leh ladakh trip on scooter

Leh Ladakh on Scooter – An Adventurous Journey

Initially, it was a dream for me, for 30 years, to drive a car or ride a bike from Jammu to Leh. Yes, you read it right, 30 years. I am not your usual youth in their 20s or 30s (or even 40s) planning to take an adventurous ride to Leh Ladakh. I am a Goa-based scientist and I  was 69 years old when I rode to Leh Ladakh on scooter. Surprised? A lot of people were when I  shared my initial thoughts with them.

The idea was of a car or bike first but then I felt that it would be a real challenge if I could ride a low-powered two-wheeler rather than a bike like a Bullet. I was following for many years the posts of Mr. Gautam who rode a geared scooter to Leh, and of Mr. Khan who was confident that a 110 CC bike also could make this trip.

These led to my decision to ride to Leh Ladakh on scooter, a non-geared one. Two other reasons that helped me in this decision were the non-availability of geared scooters now in India and my inexperience in riding a bike!

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide

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Leh Ladakh on Scooter – The Plan

The original plan was to undertake a ride from Jammu to Leh. If this was successful, then add a trip to Khardung La. If this also turned out to be doable, then why not return by Leh – Manali route?

My preparations were minimum. The scooter (TVS Jupiter) had 22,000 km on the counter but was serviced 3 weeks before leaving. I had only windcheaters but bought a jacket, on the insistence of a friend, from Chandigarh. I carried a puncture kit and a tool kit, besides medicines for an emergency.

My luggage was no more than 10 kg and even this was carried from Jammu onward on an Enfield Classic. It was ridden by my nephew who accompanied me at the last minute. Mr. Khan wrote in his post to have a test run done in a hill station before leaving. I did that in the Jammu – Srinagar section! It was a dream run, despite bad roads between Udhampur and Banihal.

Srinagar to Leh on Scooter

The ride between Srinagar and Leh was also smooth. It was completed in two days’ time, with a break at Kargil. The difficult part was a 40 km stretch between Sonamarg and Zoji La where there was practically no road. Other than that, most of the journey was a smooth run and I had no difficulty anywhere. My scooter performed very well and handled the roads perfectly.

These are roads that are considered unfit for scooters or small cars. But to my surprise, I wasn’t the only one riding a scooter around. Between Jammu – Srinagar – Sonamarg, and Kargil, you will find a lot of locals using similar vehicles for their daily commute. The only challenge on this entire stretch is just the high altitude pass of Zojila Pass . Other than that, as long as you have a decent experience on a bike or on a scooter, you will be able to manage the ride easily.

I was also doubtful before I proceeded but as I progressed, I realized it was not that difficult. It was in fact even better than riding in some city roads!.

Leh to Khardung La by Scooter

After reaching Leh, I had an overnight rest before attempting Khardung La. The ride was smooth until South Pullu, then the road was in a bad shape for close to 18 km. Still, the scooter continued its climb, though the pulling was greatly reduced. It was a tough negotiation for the last 2 km but, at last, I and my scooter were at the highest motorable road in the world!

I reasoned that, if the scooter can climb Khardung La, then it can also climb TanglangLa, Lachulung La, and Baralacha La , all above 5000 meters on the Manali route. And I was not hit by mountain sickness at any time since leaving Srinagar. So, I decided to try the Leh Manali route for the return journey.

Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso

I know what you are thinking here? What about sightseeing in Ladakh? Did you not visit places like Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso? I actually missed those places and have now them on my list for the next visit. But with my experience, I can tell you that both the places are doable on an electronic scooter or a Scooty.

In the city of Leh, there are a lot of rental agencies that offer a scooter on rent. You can get these for Rs. 800 – Rs. 1000 per day. These are a preferred mode of commute for people who do arrive in Leh by flight and do not have my riding experience. Girls prefer to opt for an electric scooter anyway (just stating the fact, not giving any opinion).

These people rent a scooter in Leh and use it for making day trips to Khardugn La, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso . If I wasn’t short on time, I may very well have crossed Khardung La Pass and rode into Nubra Valley on the other side. Khardung La was the difficult part and that was already covered.

So if your question is whether you can reach Pangong Tso or Nuba Valley on a Scooty then the answer is that yes you definitely can.

Manali to Leh on Scooter

I did this in two days’ time. On the first day, I rode from Leh till Sarchu where I slept the night. By next evening I was at Rohtang Pass. The ride was, understandably tougher, with cold, persistent winds, roads flooded and washed out with glacial-melt waters, fear of skidding. In fact, I skidded and fell twice, once near Kargil and once near Pang, and in both instances, escaped with minor scratches.

