We had the opportunity to visit Leh Ladakh at the end of October 2016.

Throughout the trip to Leh, no matter where we went, from the first day to the last day,

The magnificence of the landscape we saw made our excitement glands work overtime.

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I dare say that Leh is the best place I have ever traveled to.

When comparing the grandeur of nature found in Leh with tiny humans like us,

Leh makes us realize how much more there is to explore in this world.

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On this trip, we took a lot of pictures. Just sorting through them made our eyes dizzy.

Because everywhere we looked, the view was beautiful. We couldn't stop ourselves from pressing the shutter button.

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Before we went, we tried to find information about Leh in October.

But we couldn't find much information, as it seemed that not many people had traveled to Leh and reviewed it during this season.

So, we went and experienced it ourselves. Leh in October, during the autumn season, is like this.

We have selected 35 of our favorite photos to share with you, along with 35 initial tips.

Hopefully, this will stimulate your desire to plan a trip to Leh like us.

Are you ready? Let's see how enchanting and dreamy Leh was in October: )

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P.S. If you want to read the .. full version, please follow this link.

https://th.readme.me/p/9000

+++ LEH LADAKH Trip: Autumn Colors in Leh Ladakh ... Full Version +++


Initial Preparation

**1.) Book your flights first. You will need four flights in total (BKK - DEL / DEL - LEH / LHE - DEL / DEL- BKK). The total price for all four flights is around 15,000 - 16,000 baht. There are many airlines to choose from, so try searching on Traveloka.**

2.) When booking flights from Thailand to Delhi, ensure your arrival terminal is Terminal 3. If your connecting flight to Leh with Go Air departs from Terminal 1, factor in sufficient layover time to account for the terminal change. Due to the significant distance between terminals (approximately 30 minutes by car), walking is not feasible.

3.) Transportation between terminals: If you do not wish to take a taxi, the airport offers a free shuttle bus service. However, you must present your boarding pass to obtain a ticket before boarding. (If you do not obtain a ticket beforehand and board the bus directly, you will be required to pay a fee of approximately 20 rupees per person.)

4.) The airport shuttle bus operates 24 hours a day, departing every 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to check with the Information Counter upon arrival at the airport, as the information we found online before our trip indicated no service between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. Upon arrival, we confirmed with the airport counter that the shuttle operates throughout the day.

5.) If you have extra time during your layover (both on the way there and back) and want to explore Delhi, there are affordable hourly luggage storage services available at the airport (inquire at the airport for locations). However, if you purchased tickets on the same airline, such as Jet Airway for all four flights, you can use the Check Though service for your checked baggage. Simply keep a small backpack with your essentials and leave your large luggage with the airline.

6.) For your flight from Delhi to Leh, it is recommended to book a window seat on the left side of the aircraft. This will allow you to capture stunning views of the mountain range before reaching Leh without being affected by the sun's glare.


- Remember, for DEL-LEH, sit on the left side by the window to experience breathtaking views from the airplane. -


7. Accommodation options are plentiful. We stayed at a mid-range guesthouse for 1,800 rupees (900 baht) per night, including breakfast. However, there was no heater, and the hot water was intermittent (sometimes it was unavailable, resulting in a dry wash or a cold shower).

8.) All tourists are at risk of altitude sickness, which is very serious and can be fatal. This is because the disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Athletes may experience symptoms, while older individuals may not. Therefore, it is crucial to research the condition thoroughly before traveling and ensure adequate rest. Fortunately, none of the nine members of our group experienced severe symptoms.

9.) The air in Leh is thinner than usual, so even walking can leave you breathless. However, if you exercise regularly, you'll have a slight advantage: you may be less tired than someone who doesn't exercise. Don't confuse this with point 8. You may be physically fit and an excellent athlete, but you can still get altitude sickness. Therefore, during the first few days, take things slowly and don't overdo it. If you experience altitude sickness, you'll have a lot of work to do. So, when you first arrive in Leh, it's recommended that you take a nap in your hotel to let your body adjust before venturing out. In the late afternoon, you can plan a light sightseeing tour around the city, such as visiting Namgyal Monastery, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and the Main Bazaar Market.

- Prayer flags at Namgyal Monastery -

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- View from Namgyal Monastery -

- Cityscape View from Leh Palace -

- Stupa at Leh Palace -

**- Distant view of Leh Palace from Shanti Stupa -**

- The Main Bazaar Market offers a view of the Leh Palace.


