Ladakh Trip

Ladakh an Great Himalayan ranges in the eastern part of Jammu & Kashmir cradles this desert at over 11000ft. The vast land dry and desiccated swells and billows into great tiers of snow-crested peaks. Arching over it is a sky, pure blue, benign, sheltering. The river bisects the floor of the valley. In summer it is a sullen gry, silt-laden, sometimes turning to violet. In autumn, the Indus is at its most graceful urquoise and aquamarine waters weaving through golden banks of tall poplars and tumbling willows. Crumbling old monasteries perched on rocky promontories command the barren, empty vistas. Dominating Leh from its vantage on the northern crag is a diminutive potala. In the late afternoon the wind picks up, riffling the prayer flags, carrying snatches of the deep-intoned homage to manjushri. And yet the welcoming banners of the J&K Tourism Department strike an incongruous note for what could this peaceful facsimile of Tibet possibly have to do with the lush green battleground of the Kashmir valley.

The Manali-Leh Drive

A road trip without parallel. One journeys through one of the most desolate areas of the country along the second highest road in the world, over 4 passes, before arriving at Leh. The 480-km Manali-Leh Highway is snowed in for nearly eight months every year. But there’s plenty of traffic from mid-June to early October and much scope for help in case of a breakdown.

Make this 62 to 30 hour drive over 2 days, covering the bulk of the distance of nearly 220 km to Sarchu on the first day. Leave early morning stopping at the string of dhabas at Marhi 17 km short of Rohtange for breakfast. Cross the Rohtang La, the first pass at 13,058 ft and descend to koshar at the chandra valley floor. Drive along the Chandra River for 35 km to Tandi then in the the Bhaga valley, traveling north to Darcha. Break for the meal at the dhabas here. After Darcha the road climbs to a major pass the Baralacha La. Sarchu Serai another 35 km away, as a few tented camps for the overnight stay you must make.

The next day you cross the Lachulung La en route to pang and then onto an incredible 45-km long flat section the Moray Plains. The next obstacle to tackle is the highest pass on this road Tanglang La (17,500 ft), after which the Leh valley unfolds majestically.

Note: Heavery fog builds up on the Manali side of the pass almost every day after 5 pm. Time your return so that you cross the pass by 4pm.

The Self-driven Approach

If you have a sports utility vehicle in reasonable condition (4×4 is preferable) and adventure in your blood and love the out-door this is the thing to do. Driving up in your own vehicle gives you the advantage of pacing your-self, stopping for a photo-op or just leeching at the scenery.

Permits

To visit the Inner Line areas of Nubra Vally, Pangong-Tso, Tso-Moriri and the Dha-Hanu Valley, Permits are required. These are easy to get and are given for week-long visits, with a simple application being made at the Collector’s Office in Keh, situated at the far side of the Polo Ground. Local operator change approximately Rs 50 for permits. Carry at least 5 photocopies of the permit, which have to be deposited at check points en route.

Route: NH1 to Ambaka, NH22 to Zirakpur, NH21 to Manali, Manali-Leh Highway to Leh through Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachung La and Tanglang La.