Well, this is my adventure story . This should be read in the context of my age (69 years at the time of the ride) and health (diabetic and BP patient) and physical standards (65 kg). Perhaps, the lightweight was a plus point! If I had been heavier, my physique may also have presented a challenge.

I am a diabetic and BP patient but by god’s grace, I did not face any problems because of it anywhere. I was of course carrying my prescribed and all the precautionary medicines but never faced a medical emergency anywhere on the entire circuit.

My message for all those who still waver between dream and reality. You can do it. You only need to be optimistic, take some precautions, and have lots of patience.

I plan to return to Ladakh again next year. However, I don’t know yet where to – maybe Lahaul and Spiti or Nubra valley and onto Siachen base camp. I hope I will meet some of you, new adventurers, on the way! And I hope to get encouragement and help from Mr. Khan and Mr. Gautam!

Ladakh on Scooty – A Few Pictures

I am sharing a few pictures of my journey below. I clicked these with m cellphone so please excuse the blurriness.

How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh on Scooter?

Mentioned below are a few other tips that can be of help in planning your visit to Leh Ladakh on scooter.

Preparation

You can easily do Leh Ladakh by scooter. A scooter properly serviced will not give any engine problem for 490 km (the distance between Manali and Leh).

If you are attempting for the first time, then choose summer. I rode in August and the weather was pleasant. There was no need for winter gear and the only one I needed was a light jacket which kept the wind and cold out; besides sports shoes.

Since mechanics are not there everywhere, it would be sensible to have a scooter which is new but has run for some time. Like a one-year-old with about 3000-5000 km on the dial. This means that you have experience with your scooter and feel safe that it won’t breakdown easily. For more details, please take a look at Necessary Preparations for visiting Ladakh on Scooter .

Get your Scooter Serviced

Service the scooter thoroughly before leaving. A scooter that has run 5000 km already but less than 15000 km is ideal. I serviced my scooter at Goa and then again at Srinagar before venturing to high altitude. Put new air filter, oil filter, and petrol filter. Also, check on the shock absorbers.

You should be prepared for small trouble-shooting, like the repair of punctures. It is easy with tubeless tires. A patch-up will help you to ride to the nearest village where you can get further help.

Mechanics are not there everywhere. So, first get tube tubeless tires fitted to your scooter, if not done already.

Physical fitness

You will be covering at least 150-200 km a day because there are no places to stay in between. You will be riding at least 10-12 hours at a stretch. So, you need to attain a comfort level of riding a small scooter for extended periods of time. Or else you should be prepared to break the journey.

For example, I left Srinagar and rode to Kargil at one go. You may break at Drass and ride to Kargil the next day. But on the Leh-Manali road, there are not many comfortable places to stay. So, practice long-distance riding.

Also Read: Ladakh Checklist – Things to Carry for Leh Ladakh

In the Srinagar-Leh sector, you would find restaurants on the way (Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, and Leh), so food is not a problem. But not in the Leh-Manali sector.

Be prepared to eat what you get in the roadside dhabas until you reach Manali. Carry biscuits and chocolates. They reduce hunger and also nourishing.

You can fill your tank at Srinagar, then at Kargil. These will sustain you till Leh.

But from Leh to Manali, you need to carry petrol. You will be limited by the weight you can carry. So don’t carry fuel from Manali. Get all the fuel at Tandi after Rohtang pass. Here you should fill up the tank and buy 20-25 liters in jerry cans. This should see you safely all the way to Leh.

I filled the tank full on leaving Leh and carried 20 more liters on the scooter. The distance was 400 km and I calculated 20-25 km a liter because of the altitude and the mountain roads.

If you cannot manage to carry all that fuel, then look for the roadside Dhabas. They sell petrol in black for Rs. 100 – 125 per liter, approximately. The quality of petrol at these places will of course be questionable though.

Pillion Rider

Having a pillion rider is not advisable because of the low pulling power of a non-geared scooter. Someone had done it but with a geared scooter. You might find it difficult to negotiate steep climbs.

Also Read: How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh

During the Ride

Extreme care is needed in negotiating gravelly stretches. Skidding on gravel is very dangerous (I fell twice). Ride very slow in these stretches. I don’t t have photos of gravels. But they are common on the road edges. So, stay away from edges or ride very slow if you are forced to the edge.

Break the ride every 90-120 min for at least 10 min. At that altitude, the air-cooled engine does not get heated much but you tend to lose concentration because of the monotony of riding. Drink water, eat chocolate, and stretch your body before beginning riding again.

