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330 Comments
Dear Dheeraj
I am planning to go to Leh in first week of June. I want to have your opinion on the below routes
1. Pangong TSO – Nubra Valley
2. Pangong TSO – Sarchu
3. Nubra Valley – Sarchu
Please let me know the road conditions and whether i should pick any of the above routes or travel through regular route from Leh-Sarchu
Regards
Ankit
Ankit first week of June me too going to leh on bike, join me for the trip.
Ankit, I will do Nubra Valley as standard two day tour and then if short on days will prefer Pangong Tso to Sarchu by leave no later than 6 AM
Sir,
Kindly advice on which places we can put up our tents while on Leh Ladakh trip, I have already read your article ’10 tips for safe camping in Leh Ladakh’, but in your article you have not mentioned any specific places.
Also, please confirm if we need to get any special permission from authorities or from any organization for putting up our own tent in leh ladakh region??
Regards…
Naveen bhai as suggested in the article, you can pitch your tents anywhere you feel like following the rules suggested int he article.
hi dheeraj,
we are from mumbai and want to plan bike trip to ladakh, wanted to know ur opinion that should we join any tour that operates in ladakh bile trips or cover the himalayas on our own? the reason i am asking is that usually all the tour operators cover up generic places and do it for the sake of doing.. they also have very short trips, where as someone who is spending so much of time and money going all the way over there why dont do it properly and enjoy to the core. so what should we choose? how difficult it is to do bike tour over there?
and according to u how many days are a must to cover up entire stretch??
As u always say that one should start from srinagar and not from manali, my qn is why so many senior tour operators and experience people still start from manali? confused
waiting for ur reply.
Hello Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing great..!!
I have been closely reading this website for couple of week now since we are planning for a Leh-Ladakh Trip towards end of July. We will be group of 6 friends starting from Mumbai.
Day 1 – Early morning flight Mumbai to Leh 0640 hrs arrival.
Spend remainder of the day resting.
Day 2 – Leh to Pangong Tso/Spangmik covering Shey, Thiksey Tangste Monasteries on the way. Stay Over Night at Pangong Tso.
Day 3 – Spend morning admiring the beauty of Pangong Tso and back at Leh by evening.
Day 4 – Leh to Tso Moriri Via Chumathang. Stay over night at Tso Moriri or Karzok
Day 5 – Back to Leh.
Day 6 – Leh to Turtuk, if possible go beyond (??). Back to Hunder by late afternoon. Stay Overnight at Deskit or Nubra as time permits. I wish to stay in Nubra near the river.
Day 7 – Panamik, Sumur back to Leh by evening.
Day 8 – Start for Kargil. Visit Confluence of Indus-Zanskar, Gurudwara Pathar Saheb, Lunar Landscapes, Magnetic Hill on the way. If possible stretch over to Drass to spend night at Coldest place in India. Alghough it wont be as cold as in Winters.
Day 9 – Look Around Drass. War Memorial and other places. To Srinagar by late evening.
Day 10 – Fligt Back to Mumbai.
I had planned itinerary to start from Srinagar – Leh – Leh Around – Srinagar but that curtails few days of what we could spend in Leh and if we plan flight back from Leh, it affects Cost.
So I have planned as I given above. Could you be so kind to give me your inputs on this. Acclimatization, AMS. Would it be feasible as I have planned.
Thank you !!
Regards,
Prathamesh Limaye.
Prathamesh, you will get yourself killed. You should first visit Nubra Valley, then Pangong Tso and then Tso Moriri. Best is that if you do it from Srinagar side and then reach to Leh and then do Nubra, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, it will be best way to do it.
Sorry for being a Layman here Dheeraj but when you say about getting killed (almost/ literally) you mean cause we are doing Pangong – Tso Moriri – Nubra Valley or just that we are reaching Leh directly instead of starting from Srinagar. Because if its regarding order of Pangong-Tso-Nubra then we can certainly change that.
Apologies if I’m being pain in a **you know where**
Regards,
Prathamesh Limaye.
Yes, it is because of the order you are doing the places. After two days of rest in Leh, you should do Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri in that very order.
Noted Dheeraj, we have now made that change in our plan and also kept a day spare in case we run into any issues. Looking forward to the trip now hoping to share my two cents once we are back.
If I hadn’t mentioned it previously, Thanks a ton mate..!
Dear Dheeraj,
Love your spirit of travelling.
I follow your posts & blog on a regular basis which have inspired me and my friends to go on our first trip to Leh Ladakh.
We are a group of 5 friends starting our journey from Bhopal (M.P.) on 20th may in a 4 x 4 Pajero.
Our tentative itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 Bhopal – Delhi
Day 2 Delhi – Solang Valley
Day 3 Solang – Sarchu
Day 4 Sarchu – Leh
Day 5 Leh – Nubra
Day 6 Nubra – Leh
Day 7 Leh – Pangong
Day 8 Pangong – Leh
Day 9 Leh – Sarchu
Day 10 Sarchu – Manali
Day 11 Manali – Delhi
Day 12 Delhi – Bhopal
Please help us by answering the following queries;
1) Can we plan it on 20 may? Will the roads be open?
2) Is there a direct route between Nubra and Pangong?
3) Accommodation recommendations at Sarchu,Leh, Nubra, Pangong.
4) Do we need to book in advance or we can go and bargain?
5) Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance. You are really doing a very noble work it is really very useful for first time travelers like me. May god bless you.
Thanks & Regards,
Ankit Chawla
Thank you for the wishes Ankit.
1. Better plan from Srinagar side and come back from Manali side. Both routes will be open in thtat case.
2. Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
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
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
Hello Sir,
I had placed an order for DOW stickers and paid for the same. But the status shows cancelled. May I please know the exact status
Regards,
Aniket
Aniket, can you please send the transaction details if the transaction succeeded? It does shows that “Unpaid order cancelled – time limit reached. Order status changed from Pending Payment to Cancelled.”
Received the stickers today. These are really very nice. The letter you drafted with the consignment touched my heart!
Thank You Team DOW!
Thank you so much brother, glad you loved it !! 🙂 🙂
hello Admin,
This is paras kalariya from Gujrat.
We planned a complete trip of kinnor-lahol-spiti valley.
We are two couples.But we still want one more partner couple, so that we can share our taxi expenses.
