[absynthguzzler]

I'll be more than happy with the rear bench and only woken up when needed. Driving on black ice ? wake me up cause I've pushed a car, drifted a car and even had friction burns on my peachy side.... all at the same time!.Meanwhile i can freeze meself against the pain by hitching a ride in Deepak's 3b, lol.

I forgot that you've chosen a proper vehicle rather than buying the phantom phenomenon .

Help! Apologies on the double post. Perils of mobile phone computing.

[akaush]

DKG,

I am planning to take off for a couple of months during mid of this year, may be around April / May. I'll see if I can postpone my vacation to May/June to add myself to this list. I'll see my project schedule and fix on the vacation dates soon. Let me know when you have tentative dates fixed for this trip.

We (wifey and me) were planning to do Spiti and Lahaul during our vacations in April / May. Hopefully we can do it with the Gang. If not we can do it before you and it might be the reconnaissance trip for yours.

[docfreak]

lets freeze dates,duration and direction. then carry it on.

[DKG]

Originally Posted by docfreak

lets freeze dates,duration and direction. then carry it on.

I am open to suggestions on the route and freeze things based on consensus. HVK would you like to pitch in and Doc and others can work this out as the ideal route plan?

[hvkumar]

I think you should stick to a circuit in Himachal, so that you do the following:
Chandigarh-Dharamasala-Dalhousie-Chamba-Sach Pass-Udeypur-Keylong-Gramphoo-Chandra tal-Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako-Kalpa-Chitkul-Shmila-Chandigarh.

In case Sach Pass is not open, then you can proceed from Dalhousie via Mandi to Manali and to Kaza via Gramphoo.

Doing the Ladakh circuit itself is very demanding on time, and doing the HP circuit will ensure that you have enough time to do some OTR trails and also accomodate a large group on the move.

[DKG]

Originally Posted by hvkumar

Doing the Ladakh circuit itself is very demanding on time, and doing the HP circuit will ensure that you have enough time to do some OTR trails and also accomodate a large group on the move.

In light of HVK's exhaustive knowledge of the region and his personal travel experience I am inclined to go along with this recommendation as it also ensures we travel through some of the most scenic and interesting terrain in north India. Perhaps for our first trip we could do this and opt for the Leh Ladakh sector next year?

For those interested in trekking we could cover the Valley of Flowers as a special event in itself.

How does everyone interested in the trip feel about what HVK has suggested?

[MileCruncher]

I agree with DKG and HVK about exploring the Himachal as Ladakh would be too time consuming. I would suggest sometime in September be blocked for the journey as the tourist season is over by then and we can get cheaper facilities as well.

[DKG]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

I agree with DKG and HVK about exploring the Himachal as Ladakh would be too time consuming. I would suggest sometime in September be blocked for the journey as the tourist season is over by then and we can get cheaper facilities as well.

Good, once we freeze the route plan following a few more inputs then we can decide on the time and once that's done we can get down to the nitty gritty of stay options etc

Thanks

[absynthguzzler]

September could work out for me too.

[r_nairtvm]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

I agree with DKG and HVK about exploring the Himachal as Ladakh would be too time consuming. I would suggest sometime in September be blocked for the journey as the tourist season is over by then and we can get cheaper facilities as well.

I fully agree with this option

Best Regards & Drive/Ride Safe

Ram

[docfreak]

the spiti route is awesome, so many trails all over.
september is also fine for this axis.

my only concern is that for a first trip lets keep it shorter, maybe total duration of 5 days including offroading, and soaking in the lovely himalayan spectacle. the trip suggested, by jeeps, would be minimum of 10-15 days keeping sometime for breakdowns and other activities along.

when i did this circuit in june it took me 7 days by my scopio without too much of trail finding.

sharat

[ajman28]

Would love to join in for a trip like this provided the dates fall during the second half of the year.

Can someone give some inputs on rentals? I dont have company to lug a vehicle all the way from South .

[DKG]

Doc HVK and Aniruddh as you know the region please initiate a dialogue where we agree on the most scenic parts with some offroading thrown in which doesn't require any service/logistic help, just some light trail type of stuff to get to more scenic spots perhaps.

Once you guys can agree on the route then lets have a chat on the time and then onto accommodation issues

Thanks, am already getting excited about this trip. Should be a riot !!

[genesis]

Originally Posted by DKG

You've given us something to chew on ! I think the ideal itinerary should allow those who cannot do the entire leg to do some sectors at their convenience and time availability

Lets try to post pictures of some of these places as it would lure more enthusiasts to explore the region

Your wish is my command.

Spiti:
Genesis - soumya.org: Surreal Spiti

Kinnaur:
Genesis - soumya.org: Kaleidoscopic Kinnaur

Am getting nostalgic just looking at these pictures. Wandering through these regions for 3 weeks was just perfect. The topology of Spiti is unique. Every corner holds a surprise.

Just make sure you avoid 'Bengali' season, the time during Durga Puja where every hotel room is taken up by my brethen in monkey caps and mufflers...

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by genesis

Just make sure you avoid 'Bengali' season, the time during Durga Puja where every hotel room is taken up by my brethen in monkey caps and mufflers...

, I too do the same avoiding the "Bengali" Season. And whenever I hear Bengali, I make sure I don't utter a single Bangla word lest I fall prey to "Dada" and "Boudi"