Finally Leh(d)Road trip Delhi - Kud - Srinagar - Sonamarg - Kargil - Leh - Pangong - Nubra - Sarchu - ManaliTotal No of days - 15Dated - June 2011
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Vinod Kumar...know more about me
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This June we do our much awaited Leh trip in our Tata Safari with kids. On 11th night I casually called Club Mahindra Manali to enquire room availability at Manali and to my surprise, they told me it was available for 28, 29, & 30th. Immediately locked for 28th and 29th. Next I contacted Mr Dorjay of Active Adventure, Leh - the guy whom I had been communicating for almost 4 months about our trip, gave him the firm dates as below :-
1st day stay at Kud Tourist Bungalow
2 days reserved for negotiation and finally all bookings were done and the deal was closed by 4 days of our travel.
Day 1 (Delhi - Kud)
Total distance - 680kmsStart at 4:30am and reach Kud Tourist bunglow at 5:30pm.
Our first stop for the journey is at Kud. The total distance covered today was 680 kms with breakfast and lunch breaks. We start our journey at 4.30 am and reach Kud at 5.30pm. Total time is 13 hours. Kud is famous for Patisa. It was real mouthwatering. Must taste/buy stuff. Kud Tourist Bungalow has big rooms with basic facility. Liked the place. Cost : Rs 850/- for the night. But loads of dust and hard beds. Pics of the journey...
Kud Tourist Bungalow
The market
Day - 2 (Kud - Srinagar)
Distance Covered : 220 kms, 5.5 hrs.
Early morning drive and trafiic was quite high after Qzigund. The whole route was unique with rainy clouds and glistening trees, roads cut through mountains and no dhabas or tea stalls on the way. Finally we spot one a bit high from the road, and he says he has rajma and rice freshly prepared. Heavenly! Hot steaming and fresh! Enjoy the food as an army convoy of 55 trucks (well kids counted it) pass by us. And this is that dhaba..
Onward too it was overcast and raining intermittently. We cross these tunnels
and by afternoon reach Srinagar. Had lunch at Hotel Paradise, and waited for our guide and local rep Manzoor to come. Checked in at Centur Lake View by 3.30 pm.
Rested for an hour and then went for the famous Shikara ride and visited the floating market. There are a lot of floating markets, and the shikaras will take you to the one they have tied up with. Tough bargaining is a must. Be careful when you shop as mine turned out to be a disaster.
The shikara ride
Anyways its a beautiful place, to click pictures and just enjoy the delicious food. The food stalls, roadside vendors etc reach their peak in the evening. Some pics from Centur lake
Sunset
Dinner at Shera Cafeteria....dont know if its still there....but their kababs and chutneys were too delicious
Food tasted : Sheek kababs, Roganjosh, fried chicken. Served with Khaboos(Similar) along with Akrot Chutney. - Awesome.
Day 3 (Srinagar - Gulmarg)
Distance - 60kms.
Time take - 2hrs
We had to choose between Pahalgam or Gulmarg. We came to know form the reception that the ropeway(Gondola) was open (it was shut for repair) If lucky phase-2 too will be open. So it was an unanimous decision to see Gulmarg. We were also tipped that the Pony union will not allow outside vehicle inside Gulmarg/Gondola the ropeway, one has to park at parking (entry) and has to either walk 3kms or hire the pony.
Solution : Get hold of a guide, ask him to make a temp reservation voucher for hotels near the ropeway, show at checkpoint and you are in. Will cost any thing between 500 to 1000 bcks (Negotiate hard) but will be cheaper than the pony and will save atleast 2 hrs. Also the climate is very unpredictable can rain any time.
Where to catch hold the guide, at the check post before Gulmarg last 10 kms climb, one has to pay Rs 50/-. As we reached the checkpost, got hold of a guide and closed deal for Rs 600. Deal was to manage vehicle entry, park safely, tickets (300 Adults, 150 kids), bypass gandola queue (Phase-1) Usually the wait period can be upto 30 min. Bingo he got the voucher for hotel, we were allowed in after checking the voucher and a entry fee of Rs 50. Once in you cross this check post, one can roam free around in your vehicle. It was a fantastic drive around absolute awesome views, less traffic only buses & of course local tourist. We drove around for 1 hr. The guide showed us many spots where Bollywood shooting took place like Bobby, the song "Jai Jai shiv Shankar", dont remember the film name, Dharmendra movie too was shot here and some more names don't remember exactly. Some pics
from the Gondola
After the 1st gondola ride
By the time we were at Gondola , the climate changed it was overcast and it could rain any time. Quickly parked the beast by the time the guide, got the tickets, bypassed the queue (local contacts) and we are quickly on the gondola for Phase-1. Gondola was long it took good 15 min to reach our 1st destination. Our bad luck, Phase-2 was temporarily suspended due to bad weather and there was already huge line for phase-2. We roamed around for an hour and half, returned back as it started raining. By 5.30 we reached back at Srinagar. Did another shikara ride, by evening we are at our hotel. Its time to say bye to Srinagar, tomorrow the journey continues destination "Sonamarg".
