Leh in October....

kainmustaine

Dimitrz

Its better if you leave earlier and plan to return by end of October via Srinagar. Manali - Leh route usually gets snowed down by October end.

Plus be prepared for real cold when riding bikes in those region during that period

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kainmustaine

Yup!
I know these things......we will check the conditions of the route first and if find impossible then will shift to another route of srinager as you said.....

the cold...yes efinately we gonna prepare for that...we have itemised a Dome tent and sleeping bags on our bike....but what you suggest apart.. we gonna also have the necessary bike tools......especially we wan to carry the air pump and a puncture kit with us....so please suggest the place where we can buy this...

Waiting.....

Dimitrz

For bike related queries please speak with Yogesh Sarkar - he would be the right person ( unless someone with extensive high altitude bike experience wants to contribute )

One important thing about taking your bikes at that altitude is that atleast one of you should have decent idea on how to do basic repair on all the version of bikes you are taking including puncture repair.

visit your local garage to learn how to do this atleast and how to identify basic bike related issues that can be fixed on spot.

Thorough servicing of the bikes before you leave is essential and after you reach Leh is recommended.

A good jerry can for spare fuel
extra cultch wire and sealents are reccomended

get your local mechanics advise on what might be needed with regards to the conditions of your bike

Dont forget the helmet \ chin gaurd \ elbow gaurd and water proof shoes ( highly recommnded )

a decent section of good quailty rope would be good
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Having a camping stove with sufficent ready to eat food and dry fruits is also a good idea in case of emegergencies.

Ensure your tent and sleeping bag are suitable for higher altitudes ( must)

Thermals \ woolen socks \ woolen golves \ good wind-rain jacket \ woolen head gear \ good quality sun googles are a must


required Medicine is needed with Diamox ( please note that Diamox will not prevent or remove AMS - it will only give you the extra time to come down to a lesser altitude - in extrme cases it wont even have that effect - consult your local doctor before buying it )


Sufficent boxes of matches / lighter - knife etc should also not be forgotten


these are the essential things I can think of as of now - off course I have not ventured into normal things like sun block and all



PS : regarding the place to buy the bike kits - I remmber seeing a link and address of a person called Anil posted in one of the threads here - try him out - I can help if you want a good contact in Leh

kainmustaine

Dimitrz

You are welcome

1) I said camping stove not the normal stove ( ideally this can be taken on hire) though its not mandatory - it can provide you with warmth if you guys are stuck in an isolated area especially in the night.


Ah yes don't drive in night - and don't attempt any pass if you cannot reach the base of it by 4 pm or max 4.30 PM - even if you feel you can do it - dont risk it - it could be dangerous for various reasons - bad weather for one.


2) I have asked Yogesh to visit this thread.

3) Regarding Anil's number - my mistake I misinterpreted one of your own old post as a bike agencies number - Hahaha lol ladakh in oct 3rd week..09

Yogesh is from Delhi - he might be able to give you some contacts for bike suppliers.

if you are looking for Tank bags, saddle bags and padding protector try out this site www.cramster.in/ridinggear.php

you can give http://stikage.com/ a try when it comes to other trekking/adventure equipment. I buy most of my trekking goods from them - and till now I haven't had a chance to complain .

kainmustaine

Thanks a lot Sir,
I really appreciate this....and thanks for your keen support...everyone would be so glad to have you guys around..so much supportive.....cheers man...
yesterday i went to my mechanic to learn how to fix all the basic tools like clutch wire, chain tight, puncture fixing and breaking....he done a superb job for me and advised me to changed the tyre and i did that....it is bit broader than the previous one but yet lighter assame before....he is read to give me certain other tools also but was not able to provide me the air pump.......which i have to have during my trip....i believe yogesh can tell me easily where to get this all

Dimitrz

Good job that was fast

Yes Yogesh or any bike fanatic from Delhi should be able to help you out - why dont you pay a visit to Karol Bag assuming offcourse you are from Delhi itself.

kainmustaine

yes i know .....i am finding a suitable day now to get this done ..... but i want to take some suggestions from yogesh ....
and 1 more thing can you tell me that is it possible to get a dome tent and sleeping bags from manali...rather carrying along from delhi......? if yes then where and what will be the cost of renting it...dont wan to purchase...

kainmustaine

Hope we have a memorable time....the time we have chosen is wise but still full of naturals and challenges....we love them and i gonna show you the real paradise.......

want some best wishes from all the readers........
cheers...

Dimitrz

kainmustaine Keep up your spirit

Did Yogesh contact you?

Sorry didn't notice these questions last time- so let me answer incase its not too late

You should be able to hire it from Manali - check out the Old Manali market - forgot its actual name its next to the state transport bus stand - if you dont wnat to take any chances then I would advise you to hire the sleeping bags from Delhi itself as they might be required ( but only in very rare situations)

Requirement for tents would be even more rare so try your luck at Manali


Usually sleeping bag + carry mat would cost around Rs 60 per day and tent can cost around Rs150 - Rs250/- per day ( don't forget the deposit)

Frankly tent is not required and you would be better off buying a sleeping bag - an high altitude bag would only cost you between Rs 1800 - Rs 2500/- approx ( lot of good dealers around) remember it would be more hygienic that way.


Finally drive safe - dont try speeding you dont have anything to prove and you may not get a chance to regret - be extra careful while driving in Leh city ( Yours truly met with an accident while driving there - not my fault though but nearly ended my trip )

Also dont forget these things
Don't drive in night - and don't attempt any pass if you cannot reach the base of it by 4 pm or max 4.30 PM - even if you feel you can do it - dont risk it - it could be dangerous for various reasons - bad weather for one.

Once when we were crossing the Fautula at around 6pm we were engulfed in a strong hail storm - luckly for the person driving was highly experienced in the Ladhak sector ( Thats why we attempted it at that time)


Lastly

Enjoy come back with great memories and oh yes dont raise your expectations to such a level that you are disappointed once you reach there...... have a normal expectation and you'll have a great time.

Cheers

kainmustaine

Thanks Dmitrz..oops your name is bit difficult ..yet .. stylish like a siberian hunk....
I will really admire this atleast for my own sake and take care of the things well...

and thanks for that manali stuff information....but let me know you, we are now 5 guys with 4 bikes,]
and that for we have arranged the tent( 1 big for 6 and a small for the bikes even as we cant let our sweeties stand alone in a chill.....), 4 sleeping bags.

I have purchased a electric air pump as per the directions by Yogesh from KBagh.....costed 280...
1 tube ....200
1 clutch wire...60
1 break wire...50

others..
1 gas stove small and handy to fit in bike....
And yes yogesh has contacted me via orkut and advised me and so i did...so now i can feel comfortable....

vistet

I wouldn´t like to try that under bad conditions ( like now , with the road closed after the last snow fall ) , and here at home we don´t subject our troops to that : both Swedish mountain rangers and paratroopers drop with tents under comparable conditions ( better actually : easier to find good snow to construct shelter) .

Night temperatures in Leh now -10 degrees ,I´d expect it to approach -20 on the higher sections on the road ... wind chill factor not being factored in.

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