Q) How are the road conditions in Leh Ladakh?
A: During your road trip or while traveling by road, you will be passing through 30% road and 70% off roads. After crossing Manali you will reach Leh, then onto Pangong and Nubra which is a mixture of both roads and off-road. Also, you will find sections of asphalt and areas with huge stones in the way. The best part is that your whole adventure will be mostly on the off-road.
Q) Can I do Manali to Leh with 1 stop at Sarchu?
A: Although this is possible on your trip I would suggest you shouldn’t. Leh trip is mostly about experiencing scenic views and its stunning surroundings. So while you are driving down the roads from Manali to Leh it is always better to make 2 stops. You might be a bit late but the joy of experiencing the natural beauty will let you feel more relaxed. As you make the stops you will have some time to adjust your body to acclimatize to the high altitudes, reducing chances of getting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Though there are some beautiful campsites at Sarchu where you can have a comfy stay.
Q) Can I go to Nubra valley and come back in the same day?
A: Well, if you see theoretically it will be a yes and practically it will no. For reaching Nubra valley you will be passing through Khardungla, the highest motorable road in the world. And it’s not a good idea to pass such a high altitude twice. As Nubra Valley is known for its beauty and the magnificence, spend some time enjoying the serenity of this region.
Q) Can I go to Pangong Tso Lake and come back in the same day?
A: Well, if you see theoretically it will be a yes and practically it will no. Panging Tso Lake is quite far away to cover in just one day. Also, you will be passing through the third highest motorable pass in the world, Chang La. As for the one who loves to explore the natural beauty Panging Lake is one of the most enchanting in the entire trip. Another interesting thing is that you will be camping here for the night. Spend the night under the sky and staring at the lake as it glitters in the moonlight. It will be totally worth it.
Q) Can I do Leh to Srinagar in one day?
A: Yes, this is possible in one day. The road which you will pass here is very good. Only a few sections are bad roads around Zojila pass and Sonamarg. You might also face the rain in between your trip and the roads might get a bit slippery. You can also take a stop at Kargil where you can enjoy the beauty of the place and also visit the Kargil war memorial.
Q) Is there any lack of oxygen in Ladakh?
A: If you are traveling at 1000 above sea level will find difficulty in breathing or is likely to fall prey to altitude sickness. It happens due to the low level of atmospheric oxygen.
Q) What are the symptoms of High Altitude sickness? How long does it take to get acclimatize in Ladakh?
A: Few of the symptoms of high altitude include giddiness, loss of appetite, lack of sleep and difficulty in breathing. The best way to get acclimatize in Ladakh is a natural rest for at least 48 hours.
Q) Is there an ATM at Leh, Nubra & Pangong, Can we use Credit Cards?
A: A very few operator and hotels accept credit cards here and there will be a service charge of 2%. You will find ATM’s of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Punjab National Bank in Leh city. Outside Leh city, there are no ATMs.
Q) Do credit cards work in hotels and restaurants?
A: Yes, credit cards are accepted in a few hotels in Leh. There are some restaurants too that accept the credit cards but they charge 2% service tax.
Q) What permits do I need for a complete Ladakh trip?
A: Ladakh region requires some inner line permits across few places such as to cross Rohtang pass, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake. If you cross Rohtang early in the morning, chances are that there might be no one to check your permit. But it is better to get your permits. For Nubra and Pangong, you need 2 permits each.
Q) Which is the best time to visit Ladakh?
A: The best time to visit Ladakh is between May and September when the weather in Ladakh is the warmest. Ladakh doesn't experience rain like elsewhere in India, so the monsoon season is the perfect time to travel to Leh.
Q) Can we Visit Ladakh with Kids?
A: Ladakh is best for group tours and bike tours. It is not sensible for the kids. If you are traveling with kids you should be wary of all the conditions. It is advisable for tourists to not take children below the age of 5 years, as they may face acclimatization issues.
Q) What kind of accommodation is available in Ladakh?
A: While visiting Ladakh you will find that there are four different categories graded to a hotel- A, B, C, D. When it comes to A class hotels, their facilities and services are simply comparable to any 3-star hotel. Each hotel in Ladakh is designed with the traditional architecture of the region and feature oversized rooms equipped with modern amenities. These rooms are furnished with Ladakhi and Tibetan décor.
Q) How many minimum days are required to explore Ladakh?
A: You will need at least a minimum of 15 days to explore the amazing Ladakh including the monasteries, villages, and forts. You first two days will be acclimatization days. You might also take some extra time if you are planning to head out for a mountain trek.
Q) What kind of clothes should we bring there?
A: If you are trekking 4000 meters above sea level, you need warm woolen clothes. Rain and snowfall can take place in June and July and therefore windcheaters and raincoats are good. If you are into trekking, a pair of waterproof shoes are a must. T-shirts and shorts can do during the daytime but after evening the climate gets chilly and one requires a jacket and pullover.
Q) What kind of tourist vehicles are found in this region?
A: While you are Leh you will find different kinds of tourist vehicles like Toyota Qualis and Mahindra Scorpio vehicles. You will not find auto rickshaws here.