Day 4 (Srinagar - Soanmarg)
Distance - 90kms
Start at 8:30 reach Hotel Hill view at 1:30
Sonamarg is a major base for Amarnath Yatra (Baltal) and also a popular trekking base. Today's plan, reach by 1 at the hotel, visit Thajiwas glacier post lunch. Our booking was at Hill view, which is a newer hotel opposite the police station after the market. Other hotels I remember were JKTDC hotel, Hotel Snowland and Sonmarg Glacier.
Set out for Sonamarg (The meadow of gold) by 8.30 am. Around 20kms drive from Srinagar you reach Ganderbal which i felt is a major repair hub with lot of spare parts shops and service centers. Another 10kms drive further we were at Shidh view dhaba which is around 30 kms after Srinagar which is a good location for Morning breakfast beside the Sindh river. Spent around an hour there.
View from the dhaba
There was a checkpost 3 kms after this dhaba where Vehicle no and name has to be logged. Another 10kms drive you reach Kangan. Most of the people who live in Sonamarg trek down to Kangan during Nov - March as snow falls. From here another 40 kms drive is there for Sonmarg passing small villages . Road condition is average. Widening is in progress. At places it narrow too just on vehicle at a time and overall progress is slow. Add to this is the movement of army vehicles. Just 8 kms before Sonamarg, there is a small park besides the Sindh river and is a good stop over.
Reached there by 11.30 am spent an hour and headed to our hotel. Hotel was neat and staff were very caring and food was good. We had an AP plan. Here too the same problem, one cannot take own vehicle till the base of Thajivas glacier so hired a taxi, he charged Rs 800 for the same. Its a good 5 to 6 kms drive from the market till the glacier. Then again around 2 km trek one way.
Thajiwas glacier parking
Thajiwas glacier
It was a nice experience. Due to large turnover of tourist, ice is almost muddy, and dirty. But worth a visit. The view is awesome. Spend aound 2 hrs and were back by 5.30 at hotel. Here too while returning it rained, Thankgod we had waterproof jackets which saved the day. So plan water proof dresses during your visit here, also even if it doesn't rain the air is so humid that it wets your clothes.
Day 5 (Soanmarg - Kargil)
Distance - 120 kms
Start at 9am and reach Kargil at 5pm
Started at 9 am from Soanmarg. Opposite traffic was light. With in 7 kms there was a check point. Stopped and enquired about out travel and after a little chat we were off. He also told us that exactly after 7 kms there is a bypass which will avoid traffic from Kargil and meet at India gate. Since it rained previous night, the army guy posted near the bypass told not to take that route. After a couple of kms we were stopped again as an army convoy was coming. After 30 min stoppage we started again , final climb was challenging. No roads virtually. Potholes and rather craters had to be pedaled through. After another 10 kms, the road was good. We passed Gumri, Zozila War Memorial, Mena Marg Police Checkpost, Draupadi Kund and hit Drass by 12.50 pm. Our next destination was The War memorial.
Drass
Zojila to Drass section is very beautiful. It is a photographers paradise.
Draupadi kund
Our midway stop over was at The War memorial, Homage to our heroes of Kargil war. Spent around 1 hr there, general chit chat with army guys there. Bought mementoes caps and Tshirts. It is truly a must visit to pay ones homage to the war heroes who made us proud. Jai Hind!
Continued our journey to Kargil aound 2.30 , passed Bhimbat village, Thasgo and finally were at Kargil, Hotel Siachen by 5 pm. The entire ride was uneventful. Roads widening in progress and dusty to mention.
Hotel Siachen - our stay in Kargil
Day 6 (Kargil - Leh)
Distance 220kmsStart at 8:30am reach at 5pm
Stay in Leh at Hotel Gawaling International
Stay at Hotel Siachen was comfortable. Neat rooms and good service. Definatly recommended. Morning 8.30 am we are ready to continue our journey. Packed lunch was provided by the hotel guys, hence no specific target for a restaurant was required. There was a 15 minute wait at the petrol pump due to the long queue. Kargil - Leh drive was more fun to drive mainly due to better road condition. The drive was heavenly....seeing the pics you may agree
At magnetic hill
At 5.15 we were at Leh - checked in at Gwaling International. About the Hotel Gwaling Intl, it was around 0.7 kms from SBI atm at lower Changspa. Walk to market is 15 min. Our room was big with extra space for extra bed/person. Large bathroom with tub. Good garden in front. Overall nice stay experience. Staff was cooperative and food quality too was good. Highly recommended.
Evening we went around to familiarize with Leh market and roads. Next day was for car checkup, around Leh.
