A Trip to Ladakh

Taxi Rates in Ladakh

2012-09-19T04:29:00.001-07:00

Courtesy : Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council

Budget Guide for Leh, Ladakh.

2012-09-19T03:33:00.002-07:00

Even though budget is something which is extremely relative, and varies largely from person to person, with the way spending, the preferences, the number of people in a group, mode of travel (bike, car, hired taxi), the dsetinations sought, etc, etc.

However, I will try and provide some basic sketchline for the budget traveller, sharing my own experiance.

The major budget can be distributed in three basic areas,

Accomodation
Food
Transportation.

Accomodation :

There are anumber of homestays and guest houses in Leh, which are as good as any hotels, and provides all the basic amenities of life. Most of them have clean toilets. Since they are family run guest houses, hence cleanliness is taken care off, and usual approach of the hosts are very warm and welcome.
I will suggest you stay in those guest houses.

Average Cost for a Decent Double Bed room in Leh Will be , per day basis will be

1. With Common Toilet - Rs 300 - 500
2. With Attached Toilet - Rs 500 - 800

In Diskit. Hunder -

Decent Room - 300 - 500 (Please negotiate, they can ask for higher rates)

In Pangong

Almost all have common bathroom,
1. The small tents - Rs 150 per bed
2. Homestays - 250 per bed, can be negotaited to 200 per bed if you have a lot of people staying together.

Food

Something very difficult to estimate, specially when somebody who is a complete foodie like me, and has absolutely no control in that matter.

1. Mineral Water bottles are on an avg Rs 20 per bottle, however refelling services are there for RS 10 per litre which can help you save that bit, and also support the enviroment.To know how Click here to know more.

2. Breakfast with tea , is usually within Rs 60-80. per person

3. Lunch - if you settle for something ordinary yet special and nothing extravagant then - Rs 100 - 150. per person

3. Dinner - Same as lunch - Rs 100-150 per person

Just note that in most of the places in Leh, the Qty served is quite good, and at times a plate is enough for two people.

Transportation and Travelling around

This is the most expensive part of the travelling, and and if you are not travelling ina group then and plan to book taxi's all by your self, you are going to end up spending a huge amount.

Shared Taxi

The rate chart of Taxi is given Here, from where you can calculate the costs as per your preffered destinations.

Howeverm if you are a lonely traveller or just a couple, then you will find that all across the shops in Leh Market Place and in Chanhspa Road, there are lot of coloured note-outs and chits scribbled on them

" Required 2 passengers for Shared Taxi Leaving for Nubra Valley on xyz date"....."Leaving for Pangong Trip Tommorow, 3 People required for shared taxi"...etc..etc....just have atlk with the travel agents, and fix up with the groups.

Rates are standard for all travel agents, so there is no true need for negotiations.....

Bike Hiring

Bikes are available in plenty in Leh for Hiring, and if you have that adventurer in you, and the latent biker, then go for it...its just an amazing experiance...and a lifetime of memories and pride....I did it with my wife..so can you...

Most available bikes are Royal Enfield Bullets, and they are well mainatined, there are also few Pulsars, and other Models for the taking.

You have to deposit, an I-card original copy with the agency before you take the bike. and remeber, if you book it ina stretch then you get a good discount.....

For Royal Enfield Rent is Rs 1000 to 1200 per day , if availed for 4 days or more , then you can negoatite a discount of Rs.800 per day

Pulsar is Rs 800 can be negotatited to Rs 600. perday

Fuel is extra, at your own cost, which is at actuals.

Others

Internet is quite costly over there, and is Rs 90 per hour.

Prepaid networks, and Vodafone Postpaid do not work over there. BSNL, aircell postpaids are active, Airtell i dont quite remember.

Any further queries , leave your comments,

Suggested Itinerary For Leh,Ladakh

2012-09-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

Panorama Shot In front of Hall of Fame

Honestly, every inch of Ladakh is a place to Visit such is the wonder of the place. But very few have the luxury of time and money to make that possible (sadly), thus comes the requirement of cleverly planning down the places to visit, and optimally use the time and the budget. My effort will thus be help you in this.