I posted my complete trip details in the relevant section of website.
Now let us see any one is interested to join as or not.
And yes….. if you guys have any one in touch who can accompany us then please let me know.
our traveling dates are 18th june to 30th june,2016.
Thank you.
ByB.y
ras, keep checking your entery. If people are interested they can contact you there only. We do not monitor any travel partners requests.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have 7 days in hand for a round trip starting from Delhi on the 11th of May. I’m looking for the most picturesque place possible. Could you please suggest possible places that I could visit during this period. Is Spiti Valley possible? If so, could you help me out with the itinerary.
TIA
Srijesh
Srijesh, I will suggest with just 7 days in hand you focus upon Kinnaur Valley with more focus on Sangla Valley and Chitkul
Thanks Dheeraj.
Also, could you enlighten me on the availability of mobile network/internet in various regions of Himachal Pradesh. I will be carrying an Airtel 3G Dongle to update a live blog which consists of high resolution photos and videos. Is it possible to do so?
Srijesh, where all are you traveling in Himachal
Hi Dheeraj,
Love your spirit of travelling.
I am wanting to go on my first trip to a motorable pass with following parameters:
1. Closest Motorable Himalayan pass from Delhi Distance wise.
2. I own a Toyota Liva which i plan to take for expedition. Please advise accordingly. Where i dont damage my car underbelly much.
3. Suitable doing it alone.
4. Suitable Month/Dates advise please.
5. Also Advise most favourable route & road conditions.
Note: i have only Been till Chitkul/ Sangla & Kalpa in some form of remoteness.
Thanks a lot in advance.
you are an inspiration for novice travellers like me.
P.s. I also wish once to drive on road to ISHTYARI Which comes from Kishtwar towards Pangi.
Hello Faliksha,
1. Jalori Pass willbe the one
2. Yes, if you drive with care Jalori will be fine.
3. Yes
4. Anytime before monsoon hits from now
5. Check the circuit: Delhi to Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Travel Guide
PS: Kishtwar to Pangi will harm beating under the car. 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your info provided.
I have been to Hatu peak earlier which is 3400 mtr in height.
I would like to conquer something higher now.
I Also read your tweets about recommendation of Baralacha Pass Kunzum Pass.
Which is more easy to reach from Delhi and which wont hurt my car underbelly too much??
Pls Advise
Tks in Advance.
Faliksha, seems you and rahul are doing the same trip 🙂 .. Well, Baralacha La is more easier than Kunzum Pass to reach from Delhi. You will surely get through lot of water crossings and it will not be that straight forward. Rohtang Pass is the easiest of three, in fact you will have to cross Rohtang Pass to reach Baralacha La and Kunzum Pass in case yo going from Manali side.
Hey Dheeraj,
I, along with my husband and one more couple are planning our long awaited exploration of Leh-Ladakh-Spiti this May (Mid-May). I went through your awesome website and it has been a blessing for us. We went through several articles and found your most common itinerary for Leh Ladakh. So what we have done is added a few more days of spiti so instead of going to manali, we are planning to go via spiti. Pls can you go through the changes we made in the end and let us know if this should work out for us. We are looking at a 15-16 day trip. Pls add/delete/change the way you feel we can get the most out of this trip.
Mumbai to Delhi (Flight) 2am- 4.05am
Delhi to Srinagar (Flight) 7.55 – 9.15 am
Day 0- Arrive at Srinagar and proceed towards Leh the next day
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
About 8 Hrs drive, depend upon the traffic movement at Zozila and breaks you take in between
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
About 9-10 Hrs drive, , depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 3 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
To know the about the places to visit in/around Leh, check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
Inner Line Permits are not required for these places for Indian Nationals, starting May 2014.
Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between and at Khardung La
Day 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
About 7-9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
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)
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
Overnight at Leh
About 5-6 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 8 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping or you can do tour to Sham Valley
Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib
Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
Cover Karzok Monastery
Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
About 7-8 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 10 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu
Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang
Overnight at Sarchu or Pang
About 11-12 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
Day 11-13 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong- Gramphu-Losar- Kaza
On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only
Overnight at Kaza
Sightseeing in Kaza
Day 14 | Kaza- Nako- Wangtu- Shimla- Chandigarh
Fly from Chandigarh to Mumbai
Or how about we do this in reverse to save money and not spending on flights and rather take a rajdhani to Delhi and then a car or whatever to Chandigarh and start our journey from next day morning towards Spiti.
In this case can you help us with a car and driver contact ?
I know its too long but your feedback will be of great help.
Thanks
Samina Sarawala
Hello Samina,
I will suggest following edits:
Day 11 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong- Sissu
Day 12 | Sissu – Chandratal – Kaza
Day 13 | Kaza and around
Day 14 | Kaza — Tabo – Nako – Kalpa
Day 15 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 16 | Narkanda – Chandigarh
Fly from Chandigarh to Mumbai
The way you have planned starting from Srinagar side makes more sense to me and you will not save much money because even in reverse you will be flying out of Srinagar and considering the time of travel by train should be more or less same. I still feel you have couple of days short for your Ladakh + Spiti trip. Do you have more days?
You can also try below plan if you want to reverse the direction:
Day 1 | Chandigarh/Ambala – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul
Day 3 | Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza
Day 7 | Kaza – Chandratal – Sissu / Keylong, leave early in the day
Day 8 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
— Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 10 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 11 | 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 12 | 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 13 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 14 | Leh – Tso Moriri via Chumathang
— Cover Karzok Monastery
— Overnight at Karzok or Tso Moriri
Day 15 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Taglang La – Upshi – Leh
— Come back via Tso Kar and Manali – Leh Highway to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 16 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping
— Overnight at Leh
Day 17 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 18 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Hello dheeraj,
Thank you for your detailed reply. i Agree its not making sense saving money wise. We will start from srinagar only. And also y do u suggest more days?
Yes, if you can add more days then perhaps you should and follow the plan I suggested below of 18 days.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Pune, looking for doing a bike trip with my friends from Srinagar – Leh – Manali covering 11-13days trip.
please suggest if it is possible to hire bikes from Srinagar and dropping it in manali. OR if we transport our bikes from Pune to Srinagar and then load it back from Manali Will there be any permits required for owned or hired bikes for the above routes. I have already seen your post on the routes and what it is important to do Srinagar to Manali instead of other way.
