Spiti or Ladakh: which circuit is yours

Spiti is seven to ten days from our door and back, over Rohtang and Kunzum to Kaza and out through Kinnaur: rougher road, fewer people, more water crossings, and you never leave Himachal. Ladakh is twelve to fourteen, through Keylong and Sarchu to Leh and on to Pangong and the Khardung La: longer days on better tarmac at higher altitude. If it is your first time over 4,000 metres, take Spiti. If you have done it, Ladakh is the one you will not stop talking about.

Written from the verandah, with a cup of chai going cold.