Shanti Stupa

I was there in Ladakh for 10 Days, and had to keep my plans pretty flexible, because no matter how much I claim to be tough ( and my wife even tougher), at the end of the day over 10,000 Ft with much lower level of oxygen, ended up gasping when carrying the lightest of luggage to my hotel room from the hotel gate, the distance being an amazing 10 Mtrs with the only hurdle being a Staircase with Eight even stairs.

Read somewhere that our Brain needs 20% oxygen to survive, didn't quite feel agreeing to that, at that moment.

Well , AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a major issue in Ladakh, and it can turn your idea of Becoming a Superman to being a Sickman overnight. So if you are arriving via air, minimum 24 hours of complete rest is highly recommended to acclimatize yourself. (Doctors recommend 36 Hours, but Hey ...we all know that.. this is absolutely not possible). But don't push yourself. So...

(Details about Altitude Sickness, its symptoms are to be updated in a separate post)

Day 1 : Welcome to Leh....Do nothing...Take Rest

Arrive in Leh, check in, have your food preferable in the hotel itself, without stressing yourself. Take rest in you room, get yourself acclimatized, slowly. Have plenty of water all day, and never mind how much you are contributing back. Avoid climbing stairs, or doing anything that will might trigger AMS. Walk very slowly, take deep breaths. Do not over hydrate.

However in the evening you can take stroll down in the market place , or enjoy herbal tea, select from an amazing array of confectioneries. The Banana Pies, The Apple Pies are amazing over there, in fact all the bakeries were very original and delicious, my personal favourite being the chocolate banana Pie, and Muffins.

LEH Palace

Your first Sunset in the valley will mesmerize you, I bet that. Just soak in it.

In between you walk, you can just check out the posts and chits in the various travel agencies, cafes and shops, for Shared Taxis in case you are budget conscious lonely traveller OR have a talk with the various Bike Hiring outlets in Changspa Road to Fix your mean machine for the stay.

Enjoy your dinner in the varied cuisines offered and go back to Hotel.

Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 2: Sight Seeing.....The Travel Starts

In and around Leh, there are so many things to see. The mode of transportation is upto you. You can Hire aTaxi for local Sightseeing, or get a bike and go around.

Biking is safe in and around Leh, since the roads are good, and most of the time you will be riding inside the valley.

Go to DC office first thing , in Leh and arrange for the Inner Line permits, required for Pangong, Nubra, Tso Moriri. The DC office is beside the Polo ground en route to Leh Palace.

Hall of Fame

All the Details for the Inner Line permits will be provided in the next post.

Start with the sight seeing in and around Leh City.

Places for Sight Seeing.

Shanti Stupa .- Must Visit
Leh Palace. - Must Visit
Shankar Gompa (Monastery) - Can Visit
Shankar Gompa

Namgyal Gompa (Monastery) - Can Visit
Magnetic Hill (can also be covered later if Visiting Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru Monastry).Can Visit
Hall of Fame (Army museum)- Must Visit
Spituk Gompa (Monastery) - Must Visit
Hemis Monastery (Can be covered on the trip to Pangong) - Must Visit
Thiksey Monastery (Can be covered on the trip to Pangong)- Must Visit
Sangam. (can be covered later if Visiting Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru Monastery)- Can Visit.
Gurduwara Pathar Sahib (can be covered later if Visiting Alchi, Likir, Lamayuru Monastry).Can Visit.

Please avoid climbing stairs, and doing too much ups and downs and stressing your body.

Come back to Leh, dig into some good food, loiter around the market , get back to Hotel.

Overnight in Leh.

Day 3: Conquer Khardungla and off to Nubra......

Leh- Khardungla--Diskit-Hundar-Turtuk(only if going to Turtuk).

On the way enjoy some Momos (dumplings) and amazing herbal tea in Khardungla Pass (world highest Motorable road)

Nubra is on a lower altitude than Leh, hence AMS should not be a problem, and the body gets well aclamatized

Diskit Monastry

Double Humped Camels

If Not going to turtuk, stay overnight in Diskit or Hundar.Enjoy the camel safari, on the double humped tibetan bactrian camels. They are just extremely cute animals amidst the amazing sand dunes.

