Ladakh - Sep 16 to Oct 1st - Suggestions Please !

[deepu.bansal87]

Hi All,

I along with my family and friends (total 6) would be travelling to Leh from Sep 16th to Oct 1st.
Since, we can not count upon the Kashmir route, I have chalked out below plan:

16 Sep Delhi - Manali
17 Sep Manali -- Jispa
18 Sep Jispa -- Leh
19 Sep Leh local
20 Sep leh -- panamik
21 Sep Panamik -- Hunder
22 Sep Hunder -- Agam -- Shyok -- Pangong
23 Sep Pangong and around
24 Sep Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle
25 Sep Hanle and around
26 Sep Hanle -- Tso moriri
27 Sep Tso moriri -- Sarchu
28 Sep Sarchu -- Manali -- Delhi (Board Volvo at 5.30 PM)
29 Sep Buffer (Reach Delhi in morning)
30 Sep Buffer
1 Oct Buffer

Few questions for above itinerary:

1. We will hire a Ladakh Taxi for Manali to Manli Circuit from Sep 17th to Sep 28th. Is it a good idea ?
   
2. Where can I use two out of three buffer days. Which place is suggested to spend more time ?
3. I want to get a self-camping experience with own tents. What are the best/safe places to camp at ?
4. Any suggestions for 26th Sep, Hanle and around.
5. Should I spend one more day in Leh or Nubra ?
6. I have heard, Panamik is the last village before Siachin. So are there any Siachin views(glacier/snow bound mountains) from Panamik ?
7. Is there any prebooking required at any of these places ?
8. Any place from the above plan where accomodation might be bit tough to get in Sep end ?
9. Sarchu or Jispa ? Sarchu breaks the journey more evenly in two days from Manali to Leh, then why Jispa ?
10. Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle sounds too much of a distance, but is Chushul worth a stay ?

Thanks in advance.
Deepak

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

1. Leh taxi might not be able to pick you up from Manali, however for rest of the circuit it would be with you, including for Manali drop.

2. With 2 days in hand, my suggestion would be to do Dah Village along with Sham Valley.

3. Nubra would be the best bet, just camp near a guest house or in a field, after seeking permission from the locals.

4. Better keep that day for Tso Moriri, it is more scenic.

5. See answer no 2.

6. No. You can go far further than Panamik, as long as only Indian Citizens are there with you. You’re allowed to go till Warshi Village, however you won’t see Siachen from there either.

7. No.

8. Tso Moriri.

9. Jispa has better accommodation in form of hotels, while Sarchu only has tented accommodation.

10. Chushul doesn’t have good accommodation and you can easily reach Hanle by evening.

 

[adsatinder]

I have chalked out below plan:

16 Sep Delhi - Manali
17 Sep Manali -- Jispa
18 Sep Jispa -- Leh
19 Sep Leh local
20 Sep leh -- panamik
21 Sep Panamik -- Hunder
22 Sep Hunder -- Agam -- Shyok -- Pangong
23 Sep Pangong and around
24 Sep Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle
25 Sep Hanle and around
26 Sep Hanle -- Tso moriri
27 Sep Tso moriri -- Sarchu
28 Sep Sarchu -- Manali -- Delhi (Board Volvo at 5.30 PM)
29 Sep Buffer (Reach Delhi in morning)
30 Sep Buffer
1 Oct Buffer

Few questions for above itinerary:

[*]We will hire a Ladakh Taxi for Manali to Manli Circuit from Sep 17th to Sep 28th. Is it a good idea ?
No.
Better take Taxi from Manali to Leh only.

[*]Where can I use two out of three buffer days. Which place is suggested to spend more time ?
Check on move. If you like any part of Nubra Valley. Stay there for buffer day..


[*]I want to get a self-camping experience with own tents. What are the best/safe places to camp at ?
All are safe places.
Get support by nearby Dhaba etc and enjoy the place.
Just ask someone about pitching own tent at places.

[*]Any suggestions for 26th Sep, Hanle and around.
Night Photography is possible.

[*]Should I spend one more day in Leh or Nubra ?
Yes at Nubra is recommended.

[*]I have heard, Panamik is the last village before Siachin. So are there any Siachin views(glacier/snow bound mountains) from Panamik ?
There are different peaks and few more attractions if you stay there.

[*]Is there any prebooking required at any of these places ?
No for September last.

[*]Any place from the above plan where accomodation might be bit tough to get in Sep end ?
Only Hanle seems to be tough but with new home stays it should be OK.

[*]Sarchu or Jispa ? Sarchu breaks the journey more evenly in two days from Manali to Leh, then why Jispa ?
Jispa is at lower level.
No problems with AMS.
Sarchu / Pang can give pain etc at night. Better target Jispa.


[*]Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle sounds too much of a distance, but is Chushul worth a stay ?

No.
It is a Military place. No place to stay. Better stay at Hanle.

Tao Moriri is own tent place.
Some tents are there this season.
Better prepare to have enough food stock with you.

