Are you looking for a complete list of things to carry when you travel on any kind of trip? Be it mountain travel or beach travel or you go hiking or camping, you need different things to carry on such trips.
There are so many of us who like traveling to the core of our souls and keep on visiting new, beautiful places every now and then. Sometimes the plan arises out of nowhere and you have no time to think about the
Most of the time in these cases, we forget one or more essential things to carry while going on a trip. You can imagine a situation where you need to rush and search desperately for a small thing such as soap where even a tissue paper would have come in handy ;). Such situations are especially true when you are traveling to remote corners of the Himalayas.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What are the essential things to pack for a trip?
Since luggage is most common among any traveler, it would be great always to have a list of things to carry on a trip, in store for yourself. It would certainly be convenient when the plans are abrupt and come out of nowhere, leaving no time for packing the luggage.
I have tried to compile a comprehensive list of things to carry while I go on a trip and feel could be helpful for each one of us traveling to various places.
Basic Travel Kit to Carry on Trips
There are certain items that you carry on any kind of trip. I call such things basic travel kits which every kind of traveler must carry on their trips. Let us look at these basic travel kit items.
- Itinerary Printout (at least 2)
- Travel Guide / Map Print Out (at least 2)
- At least two Copies of PhotoIDs for all members
- Mobile
- Mobile Charger
- Pen and a small Diary
- Bag locks (2 or more)
- Backpack or Carry bag
- Extra spectacles with cover
- Spectacles cover
- Torchlight or Flashlight
- Small Scissor
- Watch
- Swiss Knife. I have a Victorinox Huntsman Red Swiss Army Knife which I have been using since 6-7 years. It has helped in many situations in mountains and still work as new. One of the best products I have bought in life.
- Power bank – Extremely useful in case short on electricity, which will be the case mostl
- Hand Sanitizer (Dettol, Lifebuoy) – Recommended
- Sunglasses – Recommended
- Multi-Plug – Recommended for remote areas
- Small water bottle, say 500 ml
- Match Boxes or Flint or Cigarette Lighter
- Couple of candles
- Plastic Bags / Plastic Zip Lock Bags
- Twist-ties, safety pins.You can find twisties at the link: Twist Tie 20m (Pack of 2)
- Novels or two
- Pens, pencils, colors, crayons, chocolates, toffees for distribution among local children
- DC to AC Inverter. It is an extremely useful item often neglected. It helps you keep the batteries of your phone charged, camera batteries charged and even laptop or iPhone or iPad charged too. I own a Targus 200W Power Inverter with USB Fast Charging Port and it has proven its worth in day to day life as well not just trips to the Himalayas.
Are you planning to carry a Laptop to Leh – Ladakh or high altitude? If yes, please do read the article to protect and safely use it: Carrying Laptop to Ladakh or High Altitudes
Eateries
No trip is complete without carrying the things to eat. Certainly, most of the time food is available at any destination we travel to. However, at some places of Spiti or Ladakh or when camping in the remote regions of the Himalayas, food can be hard to find. This is especially true when you are on dietary restrictions.
Hence, it is always good to carry basic eateries on your trips.
- Chocolates, toffees, chips, chewing gums, mouth freshener, dry fruits etc.
- Energy Bars or Protein Bars for quick snacks.
- Any restrictive diet items
- Pre-cooked food if needed
Camera Kit
If you are a photographer or an enthusiast like me, you should be prepared for a lack of electricity when traveling to the Himalayas. Hence, go prepared with your entire camera kit to take those amazing shots that become lifetime memories. Also, do not forget to carry things to help you charge your camera gear.
Here are some things to carry from a photographer’s standpoint on any trip.
- Camera with bag
- Camera Charger and its cable
- Camera Battery
- Camera Cleaning Kit including Lenspen
- Tripod
- Filters
- Remote Release
- Photography Handbook
- Extra Camera Battery, if possible
- Extra Remote Release Battery, if possible
- Extra memory cards, if possible
- Head lamps for night photography, if required
Toiletries to carry
Keeping yourself sanitized on trips is always necessary. It helps you avoid getting sick away from home and makes you feel refreshed. Let us look at some of the toiletry items you should carry on your trips.
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Toilet Soap
- Shampoo Pouches according to the schedule or a small shampoo bottle
- Tissue Papers
- Face wash if required but common for girls
- Hair Oil
- Deodorants
- Moisturizing Cream
- Lip Guard
- Cologne Talc
- Comb
- Small Mirror
- Feminine Hygiene, if required
Are you planning to make a self-drive trip to the Himalayas of Ladakh & Spiti Valley? If yes, please do read the article on 40 must-have things to carry on self-drive trip to Himalayas.
Shaving Kit
If you are one of those who do not like grown hair, then do not forget to carry your shaving or grooming kit. Here is a quick look at things you should not forget to carry on your trip.
- Shaver / Razor / Trimmer
- Shaving Blades ( If possible keep some extra blades)
- Shaver Brush
- Shaving Foam or Cream
Clothing Kit
Clothing forms an essential part of any trip. If you are planning to carry too many clothes, you end up lifting heavy bags. Hence, always try to travel light and carry clothes that you need as per the trip. Choosing ActiveWear or Athleisure will help you minimize the number of clothing items you carry on a trip along with traveling light.
- Clothes as per the schedule
- Towels
- Socks
- Handkerchiefs
- Slippers
- At least one light jacket
Are you going to Leh – Ladakh and confused about carrying type of clothes? If yes, check the link: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Leh – Ladakh Trip
Air Travel
When it comes to air travel, you have some things you must never forget, for example, your tickets and your identity documents. Some people need items that help them to sleep on a flight. Let’s look at the list of things to carry when you travel by air.
- Air-ticket Printout (if flying with e-tickets)
- Credit/Debit Card photocopy both side from which booking was made — Don’t forget to strike of CVV number
- Identity documents
- Authentication Letter if someone else’s Credit/Debit Card
- Travel Pillow for rest
- Eyeflaps to avoid light when sleeping
- Earbuds to help with air pressure on ears
Mountains Must-Haves Things to Carry
When in the mountains, always protect yourself from the sun, cold, and dryness. Hence, what type of clothing you carry depending upon your Himalayan travel destination becomes very important. Let us look at some of the must-have things to carry on a mountain trip.
- Digital Thermometer (Optional)
- Cold Cream
- Lip Guard
- Hats / Caps
- Heavy Woolen Clothing including woolen socks (Severe Cold / Snow). I have been using my fleece zipper Quechua Forclaz 50 for last 5-6 years and much pleased by them always because they act as a really warm base layer below any jacket or windcheater.
- Woolen Hand Gloves (Severe Cold / Snow)
- At least 2 pairs of thermal. Those of you who don’t know where to buy them, you can check the amazon link at: Full Sleeves Round Neck Thermal Top & Trouser Set
Trekking Must-Haves Things to Carry
When you go for long treks in the Himalayas or you go for short hikes on your trips, you must carry certain things. It is important and helpful to get the support of some stick that helps you walk uphill to decrease the pressure on your knees. As the weather can change in the Himalayas, it is important to carry rain or snow gear always with you. As you are in the mountains, sun protection is also necessary. And as you need walking or running shoes, you should carry trekking shoes to protect cuts and twists.
Let us look at some of the most important things you must carry when going on treks in the Himalayas or anywhere.
