looking for trek companion(s) early Oct from Leh

Hi all,

I plan to get to Leh, on my own, in the first days of October. Would like to trek for about 9-10 days. Not having been to India/Ladakh before I don't know how easy it is to find a trekking group once there.

I've been quoted 350 Euros for a trek to the Markha valley:
"Inlcudes:
ponies, pony man, guide cum cook, all meals, tent, transfer, camping fees."

That sounds like a very good deal to me... but I don't want to do it on my own - the "pony man" and "guide cum cook" might be great guys for all I know, but I don't know whether they'll even speak English (or Hindi... I'm trying to pick up a few phrases before I go!)

Anybody out there?

Chris

Hi Chriss,

Welcome to IM and great choice of location for your first visit to India. Ladakh wont disappoint you.

I was in Ladkah last Oct (2008) for around 15 days and i plan to hit the place again sometime this year again. All indications are that its going to be around late Sept, early Oct. however the dates are still up in the air.

I am sure you must have already done your research to figure out the Oct. is perhaps not the best season to Trek since it really starts to get cold, however if you plan to finish the expedition before Oct 15th then you should be okay, subject to weather conditions that is....

I think 350 Euros for solo, is a fantastic price, but my suggestion would be to sign the deal once you get to Leh as it may give you other options and the leverage to bargain. Also Oct. being the off season, i'd say the deals would be plenty.

Finding a trakking group/partner in Oct is going to be hit or miss, since there arn't many tourist left at that time.

Hope the above information helps, however i dont mind if you want to stay in touch just in case our schedule overlaps and we may be able to plan something out together.

good luck mate,

rAj'.

http://www.amitrajan.com/

Wish I could say yes right away...


So Chris as per your deal, any one joining in on this trek would also have to pay a similar amount is it?

Can you post some more details about the altitudes you intend to climb upto, where the trek begins, where it ends and the pitstops you'll be making along the way?

I ve been planning on getting up North for a while now but nothing's come through so far. Wonder when that will change...

Cheers from Bangalore,
Ash

Hi to you both,

I've done some research into Ladakh... this seems to say that temperatures in Leh at least are pretty reasonable in October:
http://visitladakh.com/about-nature.html. Also I would have to do this early Oct as I'm flying back from Delhi on 18th.

Other sites say the snow has started to fall quite heavily in the upper altitudes by then...

October probably isn't the ideal month because you miss out on the summer festivals, and the more I read about them the more I think that really is a shame - maybe I should "do" Ladakh next year. However there are fewer tourists in October... I don't really know how busy Ladakh gets in the summer months...

Anyway I'm still pressing ahead with the idea... the trouble is India is so diverse and full of attractions. An Indian friend of mine is getting married in Chandigarh on 30th September, so that puts a bit of a constraint on where and when I start...

I don't know whether the cost of the trek would be less with more people... seems quite likely. I'd head for the Markha valley I think... but open to suggestions from more experienced India people...

Chris S

Hi Chriss,

I dispute the temperature on the website you have mentioned. Per my experience http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ladakhtemp2.svg this is more accurate.

It all depends on how you define reasonable. Bear in mind that there is no insulation in these parts of the world. When i was there last Oct. i did see and walked on snow, however after being used to Canadian winter, that was mild for me. That may not be the case for everyone.

i'd say DO IT mate, you wont be dissapointed. If you can target your finish dates to be before Oct 15th then i guess you may just be fine. Plus the fact that Oct is considered an off season, you will get adequate attention of the locals and experience the culture up close.

Yes July - Aug is the peak season and from what i have heard, you may even find it hard to find accomodation during those month. But i have not been to Ladak in July to speak of it.

I'd still advise if you are going in Oct, hire the travel guides etc. upon arrival. Fort Road is the starting point of your endeavor when you arrive in Leh.

good luck,

rAj'.

http://www.amitrajan.com

thanks... that temperature graph says it all... these Ladakhis must be tough people! Bit too chilly for me in October maybe.

I'm now thinking about Himachal Pradesh... or Nanda Devi... or maybe I'll cut and run to Rajasthan.

I have from 1 October to 17 October (flight from Delhi)... can anyone tell me whether I have to book for a Nanda Devi trek (because of those restrictions on numbers), or whether I can just turn up in somewhere like Rishikesh? Thanks...

If I do have to book, can anyone recommend a nice cheap way of doing it? thanks!

Chriss.

If you do plan to visit Himachal on your mentioned dates,then I think I could join you.We could look at some of the many treks possible in Himachal Pradesh. I am a doctor ( well almost...graduating in August) and live in Shimla(capital of Himachal)

Hi Lord Shagrim,

Thanks for the offer... I'm thinking of heading off to Rajasthan in the end. Probably. I'm still not sure. There's too much to see in India!

Were you thinking of the Kullu valley, that sort of thing? Even if I decided to go on a trek, should it be the Kullu valley.. or what about Nanda Devi?

Too many choices!

Chris

Hi again,

Just been thinking about this...

My idea now is to head off to Rajasthan as planned on 1 October because there's a festival in Jodhpur and I really want to experience Rajasthan... but I think it's gonna be very hot there (for me anyway, a puny English-Irish guy)...

so then I'm thinking of heading back up north through Delhi again... and maybe if I could find a place to do some trekking and see some beautiful mountains etc. for 7 or 8 days starting on 7 Oct or so... probably in the Himachal Pradesh/Nanda Devi area. I fly back from Delhi on 17 Oct.

Lord Shagrim, if you're still there, you could let me know what your plans are for that sort of time.

Anyone else, any recommendations welcome... is it possible to just turn up in somewhere like Nainital or Rishikesh and find a trek? I really like the idea of getting close to Nanda Devi...

Thanks,
Chris