    Below is the Leh region itinerary, please share your views on it regarding the availability of fuel or anything else that you would find helpful for us.

    Day 1 Srinagar – Kargil
    Day 2 Kargil – Leh
    Day 3 Rest in leh ( as we are travelling all the way from Mumbai, so a rest day will help)
    Day 4 Leh – Diskit
    Day 5 Diskit – leh
    Day 6 Leh – Spangmik
    Day 7 Spangmik – Hanle ( via man-chusul-tsaka-mood)
    Day 8 Henle – Sarchu
    Day 9 Sarchu – Manali

    Thank You.

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Hello Harsh,

      1. You can travel from Deskit to Spangmik via Shyok village route. More people have started using that route so you may have company. Just wait for couple of vehicles to arrive at Agham village and ask them to tag along. The only drawback of that route is used to be isolation in previous years but now more people take it, so it should be OK. Other route via Wari La is much longer.

      2. Hanle permits are ON/OFF and need some recommendation letter and all starting this year. There has been a checkpost which is under construction post Hanle, once that is built, permits will be smooth. I do not know when it will be completed though. So, try your luck at DC Office and if they provide you permit and letter then come try to ask Loma checkpost if they allow you. IF all fine go to Hanle else keep moving to Tso Moriri. Rest your plan looks good

      • Harsh.V on

        Thank You Dheeraj for the information.

        Talking about petrol pumps, I have read those are available only in Leh. One is there in diskit but it is not dependable. Suppose I make a route of Leh – diskit – Spangmik (via Shyok) – Hanle (via loma) or Tso Moriri – Sarchu. Where i can find teh diesel ? Also how much extra fuel Should I carry when I start from Leh in jerry cans ? Creta will be my vehicle.

      • Harsh.V on

        Hello Dheeraj,

        Someone just suggested me that I would need to chain my tyres at some route. I am not sure about it yet as I don’t believe weather will be such in June end. Please give me your advice on this. If yes, then on which routes and from where to get it

  13. Mahesh Bisht on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    We are planning to do a bicycling trip from Manali to Leh during mid of July, 2018. I would like to ask few questions:

    Q1. What kind of permits would we need and where to get them?
    Q2. Can we get spaces for pitching tents on Manali-Leh highway and please name the places where we can get this option? because we are also planning to carry our gears like tents, sleeping bags, mats, utensils, ration etc.
    Q3. Could you suggest an itinerary to follow for bicycling on Manali-Leh hghway?

    Regards,
    Mahesh

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      1. For the cycle trip to Leh from Manali, you do not need permit to travel on Manali – Leh Highway
      2. You can pitch tents, check: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
      3. You may try below tentative plan and tweak accordingly:

      Manali – Marhi
      Marhi – Rohtang Pass – Sissu
      Sissu – Keylong – Jispa
      Jispa – Darcha – Zingzing bar dhabha
      Zingzing bar – Baralacha La Pass – Bharatpur dhabhas
      Bharatpur dhabhas – Sarchu
      Sarchu – Pang (not sure about how much you can ride but it will be like 80 KMs and nothing much in between as in dhabhas)
      Pang – Taglang La – Debring
      Debring – Taglang La – Rumtse, reach Rumtse if you feel like climbing Taglang La previous day else stay at Debring
      Rumtse – Upshi – Leh

      • Mahesh Bisht on

        Hi Dheeraj,

        Thanks for your response.
        The information you provided would be very helpful for us.

        Regards,
        Mahesh

  14. Shreyaa on

    Hey Dheeraj,

    Your blogs are extremely helpful 🙂

    My mom and I are planning our first ever trip to Spiti. We planning to go via the Shimla route.

    Could you suggest a plan and places to stay? We’re planning a 15 day trip.

    It would be great if you could help us make this a memorable trip!

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Hi Shreyaa,

      I can surely help with the planning the trip to Spiti Valley. Let me know in case below details help.

      You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.

      You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or 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 the pickup as well.

      The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3200-3500 per day depending on the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. If you are 2-3 in the group, you can opt for sedan taxi cars as well which charges around Rs 2200 per day.

      Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. These drivers can help you with finding local stay options too.

      For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley.

      You can keep an average of 900-1200 per person per day for food and stay on the tour to Spiti Valley.

