Hi! I am planning a self drive car trip in the second week of September 2018. The route will be as under: Journey will start from Rajkot (Gujarat), Udaipur, Amritsar, Pathankot, Manali, Sarchu, Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Kargil, Srinagar (including Sonmarg & Gulmarg), Vaishno Devi, Pathankot, Amritsar and back to Rajkot. We are senior citizen Couple, traveling by car - self driven. What I am interested to know is whether it is advisable to travel in the month of mid-September to mid-October? What would be the road conditions like? How would be the weather like - rainy, snowfall, chilly winds, etc. Please advice accordingly.
While the road trip you planned covers some breathtaking locations in North India, undertaking it in September might be challenging due to the weather conditions, especially for senior citizens. Here's a breakdown to help you decide: Weather Considerations: Mid-September to Mid-October: This period falls in the tail end of the monsoon season in the Himalayas. You'll likely encounter rain and potential landslides on some stretches, especially between Manali and Leh. Manali, Sarchu, Leh: These places experience snowfall as early as mid-September, making road closures a possibility. Temperatures can drop significantly, and driving in these conditions can be dangerous. Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley: These places experience similar cold and unpredictable weather conditions in September. Road Conditions: Monsoon rains can lead to road blockages and landslides. This can significantly impact your travel time and itinerary. High-altitude mountain passes like Rohtang Pass (between Manali and Leh) might be closed due to snow in September. Driving in the Himalayas requires good experience and awareness of mountain driving conditions. If you're not an experienced mountain driver, this route might be challenging. Alternate Considerations: Consider a Different Time: The ideal time to visit Ladakh (Leh, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley) is from June to mid-September. If you're keen on covering these destinations, consider planning for this timeframe instead. Shorter Trip: If your heart is set on traveling in September, you could shorten the trip and focus on lower-altitude locations like Udaipur, Amritsar, Srinagar (including Sonmarg & Gulmarg), and Vaishno Devi. Recommendation: While a road trip through these beautiful locations can be a memorable experience, considering the weather conditions and potential challenges in September, it might be best to adjust your itinerary or travel dates. The safety and comfort of you and your spouse are paramount.
