Delhi - Manali - Leh - Trekking in Ladak

LaReponse

Dear IMers,

I have already posted another thread which has become a more "Road open"-thread instead of an itinerary thread. It is called "Road Manali - Leh - End of May":

Road Manali - Leh - End of May

I will try to keep this thread as it is as quite a few people will just be interested in the main question of the old thread "will the road be open?".

For this reason, please help me here within this new thread with my new and other questions (if it is posted in the wrong forum, please move it, mod.).

1. Delhi - Shimla
I will arrive in Delhi at 7.25

1.a) Is there another train connection to Shimla than the Himalayan Queen? HQ will start at 6 am and so I will "loose" one day in Delhi. I want to avoid going by night train.
1.b) If I would take the HQ I would like to book online via www.irctc.co.in (CC would be fine or?) I only could find a connection from Delhi to Kalka (Train No. 4095). What about the way to Shimla? Do I have to buy tickets for the toy train in Kalka before changing trains?

2. To Manali
I would like to take the bus to Manali. Any recommendation? Accommodation, bus, prices

3. From Manali to Leh
a) As mentioned before, please keep us IMers up to date in this thread:
Road Manali - Leh - End of May
I would like to know if the road from Manali to Leh will be open around May 28.
If it's closed, which alternatives do I have? Taxi/Jeep, bus, flight
b) I would prefer going from Manali to Leh by private Taxi/Jeep. How much is that? Where can I book that? Where would you stop for the night? I do have a tent.

4. in Leh
Any recommendations for Leh? Accommodation, sighseeing, restaurants.

5. Trekking
I am still not sure about the treks. I would prefer doing the Markha Valley Trek. Do you have any experiences you'd like to share? How to organise a horseman/guide who should cook, too. I have a tent and so on, but I don't have stove etc. Can you recommend a trekking agency in Leh? Or shall I organise that at the starting point of that trek, e. g. Spituk/Stok?

6. Back to Delhi
6.a) Any recommendations for accommodation in Delhi?
6.b) Sightseeing: "must haves and not worths"

Wow. I didn't want to write that much. ;-)

Omg, I forgot the most important part: If you like to join me for any part of the trip, feel free to contact me.

Thank you very much in advance,
Daniel

guidedeba

1. Delhi - Shimla
I will arrive in Delhi at 7.25

1.a) Is there another train connection to Shimla than the Himalayan Queen? HQ will start at 6 am and so I will "loose" one day in Delhi. I want to avoid going by night train.

go to ISBT (Inter state Bus terminus)from Airport and catch Bus to Shimla. Good AC Busses are available for that which in a way lessen your hassel of transfers in Kalka stn & walking up from Shimla railway station. And of course will save you a lot of time.

1.b) If I would take the HQ I would like to book online via www.irctc.co.in (CC would be fine or?) I only could find a connection from Delhi to Kalka (Train No. 4095). What about the way to Shimla? Do I have to buy tickets for the toy train in Kalka before changing trains?

try to buyticket for kalka - shimla again there. or try to book directly delhi - Shimla

2. To Manali
I would like to take the bus to Manali. Any recommendation? Accommodation, bus, prices

Go to the Shimla Mall and get your tkt with the Tourism dept Informationl centre (HPTDC) Busses. comfortable and puntual. You can stay in many available hotels in Manali. I reccommend Hotel Kalpana on Log hut road. Rs. 40 auto-rickshaw fare from Manali bus stand. will cost you 300 - 700 / room

3. From Manali to Leh
a) As mentioned before, please keep us IMers up to date in this thread:
Road Manali - Leh - End of May
I would like to know if the road from Manali to Leh will be open around May 28.
I just called some friend of mine from Keylong he confirmed the road is through. and busses are going.

If it's closed, which alternatives do I have? Taxi/Jeep, bus, flight
b) I would prefer going from Manali to Leh by private Taxi/Jeep. How much is that? Where can I book that? Where would you stop for the night? I do have a tent.
If you go by share taxi / jeep / toyota qualis. they look nice. but take 10 persons. and make that journey in one day. 500 - kms in one single move with single driver is terrible. and if you are lucky to get your seat in the back. you are sure to be feeling near the heaven.. terrible journey. I suggest Bus. bigger the better in that way. and plenty of chnaces to meet other travellers and know Indians. (I think you are here to see India as well as Indians. they have a night halt at Sarchu. you can place your tent. but they reach late and start early. so better you stay with the others in the tea-shop / or if you go by the tourismcoach service (HPTDC again) then they will include that tent charge too. Going too fast over those high passes by car will surely make you feel like dying if you are first time in that height. and a car for your own will cost you something like 12 - 14,000 Rs.

4. in Leh
Any recommendations for Leh? Accommodation, sighseeing, restaurants.
You don't have to search thre are plenty. just walk to Fort road you will find a lot of them. Though a little expensive about 800 - 1000 / night. I prefer Hotel Tso-Moriri. You can try Mero Travels & Mr Tangyas for your trekking permit arrangements. I organise my groups with him. You will knwo about s/s, restaurants there. don't try to do it from here.

5. Trekking
I am still not sure about the treks. I would prefer doing the Markha Valley Trek. Do you have any experiences you'd like to share? How to organise a horseman/guide who should cook, too. I have a tent and so on, but I don't have stove etc. Can you recommend a trekking agency in Leh? Or shall I organise that at the starting point of that trek, e. g. Spituk/Stok?
No travel arrangements at Spituk / stok. Do it at Leh. once again the mero Travels is quite nice I can say

6. Back to Delhi
6.a) Any recommendations for accommodation in Delhi?
HOtel Ajanta on Arakahan Road. or there a re many of them on that road in Paharganj
6.b) Sightseeing: "must haves and not worths"
if it is not raining just be inthe hotel. you might visit the Redfort & Qutab Minar & bahai-temple. and Jama masjid.
better take the shatabdi in the morningto agra and visit tajmahal and back in the evening by return shata bdi exp.
Happy journey.

LaReponse

Dear guidedeba,

Thank you very much for your detailled answer.

Best regards,
Daniel