Dear Fellow travellers,

Here we share our personal tour experience to Ladakh …..which I wrote for my colleagues…..kindly find below same…the reason for which I am sending this report is because most of my colleagues came back after reading the report saying “they have a feeling as if they have traveled to Leh”….

“The Road to Heaven”
A journey of over 1300 kms, the road trip between Delhi and Leh is one of the most extreme, exhilarating and unforgettable experiences out there.

A Road Tip from Delhi to Leh is not something that should be decided lightly or for that matter, at all (it is not for the faint-hearted). More than 1,300 kms of treacherous, landslide/accident prone and impossibly twisting roads lie ahead of you, which will push you and your vehicle to the limit and then beyond. Although honestly, the reward (which I’ll name later) and the bragging rights that come with the completion of such a trip are definitely worth it. Just dropping a mention of the exploit in a polite get together, just loud enough for people to hear it, can make you its attraction and an object of envy.

There’s no right way to do the trip, of course, it all depends on your budget. If you’re the type for whom money is no object and who have decent experience of driving in the mountains (driving to Nainital doesn’t count), then it’s best to get your massive 4×4 (pre-checked obviously), fill up the tank, point it in Jammu city’s direction and zoom off. You might have to write off the vehicle after the trip gets over, but then it’s not something new for you, right? But if you’re like me, who’s actually never owned a vehicle, and then it’s best to do this thing a little conservatively.

It takes about four days to get from smoke –Delhi to unbelievable stark beauty of Leh, Delhi to Jammu, Jammu to Srinagar, Srinagar to Kargil and Kargil to Leh, although you should set aside at least a week for the trip, to see and experience all the amazing sites coming your way. Excluding the first stretch, it is suicidal to drive in the night unless you want to enter your name in the Guinness Book of the World Records, as the stupidest person in the world. I’m of the opinion that driving in the mountains, especially ‘these’ mountains should be left to the experts. That means hiring a cab, which leaves you more time to ooh and aah at the breathtaking vistas.

DELHI TO JAMMU: 583 kms
Arguable, this stretch is going to be the most boring one of the tour. Driving in the plains, there’s nothing that you haven’t seen before – straight, well maintained roads as far as the eye can see. Although the road side food is undoubtedly the best, courtesy some excellent dhabas (road side restaurants) that line the road. Estimated time to destination, eight to nine hours.

JAMMU TO SRINAGAR: 305 kms
Now the fun really begins. As you pass Udhampur with the road turning up to cross the Pir Panjal ranges, the view start getting better, as lot better. Flanked by pine trees on both sides, intermingled with views of the Chenab River as it gurgles down the valley, you’ll start to feel a pleasant chill in the air. A hundred and twelve kilometers from Jammu, at a height of about 2000 metres, lays Patnitop. This tourist resort offers excellent views, good food and an opportunity for some adventure activities, like paragliding, highflying etc. You’ll cross into Kashmir valley through the Jawahar tunnel, cut through the Pir Panjal mountains which separate Kashmir from the rest of the state. Constructed in 1956 and about 2.5 kms long, this tunnel is located at an impressive height of 2,200 meters. In the 90s, it used to be choked with vehicle exhaust to such an extent that passengers would tie wet clothes around their face before entering the tunnel and their eyes closed while passing through and God forbid if a vehicle were to break down inside the tunnel. Nowadays thankfully with proper ventilation, it’s only a little uncomfortable. As you exit the tunnel, the Kashmir valley opens up inviting in front of you. Drive on Estimated time to destination, eight to nine hours.

SRINAGAR TO KARGIL: 230 kms
After spending a day admiring the out of this world view of Srinagar, it’s time to literally go out of this world. Yes, as the altitude steadily rises and the road goes from bad to worse (landslides are very common here), the vegetation will start to thin out and landscape will start to acquire impossible barren look. However, the last tourist resort before you cross into Ladakh, Sonamarg, beats any Swiss impersonator hands down. Located at 3,528 meters, Zojila Pass, will leave you gasping for air, what will also leave you gasping are the views. Don’t miss to change to pay homage to the Kargil War martyrs by stopping for a view of the Tiger Hill and other peaks in the Dras Sector. Estimated time to destination, approximately seven hours.

KARGIL TO LEH: 210 KMS
Now you’re truly in alien land, this is nothing like you’ve ever seen before. Located above 2,750 meters, going up to 7,500 meters, Ladakh region is a case study in extremes. Roughly the size of South Korea with a population of just 1, 35, 000, this is a place for absolute peace and quiet and minus 40 degrees temperatures in the winter! The thin air facilitates views of such clarity and stark beauty that it is impossible to look away. There is picture – postcard beauty everywhere you might look. Don’t forget to check out Magnetic Hill on the way. Apparently, it has the ability to pull your car up a slope, your driver would know. With Indus River right by your side, you’ll see the first tree of your journey as you drive into Leh. Estimated time to Destination, approximately seven hours.

WHEN TO GO: The best time to visit Leh is between mid June and September. Alternate route - One can also travel to Leh from Delhi / Manali / Jispa / Sarchu / Leh and fly back…..next time I shall try this route too…..or may be you can explore

Sincerely hope you will find the above informative. Should you have any enquiries with regards to Ladakh or The Little Tibet; please do not hesitate to write, we will be more than happy to revert.

Please do let me know of your views…..

Yours sincerely,

Manekk
Point of the day: Key to success….share knowledge….

Manekk Bakshi
manekk@anantaramholidays.com
Skype: manekbakshi
Cell: +91 9811043405
New Delhi – 110035 India
Tel. +911132026813
Fax +911127186828
www.anantaramholidays.com

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