 

[deepu.bansal87]

1. Leh taxi might not be able to pick you up from Manali, however for rest of the circuit it would be with you, including for Manali drop.

2. With 2 days in hand, my suggestion would be to do Dah Village along with Sham Valley.

3. Nubra would be the best bet, just camp near a guest house or in a field, after seeking permission from the locals.

4. Better keep that day for Tso Moriri, it is more scenic.

5. See answer no 2.

6. No. You can go far further than Panamik, as long as only Indian Citizens are there with you. You’re allowed to go till Warshi Village, however you won’t see Siachen from there either.

7. No.

8. Tso Moriri.

9. Jispa has better accommodation in form of hotels, while Sarchu only has tented accommodation.

10. Chushul doesn’t have good accommodation and you can easily reach Hanle by evening.

I have chalked out below plan:

16 Sep Delhi - Manali
17 Sep Manali -- Jispa
18 Sep Jispa -- Leh
19 Sep Leh local
20 Sep leh -- panamik
21 Sep Panamik -- Hunder
22 Sep Hunder -- Agam -- Shyok -- Pangong
23 Sep Pangong and around
24 Sep Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle
25 Sep Hanle and around
26 Sep Hanle -- Tso moriri
27 Sep Tso moriri -- Sarchu
28 Sep Sarchu -- Manali -- Delhi (Board Volvo at 5.30 PM)
29 Sep Buffer (Reach Delhi in morning)
30 Sep Buffer
1 Oct Buffer

Few questions for above itinerary:

[*]We will hire a Ladakh Taxi for Manali to Manli Circuit from Sep 17th to Sep 28th. Is it a good idea ?
No.
Better take Taxi from Manali to Leh only.

[*]Where can I use two out of three buffer days. Which place is suggested to spend more time ?
Check on move. If you like any part of Nubra Valley. Stay there for buffer day..


[*]I want to get a self-camping experience with own tents. What are the best/safe places to camp at ?
All are safe places.
Get support by nearby Dhaba etc and enjoy the place.
Just ask someone about pitching own tent at places.

[*]Any suggestions for 26th Sep, Hanle and around.
Night Photography is possible.

[*]Should I spend one more day in Leh or Nubra ?
Yes at Nubra is recommended.

[*]I have heard, Panamik is the last village before Siachin. So are there any Siachin views(glacier/snow bound mountains) from Panamik ?
There are different peaks and few more attractions if you stay there.

[*]Is there any prebooking required at any of these places ?
No for September last.

[*]Any place from the above plan where accomodation might be bit tough to get in Sep end ?
Only Hanle seems to be tough but with new home stays it should be OK.

[*]Sarchu or Jispa ? Sarchu breaks the journey more evenly in two days from Manali to Leh, then why Jispa ?
Jispa is at lower level.
No problems with AMS.
Sarchu / Pang can give pain etc at night. Better target Jispa.


[*]Pangong -- Chushul -- Hanle sounds too much of a distance, but is Chushul worth a stay ?

No.
It is a Military place. No place to stay. Better stay at Hanle.

Tao Moriri is own tent place.
Some tents are there this season.
Better prepare to have enough food stock with you.

Thanks @Yogesh Sarkar and @adsatinder .

I have few more doubts:

1. Right now we do not own any tent equipment. So should we buy them from Delhi itself or Leh is a better option to buy from. Can I actually count upon the shops from where one can buy these things, given it is september end ?
2. For Taxi I am in talks with Rigzin (Stakna) who agreed to come to Manali to pick us up. But just wanted to understand, why is it not recommended to book single taxi for whole circuit.
3. Is Innova, a decent Vehicle to bear this route?
4. Some specific places, not to be missed during Leh local sightseeing?
5. As I have kept one day for Leh sightseeing, would it be enough keeping in time to get permits from Leh office ?
6. I have kept one day for Pangong and around. Any specific point around Pangong which should not be missed ?
7. We went to Spiti last year, and were excited to see Ibex near Kibber. So, in hope to sight a Snow Leopard or Wolf or fox, we kept a close eye on hills. However, could not sight anything else. So, in Ladakh, is there any chance to sight any wild life during the journey or any nearby place that can be explored which has high chances for these animals to be seen ?
8. Do we have a link which has the list of items to carry for such trip ? I am sure there should be one !

Thanks.

 

[deepu.bansal87]

Just had a talk with Rigzin. Manali to Leh would not be possible in his car as Manali taxi Union is not allowing for Leh taxis to pick up from manali.. How much should a taxi cost from manali to Leh?

Sent from my XT1052 using Tapatalk

 

[adsatinder]

Just had a talk with Rigzin. Manali to Leh would not be possible in his car as Manali taxi Union is not allowing for Leh taxis to pick up from manali.. How much should a taxi cost from manali to Leh?

Sent from my XT1052 using Tapatalk

Ask Manali Taxi Stand by Google search.
Talk to one of them.

 

[deepu.bansal87]

Any suggestions on other queries please !

