Expert Opinion on Leh Trip in September

[Motopsycho]

Hi Travelers,

We are planning to do an extensive road trip from Kerala to Leh, starting on August 15th. Though we are aware of the routes and roads till Delhi, none of us have ventured to Leh so far. We have prepared itinerary for two options and both are attached below. We request you to please go through our itinerary and give your valuable feedback/suggestions regarding both.

Option 01: Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi

Day 1: Delhi-Amritsar (Karnal-Kurukshetra-Ludhiana-Jallandhar)
Day 2: Stay in Amritsar
Day 3: Amritsar-Srinagar (Pathankot-Udhampur-Anantnag)
Day 4: Stay in Srinagar
Day 5:Srinagar- Kargil/Drass (Sonamarg-Baltal-Dras)
Day 6: Kargil-Leh (Lamayuru-Nimboo)
Day 7 Stay in Leh-Acclimatization and Permits
Day 8 Leh-Diksit/Hunder (Khardung La- Diksit)
Day 9 Hunder/Diskit-Spangmik/Merak[Pangong Tso] (Agham-Shyok)
Day 10 Spangmik/Merak-Karzok [Tso Moriri] ( Chushul-Mahe-Sumdo-Karzok)
Day 11 Karzok- Leh (Sumdo-Mahe-Kumdok-Karu)
Day 12 Rest Day/Buffer Day in Leh
Day 13 Leh- Jispa ( Leh Manali Highway)
Day 14 Jispa- Kullu/Bhuntar/Kasol (Manali)
Day 15 Rest Day at Kullu/Kasol
Day 16 Kullu-Delhi ( Chandigarh(NH44)

Option o2: Delhi-Spiti Valley- Leh- Manali- Delhi (If situation in Srinagar is bad)

Day 1 Delhi- Narkand ( Karnal-Ambala-Solan-Shimla)
Day 2 Narkand-Kaza ( Jhakri-Sarahan-Wangtu-Tapri)
Day 3 Stay in Kaza (Explore Kaza and Kibber)
Day 4 Kaza- Jispa (Keylong,Manali-Leh Highway)
Day 5 Jispa-Leh ( Manali-Leh Highway)
Day 6 Acclimatization and Permits
Day 7 Leh-Diksit/Hunder (Khardung La- Diksit)
Day 8 Hunder/Diskit-Spangmik/Merak[Pangong Tso] (Agham-Shyok)
Day 09 Spangmik/Merak-Karzok [Tso Moriri] ( Chushul-Mahe-Sumdo-Karzok)
Day 10 Karzok- Leh (Sumdo-Mahe-Kumdok-Karu)
Day 11 Rest Day/Buffer Day in Leh
Day 12 Leh- Jispa ( Leh Manali Highway)
Day 13 Jispa- Kullu/Bhuntar/Kasol (Manali)
Day 14 Rest Day at Kullu/Kasol
Day 15 Kullu-Delhi ( Chandigarh(NH44)

Point to consider:

- We will be starting on Sep 12th from Delhi in a SUV. We dont want to go via Manali so that we can save one day for permits and also avoid the busy Manali-Rohtang pass route.
-We will have an additional biker joining us from Delhi to Leh and back. Therefore we dont want to stretch ourselves on that route.
-We are coming back to Leh from Karzok , so that the biker can take his bike, which will be parked in Leh.

Questions:

1. Do you think this plan is feasible?
2. Do we need to be prepared to carry additional fuel for the Diksit-Pangong Tso -Tso Moriri-Leh sector? The fuel tank capacity of the SUV(Jeep) is 60 Litres.
3. Do you think the days calculated for Spiti Sector is enough, since the route is not in a good condition?


If there is any additional points to be considered, please let us know.

Thanks n advance and Regards
AKK
Travellingsoul.in

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

You will be starting on 15th from Kerala or from Delhi? If from Kerala, by which date you will be starting from Delhi?

Is the Jeep in your name?

Is the motorcycle in the name of rider or he will be hiring it from Delhi?

 

[Motopsycho]

Hi Yogesh,

Thanks for the prompt response.
As mentioned in the 'Points to consider' section, we will start from Delhi on September 12th(possibly 11th, depending on the vehicle service).
The Jeep SUV and Motorcycle are private vehicles, registered in our group members' name.
Regards

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

I hope those members will be traveling with you, otherwise you will have to leave them in Leh.

Amritsar to Srinagar in a single day is going to be difficult, try adding another day here. Rest is fine with the first plan.

Instead of Delhi to Narkanda, you will have to do at least Delhi to Jeori, if you wish to reach Kaza the next day. Though you will be just rushing through Spiti and that isn’t something I would recommend.

