ladakh and kashmir

maree

OK... I get 7 weeks off over summer and my thoughts have turned to planning my holiday... 3 weeks back home in New Zealand as I've a wedding to attend in August and 3 weeks somewhere in July. I've gone through a few ideas but seem to have arrived back at the India option. Have never been to Ladakh or Kashmir and July seems to be a good time of year for these areas. With limited time and money in my bank account, I'd fly Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Delhi (or the other way around) and was thinking 1 week in Srinagar and 2 weeks in Ladakh.

Would appreciate any advice for places to stay, places to avoid, things to do etc, etc. In terms of accomodation, I tend to avoid the real budget places these days butI still try to get by on less than R500 a night... attached bathroom is a must (preferably one in which none of you have been impolite enough to piss in the sink!!).

So any recommendations would be greatly received. Is Lamaryaru (sp?) worth the long trip from Leh? What about the Nubra Valley? Have already decided against Tso Moriri as I don't have a tent and will be travelling by myself so it seems like too much hassle.

Thank you very much indeed
Maree

Dakota

Hi Maree,
Ladakh is a gem. Finding a nice place to stay shouldn't be a problem in Leh. I forgot the name of a great GH, but there are a few. I'll post it once I remeber it.

Lamayuru is about 5 hrs bus ride from Leh, and it is worth a visit. You can stay at GHs there, or at the Monastery.
I highly recommend Alchi. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the area, and it's not too far away (~ 3 hrs).
Nubra Valley: I was there last July. Nice. I couldn't enjoy it too the fullest as I was a bit sick there (the after effect of rabies shots).

You can do a short trek if you into it.
Or just visit monasteries in surrounding villages,which are really beautiful. Stok, Thiksey, Shey, ...

I also suggest you buy filtered and boiled water from Dzoma, local Ladakhi ecological shop. They are centrally located. They also have great lassis, apricot jam, seeds, juice, etc.

Let me know if there's more (specific) you want to know.
Happy travels!

freemanx

hi maree,

according to this guy, there is a guest house in karzok at tso moriri
http://www.myhimalayas.com/ladakh_tso_moriri/index.htm

ps:i think probably no indiamiker has been there, so the sink should be nice and clean

Baisab

As in any other touristy town in the mountains, the higher you climb above the town center, the nicer and better value GHs seem to get. The window view I had from a room ten minute walk up hill from the main street was definitely worth the shortness of breath. GH owner was a jewel of a man, but alas I cannot recall the name of the place.
Nubra valley seems to get High ratings from every1 I talk to (have not been there myself).
As I understand Leh becomes more and more crowded and commercialized each summer. If you find yourself somewhat disappointed by that, I'd head far out to the Zanskar valley.

BTW - hiring camping gear and joining any group for the Tso-Moriri trip is No biggy. Why rule it out? decide there.

maree

Thanks Dakota, freemanx and Baisab.... your help is much appreciated.