Learn Minor Troubleshooting

Knowledge of some troubleshooting is necessary. Like fixing a puncture, changing bulbs, or tightening a loose or broken cable. You must carry a puncture kit or a portable tire inflator. This will come handy in case of a puncture.

Fortunately, I did not suffer this but one can’t be always lucky. So, learn fixing a tubeless tire with any puncture shop in your town.  Learn these small fixes so you can do them yourself.

• Contrary to perception, this route is frequented by many riders on bikes. Even when you ride alone, you are not alone in the wild! Help will be there from passerby riders.
• There are places en route where you can sleep, by paying modest amounts for a bed and blanker. So carry only personal warm clothing.
• Ride only between sunrise and sunset.

Unlike earlier days, now the roads are fairly good, at times better than riding in some cities in the rest of India!

• Be prepared for the monotony. You may not find living beings for several km at a stretch, especially in the Leh-Manali road.
• No speeding and always be alert for gravel. For me, this is the most dangerous thing when riding a scooter. I skidded twice and fell on the roadside, but luckily, I was at slow speed both the times.  The first time, I was lone and it was at dusk. It was a bit scary with a steep slope on the side. The second time, it was near a hamlet and the locals helped me.
• Stop riding well before sunset and take shelter. On the other hand, you can begin riding even before daybreak if the road is good.
• I rode to Ladakh on a TVS Jupiter but any other non-geared scooter, like Activa, Aprilia or Vesa is equally good for the trip.
• You can do it; so look forward to doing it. No other worries.

I hope the travelogue and information above on riding to Leh Ladakh on scooter was of help. If you have any questions or need any other details please feel free to ask in the comments section below or at our Community Forum and I will be glad to answer.

Mohideen Wafar

I am an oceanographer by profession and was working as a Scientist in the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa for close to 30 years. I hold a doctorate from University of Paris and has been a visiting scientist at the University of West Brittany, France for about 15 years. My research areas were many in biological and chemical oceanography, but since 1995, I specialized in marine biodiversity, notably on conservation of coral reefs, which also led to my learning SCUBA diving. I have served in many national and international committees and am fairly well-known in the marine scientific community in India. Presently, I work as a consultant in the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. I enjoy out-door life and twice drove 600 km in the Empty Quarters (the largest desert region in Saudi Arabia). You might simply call me a well-known oceanographer, comfortable with out-door life.

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How to plan a trip to leh ladakh, srinagar leh highway status 2024 – 2025, zojila pass road status and condition 2024 –..., 17 comments.

Read your artical today, Really aspiring, Thanks

Hello sir Just now read ur travelog on scooter. I don’t know how to ride but will be learning soon. Am truly inspired by your travel. Thanks a lot for sharing

Dear Nilesh, My apologies for the delayed response. Sure, you can do this trip comfortably with a scooter. Please see all exchanges in this post as well as the tips given by Mr. Varghis Khan for a safe journey. If you have specific questions, pl write. Yes, I am interested in doing this sector again. Let us wait and see how things evolve after the Covid issue. If I do this, I shall remember to contact you. sincerely

Hi sir I’m Nilesh kale from Jalgaon (Maharashtra ) I’m also a scooter lover. & I’m proud of u for such a incredible adventure. I had also done many trips on my scooter in Maharashtra in Sahyadri mountain, many curved roads.but not in leh….leh is also my dream.. i want to ask u that what essential preparation one have to make while leh trip on bike?? I m looking for group for ladak ride by scooter if u have to plan to go next year plz i will also come with u..if u have not any problem.. u can contract me [email protected] Mobile no 9850591036 Ur trip also encouraged me a lot.. Hat’s off u sir..

Thank you sir. for important information..

Dear Manoj, Yes, you can do it. First, get your scooter serviced thoroughly before leaving. A scooter properly serviced will not give any engine problem for 490 km (the distance between Manali and Leh). Also check on the shock absorbers. You will be limited by the weight you can carry. So don’t carry fuel from Manali. Get all the fuel at Tandi after Rohtang pass. Here you should fill up the tank and buy 20-25 liters in jerry cans. This should see you safely all the way to Leh. So, don’t worry – you will be glad you did it solo!

There are places en route where you can sleep, by paying modest amounts for a bed and blanker . So carry only personal warm clothing. Ride only between sunrise and sunset. Carry a puncture kit or a portable tyre inflator. This will come handy in case of a puncture. Contrary to perception, this route is frequented by many riders on bikes. Even when you ride alone, you are not alone in the wild! Help will be there from passerby riders.

Hello sir… will it be a difficult ride in TVS Jupiter along with a pillion rider? And in regards to gravel, bit scary to understand it will be skidding since my plan is to travel with my wife. Should we be too cautious? Is it too dangerous? Appreciate if you could share a picture of such gravels.