- Mountains Must Haves
- Hard Wooden Stick (Also handy in snow for the grip). You can also check a trekking pole at the link: 4-Step Adjustable Anti-Shock Telescopic Hiking Walking Stick with Handle
- Rain / Snow Protection Gear like Rain Coat / Rain Suit
- Hats / Caps
- Gaiters for snow or water. Quechua gaiters are very nice and can be bought at the link: Fleece Thermal Waterproof Snow Gaiters
- Water Bottles (Snow trek needs more water than we think)
- Trekking Shoes. If you are looking for a good trekking/hiking waterproof and a bit warm shoes, you will not go wrong with Forclaz 500 Hiking Shoes. Though I have used them for about 7 years, they never proved me wrong. I have moved to North Face Versa Thermoball but then you don’t need them because Forclaz 500 is one good pair of shoes any day.
Pro Travel Tip: Do not forget to check my complete list of 12 must-have things to carry on a trekking/hiking trip.
Beach Must-Haves Things to Carry
When you travel on a beach, you must protect yourself from the sun rays causing sunburn. If you are traveling with a kid, it becomes a must to protect his soft skin. Then you need to tackle sand. Hence, you will need to protect your clothes and shoes from getting filled with sand.
Given below is a list of things to carry when you travel on a beach. These are some of the must-haves in my opinion to save you from the scorching sun and avoid bad sunburn.
- Hats / Caps
- Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50 or greater) or Sunblock
- 2-3 Extra Shorts,
- An extra slipper and extra towel for back pack
- Thin single bed sheet – if not interested in beach shack / bed always
- Lip Guard with sunscreen
- Long-sleeved over shirt and a thin pair of pants as night gets a bit cold at beaches
Medicine or First-aid Box to Carry on Trips
When you are traveling to remote places like Ladakh or Spiti Valley, the medical help could be far away. You must always carry a basic medical kit on any trip you undertake. Even if you do not get to use it, chances are you may end up helping someone else in need. It happens all the time with me.
Let us look at some of the medicines you should carry on your trip to the Himalayas in your first-aid kit.
Disclaimer– Well medicines listed here are just my suggestions as they suit me and you should always consult your doctor before taking any of these.
- ORS or ORS-L Tetra Packs at least 5 in number
- Pain Relief Spray
- Pain Relief Cream or Gel
- Betadine – Antiseptic cream
- Savlon or Dettol – Antiseptic solution
- Combiflaim or Flexon – Pain Killers
- Crocin or Paracetamol – Mild Fever
- Avomine – Relief from Dizziness, Motion Sickness and Vomiting
- Digene – Relief from Flatulence, Indigestion, acidity (mild)
- Zinetac 150mg – Acidity or gastric problems (only if severe)
- Eno Sachets – Quick Gastric Relief
- Entroquinol – Relief from Loose motion (mild)
- Metrogyl – Relief from Loose motion (high)
- D-Cold Total or Vicks Action 500 for cold
- Pudin Hara for stomachache
- Crepe Bandage – 2 (for fractures)
- J&J Band-Aid Fast Heal Wash proof – Long, Square and circle patches
- Cotton and Dressing Bandage
- Becosules for vitamin B-complex and sometimes energy
- Eye Tone for soothing eyes
- Nasivion for blocked and dry nose
- Ongoing Regular Medicines, if any
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this list of things to pack for a trip infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Conclusion
I feel a cross-check of luggage with this list before leaving, would be helpful to many of us in reducing the chances of forgetting some small things while we go on a trip. This way, we can enjoy the trip without worrying over the availability of some items in the town or trek 🙂 we check-in. This list may not be perfect for each one of us, but at least we can tweak it according to our picks and save that in our archives for future trip references.
You are most likely invited to keep adding your valuable thoughts and suggestions for the list of items things to carry while going on a trip. This way, we may end up making it a completely comprehensive list for all of us and others seeking this kind of list. Do provide your suggestions in the comments section below.
Disclaimer– Again to remind you that the medicines listed above are just my suggestion as it suits me and you shall always consult your doctor before taking any of the above medicine.
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Get job.I m happy to copy paste the list……it’s of grt help.thanks.
Glad the list of things were useful to you.
Dear Dheeraj,
Hats off to you for doing this good job. This is helping a lot of peoples travelling to leh & ladakh.
I need your advice…I will be travelling alone from mumbai. Can i hire bike from Leh to ladakh?from manali i will be travelling by bus to leh.
Yes, Rahul that is good to hire a bike from Manali.For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
Thanks Dheeraj. . . . . I would be happy to join a biker group for this trip please let me know @ rv6008@gmail.com.
Rahul check the DoW Travel Calender from the menu which you can explore to find like minded people who are looking for travel partners too and also post your entry too in there if someone interested to connect with you.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are goint to Kashmir on 25 April 2015 and we will be covering Vaisnodevi,Srinagar,Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
We are 11 members and 6 are over 45 year old on an average.
Please suggest some basic thing must to carry.
Gaurav, the article has a comprehensive list of things to carry, you can choose at your convenience which you can carry and which to skip.
Hi Dheeraj, Greetings of the day…
I like to ask you that we are planning for trip to Spiti valley thorugh Shimla & Reckong Peo and I have 1 year old baby boy so is it ok to travel with him on this high altitude area.
Further is this right time to visit Spiti valley or it shall be month of May….
Gaurav time is right to travel to Spiti Valley. But, taking such young kid to high altitude area, it is a matter of personal choice. It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Hi DHEERAJ,
I m planning to go laddakh by may end. I m super excited about it. I have my own bike (fz 16, 7 years old in more than good condition). It’s going to be my first ride and I m planning to ride alone(unfortunately). So i would be glad if you could advice me on following issues:
1. Do and do not for bike before and during travelling( technical stuffs precisely).
2. How to tackle breathing problems while crossing passes or higher altitude area.
3. Staying options and petrol pump availability ahead of Manali.
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Vaibhav I will suggest you to go through: All You Wanted to Know About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas
Dheeraj, I am planning a three week trip to Manali, Leh, Kargil and surrounding areas in the month of May / early June. My wife and me would be driving there in our own from Kolkata on our new Scorpio S10. I am about 60 years and my wife a couple of years young. We are fit and have no ailment as such (thank God). Please suggest if we can make this trip to heaven and back comfortably ? Is our age & our car okay for the trip ? Do I need to take along a driver on this trip ?
All other information has been beautifully complied by you. Thanks.
KK ji, if you have the spirit, that you seem to have, you can easily manage it sir. The only suggestion from my side will be that you postpone it beyond mid of June so that the roads get open by that time from both sides and they are stabilized to a fair extent. Also, you must do the trip from Srinagar side and end at Manali side.
Very very helpfu,
Thanks
Thank u so much Dheeraj, Very nicely compiled list.
Very nicely compiled list. Thank u so much Dheeraj
Thanks Deepti, happy to help 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all , hats off to you for this amazing compilation of the website…. its like its got everything at one place.
My question is regarding carrying sleeping bags and tents. I’ll be coming from delhi on bike… do you think i should be carrying sleeping bags and tent from there or should i simply take them on rent from leh.. just in case.
Shagun, though you will get everything in Ladakh but many a time people prefer own sleeping bags with respect to cleanliness and hygiene. Hence, if you travel often then better to get one of your own. Else, you can always rent them in Leh.
