Team-BHP - Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar

Hey folks,

Just need some expert opinion here.

Been planning a trip to Leh and surroundings since a few years now. I currently have a 2014 Dzire zdi - well maintained but not in the best of shapes from the outside.

In Dec'21, I have got new clutch assembly and 2 new tyres. 2 rear tyres are an year old. I have considerable experience in hilly areas but never been to Leh area.

If we travel, we'll be 2 adults and 1 kid.

My only worry is - will my car make it back in one piece? It's this same worry that has made me plan the travel in September.

Do you guys think it's a good idea to take the compact sedan there? I've been contemplating flying there but the LTD bug inside me says otherwise.

Help! :unhappy

Route Update: Leh - Manali Highway opened for LMVs from today!

I know a lot of us are waiting for the Leh-Manali highway to be open to plan our Ladakh trip. I've been keeping a tab on this from early April. Ever since Srinagar -Leh was opened. Thought to share it on the forum for the benefit of others as well.

Quote:

The traffic between Manali and Leh has been restored for light vehicles. However, the movement of two-wheelers and trucks would be allowed later when the road be found fit. The traffic would be allowed on the Manali-Leh beyond Darcha towards Leh via Baralacha Pass every day till 1 pm.

Source: https://zeenews.india.com/

Drive Safe,
R-Six

Hey Folks, my Leh travel plans are finally final clap:. Been talking to HVK sir to figure out the kinks and snapshot below has the details. I am already in Punjab with my car currently WFH from Jalandhar. So that definitely reduced the travel stress. Will be taking a week's break upon return also before heading back to Bangalore by May end. Will try and share real time updates here during the trip if network permits.

Will be doing the trip with my wife and 8yr old daughter in my FWD XUV500.

Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar - The Ultimate Guide-lehtrip.jpg

Link below has a small writeup about the BLR-Del drive

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...ml#post5295358

Quote:

Originally Posted by supertinu (Post 5305065)

Hi, Thank you for sharing your itinerary.

I am planning a trip with my family (wife, kids 6, 4 and myself) to Kashmir and Leh from Monday May 2nd onwards. 5-6 days in the valley and another week in and around Leh. Last i did this trip in 2012 when we got our Innova from Hyderabad. Considering that the roads have drastically improved, I feel Thar 2021 Diesel AT may not be needed much. So, I am Exploring the option to take a taxi locally.

Do we have selfdrive rentals that I can take in Srinagar and drop off at Leh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by indian21r (Post 5305514)

I wouldn't be surprised if your Thar still works out cheaper and more fun that some self drive rental there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Liner (Post 5305566)

I wouldn't be surprised if your Thar still works out cheaper and more fun that some self drive rental there.

Ha ha that is a given. It is just that sending the car to reach Srinagar from Hyderabad by 30th April seems like a challenge. So exploring the taxi options.

There is no direct flight from leh to Hyderabad now. So Planning to go back to Sirnagar. Layove flights are too long. With kids I am not keen on that.

Rough itinerary

Day 1srinagar locals
Day 2 srinagar to Gulmarg stay
Day 3 Gulmarg to pahalgam stay
Day 4 pahalgam to srinagar
Day 5 srinagar to sonamarg stay
Day 6 sonamarg to kargil stay
Day 7 kargil to leh stay
Day 8 leh to nubra stay
Day 9 nubra stay
Day 10 nubra to pangong stay
Day 11 pangong to Ts
Day 12 Tso Morori
Day 13 leh locals
Day 14 leh to srinagar
One day Buffer. May drop one or change one or 2 items depending on the family interests

Seeing the rates of taxi. Buying and selling the car seems like a cheaper option. if only everything was online

Quote:

Originally Posted by indian21r (Post 5305622)

IN my research everyone is not recommending Tso Moriri due to road conditions. You have very small child, might be better off skipping it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by supertinu (Post 5305880)

IN my research everyone is not recommending Tso Moriri due to road conditions. You have very small child, might be better off skipping it.

Oh is it so. We are really not rigid on the places we want to visit. Kids want to play in snow. Everything else is incidental:)

Hello fellow BHPians,

We have finalized our Ladakh Itinerary. We are 3 guys travelling in my 2021 Tata Harrier FWD Auto. We have already taken all the permits online. From what i understand, physical stamps are no more required for any route. I am looking for valuable inputs from the experts to improve our itinerary.

Leh, Ladakh and Zanskar - The Ultimate Guide-ladakh-itinerary.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.ARPIT (Post 5307229)

I would go Hanle and Umling La over Tso Moriri if days were limited. The whole route from Merak to Loma then Mahe to Karzok is worst roads of Ladakh and you plan to do it together. Should take around 11-12 hours but back-breaking and not a good ride. Also in those sections if something happens then help is not easily available.

Quote:

Originally Posted by supertinu (Post 5305065)

Hey Folks, my Leh travel plans are finally final clap:.
Will be doing the trip with my wife and 8yr old daughter in my FWD XUV500.

Thanks for sharing your travel plan, Supertinu, and wish you a safe and memorable journey. I am also planning a Ladakh trip in June, and will be waiting for your updates for sure.

I plan to do WFH from somewhere near Srinagar, and looking for pet friendly options to stay in there. I am traveling with my 1 year old American Bully, along with my wife and 7 year old daughter, and my ride is a RWD Fortuner petrol auto.

Is this your first trip to Ladakh? It is my 2nd for me, but last time we took a flight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnandB (Post 5307315)

Thank you for the input. Is Umling La open for civilians? And where should we halt on the way from Handle to Manali? Can we do it in the same time frame?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bharatbs (Post 5307697)

Anyone flew to Leh recently. Is pre-flight RTPCR test results required if you are flying to Leh from Bengaluru via Delhi?

Also is RTPCR again required after landing at Leh Airport?

Nope, at the moment no covid screening. Just carry your vaccination reports.

Hello Everyone,

I’m planning a Mumbai - Leh - Mumbai trip in my Innova Crysta in the month of May - June. Following is my rough plan.

Dates for trip 27th May to 8th June.

27th May : Mumbai - Udaipur

28th May : Udaipur - Chandigarh

29th May : Chandigarh - Srinagar

30th May : Srinagar - Leh

31st May - Leh Rest

1st June - Leh

2nd June - Leh

3rd June - Leh

4th June - Leh

5th June : Leh - Jispa

6th June : Jispa - Chandigarh

7th June : Chandigarh - Udaipur

8th June : Udaipur - Mumbai

Considerations :

1) My aim for this trip to enjoy the drive and scenery more than visiting tourist places ( which I can keep for later )
2) Plan is flexible but the dates are fixed.
3) Travelling with Parents and my wife.
4) 3 people can drive.
5) One of the days from 1st to 5th I can keep it as a buffer/ rest day.

I would request fellow members for their suggestions on my itinerary.