Across the himalayas

gravel_n_rubber

Hi this is my first post..

I am planning to take a year's break from work and want to travel from Leh to may be somewhere in Manipur.. I will be starting probably next May(2010) and want to travel for a year. I am not rich (may have around 3lakhs) and will be mostly travelling by bus/walk or the cheapest substitute. I am trying to get as much information as I can before I leave. What you guys think of a thing like this? Anything and everything is welcome.

livinhimalayas

Wow what a great adventure that would be. Welcome to IndiaMike and I love the idea. Best of luck. In my opinion it is certainly doable.

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trooooon

Hey GnR,
Welcome . . . that's really a dream trip! and sounds like you have more than enough money. I take it you're Indian.
Bichendri Pal (the bitch of Indian Mountaineering) did a trans himalayan adventure from Arunachal to Kashmir about 10 years back . . . it might be interesting to check out their route . . .
There is also this dude on India Mike - sbballer33 who has been walking for the last 2 years!! Here's his web page
http://www.micahimages.com/trek%20gu...g_%20index.htm

another useful link
http://blankonthemap.free.fr/1_accue....php?code=1020

There's tonnes in the forums of IM too . . . I guess buy a few good maps (nelles or the swiss ones if you can), a good multi fuel stove, one man tent, light sleeping bag and carry mat and you're good to go

You would have a winter in the middle, it sounds like a dream to plan . . . My mouth is watering

I would start at Kishtwar, cross into Zanskar on to Leh, then do a few 6000ers try to get to Siachin . . . then trek through Rupshu and get to Tso Moriri . . . Then go across Parangla to Spiti . . . Then the Bhaba pass perhaps, then Chitkul to Harsil (Lamkhaga pass I think its called) Then you could do the four dhams trek . . . Then land up at Badrinath . . . Then The Malari to Milam (unta dhura pass . . tell me when you're doing this one ) that lands you in Munsiyari . . . Then Nepal I figure and on to Bhutan, Sikkim, Arunachal . . .

You should buy Harish Kapadia's trekking in the Indian Himalayas and a few more, He's written several amazing books . . .

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what if . . . maybe . . . say . . . suppose!

trancemania

Being born and brought up in North East I certainly would not suggest you to go to Nagaland and Manipur.

trooooon

You'll notice I left the two states out of my dream itinerary!

But I have to say its made out to be worse than it actually is, I biked through from Shillong to Silachar, Jiribam, Imphal, Kohima, and on to Majuli and Arunachal in March this year, and the people were really nice. The CRPF is scary, that I'll admit, and once or twice in Imphal we had drunken sessions in local pubs which could have gone out of hand . . !! On the whole I think its the locals who have a bad time more than the tourists!

gravel_n_rubber

@ Trooooon..
Thanks a great lot dude!! Ill sure check out the book. And thanks for the links.

@Trancemania
I know about manipur because im sharing my flat with a manipuri. I am trying to plan it so that I can end my trip in his town. I am not planning to travel much in northeast. But just want to visit imphal.

So you guys actually think this is sane!! Thanks a lot.

amarshah

gravel indeed a tempting plan.... do keep the forum updated !

Troooon...the info and links were good thanks for sharing/

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Cheers

Amar

Himalayan Trips - http://amards14.googlepages.com/

arunganpath

Troooon, great link on sbballer33... man, where all he has travelled ?

trooooon

I first met him on a post where he was deciding between Stok Kangri, Mentok and Chamser Kangri . . . You should check out his descriptions, so precise and helpful.

Cheers guys, breathe the free mountain air

theyyamdancer

Hi gravel n rubber, Welcome to the site! I have to say that I think it is a brilliant idea you have there. I am also planning a trip to Manipur for next year. I don't find it such a far-fetched notion! Please do keep us up-to-date with your trip report.

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"Wandering seemed no more than the happiness of an anxious man." - Albert Camus

trooooon

loktak lake . . . its amazing, even on Google Earth, but even better in real life

himahuja

Sounds Great GnR! If you checkout this thread -
Grand Himalayan Road Tour (GHiRT)- What to Visit?

This thread also has some critical information that you might not get together anywhere else! so do go thru pages 11-onwards. Will help you a lot to plan.

I have just such a journey planned out for summer 2010 but on a bike! Since i've been a biker all my life, esp in the mountains! and it saves so much precious time for sight-seeing and takes you places where bus doesnt go!

Let's Collaborate even if you arent willing to ride pillion - hehe, or take ur own bike. We cud help each other with planning and details. my facebook id is - himahuja.

all the best!

ac100

@ gnr : Great plan...
@ trooooon: GREAT info...

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gravel_n_rubber

thanks all of you...

im spending time preparing for the trip.. running almost 3 kms a day.. I quit smoking.. but have not done any recon work as yet.. hav'nt read much.. i think ill have time to read and gather the gear later this year.. will update all the valid information in this thread..

thanks again for the words..