In September, traffic en route Rohtang wouldn’t be a lot, unless you’re traveling on a long weekend. Permit can be obtained online in advance.

As far as fuel is concerned, fill up at Diskit and you should be fine, as long as your vehicle’s mileage doesn’t dip below 9 kmpl.

 

[Motopsycho]

I hope those members will be traveling with you, otherwise you will have to leave them in Leh.

Amritsar to Srinagar in a single day is going to be difficult, try adding another day here. Rest is fine with the first plan.

Instead of Delhi to Narkanda, you will have to do at least Delhi to Jeori, if you wish to reach Kaza the next day. Though you will be just rushing through Spiti and that isn’t something I would recommend.

In September, traffic en route Rohtang wouldn’t be a lot, unless you’re traveling on a long weekend. Permit can be obtained online in advance.

As far as fuel is concerned, fill up at Diskit and you should be fine, as long as your vehicle’s mileage doesn’t dip below 9 kmpl.

Hi Yogesh,

Thanks for the inputs.I didnt quite understand your first point. If you are referring whether the owners of the vehicles will be in the group, the answer is yes. We are aware of the issue with outside taxi/rented vehicles in Leh, so it is taken care of.
I second your opinion regarding Amritsar-Srinagar stretch. Since we are planning to reduce the days, we are even thinking of skipping Amritsar. If we opt out Amritsar,what will be your suggestion for Delhi-Srinagar? Is it better to halt at Jammu on the first day and head to Srinagar the next day? Or is there a better option on the way, so that the drives on both days are evenly distributed?
Is Delhi to Jeori possible on one day, since its close to 500 kms and we have a biker with us.
I understand that September will be relatively easier through Manali, but isn't it better to go via Srinagar and come back via Manali(or one way through Spiti)? Also, since we all have been to Manali before, we are not so keen to go through that route.
I understand that we can fill-up in Diksit and I believe the mileage wont dip below 9 kmpl. Can we rely on Diksit fuel station or will there be an alternate option if it not functioning? Also, is there anything else we need to consider on the Diksit-Pangong Tso -Tso Moriri sector, since its a less travelled route?

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Jammu or Udhampur would make the most sense.

Delhi to Jeori is certainly doable, though it does come down to rider’s ability and the conditions at that time. I have taken my 180 to Sarahan (11.5km detour from Jeori) in a single day from Delhi; ride was around 12 hours long.

It is better to take the Srinagar or Spiti route, if you’re spending time acclimatizing to high altitude. If you’re just running from one place to another, then fatigue might kick in.

Diskit petrol pump has regular supply these days, alternatively you can buy in black from Diskit, Shyok, Durbuk, Chushul, Nyoma etc..

Nothing to worry about the Pangong - Tso Moriri route, it is being done by plenty of vehicles these days.

 

[Motopsycho]

Jammu or Udhampur would make the most sense.

Delhi to Jeori is certainly doable, though it does come down to rider’s ability and the conditions at that time. I have taken my 180 to Sarahan (11.5km detour from Jeori) in a single day from Delhi; ride was around 12 hours long.

It is better to take the Srinagar or Spiti route, if you’re spending time acclimatizing to high altitude. If you’re just running from one place to another, then fatigue might kick in.

Diskit petrol pump has regular supply these days, alternatively you can buy in black from Diskit, Shyok, Durbuk, Chushul, Nyoma etc..

Nothing to worry about the Pangong - Tso Moriri route, it is being done by plenty of vehicles these days.

Hi Yogesh,

Thanks a lot for the valuable advice and suggestions. Appreciate a lot.

Regards

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

You’re welcome. Let me know if you need any further information.

 

[Motopsycho]

You’re welcome. Let me know if you need any further information.

Hi Yogesh,

Sure,will do.
Regards

 

[Gaurav Tomar]

Jammu or Udhampur would make the most sense.

Delhi to Jeori is certainly doable, though it does come down to rider’s ability and the conditions at that time. I have taken my 180 to Sarahan (11.5km detour from Jeori) in a single day from Delhi; ride was around 12 hours long.

It is better to take the Srinagar or Spiti route, if you’re spending time acclimatizing to high altitude. If you’re just running from one place to another, then fatigue might kick in.

Diskit petrol pump has regular supply these days, alternatively you can buy in black from Diskit, Shyok, Durbuk, Chushul, Nyoma etc..

Nothing to worry about the Pangong - Tso Moriri route, it is being done by plenty of vehicles these days.

Hi Yogesh,

Is Pangong - Chushul - Loma - Hanle - Tso Moriri doable in small car or GC (Swift) will make an issue?

Where in Leh and who checks whether Car owner is traveling along or not?

I am planning something similar this September in Swift so collecting info, will share my draft itinerary (once ready) in a separate post.

Thanks
Gaurav

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