The Land Scape is very different with the cold desert .

Day 4 : Monastry a hot spring and back to dashboard

Diskit Budha

Next Morning visit, Diskit Monastry. the tall budhdha statue and a brilliant view for the landscape. (Opens at after 8 AM), then off to Sumur which has another good monastry , Panamik a hot spring, and then Back to Leh.

Overnight in Leh.

Day 5 : Day trip to Lamayuru Monastry, Alchi and Likir.

Leh- Gurdwara Pathar Sahib - Sangam - Lamayuru Monastry - Alchi - Likir and back to Leh.

The Lunar Lanscape will enthrall you the roads through the long valley, the tenth centurt architectures and paintings and curvings will work thier magic on you. The route falls on the Srinagar Leh Highway, so the road is good.

Back to Leh, overnight at Leh

Day 6 : Trip to Pangong Tso ..the blue wonder

Leh - Hemis/Thicksey - Pangong Tso.

Either cover Hemis or THicksey on the way to Pangong, and the other on the Way BAck.

Overnight at Pangong.(Spangmik/Lukung)

Please Note that Day trips are also available for Pangong wherein you ca return the same day to Leh, but night stay in Pangong is recomended , to soak in the beauty, the serenity, and placidness and the shades of blue .

Day 7 : Back to Leh and some more Monastries....

Enroute cover Hemis/Thicksey/Shey.

Overnight at Leh

Day 8 : Tso Moriri ......

Tso-Moriri via Chumthang

If you have already visited Pangong then Tso Moriri will perhaps look bland to you, but the plac has a nice eco system and the green lake will have some wonderful rare birds to catch up....

Overnight at Tso Moriri

Day 9: Back to Leh

Day 10 : Shop till you drop

Roam around , shop with your hearts content, drink apricot juice, but the handicrafts, woolen shawls, pashminas, jackets, a good collection of T-shirts....

Day 11 : Time to go back ...

And then come Back to Delhi/Srinagar/Manali.......

There are few minor details like costs ,places to stay , etc, which i have skipped out and will share in my next posts....

For Budget Ideas , click here

Please follow or email, if you are interested

Eco Friendly Way to Travel in Ladakh

2012-09-15T01:43:00.003-07:00

Ladakh is a place with scarce resources and every year thousand of tourists like us throng the place, straining the scanty resources. The effort is to identify ways to reduce this negative impact and ways in which we can actually support and encourage the amazing traditions in the sacred place.

The more tourists use the guide and communicate that they are supporting local establishments because of their environmental/traditional credentials (or demand them when they’re not available) the more sustainable services and products will increase to meet the growing demand.

One of the Growing Problems that I witnessed there is the usage of plastic mineral water bottles, which is creating a huge waste

PLASTIC WASTE IN LADAKH

This can be avoided. The way out is not only eco friendly but also quite helpful in restricting your expenditure. Usually in Ladakh in most of the places Mineral waters cost Rs 20 per bottle, and we consume at least two to three bottles everyday and throw it away, causing what you see above.

The worst part is that there are no recycling facilities in Ladakh, hence the bottles are either taken and dumped outside of town, or burned in the open, producing toxic byproducts such as chlorine gas and ash containing heavy metals.

The use of water refilling services which are available in a lot of Leh Places with Rs 10 per litre, is pocket friendly and saves the environment from bearing with another two plastic bottles from your end.

Moreover i was not aware that plastic used to make water bottles is derived from crude oil. Worldwide, some 2.7 million tons of plastic are used to bottle water each year. Additionally, transporting all those plastic bottles full of water over the Himalayas consumes enormous amounts of fuel and pollutes the atmosphere along the way. Just think of it..

Moreover, Corporate appropriation of the world’s fresh-water supply represents one of the most serious contemporary threats to the local self-reliance of peoples across the planet. Commodifying and privatizing what was once the common right of local communities, companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi are depriving rural communities across India

Plastic waste – such as water bottles, soft drink bottles, tetra packs, and food packaging – is piling up on the streets and paths, in the streams, and almost everywhere else all over India, including Ladakh. The effects of this waste are many: clogging drainage; damaging our health when burned; filling the stomachs of animals that eat it; and tarnishing the beauty of this unique region.

