Hi all, This is Shreyas. I'm 22, and an avid biker. I'm planning to head towards Leh Ladakh this December.

We are a group of 5 friends who are preparing for the trip and we have decided on December because that's the only month all of us will be free since we are all freshers.

I wanted to ask for help from the experienced riders and locals from the community on the following:

All the things I'm requesting help with is from Manali. If anyone has suggestions of a different place where all these might be available then please let me know.

- Will the highways be open in December?
- Bikes for rent (Prices and conditions)
- Pannier bags for rent (Are they available?)
- What all to carry for the December ride?
- Availability of stay during December.
- Permits required
- Conducted tour or plan on your own?
- Riding gear for rent(Prices and condition)
- Cold weather wear for rent(Are they available?)
- What all places to visit?
- Any problems during these Covid times near checkposts?
- Ideal number of days to visit the area.

We are from Hyderabad and are planning to head to Leh from Manali.

As we have all just started working we cannot spend a lot so we have kept a budget of 35k each. Please let me know if this is too low.

All of us are heading in different paths, some doing their MBA, some MS and some continuing their jobs.
So, we want to have a memorable trip before we part ways.

Please guide us for the same. I would really really appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Shreyas.