Leh this weekend (4-7 Sept)

Cachaca

Hi all,

I am visiting Leh from Delhi this weekend.

I will fly in v early Friday morning and back to Delhi very early Monday morning.

I know this is a hopelessly inadequate amount of time, but with work it is all the time I can muster. I cannot extend the time, so please don't nag me for this!

So, within these parameters, I would be grateful for some realistic itinerary tips. I appreciate Friday will be limited to very gentle pottering around Leh itself and no strenuous extertions.

In terms of interests, I am a big trekker (though again know I have to be realistic about what I can physically manage in terms of exertion). Also enjoy all the sights, views and monasteries etc. I have travelled to altitude (and trekked) quite extensively in the past so a well prepared for this.

My budget is pretty flexible (I will pay more to be ensure I get a good trip).

I do not want to drive / ride a motorbike myself.

Also, could anyone tell me what is going on over the coming weekend for the festivities in Ladakh in terms of events occuring?

Finally, could anyone on the ground give me a current weather report (day / night). I have looked at 3 different websites and seen 3 very different forecasts for the coming week!

Many thanks!

Cachaca

vzzzbx

This is what I'd do:

Friday: chill out, walk around "downtown" Leh

Saturday: still take it easy, not so much physical activity, maybe drive around by bus or taxi to monasteries near Leh, such as Thikse, Shey, Stakna, Stok, Spituk, take your pick.

Sunday: explore sights in Leh such as Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Shanti stupa. This all involves climbing and exercise.

Monday: fly out

Keep in mind, Leh is at 3500m. You may have been at altitude before, but you have to acclimatize each time anew. Most likely you will feel the altitude on day 1 and 2, so to start running around like crazy right away would be unwise.

Cachaca

Hi all,

Just thought I'd give some feedback on what I managed to do in 3 days.

Those who advocate plenty of rest before exercise at altitude may want to look away now...

I stayed for my whole stay at Hotel Omasila. I found them very helpful and fixed up tours and trips for me superbly with great drivers. Beautiful views from their large and attractive terrace / garden area. Evening buffet dinner not amazing (only had it 1 night).

Anyway. arrived on Friday morning flight. Couple of hours relaxing at hotel with nice masala chai. Then I trooped up to Leh Palace and from there up to Tsemo Gompa where I just relaxed for an hour or so admiring the view and chatting with fellow travellers.

Pottered back down and went to watch the Polo match in the town. Very little was open on Friday due to shooting of a monk in Srinigar? There are probably copious threads on this news. Quiet and early night.

Saturday I went off with a driver on a mini tour of the local gompas. I took in Shey (clamber up to the ruins above the Palace for superb views over the valley), Thiksey, Hemis and Stakna. Personally I would say 4 of these locations or their ilk in a day is about teh maximum to enjoy. It gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere of each distinctive place without starting to get gompa-fatigue.

Back in Leh I ascended Shanti Stupa for sunset. Again a quiet and early night.

Sunday it was an early rise so i could go out to Lake Pangong. My hotel fixed me up for a permit to go on my own as I hadn't had a chance to find any fellow travellers for the daytrip. Makes it a pricey excursion solo, but on the plus side plenty of room in the car!

The trip out to the Lake, as well as the Lake itself, were simply stunning. I was fortunate to have 3 days of perfect skies (apparently mid last week it was terrible weather). The whole journey was just idyllic. Time flew by just gazing out the window. I made sure we made plenty of stops and enjoyed and lingered at the best spots as much as possible. We set off in the morning shortly after 6 a.m. and got back into Leh about 5.30 pm.

Evening I pottered into Leh for a last wander round and also enjoyed the Road performance as part of the Ladakh Festival. The local performers did look wonderful, though the scrums of people cramming in for photos did detract from it somewhat.

And then I flew back this morning! The security at Leh airport is quite comical - large amounts of seemingly high profile police / military security, but the actual checks are pretty perfunctory. I cheerily carried on my full rucksack onto my flight which included 2 full glass jars of apricot jam. Now apricot jam may not be a lethal weapon, but the glass surely shouldn't have been allowed through?

Anyway, I wonderful 3 days and I will return in future for longer to go on a "proper" long trek.

But I would say to all those pondering "is it worth going to Leh just for a weekend"? Absolutely yes!!