Few of the many Establishments offering water refilling and/or some local food :

Lala's Cafe
Inner Space Cafe
Leh View Restaurant
Women's Alliance of Ladakh
Desert Rain Cafe

And moreover if you have some social interest and want to contribute something back to this lovely place, here is a list of Organizations who are trying their best to keep the place , the heaven it is.

WAL (Women’s Alliance of Ladakh)

Since 1994 the Women's Alliance of Ladakh (WAL) is working in Ladakh with the twin goals of raising the status of rural women and strengthening local culture and agriculture. Since then, WAL's membership has swelled to over 6,000 women from almost 100 different villages. Address: Sankar Road, Chubi, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 250293

E-mail: womenallianceleh@yahoo.co.in

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

Since 1999 World Wide Fund for Nature is working in Ladakh on the Conservation of High Altitude Wetlands Project. The project is expected to develop a special focus on biodiversity conservation in some high altitude lakes. Recently the organization released a documentary on climate change called ‚living with change, voices of Ladakh‛. Address: Hemis Complex, Zangsti Road, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 251896

E-mail: pankajchandan@wwfindia.net , pchandan@gmail.com

Website: www.wwfindia.org

SLC (Snow Leopard Conservancy)

Since its foundation in 2000 the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust (SLC-IT) has been dedicated to promoting community based stewardship of the endangered snow leopard, its prey and habitat to the benefit of local people and the environment in the trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Zanskar. Address: P.O. Box 67, Shangara House, Tukcha Main Road, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 250953

E-mail: slcindia@sancharnet.in Website: www.snowleopardindia.org

SECMOL (Student’s Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh)

SECMOL was founded in 1988 with the aim to promote educational reform in Ladakh. The students in the campus in Phey manage the hostel democratically under the guidance of hostel managers, teachers, and students. SECMOL campus is a clear example of sustainable architecture. Address: c/o SECMOL, P.O. Box 4, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 226120 / 226116

E-mail: saicampus@gmail.com Website: www.secmol.org

PAGIR (People’s Action Group for Inclusions and Rights)

Founded in 2008, a group of disabled Ladakhis doing grassroots recycling by collecting discards and transforming them into new products. Address: PAGIR, Skara Spon, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 9419340800 and +91 9419219312

E-mail: inclusionandrights@gmail.com

NIRLAC ( Namgyal Institute for Research on Ladakhi Art and Culture)

One of the primary aims of NIRLAC is the conservation of Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage through various programmes to be undertaken by the Institute. Address: Shangara House, Tukcha Main Road, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 254976

E-mail: nirlac@gmail.com

LEHO (Ladakh Environment and Health Organization)

LEHO has been working since 1991 on ecological agriculture, passive solar houses construction, handicraft (pashmina), health and environment. Address: Passive Solar, Building, Skara Juk, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 252944

E-mail: sultanaleho@yahoo.co.in , tashileho@yahoo.com

LEDEG (Ladakh Ecological Development Group)

Created in 1983 LEDeG is one of the elder Ladakhi NGO, recognized for its work on renewable energy, environment, organic agriculture, education, food processing and handicrafts. Based in Leh, and two sub offices, that work as proximity NGOs are situated in Kargil and Padum. Address: Ladakh Ecological Dev. Group, Karzoo, Leh 194101, Ladakh Phone: +91 1982 252284

E-mail: ledegleh@gmail.com Website: www.ledeg.org

LACS (Ladakhi Animal Care Society)

Since 2006, LACS and Vets Beyond Borders are running the Leh Street Dog Sterilization (animal birth control) Program with the collaboration of the local authorities. Phone: +91 9419344439 and +91 9906985271

Maps of Leh & Ladakh

2012-09-14T11:21:00.002-07:00

THIS MAP ACTUALLY HELPS IN GETTING AROUND IN LEH AND SIGHT SEEING ON FOOT AND COVERS ALL THAT IS TOO SEE IN THE TOWN

This One you will need , if you have that biker spirit in you and take on to yourself to challenge the Mountain Roads and Feel Blessed

Add caption

Reaching Ladakh

2012-09-14T10:33:00.003-07:00

Ladakh is not exactly cheap budget wise. but yes there are ways to minimize the cost.