Dear Mr. Subramanya, Having a pillion rider is not advisable because of low pulling power of a non-geared scooter. Someone had done it but with a geared scooter. You might find it difficult to negotiate steep climbs. I don’t t have photos of gravels. But they are common on the road edges. So, stay away from edges or ride very slow if you are forced to the edge. I am sorry for the delayed response. I was away in Saudi.

Dear Vidya,

Thanks for your message. You can easily do Leh by scooter. I was also doubtful before I proceeded but as I progressed, I realized it was not that difficult; even better than riding in some city roads!.

What you need to give allowance for:

1. Physical fitness: As you will be covering at least 150-200 km a day (because there are no places to stay in between), you will be riding at least 10-12 h at a stretch. So, you need to attain a comfort level of riding a small scooter for extended periods of time. Or else you should be prepared to break the journey. For example, I left Srinagar and rode to Kargil at one go. You may break at Drass and ride to Kargil next day. But on the Leh-Manali road, not many comfortable places to stay. So, practice long distance riding.

2. Knowledge of some trouble shooting is necessary. Like fixing a puncture. Fortunately, I did not suffer this but one can’t be always lucky. So, learn fixing a tubeless tyre with any puncture shop in your town. Or tightening the break cable. Learn by doing yourself.

3. Service the scooter thoroughly before leaving. A scooter that has run 5000 km already but less than 15000 km is ideal. I serviced my scooter at Goa and then again at Srinagar before venturing to high altitude. Put new air filter, oil filter and petrol filter.

4. Extreme care is needed in negotiating gravelly stretches. Skidding on gravel is very dangerous (I fell twice). Ride very slow in these stretches.

5. Break the ride every 90-120 min for at least 10 min. At that altitude the air-cooled engine does not get heated much but you tend to lose concentration because of the monotony of riding. Drink water, eat a chocolate and stretch your body before beginning riding again.

6. You can do it; so look forward to doing it. No other worries.

7. next summer is still far but if I plan to go, I shall certainly look forward to travelling together. I was thinking of Umling La this year but the situation in J&K was not conducive. I am thinking of doing Manali-Leh immediately after the road opens in May next year. The passage will still be snow-bound and that will be a challenge. I will be seeking advice from friends in Leh before that.

If any more queries from in your mind, please feel free to write.

Hello sir this is Amruta Kulkarni I am student plus working in travel company naming Damle Safaris. I wanted to ask if i can go to Ladakh on vespa. Please guide me.

Dear Ms. Kulkarni,

I apologize for the late reply – I was away from Goa and returned only a few days back.

The answer is – yes, you can.

You should be prepared for :

1. small trouble-shooting, like repair of punctures. It is easy with tubeless tyres. A patch-up will help you to ride to the nearest village where you can get further help. Mechanics are not there everywhere. So, first get tube tubeless tryres fitted to your scooter, if not done already.

2. Since mechanics are not there everywhere, it would be sensible to have a scooter which is new but has run for sometime. Like a one-year old one with about 3000-5000 km on the dial. This means that you have experience with your scooter and feel safe that it won’t breakdown easily.

3. If you are attempting for the first time, then choose summer. I rode in August and the weather was pleasant. There was no need for winter gear and the only one I needed was a light jacket which kept the wind and cold out. Besides sports shoes.

4. be prepared for the monotony. You may not find living beings for several km at a stretch, especially in the Leh-Manali road.

5. Food. In the Srinagar-leh sector, you would find restaurants on the way (Sonamarg, Drass, kargil, Leh), so food is not a problem. But not in the Leh-Manali sector. Be prepared to eat what you get in the roadside dhabas until you reach Manali. Carry biscuits and chocolates. They reduce hunger and also nourishing.

6. Petrol. You can fill your tank at Srinagar, then at Kargil. These will sustain you till Leh. But from Leh to Manali, you need to carry petrol. I filled the tank full on leaving Leh and carried 20 more litres on the scooter. The distance was 400 km and I calculated 20-25 km a liter. Because of the altitude.

7. You might get mountain sickness en route. No big challenge. It will pass off. be patient. I had that one evening and then I was encouraging others whom I met on the way!

8. Never overspeed. Also be alert for gravel. For me, this is the most dangerous thing when riding a scooter. I skidded twice and fell on the roadside, but luckily, I was at slow speed both the times. The first time, I was lone and it was at dusk. It was a bit scary with a steep slope on the side. the second time, it was near a hamlet and the locals helped me.

9. Stop riding well before sunset and take shelter. On the other hand, you can begin riding even before daybreak if the road is good.

