re: Leh Ladakh 2015 Planner

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Re: Leh Ladakh 2015 Planner

Was wating for this topic since looong time. :thumbup::thumbup:

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Re: Leh Ladakh 2015 Planner

Hi George

July 1 to 15 is good time. For first timers, Srinagar Leh route is more suitable. Can return via Leh Manali as by that time you would have acclimatized yourself well. There is a time schedule to cross Zozila from Sonmarg or vice-versa so just check the timings with Srinagar Traffice Control at 01942450022 a day before you have to cross Zozila. If you opt Manali Leh route, the Chandigarh to Manali road are not at all in bad shape since you would be travelling further in tough terrain, so don't consider this question.

From this year a permit to cross Rohtang from Manali is required which you can obtain either at Golaba (enroute Manali-Rohtang) any time of the day or night or at SDM office, Manali (No. 01902254100) during office hours on working days with a nominal fee and after filling a simple form about vehicle details and your personal details etc. On Manali-Leh route in 1st week of July you might have to cross huge water streams/nallahs which is the real fun of that route.

There was a buzz that no outside registered Taxis would be allowed to play across Leh to Hundar or Leh to Pangong of Leh to Tso Moriri. Which was to a major extent true. As for bikes there was no issue of ownership. All bikes in whosoever name it may be were allowed all over Ladakh. The rentals for bikes and cars can be checked at Leh.nic.in the official website of Ladakh. So next year also if the situation remains the same, no outside taxis would be allowed to ply further after reaching Leh. So my advice is that you reach Leh by any mode and hire taxis and bikes from Leh itself or skip the idea of a 4 wheeler and enjoy your trip on bikes only which you can hire from outside Leh also.

As for permits, from this year no Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals to travel anywhere across Ladakh. Some of the border areas are, of course, still off bound for civilians.You just need to carry a valid I.D. proof (may be voter I.Card etc.) and would be required to enter at check posts on the way, it is as simple.

Since you are all over 40+, just prepare yourself for the high terrain in Ladakh which is a bit tough in any respect but it is worth visiting. It might be cold on high passes so need to carry woolens and good quality woolen gloves as well. DC office Leh can be contacted at 01982252010

Leh - Ladakh 2015

Hi All,


I have been a silent reader and admirer of this forum for quite sometime. Me and my friends have been planning a trip to Ladakh in 2015 and would like to know a few reliable tour companies for this trip. Also, what biking gear, approx cost per person, do 's and don't, etc. Me and friends live outside India but we have driving licenses and decent bike riding experience as we used to go for vacation to India (Hyderabad) almost every year. Thanks a lot and looking forward to the replies.

Sr

Re: Leh - Ladakh 2015

Hello riders,

I intend to complete my 2012 journey next year. There were places I could not visit for xyz reason although I had a permit in hand. I have no riding partner as of today and I do not know if my wife (Poli) can join this time. But just like last time I'm hoping the interest and enthusiasm picks up as July 2015 nears.

Depending upon this year's snow fall and climate model I will start around July 1st week'ish (if the Manali road opens i.e). The last time it took me 7 days to reach Leh. I intend to keep the same pace with 50% less luggage. Undo all the mistakes I made last time. My ride is still going solid and I will post an itenary sometime this weekend.

I'm posting this so anyone might gain information from the way I plan. I learned and owe my riding achievements to xBhp. I know in time this thread will have hundereds of plans and questions and hope we can share riding preperations, weather and road conditions, political situations etc.

To start with, lets divide this preperation in 2 ways. (1) Prepare your ride - (2) Prepare yourself.

(1) - Prepare your ride

I can speak on what I am currently doing and what has been completed.

