[phamilyman]

Originally Posted by SamtheLeo

With all due respect, I am just referring to Ajit Harisinghani's travelouge :One life to Ride: In which he has clearly stated that even small "nali" besides the road become a water guzzling flow. more over it also takes the hilly track etc along with it & Ajit was himself caught in one of those during th return. Hence suggest we all do it before monsoon.

That is dangerous mis interpretation.

I failed in crossing Rohtang solo (overloaded bike, stupid fundae, unsure of bike) on 14th August 2006, on one of the heaviest rains that Manali had seen in a few years. I went up in sunshine, and the whole hillside was a mini river on the way back (jus below knee deep water flowing down hadimba temple road).

a. Anything done in morning has good weather - get on other side of rohtang before 10am.
b. Weather and winds get horrible as day goes. Here is an example if u want: Hidden Himalayas - Spiti Valley and Chandertal - ADVrider
c. Post Darcha is rainshadow area ie zero rains. hence rains is irrelevant.
d. by august all roads are super repaired ie best time for cars
e. Landslides happen irrespective of rain and are a part and parcel of life.

[SamtheLeo]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

When did he travel? Monsoon full swing in North is from 1st July to mid august.
If you want to avoid rains, you should travel before 15th june

Yes Exactly Thats what my point is. Even if we take the maximum leverage then also we all should start or trips in June & finish it by first 10 days of July & not wait till it snows or rain.

It is not about the snow & rain itself. But what happens is that itwould rain or snow heavily 50-100kms upstream & you would find yourself facing uncrossable water stretch in next 1- 2 hours.

[phamilyman]

Originally Posted by SamtheLeo

Yes Exactly Thats what my point is. Even if we take the maximum leverage then also we all should start or trips in June & finish it by first 10 days of July & not wait till it snows or rain.

It is not about the snow & rain itself. But what happens is that itwould rain or snow heavily 50-100kms upstream & you would find yourself facing uncrossable water stretch in next 1- 2 hours.

The water stretches around Manali are NOT uncrossable. Kindly get that gremlin out.

What I find absolutely is that you are bothering about rain, which frankly affects you on the first day and the last day - but you are least bothered about the ideal weather for the remainder 15 days (assuming a two week stint) - and on a section that is barely 2-4 hours drive.

Point to ponder?

PS: 100km upstream and uncrossable water? From where? Nice hyperboles but doesn't apply - sorry boss! your words can make others interpret things wrongly!!

[anupmathur]

First line of the post edited.
Rainfall is not always devastating. There are many many degrees and no one can really tell so much in advance.
July is actually a fairly good time to go, particularly if the monsoon has set in. All the tourists have fled back to their respective home states, it is scenic and there are no milling crowds at Rohtang, no traffic jams en route.

Note from the support team: No debate here is meaningless. We have members here who have visited this place more than once. And then we have members who want to go for the first time. Every single experience shared here is important.

[Shakensoul]

Sorry guys, I think i'll not be able to complete the Leh circuit this year as some family engagements are coming up end of this year and will have to stockpile leaves as much as possible.

However I'll planning a short week long trip (Delhi-Manali-Keylong) by mid june, and I hope I'll get a glimpse of the himalayan paradise which will satisfy my spirit.

I found this Lonely Planet guide on HP the net and hope it will help the others.

[Shakensoul]

One more on J&K (including Ladakh)

[SamtheLeo]

Guys,

I agree with you. Just wanted to be safe then sorry as i have read a few things, however i belive you are missing a thing or two

1. I am planning Manali - Leh - Kargil - Srinagar - Delhi
2. I want to do it with a group where luggage can be carried seperately

So may be for that i believe June is better. Let me know if you intrested

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by SamtheLeo

1. I am planning Manali - Leh - Kargil - Srinagar - Delhi
2. I want to do it with a group where luggage can be carried seperately

Sam, there are advantages to going from the Srinagar route and returning the Manali way.

[COUGAR]

I am not a big fan of travelling in large groups or arranging for separate sumo/gypsy to carry luggage etc. I prefer to go in a group of max 4 and doingit at a relaxed pace rather than riding through like a truck driver. No "quickies" for me!

Its no big deal to cary luggage: I carry all my stuuf in a cramster saddle bag, 1 large duffle on the rear seat. In addition the tent, sleeping bag and a 5 litre jerry can bolts onto a rear carrier i got made.

What more do you need?

Photo from my last trip taken in the Chumathang desert:

http://www.cougar-rides.com/Ladakh06...s/IMG_0155.jpg

[SamtheLeo]

Originally Posted by anupmathur

Sam, there are advantages to going from the Srinagar route and returning the Manali way.

Dear Anup,

Please tell me what are the benefits of doing it the other way, would certainly like to weigh way all options before we decide something

@ Cougar

Yes we also wanna do it at our own pace however just feel like it would be more relaxed if we dont have the luggage, however we r also 4 & if didnt got any company then yes we will be travelling like you .

[phamilyman]

Easier ascent.

Manali leh is much higher - manali 2000m, sarchu is 4200, pang is 4500m wher eu can sleep.

in contrast, the highest point on srinagar side is 4100m - the actual places to stay are much lower - ie much safer and gentler on your body to acclimitise.

[COUGAR]

Originally Posted by phamilyman

Easier ascent.

Manali leh is much higher - manali 2000m, sarchu is 4200, pang is 4500m wher eu can sleep.

in contrast, the highest point on srinagar side is 4100m - the actual places to stay are much lower - ie much safer and gentler on your body to acclimitise.

Yes but srinagar route is less challenging...thus less fun.

Have it both ways: go anti-clockwise. Go Delhi-Manali-Leh-Kargil-Srinagar-Pathankot-Delhi. 12 day circuit when done in laidback fashiion!

[SamtheLeo]

Originally Posted by COUGAR

Yes but srinagar route is less challenging...thus less fun.

Have it both ways: go anti-clockwise. Go Delhi-Manali-Leh-Kargil-Srinagar-Pathankot-Delhi. 12 day circuit when done in laidback fashiion!

Thats exactly my orginal plan & i want to do it in 12-14 days. so hope it will be a pretty laid back trip & I certainly am a fan of kashimir beauty (been there many times) so would enjoy it to fullest

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by SamtheLeo

... & I certainly am a fan of kashimir beauty (been there many times) so would enjoy it to fullest

Also spent a few nights at Sonamarg and Pahalgam?

Going to Ladakh from the Kashmir side has the benefit of gradual acclimatization while being on-the-job, as it were!

[SamtheLeo]

Originally Posted by anupmathur

Also spent a few nights at Sonamarg and Pahalgam?

Going to Ladakh from the Kashmir side has the benefit of gradual acclimatization while being on-the-job, as it were!

Yes Anup, Have driven to Sonmarg Once & Once to Pahalgam. Stayed in Pahalgam on two different occassions once for 3 days & Also stayed in Baltal & Chandanbari during 2 different Amarnath Yatra (06 & 08), Also visited both places in Winters in Nov - Dec 06, Heaven !!!! thats what I can say!!!