I was planning to go again this year but the situation in J&K was not conducive. I plan to do Manali-Leh sector in spring, as soon as the pass opens. That will be a different experience than summer which is easier (for me, now!).

Hello sir This is vidya Meshram. It’s very encouraging reading ur blog. I m planning active ride wid my sister to ladak from jammu in Aug or September 2020. I have been twice to ladak before bt for trekking. Bt ur journey motivated me ..thanks.

If amruta n suman wants to join me plz feel free to contact me as I m also looking for group. U can reach me on [email protected] .

Hello sir this is vidya Meshram . Reading ur ladak journey is incredible n very encouraging. I m planning ladak ride by activa wid my sister in August-Sept 2020.frm jammu side. Ur blog really motivated me more..will definitely need ur guidance.

Dear Suman,

Thanks for your message. I am sorry to have taken time to respond. It will be a pleasure to ride together. In fact, I was thinking of riding to Umling La this year. It is higher than Khardung La and farther. But going there requires a bit of logistic preparation. The first is permit. The second is preparation, including hiring of escort vehicle. I shall begin working on these by April. If there is progress, I shall keep you informed.

Sir, I am really greatfut that u r just reach your dream… When I will decide to go Ladakh I will definitely want to contact u.. my mail id [email protected] & mob no ±919804652801 from West Bengal… Kindly call me when you fix your tour for Ladakh with scooty as I am also can’t drive any gear byke… So keep it in your mind

@Amruta kulkarni n suman I m looking for group for ladak ride by activa in Aug-sep 2020.if u both can join me wid b wonderful .u can contact me on [email protected] .

I have a geared scooter. I want to try manali – leh route. but problem is tha i am alone.. no group is there.. Should i try it solo..?

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slow • solo • sustainable

A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Leh, Ladakh

For the longest time, I had tried to ward off the idea of going to Leh and Ladakh. Having heard of the heavy inflow of tourists that the area receives year after year, and the negative impact this footfall has on the region’s fragile ecology, I had tried my best to not become one of the culprits and become a burden on Ladakh’s ecosystem. But when I randomly won a two nights’ stay at Raybo Hostel, Leh through an Instagram contest, I saw it as a sign that maybe after two years of being in love with the road, it was my time to finally head to this extremely popular tip of the country. For months still, I ignored my heart’s desire to book a ticket to Ladakh but when I finally ran out of travel plans by the end of August, my mind finally gave in. And pretty soon I was scouring through the net for ways to make the most of Ladakh and the incredible road journey that comes before it. Soon enough, I had a one-way ticket to Manali and a rough idea of how I was to chart the rest of my journey through public transport, before finally hitting Leh. Spending a good 5 days in Lahaul was a plan I had made unsure of myself but it’s safe to say that I thank the stars that made me reach this decision. But that’s a story for another day. This story is of Leh and all the other beauties that I got to witness along with it.

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What's In Here

How to reach Leh (using public transport)

Before I head into the details of my journey, I’d like to give a huge thanks to the Devil on Wheels blog that helped me with everything I needed to know about the Manali to Leh road journey.

Coming to the point, I first booked a bus from Delhi to Manali and took a day’s halt to get enough rest before I went on the long bus ride till Leh.

From Manali, I took the 6 am HRTC bus to Keylong and from Keylong (~200 INR), I boarded the 5 am JKSRTC bus headed to Leh (~850 INR).

I had to take this route since the HRTC buses from Manali to Leh usually get suspended by 15th September for the winter season. Alternatively, you can also have a look at the HPTDC tourist deluxe buses that run from Manali to Leh with a night’s halt at Keylong. The fair is a bit on the higher side but includes your dinner and breakfast, as long as one night’s stay at the HPTDC hotel at Keylong. I wanted the experience the journey through this bus as I have heard it stops on most tourist spots en route but this bus service gets suspended by 15th September each year as well. For details and bookings, click here .

Other ways of getting into Leh via road is from Srinagar. And of course, there is the direct Delhi to Leh flight but that is usually not recommended due to acclimatization issues.

Also read: 13 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Visit Spiti Valley .

Places to stay in Leh

My go-to lodging places while travelling solo is backpacker hostels. You get to meet fun, likeminded people who you can tag along with for city sightseeing or even make plans with to rent motorbikes and head to a ~400 kilometres road trip (like I did!)

