Ladakh Range Travel Forum

Hello

I'll be in Ladakh from 14 to 31 August. I have some questions bothering me at the moment, I'm sure more will come alon later.

How can one access cash in Leh. Are there ATMs, can one change traveller's checks or must one arrive with cash (perhaps changed at Delhi?). If ATMs are available, my budget can be more flexible, but if I need to start taking rupees, I'll have to calculate more accurately.

So to come to the budget, how much should one plan for 17 days in Ladakh? I'm not going to be doing much trekking, walking around to visit places, but no long treks. Perhaps get around in a rented jeep with a driver. I'd like to do the Indus Valley, go up to Da-Hanu, Alchi, Hemis,.. and go to the ChangTang national Parc, also go to Nubra Valley.

Also, I have a digital reflex camera Nikon d70s. I've heard it's very dusty in the Himalaya. Is changing lenses a real hazard? Will my ca^mera be ok?

Thnks for your help, it is always much appreciated.

Ekat

I took my SLR (now a digital convert) and didn't notice any dust at all. Maybe during a sand storm but never was in such in India over several years..

More ATMs in Delhi , some in Shimla or in Manali but check which banks are compatible with the Indian banks. There are tourists hub which will accept traveller's cheques.

Camera shld be ok.

Dear Ekat,
Leh has ATMS, you might want to carry a backup incase its is out of order ! ATMs are everywhere in Delhi and major metros now. Jeep rental is expensive in Ladakh, Though you will most likely be able to hook up with others to share costs. I have trekked in the area extensively, but not independently. Markha is accessible via Chilling My parter is a Photographer he has no problem trekking with a quality camera and several lenses.
happy planning
Jayne

there are two atms in leh (as of aug2005) one of state bank of india and other of J&K bank. most of the time i found sbi atm out of order. so do carry some amount in traveller cheques.
17days in leh ..well it depends on what kind of acco are u looking for .ifu r looking for guesthouses then you need anywhere between 200 to 500rs per night. hotels can be from 800 to 2400rs per night. travelling by jeeps is costly for areas like nubra valley (8000rs for a 3-4 day trip) pangong tso (6000rs ) tsomoriri lake (6000rs) for monastries like alchi likir its ard 2000rs ,for shey thiksey hemis tour its ard 1550rs.
i used canon 350D and changed lenses as well but didnt find dust on the sensor. you just need to take precaution as you would take anywhere else. nothing special in ladakh.take a tele lens if u r planning for wildlife park in hemis and TSO kar lake.
all the best
amit

THank you all for your answers and all the help. It is so reassuring to have the experience of others when one goes to a place on knows nothing of..

Take care all

Ekat