8 days in Ladakh in October

[srij]

Hello to all,
we already spent some time browsing this very informative forum, but would however like to ask some more specific questions. My girlfriend and me are planning to stay for 8 full days in Ladakh in the beginning of October, flying into Leh from Delhi. Due to our limited time, we were thinking of pre-booking (gives more peace of mind) and got in contact with a travel agent. Here is what she suggested:

Day 1 - early morning flight to Leh. Full day rest
2 - Visit Thikse/Shey
3 - Visit Hemis
4 - Drive to Likir, visit monastery and start Sham “Baby” Trek. Overnight homestay in Yangthang
5 - continue Sham Trek, homestay in Hemis Schukpachen
6 - continue Sham Trek to Ang. Drive to Lamayuru, overnight in Lamayuru
7 - Drive back to Leh, along the way visit Chulichan/Rizong and Alchi
8 - Drive to Khardung-La Pass
9 - leave Leh with early flight to Delhi

She quoted 225 Euro (= 15100 rps) per person, this is inclusive of homestays, all transportation, personal guide when visiting monasteries, entrance fees, horseman on the trek, most meals. This is, to be honest, at our financial limit - we'd prefer anyway to go with taxis, buses instead of pre-booked transport, but are a bit concerned if this is also possible in the “low season” we will be traveling in.

It would be great if somebody could give some advice on these questions:

1) Is it more difficult to book taxis in “low season” (beginning of October)

2) How much would hiring a taxi from Leh cost – e.g. for a full day in Thikse and Hemis, or for driving to Likir or Khardung La.

3) is it possible to organise a taxi in Ang to get to either Lamayuru or back to Leh? The travel agent said it would be difficult to get away from Ang. She suggested to book private transport for 90 Euro (= 6000 rps) for two from Ang to Lamayuru and back to Leh. This appears to be quite a lot.

4) Can you do Shey – Thikse – Hemis on 1 day?

5) We may also consider a day trip to Pangong – but is the road still accessible in October or already closed due to snowfall? How much would the cost be for a taxi taking us there?

6) Has anybody stayed in the Jigmet GH? We'd have to spend 700 rps per person per night (in double room) and it obviuosly falls in an upper category – e.g. as listed on bmctouring.com. We wouldn't need fancy accommodation, and other places as the Oriental (which, I believe, has been recommended by several in this forum) appear to be considerably cheaper. The travel agent suggested the Jigmet since its south-side window front should help to make the temperature more comfortable – may that be a real plus in October?

Thank you very much for your help! :)


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