Ladakh in 13 days

Hi all,

Thanks a bunch for the answers to my previous questions concerning the organising part. We've designed an itinerary which I have some questions about. We will have about 10-11 days to cover this stretch:

We will go from Srinagar to Leh, with a nighthalt in Kargil and seeing Lamayuru on the way. We will take one day of acclimatisation in Leh while doing some gentle sightseeing and arranging permits.

Then we would like to do a trip to Nubra valley via Khardung La, stay in Diskit or Hunder or maybe Panamik. Still undecided but Panamik sounds the best to get away from the tourists a bit.

Then we want to proceed to Pangong Tso and stay near Spangmik or maybe a bit further up the lake towards China in Merak.

1) Would there be any accomodation available in Merak?

Then we would like to proceed to Tso Moriri and\or Tso Kar. Preferably without backtracking almost all the way to Leh but taking the more direct route ( and apparently more scenic route) through Chushul and on to Mahé.

2) I've read some resources that a permit for this stretch would not be granted to non-indians. Is this true or can we get a permit for this stretch?

From Tso Moriri we would like to continue on to Sarchu and stay there for one night. Then on to Manali, bus it to Shimla and then make our way on to Delhi.

3) What would be the best strategy to get a vehicle for such an itinerary? Just go to the taxi stand and see who's interested or any other way?

Thanks once again!

I have heard people say Turtuk is more beautiful. Maybe you can go there!

As per this thread in BCMT this route is not permitted for non-indians... BCMT..Regarding rest of your queries, I am not quite aware of the right answers..

Lakshmi is correct. I made enquiries and was informed by High Commission of India that I can't go beyond Spangmik to travel through Changthang region this year. But India govt is opening this region to foreigners so perhaps better luck next year.

I hope you have read the epic travelogue from kshil about his journey through this region ( that has now been moved to the Photologue section). According to him the first check point is actually in Chushul so I just plan to drive further south along the lake to Man or Merak to Chushul and return from there or where-ever I encounter the army check points. Both the villages are extremely scenic.
Kaushik has also commented in his journal that homestays are available in these villages but hasn't provided any more details.

I was also very keen to go through Changthang and Hanley to Tso Moriri but couldn't justify the long detour. So following the very helpful advice from PIP and Non Indian Resident I now have decided to go to Turtuk ( that's certainly open to foreigners) and Suru valley.

Happy planning.