      I will request that you please refer the following articles for planning a trip to Spiti Valley: Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey AND Spiti Valley via Kinnaur | How to Plan Your Journey

      They have all the details. Feel free to let me know in case of any doubts

      Regards
      Dheeraj

  15. ashwin sharma on

    Hi dheeraj, we are planning a 9 day spiti bike trip from 9th june to 17th june. First of all I want to know the dates which we have planned the trip are appropriate or not with respect to the weather conditions of spiti valley. Second, Please tell me about the accommodation and whether spare fuel will be required or not during the trip. Last, please comment about the itinerary given below and tell me where can we cut short the trip by 1 day to make it 9 days trip.
    Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda ~350km
    Day 2 | Shimla / Narkanda – Sangla / Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley) ~224km
    Day 3 | Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa ~120km
    Day 4 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo ~180km
    Day 5 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village) ~100km
    Day 6 | Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Kaza ~120km
    Day 7 | Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Kaza / Losar ~100km
    Day 8 | Kaza / Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal
    Day 9 | Battal / Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali
    Day 10 | Manali – Delhi ~550km

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      The dates of travel are fine and you will find both Manali – Kaza and Shimla – Kaza routes open unless something happens in those days only.
      Spare fuel will not be required, do not miss the petrol pumps at Tapri / Reckong Peo and Kaza otherwise you may end up in trouble. Rest route should be fine. Best is to book accommodation on the spot.

      On your plan,
      1. DO NOT sleep at Chitkul on Day 2 as you will not be acclimatized to sleep, stay at Sangla.
      2. Rest of te plan is good.

  16. Dr s k mittal on

    Dear Dhiraj. I plan to visit Munsyari in June first week 18,can you guide me the route, itinary and where to stay.i want your Mobil number also, so that I can talk to you. I live in Faridabad.

  17. Azman on

    Hi Dheeraj

    I represent a group of riders from Malaysia aged around 40s to early 50s who plan to go for a bike trip in Leh Ladakh in early September. Our ride itinerary as follows :

    Day 1 – Srinagar to Kargil
    Day 2 – Kargil to Leh
    Day 3 – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla
    Day 4 – Nubra Valley to Leh
    Day 5 – Fly out from Leh

    I have read that AMS is a serious issue, especially while attempting Khardungla. In your opinion, should we stretch the itinerary above and have a total rest day in Leh on Day 3 before attempting Khardungla the day after? This is to acclimatize ourselves to the high altitude. Or do you think that the above itinerary is fine?

    Your opinion is much appreciated. Many thanks.

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Yes Azman, I will very highly recommend that and also you will have to take the Protected Area Permit after reaching Leh. So, it is best to extend the trip and stay rest in Leh for a day and then go over to Nubra Valley trip via Khardung La the next day.

      • Azman on

        Dear Dheeraj

        Manyb thanks for this website and your valuable input which has helped us plan our adventure a lot. Can’t wait to experience this in about 2 weeks time.

        As you know from my itinerary above, our bike journey will be from Srinagar to Leh. About oxygen tanks, is it compulsory to have this with us and if so, is it available in Srinagar? My issue here is that we will not come back to Srinagar coz we are flying out from Leh. So the possibility of returning rented oxygen tanks will not be possible.

        So the question here is – will it be possible for us to ride from Srinagar to Leh without having the oxygen tanks – especially so in the higher passes such as Zoji La, Namika La and Fotu La? I am not too worried about Khardung La coz we know there is availability of oxygen tanks there and we shall return to Leh after spending a night in Nubra after that.

        Your input and opinion is highly appreciated. Shukriya sir jee.

        • Dheeraj Sharma on

          It is not compulsory and as you are going from Srinagar side, rarely you will need them. You can of course get them in the Leh as well if required. So, skip taking them from Srinagar side.

  18. jagjeet singh on

    Hi Bhai Dheeraj,
    I m a male solo traveler and m in my mid 60ths and phiscially fit,I want travel to Hermkund Gurdawara Sahib in the month of july/18,This will be my first trip,I plan to fly into delhi and travel from there.If there a group tour might suit me either from delhi/hardiwar/rishikesh,I can also give it a challange to do it on my own. pls advice.
    Jagjeet singh

  19. Tarun Singhani on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I have a query regarding our Ladakh trip of 6 people which is planned from 24th May this year.
    So we’re going to leh via flight. And following would be my itinerary:
    24th-25th May | Stay at Leh to acclimatize, get the permits and rent bikes, local sightseeing

    26th May | Leh – Nubra, Stay at Hunder

    27th May | Hunder – Turtuk – Hunder, Stay at Hunder

    28th May | Hunder – Pangong Tso via Shyok, Stay at Pangong Tso

    29th May | Pangong Tso – TsoMoriri via Chumathang, stay at Korzok

    30th May | TsoMoriri – Leh via Leh-Manali highway, Stay at Leh

    31st May | Leh – Sarchu/Jispa in hired cab, Stay at Sarchu/Jispa

    1st June | Sarchu/Jispa – Manali

    I have read that on the way from nubra to Pangong to tsomoriri. There is only one fuel station which is around 180 km to nubra. Is it?
    If yes, then how can we plan to travel nubra to Pangong and from Pangong to tsomoriri the next day with bikes.?
    We are planning to rent 3 RE 500cc bikes. We’ll rent these from leh, and drop them to leh itself on 30th may as per the itinerary. Then we’ll hire a cab from leh to Manali.
    Please suggest.

