Tentative Plan for Journey from Lhasa to Leh

Stage 1 is Katmandu to Lhasa (see below for itinerary.)

Please Note.

• This is the first plan to nothing is Final.
• All distances and accommodation ideas have been sourced through the Net or Capt. Raj @ India Shepards.
• I am positively sure that it will take us longer than the predicted time.
• Crossing the border needs to be on a pre confirmed day and time, so leave los of reserve days and cushion time.
• Ideas, brickbats, opinions and suggestions are welcome narayangopalan82@hotmail.com

Day 1,2 & 3

Lhasa: (Previously arrived from Kathmandu) rest

Walk around, bike around enjoy and explore Lhasa.

Day 4

Depart Lhasa Early Morning (5 – 6 am)

Bike 256 kms to arrive at Shigatse (5 – 6 pm)

I know this is a lot of riding, but as we would have already done Shigatse – Lhasa, it should be easier. And there is a long way to go.

Day 5

Shigatse: Rest. In case didn’t make it previous day, then arrive at Shigatse; Maintenance and Repairs.

Stay at Shigatse Hotel Accommodation (3 Star available!)

*Re –Fuel*

Day 6

Depart Shigatse to Lhatse (157 kms)

Stay at Lhatse Hotel accommodation

Day 7

Depart Lhatse – to Sangsang. (123 Kms)

Stay at Sangsang. Simple Hotel accommodation

*Re –Fuel*

Day 8

Depart from Sangsang – to Saga (180 kms)

Stay at Saga. Simple Hotel accommodation (maybe!)

Day 9

Depart from Saga – to Zhongba (145 kms)

Stay at Zhongba, Hotel if lucky be prepared for Tents!

Day 10

Rest at Zhongba.

*Re –Fuel*

Rest/ catch up on any ground lost over the past couple of days riding.

Also heavy long journey ahead, through Kailash and Mansarovar. So get lots of sleep and fill up energy tanks!

Day 11 & 12

Leave Zhongba – to Baga (Mansarovar)

384 kms Have to find a place to stay on the way no towns, will probably have to pitch camp or stay with nomads. Also more importantly will have to carry about 10 liters of fuel extra.

Day 13

Rest Day at Baga, Mansarovar. Spend the day in and around Mansarovar! Maybe take a walk up Kailish?

*Re –Fuel* - how I do not know, but have to get someone to leave some fuel for us here!

Day 14

Leave Baga, Mansarovar – to Moinder (150 kms)

Stay night at Moinder – freezing cold and in tents!

Day 15

Leave Moinder – to Gar (180 kms)

Gar is a largish town, so maybe our first bath after 4 days and hopefully a bed!

*Re –Fuel*

Day 16

Rest Day at Gar. Maybe go to Ali Shiquanhe and see the vegetable market – 20 kms.

As usual catch up on any lost ground.

Day 17

Leave Gar - to Rutok Xian (127 kms)

Reach Rutok final city/town in China. Stay in hotel.

Day 18

Rest at Rutok.

On the banks of Pangong – and so should not be a problem getting through the day. Also rest relax and catch up on any lag.

Day 19

Rest at Rutok.

*Re –Fuel*

This could be an important day as we have to get papers for clean exit and permission sorted out. Might be a bit of delay.

Day 20

Leave Rutok – Leave China!

Not sure how we going to do this, but if we bike its about 200kms before we reach the Indian Check post. Other option is we raft it. Can we put 2 500ccs on a raft? Its 130 kms of rafting to reach the Indian post on Pangong.

If we bike we have to cover this area of 200 kms on no actual Road – just barren ground, and we have to cover it in One Day only or else we are screwed.

Day 21

If we are lucky we will be in INDIA! Arrive on the banks of Pangong and rest. Catch up on any lost ground and time. Last minute repairs and tinkering before the Grand Finale! Empty all reserve fuel into Tanks.

Day 22

We leave Pangong Tso – to Leh. 167 kms

Cross Chang La, Sakti and join the NH1 – Indian Highway – to go to Leh about 20 kms from Karu! Arrive in Leh comfortable by 2 pm.

Celebrate!!

Day 23, 24, 25

Rest at Leh. Those interested can take a trip to Hemis, Khardungla and maybe even Tso Mo Riri. Repair bikes, and buckle up.

*Re –Fuel*

Day 26

Leave Leh for Seerchu. (250 kms)

If we can make it, then we go on to Keylong and stay at a hotel or else it is the HPTDC tents at Seerchu. 150 Rs per night inclusive of food!

Day 27

Leave Seerchu – to Manali (200 kms)

Arrive in Manali in late evening, find a place to stay (not a problem), and generally think about what you have achieved.

Day 28

Rest at Manali. Smell the last few breaths of fresh air and mountain breeze. Maybe go to Solang Nala and Hidamaba Temple!

Day 29

Leave Manali early (6 am) – to Delhi (600 kms)

Clean roads, a bit zigzag until you reach Punjab then its cruising that last 400 kms to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi by 6 pm to receive a standing ovation!! J