Ree by Raybo

This is where I stayed for the first two nights of my stay. This is a nice hostel tucked up somewhere in Upper Takulcha Road, quite near to the Leh Main Market, somewhere around 10-15 minutes’ walk downhill. Their prices are reasonable as well, with breakfast included and the dorms are very comfortable and clean. What I liked most about this place is their exceptionally clean bathrooms- something you get to see very rarely in shared dormitories. They also sell merchandise like T-shirts and water bottles at the hostel and have a very cool library in the common area.

goStops, Leh

Since I was travelling in offseason, Ree was mostly empty and I was having trouble meeting fellow travellers. One day while strolling around Leh Palace, I bumped into a bunch of travellers who later invited me to dinner (one of them was making thukpa for everyone) and so I decided to move to goStops where all of these people were staying. Their common room is a riot of colours with comfortable mattresses to lounge on, and it also has a bunch of games including Jenga and Uno that made for a fun night amongst our lot. They also have a projector for film screenings and their bunks in the dormitories are suuuuper comfy. The biggest plus side was the manager’s pet dog, Ozil! What I didn’t like, however, was that they have about four shared bathroom stalls and toilets for each floor that are not the ~most clean toilets~ you’ll ever see. But I stayed here at a time when goStops, Leh was not even on Google Maps and we were the very first bunch of visitors in the place. So I’m hoping they will work up on that.

Things to do (and see) in Leh

One of the first things I did in Leh was catch the sunset from its rugged old palace that sits commanding over the city. I started climbing through the narrow lanes under a banner that welcomed me to the Old Leh Town and boy, was I surprised by the sudden change in architecture. Where all of Leh now (quite sadly) hosts building made of concrete and wrought iron, Old Leh still had the ancient brown mud houses intact.

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After a hike of about half an hour, I finally made it to the gate of the palace only to find it closed for the day. The security person had just locked it up and was starting up his scooter to go back home but upon my requests he obliged me, and a few other people just a little too late for a quick peek inside. He even let us spend some time on the terrace of the palace where I watched the sun go down, the sky turn pink and the Shanti Stupa glitter in the distance while the Stok Range shone majestically against a purple sky.

Pro tip:  Reach the palace before 5 pm to enter the premises and enjoy a mesmerising sunset from the top.

Pro pro tip:  Every Friday at 5 pm, Lonpo House hosts a cultural evening for Ladakhi folk songs and music, something that absolutely shouldn’t be missed!

Shanti Stupa

I would say Leh has two prominent historical landmarks dominating the city. On one side situated atop a hill sits the enchanting Leh Palace and on the other side, one can spot the Shanti Stupa looking ever so tiny in the distance. And it’s safe to say, the views from both these places are first class. A fairly recent monument, this one, Shanti Stupa was built in the 1980s when Japan’s Bhikshu Gyomo Nakamura was struck with an idea to create a stupa that symbolized Ladakh’s vision of peace and tolerance.

The climb to this massive architectural marvel isn’t an easy one. An endless number of stairs coupled with low oxygen in the air makes for a very breathless Avantika. One can, of course, take the road as well but when you’re solo and can’t hire a scooter (because you don’t know how to ride one) and don’t want to pay 200 rupees for a taxi to see a monument, your options are, well… limited.

Tisseru Stupa

Visible from the Shanti Stupa itself, Tisseru Stupa is a smaller, bulky, mud structure that often remains obscured from the traveller’s eyes amidst yellowing poplar and willow trees. When I went to see this stupa, it was… *drumroll* CLOSED! Although it was in the middle of the day, all the gates to go inside the stupa were locked shut and there was not a single soul around whom I could have asked for the whereabouts of the key that opened these gates. So instead, I just sat at the base of the stupa and watched autumn work its magic over the trees while several Eurasian magpies (a very common magpie in Ladakh) flittered from one branch to the next.

Shey Palace

Located some 13 kilometres from Leh, across an incredibly scenic highway is the tiny village of Shey and atop a hillock sits the Shey Palace overlooking a breathtaking valley lined with willow and poplar trees. My timing in Ladakh was just perfect as I got to witness the magnificence that autumn is, with the green leaves slowly turning deep yellow and the crunch of the fallen leaves under my foot, with the crisp air everything was just so perfect!

Built during by King Deldan Namgyal in the 17th century, the Shey Palace was a funerary memorial to the king’s father, King Sengge Namgyal. The palace houses a massive gilded copper statue of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni plated with gold and studded with precious gems and stones. This is a one of a kind statue in all of Ladakh. The palace is also known for housing the largest Changchub Chhorten- stupa of enlightenment- found in Ladakh.

Pro tip:  Don’t forget to visit the Ladakh Rocks and Minerals Museum in Shey that sits right beside the palace. Sadly, by the time I was done going around the palace, I came down to see the doors to this museum shut.