  20. Subramaniam (Subbu) on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    This is Subbu@Mumbai, I am looking at an 8n/9d trip exclusively to the Kumaon region (first time) around May end timeframe.
    ***I am looking at an holiday plan that is not too hectic (considering children along) but does give us ample chances to explore around.

    I need your support on a suggested itinery and possible references for places of acco and car transport.

    Much appreciate the efforts of passionate explorers like you. This is some real inspiration!

    Regards, Subbu

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      You can follow a plan like below

      1. Delhi to Nainital / Pangot / Mukteshwar
      2. Nainital / Pangot / Mukteshwar – Chaukori via Sheraghat route
      3. Chaukori – Patal Bhuvanehwar – Chaukori
      4. Chaukori – Munsiyari
      5. Munsiyari rest day
      6. Munsiyari rest day
      7. Munsiyari – Bageshwar – Kausani/Gwladam (long drive so start early)
      8. Kausani/Gwladam rest day
      9. Kausani/Gwladam – Delhi

  21. Vanam Sridhar on

    Hi dheeraj
    We are from Hyderabad and two of us planing to leh. One way by air and one way by road. Please guide us when is the ideal time and which route is good either from manali or Kashmir.
    With regards
    Vanam Sridhar

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      How many days do you have in hand? You can fly into Leh and then travel by road from Manali – Leh Highway which is more scenic in comparison to Srinagar – Leh

  22. Mahesh Kumar Nair on

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I was struggling to plan a himalayan trip and by chance happened to find this blog. You are truly amazing and your contribution is Simply great. My heartiest compliments. I need your valuable help in planning a ten day trip in self driven personal Logan car (AP regn) with my wife n daughter and two bikes with four riders (total group of 7). We wish for a Delhi-Manali-Kullu-Rohtang-Kaza-Kinnaur-Rampur-Shimla-Delhi round trip. Looking primarily for driving/biking adventure, skiing/trekking/snow fun and site seeing. 17th May to 28th May. Please suggest:
    a) best suited itinerary for the round trip (with list of major must see attractions)
    b) alternate plan if round trip is too long or not possible in 10 days
    c) Places of probable halt (to book rooms)
    d) Availability of a Guide-cum-driver (for support)
    e) We are first timers- so this round trip is good or kullu-leh trip is still better.?
    f) The car Logan is tough enough for rough terrains, Still you feel any issue with the said car.?

    Thank you
    With regards

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Hello Mahesh,

      I will suggest that you travel from Shimla to Kinnaur to Spiti to Manali direction as it has many advantages. I will say that you go in the month of June so that the road from Manali to Kaza is open and you can do the full circuit else you can only do Shimla to Spiti and back via same route. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
      You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or 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 the pickup as well.

  23. Sreekumar on

    Hello Dheeraj,

    We are planning a 2 week bullet trip (4 people) to Chandigarh to Chandigarh during july first week.

    Below is my plan :
    Chandigarh —> Srinagar —> Leh —> Manali —> Chandigarh

    Could you please suggest.

  24. Saumya on

    I am planning a trip of 4 people
    I want to ask fee questions
    1) bike trip to Rohtang pass is ok or not and will we be able to return on same day or not?
    2) if we are not allowed to return on the same day from rohtang to manali in our bikes
    Where we can stay at rohtang pass route n return back the next day?
    3) camping in Rogtang?

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      1. Yes, you can do a day trip to Rohtang Pass if you get the permit
      2. If you have day trip Rohtang Pass permit, you will be allowed else you need to get Beyond Rohtang Pass permit for which you should stay at Keylong or Sissu and come back to Manali the next day.
      3. Camping is not recommended at Rohtang Pass

  26. alok on

    Hi Dheeraj….. will swift dezire perform good for sangla chitkul kalpa roads via shimla, during 8th April to 15th April weather (especially the off-road parts) as snowfall also expected in these days.
    innova or xylo is costing more since we are only a family of 3.

    chances of road blocks in this periods are how much.

    is this period of 7th april to 15 april is offseason or top season…. should we expect packed hotels or normal rush in this period.

    Also could we expect a white valley in those period.

    plz suggest

    Regards
    Alok

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Hey Alok,

      There are less chances of snowblocks but if in case it snows heavily then road might close for a day or two. I will suggest you to take high ground clearance vehicle if budget is not too much of an issue else Dzire is good enough if you have experience in driving in mountains. You can expect normal rush and unless it snows that very days, it will not be white anywhere.

