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Manali to Leh, India - when should I go Manali to Leh, India - when should I go
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West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #16  
Old 5 Apr 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mdmystko View Post
You seem to know the topic you're talking about so let me ask. Does it sound reasonable to come to Manali without any pre-arrangement and expect to rent an Enfield within a day, at most two, without big rush? I mean high season, August or early September. If so, where to start looking for? Staff at the hotel where I would stop?
Yes, rentals are readily available. OTH, this is India, it can take two days just to cash a travelers check. The rental places may be out, if so try the mechanics, Boni Soni likely can point you in the right direction. If not try Seasu at the Veer guesthouse or try some other folks. If you put the word out people will realize there's money to be made & someone will cough up a bike.

Making pre arrangements might not be of any help anyways.
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  #17  
Old 14 Apr 2007
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Seems to be quite easy. Thanks!
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  #18  
Old 27 Apr 2007
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riding in the early months??
hi all

it seems aggreed that the best time to ride the route is around augest, but has anyone been there in may? haven't really looked it to it but i gess there will be alot of snow still around and probably not the best riding condisions any info would be great cheers

traveling trev
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  #19  
Old 2 May 2007
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What about October or November?
With a slight variation, everyone seems to agree that August/Sept is the best time. Unfortunately, our plan, which starts in June, will take us into northern India around October. Any thoughts on riding a bike up the mountains around this time frame? Thanks.
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  #20  
Old 4 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by travelingtrev View Post
...but has anyone been there in may? haven't really looked it to it but i gess there will be alot of snow still around and probably not the best riding condisions...
The passes over the mountains are usually closed until sometime in June, but May is a great time for the front side of the Himalaya. Gharwhal & Kumoan will be very nice in May as will Pavarti and Kullu Valeys. You'll have a fair bit of out & back riding is the only drawback.


Quote:
Originally Posted by trekkingbee View Post
With a slight variation, everyone seems to agree that August/Sept is the best time. Unfortunately, our plan, which starts in June, will take us into northern India around October. Any thoughts on riding a bike up the mountains around this time frame?
It will can be quite cold (esp. at night) in Ladakh by mid Oct. plus you run the risk of an early snow closing the passes, you'd have to leave the cycle & fly back to Delhi. If you were in Padum or Keylang or such you'd be stuck for the entire winter. On the plus, side the monsoon should have retreated by then making the front side very enjoyable riding. {see above}
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  #21  
Old 21 Jun 2007
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road closes mid of september?
hi folks

i have just been told that the road from manali to leh is officialy closed by mid of september.

can anybody confirm this information?

thanks for your help

ralph
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  #22  
Old 22 Jun 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddune View Post
i have just been told that the road from manali to leh is officialy closed by mid of september.

can anybody confirm this information?
I think it usally depends on weather, with the first large snowstorm causeing the closure.

You may want to confirm this on lonely planet's thorntree forum.
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  #23  
Old 24 Jun 2007
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I am in Manali right now
Folks I am in manali staying in vashist at the valley view . I am leaving for leh tomorrow. this year the passes opened much earlier. if you need further info, drop in a line.

my mobile works occasionally but worth a try 09848759964
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  #24  
Old 1 Jul 2007
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Julay! Travel safely. I am from up the rode from you Jersey City. I had an Enfield in India for about a month. Did not take it to Leh but would have loved to - had to fly given the time of year.
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  #25  
Old 1 Jul 2007
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Also I stayed at the Shanti guest house in Changspa, up the road a bit from Leh can be walked. Easily the best place to stay in the area.
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  #26  
Old 31 Aug 2007
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Need to carry additional fuel?
following all the enthuisiastic write-ups and inspiring pics, we're looking to include the stretch from Manali to Leh in our trip next year

However I've heard that we may need to carry extra fuel as it isn't so readily available round that way - any advice on location of fuel stops and what sort of tank range is required would be gratefully received!
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  #27  
Old 31 Aug 2007
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Thumbs up Just returned
Hi there everyone, glad to see the thread is still running.
Well we have just returned from our trip and I can report that it was a truly amazing journey. We rented 2 enfields in Delhi and rode up to the mountains, heading up National Highway 22 to the high Himalayas. We spent a few days riding through the remote Spiti Valley then joined the Manali/Leh highway and made our way to Leh.
The scenary was out of this world, the roads ranged between brand new tarmac (Baralachla pass) to truly dreadful rubble and rock (Kunzun La pass - 50 km of unpaved hairpin bends up and down the pass). Whatever the state of the road the riding was spectacular.
We were lucky enough to see the Dalia Lama in Leh and we picked a fantastic day to take on the mighty Khardung La (highest motorable road in the world, 5600m), we were blessed with a clear sunny morning and the views from the pass were beautiful - we could see the full glory of the snow topped Kharakorum mountain range.
If anyone has any questions about our journey or would just like to share their own experience I'd love to hear from you.

Ride on.....

Gemma
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  #28  
Old 31 Aug 2007
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Extra Fuel
You will need extra fuel between Manali and Leh as the last petrol is available at Keylong, you then have 365km before the next petrol station in Leh. I was riding an enfield which did about 300km to the full tank, we just filled up a couple of plastic jerry cans at Keylong and refilled our tanks at the end of the day.
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  #29  
Old 1 Sep 2007
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thanks for the info - and good to hear that you had such a great trip!
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  #30  
Old 2 Dec 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gemmasun View Post
Hi there everyone, glad to see the thread is still running.
Well we have just returned from our trip and I can report that it was a truly amazing journey. We rented 2 enfields in Delhi and rode up to the mountains, heading up National Highway 22 to the high Himalayas. We spent a few days riding through the remote Spiti Valley then joined the Manali/Leh highway and made our way to Leh.
The scenary was out of this world, the roads ranged between brand new tarmac (Baralachla pass) to truly dreadful rubble and rock (Kunzun La pass - 50 km of unpaved hairpin bends up and down the pass). Whatever the state of the road the riding was spectacular.
We were lucky enough to see the Dalia Lama in Leh and we picked a fantastic day to take on the mighty Khardung La (highest motorable road in the world, 5600m), we were blessed with a clear sunny morning and the views from the pass were beautiful - we could see the full glory of the snow topped Kharakorum mountain range.
If anyone has any questions about our journey or would just like to share their own experience I'd love to hear from you.

Ride on.....

Gemma
Hello gemma
I will be flying out to Delhi next May and planning on buying or renting an Enfield.
I would be interested in where you rented your bikes from and if they gave good service.
Thanks

Bill
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