I’m considering renaming this blog to ‘a guide to Leh’s closed doors’…

Thiksey Monastery

I spent my final day in Leh with three fellow travellers riding a scooter for 17 kilometres to the mesmerising Thiksey Monastery – one of the best Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh . We had caught a glimpse of this monastery while on our bike ride out of Leh to Nubra Valley and each of us was left stunned by the sheer magnificence of this architectural wonder. Built-in steps covering an entire hillock, the views from the top of the monastery are magnificent. I could see the River Indus flowing, flanked by tens and hundreds of trees on its banks, then the village dotted with tiny white houses with thatched roofs and just a further bit from it the landscape changed entirely into a barren desert where the mountains sprouted from. Watching the golden hour give way to a fiery sunset here was one of the best things I’ve seen in my life!

The most striking feature of Thiksey Monastery is its Maitreya Temple which houses a massive 40 feet high statue of the Maitreya Buddha- the future Buddha- made of terracotta and clay, painted with gold. The face of Maitreya can be seen through the doorway of the temple and looked absolutely stunning with the soft golden sunlight pouring in and covering the face.

As per Buddhist beliefs, Maitreya is a bodhisattva who will appear on Earth in the future and teach pure dharma after achieving complete enlightenment. A giant, intricate statue of Maitreya can also be found at Diskit Monastery in Nubra Valley. I also read that on each full moon, new moon and half-moon, four monks from the Thiksey monastery chant the Maitreya Sutra- a prayer- continuously. I’m sure that’s a sight to behold but alas, the monastery closes each day at 6 pm.

Riding back those 17 kilometres to Leh, with three people on the scooter, leaving the dipping sun behind us somewhere in those mountains, I could tell I’m leaving a piece of my heart in Ladakh.

Ugh, enough corny sentimental travel reminiscences. Getting to the ~most~ important part of this guide.

Places to eat in Leh

Leh ling books and coffee shop.

One of the first places I visited in Leh and god did I fall in love! It’s a cosy little place in the Main Market that houses a book shop and sells killer coffee with a decent WiFi connection. I sat here for hours people-watching through the giant glass window, catching occasional glimpses of the Leh Palace right in front, and finishing pending work because I am a *ahem* ~digital nomad~.

Lamayuru Restaurant

Go here if you want cheap, extremely delicious food from absolutely (almost) any cuisine in the world. From Indian to Chinese to Italian to the Mediterranean, Tibetan and even Ladakhi, they have it all and at unbeatable prices. Their special yak cheeseburger is my absolute favourite and I could stuff it in my face and wash it down with some lemonana all day, erryday. The spinach and cheese momos are pretty good here too.

Il Forno Restaurant

Photo courtesy: TripAdvisor

Just thinking of this place makes me want to catch a flight back to Leh pronto. A bit heavier on the pocket, but extremely, extremely worth it, these guys sell killer woodfire pizzas and lasagnas. The best I’ve probably ever had. My favourite was the Ale Olive Pizza with its thin and just slightly burnt crust, I could devour an entire one just by myself!

Real Coffee and French Bakery

I can still imagine myself sitting in that open verandah cafe, basking in the soft morning sunlight and ordering myself a plate of their ‘Set Breakfast’ a platter of 2 eggs, 2 toasts, butter, jam, and ~hash browns~ (or their version of it) served with a piping hot cup of cappuccino. I would follow that up with a chocolate ball and all this without burning a hole in my pocket. If there’s one place you choose for breakfast in Leh, let this be it!

Pro tip: They go by the name Yum Yum Food N Cafe on Google Maps.

Tips for Visiting Leh

• The only mobile networks that work in Ladakh are either postpaid connection (Jio and Airtel are the strongest) or a J&K SIM. No prepaid networks work in Leh.
• September and October are a great time to visit Leh if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and the autumn colours in Ladakh are just astounding.
• The Leh Main Market has enough ATMs including Yes Bank, HDFC, SBI and Punjab National Bank.
• The most common payment method is cash. Cards and online wallets/ UPI are usually not accepted.
• Scooter rentals are the easiest way to get around Leh. These are available at multiple places in the market.
• Spend at least two days in Leh to acclimatize to the high altitude and low oxygen levels before heading on to other parts of Ladakh.

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A twenty-something solo adventurer, Avantika finds comfort in learning about various cultures, its people and listening to age-old folk tales. When not on the road, she can be found cuddled up with her dog in her room, with a book in her hand.

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Rajat Bisht

Very well written and practical guide indeed.. ?

Well written…I am dying to go there

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• Group Tours Calendar
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• Preparing for Spiti Valley Trip

How to make Ladakh trip on 100cc Bike or a Scooty?