Very nicely compiled list. Thanks Dheeraj
Glad it helped you 🙂
hiii Dheerj…..
ur information & list of things 2 carry is very useful. v wil b travelling 2 kashmir & leh in mid may. V have 2 children along with us aged 8 & 10 years. I wanted 2 know about d food items v can carry wit us during our visit, as v have learnt der is a bit of problem for food. Could u pls guide me on this aspect. Also wat food items can v carry 2 keep ourselves warm.
Hi Kekin,
There isn’t much of a problem of food. May be you can carry what all is written in above list. You can also carry some packed food and soups. Above all do carry lots of dry fruits.
Kali Mirch (Black pepper) and Garlic stubs will be very helpful in keep you guys warm.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to take go leh by hiring RE from Manali. What kind of accesseries would you suggest like (Leg gaurd, hand gaurd, helmet, Tank bag etc.) ? and would you also suggest carrying foldable tents for night stays, yoga mats and sleeping bags ? Can we get all these things on rent in Manali ?
THanks,
Pallav
Pallav, most things will come fitted in the bike when you take it on rent, so do not worry much about that. Secondly, everything is available on the route and renting such equipment will not help must except in case of getting stuck in the middle of no-where. Rest there are stay options available at almost all the places on the route to Ladakh.
Plzz tell me wat to prepare and pack for Goa tour for 7 days from jammu
Sarir, above list will be handy for you and especially the Beach must haves. See if things listed above makes sense to you and you can pack the required one for your trip.
I appreciate the information given by you….. 🙂
WE ARE PLANNING TO GO TO HIMACHAL PRADESH AS WE CAN FOLLOW THIS SAME LIST DO WE WANT TO ADD ANYTHING ELSE .
This list of things to carry is quite comprehensive and should be good enough for a trip to Himachal 🙂
Me,my husband and my son are planning to go to Goa.I am a little bit scared because we are going first time to any beach places. Don’t know exactly what to pack…..??
Komal, above article should help you in deciding many of the things. If you can carry them I wonder if you will be missing anything at all for a trip to beach. Carry floaters and towels.
very usefull information
Thank you so much, glad you found this information useful enough for traveling 🙂
Hello sir, me and my friend thinking of going to manali by motorcycle ( Chandigarh to manali) this week. Is it right time to go?
Ashish, Manali will be crowded, if you are OK with it, it is fine to travel
hey man….thanx alot for the list
Pleasure to know that info. or this list was useful for you 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj, This is really a very helpful list.
Appreciate your work 🙂
Anil, glad it proved useful to you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Your check list is very useful.Thanx a tonne…. 🙂
Glad to know that this list of thing to carry while traveling proved useful to you.
Hello Deeraj,
Tons of thanks for your efforts compiling this list and many congratulations being able to help so many travelers.
Going through this blog almost vanished all my doubts but I manage to keep one alive 😛
we are 5 people for Leh trip on first week of September, could you please advise if it’s manageable we do not book hotels in advance.
Many Thanks
Thanks Vikas. As long as you are OK to search a bit here and there and are not tied to specific hotel, it is OK to go and book on the spot.
thanks for you reply Dheeraj 🙂
ch srinagar and halt at house boat in dal lake.on 6th morning we want to leave to jammu for vaishnodevi.(please advice mode of travel can i afford to reach vaishnodevi by road)
There will be taxis as well as JKSRTC buses available in Srinagar too for Jammu.
Sir I want to go to manali around 8 of august with my wife and 1 year old son, sir plz ive me List of things to carry when I go on trip.and places to be visit in manali thanx
muniruddin, List of things to carry when you travel is mentioned in the article. There is no specific thing to say just for Manali but keep some warm clothes like light woolens with you for the kid. Also, though it is not a recommended time to visit hills being monsoons, so be mentally prepared even for confining yourself to the hotel room in case it keeps raining and travel safe.
can I go by bus to leh is that ok or not
Yes, you can travel to Leh by bus from both Manali as well as Srinagar. In fact there is a direct bus of HRTC that leaves Delhi everyday around 3-4 PM for Leh and costs about Rs 1339 via Manali – Leh Highway
Hello…..
I along with my husband planned a trip of total 7 days to Delhi, Shimla and Manali in July…..
Could you please suggest us what all should be taken care of like clothes, things to be carried and things not to be carried as we are travelling by flight……
Sravanthi, above list mentions all the list of things to carry. Suit it to your needs and carry that stuff with you. Regarding clothing, you can carry just few light woolens like a zipper or light jacket. No need to carry heavy woolens as it will be cool and pleasant during these days in Manali and Shimla.
we are 10/11 persons going to leh via srinagar and return via manali , starting the trip on 28 june from manali. 5/6 persons in xylo and 5 in indigo. we are thinking to do leh- pangong – nubra ( via wari la route). will it be possible to do it in indigo with 5 persons onboard and both the vehicles are taxs, so even if we are not returning to leh once we leave it, is it compulsory to drop the taxis at leh and hire a local taxi?
5 persons in an indigo will be very very tough. Please avoid it.
Hi Dheeraj vai…
could you please share some emergency contact no,those we sould be having with us..when we will be going for Leh to Nurba /Leh to Pangong trip …as we are only 4 people ..and 2 bikes…so if in any case emergency happens,,,then we can at least contact to some local body/army/BRO..or anyONE..
Thanks in advance
Avigeet, please check: Important / Emergency Contact Numbers in Leh – Ladakh
Hi dheeraj
We r group of 4 peoples planning bike trip from Delhi-manali -leh-manali -Delhi
We have 9 days to complete this .we have good experience of long biking but no idea of such terrain .plz advice what should be our plan….?
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
When are you planning. If it is happening in August i will love to join in.
we are visiting sringar this month… pls suggest kind of clothes to be carried as well as some important tourist places…..
Lakshika, please refer the article: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip
hi, I am naresh and I am visiting manali for the first time in mid of june. please suggest, what all places to visit in 3 days and what all thing to be kept in mind and baggages.
Naresh, Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here.
HI dheeraj ,
CAN u please list me the things to be carried by sea ,as v are leaving to andaman by ship from chennai its a 3days voyage on sea from 30th may.and v r planning to dive there.
kindly send me ur opinion
Oops, never been on the sea apart from the beaches. So, not the best person to comment.
Very useful list for travelling. It will help me alot
Good to know that this list proved useful for you.
dheeraj g
manali se leh jane k liye koi govt se permission leni padti hai kya maine suna hai ki manali si leh ke liye transport office se permission leni padti hai kya mein rajasthan pasiing vehicle pvt no. se manali to leh ja sakta huin
Yes Mridul, if you are taking a vehicle outside HP then you have to take permission or permit for your car to travel from Manali to Rohtang Pass. You need to pay congestion fees of Rs 100 as well. This permit need to be entered at Khoksar post.
dear sir,i can’t explain that how much I am happy to know about you.
Amazing info sir, Thank you..
Best wishes for the trip, pleasure you loved the info. present on DoW Blog 🙂
Hi Dheeraj. Indeed you are a Godsend for newcomers like me. I am a biker and am planning a 30 day-Manali 2 Manali trip in JUly 14. i would like to stay longer in Nubra, Tso morori, and other interesting and trekkable places. Just me and my wife. we did a 5200km Mumbai-Shoja-Mumbai over 25 days, a proper cultural tour. Ladakh deserves the same attention, once and for all. I have gone through most of yourt site for 10/15 day trips and shall expand on that. Do you have any special places in mind that need time to reach. we have the time. My best wishes. aditya
Hello Aditya,
That’s amazing stuff !! Envy you in first place 😀 😀
Well, you can Include Dah – Hanu Villages, Hanle, Turtuk which should be included in this list for sure. You will really enjoy these places. Keep it simple and relaxed and you will be amazed by the experience 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the List. You are doing awesome work!