The Remoteness , the scarcity of of the big industries, the extreme climates all count for the same.

There are three ways to get to reach Leh

By Air: - The Leh Airport is a domestic airport, which connect you directly to important cities like Delhi,Chandigarh, and Srinagar. Major airlines like Go Air,Indian Airlines, Jet Airways operate regular flights to and from this airport. But weather at times can play a spoilsport.

By Rail: - The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawai in Jammu, about 690 km away. It is the prime railhead for the entire state, being linked to several major cities across India. Orlese

By Road: - Leh-Ladakh is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Srinagar and Manali. The

434-km Leh-Srinagar road is operative from June to October, while the 473-km Leh-Manali road remains

functional from July to September.

Buses ply directly to Leh from either Manali or Srinagar regularly.

From Manali to Leh mostly people halt in Keylong , which is the administrative center for Lahaul. There you will get to see the Kardang monastery. Usually the Leh Srinagar Highway is more comfortable to travel but the widely preffered choice the the Manali-Leh Road considering to the tense security situaton in Kashmir, however the road is only usually open from June to October due to snow fall.

There are shared taxis from Manali which start early in the morning and reach Leh early next morning.Tourist buses from HPTDC and the local HRTC buses, stop overnight in Keylong.

There are also minibuses and shared cabs that makes a overnight stop in Sarchu - this comes with a high incidence of altitude sickness , since Sarchu ( also dubbed "The Vomit Hilton") lies more than seven hundred meters higher than Leh , at 4253 meters.

Coming from Srinagar there are a few interesting places to stop en route : Kargil at 2693 meters ( where the buses stops , the best choice for altitude acclimatization) , (Lamayuru and Alchi that also offer accommodation).

Another Mode, is hiring a bike from Manali, that is something which perhaps i will prefer. The Manali Leh Highway is one of the most challenging roads to go for biking, and as you pass on from the greenary through the snow, to the rugged terrains , I can bet it will amaze you at How Brilliant God is a creator.

An Amazing creation of God...Ladakh...

2012-09-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Ladakh or Ladag comes from tibetan word meaning " Land of High Passes", situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir between the Great Himalayas and the Kunlun mountain range. The Land is inhabited by people from Tibetan origin and Indo Aryan Origin.

A Typical Sunset from Leh City

It is at a distance of 434 Kms from State capital (Summer) Srinager and 474 Kms from Manali(HP).

The primary season of Travel is between April to Spemtember end, with August and July having the most pleasent weather for travelling.

The landscape is dry and arid and breathtaking, very similar to a lunar landscape, and clubbed with the azure blue sky and amazing people , with rich culture is one of the most sought after travel destinations in this world. Personally I was amazed by the honesty and humbleness of the people.

Officially the region is declared a tribal district.

The Prime religion is Budhdhism followed by Muslim.

Ladakh Landscape

There are two Airports in the district namely K.G Bakula Airport at Leh and army Airport at Thoise Nubra. Leh airport connects the national capital of Delhi and state capital of Srinagar and Jammu. The Airport at Leh Serves the commercial purpose.

There Are ATMS and branches of major banks in Leh City, namely, SBI, HDFC, Axis, Punjab National Bank, and J&K Bank. Usually most of the accomodations or resturants do not accept cards, and hence it is adviseable to carry cash with yourself.

A Ladakhi Shop in the Leh Market

Ladakh is called the Hermit Kingdom due to its remoteness and in accessibility. Ladakh is connected to the main land through two roads namely Leh-Srinagar national highway and Leh- Manali road. These two roads remains open only during summer months and during the winter it remains closed for more than 7

months due to closure of the passes (Zojila, Rotang Pass, Baralacha, Changla).

Roads in the mountain

I will be sharing all my travels details, with guest houses, resturants, budget travel options, and do and donts, and formats for inner line permits , everything, stay posted........