- Miniature prayer flags, available for purchase at the Main Bazaar Market. -


- Evening view of Shanti Stupa -

10.) The food in Leh is generally palatable, with spices that are not as pungent as expected. However, the lack of meat options can become tiresome after several days. To avoid monotony, it is recommended to bring along condiments such as chili paste, shredded pork, and instant noodles with tom yum flavor.

11.) The portion sizes are generous. During our first meal, we unknowingly ordered nine dishes for nine people, resulting in an overwhelming amount of food that we were unable to finish. In subsequent meals, we learned to order 5-6 dishes and share them, keeping the cost per person between 150-200 rupees. This is another reason why Leh attracts large groups and offers lower overall expenses.

12.) The people of Leh are exceptionally hospitable and friendly, unlike the general perception of Indians. They are trustworthy, and a simple greeting of "Juley" suffices for most occasions. This magic word can be used for greetings, thanks, farewells, and introductions, making it the only phrase you need to remember throughout your trip.


- The Little Lama at Lamayuru -


- Images of daily life at Main Bazaar Market -

**Please provide the sentence or phrase you would like me to translate.**

Leh Travel Tips: Transportation and Connectivity

Internet Connectivity:

  • Internet connectivity in Leh can be unreliable, especially at hotels and restaurants in the city center.
  • While some intermittent connectivity may be available, expect limited internet access outside the city.

Transportation:

  • Hiring a car with a driver is recommended for exploring Leh's various attractions.
  • Standard rates apply for car rentals, and most drivers speak English.
  • Be prepared for a thrilling driving experience as most drivers tend to speed on the winding mountain roads.
  • Consider motion sickness medication if you are prone to car sickness.
  • Hiring a guide is optional, as detailed information about attractions can be found online.
  • Discuss your desired itinerary with the hotel owner beforehand to arrange transportation accordingly.
  • The hotel can provide suggestions and adjust the plan based on your available time.
  • Opt for a larger van (12-15 seater) for a more comfortable and cost-effective experience, especially when traveling in a group.
  • The cost per person is significantly lower compared to smaller vehicles.

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18.) Most people who ride camels in Nubra Valley spend the night there before returning to Leh by car the next day and staying in the city for another night. Then they continue on to Pangong Lake. However, there is a shortcut from Nubra to Pangong. It is recommended to check with the driver beforehand whether the road conditions allow for driving. Sometimes the road is closed due to damage or landslides. When we went, the road was open, which saved us a lot of time.


- The camels are so cute! -

- Camel riding at Hunder Sand Dune -

- Image of changing leaves, the route from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake -



19.) During your trip to Leh, you will spend a significant amount of time in the car. If you don't want to listen to the driver's Indian music, bring a portable hard drive with your own music (Thai or international) to play in the car. Most cars have a USB port on the radio.

20.) Neck pillows are essential items. Whether you're sleeping or supporting your neck, having one will significantly improve your comfort on the road. ... Don't forget to bring snacks that will keep you full, such as taro chips, tuna bread, pork slices, and pork floss. These can be lifesavers when you're traveling outside the city and can't find a restaurant.

Preparing Clothing for the Cold in Leh

21.) The weather in Leh at the end of October is cold. During the day, you can wear a Heattech shirt and a regular denim jacket. However, in the evening or at night, you should switch to a Uniqlo down jacket.


- Picture of Khardungla Pass, the highest road in the world -



22.) The temperature outside the city is lower than in the city, depending on the altitude. The coldest point we experienced was Tso Moriri, where the temperature at night was around -10 degrees Celsius. We stayed in a house with all windows and doors closed, and the bedroom had no heater, but we managed. However, when we went out to take pictures in the morning, our hands and feet were freezing. We had to wait for the sun to come up before we felt better.


- Morning view at Tos Moriri Lake -

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23.) We rented a motorbike and rode around the city for about twenty kilometers. Initially, we thought the wind would be cold, but we only needed to wear a down jacket to stay warm. (However, if we were to ride further out of the city and into the mountains, we would need to prepare warmer clothes, as it would likely be colder than riding in the city.)