Thank you
Sebastian
Best is to transport your own bikes. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DoW Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
No permits are required if you travel from Srinagar side and come bac from Manali side.
going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Jodhpur (raj.). I m regular traveler on bike. I travelled ladhak twice, north east, himachal. this time i want to travel uttrakhand can you suggest the itenary n routes for that?? i want to travell in aprail first aur march end.
Bharat, here is couple of them: Valley of Flowers & Hemkunt Sahib – Most Common Itinerary
AND
Kumaon – Most Common Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a regular Rider. Every year I do my Bike Trips without any fail to Leh via different Routes.
Already covered via Mughal Road – Kargil/ manali/ Tabo.
Now this year I have planned a trip (of 10 Members) to Leh via Chamba- Sachpass- Killar- udaipur- Keylong- Sarchu- Leh. I have heard about Road conditions at sachpass route. I am planning to cover this Route starting from 18th June,2016. Pls suggest if it is OK.
Harpreet, since this year less snowfall is there, I will say it might might be OK to plan the trip as Sach Pass should open by that time, else it will be better to delay the journey by a week or two to ensure surety of Sach Pass being open because though it has snowed less but in time to come if it snows, it will be same condition
Hi Dheeraj Sir,
I am following your website and m riding to Leh every year since 2013. This this time I want to make an attempt to the areas which are motorable nearest to Siachen. For this, I want any information if you can provide me regarding the possibilities whether it is allowed at max to ride on our bikes as i will be a solo rider like previous year. I dont know about areas after Nubra as its the maximum i have reached. I will be eagerly waiting for your response.
Thanks & Regards
Abhishek Chakraborty
Bhilai
[email protected]
Abhishek, Now we as Indian tourists can also travel upto Warshi village in Nubra Valley which is ahead of Panamik on the way towards Siachen Base Camp. You can hence cover Yarma Gompa & Yarma Gonboo monasteries if you like to visit them which falls up on the route. The route goes like Panamik – Taksha – Sasoma – Warshi, which is about 39 KMs ahead of Panamik. As per Nubra Valley permits, you do not need any permits for this route as well. Siachen base camp is still out of sights for permissions to civilians.
From Hunder side in Nubra Valley, you can travel all the way up to Tyakshi village ahead of Turtuk from where you can see border line.
Hii sir,
we are planning to go to manali in second week of jan’16. please suggest that it wud be better or can we find snow stock or snow fall in manali. or we should postpone our plan for third week.
please suggest………..
There will be plenty of snow at the snow points of Manali but snowfall you can check weather updates and in case luck you may seee snowfall too
Hi! Dheeraj,
I want to travel to Himachal from Kolkata and cover Lahaul, Spiti, Kalpa , Kinnaur and kasol. Please suggest a travel Itinerary.
Thanks
Gargi
Gargi, when are you planning to make this trip to Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley?
In the month of May.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for Leh Ladhak in month of june 2nd week from delhi or chandigarg. Its a family trip 4 Adults one 7 year old kid, Budget will be 20K per person. Can you help me travel details from Srinagar – kargil-leh-manali – delhi and how to advance book for car whom to contact & hotel which all to book ?
Hello Tanishq,
20K budget can be a bit tight I will say for a Ladakh trip since taxi cost are quite high up there and most of the hotels are now turning into the brand of charging more and more with every passing year. How many days do you have in hand and based on it I will be able to help you with plan of your Ladakh trip
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning (Husband-wife) to go spiti in the month of July2016. I am just about starting the research fr the same.
We were thinking of combining Spiti & Leh-Ladakh. What do you think about it? And do you have any itinerary for the same?
We would be travelling by Car/jeep – rented. Or could even think of a biking trip halfway through.
Will wait to hear your thoughts.
Thanks, Mrunmayee
Hi Mrunmayee,
All depends upong the number of days you have in hand. In case you want to cover Spiti Valley along with Leh – Ladakh, then you will need about 20 days at least for a bit comfortable trip. In case of exclusive Spiti Valley trip, it can be done in 12-13 days and for exclusive Leh – Ladakh trip 13-14 days.
BTW, since you have got to DoW, your research can mostly end here as we have all the required info. under one hood to travel to these parts of greater himalayas.
Let me know how many days you have in hand
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I will reach in leh airport on 3rd oct and flyout on 9th oct. Pls advise me how i can make the most out of this stay of seven days. Pls also tell me whether camps near pangong and nubra will remain closec during this time. If yes are there any alternatives as i m eager to stay in those places. I m travelling alone…thanx
Sudhir, please consider first 6 days of travel as mentioned in the article: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air
You can stay at Himalayan Wooden cottages at Pangong Tso as they remain open during that time.
In case you do not get stay at Pangong Tso, then go over to Tangste 34 KMs before Pangong tso for a stay
Dheeraj, planning a trip to Char Dham Yatra ( 2 people ) from Delhi in the next week August 2015 and need your assistance regarding the route in such a way that WE will reach Kedarnath ji for Darshans on the 29-8-2015.
Also wish to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri & Badrinath ji and if possible to cover the Panch Kedars as well along with Chandrashilla & Deoria Taal.
Have 12-13 days of time & wanted to start the Yatra from Delhi on 21st / 22nd Aug 2015.
Have Tata Vista & Tata Aria (4×4) so which vehicle should WE take and above all does it OK to travel in this month or not ?
Really appreciated, for your valuable suggestions.
Thanks
Rohit, I have created the thread for you in the DoW Community seeking advice from the experts itself as I have missed Yamunotri in between so will not be best judge of the route. Please keep a tab on the topic: Char Dham and Panch Kedar Trip – Advice Needed?
Hello Dheeraj
I am not a biker i must admit. I hope I can still get help from you.
I had been to leh 5 years ago for markha valley but missed out on nubra and lakes.
I am going this year but unlike last time when i took manali leh highway this year i m flying in.
Also the day i land is the day i go to nubra valley for 2 nights.
Is it ok to stay in nubra for acclimatising? instead of staying in leh?
My flights already booked and i just realised:(
Also how harsh are conditions to live at pangong and Tso mirror camps?
I usually feel one needs atlas 2 nights to actually experience the place but i read people stay only for one night since too harsh weather conditions?
have to yet make booking for the camps. pls let me know so can do accordingly cause camps are filling in fast.
