What do you suggest: Manali-Kaza-Shimla or Manali-Leh-Manali??

I am planning a 10-12 day long trip towards the end of June either to Leh through Manali or drive in to Spiti via Manali and get out through Kinnaur..

I thought I had it all worked out but I keep getting such great inputs on IM suggesting both the options that I am by now totally, hopelessly confused..

Those who have done both the places..could you please help this confused guy make up his mind..please?

I would choose the Kinnaur route. The route is so green, rivers, shining black granite mountain face & snow peaks. For me Ladakh is too stark. But check the weather at that time. Rains in Kinnaur could be a problem.

Jyotida, thanks..the condition of the roads and overall accessability is obviously a very crucial factor.

SOS for Andreas/Dhananjay and experts on Ladakh..

I am of the view that you do full circuit of MANALI-KAZA-SHIMLA or SHIMLA-KAZA-MANALI.
This is better route than Manali-Leh-Manali.

It would be better if you choose SHIMLA-KAZA-MANALI as you will be going towards high altitude with comfortable gain of altitude.

This is splendid route-try you hand on that. Do NOT forget to visit SANGLA and CHITKUL beside NAKO-KIBBER

Sorry, I'm only with my head in the himalayas...
Don't know the current road conditions. - Explore it in person...

Yes, Kinnaur - Spiti - Lahaul - Kullu is a great circuit! - I recommend additional visits in the Taiti- and Ropa Valley, Nako, the mummy in Gye, Pin Valley, Dhankar, Lhalung, Komic, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang.... Walk from Kunzum La to Chandratal.... It's enough for one month....

@himadventures: Is the new road at "Malling block" drivable now?

AndreasW

Andreas- work was going on..yet to get confirmation.
You itinerary is good and I hope MOUNT will be having a something to write a book about his experience !

himadventures,
Sangla is really very very beautuful. The HSEB bungalow in Sangla is situated at a great spot. We stayed there, got permit made at the HSEB office in Rampur. Chitkool is also a very enchanting place. The amalgamation of Hinduism & Budhism and the resultant architecture of the temples & shrines is amazing. The Tankhas at many monestaries are very interesting.

Good thoughts Guys..thanks much!

Himadventures: How can I find out about the roads in advance..any sources? I am also in favour of going via Shimla and coing out through Kullu..sounds good..

Andreas: You have mentioned about this book by Deepak and Dhanu on Kinnaur and Spiti..where can I find it..any ideas?? I wish I had a month..but then, I can always make a start and keep going back..like you do!

Jyotida: Sangla is lovely..paradise..I have been there..and loved it!

My curent plan, broadly is: take 3 days to drive to Kaza..spend 4-5 days in and around(walking, trekking, gazing, writing) and then 3 days for the drive bacl to Manali and on to Delhi..still wondering though..if the entire circuit would be open in June third and fourth week..

...for 400 INR in each bookshop... you are at the source in Delhi, isn't it........or here

AndreasW

Prefer doing the entire circuit.
I would love to complete that again.. .the circuit in itself is totally majestic with the best and unforgettable views.
-M-

Lovemax and all others who spoke here: I think I am decided on doing the HT road circuit..thankyou for helping me sort this out. Leh will wait for next year..


Lovemax: Have you written a blog on your trip through the circuit..it always helps to read about other's experiences before embarking on your own..

I could not do the entire circuit last year due to blocked Spiti-Shimla route.
I agree with some of the IMers here that Spiti is far better than Leh/Ladakh mainly due to less number of tourists.
You can reach kaza (can be a base camp) from Manali. If you are driving yourself carry critical spares and tools. Otherwise, you can take the early morning bus from Manali, you can reserve your seat in advance at Manali, which is better idea than going standing (not recommended atall) otherwise you can also take shared Sumo/Qualis from outside Manali Busstand at 4.30/5AM. Here also you can book the front seat in advance since they are more comfortable (especially in Sumo) at shade higher price.
Kaza, does not have anything great to offer w.r.t trekking, sightseeing, peace, or even a great hotel. I found the town quite dirty and difficult to walk around (maybe it was because of the La-darch festival).
Tabo is good place to stay with nice small guest houses and less crowded.
If you are planning to trek around keep at least 5-7 days for a trek to enjoy it. Otherwise you can do day trips to Tabo, Lahlung, Dhankar, Kee etc. You can also spend a night in Pin valley maybe at Sagnaum Village(ask around villagers do offer a room & food in their homes for money ) or at the Kungri gompa near it.
I found Kibber to be a great place to spend few days if you want peace and literally away from the tourist crowd. it can be done as a day trip from Kaza but I prefer spending few days there and trekking to nearby villages. You can also trek to Kibber from Kee or hike a ride. There is a daily bus to Kibber from Kaza in the evening (5.30PM) that returns to Kaza next day morning at 8AM from Kibber. At kibber you stay at Rainbow guest House (ask for Khaisang) or Norlings.
Let me know if you need more details.

Aloha mt. cleverest
Well written I have abt 32 pages on that but thats more of biking adventure and is not on blogs but I can give it to you to read as its in word doc.
You can drop me a mail with ur Personal id and I can give u trip logs.

Here's the pics from the spiti : http://photos.yahoo.com/livin_like_bird

Check the Spiti Album.
Enjoii the foreplay as I am already starting up with another session of hills rides.
-M-

Nice pics Lovemax.
my pics from my trip to Spiti last year are herehttp://community.webshots.com/user/vermavinay

Vinay/Lovemax: Those are magnificent pics..why the heck is June still so far away!!!!

Lovemax: Would love to read your trip log..just sending you a PM..thanks!

Was just reading through the last year's thread on the circuit..seems like the road opened around last week of June and closed down again due to land slides..that sounds horrific..if it gets repeated..then my trip is effectively doomed..fingers crossed..