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25.) Leh offers a wide variety of shops selling winter clothing, including many offering imitation brand-name items at low prices. However, the quality of these items may be lower. Authentic brand-name stores are rare. Alternatively, consider purchasing winter gear made from animal fur, such as jackets, hats, gloves, and shoes, which are available at very affordable prices in Leh.


Why choose to go in late October?

26.) In late October, Leh is nearing the end of autumn and approaching the peak of winter. During this time, Leh is past its peak season, so most restaurants, souvenir shops, and hotels begin to close for the winter break. ... Regarding restaurants, it's worth noting that only a few may remain open in the city. Therefore, if you visit in late October, it's advisable to stock up on dry food from Thailand. While there will still be restaurants open every day, you won't starve, but eating at the same restaurant repeatedly can get boring. ... Consider bringing instant noodles, canned fish, and canned clams to satisfy your cravings for Thai flavors. These provisions can be a lifesaver.

27.) It seems that restaurants and shops are closed, and life seems difficult. Why go during this time? We wanted to see the changing leaves in Leh. Before we went, we were worried about whether we would be there at the right time to see the leaves change color, or if the trees would be bare by the time we arrived. It was the end of October, and winter was approaching. When we arrived in Leh, the leaves were still changing color all over the city. It was amazing!


- Scenic view from Lamayuru Monastery -

- Image of leaves turning yellow -

- Autumn Foliage in Leh City -


28.) Although souvenir shops in Leh start to close for the winter in late October, the remaining shops offer incredible deals during this time. Before closing, all shops hold a Mega Grand Sale to clear out their inventory. Prices, already lower than in Thailand, are further reduced as shop owners are reluctant to transport unsold items back home. This massive sale entices tourists to splurge on souvenirs.

29.) This is important in our opinion. Since October is not peak season, there were fewer tourists. As a result, the tourist attractions were not crowded, and our group had the places almost entirely to ourselves. We could take beautiful photos without having to jostle, queue, or compete for angles. We could take as many photos as we wanted, whenever we felt comfortable.


- Pangong Lake -

- Tso Moriri Lake -

- Tso Kar Lake -

- Magnetic Hill -

30.) Based on information gathered before our trip, traffic jams on the mountain roads in Leh are common due to the narrow, single-lane roads that wind along the mountainside. If a vehicle breaks down, traffic can be backed up for a significant amount of time, ranging from minutes to hours, as the lane is blocked. However, during our visit, we did not encounter any traffic jams. With fewer tourists, there were fewer vehicles on the road, making for a much more pleasant experience.


- A road winding along the mountain with only a few cars -


31.) During our visit in October, the sky in Leh was clear and a deep blue color. No matter how we took photos, they all turned out beautiful. In the ten days we were there, we only encountered one day of overcast skies and hazy weather. This made our trip very enjoyable for photography, as we could continuously shoot without worrying about changing light conditions. The ease of taking photos made it possible to capture stunning images from any angle.

- Road along the Indus River -

- Thiksey Monastery -

- Image of the road before the Shey Palace -



32.) We were advised to bring a face mask due to the dust in Leh. However, we did not experience significant dust during our visit, possibly because we traveled during the off-season when there were fewer vehicles on the road. As a precaution, we brought a face mask but did not need to use it.

33.) We spent approximately ten days in Leh, with total expenses amounting to around 9,000 baht. This includes accommodation costs (shared rooms for 2-3 people), transportation expenses for sightseeing, and dining expenses, where we indulged in most meals (better options available in the city compared to limited choices outside). Including flight tickets at 16,000 baht, the entire trip cost approximately 25,000 baht.

34.) The journey to Leh is not just about the destination, but also about the breathtaking views along the way. The ever-changing landscape, the turquoise waters of the Indus River, the colorful foliage, the majestic brown mountains, and the world's highest motorable road blanketed in snow will leave you awestruck. Even if you're someone who usually sleeps in the car, you'll find it hard to resist staying awake and capturing the stunning scenery of Leh. No matter where you look, there's always something exciting to photograph.


- Cars driving on Khardungla Pass -

- The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers -

- Mountain views reflected in the water before reaching the Hunder Sand Dune -

- Pangong Lake is crystal clear. -

- Embracing the cold to stargaze at Nubra Valley -

35.) If you've stumbled upon this point, you've probably realized how incredible Leh is. There's nothing left to say except to book your tickets to Leh right away! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. And if I have time, I'll write a full review of my ten-day trip with a massive photo collection. : )

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