Hello, My name is Arman I would be happy to assist you.
So you are basically a family of 4 and you want safer way. Actually both the ways are safer. Beacsue on those Government do allow expereince Drivers only. The roads of Leh Ladakh are managed and maintained by Indian Army so you will find army camps on the route let me take down the pro's and con's of both. If you are travellin with Bus
pro's: It is cheaper than private vehicle, experienced government, drivers, company of many people travelling in the bus.
con's: Will only stop at the specified destination wherevere driver wants to stop, the restaurant will be fixed by driver, stay will be in a government rooms for overnight during your journey.
Now for private taxi:
pro's: experienced drivers, you can stop on anypoint to capture moment, you can take photograph or selfies on any point on the way, you can choose the desired restaurant to have meal, in some cars heaters are also available during your trip, privacy, can stay in your desired place for overnight.
Con's: bit expensive
I hope you got my point and your doubts are cleared by now:
You can contact me on whats app anytime to help you plan your trip : <snip>
..If you are travellin with Bus
...the restaurant will be fixed by driver, stay will be in a government rooms ...
The "government rooms" means staying at the Chandrabaga hotel is included , which has a Hotel Overlook thing going. Nothing prevents you from going in/down to Keylong centre . Good eats at the Tashi Delek on the Mall. Enroute to Keylong you'll make a stop at Marhi : the bus pulls up at one the dhabas , you can choose whichever you like , all within a stone throw. Similar situation on Keylong-Leh leg.
Now for private taxi:
pro's: experienced drivers
Con's...
The big pro for the bus drivers is that they have something approaching normal working hours. Private drivers try to get maximum runs in high season , including the non stop cannonball run . I'd love to send one of their ...water bottles for analysis.
We would not mind taking the bus, my husband and I have been backpackers all our life and the kids have been travelling with us on a budget since they were born ( including very long and slow chicken bus drives in Asia and South America). However when the cost of 4 bus tickets is more or less the same of a private car (either a taxi or an hired one) we usually go for this option since of course it is alway nicer to have more freedom. This would be the case and the reason why I am still doubtful about what to do is exactly the "safety issue". I am aware this is not an easy route and that an experienced and "not exausted" driver is essential and I have read your same comments elsewhere ....
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