State of Jammu and Kashmir Travel Forum

Hi, I am planning to visit Leh in early September 2008. I have 12 days in Leh and my plan is as follow:
1) Leh town and surronding stupa or monasteries
2) Climbing Stok-Kangri(5 days)
3) to Nubra Valley by bus and back 2 to 3 days later
4) visiting Lamayaru by bus and back the next day

Comments/Guidance needed:-
1)May I know whether my plan is to tight for the 12 days in Leh?
2)Any idea what is the cost of the climb for Stok Kangri? Any reliable agent at Leh to recommend?
3)What is the cost of bus from Leh to Panamik or Hunder? Which has better sight, Panamik or Hunder?
4)I intend to fly from Leh to Delhi, should I book the ticket oversea or while I am at Leh?

Your kind assistance to the above is much appreciated.

Thank you.

Choon Eng

Hi Choon,
Leh is one of the most exotic destination in India. It is very different from rest of India. I don't think your plan is too tight. It is just right. But make sure you acclamitize yourself upon arrival at Leh. Give at least 1-2 days. This is to prepare your body and mind for future treks. The altitude of most of the places are too high and the the air is quite rarified and dry. But nothing to worry. If you take a local bus to Panamik/Hunder, the ticket cost will be miniscule. I am not very sure which one is better. Do your Leh-Delhi booking in advance, as this is a high tourist season for this area (although in India, it is not a high peak period for domestic tourists-all schools are open at this time). If you are finding it difficult to book this ticket from overseas (the reputed Indian travel websites like makemytrip, travelguru, Indiatimes travels, Air deccan etc are not accepting international credit cards at the moment), you may as well book the ticket in Leh. Should not be a problem.
Enjoy your trip. This can be one of the most memorable trip for you.

Dear Bkerjee,

Thank you for your advice.

Air Deccan do accept international credit card now. But is it safe to book the air ticket overseas? I noted that the fare for Leh-Delhi is increasing everyday. Should I go ahead?

Choon Eng

Try your travel agent to book Jet Airways for you, bit expensive but worth it.

I had a bad time this time as the flight got cancelled (all Jet, IA, Deccan) but Jet people got an additional flight next day. but Deccan people made fool of us by announcing the additional flight (which was not there) issued us boarding card and told us no flight...end up buying a Jet for INR 15000.

Do the Nubra Valley first and then the Stok kangri, so that you are fully aclimatised.

HTH
Angchuk

Hi Choon Eng,
There is no problem in using the credit card for making the flight bookings, if you are booking through one of those reputed travel websites (which I mentioned earlier) or the official websites of the airlines. Air Deccan has been taken over by a much larger conglomerate called Kingfisher airlines and they have streamlined the operations. Earlier, Air Deccan (http://www.airdeccan.net/) used to cancel the flights at the drop of a hat, but things have changed now. Except for emergency cases, cancellations are few and far between.
As pointed out by fellow VTer, Jet Airways also provides connection between Delhi and Leh. Jet Airways is a reputed airlines in this region (I would say, it is best in India) and they have an office in Malaysia also(http://www.jetairways.com/Cultures/en-US/Malaysia/). I assume you are
from Malaysia. In that case, you can use your credit card to make a booking. If you do advance booking, I am sure you can get very good rates.
Hope this helps
BK

Dear Angchuk/Bkarjee

Thank you for the valuable advises.

I shall do the Nubra Valley first before Stok Kangri.As for the air ticket from Leh-Delhi,I shall try to purchase it online before leaving for India as early September is still the peak season to Leh.

One more question, what time is the bus leave Manali to Leh?

Bkarjee, you are right, I am from Malaysia.

Cheers!

Choon Eng

Hi Choon Eng,
You have stumbled upon a very adventurous (and scary for people from SE Asia) idea of doing the Manali-Leh section by road. Only those who have guts and strong will power overflowing with adrenaline would do this route by road, although it is quite usual for localites to underttake this journey by road. Please read the travelogues of this route by some daredevils who have undertaken this road journey. But once you have decided to do it, you have the luxury of the best landscape scenaries in the world. No exaggeration here.
http://www.gonomad.com/transports/0511/ladakh.html
http://www.outtheresomewhere.net/?page_id=90
Apparently this road journey can be done by either jeeps (kind of indigenous SUV's) or buses that ahve the most basic of amenities. Buses take 2 days (with a halt at Keylong village enroute)whereas jeeps madfe take 18 hrs.
If you undertake the bus journey, please do write a travelogue and upload it on this website. I would love to se it
BK

BK,Thank you for the advise. I am very certain to take the bus journey from Manali to Leh. The write-up by previous travellers on this road journey seemed scary but I will try it myself. The scenery along the route is so amazing...