1. Since I returned from Leh My Legacy UCE construction Royal Enfiled Thunderbird Twinspark 350cc (phew..) got its from Shock absorber seal & oil, Chain & Sprocket replaced.
2. The front MRF stock ribbed tyres look solid, however I know that rubber degrads from inside out, so I need to remove the front tyre and get it inspected by a tyre expert.
3. The rear Ceat secura sport tyres have signs of fatigue (cracks) on the side walls, although the thread itself is in excellent condition. Considering the fact that the tyre took the heaviest of loads for 4200 Kms last time I understand why it would look that way. With degraded tyre walls I do not intend to use it on a long haul tour, so the rear tyres will be replaced with the same model.
4. The rear shock aborbers are in excellent condition, the front shocks have always failed (oil leaks) after 4000Kms, so i will get the shock seals replaced just beore I start the trip.
5. I have removed the extra fog lamps (2 X 55W halogen) as it was useless for me in Leh. Instead I will install a switch for dual indicators to blink incase visibility is poor for oncoming traffic.
6. The battery's are brand new, I just purchased for 3000 bucks a fortnight ago, so battery is not an issue.
7. The self start no longer works, I'm in a fix whether to fix the self starter or not, as the kick start works perfectly fine. Decision pending.
8. I have spare lamps for all the bulbs the bull needs from my previous ride so that has been taken care of.
9. Clutch cables and Accelator cables spares are also with me, I need to dip them in some spare engine oil I have so that the cables live for long.
10. The clutch plates were replaced before my previous Leh ride, so I need to get the clutch plates inspected by an expert for possible wear and tear.
11. The head light switches act funny when it rains so I need to get the switch assembly replaced. 700/- job is pending.
12. The brakes ply perfectly, however as a precaution both the disk pads and Drum shoes will be replaced a month before giving the new sets enough time to season.
13. The fuel tank does not show any sign of rust. Whatever parts showed sign of rust, I have nickle coated the same, so they are now sparkling shining.
14. The chain and sprokets will be inspected last moment, however I already have a chain link spare from the previous ride (very important point).
15. I am going to purchase Motul Chain lube for the ride as its the best in the market. However repeating the mechanic's words, oil will always do an oil's job. He it totally against using Chain lube sprays. However I am lazy to oil the chain, so Chain Lube it is.
16. The carburetor needs cleaning as I believe its burning very rich even with screw settings all normal.
17. Current city mileage is 40KM/L. Mileage test is important to calculate range and buffer as I do not want to carry gallons of fuel. Every kilo matters when you are climbing, when air is thin.
18. Now Mandatory spares I will carry are as follows:
    • Spark plugs (If you dont have a spare, atleast carry wire brush or a piece of electric wire and use the copper linings as plug brush incase you have trouble starting the bike).
    • Clutch and accelelator cables. (Toolsets to replace them as well, no use of cable when you are stranded KMs up heaven without the required toolset.) I need to purchase a compact tool box.
    • All blub sets, or atleast, headlight and tail light.
    • A set of fuse for your bike if they have any.
    • Some nut and bolts lying around, if you do not have, go to a mechanic and buy some nut and bolts of different size. I once was able to help a stranger rider when his carrier bolt went kaput. It could help anyone. Up there, we help everyone.
    • Engine oil 1Ltr atleast to top up if needed. If your bike comes with some specific oil that is hard to find, then get the quantity for atleast one replacement. I found it very hard to get 15w 50 Engine oil in Leh and then realized you wont get that rating there. I ended up using 5w 30 which worked very well in weather conditions in Leh. Now I find 15w 50 very hard to find in Hyderabad as most of the dealers say, such rating do not exist. Thanks to Motul.
    • Disk Brake oil, Dot 3 or 5 whichever rating you need. A tiny bottle would do. Imaging having a tiny leak. Your top up would help you survive till you get to a mechanic atleast. (Dont forget the screw drivers necessary to fill the top up)
    • Go to a puncture guy, learn how to fix a puncture, removing the tyre, pulling out the top, sand papering it and sealing the leak. Pay him his due for what he has taught you. It will help you during difficult times. It doesnt hurt to learn to fix a puncture. If you have tubeless tires then get the tools to fix a tubeless puncture. The tools necessary to fix punctures can be sourced from hardware stores.
    • Bungee cord or parachute cord available at oliveplanet.in or outdoortravelgear.com or adventure18.com. Im sure there are other sites around, I frequent these. Cords can help you tie parts that might break during an accident. Lets imagine a simple scenario like your side stand spring go kaput and you dont have anything to tie the side stand to hold it firm upways.
    • With all this said, there is nothing that can save you from bad luck and precautions is all you can take. Rest is in your confidence and passion.
    • I might have missed a point or two here if I do remember, I sure will post them as I get time and progress with my preperation.
    