  27. Aashish Jain on

    Hello Dheeraj,

    We are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh on bikes between 10th Aug to 19th Aug. We are reaching Leh by flight. so please suggest an itinerary.

    Thank you

  28. Vinod Kumar on

    Hey Dheeraj,
    We are planning a 10 day trip to Himachal from Delhi during May end, could you suggest us an itinerary. Read your article on offbeat places and would love to explore those.

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Vinod, if want a mix of both Offbeat and Tourist location, you can go with below plan. Let me know in case you looking for complete offbeat plan:

      Day 1 | Delhi – Kalka – Shimla 
      Day 2 | Shimla Local sightseeing including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar
      Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Jalori Pass – Shoja
      Day 4 | Shoja – Tirthan Valley
      Day 5 | Tirthan explore GHNP
      Day 6 | Soak in Tirthan (besides the river)
      Day 7 | Tirthan Valley – Naggar Castle – Manali
      Day 8 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
      Day 9 | Manali – Rohtang Pass / Solang Valley
      Day 10 | Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass or Rohtang Pass if safe to reach there. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali and on the way do paragliding at Solang Valley, if required.

      • Vinod Kumar on

        Hi Dheeraj

        Thanks for the update . How about complete offbeat .

        Regards
        Vinod

        • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

          You can follow below:

          Day 1 | Reach Tirthan Valleu
          Day 2,3 | Spend and relax in Tirthan Valley
          Day 4 | Tirthan Valley – Shoja / Jalori Pass
          Day 5 | Shoja – Jalori Pass – Rampur – Sarahan
          Day 6 | Sarahan – Sangla Valley – Rakcham
          Day 7 | Rakcham – Chitkul/Rakcham
          Day 8 | Chitkul/Rakcham – Kalpa
          Day 9 | Kalpa – Narkanda
          Day 10 | Narkanda – Delhi

        • Vinod Kumar on

          Wont this be too much of travel . what is the mode of transportation ?
          We would interested in doing some trekking as well . which place do you suggest here ppl go for a group trek ?

          Day 1 | Reach Tirthan Valleu
          Day 2,3 | Spend and relax in Tirthan Valley
          Day 4 | Tirthan Valley – Shoja / Jalori Pass
          Day 5 | Shoja – Jalori Pass – Rampur – Sarahan
          Day 6 | Sarahan – Sangla Valley – Rakcham
          Day 7 | Rakcham – Chitkul/Rakcham
          Day 8 | Chitkul/Rakcham – Kalpa
          Day 9 | Kalpa – Narkanda
          Day 10 | Narkanda – Delhi

        • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

          Not sure what is your idea of travel but in general this is quite relaxed but then it depends upon the definition of relaxed from person to person and also too much travel. You can opt to then just focus on Kinnaur Valley

  29. Nitin on

    Thanks Dheeraj.

    Also in mid of July Month, Nubra to Pangong is accessible. Or Do we need to come back to Leh from Nubra and then Leh to Pangong route.

  30. Nitin on

    Hi Dheeraj
    I am planing for leh trip in July Month
    Below is my plan

    Day 1 Manali to Sarchu
    Day 2 Sarchu to leh
    Day 3 leh
    Day 4 leh Nubra
    Day 5 Nubra to pangong
    Day 6 pangong to Leh

    Could you please hep if this plan is OK or need some changes.

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Nitin, the only change I will suggest is that instead of Sarchu sleep at Jispa and then travel ahead to Leh directly from Jispa. You will not be acclimatized to sleep at Sarchu

      • Nitin on

        Thanks Dheeraj.

        Also in mid of July Month, Nubra to Pangong is accessible. Or Do we need to come back to Leh from Nubra and then Leh to Pangong route.

  31. pradeep SARODE on

    We are planning to come at arounf 15 th august 18 to leh ladakh.

    We are thinking to enter from Srinagar side . Around 12 people.

    We are thnking to cover only shrinagar side places and drop the manali side.

    Further we are thinking of Vanity van on hire.

    We like to have your opinion about this.

    Thanks

    • DHEERAJ SHARMA on

      Well, tempo traveller will be suited for such a group to travel together and will be economical too. Also, your plan is good that go from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side. Did you refer the common itinerary?

  32. Koushik Karmakar on

    Hi,
    Koushik here from Kolkata, please suggest me a trip starting point is Amritsar 24th March night because after visiting the Wagha border and ends the trip in Manali 28th March evening because already booked Toy train tickets. We are couple and a 6 yr old kid.

  33. Ashish on

    hey i am planning a trip to chandertal lake on 22 to 26 march and my route is through shimla so is it good to travel in this month


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