I went to Ladakh in July on my bike and that too alone. It felt really liberating, riding on those roads, surrounded by out of the world sights. I went via the Srinagar route starting from Delhi and came back via Manali. It took me 5 days to reach Leh from Delhi and 3 to come back. Along the way I stayed in a Gurudwara while I was riding throught Punjab for a mere Rs.50/- a night. At later points too, I never paid more than Rs.350/- per night. I guess I won the bargain each time only because I was on a bike and was alone. The best was the Houseboat stay on Dal in Srinagar, for hold your breath..Rs.300/- per night. There is no one moment that I can describe which was special. Every moment on the ride was enchanting, full of life. Those were the best 10 days of my life so far.
Flying into Leh's the most antiseptic way to get there. Bike it up - you'll be acclimatised by the time you get there, but that's the lesser reason. The main one being that it's (both vi Manali or Kargil) easily one of the most beautiful road trips that India can offer.
RE:Do it by bike
by vikas kohli on May 09, 2007 02:51 PM
i took the Manali route to Leh and it was simply awesome. i have done many treks in the mountains but this road trip that took 26 hours (with a nights stop and numerous stops on the way to soak in the scenary) was too good.
i saw the military laying proper tar roads so in one years time it may get too 'anitiseptic' and loose its fun.
I travelled to Leh last year in August and it was absolutely amazing. I took the hard route by road from Manali and that journey really fits the bill for all those who dream of a journey through rugged wilderness. The road snakes through breathtaking landscapes and most of the time is located at dizzying heights of over 15000 feet above sea level. It took 18 hours to cover the 480 km from Manali to Leh and it is truly a journey I will never forget.
Leh itself was also a delight and I went for sigtseeing trips to Zanskar-Indus reunion spot and Khardung La. The locals are also very hospitable.
I truly recommend a vist to Ladakh to all those who have any bit of flavour for adventure and a desire to see exotic places.
Yes, twice, including once in winter. Fabulous. I plan to go there on bike also and visit it quite often in the coming years. I have travelled to Nubra and also along the Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali highways. The sights are stunning, landscape rugged and desolate and you come to know what wilderness means. I would go at the first available oppurtunity. Winter is very cold. It was -20 degrees Celsius when I landed up in Leh in December four years back.
RE:Been to Ladakh
by bharat on May 09, 2007 07:58 AM
I heard the Srinagar Leh highway passes very close to the LOC near Kargil. How much is the closest distance that you actually get to the LOC? Do you actully see the Pakistani army movement on the other side?
RE:Been to Ladakh
by mohd vora on May 09, 2007 12:05 PM
No, passes are not required to visit Kargil and you cannot see enemy movement. My suggestion is that you go from Manali and return via Srinagar highway as bot hthe routes are spectacularly beautiful.