I am planing to visit leh in april 2014. from 11-17th.
I know its off season, but sill wanted to experience Leh during April. Please advise me on itinerary for this trip. I want to visit nubra valley.
Regards
Shyam
Hi Shyam,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Regards
Dheeraj
i am planning to visit the leh sector on my bike and you are just like a god’s messenger to me.
Rohit, best wishes for the trip brother !! Feel free to put up any queries you have for your trip.
Thanks a Lot …. 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj I think I’m not going to forget anything in this trip with your list as I always do and than can’t enjoy fully..
Superb, glad to know that the above list proved helpful in your travel 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
My self jiten mamtora, from gujarat. Your list has reduced my most of the worries. Thanks a lot.
I have planned 8 days tour for Srinagar and Jammu with my wife and 3 year old son. My trip schedule is as follow. I ‘ll reach jammu by 30th dec and depart for srinagar by 30th night. 31st dec will be local site seeing, 1st jan gulmarg, 2nd sonmarg, 3rd pahalgam. On 4th leave for jammu. On 5th mrng will leave for vaishnodevi and try to reach jammu by 6th evng. 7th full rest at jammu and on 8th mrng leave for gujarat.
Now thing is that what extra things should i keep with me for my little champ, as he is just 3 yrs old.
2nd thing is that i am going individualy, without any tour package. Hotels and railway bookings are confirmed. What are the transportation mode available to visiting sonmarg, gulmarg and pahalgam, and that to low cost.
your kind help for above two things Will be more than anything. Thanks a lot
Hello Jiten,
Hmm… looks too much of traveling brother. I will suggest that you leave out one of Gulmarg or Sonamarg and keep two day visit to Pahalgam to allow some rest in between hopping places almost every day. Did you check the flight option to Srinagar? Jammu to Srinagar is long tiring and boring journey and doind it 2 times on a trip unless forced upon is mostly not worthy.
Regarding carrying things for the little champ, well you have to be sure enough to protect him from cold up there with heavy woolens. Keep his skin covered all round and if he wear gloves then do carry them. Also, DO NOT forget o carry shades for him because the reflection from snow causes much harm to eyes than anything, AFAIK. So, protect the eyes for sure.
No need of tour packages, just land up there and enjoy brother. Don’t bother much. You will get taxi from Srinagar taxi stand or your houseboat and hotel can also arrange for the taxi for you.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Dear Dheeraj,
First of all very sorry for late thanks.. Thanks a lot for your quick reply. But due to some unavoidable reason, i have to cancel my whole trip. Now planning to visit in May. If time permits.
Thanking you very much once again.
Jiten, best wishes for your trip in May brother !! Don’t worry it happens 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
My self jiten mamtora, from gujarat.Your list has almost covered everything, very much thanks for that.
I am planning for 4 days trip at srinagar and 4 days at jammu for vaishnodevi. I will reach srinagar on 31st december. The tour plan is like 31st dec. local siteseeing, 1st Jan gulmarg, 2nd sonmarg and 3rd pahalgam. On 4th will return to jammu. On 5th we will start for vaishnodevi and try to return by 6th evening, after rest for full day on 7th at jammu will return by train to gujarat.
Now my worry is that i am travelling with my 3 year old son, what extra things should i carry with me for him.
Another thing what are the mode of transportation available for gulmarg, sonmarg and pahalgam from srinagar as i am not going in any tour package.
Please advise in this two matter. Thanks in advance
Just answered above 🙂
Thanks a lot Mr. Dheeraj.. Its very usefull..
Smita
Pleasure, glad it was usful for planning your travel… Best wishes for the trip.
Heading for a winter vacation to Manali on 27 Dec 2013. what are the essentials I should not forget to carry.Please suggest.
You should carry heavy woolens with you in winter months for traveling to Manali and around. Rest depending upon the duration and frequency of travel you can refer the list mentioned in the article above to pick up items that suits you best.
Regards
Dheeraj sharma
Dear Mr Dheeraj,
This is really helpful. Has made me sorted as I am planning for a 10 days trip. However, don’t you think something is still missing. Carry a toilet seat sanitizer spray is a must-have specially for women & kids as this has always been most dreadful situation while using public toilets in India.
Thanks:)
Nandini, yeah, a general hand sanitizer is one thing I seriously missed on my last trip a week back and I feel it shall be up there. Even I made a note to add it but right after the trip its too much work load 😉 … Well, I am talking about general hand sanitizer not any specialized product because it will very well do the job for anyone.
If you talk about toilets, in trans-Himalayas or treks, you seldom have toilets 😉 … So, hand sanitizer is much better prospect many aspects 🙂
Hello Dheeraj,
I read your blog, it is very interesting
we are six people and will be reached at jammu on 7th spetember for 15 days trip .
our trip schedule is like jammu to sonmarg, gulmarg, shrinagar, simla, kulu manali, delhouses, amritsar, delhi, agra but still we have not decided proper schedule.
please suggest me how to scheduled trip to make trip more good and which place we have to visit apart of this and how many days allot each place.
Please suggest me special activity for each places we have to eajoy it
thanking you
Nirali, are you not planning Ladakh even after having so many days?
please inform me how many day enough for jammu n shrinagar.
Nirali, it depends how many places you want to explore around Srinagar
Hi Dheeraj, we will be reaching Leh by Sep 23rd through Manali, and planning to visit Nubra valley and Pangong lake in bike. Any idea how the climate will be?
Tom, climate will be very cold by that time of the year. Carry good woolens.
Hey hi, the stuff is really helpful, need some help, planning for a trip wid some friends from 2nd oct – 11th oct. I really want to explore this place and love adventures will be travelling from Pune. We can extend our stay.. really want to make it memorable.
Hi Jennifer,
Road journey will be a big risk especially the road journey over Manali – Leh Highway: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Are you ready to fly in and out of Leh? Camps at both lakes will be gone by then so need to manage it accordingly. It will be cold too by that time. Are you still game?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
You are really doing a great work here.. 🙂
We are a group of 5, will be flying for leh on 13 Sep 2013 @06:30am from New Delhi and the Departure is scheduled on 18 Sep 2013 11:10 am from Leh. (5 days trip)
We have contacted a travel agent and he has proposed the below schedule for our trip:
Package Includes:
*3 night’s accommodation at Leh
*1 night accommodation at Pangong lake Camp
*1 night accommodation at Nubra Valley Camp
*Meals – Daily buffet Breakfast & Dinner.
*Airport-Hotel-Airport Transportation
The Package Cost quoted is around INR 11000 Per Person. (Is it fine..?)
We will be visiting these places during our trip:
SEP 13: LEH ARRIVAL
SEP 14: LEH TO PANGONG LAKE
SEP 15: PANGONG LAKE – LEH
SEP 16: LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY
SEP 17: NUBRA VALLEY TO LEH
SEP 18: DEPARTURE
Can you please suggest if we can cover some more places or if we can follow a different schedule to make this trip better.
I am still confused that apart from Nubra valley and Pangong lake, what are the other local places to visit (which we can cover in this trip..!!)
Also wanted to know about the mobile communication network and internet service there. How good is this.? Do we need to carry some particular telecom sim cards and is how good is mobile internet there?
