Markha Valley

Money & Budget

Money:
The best exchange rates are in Delhi, which also has ATMs. In Manali, you can get cash advances on credit cards at 2% commission in the banks, 3-3.5% in hotels. With both cards and cash, the more money you exchange, the better the rate. Leh charges a staggering 8% commission on cards, and in high season it can take up to 3 hours to change up travellers' cheques. No money changing facilities are available at all in Kargil. Carry spare notes for cash-flow emergencies (dollars are best). At a push, hotels and shops can be persuaded to change up your cash, though don't expect favourable rates.

Budget:
India is famously cheap, and living costs are a fraction of what they are in the West. Once out of Delhi, $5-7 per day will cover a room in a guesthouse and all the local food and snacks you want - about the only things it's possible to spend money on when you're on the road. In Manali, Leh and other travellers' hubs, reckon on $10 per day, to take into account indulging in books, toiletries, pizzas and other small pleasures.

Spiti Valley

Manali-Leh