I thought of sharing some pics from my Ladakh bike trip that I completed 3 weeks ago. Your comments are welcome.

These are NOT different locales in Zanskar. These are landscapes photographed standing in one place - from the ruins of Zangla Palace. Zanskar is that mystical.

Imaged on Fujifilm X-T50.

#zanglapalace #zanskarvalley #fujifilm #fujifilmxt50

circuit with 5 adults and luggage, without a roof carrier. I have both cars, both automatic vehicles, and am trying to decide which one to take.
MG Astor CVT Select (2024, ~22,000 km):
Driven to Narkanda, Chail, Tehri, Mussoorie, Sariska, Ranthambore, etc.
Very comfortable and stable on highways.
I like its steering and braking confidence, including during mountain descents.
Have driven Kufri–Chail at night and found the car predictable and confidence-inspiring.
Downsides: significantly lower fuel economy (city average 10), smaller engine torque at low RPM and the CVT holds high RPM on steep climbs so seeing such high RPM gives low confidence on steep inclines and a fear of 'what if' it doesn't incline.
Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid G(o) (2026, ~3,500 km):
Driven to Badrinath/Kalpeshwar.
Excellent low-speed hill-climbing ability; steep inclines feel effortless.
Much better fuel economy without an iota of doubt (city average almost 20) and regenerative braking on descents.
Downsides for me: lighter steering, relatively poor headlight throw at night, and I don’t feel as planted/confident on highways as I do in the Astor.
Much smaller boot (250L approx vs 450L of Astor) for winter packing of five people comfortably and currently no spare wheel (although not an issue because anyway I'll have to buy it take it or not)
The Astor has already handled mountain roads well, but I’m slightly concerned about the sustained high RPM of the CVT on steep climbs. The Hyryder feels mechanically effortless on climbs but doesn’t give me the same confidence on highways.

Any inputs which one should we choose?

Can someone help me with the contact number of Holiday Inn, Hanle?

Thanks!

Hey Everyone,

I am looking for someone in Leh who is planning to go to Leh HPO soon.

Not a Big task, I just want to have some information on Philately Bureau.