Though we have not made this booking final. Please suggest if its a fair deal or we can have a better budget trip than this.
It also says that:
*GST extra: 3.09%
*Rafting & Camel Safari Charges.
*Inner line Permit- (what’s this and how much it costs)
*rates are twin sharing basis.
Thank you. 🙂
Hi Ankush,
I will strongly suggest some changes here as going all the over to Pangong Tso is like a killer of a thing on the second day itself 😯 … 11K seems a little higher to me even considering the value of services for the operator. You are 5 and definitely there will be extra bed for the second room.
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | fly back
Lastly, if you want to go with packaged tour only, better get intouch with info@offbeatescapes.com and give reference of DoW with your own itinerary as suggested above else you can plan your tour on your own and all the required info. is available over DoW Blog and Community.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
really very useful.. thank you
Glad you found it useful
Hi Dheeraj.. I have found your blog to be very informative and would like to thank you for it 🙂
We are a group of 10 people travelling to Leh from 15th Sep to 28th Sep. We plan to camp in pang gong,nubra and tso moriri.Could you please advise us on the kind of clothing that we need to carry…like will it be very cold there during that time ?
Thanks alot Mrudula, please carry at least 2-3 pairs of heavy woolens, 1 light jacket and 1 heavy jacket too. September, nights are cold alongside lakes as well as passes too.
Hey, dheeraj sharma
its good to hear ur vivid experience nd detailed explainations.
we are a group of 4 college students planning to go to manali between 9 to 12 august. can you plz advice an overall plan, and ne extra stuff to carry apart from ur checklist..
Rohtang, nice name 🙂 … Well from complete details, you can go through the link: Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Travel Guide
Dear Dheeraj..
I cud find a lot of needed information from ur bolg…thx for help.
Me n my husband are planning to visit laddakh next month. We will b leaving from jammu on 6th aug to leh via srinagar by road n will be back by 15th aug to srinagar to catch our flight back to delhi.
Can u plz suggest how to plan this tour as we r not frequent travellers..
Nishi
Nishi, you can probably follow a plan like below:
Day 1 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar
— Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well
— If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden.
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 2 | Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 3 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits
— To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 8 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
Day 9 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 10 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj!
U almost sorted out our confusion… Its detailed and very helpful.
Thanks a lot!
Best wishes for the trip. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the property where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip…
Will definitely do that 🙂
hi dheeraj
it is such a great pleasure to read ur vivid experiences and feedback that you provide thru this blog.
we are a group of 5 people going to ladakh from july 20 to 29, 2013. we are taking a flight to srinagar from mumbai on 20th and will stay back in srinagar on 20th night. we will leave from srinagar the nrxt mrng and will be taking srinagar – ladakh highway and will complete the journey to leh with overnight at kargil on 21st july. is this appropriate?
we are group of youngsters aging from 22 to 28 and are highly inclined to include river rafting in our schedule at leh for one day. frankly we are not regular travelers but are in a way physically fit. what do you suggest? should we include rafting? what will be the cost of rafting in leh and which patch should we take in case if we go for it. also please share ur expertise n give a glimpse of locations we can visit at leh. we have 5 days at our disposal.
awaiting your reply
regards
harsh doshi
Hi Harsh,
For 5 days, you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 2 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 3 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 5 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
You can do rafting on Day 3 once you come back from Nubra to Leh. Go directly to Nimmu or Phey and do the rafting there.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj!
Is it possible to visit Lamayuru monastery on the same day as Sham valley tour? Are these places close?
Thanx
Sneha
Sneha, it is doable as Lamayuru is about 125 KMs from Leh but I will suggest that you take it easy because it can be very easily tiring too.
Also, our recently launched maps of Ladakh will give you a better idea too. Here is the link: DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang
Hey Dheeraj, this block is great.
I m planning to go to Leh from 3rd Aug to 17 Aug,2013.
Route-1
Chandigarh-Manali-Keylong-Leh-Kargil or Drass – Srinagar.
Route-2
Srinagar-Kargil-Leh-Srinagar.
Kindly advice me which route is better to go to Leh. This year monsoon season is critical such as in Uttarakhand, Assam….
So it is advisable to go Leh in Aug,2013.
Also let me know that woolens are necessary during this period or not?
Which place is better to stay night – Kargil or drass ????
Is there any bus service operated between Leh to Srinagar?
Jignesh, first of all please refer the link: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Secondly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
At least carry one pair of woolens and zipper as on overcast days it might be cold else pleasant. Kargil will be better in terms of options on hotels. Yes, there are HRTC buses that operates between Srinagar and Leh.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply.
Still i can’t find the bus schedule between Leh and srinagar.If you have any link pl send me.
Also pl tell me about river rafting at zanskar. Also let me know how to reach there.
Rafting at Zanskar hhappens at Phey and Nimmu. You can book at any of the agent in Leh for rafting. Get in touch with Ladakh Bus Operators at LBOC Ltd, Ph.No 252792
Thank you so much for giving all the valuable suggestions….
Mr. Dheeraj one more help please….
I just read on DoW srinagar-leh highway blog that only postpaid connections of sim card are working in leh especially BSNL and Airtel only. No prepaid connections working in this area. Prepaid connections only from J&K working…..Is it right????
Kindly give me suggestions bcoz mobile is much more important to me as my work concern…..
Yes, only Post Paid Connections work in Leh – Ladakh for outside states but prepaid from J&K states only work. Best bet is BSNL and second best is Airtel. If work is too much of concern then brother do de-risk it as connectivity is majorly present only in Leh and around. Rest only limited connectivity is present.
thank u so much 4 helping 4 my project
Hi I am planning to visit leh in August please suggest me how much cash should I carry with me
Aditya, depends upon your budget. ATMs are only available in Leh and there are about 5 ATMs if I remember correctly. 2 of JK Bank, 1 from Axis and 1 from HDFC, 1 SBI or PNB as well
Thanks for your reply could u also let me know how much do they charge to hire a bike in leh and do we need to pay any deposit for the bike
Yes, you can rent bikes in Leh and Fort Road in Leh is full of such shops that rent bikes. Depending upon the condition, model, make and tourist rush you can get bikes starting from Rs 800 to Rs 1300. Rather than booking over phone, it is much better to visit the Fort road, check 4-5 shops over there and get a good deal after checking the bike conditions. Security depends upon shop to shop.
Hey there Dheeraj
Firstly congratulations on helping out so many people and an par excellence packing list.
My BIG dilemma since a month is this and I think you are the best to help. I have been talking to so many agencies who almost give me similar agendas for Ladakh (aka nubra, pangong etc). One agency sent me this cause i was insisting a trekking trip.
Day 1- Arrival in Srinagar, and same day start drive to Kargil
Day 2- Kargil to Leh, visit Chamba and Lamayuru, and Gurudwara
Day 3- Rafting, Chiling to Sangam
Day 4- Leh to Nubra via Khardong la pass(Snow), Sumoor monastry, Sand dunes, over night at Hundar village
Day 5- Back to Leh
Day 6- Leh to Wanla to Ursi
Day 7- Ursi to Tar la base
Day 8- Base to Phu, today climb Tar La
Day 9- Phu to Mangyu, Climb Mangyu La, then drive to Kargil
Day 10- Kargil to Srinagar.
