Leh Trip

[timmy]

I haven't seen a jumper kit. Could prove to be very handy should the battery give up.

Out west, we always want a pair of jumper cables maybe 6 meters long. The idea is, if you run off of the road into a snow bank, you need cables long enough to reach to the back of the car and beyond, to the second car's battery. You cannot be assured of being able to get a car beside yours in the mountains.

[Bhargav]

Don't know if a radio walkie talkie is easily available in india but would be handy if there is no cell phone signal.

[Safarigent]

Gents,
A slight change of plans.
I now have only 8 days and have scrapped the Leh trip. Doing a shorter and less taxing holiday.
Itinerary as follows:
14. Delhi to Nainital.
15. Nainital to Ranikhet.
16. Stay put.
17. Ranikhet to Lansdowne.
18. Lansdowne to Mussourie.
19. Stay put.
20. Mussourie to Dehradun.
21. Dehradun to Delhi.

Any pointers on places to visit? I have used google but would appreciate some pointers from those who have 'been there' and 'done that'

[nagarifle]

been there done that,

in case you change your mind again

good sun hat as its hot,[unless raining, still good] some parcetomals for the head less air, take water and keep sipping it. while in LEH have a beer a day and keep sipping water in between. sun cream

night in the mountain top can be very cold while day its darn hot, that was around may/june time. do try the local rice brew

[Safarigent]

Nah, hotels etc booked.
This is THE plan.
No changes.

[prashantsingh]

good sun hat as its hot,

A solar pith helmet should be just right.

[prashantsingh]

17. Ranikhet to Lansdowne.
18. Lansdowne to Mussourie.
19. Stay put.
some pointers from those who have 'been there' and 'done that'

Ranikhet
The Regtl. Centre of the Kumaon Regt. Beautiful. Lovely Golf Course.

LANSDOWNE
A beautiful Cantt. nestled in virgin forests.
The Regtl. Centre of one of the oldest infantry regts of the Indian Army.
"The Garhwal Rifles and Garhwal Scouts."
Beautiful Mess and Museam.
The finest collection of Shikar Trophies ....and beautifully preserved.
From the ellusive Snow leopard, Hangul, Sirao, Ibex , Asiatic Lion to tigers and panthers.
Legand has it this the place was so full of Shikar Trophies gifted by the Regtl. Officers that they had to shortlist only the biggest and the best amongst them for display and discard the rest.
Take lots of snaps and also take a boat ride in the "Bulla Taal"....an artificial lake built by the sepoys.

[Safarigent]

Also meeting Col. Ram Singh, a retired officer who has settled in Ranikhet. He commanded the regt center of the kumaon rifles in the 70s. Quite a legend in those hills. Every center commandant pays his respects to Col. Ram Singh before taking over!! Planning a lot of photographs, lots of walking.
And meeting a mentor as well!!

[Kittu]

Hi Safarigent good to see you have dropped the idea to go ladakh.i didnt waned to scare you but i was worried as i have already lost a friend due to HASE and dont want to loose fellow ifgn thanks

[Safarigent]

Well mate, that plan is still on. Maybe a bit delayed, thats all.

Thanks for your concern though.

[Kittu]

Hi mate than you should to ladaq trip with your own drivings all the way.Dont let it go you have to follow gust rules for high altidude areas just.if you arephyscly fit then goooo.God knows when you will get chances to drive to ladakh if you want to do it do it right now.i wouled have loved to join you but my physcle conditi8n doest allows me thanks

[Kittu]

hi Safarigent take a short route from manali to keylong.keylong is last petrompump fill your kens you will not wind any p.pums untill ladaqh it doest matter you are going or arriving

[Lanceman]

Don't miss Kausani, about two hours from ranikhet, simply have to see the sunrise there, go to the Fauji helipad to see it. If you are lucky to have a clear morning and you are there an hour before sun rise, you will be privileged to see the sun rise from your right, and illuminate one peak after the other like a light show. Then the grand finale ... (You have to take your own drums!) ..... The sun illuminates the three peaks of Trishul. It is awesome.
You seem to be a Fauji, If so, stay at the Signal Regiment guest house there, beautifully located. If you are lucky at night during a walk, you may be blessed with a panther.
I have done this trip three time and was disappointed only once.

Lansdowne..... Go see the small display at the regimental church, soaked in history. Buy some tweed from the Garhwal regiment ladies welfare organisation.

Ranikhet, see the oldest house there, it's a lovely family owned hotel now, but very well maintained.

MUST include Kausani, else lovely trip.

[TC]

Arjun,
Carry big bandanas or scarves... big enough to cover your nose and mouth when you drive. The road you will be taking should be very dusty unless it rains.
You should get them in Srinagar. Army jawans call these 'phadkas', comes with tie strings unlike normal bandana.

[Kittu]

Hi TC my friend i as i already advised him to wear a scarf or piece of cloth and some pieces of cruhed camfoor tobrieth trough it.But allinvain as he has dropprd the idea to ladahk thanks