Anxious
j
Jigi, PLEASE DO NOT attempt it. First 36-40 Hrs shall be spent in Leh after flying in to acclimatize properly. Regarding harshness of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri after Nubra, well it depends which month are you traveling. Anything after mid September will be quite cold and windy though bearable nights at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
Sir, do you have any knowledge of “Zoom” car. Will the local taxi owners allow it at Pangi “Sach” Pass and/or Leh?
Rajesh, Sach Pass is in Himachal where there is no such rule for stoppage of outside rented car. You can take the zoomcar to Leh, park it in the hotel and then go to Ladakh sightseeing in local hired taxi. After doing sightseeing you can take the car and come back
Hi Dheeraj,
My name is Prem and we are 2 of us planning for Leh from Manali and back by Srinagar during the coming September by bike. I have 2 main queries:-
Firstly can we take attested photocopies of Driving License, Pan Card by gazetted officer instead of the Originals or the Original photo id’s are mandatory in the entire journey? and if we can carry attested copies: How many such attested copies are fairly needed?
Secondly, which are the peculiar places not to be missed which currently comes under the ILP requirements for Indians?
Hello Prem
AFAIK, you have to carry originals only. Hanle is one place that is extremely beautiful and comes under ILP still for Indians.
Thanx for the Info Dheeraj!
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly, congratulations on your wonderful website and informative articles.
I am from Bangalore and am getting married in the end of October, 2015. we are planning for Leh-Ladakh honeymoon in November 2nd week for 10 days. From your articles, i have got to know it’ll be freakingly cold in November. But my prospective wife is hell bent on Leh-Ladakh honeymoon. I just want to know if its possible to have good time as honeymooners in November and also it would be great if you can provide us itinerary for 10 days and also information on where we can stay (accommodation with some privacy).
Is it also possible to cover Manali along with Leh-Ladakh in 10 days or if i extend it to 14 days trip?
Hoping to get reply from you that will make my honeymoon memorable.
Thanks,
SOMASHEKAR
Somashekar, Ladakh is not a honeymoon destination rather an adventure destination !! Also, it is off season which further compilates things for you without much to offer as most things including hotels/food places are closed and cold will be very high and dry as well. Body struggles to keep up and mostly suffers with acute mountain sickness after flying in to Leh for couple of days. The only advantage you have is that wife is hell bent to Leh – Ladakh, so in case things go wrong, you do not have life to listen to the complaints 😉 😉
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing well. Read this story on a team-bhp website.
On this note, I was planning to travel through zoomcar
from New Delhi – Srinagar -Leh
to Leh – Manali – Delhi back again
for areas around Leh i am Planning to rent a bike rather than using Zoomcar.
Again this is individual decision howto commute but by looking at the current situation this seems safe and feasible decision.
Would like to know your thoughts on it.
Dhananjay, just wrote a complete article on present situation and what is going on, who is allowed and who is not under the article: Rented Self Drive Cars in Leh – Ladakh Banned “FORCIBLY”
Please read it carefully and it will surely address your concerns. You are perfectly doing the right thing and I do not see any issues in that case. You are allowed to take the Zoomcar or any other rented self drive to Leh and out of Leh but not to Pangong tso and Nubra and Tso Moriri which in any case you are not doing. So, it should be fine for you.
hi dheeraj,
thanks for giving us all the information abt travelling in himalayas.. i hav a few queiries. i wish to plan a family trip to spiti valley this september in my small n humble i 10 car. will it be a safe bet to go. since i am going to spiti frm shimla side shd i return back on the same road or go thru manali…
Nishant, by September the water crossings are tamed so it becomes possible for sure to travel by small cars. However, car for sure will take a beating. If you love adventure more than your car and do not regret some wear and tear, it is fine.
Hi,
I am travelling from 12th june to 22nd june. My train reaches pathankot on 13th and flight back is from chandigarh on 22nd.
there are the few things that i want to cover for sure
– Triund trek (preferable with overnight camping)
– Paradliding at Billing
– The great indian national park (preferably with overnight stay…do i need to book in advance)
– shimla mountain train
– dharmshala
– manali
Is it too much for the days i have…given the days on hand and the travel time between places, could you give me an idea of how i can plan to ensure i see most of these things listed. also am i missing anything worthwhile.
Also, i havent booked any hotels since its kind of a backpacking trip…so any recco on good places to stay would also be great!
Thanks,
Ashwini
Yes Ashwani, these are too many days to cover in just 10 days of time and that too may be on public transport if I see here.
I m planning for a bike ride from Delhi to Kinnaur -spiti-chandertaal -Manali to Delhi . I have 2weeks .i just want to ask u that when Can I do the whole circuit .i have to apply for holidays for next month before tomorrow .i was planning to go in first week of July.will I be able to make it or should I postpone it 10-15 days .
Vishesh, 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am looking for a small village or so in the mountains to spend a good two to three weeks there in this October. I will be travelling alone, all by public transit. No time or place restrictions as such. Can you please suggest a quiet place, could be anywhere in Himachal. will preferably be willing to stay with the locals. Also wanna keep it a totally low profile trip (budget, food, utilities, etc)
Thanks
Nikhil, just hit the roads to Barot Valley. Very nice home stays, go with River View: Delhi to Barot Village, Himachal – Travel Guide
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I thank you for such informative blog. Since I am a govt employee and get a chance to travel only once in a while. I love travelling to less crowded and peaceful places surrounded by nature. I got to know about Barot and Tirthan valley through your posts. I think Barot is closer to my idea of holidays in the lap of mother nature in its purest form. I wish to go there in mid June for 2-3 days by my own Santro car from Amritsar. Since I am a bit hesitant driving in steep hills kindly suggest the best rout from Amritsar and things to carry for comfortable journey. And I also love to stay in Homestays since they are inexpensive and value for money in terms of good food and other services. Please also suggest if there are other homestays apart from Sachin homestay which are good in terms of location and quality.
Hope I get your reply well before my departure to enable me to plan my holidays accordingly.
Vivek k Sachdeva
Vivek, here is the guide for Barot: Delhi to Barot Village, Himachal – Travel Guide
It will cover up most of your queries. I stayed with River view, details in the article.