We are not seasoned trekkers and hence dont know the level of these places he has suggested after wanla. Would you know about them
Secondly Ive read of mountain sickness. Would you know what should we do to avoid it
Eager to read your reply. Thank you
Kaushik
Kaushik, IT looks OK to me but I am not a trekker as well, so cannot be hard on the schedule and grade this trek is. For AMS, you can check article: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Hi Dheeraj,
I am going for a trip to Kashmir along with my husband and 2 year old son on July 09,2013. Is it safe to take our son on this trip? What extra precautions should I take for my son? I m more worried because of him.
Geeta, Kashmir is fine to travel and I feel 2 year child is OK to travel as well. I hope you are not mising Ladakh. The only thing you should take care about is, what food you are going to give him over trip. If he is still choosy for his diet, then there could be an issue of finding that kind of food everywhere. Otherwise, it shall be OK to travel terrain wise.
Thank you so much Dheeraj for ur prompt reply.
Hi Dheeraj, Your Blog is great.
I’m planning a solo ride Del>Manali>Leh and back, starting on 13th Aug 2013. My “carry list” more or less matches your suggestions but I really liked the “Pens, pencils, colors, crayons, chocolates, toffees for distribution among local children”.
I have now added these items to my list. Thanks for the sugestion.
sumanto, best wishes for the trip!! And yes, this stationary, eateries and medicines are one of the agenda in DoW – Causes Initiative as a part of DoW – Himalayan Travel Community. Come join us and share your experience and travel knowledge of Himalayas in the community too.
And how much money I should keep with me?
Hi Dheeraj ji I am planing for Manali tour with my wife and two kids of 10yrs.from Delhi My train ticket is 0n 20th june till Jammu retuning on 24th june. pls guide for cheaper stay and lisst of packing. pls reply asap…thanks!
Krishna, why are you going to Jammu for a visit to Manali?
as per my knowledge nearest railheld is jammu. isn’t it?
sorry it is Delhi to Kalka
Hmm, yes. But it would have been better to get a volvo to Manali from Delhi which runs every night. Then take one day rest in Manali and do some local sightseeing. Next day visit snow point at Rohtang Pass and return. Then, checkout Naggar Castle and be back. Finally, return via same route.
what is the charges of home stay
Anywhere from 400-600 with meals.
i n my family has planned a trip to leh. i’ve a daughter of five years how can v make our journey and stay more comfortable with her? what all extra things v can take care of with her at the altitude? v’ll travel by road from srinagar to leh
It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age. It can happen to anyone of any age. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
hi dheerj,u r suggested some thing for local children it available in manali,chandigar or mumbai i m happy to sharing
yes, they will be available in Chandigarh or Manali or Mumbai as well. Check it above in the article: “Pens, pencils, colors, crayons, chocolates, toffees for distribution among local children”
Hi Dheeraj,
I really appriciate your efforts answering all the question you are doing a great job. Me and my one friend has planned to go to leh via flight on 31July and return on 5th Aug. We have booked our flight ticket but I hvnt plan anything yet like what place we can visit and hotels/motels moreover we ll also hire a bike ad we are 2 person so what is advisable we should hire one bike or two and what should be our plan (FYI we both are good biker) and what about the premitt stuff. if anyone want to ride with us then we will be more that happy.
Thanks
Hi Shrey,
You just have 5 days, that is tad less. But, still try and follow the belo mentioned plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh
— Do not plan to stay overnight at Pangong Tso as you will not be acclimatized and may fall sick. So, make a day trip only.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 6 | Fly back home
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi deeraj, thanks deeraj for you answers its verymuch useful. Please let me know is it fisible to go leh >pangong > leh in one day via bike. How many km is pangong and what are the road conditions
Shrey, it will be 325 odd KMs for Leh – Pangong Tso – Leh but roads are good except few patches in between specially around Chang La pass and lot of people do it in a day. So, very much feasible
I want to visit jammu-pahelgam-amarnath by trek or ponny-sonmarg-kargil-leh-ladakh and srinagar.HOw many days require to cover all and best route to travel by car from jammu.Please also let me know when helecopter booking for amarnathji starts.
Divyesh, you will need about 15-16 days to cover all these places by road from Delhi. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Thanks Dheeraj for ur reply.Actually I will reach Udhampur on 8th July and then I want to go to Amarnathji By helicoptar via pahelgam and in return from panchtarni to Sonmarg . Is it possible to cover both pahelgam and sonmarg and Amarnathji in a single day by helicoptar.From sonmarg I will go to leh as per your plan and back to srinagar and return to Ahmedabad from Jammu on 22nd July. PLease give me the best Itenery to cover all d places in 15/16 days.
Divyesh, I think by helicopter you should be able to manage it and reach Sonamarg by evening. Then you can follow the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh
Just that instead of going via Manali, come back via same route.
hi dheeraj,
need your advise and help….
finally i am planning for manali-srinagar on 500 cc classic enfeild around 15th June….i would be riding alone…..have done simla- manali last august.
pl advise on the itinerary:
Day 1: Del- manali
Day 2: manali- Jispa
Day 3: Jispa- Sarchu
Day 4: Sarchu-Leh
Day 5: leh- Hunder
Day 6: Hunder- leh
Day 7: leh-chang la- pangong
Day 8: pangong- chusul-nyoma-tso moriri
Day 9: tso moriri- chmanthang- leh
Day 10: leh- kargil
Day 10: kargil- sonmarg
Day 12: sonmarg- srinagar
Day 13: srinagar- udhampur
Day 14: udhampur- delhi (train)
pls advise me on the good hotels/tents at these locations…..especially at pangong tso would like to stay in a good tented accommodation just beside the lake……
is it possible to get arranged the permits through any agent from delhi itself without spending time at SDM office there….if so pl provide some contact details of such agents….
would also like to know is it possible to reach tso moriri from pangong via chusul … i mean what condition of road to expect and what about permits etc…..since i have basic knowledge of fixing minor snags, so is it advisable to do the pangong-tso moriri stretch as i believe its a road with almost no habitation….
Thanks in advance
hi . manali u will not have any problem as there many hotels there . try staying at motels along the manali leh road as the bike mechanics r situated on the same road at manali after the bridge.
first halt at jispa. there is the himachal mountainerring dorm available at rs 100 per day. food u can tell the local shop to cook Maggie and eggs. sarchu has good tent accommodation but they r expensive at 1500 to 2k per day . I would recommended to stay at Pang . tents availaible at 100 rs per night and u can catch a bite at the tent.
pangong again u will not have any problem as there r many tents available at 700 to 1500 rs per nite with food
condition of road from pangong to chusel is very bad . it is a non inhabited road as army trucks also seldom travel on this road
the permits u will have to take in ladakh it self. the hotel agents will do it for u in 4 hrs
There are so many thing I shall say. Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
Secondly, do not stay at Sarchu if you are following the above itinerary and going to Leh via Manali because you might get sick due to AMS. Permits to Chusul route will be very very hard to find as now DC office do not give you those permits easily because of some nuisance created by tourists on these startegically important route last year 🙁
hi dheeraj i dont know u but sorry to intrupt, i am also planning to go to laddalk via manali.. around 15 june, its always gud and safe to go in group on this route as dis route is more adventurous and thrilling but side vise dangerous too, iam a mariner works at indian coast, basically a himachalli from small of hp bilaspur, u can find me on fb as abhi071chauhan@gmail.com
no issues abhishek, feel free to get in touch for any queries you have for Ladakh trip.
