My trip to Ladakh in July 2008
July 29, 2008
I have just come back from Ladakh (in the Indian Himalayas) which I would describe as the trip of a lifetime. I was on the road for 23 days, and personally drove over 4,000 kms (about 2,500 miles) during this period. Yes, the best way to enjoy this region is to drive yourself. A rugged vehicle is a pre-requisite though.
In the coming days and weeks, I will be sharing stories, experiences and pictures of my trip on this blog. Do watch out for the same. In the meantime, to give you an idea where all I went, this was itinerary: (The figure before each location is the day number. Example: 3 indicates day 3).
1: Delhi – Kullu
2: Kullu – Manali
3: Manali – Jispa
4: Jispa – Sarchu
5: Sarchu – Leh
6-13: Stayed in Leh and did day excursions to neighbouring villages and towns
14: Leh – Nubra Valley
15: Day trip to Siachen Glacier, a sensitive military zone because of the conflict with Pakistan over it.
16: Nubra Valley – Alchi
17: Alchi – Kargil
18: Kargil – Padum in Zanskar Valley
19: Padum
20: Padum – Kargil
21: Kargil – Leh via Likir Monastery
22: Leh – Jispa
23: Jispa – Delhi (an 18-hour, 750 km journey in one day!!!)
An excellent achievement! I’m dreaming about doing this too, sometime in the future. Looking forward for more details and tips. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your comment Saad. You should go as soon as possible. It is a very different world from what we know. All the best - and do share your experiences when you go.
Cheers…
Ajay
Great trip. Looking forward to your blog on the same.
Laddakh is out of ths world - ithe place grows on you. We spent a fortnight in the area in 1992. Saw most of the place - a place to visit is Lamayuru Monastery - the drive is simply awsome - spernetine road on high mountains with hair pin bends.
Have been meaning to do the Manali - Leh and beyond drive ( we went by air) and this article has put a sense of urgency to the drive plan. Thanks Ajay, for giving the impetus!