Day 7 Leh & Around
This day was rest day and for the permit (to be managed by the Travel Agent, FOC) one needs to submit the original ID for permit. Was arranged by evening for Pangong & Nubra. You will need 2 copies for each destination. Also need to write Name, Vehicle number, Vehicle name, DL Number, Number of passenger. This need to be written when submitting at the checkpost. If already written you can save time at the check posts. There were no AMS , only I had a mild headache and the rest three were all fit and fine. Today's agenda, get the beast washed, filter cleaned then visit Hall of Fame, Shanti Stupa & explore the market. Monasteries which can be seen here...
We left Hotel by 11 am. Saw Hall of Fame (As 1-2.30 pm is lunch time, closed), then went to TELCO Service for a car wash. Already 4 vehicles were in queue. Car wash consumed a lot of time by 4 pm we headed to Shanti Stupa. Spend around an hour here and then back to hotel. Parking is free after 8 pm in the market , otherwise is a no parking zone.
Hall of fame
Shanti stupa
Map of Leh
Day - 8-9 (Leh - Pangong)
Distance - 230kms
Stay - Nature Nest tents
All were excited for our Pangong Tso and Chang La visit. Our night stay at Nature Nest on the banks of the lake at Spagmik village. This village is another 6 kms from the check post at Pangong lake. Last 3 km one has to drive through pebbles and stones besides the lake. Accommodation(Tents) was good with attached bathrooms. Hot water was provided in buckets. Other facilities were basic. Food was good, Staff very helpfull. Local pco is the only way of communication. Tents were properly insulated. Climate was windy and chilly. Post 5 pm its very cold. Proper warm cloths are advised.
Overall drive is good. Chang la pass , last 10 kms both sides are bad and difficult. Overall road are good. Bad patches after Lukung. Lot of dips and water passes after Tangsay. Reached Pangong by 2.45 pm. We roamed around till 8 pm. IMO night stay is must at Pangong. Its very beautify at night. Never saw the sky so beautiful with so many stars. Kids enjoyed the star gazing at night. Next day morning while returning we spent 1 hr at Lukung. The white sand desert is very beautiful, We also saw Marmot (larger version squirrel) and it became very friendly. Also saw brown headed gulls, horses, fox (very far) and yak. Reached Leh by 1.30 pm
Drive to Pangong
At Changla pass
First view of Pangong lake
Our tents
Day 10-11(Leh - Nubra Valley)
Distance - 160kmsStart at 8:30am and reach by lunch
Start at 08:30 in the morning. So finally today we will ascent the Highest motorable pass and I was little excited. Here also 2 copies of permit is required to be submitted at South and North Pullu. Road after South Pullu to North Pullu is bad. Last 4 kms really test the driving skills from both sides. Post North pullu the roads are good. Hotel was at the entry to Diskit town opposite Diskit monastery. Hotel was good with 30 odd rooms. Staff were very friendly. Food was average. During the whole trip the Dal - Chawal comby was ultimate. Post lunch by around 3.30 went to Hunder which was another 10kms from hotel. Spent the evening at Hunder where kids enjoyed the camel ride on the Double humped (Bactrian camels). By 6 pm we visited Maitreya (Future Budha), a beautiful idol. One can get a good view of Nubra from the height.
Drive to Nubra
At Khardungla pass
Diskit Monastery
Hunder valley
Bactrian camel
The once silk route - hunder valley
Return journey on Sunday was uneventful wasn't much traffic too. Were at Leh by 1 pm. We skipped Sumur, Panamik. May be next time.
Day - 12 (Leh - Sarchu)
Finally started our return journey. We were mentally prepared for the tough day as roads were bad + over night stay at Sarchu in a tent. Hotel guys timely packed our lunch by 7.30 am we too were ready to depart 7.45 am. Tiring journey , Sarchu was windy and chilly. Checked to Goldrop Swiss tents. Freshened up and went around but by the time the sun went down we headed back to our tents.
Road after Upshi
Near Tanglala
To Sarchu
Mori plains
Pang - World's highest army camp
Lachungla
gata loops
Tents at Sarchu
Day - 13 (Sarchu - Manali)
Were ready early as we were told that Rohtang might be closed from 11am-4pm for maintenance and expect high traffic after 4pm. Now on every Tuesday will be a maintenance day. Also a family from Delhi told that they were stuck for a good 9 hrs at Rohtang and only could make till Jispa the previous day. Also there are 4 to 5 water crosses too of which some of them has huge volumes of water. Some times the water level rises suddenly. Thanked god for the safe trip.Stay at Club Mahindra Manali
Barlacha
The drive continues
Suraj taal
After Sisu
Rohtang pass
And finally two days of rest at Club Mahindra
29th was rest day. 30th Morning we started our last leg by 6.30 am and reached Delhi by 7.10 pm. Uneventful drive. Swarghat had lots of craters. Traffic was light between Ambala - Panipat.