Hello,
I am looking for a three night trip to himachal, on the flipside i am not comfortable travelling on curvy roads.
we are from delhi and want to celebrate our 3 rd anniversary,,so i am looking for a luxury stay and not an overcrowded place, which is easy to reach by train.
Aditi, best will be that you book some suit in Chail Palace where you can reach by couple of hrs drive from Kalka and till Kalka you will get the train from Delhi.
Hi Dheeraj,
My bame is Diah, from Indonesia.
Exploring your website is quite interesting and helping a lot for my and friends.
We are going to explore Ladakh on 9th – 17th August 2015. 6 of us are very excited!
We looked into your taxi drivers recommendations, we are very happy with the long listing.
But.. could you advise us which one who can speak English well (not looking for fluent but understandable).
Just now I rang/called on the phone 1 driver, but he cannot speak English clearly.
I am hoping you can assist us on this since English is our only one “communications tools”.
We would like to have 7 days taxi available for us, can fit for 6 passengers (INOVA maybe?)
Another thing any other way to contact the drivers via email? International Long distance calls are not part of our budget 🙁
Looking forward for the reply 🙂
Thank you.
-Diah-
Diah, you can connect with Lobzang zotpa in Leh. He is a guide and will be able to asist you with taxis up there in Leh. You can call him and get his mail address. mob; 09718066771(Delhi),09419216587(leh)
He is on FB too: https://www.facebook.com/lobzang.zotpa.5
Hi Friends,
I need some information about few water parks of Delhi/ Ncr.
We are 8 friends and all want proper water slides and rides in water park.
We have experienced Fun N Food village and now we want to go somewhere else llike :
World of wonder (noida)
oyester (GGN)
Delhi rides (Kalindi Kunj)
We all are adults and want to adventures and thrill slides
I hope , You will give me the all informations regarding the tickets price ,timings, rides , location and everything and please reply asap.
I’ll appreciate your advice for us .
Thanks .
Amit, DoW is specialized in providing info on the trips to Himalayas, as of now mainly Norther Part of Himalayas from Kashmir to Uttarakhand 🙂 🙂 … I do not have much feedback to give on these water parks though I have been to Jurrasic Park at Murthal with my kid last year and enjoyed it 🙂
Hello Dheeraj,
Really good to come across a website where you get instant feedback without any hesitation and hassle.
We are a family of 4 –
Me & my Wife
Daughter (16) & Son (12) and planning for a leisure on road trip to any part of the the state in India.
Last year we did New Delhi to Mumbai and back. ( Jaipur, Udaipur, Surat, Mumbai)
This year we are planning to hit Leh, but going through your blog, it seem you will not allow us going on Maruti Dezire – Petrol.
Since we do believe in ourself, we do not want to hire or borrow someones SUV or MUV for this.
Thus little confused about the decision and seek your travel expertise to help us do a memorable road trip starting June for a week to 2.
May be an itinerary and a location accessible of wheels preferred.
Thanks and look forward to.
Regards,
George – Delhi
Hi George,
June will be very difficult month for a sedan to travel over the roads of Srinagar – Leh around Zojila Pass and many sections of Manali – Leh Highway too. Since, zojila pass is still a small section, you can try that route but Manali – Leh will be tough as the road would have just been open only. 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.
Once you make up your mind then we can start the discussion on plan for your trip.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Dheeraj Bhai,
Thank you very much for the instant response. I have seen many sites, where the experts ignore the queries. But you did not let us down. So,
finally we have decided to fulfil our desire of travelling using our Swift Dezire – Petrol.
Now need your help on 2 options:
New Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Ladakh – Manali to Delhi
New Delhi to some hill stations apart from Manali, spend some 4 – 5 days and return. Considering your input, we look in option 2 – some peace of mind driving and accessible location.
Please suggest and I have no option but to keep up my family promise.
I look forward to hear something challenging.
Thanks n keep up the good show,
Remain; George @ 9910992512
George, in such a case you can put try luck with Tirthan Valley or Barot? Go from Bilaspur side and come back from Jalori Pass – Narkanda side.
Hi dheeraj.. Hope you are doing good..
Juley (my spirit has already reached Ladakh )
Have checked google maps for the distance ,however the drive time might surely vary.. Hence Could you please help me with the driving hours /travel time it would roughly take for each of the location considering
1. We will start early morning from each destination. (Between 6-7am)
2. The team of 4 has a wife (me) to keep telling others to slow down and drive very carefully
3. Couple of stop overs in case of some exclusive photo shots and all the passes.
Srinagar to Kargil
Kargil to Len
Leh to nubra
Leg to pan gong
Leh to Sarchu (we plan to start early as per ur suggestions)
Sarchu to manali
Manali to Chandigarh
Also when we return from Sarchu to manali which is around 26th June.do we start early again to make sure we aren’t stuck in the 1000 cars only cap. Or is the net rule only for cabs from manali to rohtang and not ahead?
Best regards
Mansee
Hello Mansee,
Timings should be as follows on an average:
Srinagar to Kargil = 8-9 Hrs
Kargil to Leh = 9-10 Hrs
Leh to nubra = 5-6 Hrs
Leg to pan gong = 5-6 Hrs
Leh to Sarchu = 8-9 Hrs
Sarchu to manali = 9-10 Hrs
Manali to Chandigarh – 10-12 Hrs
While going from Sarchu to Manali, there is no cap of vehicles. The rule is only for vehicles coming from other side.
Regards
Dheeraj
hello Dheeraj
i was wondering if u could help me with the road conditions from Delhi to Gangotri after the mishap in 2013. how are the roads, i was going through the dental doctors trip in march 2015. are they worth going in june this year as i have about 9 friends in two cars a mahindra bolero and an innova. As i have never been on this road in this part of india.
and also tell me any good decent hotels as we have children along, and tell me what good food to eat and where. As i am Diabetic so i will definately look for KINGOD and rhododendron juice.
i stay very nearby to uttam nagar in rajouri garden if u say i can come meet you in your office.
bye
Rishi, there will be a DoW mini meet on 13th June opposite venky college where we can catch up. Stay tuned to event in Facebook page. If you have gone through that article of my recent trip to Gangotri – Harsil, then you are aware of most things. With above cars in hand, there should not be a problem at all as a blocker. Since, you diabetic, rhododendron juice is not for you as it contains too much sugar syrup 😀 …. But, kingod you can check with locals. Regarding stay, better to checkin at GMVN of Harsil.
