@ steeroid : surely i will keep distance from the "bespectacled old man along the route holding what looks like a Rocket Launcher and shooting away". u take care of ue health, i will get some good pics for u too
@ samurai : we will surely try 2 eat (or rather swallow) lots of garlic thruout the journey. surely we wont rush it as we have some days at our disposal & first 48-60 hrs will b spent in leh. also the climb to the passess wil b during the day to come back to more suitable altitudes for the night. still to buy the medicines but definitely will buy them. pls suggest the right medicines so that i can tally from the list i have prepared.
@ paharino1 : i have taken 20 portions of "ready meal" so they will last 5 days for both of us. on top of that there will b atleast another 2-3 days worth of instant noodles, couple of boxes of processed cheese, chocolate bars, tobasco, bread (although it will b bought at the last civilization) etc.
as for using baleno, brother thats my only mode of transport as of now & i will try to b as smooth as possible on the roads. i surely might have to bear the cost of suspension beating but thats how it will go this time. mayb next time i will use a more rugged vehicle. pls dont take this as my arrogance.
my wife surely drives but off and on. i guess thats not gonna b an issue since i have done some very long streatches myself before, but just in case its an emergency she surely can handle.
i surely can pay a guide for directions & other stuff but have never likes the idea of goin with a guide. we wish to wander there for some time again dont take this as my arrogance, just the way i have been.
yes i will have a 5 litre gas stove with me.
pls give ur suggestions as to which are the most detailed maps available for that route. i have one for himachal but not for j&k.
carrying 2 20 l jerrycanes, one for fuel & 1 for water. will have a 5 litre water dispenser. as for compass my watch has an electronic compass, barometer, altimeter & thermometer, guess that will keep me in the right direction.
& yes we have been planning everynight for 1-2 hours for the last month or so putting down each detail of our trip.
@ rudra sen : i do agree sir that baleno is far too low to handle a few stretches but i guess either i will try to b very cautious or leave out those trails. BTW i have fixed an engine protection cover below the car, that might help to some extent.
i surely wud have to b stuck in a place like that. have a friend in army posted in the region who is trying to arrange a liason for me.
@ 2fast4u : "baleno to ladakh very daring but not practical" cud not have agreed more on this with u, but as stated earlier have some limitations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by himanshugoswami whatever u do, please dont be over confident and always keep a huge margin for error. |
i have really learnt this lesson over the years that i have been driving. u can count me on this, no matter how brave i m, in the nature i m just another meagre animal who will not b spared of ny mistakes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by himanshugoswami Lastly, keep one thing in mind- the Indian Army rules here! Literally!!!!. In any situation (landslides, narrow mountain pass etc.) the army ALWAYS has the first right of way. but having said that, these guys are really friendly and helpful, and if u befriend one, u will have access to some free (or real cheap) rum (a boon in these parts) |
i surely know this. having done last couple of trips with my friend who's an army officer. they surely r helpful provided u give them the respect they have earned over the borders they have been protecting. rum is no issue since i m a very social drinker
i am overwhelmed with ur suggestions & feedback, pls try to give even more suggestions to me. i will soon post the stuff i will b carrying with me on this trip so pls watch out this space.