    

(2) - Prepare yourself

1. I would let my near and dear know and get the half approval as nobody is going to fully approve of a crazy adventure like this.
2. Get yourself fit. Jog, run atleast 5 Km so you can give your lungs a hard time.
3. Consult a doctor and let him/her know of how insane you are, so that the doctor may perform basic tests and give you precautions.
4. DO NOT go by what medicines fellow travellers suggest, it might not work for you. I took Diamox once and threw the rest away. It worked totally against me as I fell sick, I was fine without it. A hot cup of ginger tea with lime worked for me, might not work for you.
5. Learn and read about dangers of altitude sickness, if you take this lightly, it can kill you.
6. This is not a walk in the park so, if you are diabetic, get approval from your doctor for that. Write down the list of all medicines you take, because if altitude sickes hits you, you may not be able to speak at that time, the army doctors can give you the right diagnosis if they know what sickeness you already have.
7. Get the right travel gear, Helmet, Elbow & Knee guard, riding jackets, pants and boots. The right amount of reflectors on your bike and travel gear like Saddle / Tail / Tank bags.
8. Carry warm wear gloves, rain coats and gumboots. Gumboots helped me a lot during my previous ride. Especially Rothang La. Carry water proof gloves if possible or atleast an extra pair. Drying thick gloves is not an option up there.
9. Very Important, Do a test ride atleast a month before. Go for a 200Km ride with your Ladakh luggage loaded atleast to know the dynamics of your bike. You need to know your ride, else your ride with take you for a ride.
10. Plan how much cash you will need. Keep fuel cost seperate and keep buffer for atleast additional 50% of the days you travel. Do not travel with full cash on yourself, keep them in seperate places split. Before you start climbing, Manali or Leh have ATMs, withdraw enough to sustain yourself till Leh.
11. Water, water, water, keep drinking. Water helps you at high altitude even if you dont feel like drinking. (Dont get drunk with water)
12. Carry First aid Kit. A small bottle of brandy will help you. Alchohol is great on wounds and to keep you warm. This point is purely personal. Suite yourself.

1. I hope I have covered how much I have prepared so far for this trip. If you have any questions, do ask. I'll try my best to answer.
2. I've attached recent picture of my ride just for your eyes. Thanks for reading!

Re: Leh - Ladakh 2015

Ah! I was too waiting for Leh 2015 planner, after all this is a dream ride at least for the first timers like me

So preparations started from my side also, I have started making ground for office leaves, this is the first stone for the ride, getting leaves of some 15-20 days is not a easy task

Re: Leh - Ladakh 2015

Exactly the thread I have been waiting for. I was planning a Leh tour in 2015 too. Madelikeagun and vini can you please tell me your itinery so that we can continue from delhi together?

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

Query Approved/Merged

Did you mean to say June-July 2015? Please check your post and edit it accordingly. Leh 2015 planner has already been created, so please confirm.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

Thanks for pointing out my mistake. Yes, after I started the topic I did find out that a thread has already been started previously. Didn't notice at first, my bad. .. so please merge the thread..

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

Correcting the mistakes early on before mainstream helps not only the thread starter but also to fellow Bhpians. Thread moved/merged.

Cheers!
VJ

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

Hi,

I would like to know if it is possible to rent riding gear like jackets, boots, gloves in Manali as I am planning to ride with Rent Royal Enfield's, KTM's. Ride to Manali, Leh on Bullet. Guided Motorbike Tours to Himalayas. Most reliable Bike rental Company in Manali. during their June/July trip. Also, if you u can suggest any other reliable tour companies as this is the 1st time I will be traveling on a long bike ride.

Sr

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

It would not be wise to go for your first long ride to Leh. Do some longish rides before and see if your body is capable enough for log rides. Riding to Leh isn't child's play and can be fatal if not careful.

As for renting riding hear, again its not a good choice. Buy the gear and get comfortable with it on your test rides.
If you wear the gear for the first time, it definitely feels awkward at first.

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

In terms of mobile service, what carriers provides good coverage.
I was advised to take BSNL post paid connection before going to Leh as other carriers do not work or are very flaky?
Is that correct?

Re: Leh 2015 Planner

aah great source of information,,,,,,, me into planning mode fr june-july 2015 Leh solo ride as well,,,,,,, tat gonna for the first time for me,,,,,God just get my leave for 15 days sanctioned,,,,,,,,

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yeah man even i read what u r saying in some thread in fact in lots of leh-laddakh travelogues ,,,,,, thankfully i use only bsnl and tat is since 2002,,,