Dear Sir, I my husband and my kid of 7years planning to visit kashmir as well as vaishnodevi in april last week of 2013 so, please suggest me shall i carry any woollen clothes.
Yes, Mansi. Do carry heavy woolens with you because at some of the places you will find ample of snow and could be cold in April
Dear Sir,
Is thermal suit necessary for a trip of Leh & Nubra & Pangong.
Please advice.
Thanks in advance.
Mrs.Anagha Bhagat
Hello Anagha,
It is always better to carry thermals for Ladakh trip. Weather changes in Ladakh abruptly and many a times nights are good enough cold.
Regards
Dheeraj
Dear Dheeraj Sharma,
I am planning Rothang pass to Leh trip during 22nd May to 2nd June (2013). Do you think its a right time and the road will be open? I am also taking my daughter who is 6 year old together with my family (totally 7). I will be glad to hear your views.
Thanks, Raj (Bangalore)
Raj, it is highly unlikely that Manali – Leh Highway will be open by that time of the year.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for your reply, Is it also not advisable to visit Leh via Srinagar during this period? Our main problem is schools getting opened during first week of June.
Raj, it should be OK to travel from srinagar leh highway at that time because most likely the highway will get open by end of May.
Awesome work.. Great job.. Very Helpful..
Thanks alot Akkiii, glad that the information was helpful to you.
thanks a ton! was so useful 🙂
Thanks Dheeraj,
We are planning for Rajastan trip ,looking out for good hotel in Udaipur , can any one suggest ? its should be reasonable with rates.
hi
could u please tell us what we have to take to go on kerala trip for 11 days…… tell me fast we have to go on 23/12/12 come on 3/12/12
Most of the things mentioned above applied to Kerala trip as well, but I will surely carry some mosquito repellent cream as well along with other beach and hills must haves. Not sure if you are looking forward to back waters, beaches or ghaats.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
We are travelling to Leh via Manali Leh Highway. We are staying at the Sarchu on our way. You have said to avoid the night stay at Sarchu in all conditions.
Is it so bad? We have planned to stay at Solang valley one night to acclimatise. Will this help?
I have already booked my hotels and coming across such advice from you is really freaking me out.
Priaynsee, if you have booked out the hotels, then go with it. But, it is always better to avoid Sarchu for night stay especially while going from Manali to Leh. While coming back, your body is better acclimatized to sleep at the altitude of Sarchu. Take precautions on AMS and do light activities and rest in major. Keep body hydrated.
hi dheeraj,
we are 5 friend and planing to travel in summer and we have business so we have only one week for travel in leh
so please suggest plan for travel by bikes
Hi Arvind,
In such a case, you might not be able to Travel by road. 1 week is too less for Ladakh trip by road. Are you ready for flying in and out of LEh?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
very nice post sir
Thank you very much Anirvan, glad info present on the blog was useful for you.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
informative page, helped me alot
thanxxx
Thanks alot, glad you liked the information present on the blog. Let me know if you need any further info.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
should be more informative
Please do suggest some valuable points and I will try to update the information in the article.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj! Yours blog was of immense help in planning our trip to Ladakh. We returned just yesterday. We found 3 things that were very necessary in this trip but you did not mention them in this blogpost. They were cap and goggles to avoid the direct sun during the travel. Also, a multiplug would be very essential in remote home stays of Pangong & Tso Moriri where electricity is available only between 7 pm to 11pm.
Thanks alot Varun for sharing this info. + thoughts and glad the info. helped you alot. I have updated the list 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
BTW, both caps and sunglasses were there but have made it recommended and special thanks for that Multi-Plug one.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj, thanks for all the inputs,me and my husband with a group of 10 friends are travelling in the first week of September.I think the info shared by you is more than enough guidelines for the first timers.
Thanks once again for all the help !
Regards,
Nidhi
All the very best for the trip Nidhi, have fun and a great trip!!
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
i am minhaj i lived in hyderabad planning to go for 15 to 16 days tour with my pulsar 150cc bike with my girlfriend, so is it suitable to go on my bike with my girlfrend ? my bike tour starts from jammu tawi/srinagar/leh/manali last desination to new delhi
Hello Minhaj,
Well, brother it is suitable to Travel to these places but you have to take precautions at some places and riding/crossing some section might not be possible with a pillion which will let your pillion go by foot to cross those sections, rest do not see any issues as lot of people do it everywhere.
I am not sure which month you are planning to undergo this trip.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
I and my wife are planning for a trip to Leh from 25th August to 2nd September. We are going to Leh and coming back by flight.
Following is the itinerary we have thought of :
26/08/2012 Leh Local Sight Seeing + Magnetic Hill
27/08/2012 Head for Nubra Valley and night stay there.
28/08/2012 Nubra Valley to Leh
29/08/2012 Leh – Pangong Lake Night Stay
30/08/2012 Pangong to Leh
31/08/2012 Leh to Tso Moriri
1/9/2012 Tso Moriri To Leh
We plan to hire a bike at Leh and plan to go around ourselves. How feasible it will be?
Thanks a lot.
Manish
hi Manish,
Though I am a bit late but even if you get this one, please try to rest on first two days without any much traveling. I am not very convinced with the idea of crossing Khardung La pass on the second day itself because you body will not be acclimatized by that time even for Leh. I will say take rest on second day, head there third day, stay at Nubra Valley and come back to Leh on 4th day. Then make two day trip to Pangong Tso and keep last day as buffer for the flight back and use that buffer day to do Sham Valley tour.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj,
My flight is tomorrow so your reply is in time :). I am reaching on 25th morning and have tour plans 27th onwards so should fine as per your advice. We’ll drop Magnetic hill plan then.
How feasible will be to move around ourselves on bikes. As I have my wife with me so will it become too exerting?
My flight from Leh is on 2nd Sept. So aren’t two days, 31st & 1st Sep, enough to go and come back from Tso Moriri?
Thanks,
Manish
Hi Manish,
Yes, two days are enough for Tso Moriri, no worries if you are OK with that extra travel. But, mind you beauty is unmatched there and totally worth if you are OK with being a bit hectic too 🙂 … On bike, it shall be OK but the only issue is how much comfortable are you while driving in hills, especially towards Tso Moriri, once you cross Sumdo, the last 30 KMs or is almost a dirt track. Apart from that it shall be fine.
Regards
Dheearj
I just returned from Ladakh yesterday. I am popping in some advice that will save your crucial days. You can start early from Nubra valley and head to Pangong directly via Wari La. Then you can reach directly to Tso Moriri via Kharu. That will save another day. We followed this and covered Leh->Nubra->Turtuk->Pangong->Moriri Tso->Tso kar->Leh in 4 nights(2 nights stay in Nubra and 1 night stay each at Pangong and Moriri Tso) and 5 days. Our cab budget came to be around 32350/- for this 5 day trip.
Hi Dheeraj . . we are 5 people planning manali – leh – srinagar trip from 10 – 19 aug. Plz suggest the viability & feasibility of the trip plan given the current weather conditions unfolding in this part of region with instances of cloudbursts , landslides , etc . We plan to travel in innova
Hello Gaurav,
It is monsoon time and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainity about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 … Please go mentally prepared for the same. For 10 days, you might like to go with following plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali/Solang Valley
— Better stay at Solang Valley and avoid Manali as sleeping at Solang Valley does help in acclimatization
— If going by own car, get the permit made in advance to drive on Manali – Rohtang Pass road through hotel/travel agent in Manali
— Overnight at Manali/Solang Valley
Day 2 | Manali/Solang Valley – Keylong/Jispa
— It is always better to stay either at Keylong/Jispa so that you do not feel sick or hit by AMS.
