Budget Guide for Leh, Ladakh.

Even though budget is something which is extremely relative, and varies largely from person to person, with the way spending, the preferences, the number of people in a group, mode of travel (bike, car, hired taxi), the dsetinations sought, etc, etc.

However, I will try and provide some basic sketchline for the budget traveller, sharing my own experiance.

The major budget can be distributed in three basic areas,

• Accomodation
• Food
• Transportation.

Accomodation :

There are anumber of homestays and guest houses in Leh, which are as good as any hotels, and provides all the basic amenities of life. Most of them have clean toilets. Since they are family run guest houses, hence cleanliness is taken care off, and usual approach of the hosts are very warm and welcome.
I will suggest you stay in those guest houses.

Average Cost for a Decent Double Bed room in Leh Will be , per day basis will be

1. With Common Toilet - Rs 300 - 500
2. With Attached  Toilet - Rs 500 - 800

In Diskit. Hunder -

Decent Room - 300 - 500 (Please negotiate, they can ask for higher rates)

In Pangong

Almost all have common bathroom,
1. The small tents - Rs 150 per bed
2. Homestays - 250 per bed, can be negotaited to 200 per bed if you have a lot of people staying together.

Food

Something very difficult to estimate, specially when somebody who is a complete foodie like me, and has absolutely no control in that matter.

1. Mineral Water bottles are on an avg Rs 20 per bottle, however refelling services are there for RS 10 per litre which can help you save that bit, and also support the enviroment.To know how Click here to know more.

2. Breakfast with tea , is usually within Rs 60-80. per person

3. Lunch - if you settle for something ordinary yet special and nothing extravagant then - Rs 100 - 150. per person

3. Dinner - Same as lunch - Rs 100-150 per person

Just note that in most of the places in Leh, the Qty served is quite good, and at times a plate is enough for two people.

Transportation and Travelling around

This is the most expensive part of the travelling, and and if you are not travelling ina group then  and plan to book taxi's all by your self, you are going to end up spending a huge amount.

Shared Taxi

The rate chart of Taxi is given Here, from where you can calculate the costs as per your preffered destinations.

Howeverm if you are a lonely traveller or just a couple, then you will find that all across the shops in Leh Market Place and in Chanhspa Road, there are lot of coloured note-outs and chits scribbled on them

" Required 2 passengers for Shared Taxi Leaving for Nubra Valley on xyz date"....."Leaving for Pangong Trip Tommorow, 3 People  required for shared taxi"...etc..etc....just have atlk with the travel agents, and fix up with the groups.

Rates are standard for all travel agents, so there is no  true need for negotiations.....

Bike Hiring

Bikes are available in plenty in Leh for Hiring, and if you have that adventurer in you, and the latent biker, then go for it...its just an amazing experiance...and a lifetime of memories and pride....I did it with my wife..so can you...

Most available bikes are Royal Enfield Bullets, and they are well mainatined, there are also few Pulsars, and other Models for the taking.

You have to deposit, an I-card original copy with the agency before you take the bike. and remeber, if you book it ina stretch then you get a good discount.....

For Royal Enfield  Rent is Rs 1000 to 1200 per day , if availed for 4 days or more , then you can negoatite a discount of Rs.800 per day

Pulsar is Rs 800 can be negotatited to Rs 600. perday

Fuel is extra, at your own cost, which is at actuals.

Others

Internet is quite costly over there, and is Rs 90 per hour.

Prepaid networks,  and Vodafone Postpaid do not work over there. BSNL, aircell postpaids are active, Airtell i dont quite remember.

Any further queries , leave your comments,