[raptor_diwan]

Hello Everyone!

Is anyone aware of a self-rental car company that allows us to pick up a car from either Manali or Srinagar and drop it off at a different location? For instance, if I pick up a car in Manali, it would be great if I could drop it off in Srinagar without having to return it to the original location. I've tried a few rental companies online, but I haven't had any luck so far. While I've found bike rental companies that allow such flexibility, I'm specifically looking for a car rental.

Kindly suggest if you have any recommendations.

[Shaillion]

Hello Friends,
I want to undertake a trip to Leh from Chandigarh in early May, possibly on 01 May in my Duster. I'm apprehensive about the weather since forecast is of snow/sleet during that time frame. Is it safe to go in such conditions? I've driven there before but that was a July trip and no such concerns were there! Would greatly appreciate any advice on this!
Warm regards
Shail

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by raptor_diwan

Hello Everyone!

Is anyone aware of a self-rental car company that allows us to pick up a car from either Manali or Srinagar and drop it off at a different location? For instance, if I pick up a car in Manali, it would be great if I could drop it off in Srinagar without having to return it to the original location. I've tried a few rental companies online, but I haven't had any luck so far. While I've found bike rental companies that allow such flexibility, I'm specifically looking for a car rental.

Kindly suggest if you have any recommendations.

Manali does not have services of branded Car Rental Companies. Nearest such facility is in Chandigarh only! Hope it helps.

[raptor_diwan]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

Manali does not have services of branded Car Rental Companies. Nearest such facility is in Chandigarh only! Hope it helps.

Thank you for your suggestion. I can find rental companies even in Manali. However, my plan is to fly from Chennai to Manali, cover the entire Leh circuit in a self-driving car, and drop off the car in Srinagar before flying back to Chennai. Most car rental services insist on dropping off the car in Manali, not in Srinagar. I've noticed bike services are available, as expected, but I would like to know if car rentals offer a similar drop-off option.

[sumzup]

Originally Posted by beerbiceps00

Hi Members!

We are a group of 10, planning for a trip to Leh-Ladakh region in mid April this year (April 15-30). We wish to go on a bike trip circuit in Leh, starting from Leh and exploring the valley for 5-6 days before returning back to Leh.

We wanted to know if it is a good time to visit the region, the general condition of the roads, major routes open/closed, and other key information. Possible circuits to cover and explore are also much appreciated!

Thanks!

Hi biceps, it is late spring for that area and there would be lot of snow but also streams by late mornings and noon/late-noon due to melting and requires precise planning of leaving from stays. It is quite unpredictable but if you are totally adventurous kind of person then this would be great time as any given day will bring its own surprises and challenges. Of course, the biggest challenge would be landslides and that would mean being prepared to play the waiting game. You should carry sufficient fuel and snacks and not to forget sleeping gear in case you are stranded way beyond the day. The roads will be more slippery so having a good set of tires and a air compressor along would enhance your safety and goes without saying; adding a puncture kit to your travel bag will go a long way in ensuring your safety and protection from any unforeseen incidents. The road through Kargil opens earlier to Manali-Leh and it would be better to check with J&K media points a few days from your likely departure. Plan on carrying more snacks as not all the shacks might be open during this period. I travelled during mid-August which was considered as the fag end of the season so there not many surprises for me. Of course, the crowds had weaned off from the peak season so I did not face traffic jams or cramped roads on the mountains.

Of course, the important thing is to have updates on opening of all upper tranches which sometimes will be uncertain and is based purely on the weather at that time. So, even it is expected to be open historically, it might wary on a given day so add a few days as buffer and you wouldn't be totally disappointed. Hope it helps, cheers.

Originally Posted by Shaillion

Hello Friends,
I want to undertake a trip to Leh from Chandigarh in early May, possibly on 01 May in my Duster. I'm apprehensive about the weather since forecast is of snow/sleet during that time frame. Is it safe to go in such conditions? I've driven there before but that was a July trip and no such concerns were there! Would greatly appreciate any advice on this!
Warm regards
Shail

Hi Shaillion, most of the above applies to you but the roads would be definitely open during the time of your travel. Safety is a subjective term during the early days of summer as the degree no snow melts depends on the temperature and afternoons/later afternoons would not be preferred to start the journey however small on the upper tranches as the warm temperature on a given day would increase the flow of water in the streams which could be tricky to cross. Landslides would be a normal phenomenon as increased melting would release a gush of water that would cause the slides. Again, the roads in the areas of the upper regions might have a small sheet of ice due to low temperatures through the night and early mornings could be skiddy and one should be watchful. Having said this, this is one of the best times to visit Leh as it will be fresh, with less visitors, and the weather will be the best for most of us with pleasant days and less chilly nights. Please keep few days as buffer during your stay due to the uncertainty of weather and you would really have a great time around. Hope it helps, cheers

[PAS]

Hello Members,

We two friends are planning for an Leh & Ladakh expedition this monsoon and would be riding all the way from Pune. The Bikes being Triumph Trident & Super Meteor 650.

I need help on below itinerary :

1. Is August good season considering we would be riding bikes with very low Ground Clearance. (Though Super Meteor never scrapped on any of the mild trail runs so far, Touchwood)
2. Not worried much about reaching Amritsar by day-2 evening since we have some buffer days added before we reach Srinagar.
3. I we ride "Padum - Jispa via Shinge-La" would we miss much since we will not be taking the traditional route of Leh-Manali highway and would miss the Taglang-La, Nakee-La and Gata Loops.
4. is Leh Manali highway worth:
   • Us taking the route back from Padum to Leh and continue our journey on the Leh-Manali Highway.
   • Other Option: Accommodate Padum/Zanskar Valley before we leave to Hanley from Leh and continue our return Leg on the Leh-Manali Highway.

