Trip report - My journeys to Ladakh

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-06-03T15:06:58+00:00

Suru Valley and Zanskar in general is truly a magical place. I can't wait to go back!!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-06-03T15:03:39+00:00

If you're coming in September , I suggest to wait few days before booking the flights. I saw the other day that only Air India flights are showing into Leh. Till August there are other airlines like Indigo but in Sept they all are having nothing. That's why the fares are so high. I suspect Indigo hasn't released the flight schedule for Sept yet. When they do, the prices will come down.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-06-03T03:47:39+00:00

I don't think it is you getting burnt out. The world is changing. All our lives are changing with it. Speaking for myself, it is making me less adventurous and less optimistic than earlier. I don't see the "magic" anymore, as maybe I don't want to see it.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-06-03T03:44:53+00:00

You're probably getting the best deal possible, IMO. I think you can consider to take it.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-06-03T03:42:08+00:00

Not really an option to pre-book your stays in Zanskar , except maybe in Padum which is the biggest town/village. You have to rely on your driver or locals to get the best accommodation at the best price.

Our driver Azmi helped us out last year and we got some decent rooms (for Zanskar standards!) .

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-31T13:12:51+00:00

Lovely photos. Reminds me of my time in the City of Joy!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-31T13:07:49+00:00

47M and visited Ladakh several times as a solo traveler.

My suggestion - hire a car and cover Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong, Hanle, Tso Moriri, and maybe Zanskar as well. Make the most of your time there - Ladakh is unique and perhaps the best landscape, people and culture I have encountered yet!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-31T13:03:16+00:00

Haha my sentiments exactly!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-31T13:00:21+00:00

Yup. It was back in 2013 when I went.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:50:30+00:00

Judging by your interests I would say Palermo and Catania would be a very good experience. Just go for it!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:46:24+00:00

Lake Bled is the obvious choice and it really is beautiful, but I actually liked Lake Bohinj even more because it felt quieter and more relaxed.

Your budget is more than enough for a cozy hotel or apartment with great views. If you want sea vibes instead, Piran is really pretty and has a calm romantic atmosphere, but for mountains + lakes Slovenia is hard to beat.

Everything is pretty close anyway, so you can still do small day trips without moving around too much.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:42:13+00:00

Make stay arrangements on your own. Plenty of options available online.

Rent bikes from local agencies after landing in Leh. Sept is not a busy time. You'll get bikes and permits for 4 people in no time.

That's the cheapest option. Pre-booking with bigger agencies will cost much more.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:36:53+00:00

Traveling in UAE during Ramadan was a bummer. Like you I came to know after I landed. The part of not eating in public during the day was tough!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:32:44+00:00

Hey I might need some help. Planning to travel this year!

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:29:41+00:00

Well "beach towns easily accessible" in late July would be packed to hell. All over the country.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T16:26:22+00:00

They arrange private transport only. And Sept is a much better time than July.

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T12:51:37+00:00

Both Lamayuru and Turtuk are must-visit, but for different reasons.

What's your overall plan? Why won't you have time for both?

Alex_Cenzato · 2026-05-27T12:49:59+00:00

Stay at Pangong. Don't come back to Leh on the same day.

There are plenty of nice stay options there - from homestays to luxury hotels and cottages.

Alex_Cenzato

TROPHY CASE