Day 1 - 10th Aug 2017
Departed from Mumbai to Chandigarh via flight
We had booked an Innova to ourselves which was there with us from the start to the end of the trip. From Chandigarh to Manali, by road was a 10 hour smooth drive. We stayed over at Arohi hotel, near Vashisht Temple. It’s a very good budget hotel(1000/- for a double room per night) with a beautiful view. Mr. Thakur, the owner of the hotel is a very welcoming man.
Hotel Link: https://arohiecoadventures.com/ Day 2 - 11th Aug 2017
Manali Local sight-seeing
To begin with the acclimatization process, we decided to halt at Manali for a day. We visited few temples nearby like Vashisht Temple where we witnessed the hot springs where one can bathe. Personally did not find it very hygienic. We also visited the Hadimba temple and saw the big soft hares. Post lunch, we went to Solang valley and took a cable car ride to the top of the valley. After this, we went to mall road for local shopping and after dinner, returned to our hotel for a good night sleep.
Day 3 - 12th Aug 2017
Manali to Sarchu(the toughest part)
Left early morning 7am from Manali and drove to Rohtang pass(13k ft altitude). Halted there for an hour and enjoyed the scenic beauty with a cup of hot tea. Continued our road journey to Sarchu passing through Jispa. The stretch from Jispa to Sarchu was the most difficult and extremely rough patch. Finally, we reached Sarchu and here we stayed in Adventure Camp tents(1000/- per night per head). Sarchu was a night we JUST SURVIVED. As beautiful as it was with a sky full of stars(lots of shooting stars as well) and a picturesque location in the middle of the mountains; equally freezing with 2 degrees temperature and breezy wind at an altitude of around 14k ft ensured we didn’t sleep peacefully. In fact we all, including our driver suffered from headache, acidity and cold(due to acclimatization issues). Sarchu was a destination that took away our breath, literally.
Sarchu Tent Stay Link: https://campsofladakh.com/adventure-camp.html
Important Suggestion: Please avoid staying over at Sarchu since it is at a height with low oxygen and only tents. The best of people have faced the worst of problems here. Instead, someone told us you could stay over at a place 30kms ahead of Sarchu where you find the 1st tea stall.
Day 4 - 13th Aug 2017
Sarchu to Leh
Troubled at Sarchu, we were desperate to leave from there. We started off our journey at 9am and reached Pang(15k ht altitude) by 1pm. Again a long journey and the next rough stretch we faced. After halting at Pang for a couple of minutes, we left for Leh. The road from Pang to Leh was a relief and the best road so far from Manali to Leh. In between, we also halted at Tanglangla(second highest motorable pass of the world at 17k altitude). After a tiring day, we finally reached our much awaited destination - Leh at 6.30pm. Since we did not book the hotel prior, we had to search for it. There are tons of guest houses/hotels in a single lane near Leh market area. After seeing quite a few, we closed on Jig-Gyas guest house(1100/- per night for a double room). With a beautiful garden, 24 hours hot running water, wi-fi, cozy rooms and a homely service – what more do you want! Post this, we had dinner at Dogra Dhaba(which soon became our daily sasta-sundar-tikau adda).
Jig-Gyas Guest House Contact: Sonam Aunty(+911982255981 /+9196223773353)
I would highly recommend everyone to stay here for one major reason – Sonam Aunty, the owner of the place who treats you like her own children.
Day 5 - 14th Aug 2017
Local sightseeing at Leh
This day, we decided to give our bodies some rest and get acclimatized. We visited Tseng Gompa, an old monestary. Went to Shaanti Stupa - a very calm and peaceful Buddhist monastery with a beautiful view of the city. Later we went to local market and Moti market for shopping. Post this, we had dinner at Dogra Dhaba.
Day 6 & 7 - 15th & 16th Aug 2017
Leh to Pangong Tso
Started our journey a little late around 1pm and reached Pangong Tso by 6pm. The distance is roughly 140 kms but due to the rough patch it takes around 5 hours. Stayed at a homestay alongside the lake and had dinner at one of the 3 Idiots movie inspired Rancho hotels. Next morning, we woke up at 6am to watch a breathtaking view of the sun rise from within the mountains and the rays shining on the sparkling blue waters. Left from Pangong Tso around 1pm, went to the 3 idiots shooting location and reached Leh by 7pm.
Day 8 - 17th Aug 2017
Leh to Khardung La
Hired the classic Royal Enfield 350 cc and set on a bike ride to the world’s highest motorable pass road, Khardung La located at 18k height. It is roughly 46 kms from Leh, of which 10-15 kms is a rough patch. We started at around 1pm, reached the peak around 3pm stayed there for an hour, took a lot of pictures and came back to Leh by 6pm.
Day 9 - 18th Aug 2017
Leh to Kargil
After packing up, we bid farewell to the cutest and sweetest aunty in Leh – Sonam Aunty, whose guest house we stayed at. Began our journey at 10am to Nimmu(starting point for Zanskar River rafting). We got done with the most adventurous 14 kms rafting(1300/- per head for rafting only) by 3.30pm, had lunch and left for Kargil. Reached Kargil at 8.30pm. Stayed over at Hotel Zero Miles(1200/- for a double room per night) located at main Bazaar area of Kargil.
Hotel Zero Miles Link: https://tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g676134-d8412944-Reviews-Hotel_Zero_Miles_Kargil-Kargil_Kargil_District_Ladakh_Jammu_and_Kashmir.html
Day 10 - 19th Aug 2017
Kargil to Srinagar
Left from Kargil early morning 7.45am. Visited the Kargil War Memorial where we witnessed memories of the martyrs who gave their lives for the nation’s tomorrow. A salute to our true superheroes! Reached Srinagar at 2pm. Since we had our flight to Mumbai the next day, we stayed over at a hotel near the airport, named Living Style(1200/- per night for a double room). It was the worst stay of our entire trip. From the staff to servicing to rooms, it was extremely unpleasant. Since we did not have much of an option and we just had to spend the night, we stayed there, but would NOT RECOMMEND this hotel to anyone. Roamed around the local area which had nothing at all, except a lot of army protection. Had dinner at DQ Chill and Grill.
Day 11 - 20th Aug 2017
Srinagar to Mumbai
Checked out at 12 noon from Srinagar hotel, had early lunch at DQ Chill and Grill and left for the airport by 1.30pm. With this, our mind-boggling adventurous trip came to an end and I take back tons of beautiful DPs, wallpapers, souvenirs and some life-lasting memories.
THINGS TO CARRY:
• Water bottles – these will get expensive as you go up. So buy and stock dozens of bislery
• Mix garlic pieces in water bottles and keep sipping on your way, in every few minutes. Garlic helps dilute blood, which in turn helps oxygen reach your brain and body
• Lip Balm
• Body Lotion / Cold cream
• Sanitizer
• Soap Strips
• Tissues / Wet wipes
• Stroll / Scarf – to cover yourself from the dust
• Diamox Tablet – An altitude-sickness tablet that can be consumed once a day, starting a day before your trip. Please consult your doctor, in case required.
• Thermals
• Jacket
• Warm Gloves
• Muffler / woolen cap – to protect your ears from the cold
• Bike gloves – if you will be riding the bike
• Socks – carry at least 2 pairs
• Thin towel / napkin that dries fast
• Hiking shoes(preferable from Decathlon)
• A small bag pack for the short trips / day travels
• Camera(Do carry a DSLR if you have one)
• Torch
• Power Bank
• Dry fruits – majorly almonds
• Chocolates – you may carry energy bars also if required. But do carry the perk or munch bars. Also buy these at the start itself, since they will get expensive as you travel higher