Considerations for this itinerary

1. Low Ground Clearance of both bikes.
2. Want to cover as much as possible with less riding per day in hills.
3. This is Ladakh expedition and we want to keep it that way without spending much time in other tourist places (Srinagar, Sonmarg, Jaipur). Exceptions may be taken though if it helps improve the itinerary.
4. Return to Pune before 05th Sept 2024.

[Fr0nx23]

Greetings to all the members here.

I live in South India. I am visiting Delhi next week and planning to travel solo from Delhi to LEH further on.

I'm not experienced enough to ride a big bike to Leh.

Also, I came to know that manali rental vehicle is not allowed to enter Leh. Anyway renting a bike and riding that route, that too alone is not advisable for me I feel.

Flights are too expensive and i don't want to hire a taxi for myself being solo.

I am hence considering HRTC bus journey from Delhi to Leh.

Does anyone have any idea when it will start this year? Is it good journey to experience?

I understand the route will open in middle or near end of May this year.

Will I I be lucky enough to be able to travel in that bus around 26th May?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Kalyan

[raptor_diwan]

Originally Posted by Fr0nx23

Greetings to all the members here.

I live in South India. I am visiting Delhi next week and planning to travel solo from Delhi to LEH further on.

I'm not experienced enough to ride a big bike to Leh.

Also, I came to know that manali rental vehicle is not allowed to enter Leh. Anyway renting a bike and riding that route, that too alone is not advisable for me I feel.

Flights are too expensive and i don't want to hire a taxi for myself being solo.

I am hence considering HRTC bus journey from Delhi to Leh.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Kalyan

Renting a bike would be great to enjoy the scenery. It will definitely be a better experience than doing it by bus. Leh is not just a place you want to explore; it's the route from Delhi to Leh that offers the best time of your life.

Delhi rental bikes are allowed inside Leh, so there won't be any problems. The only restriction is that you may not be allowed to ride to Khardung La, which depends on your luck. However, you can enter Leh and stay there without any issues. If you want to visit Khardung La, you can consider renting a vehicle there for just one day. It should cost between 500 and 750 INR for a Royal Enfield 350.

Riding a motorcycle offers a completely different experience compared to traveling by bus.I would strong advice you to go on your 1st plan.

It's all about your confidence level. After some time, you will start to enjoy the ride, and it will be fun. If you still feel scared or not confident enough, you can ride along with other biker groups whom you may come across. Bikers are usually very friendly!!

It's better to rent a bike in Manali rather than riding from Delhi to Manali, which can be boring. Starting your motorcycle journey from Manali to Leh is much more fun due to that route.

[SidharthaN]

Hi,

Is anyone aware of the current opening of Ladakh routes.

I am doing a bike trip starting last week of May 2024 and plan to cover Ladakh Umlingla circuit and Spiti circuit collectively.

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by SidharthaN

Hi,

Is anyone aware of the current opening of Ladakh routes.

I am doing a bike trip starting last week of May 2024 and plan to cover Ladakh Umlingla circuit and Spiti circuit collectively.

Delhi to Manali Open
Manali to Keylong Open
Keylong to Leh Open
Keylong to Kaza Closed

The Kunzum Pass is estimated to open in late May or early June 2024. The pass is usually closed in October and opens again around June. The Spiti circuit can be completed only after the Kunzum pass is opened.

I have done both the Ladakh and Spiti circuits, (separately, an year apart) on motorcycle sometime in 2018-2019. Spiti circuit was definitely much tougher than the Ladakh circuit.

Would I do both circuits collectively? Most probably, Not. That would be too much adventure in a single outing to me But I guess, it is challenging and fun too.. ride safe.

[SidharthaN]

Originally Posted by ashkamath

Delhi to Manali Open
Manali to Keylong Open
Keylong to Leh Open
Keylong to Kaza Closed

.

Thank you. Is Umlingla and Khardungla open for bikers

[ashkamath]

Originally Posted by SidharthaN

Thank you. Is Umlingla and Khardungla open for bikers

These passes depend upon the amount of snow or rather melting of snow for the pass to be clear. Generally at the end of May, these passes should be clear for traffic.

[shipnil]

Originally Posted by Fr0nx23

I am hence considering HRTC bus journey from Delhi to Leh.

Does anyone have any idea when it will start this year? Is it good journey to experience?

I understand the route will open in middle or near end of May this year.

Will I I be lucky enough to be able to travel in that bus around 26th May?

I haven't used this particular bus service but I have used the HRTC extensively while doing Spiti region. The bus would be same I believe which means a basic Road Transport Bus. It would not have any creature comforts. If you are too tight on budget, then start from Delhi else you can travel to Manali in Volvo bus and then take the same bus from there. I believe the route would be Delhi-Manali-Leh.

[aviator1101]

Good news for all those planning to visit Ladakh this year, especially bikers. Need not carry extra fuel in jerrycans beyond Tangtse.

A new petrol pump has opened up at Nyoma.
Timings 10am to 5pm
(Received the information from a local friend).

This is the location :-
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k3WFrxZKH4DWGGnc9?g_st=aw

Hope this information helps travellers while planning their Ladakh trip.

[hrman]

Originally Posted by aviator1101

(Received the information from a local friend

Hi aviator, is the route from Manali to Leh fully open as of now? We plan to drive from Manali to Leh via jispa, Sarchu starting 2nd June.
Family of 4 ppl incl 3 drivers. Skoda Kushaq 1.5L petrol auto.