Need advice - Vellore to Leh in Mid of May 2023

[Tilak Francis]

All the very best Tilak Francis sir. I'm also like you wondering if I can squeeze a two weeks ride either Spiti circuit or Um Lingla in end May'23 or June'23. Again as you said family, schools, office and what not! If we are destined to go no matter whatever happens we will go. I've already done Leh circuit by car in Aug 2015. So my plan to Spiti/Umling la now. My only suggestion to you is see if you can fly to and fro from Chennai to Delhi/Chandigarh instead of train. This will save you atleast 4 days of leave and keep them as buffer. You can parcel bikes to Delhi/Chandigarh sir. There's a direct train from Madurai/Chandigarh even. While return you can make use of Chandigarh to Madurai train in case bike parcels isn't allowed at New delhi station.

Thank you Prasad. I will have your suggestion as a backup plan while returning, in case of unexpected delay with my ride itinerary. Any plans of doing Umling la in your Yamaha Libero ?!

 

[kprasad]

Thank you Prasad. I will have your suggestion as a backup plan while returning, in case of unexpected delay with my ride itinerary. Any plans of doing Umling la in your Yamaha Libero ?!

Ha ha ! You remember a lot. I have given my Libero to my dad's friend who is riding it in place of his 1978 Jawa. Due to age he is not able to handle Jawa. So I have given Libero a safe retirement as it is 16 year old bike. So I have now a newly purchased CT125X which I'm planning to take it there.

 

[kprasad]

Thank you Prasad

Since you're travelling in May I think it will be too chill over there at hills during ride. How about gears and clothes that you've planned to keep yourself warm during ride? If you list them it will be more helpful to persons like me from TN to plan gears accordingly.

 

[Tilak Francis]

Since you're travelling in May I think it will be too chill over there at hills during ride. How about gears and clothes that you've planned to keep yourself warm during ride? If you list them it will be more helpful to persons like me from TN to plan gears accordingly.

Hi Prasad. At the age of 47, I am going to see the snow for the first time . Of course, I will share my plan to keep myself warm.
Basic norm - More layers of clothing, more warm it would be. The air pockets between the layers will act as insulators. The layers does not need to be so thick and heavy.

Layer 1 - Cold cream like Vaseline lotion all over the body (makes our skin like seal skin).
Layer 2 - Baniyan (with half sleeve to absorb sweat at armpit) and Boxer shorts (prevents chafing and provides comfort during rides).
Layer 3 - Thermal wear set or Decathlon ski base layer. Can also use long sleeve round neck t shirts along with a thin body hugging pant.
Layer 4 - T shirt half sleeve
Layer 5 - Riding Jacket, riding Pants, water proof gloves and riding boots.

On local sight seeing days, I would use a Decathlon forclaz -5*degree jacket and Jeans bottom as a layer 5.

I hope this gives you some idea.

 

[dichkaun]

Hi Prasad. At the age of 47, I am going to see the snow for the first time . Of course, I will share my plan to keep myself warm.
Basic norm - More layers of clothing, more warm it would be. The air pockets between the layers will act as insulators. The layers does not need to be so thick and heavy.

Layer 1 - Cold cream like Vaseline lotion all over the body (makes our skin like seal skin).
Layer 2 - Baniyan (with half sleeve to absorb sweat at armpit) and Boxer shorts (prevents chafing and provides comfort during rides).
Layer 3 - Thermal wear set or Decathlon ski base layer. Can also use long sleeve round neck t shirts along with a thin body hugging pant.
Layer 4 - T shirt half sleeve
Layer 5 - Riding Jacket, riding Pants, water proof gloves and riding boots.

On local sight seeing days, I would use a Decathlon forclaz -5*degree jacket and Jeans bottom as a layer 5.

I hope this gives you some idea.

Do include a warm cap/hat which covers everything except the eyes.
You may also want to consider cycling shorts with padding instead of boxer shorts.

 

[ChandanElectra]

Let me suggest couple of things

1. Rent a himalayan or xpulse from chandigarh and do the trip. Ct125 will struggle. More over you will spend on prepping the bike, shipping and repair and service after the trip. All these will cost time and money both. Instead renting is better option. You can bargain xpusle for less.

2. Accommodations are expensive in ladakh. Gone are the days of 500 re per day homestays. There are 5 star hotels doing thriving business in leh. Hostels might workout cheaper or shared accomodation who give by bed.

3. Before they tar the zanskar, complet that stretch. From kargil, go to padum, then to leh.

 

[adsatinder]

Let me suggest couple of things

1. Rent a himalayan or xpulse from chandigarh and do the trip. Ct125 will struggle. More over you will spend on prepping the bike, shipping and repair and service after the trip. All these will cost time and money both. Instead renting is better option. You can bargain xpusle for less.

Rented / hired 2 wheelers / 4 wheelers are not allowed.


Taxi Mafia

 

[kprasad]

Hi all. As I had completed Leh by car in 2015 itself, I'm targeting one trip to Manali- Zanskar -Leh- Manali circuit. So I've planned an Itinerary as follows:From June 17th to 24th. My bike will be the humble CT125x.
Day - Plan
0 - Arrive at Chandigarh and collect bike from Railways.
1- Chandigarh to Jispa Stay
2- Jispa to Padum (Early start to mitigate water crossings in Gonbo Ranjan) (I'm skipping Phutgal Trek as I'm interested in ride) stay
3- Padum - Leh Stay (The Lingshed climb, lonely ride is the tough part here)
4 - Rest day
5- Leh to Jispa (again an early start)
6 - Jispa to Chandigarh
7 - Bike parcels and Return flight
Normally I'm an early bird. Wake up at 5 AM with no Alarm. So my ideal start on all days would be by 6 AM.
From the above I know it is some hectic plan. Nevertheless I'm trying out my luck. In case of any problem in climbing Lingshed I will turn around and return back. Due to leaves and other family commitments all I can spare only a week's time.

 

[adsatinder]

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 :
Chances of rain on Jammu to Srinagar in afternoon is good at hill route.

 

[adsatinder]

Wednesday, 17 May 2023 :
Same Chances of rain on Jammu to Srinagar in afternoon is good at hill route.
Srinagar Valley may also see rain on this day.