Delhi-Manali-Leh road
26Aug
2013
2013
This post will be translated in two weeks. Please use google translate till then.
We spent last week on the go. We arrived at Delhi, met rest of our team, left some deposit and went to Manali. We spent one day there (Manali is by far nicer place than Delhi), during which we arranged transport to Leh (the trip takes two days – with sleep stop in Sarchu). We had much luck, because the road was opened just the day before (monsoon rains are regularly destroying road to Rothang La – first of the few high passes you have to ride through during the trip).
At last we arrived in Leh. Last 48 hours we spent arranging all things connected with trekking. Tomorrow we’re heading out for 12 days, out of reach of the mobile and internet coverage.
The trip will be: Lamayuru – Chilling – Markha Valley – Hemis. Detailed description will be provided after the trekking.
For now, some practical info:
- do not believe anyone, if they will tell You in Delhi that the Manali-Leh road is closed. It’s better to call someone in Manali and ask him;
- the price for two-day minibus trip (operated by Yeti Travel) is 1500 INR per person, if You have your own tents and food, it can come as low as 1100 INR per person;
- sleep stop is in Sarchu, which is at 4400 m. You won’t get much sleep;
- most mobile phones won’t work in Kashmir (our Polish phones did not, Indian SIM cards bought in Delhi also didn’t). Working SIM card can be bought in Leh or Srinagar, but if You do not plan to stay for long, it’s not worth the hassle;
- In Manali and Leh You can buy gas cartridges (only the small, threaded ones, 400 INR per piece).
See You in Two weeks!
