to Leh end of April

dolphin

hello,
can anybody tell if it is possible to get to Leh by ground?? I start from Shimla on April 18.

SHIMLA

Hardly advisable to visit Leh before June ! The best approach on ground is from Manali, via Keylong.

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dolphin

Thank you, Shimla!
mmm, so pity - wanted to see Tibetan plateau so much!

ranjitsisa

Advisable time is between July and October.
Because that is when you will have support systems and Indian Army on the move and help would be easily available on the tortuous roads from Keylong to Leh.

The Bus Journey from Manali via Keylong to Leh is amazing!
And very very adventurous. Make sure to carry Mountain Headache tablets and oxygen tablets incase you have problem with higher altitude. And do drink plenty of water on the way. Its very dry atmosphere.

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Ranjit

vistet

My own experience of the Army as a source of help on the road was negative when the road was blocked at 5000+. Army personnel stood as spectators and left it to poorer acclimatised civilians to clear the road while enjoying the spectacle of angrezis and locals getting muddy. It wasn`t even possible to lend a shovel from the Army vehicles because they didnt have any (...?). Active knowledge of altitude sickness etc among the officers I spoke to was abysmally low , I can only conclude that they rely on a very strict acclimatision schedule instead .
Of course I am aware that the road wouldnt exist or be cleared without the Army.

I was glad I acclimatised at 2000 before starting out , next time I´ll make sure to have a acclimatisation day or two in Keylong as well.

I`ve never used Diamox myself ; I´ve felt that bringing it along would mean an admission of poor judgement beforehand.

dolphin

That reminded me Russian Army! :-)
I myself stand for acclimatization, no pills. With a proper one (a couple of days at 3500), we've done tracks with 4500-4800m passes (Peru) without problems.
Are there tracks in HP like ones in Nepal Himalaya (for ex., Jomsom or Annapurna trek)? If yes, are there lodges in India or I better bring my tent?

SHIMLA

Yes, H.P. is a trekker's paradise. If you join an organised group, you need not bring your own tent.

vinayverma

In April the Manali-Leh road will not be open....so the only option is to fly.
However, Srinagar-kargil-leh route might be open due to constant movement of Army.
For trekking in HP, you can land up in manali and enquire around the market, there are treks from 1 day to 15days (Pin parvati). Best time is again will be from last week of May to Sept.

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dolphin

thank you.
Is it permitted to trek in HP alone? to be honest, i don't like organised tours

SHIMLA

Of course it is ! The major trekking routes originate from Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie and Chamba.

Contact Himachal Tourism for details. Their website:

http://www.hptdc.nic.in

Ajax

Hi,

We're arriving in Delhi late April and looking to spend about a month in Himachal doing trekking and sight-seeing.

Are there any must see's and/or do's around this area? I saw there are many options of treks originating especially from Manali. Is there the kind of "Around Annapurna" of Himachal region? We're interested in both moderate trekking (not the most strenous type) as well as seeing villages and temples and experiencing some of the local culture.

Any suggested itineraries are most welcome.

Also does anyone know roughly the cost per day per person of staying in the region and going on treks/tours with guide/porter for that period of the year?

Many thanks!

Allan

AvidTrekker

dolphin

of course you can reach leh in April. One route is via Srinagar. (discussed above) Other route is via Kinnaur. On the Kinnaur route you can go upto base of Kunzum La by bus...... then... (in case the pass has not opened) you will have to trek for a day or two depending on your comfort level to reach the other side of the pass. Now you will get buses right upto Leh. The Kinnaur route is scenic. No tourists visible. If you can walk up the Shipki pass (on the way) from Namgia you will be able to see the Shipki village in Tibet while standing on the border. (if the army fellows allow you, that is) A permit will be reqd for the leg btwn Jangi to Sumdo. This is available in Kaza District Magistrates Office in 2 hrs for a payment of 100 rs. Keep a dozen passport size photos handy. They will be reqd for all border area permits

dolphin and Ajax

Himachal Pradesh is a trekkers paradise. But hardly any tea-house routes like Nepal. You will have to carry at least 30kg (at the very least) if you want to do the treks alone. (this is assuming that you have really good experience trekking alone at altitudes above 10,000feet). You might get lost. The Pin-Parvati Pass trek suggested by vinayverma is excellent. (i would like to do it myself). Only the border regions require permits. I can give you extensive details from my logs. If your serious, send me a PM. Also tell me your dates, and previous experience in terms of altitude reached. I will dig out my log books. But mind you, if you wanna trek alone..... then you are going into unknown territory.

Read this post about "how to acclimatize" on Indiamike. (Garlic pills will also work in addition to raw garlic) this is d link:

http://indiamike.com/india/showthrea...97 #post27197

Nepal is in turmoil right now. There are many enquiries like yours coming up. But India has very few tea-house treks. That too not more than 5 days max.

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AvidTrekker

oops.....

missed this one which says "Rohtang Pass Opens in April this year" . The link :

http://www.indiamike.com/india/showt...34 #post28534

So it seems you may be able to go to Leh in April by the most well known land route after all.......

Ajax

Hi again,

Just heard from an agent that the Pin Parvati trek normally does not open up before mid July, and it's going to be "very tough, risky and expensive" quoting 70 per day per person - 13 days, budget travel for 2.

Also about the Hampta pass, I was told that in early May, it would be done by porters and not ponies. And was quoted 52 usd, over 13 days as well.

What do you guys think?

These prices seem very high to me, considering that a porter/cook/guide is a few hundred Rs at most + veg. food I don't see how it goes up to 4,500 Rs a day for 2 persons.

If anyone has a recommended agency I'll also be happy to hear.

Cheers
Allan

AvidTrekker

Allan,

Your info is correct. Pin Parvati pass is crossable without mountaineering equipment only after 14 June (approx plus/minus 10 days). Hampta is crossable after 14 April by humans only. Try to negotiate for $25 and you may get someone at $40.

I have replied to your PM