Hello Dheeraj ,
iam planning a trip to manali from delhi , it will be a 4 days trip . We dont have enough time but i wanted to make each day of my trip memorable one . I saw your post of 5 destinations in himachal which includes Tirthaan valley . I wanted to cover tirthaan valley , rohtang , and river rafting place , i dont know where exactly it is , but i wanted to experience it .
Now i have 4 days time, let me know how should i plan Tirthaan valley , Rohtang and few more of your choice as iam going there for the first time . How much time i should spent in each place without being ” OVER EXHAUSTED” . Waiting for your suggestions …
Thanks .
Puneet
Puneet, I will suggest to skip Tirthan if you just have 4 days in hand. Better do it like below:
Day 1 – Reach Manali, take rest for half of the day and enjoy the walks on Mall road. (I assume that you will be reaching in the morning by Volvo)
Day 2 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), Hike the woods around Old Manali, Jogni Falls, Bijli Mahadev near Kullu etc.
Day 3 – Manali – Snow Point or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali. On the way back you can visit Solang Valley and do paragliding there.
Day 4 – Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi (Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon. Since, the volov will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus)
If you really want, may be on Day 4 instead of Naggar Castle, you can go over to stay at tirthan valley and spend next day there till evening before catching the bus from Aut tunnel.
Hello Dheeraj,
I would first like to appreciate your constant effort and dedication in creating such a informative website and forum for travelers going to the Himalayas. Kudos for the awesome facts and guides.
So now i would like to ask you for your guidance for trip that i was to take in May – June 2015 to the Himalayas.
Place to visit was the North-East ( Meghalaya, Cherrapunji, Kohima, Guwahati, Sikkim, Bhutan.)
And later travel to Lahul and Spiti via Shimla covering your recommended places. Post completion of this route would be coming back to delhi to meet up with family and friends and after 6 days stay, would be traveling to Ladakh via Delhi-Rohtak-Amritsar-Pahalgam-Srinagar-Leh. Here again i would be covering all the lakes and places recommended on the site.
Now the primary concern i have is, Considering the recent Natural Calamity in Nepal. I would like to know is there a chance that any of the above mentioned places would be affected and also would it be safe to travel in the Himalayan region on Motorcycle-Solo at this time.
I look forward to hearing from you to make my decision.
Thanks in advance.
-Niranjan.
Hello Niranjan,
Thanks a lot for kind words 🙂
Natural Calamities cannot be predicted by mortal souls like us. So, that can happen anytime and anywhere. However, if you talking about the aftermaths then nothing major as such reported from any parts of Northern Himalayas in India.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dhirajji,
I am Kallol Maitra from Mumbai. At first I want to congratulate you for your continuous effort to update “devilonwheels” on the latest weather and road conditions in Ladakh and other regions in the Himalayas.
My wife Alka and me (both senior citizens) had been to Leh in the year 2011 and covered Pangong Tso and Khardungla, along with local sightseeing.
In May-June 2016 (preferably 2nd or 3rd week of May), we both, husband & wife (may be with 2 more family members), plan to undertake a road journey (hired SUV) to Leh from Srinagar, with a night halt at Kargil. From Leh, we would like to cover Nubra Valley for 2-3 days and 1 or 2 nights stay @ Pangong Tso. We would like to travel from Leh to Manali by road (hired SUV).
I would humbly request you to chalk out a day wise travel plan. Number of days is not a constraint for us. We are based in Mumbai. Will travel by air from Mumbai -Srinagar and also from Chandigarh/Delhi-Mumbai.
Thank you so much sir 🙂 🙂
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.
Dheeraj,
Following you since 2 years. Now is the time that we r finally heading ladakh in June. The concern is transport of bike from pune. We have heard some bad experiences from guys transporting through train. Again, we r total 9 people so probability of accommodating 9 bikes in same train is questionable! Do you suggest any private service for same which is reliable?
Sorry Omkar, no idea on private service. However, you can read for some tips: How to Carry your Bike in Train to Ladakh or Himalayas?
Dear Dheeraj,
1. Your information posted is of immense use for all those planning the trips to the Himalayas. Thanks for the same.
2. I would like to share my program and know your comments on the same.
3. We r a family of 4- self, wife and two sons aged 19 and 16 yrs, planning to travel from Delhi via Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Manali and back to Delhi, by Ford Eco Sport (1.0 L EcoBoost) Petrol. The travel plan is like this:-
31 May 15 – Delhi to Jammu – Night stay at Jammu
01 Jun 15 – Jammu to Srinagar – Night stay at Srinagar
02 Jun 15 – Srinagar to Kargil – Night stay at Kargil
03 Jun – Kargil to Leh
04 Jun – Rest at Leh / Leh Local
05 Jun – Leh to Nubra – Night stay at Diskit
06 Jun – Diskit to Pangong Tso – Night stay at Pangong Tso
07 Jun – Pangong to Leh
08 Jun – Rest at Leh
09 Jun – Leh to Tso Moriri – Night Stay at Korzak
10 Jun – Tso Moriri to Sarchu / Pang Camp – Night stay at Same
11 Jun – Sarchu / Pang Camp to Manali – Nght stay at Manali
12 Jun – Manali to Delhi Home
4. Please advise whether the plan is Ok and special tips, if any including the suitability of my Gaadi.
Regards,
G Uma Maheswar Rao
Hello G Uma,
The only change I will suggest is that instead of taking the route to Pangong Tso from Nubra/Deskit over Wari La pass, it is much better to utilize the rest day in Leh and do normal route to Pangong Tso from Leh to have enough rest as well as less risk in the journey. Rest looks fine to me.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot. I shall take your advise on the proposed changes.
Bye
Hi.
I will be travelling to leh in the month of june. I would like to know are self drive cars/jeeps available from chandigarh.
Rohan, I do not think so you will get any self drive cars from Chandigarh. However, you can get them from Gurgaon / Delhi/NCR from Zoomcar. Check the article: How to hire a Self Drive Car on Rent for Ladakh or Himalayas
Hi everyone, I am sagar from vadodara gujrat.