 

[adsatinder]

I have few more doubts:
1. Right now we do not own any tent equipment. So should we buy them from Delhi itself or Leh is a better option to buy from. Can I actually count upon the shops from where one can buy these things, given it is september end ?
It depends on your ease of travel.
if you can carry a tent easily, take it from Delhi.
Here you can have better options.

2. For Taxi I am in talks with Rigzin (Stakna) who agreed to come to Manali to pick us up. But just wanted to understand, why is it not recommended to book single taxi for whole circuit.
Manali to Leh is only allowed for a manali Taxi Union to cover it.
Ladakh Circuit is monopoly of ladakh taxi union.
They do not allow other rented vehicles to ply.

3. Is Innova, a decent Vehicle to bear this route?
Yes.

4. Some specific places, not to be missed during Leh local sightseeing?
As I have kept one day for Leh sightseeing, would it be enough keeping in time to get permits from Leh office ?
You can see all places of interest from city road itself and you will like to go all such places.
However on Kargil Road, Confluence of rivers, Gurdwar Pathar Sahib etc are also there.
You can take permits under an hour in daytime before lunch easily.

5. I have kept one day for Pangong and around. Any specific point around Pangong which should not be missed ?
Just spend Sunrise , Sunset, Night time there only.
There are many local points.
Research little more.

6. We went to Spiti last year, and were excited to see Ibex near Kibber. So, in hope to sight a Snow Leopard or Wolf or fox, we kept a close eye on hills. However, could not sight anything else. So, in Ladakh, is there any chance to sight any wild life during the journey or any nearby place that can be explored which has high chances for these animals to be seen ?
Enroute Pangong Marmot can be seen
Google more about Marmot.

7. Do we have a link which has the list of items to carry for such trip ? I am sure there should be one !
There are many.
Read all the threads:


Lot of Homework now !
LOL !

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

1.Then don’t buy camping equipment, frankly it makes no sense to lug it around, since accommodation is available everywhere. It is only useful if you’re going trekking or just have to camp at all costs.

2. Now you know why. Taxi from Manali will likely charge 18k for Manali to Leh.

3. Innova is a good option.

4. Shanti Stupa, Indus and Zanskar Confluence, Sindhu Darshan Point, Spituk Monastery, Likir Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.

5. Yes.

6. Drive up to Merak Village and visit Harong Wet Lands.

7. Most like you will spot Kiangs around Merak and if you’re lucky, you might even spot Ibex, rest are difficult to spot.

8. List of essential things to carry for Ladakh

 

[deepu.bansal87]

I have few more doubts:
1. Right now we do not own any tent equipment. So should we buy them from Delhi itself or Leh is a better option to buy from. Can I actually count upon the shops from where one can buy these things, given it is september end ?
It depends on your ease of travel.
if you can carry a tent easily, take it from Delhi.
Here you can have better options.

2. For Taxi I am in talks with Rigzin (Stakna) who agreed to come to Manali to pick us up. But just wanted to understand, why is it not recommended to book single taxi for whole circuit.
Manali to Leh is only allowed for a manali Taxi Union to cover it.
Ladakh Circuit is monopoly of ladakh taxi union.
They do not allow other rented vehicles to ply.

3. Is Innova, a decent Vehicle to bear this route?
Yes.

4. Some specific places, not to be missed during Leh local sightseeing?
As I have kept one day for Leh sightseeing, would it be enough keeping in time to get permits from Leh office ?
You can see all places of interest from city road itself and you will like to go all such places.
However on Kargil Road, Confluence of rivers, Gurdwar Pathar Sahib etc are also there.
You can take permits under an hour in daytime before lunch easily.

5. I have kept one day for Pangong and around. Any specific point around Pangong which should not be missed ?
Just spend Sunrise , Sunset, Night time there only.
There are many local points.
Research little more.

6. We went to Spiti last year, and were excited to see Ibex near Kibber. So, in hope to sight a Snow Leopard or Wolf or fox, we kept a close eye on hills. However, could not sight anything else. So, in Ladakh, is there any chance to sight any wild life during the journey or any nearby place that can be explored which has high chances for these animals to be seen ?
Enroute Pangong Marmot can be seen
Google more about Marmot.

7. Do we have a link which has the list of items to carry for such trip ? I am sure there should be one !
There are many.
Read all the threads:


Lot of Homework now !
LOL !

1.Then don’t buy camping equipment, frankly it makes no sense to lug it around, since accommodation is available everywhere. It is only useful if you’re going trekking or just have to camp at all costs.

2. Now you know why. Taxi from Manali will likely charge 18k for Manali to Leh.

3. Innova is a good option.

4. Shanti Stupa, Indus and Zanskar Confluence, Sindhu Darshan Point, Spituk Monastery, Likir Monastery and Thiksey Monastery.

5. Yes.

6. Drive up to Merak Village and visit Harong Wet Lands.

7. Most like you will spot Kiangs around Merak and if you’re lucky, you might even spot Ibex, rest are difficult to spot.

8. List of essential things to carry for Ladakh

Thank you soo much @Yogesh Sarkar and @adsatinder .

Will continue my homework now !