— Avoid sleeping at Sarchu at any cost while going to Leh from Manali because your body will not be acclimatized by the time you reach there.
— I prefer staying at Jispa more because Keylong gives the feeling of a town while Jispa is more closer to nature having Bhaga river running just aside the Manali – Leh Highway at Jispa.
— Overnight at Keylong/Jispa
Day 3 | Keylong/Jispa – Leh
— Leave Keylong/Jispa early next morning, say by 4/5 AM types, so that you reach Leh in the evening.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 4 | Leh Local Sighseeing + Inner Line Permits
— Local sightseeing include Namgyal Gompa, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Shankar Gompa, Main Market, Hall of Fame, Spituk Gompa, Changspa Road Stroll in evening
— For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Leh
– Head for Nubra Valley very early in the day and come back by late evening after visiting Deskit. If you have time go little further and see Hunder sand dunes too
– On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
– Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 6 | Leh – Pangong Tso Lake – Leh
– Day trip to Pangong Tso
– Overnight at Leh
Day 7 | Leh – Lamayuru – Kargil
— Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes
— On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu
— Overnight at Kargil
Day 8 | Kargil – Drass – Zozi La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
— Enjoy the vistas enroute
— Have late drunch meal at Sonamarg
— Overnight at Srinagar
Day 9 | Srinagar – Jammu / Pathankot
— Overnight at Jammu / Pathankot
Day 10 | Jammu / Pathankot – Delhi
— Back Home
Day 11 + 12 | Buffer days to be kept incase of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more.
I hope this helps. Let me know incase you need more info. or have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for ur advice Dheeraj . Although have postponed my plan to 1st week of october ….
Hi Gaurav,
According to news Manali-Leh road is totally blocked because in bwt some part of this road is broken.
And lots of rain in Hilly area’s.So i think it not a good time to go.We 3-4 were also planned from 9-20 Aug but postpone our plan due to unfavorable condition’s.
Love self-driving with family/friends. Have done much of Himachal, J&K (ladakh), Uttarakhand (both Grahwal and Kumaon), in everything from Maruti 800, Uno and Scorpio. Now planning re-runs on my AWD XUV 500. Just wished to know, if people are interested on pay per seat. Wandering and wondering..
Hello Friends,
We 2-3 People are planning for Leh-Ladakh Trip from 11 Aug to 20 Aug. If anybody interested contact me on mail id ishudahiya@gmail.com or on cell no 9718080004.
can i get a bus from jammu to pahalgam and from baltal to ladakh? i don't want to travel on taxi coz its takes too much fare from me 🙁 i want to travel by buses only and want to go ladakh also for 3 days 🙂 tell me the fair for both the route?
Hi Prateek,
You would be changing the buses and would have to go travel with timings of such buses without any felxibility but there are high chances that buses would be available. I am not sure about the prices though
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Is anybody interested to go to ladakh from delhi on bullet.. ???
Hi, I am planning to ride from Delhi to Naggar, then to Manali and to Leh… date not decided yet
Going on Aug 13th.. delhi, jammu, srinagar, leh, manali, delhi
Hi Srikanth,
We also planning from 11aug to 20 Aug.Check if it is adjustable for you
Hi Priyesh,
we 2-3 people are also planning for Leh-Ladakh.We are planning on 11 aug to 20 Aug 2012.We planning on Bullets. If interested plz contact me on mail id Ishudahiya@gmail.com (09718080004)
Not sure if we can start on 11th. We will be starting from delhi on 13th noon. You can reach me on 08978166006
yes priyesh..i am inetrested..do u have any other company?reply soon.09885822536
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the information, I would like to know is it required to carry Camping Kit to Leh Ladakh or we can get there itself.
Thanks
Hi Arvind,
No it is not required and you will find accommodation options at all the places (tourist) in Ladakh. For accommodation, check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh including moderate and cheap budget hotels as well in the series of articles starting on the link here
I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot for the info Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, the blog is best for planning a trip to leh. Thanks a lot. We are 3 planning our trip from 2nd July 2012. Do we need any permission to put our own tents? Can we put our tents near other camps in Jispa/Sarchu/Keylong etc. ? thanks
Hi Nitin,
You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs. All you will need is to gently ask them for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to other such place nearby.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks a lot dheeraj. Really this helped a lot. I was totally confuse about things to carry during trip. Thanks again.
Pleasure Sumit, have a great trip ahead.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
I was thinking what to take for our ladakh tour purpose … Now i got a big list.. 😀 thanx for the list.. It'll be a great help…specially the medicines.
Pleasure buddy, it is there to help/guide fellow travelers only 🙂 … It is indeed quite handy for me as well because my wife can easily refer it and do the required packing for my travel without any much inputs from my side 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
thanks
My pleasure, and wish you all the very best for your Ladakh journey…
Regards
Dheeraj
bav saras margdarshan 6 good
Dheeraj, This is really a very helpful list. I was very confused what I should take with us but now I just have to refer to your list and pack my bags. Thanks for the effort. I really appreciate it.
Hi Sharmeen,
Thanks alot and feel really good that the above list was useful for you. It is indeed very handy for me as me and my wife do not have to think about anything and we just refer this list (keeps updating it as well based on new expereinces) and we are always good to go. Now, since, we have a new little junior addition, so have to update his list as well here 😉 ..
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Its really helpful to me to take everything when going out of station..
thanks a lot Faluni, I am glad you liked the list and it was helpful for your travel.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
we were going for tour in Gujarat.
Trip was Junagarh,Diu,Somnath,Sasangir,Dwarka,Bhet Dwarka,Devaliya,etc.
But i don't know what we need so take help of internet and i get what we need on trip.
THANK U
Glad to know that information present here was useful for you 🙂 …
I too have detailed lists separately for India and abroad and within that depending on where & when I am going. i.e. beach/ mountains, winter/summer/monsoon.
They really come handy while packing. I think I've once posted abt it. let me check.
Here it is http://www.lemonicks.com/Travel/2010/03/10/the-th…
Hey, Nisha thanks for the share. It seems an impressive list too. And indeed they come very handy when you travel and start packing things. Everything appears so organized and there is little chance of forgetting something even in the fussy packing times :D, which usually happened in my case in the past. But, since I compiled this list and work it as a checklist for preparing things I rarely forget anything except deliberately.
I am thinking of adding a Charity column to it as well which may include candies, chocolates, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, clothes etc which I can carry for the people of native villages. I guess you already doing good amount of it, hats off to you or perhaps it was reading your post that I got inspired to do so. It will be first time for me, as we rarely explore the villages around.
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Oh, so you read that post of mine. 🙂
Yes, I do believe in doing some kind of charity or should I say lending them a small help? Besides other things, it includes buying some stuff from them.
Comments updated at the post: Amarnath Yatra 2011
Dear Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks once again for your prompt response. I have one more query. Actually we are starting from hyderbad on 9th july morning and reaching srinagar by evening around 4pm. My doubt is that should i book loadge at srinagar itself or is there any facility at baltal. We r planing to reach baltal on same day i.e on 9th. Is there any provision at baltal where we can book the room and can stay over night so that next day morning with limited luggage yatra can be start. Many thanks in advance
Its very use full in every trip
thanks a lot