I am planning trip to leh with devils on wheels group on 15jun. I am coming by my own scorpio. Currently, only me and my wife are there in scorpio. I am dropping this msg so that anyone who is planning same trip can share ride with us. I can accomodate 3 to 5 people.
Do contact me([email protected])
Sagar, devil on wheels do not organize any tour. It just provide a platform through DoW Travel Calendar to connect to like minded people and travel together on your own if dates are matching each other. You can search like minded people who are looking for travel partners using travel calendar from the main menu.
Hi all,
We are two girls from Delhi visiting leh ladakh in late June for 15/16 days. We will hire taxi from Srinagar probably Xylo/Scorpio and it will be with us for all days. We are looking for 2/3 people who will help us to minimize the expenses. Please let us know if any one interested. We would also like to join in a group who’s planning to complete the circuit via Srinagar manali delhi. Please suggest.
Hi what is ur expense estimate?
Hello lin,
My budget is anything between 40-45k including food & accommodation. Sadly my both female friends backed off now. I solo traveller loonking a partner traveller or a small group.
AROUND 50K PER COUPLE FROM DELHI FOR 14N TOUR
THIS IS APPROX.
PLS MAIL UR DETAILS LIKE FROM WHERE U R, DATE OF TRVL ETC.
Hi,
We are a group of 2 people. Me and one of my female friends are planning to go in mid of june via our own car. If you want to join us, kindly reply me.
HI, I AM ALSO TRAVELLING THERE (WITH MY WIFE ) BY OWN SCORPIO. WE R FRM BARODA(GJ). PLS MAL ME DETAILS OF URS LIKE FRIM WHR U R, DATE OF JRNY, BUDGET ETC.
THNX
Hi Mr. Sagar,
I’ve sent you a mail on your above mentioned mail ID.
Thanks.
Hello AB,
I am a solo traveller delhi based female. I am interested in joining you guys. I have just update my travel calender for the same trip in md of june. You can have a look after couple of ours as is been under s screening by the admin. Please contact at [email protected]
Hi MehtaHoney,
I’ve sent you a mail on the above mentioned mail ID.
Thank you.
Sagar this is not the same DOW – Devilsonwheelz trip organiser person site whose details you had shared it with me on whatsapp. So don’t get confuse by the similar name check the initials and contact details buddy!
Yes, they are some copy cats using our brand name as similar phonetics. A lot of people confuse us with them as they are using the same name that sound like ours and they are running commercial tours, in turn getting benefit of the brand value we have built up over half a decade or so. Really sad I will say and it hurts us badly. However, we have published a long time before: Beware | DoW is a Non-Profit & Non-Commercial Community and we do not organize any tours or packages.
Yes, they are some copy cats using our brand name as similar phonetics. A lot of people confuse us with them as they are using the same name that sound like ours and they are running commercial tours, in turn getting benefit of the brand value we have built up over half a decade or so. Really sad I will say and it hurts us badly. However, we have published a long time before: Beware | DoW is a Non-Profit & Non-Commercial Community and we do not organize any tours or packages.
Hello Dheeraj,
My friend told me to check it out your web site and I must say It’s awesome… Its very happy informative on leh-ladak trip. I really appreciate your efforts for seeing this up. I called up couple of time but your phone was on off mode. So thought to drop message. Well we are a group of three girls planning to go via srinager-leh-manali in the month of June. We have 12/13days to spend. We will hire SUV for this journey. Could you please tell much will it cost us and also suggest itennery. Could you recommend some taxi drivers contact numbers if possible. Please reply as I have to book our flight tickets from Delhi to Srinagar within a week time.
Regards,
Honey.
Hello Honey,
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 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.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello Mr. Dheeraj.
We are group of 4 people. We are reaching leh on 28th May – evening. We are hiring Enfield from Leh. After reading almost all your articles on DOW, We have plan our itinerary as follow
Day 1 – Acclimatization at Lae – local leh visit
Day 2 – Leh to Nubra/Diskit(Night Stay – Diskit)
Day 3 – Diskit to leh (Night stay – Leh)
Day 4 – Leh to Pangong ( Night stay – spangmik)
Day 5 – spangmik to Tso moriri ( Night Stay – Karzok)
Day 6 – Tso moriri to Leh ( via Tso kar)
Day 7 – Buffer day (Extra Day at leh)
Is this ok? Is there anything we left which is must visit while in leh? Plz give your experienced suggestions.
*We are covering magnetic hill and pathar sahib in local visit day i.e. day 1.
*As we read that for nubra to pangong, there are two other route i.e. wari la & shyok. Can we take that route and avoid one night at leh?
Thanks
Hi Harsh,
Firstly I will suggest to have rest on Day 2 as well. Secondly, you do not have enough time to make it to Tso Moriri. My suggestion to you will be to drop Tso Moriri, rest couple of days in Leh, then do 2 day trip to Nubra Valley and then 2 day trip to Pangong Tso. Do Sham Valley on Day 2 and Day 1 should all be rest day.
Before deciding anything for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, read the article: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
I have booked my flight tickets to Srinagar on 6 June 2015 and will start the trip from 7 June.ollowing will be the itinerary as you have suggested in your blog :-
Day 1 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
Day 3 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
Day 4 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
Day 5 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
Day 6 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
Day 7 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
Day 8 | Leh – Tso Moriri
Day 9 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Sarchu
Day 10 | Sarchu – Baralacha La – Keylong – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Can you suggest about road conditions as none of the highway has opened yet?I am in conversation with some of the drivers mentioned in your blog.Is it true that taxi outside J&K number are allowed till Leh and not further??
What if the road of Leh-Manali is not opened till that time??
Thanks
Hello Harsh,
Your travel plan seems fine. Regarding road conditions, by that time you are planning both Manali – Leh Highway as well as Srinagar – Leh Highway shall be open. And yes, it is true that outside JK taxi are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh. You can only use them to get in and get out of Leh.
If the road from Leh to Manali does not open, then you have to come back from Srinagar side only 🙂
Stay tuned to the road status update thread here on DoW where we keep on publishing the updates
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi DOW Team,
I have gone through your website and its really cool to have so much info on Ladakh as this trip requires a lot of planning. Appreciate your effort for setting this up and is helping a lot.
We are planning for a bike trip from Srinagar to Leh to Manali in the month of July. I would like to know the possibility to hire a bike for this one way bike journey as our starting point will be Srinagar and will drop bike in Manali?
