Himalayan North Transportation

activities: get to bed early. stick to the main roads.that will keep you out of trouble.there is a zero night life unless you like hanging out with the army or the other side. accommodation: stay only at recommended houseboats- it does get nasty sometimes.never part with your passport. discuss the price for food, laundry and accomodation beforehand. pay only on departure.otherwise, it is a really beautiful place to be in.
food: the kebab seller on the road towards shalimar garden by the dal lake is one of the best i have eaten. having said that: try an get an invite to a typical kashmiri wedding- now that is mind blowing food. shopping: the locals are tourist friendly and you will be amazed by the fact that they speak a lot of languages-like almost all touristy cities in india. be open to the fact that you will be conned regardless. for transportation: hire bicycles. auto-rickshaws (please bargain), taxis (please fix a rate), or catch a lift with the army guys. women travelers: try wearing full sleeved shirts, trousers and if you can keep your head covered-it'll be great. there used to be a kind of local 'fatwa' against women wearing jeans-but i am told-hmmm its ok for tourists.

Not much to do here ... more a rail junction where you come into from, say, Delhi, and change into taxis, cars or buses for hill stations to the north...

Leh, and Ladakh generally, are fascinating ... you find a real glimpse of Tibet ... do take your time here ... if you flew in from the plains, and did not come up gradually, acclimatisation is a real issue ... you are likely to be down with nausea and headache for a couple of days ... take deep breaths, drink water, rest and eat light ... do check out the lovely little German bakery in town for a quiet sit down ... and don't forget to say hello to the lone monk boy in a monastery that you suddenly spot after you have trudged miles with nothing in sight ...

On a bike(350cc or more) is a best way to see around Leh. The place is scenic. The weather can be dry during the day and cold during the night. Don't forget to go to Kardhung-La Pass which is the world's highest motorable road. It's just a 50km trip from Leh.

If you are on way to Leh - just take train from Delhi to Shimla and then go to bus station and go Manila. Shimla for me is too crowded -too many hindi tourist. Although it is great for hiking!!!