Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I would say don't abort your plan. You can take the call at Mandi. From Mandi, there is a pahaadi single lane road to hit Kullu (Around an hour longer but much higher up). From Kullu you can take the NAggar road which is again much higher up so you wont face a problem with flood water (if its there)
To be sure about manali, call up any hotel or the SDM office.
Also check bcmt for updates.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Got it. Thanks mik

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Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

You can do Sonmarg to Panikar and then next day to Padum. Same on your way back and from Panikar to Leh. Gives you an extra day at Padum which I am aure you will enjoy. Padum to Kargil will be hectic and Kargil has nothing to offer in terms of scenic views. you will enjoy in Panikar.


Pangong to Hanle will depend on the permit for Chushul, if you dont get permit you will have to come to Karu and go via Chumatang. The road is under construction and the ride will be exhausting at many parts of this route if you take the Upshi route to Chumatang.

Again even if you have permits for Chushul, they can send you back from checkpost so you will have to backtrack to Spangmik. Keep a buffer day handy if you plan on this route.

There is a water stream after chumatang which can get crazy in the evenings. So I wouls suggest stop at chumatang if you reach late evenings or check the stream out and then decide.

Cheers
G1

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Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Hey guys, I have been planning on a sort of long exploratory trip to leh ladakh since I came across an amazing log on Team BHP.
I have just finished reading, collecting information on the first half of the trip. I would like to discuss the following itinerary and would appreciate any inputs and guidance towards the same.

I will leaving around 20th september so that I find minimum rains., and will be riding a ktm duke 390.

Day 1 : New Delhi to Khajjiar ( is it possible in a day or am I being too optimistic ? )
Day 2 : Khajjiar to killar
Day 3 : Killar to Kishtwar
Day 4 : Kishtwar to Srinagar.
Day 5 : Srinagar to Kupwara ( around 85kms of riding, so that I can get some rest.
Day 6 : Kupwara ( rest and explore Lolab valley )
Day 7 : Kupwara to Dawar (Gurez Valley )
Day 8 and Day 9 : Explore gurez valley.
Day 10 : Dawar to Drass ( if allowed, any inputs whether this can be done or not ? ) otherwise Dawar to Srinagar .
Day 11 : Srinagar to Purtikchey ( is this possible ? ) or Drass to Rangdum . (If i am able to reach drass)
Day 12 : Rangdum/Purtikchey to padum.
Day 13 : Padum to Sankhoo.
Day 14: Sankhoo to Dha Hanu ( Would I need permits ? )
Day 15 : Dha Hanu to leh.

The second leg would be exploring leh, nubra , hunder , then head out towards chusul , hanle after pangong and then tso morriri /kar and back to delhi via manali.
I am still to gather info about the second leg which will be doing in the coming days. One thing I would like to know is should in invest in camping gear i.e. a Tent that would cost around 3k and sleeping bag that would cost around 5k so a total of 7-8k . would it help me save money as I only have around 40k in total out of which I have calculated around 15k would be spent on fuel . Also would it be safe ? Considering I will be travelling solo.
Any inputs will be highly appreciated

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

I dont have any inputs on Kupwara and Lolab, if you have time, I would suggest tou spend some time in Pahalgam and Aru too as they are very beautiful.

I would suggest Srinagar to Sankoo or even Panikhar as this can be done easily as the roads are good except for zozilla.

Tent I feel is jot necessary as the stay options are plenty and cheap as well and wont be more than the cost of tents and the hassle of pitching and carrying them around will be avoided.

Have a fun trip

Cheers
G1

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Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

hey thanks a lot for the inputs . actually I have already been to pehelgaon and gulmarg that's why those aren't on the agenda. And I dont want to extend it more than 25-26 days max 30. and regarding the tents do you think I will be able to get accommodation during the end of September and beginning of October? even in the remote areas? another thing is would I be able to make it on a budget of 1k per day?

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

By the way a reminder, permits for Chushul has started.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

To be honest,I paid a max of 400rs, that too only for the JKTDC guest houses. Apart from that I have got homestays or tent options for 250~150 per day all across Ladakh and Leh. So 1k per day is more than sufficient.

For the availability, you may need to check with others as I have been there just a month back.

Cheers
G1

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Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

well thats good news. if you could get accommodation that cheap during the main season I shouldn't have much problems with the money part at least. thanks a lot bro

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

1000 rs per day is not sufficient for Ladakh trip.
Your expense would be between 1600-2000 rs per day,all included.
Take a note of this and carry sufficient fund .
My two cents.
Your Itinerary is doable BTW.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Thanks for the inputs Narender bhai.But even the late season I would need 2k per day? and this is including fuel or excluding?

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Fuel included.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Thats fine I guess. So what do you think is 50 thousand for the whole trip going to be enough ? And master ji can you give me any tips to convince the authorities for the permits for Merak, Chushul, Tsaga, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe and Hanle , Marsimik la and wari la. I am finally thinking of not doing the kashmir leg keeping in mind the present situation there and instead do lahaul spiti while returning, does it sound like a good idea ?. How cold do you think it will be in late september and mid october ? Should I leave early i.e. after the first week of september and return by first week of october ? sorry for so many queries And I would appreciate any tips from you for riding solo in those places, you being so experienced, it will be of great help

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Abhishek,how many day are you planning to ride??
I guess,25-28 days long trip should be done in 50k bucks.
As far as permits for above mentioned places are always hit or miss thing and keep changing on daily basis.I am packing a complete set of formal dress specially for the permit day in my upcoming ride in first week of sepetember 2014.Seriously.
I would advise you to dress properly in a formal clothing and make yourself as presentable as mature as you can before appearing DC at Leh.
They have typical govt babu attitude and bikers are considered reckless as far permits for border area is concerened.
Waril La and Hanle have no issue and permits are being given for those places.
Chushul-M La are problems but of late i have heard that they have started issuing Chushul permits.
Entire September is fine for doing Ladakh and not doing Kashmir in your return journey is a good idea.Instead come back via Spiti while returning.
As far as solo ride goes,it is fun and inculcates a toughness and maturity and you will surely find few of your tribes on the roads and will be able to ride with complete strangers and finally becoming friends with one another.
while in Kashmir and Ladakh,dont discuss Pak/Militancy/Politics/Army/ with anyone.

Re: Getting Leh'ed - 2014 Planner

Thanks a lot master ji. I will definitely keep some formals too now and follow your advice. It would be really great to meet you out there and chill with you. You are already a legend among bikers . Are you doing it again on your scooter ?
and for Spiti I was curious what would be better, doing it before leh or after leh ?