Ladakh Travel Guide

[Yogesh Sarkar]

If you are going via the Srinagar side, then there shouldn't be any major issue, unless winter starts a bit early. Same goes for Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso.

However coming back is another issue and my advice would be to book a flight out of Leh, even though the road would likely be open at that time.

 

[abhi1785]

Hi all!
I need some advice on the road conditions for manali- leh highway. We are going for the manali - leh trip this season. We would be a group of 10 persons on 8 bikes. I am reading everywhere that the roads are open only fron June- september . However we all are planning to start the trip in the last week of may i.e. 24 may'2010 . Would like to know if the roads would be open by this time and if yes, then what would be the condition of the roads since i have heard that roads are repaired by BRO only by end of june. And is there any other risk of landslides etc. by the end of may.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Opening of the road and them staying open is entirely dependent on weather, especially in the beginning of season. One day of heavy snowfall is often more than enough to block the road for couple of days or more and that can happen in May.

If you are worried about road conditions, then do not do Manali - Leh till around middle of June. In the beginning not only are the roads in bad conditions, there is also plenty of snow and ice on the road.

 

[abhi1785]

@yogesh: Thanx a lot

 

[Minotaur]

Will Rain play spoilt sport?

Hi all.Could u pleas e tell me if 3-13 july10 will be alright for ladakh ride.Im worried about monsons

 

[rpsatlantis]

Hi Everyone,

I just joined in here, though have been following you guys for quite sometime.

I am planning a trip to Ladakh and want to cover Marsimek la. Just wanted to know if I can do that on my Pulsar 150, and if anyone else has done it on such a bike. If not, then are there any other places in Ladakh which I might be able to take my Pulsar 150, to.

Cheers

 

[Ashwi]

Ladakh Travel Tips please

Hi!

Thanks for the fantastic travel guide. I'll agree with the others in saying that it is the best resource for info on ladakh on the net.

I'm based in bangalore and am planning a trip to Leh in the second week of aug. We're planning to fly to delhi first and then take an early morning flight to manali, spend a day there and then take a taxi to leh over 3 days. At the end, we'll drive from leh to srinagar and fly back from there.

We have around 10-12 days in all and I'd like to know what other places we should cover while we're there.

And some more questions
1) I read somewhere that flights to manali may see delays during the monsoons, but no info anywhere else about this. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know if flying to manali is a decent option since sitting through the night in a bus does not appeal to me. I did not find any sleeper buses plying this route, and would appreciate info regarding the same if anyone knows.

2) If anyone can suggest reliable homestays or tour operators, please let me know.

3) I'd also appreciate info on how to book hotels/ tents and/or if booking is required, and in how much advance.

4) Any info regarding the permits, how long it takes to get them and if it is possible to get them in advance, is also appreciated.

And if there's any other couple interested in joining us, please send me a message.

 

[Yogesh Sarkar]

Re: Ladakh Travel Tips please

1) I read somewhere that flights to manali may see delays during the monsoons, but no info anywhere else about this. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know if flying to manali is a decent option since sitting through the night in a bus does not appeal to me. I did not find any sleeper buses plying this route, and would appreciate info regarding the same if anyone knows.

I would be surprised if there aren’t any delays or cancellations in monsoon, as the Bhunter area does receives pretty good rain fall in monsoons.

3) I'd also appreciate info on how to book hotels/ tents and/or if booking is required, and in how much advance.

That would vary from hotel to hotel as each have their policies. Having said that, unless you really do not want to get into the hassle of checking out hotels and then bargaining for the right price (usually cheaper than web/phone rates), then there is really no need to book in advance, well maybe apart from the first or first couple of nights in Leh.

4) Any info regarding the permits, how long it takes to get them and if it is possible to get them in advance, is also appreciated.

You can get them in advance through travel agents or guest houses in Leh (they will charge you separate fee), otherwise you can arrive in Leh, go to the DC office in the morning with photo copies of photo identity card (driving license, voter id card, pan card etc.) of yours and that of others traveling with you, fill up a form and pay the required fee and collect the permit couple of hours later.

 

[Ashwi]

Hi!

Thanks for the info. We've decided to travel on either 13th Aug or the following saturday. Does that still fall in the danger zone as far as monsoon and flight delays are concerned.

Also I don't mind going there and bargaining for the price of hotels,.. but there won't be any problem of not finding any rooms or something like that?

And since September is nearly the end I'm kind of unsure about making a trip there 28Aug -11Sep. Do you think its still a good time?

 

[anupmathur]

.....
And since September is nearly the end I'm kind of unsure about making a trip there 28Aug -11Sep. Do you think its still a good time?

Ashwi, 28Aug to 11Sep is still a good time. In fact it is better than mid-Aug.

Hotel accommodation can be arranged on arrival; there are indeed a lot of hotels and guest houses. In the worst case, you might need to spend a little extra on the first night and you'd be able to find something more suitable the next day.