Also if the option is available, how much extra we need to pay for to drop bike in Manali. We are looking for atleast 2 bikes. What do you suggest
Thanks.
Thank you Meet. Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
I personally feel larger groups will be targeted more than smaller groups or individuals.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DoW Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
the one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://devilonwheels.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Hi Dheeraj,
I have been following your website for quite some time now. I have never came across such excellent and prompt replies in post.
I hope you can help me with suggestions in my trip to Leh.
I am planning to go for 15 day road trip to Leh from Delhi in Self-Drive car. Problem is I do not own an SUV. I checked some of the options on internet for self drive vehicles from Delhi (Zoom car/ carzonrent). But it appears to be costly. Second option is to come to manali via road/bus/flight( anything which available in budget) and then continue to leh in rented self-drive car. Could you please let me know if it is possible to get self-drive cars (SUV) on rent from manali? It can help to do trip in less number of days and also may be budget friendly.
Thank you Tinkesh. There are no self drive rentals in Manali or Ladakh. It is much better to hire a taxi in your case if budget does not fit and then tip the drive to let you drive. It is more economic, less painful and have less liability + no security deposits. Not to forget a helping expert hand too in case you are tired or get the vehicle stuck on a trick patch.
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be travelling to Leh in mid June with Family. I have 10 days to spend. Could you please suggest common Itenary i could follow. I want to cover Pankong lake, nubra valley , tso morrari lake, Zanskar valley, Khardungla Pass . Want to go Srinagar after that by road. Will it be safe in June by Taxi or Bus.
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply and sorry for not detaling my plan. I will be taking flight from Delhi and reaching Leh on 9th June 7 AM. I have 10 days to roam around Leh and next 4-5 days to come back via srinagar – Jammu – Delhi. If you could suggest places i could go with family having Kid also of 6 year. No adventure just good sight scenes. Even though i am interested in Paragliding if could get at near by places in Leh. If you have any idea how much paragliding cost around Leh that will be great help.
Thanks
Manoj
Manoj, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Now instead of coming back to Delhi by flight for the last few days you can follow the below plan:
Day 1 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 2 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 3 | Srinagar – Jammu / Pathankot
— Overnight at Jammu / Pathankot
Day 4 | Jammu / Pathankot – Delhi
— Back Home
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all thank you so much for your prompt response to all the queries you have received till date. I am looking for car for my client from Srinagar to Leh for 14 days. Could you please advise us best possible options for the same. Itinerary will be as below,
No of pax – 2 adults
Car – NAC Tavera / Qualis / Scorpio
Itinerary:
Pickup – 16/05/2015 from Srinagar airport
17/05/2015 to 19/05/2015 – Pahalgam
19/05/2015 to 21/05/2015 – Gulmarg
21/05/2015 to 22/05/2015 – Sonamarg
22/05/2015 to 23/05/2015 – Kargil
23/05/2015 to 25/05/2015 – Leh
25/05/2015 to 26/05/2015 – Nubra
26/05/2015 to 27/05/2015 – Leh
27/05/2015 to 28/05/2015 – Pangong
28/05/2015 to 29/05/2015 – Leh
29/05/015 – Drop at Leh airport
Kindly advise if above itinerary is perfect or there is any amendments required?
Looking forward to hear from you.
Harshil, in case you looking for rates, you can check with [email protected] as we do not offer any travel packages. It is an info. sharing platform and that too for free 🙂 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
I am so lucky that I came across your site.
Am planning on a trip through the following:
Shimla-manali-leh-ladakh-kashmir.
i would wanna visit a lot of places in and around the above mentioned.
I am travelling alone and am looking for female travel partners.
If no luck then would solo travel be safe?
Solo travel- cheap budget- 30-40k for 25-30 days minimum
Quite keen in exploring the region. month- july-august.
Kindly let me know if this will work out and how and what i should do to make this work.
And yes I have read through all your posts.
A huge fan. 🙂
Replied on the other thread.
hi
i am chirag. i wanted to visit leh ladakh from very long time but unfortunately i couldn’t. this is the last year of my college and i m willing to go leh ladakh by road in own hatchback car with my friends. we are planning to go in march so will the roads be open for this month and on an average how much budget should each have in there hand for the entire tour. which will be the best route via srinagar or via manali. i have read most of the topics you have mentioned on your site but the posts being posted in lately 2011 so i was wondering about this year what changes will we find. i want this tour to be successful and rememberable one so every possible info will be appreciated
thanks.
Chirag, the roads to Ladakh open after mid of May from Srinagar side and in June from Manali side. So, in march you can only fly to Leh and then explore Ladakh. the articles though are dated 2011 but most of them are up to date info. as they are kept modified with latest news and developments.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have been diligently following your website for the intricate details. You have been doing an impeccable in terms of all aspects for a trip to Ladakh,it is extremely helpful for us to follow the same and plan our trips accordingly. The primary reason of contacting you is to get much more details and expert advise on few of the routes which I have planned out in the month of July – August.
We plan to cover Leh – Pangong – Tsomorir – Leh/ Leh – TsoMoriri – Pangong in a span of three days. My first question would be is it feasible to cover it up? as we have serious time-constraints. We would be having a car and three bikes and considering the road conditions and erratic weather is it possible to do the same in three days?
Along with the above mentioned details would need few excerpts on the following details :
1) En route to pangong is there anyplace where we could take a night halt? So that it divides the journey in One and Half days. Anywhere on the villages which is mentioned.
2) Is it possible to cover TsoMoriri to Leh is one day? Again we have three bikes and a car.
3) Is it possible to reach Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass in one single day? If so how many kms that would be?
Awaiting your valuable opinion on the same. Will get back to you as in when I come across anything else.
Cheers,
Budhaditya
Hello Budhaditya,
Thank you so much and sorry for a delayed reply. Life seems miserable in all the admission processes of my kid in nursery 😉 …
Leh – Pangong tso – Tso Moriri – Leh can be done in three days provided the fact that you take the direct route from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri and have enough fatigue levels to almost ride/drive more than 9 hrs on an average in three days. Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Leh.
1. The night halts have to be, Pangong tso and Tso Moriri only.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, Nubra Valley day trip again possible but about 12 Hrs up and down.
Regards
Dheeraj