A pretty common question nowadays for a Leh Ladakh trip is “ Can I do a trip to Ladakh on a 100cc Bike or Scooty or Scooter? “. And why not? People from different walks of life have started visiting Ladakh every season. They all cannot ride the heavy cruiser bikes, so they look to ride to Ladakh on something they are comfortable with.

So, things like making a trip to Ladakh on a Scooty or Scooter have become common.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Wait, Can’t I just rent a bike in Leh Ladakh?

Many of us do not have the luxury to afford to own those masculine-looking cruiser bikes such as REs, Bullets, Avengers, etc.. Yes, you can always rent bikes in Leh or Manali and there are numerous rental shops available both in Ladakh and Manali to rent such bikes.

However, sometimes it does not make any sense when you have your ride and still rent a bike you do not know about to make a Ladakh trip. It is trivial to say that Leh bike rental cost will need to be bourne and it is not that cheap.

You will agree when I say that many of us are connected to our machines by heart or soul. We are familiar with how our machine runs, how it moves, or how it reacts on certain days, much like we know our gals or boys 😉 (or perhaps better than them :P).

Hence, renting another bike in Ladakh with which you are not familiar or compatible, can be a recipe for a mishap or misadventure.

So, does it all mean that it is an end for you to make a bike trip to Ladakh since you don’t own a high-power bike like Enfield or Electra or don’t want to rent it?

Well, the answer is a big “NO.” The simple answer is, “It is not required to have a powerful bike like Bullet/RE for a Ladakh trip but is always a preferable option and not a mandatory one. You can surely make a trip to Ladakh on a 100cc bike or a scooty like an Activa, Maestro, or Gusto as well.”.

A Real Example

One of my friends and an avid reader Dr. Ravindra Gavali says:

Most of us have daily commuting as 100cc bikes or small cars. Still, we have dreams to travel high on these beautiful and challenging roads in Ladakh. Its always preferable to travel on these roads using powerful, 4×4, SUV, high ground clearance kind of vehicles. But very few fortunate travelers can afford it. So, what about our dreams? But the impressions change as you see the local people defying all these norms for travel vehicles and still commute daily and comfortably on these roads. You may travel on 100cc bike, although it doesn’t sound so comfortable. I have done it on the Langza -Tashigong – Gete and on Demul roads in Spiti Valley , using 100cc bike (star city). I did it with pillion riding, but I had to ask my friend to get down at one point (my bike got breathless while attempting a short-cut) near Gete. Apart from this, there was no problem.

Thanks to him for some wonderful tips and surely I have included them in the article as well so that all of us can benefit from them. There are countless such examples I know who have made trips to Spiti Valley and Ladakh on a scooty or scooter or less power bike.

Tips for making a bike trip to Ladakh on a 100cc bike

Whenever someone talks or asks or thinks about a bike ride to Ladakh , our minds right away imagine boys or girls riding those high-power cruiser bikes such as REs, Bullets, Avengers, etc..

Thousands of pictures flood over the Internet with biker groups riding those cruiser bikes in the barren lands of Ladakh or Manali – Leh Highway . The high-powered bikes always look like a charming option but are they always needed for a Ladakh trip?

Dheeraj Sharma

What about those who do not have such high-powered bikes but still want to experience the adventure of a bike ride to Ladakh? Can you make a Ladakh trip on your 100cc bike or 125cc bike? Or, what about those lower-powered scootys such as Activas or Maestros or Gustos; can they live up to experience a Ladakh bike trip?

In this article today, I will talk about the tips and tricks that you must know if you want to make a Ladakh trip on a 100cc bike or a scooty, that is less powered two-wheelers.

1. Respect the limitations of your 100cc bike or scooty on a Ladakh trip

One of the most important things on a Ladakh trip is to understand and respect the limitations of your bike or scooty. Low power means that it will surely struggle or gasp for power, especially on high mountain passes where the air is very thin. Not an issue, even our lungs do so 😉

At times the 100cc bike or scooty can be painfully slow but it will surely make it through. Just ride slow and don’t exaggerate your engine as it may die overdoing something it is not supposed to do.

So, you can certainly make a trip to Ladakh on a scooty or scooter or 100cc bike.

2. Avoid overspeeding or trying to catch other bikes

It is in your best interest that you do not overspeed your 100cc bike or a scooty on Ladakh trip. Don’t fool yourself into trying to catch another high-powered bike zooming past you because a breakdown in the middle of nowhere can surely mean curtains down to the entire bike trip to Ladakh before you start to enjoy the ride at all. Over-speeding light bikes also do not help in the traction as well.

3. Avoid low-gear riding for long hours, it heats the engine

Overheating your engine is the last thing that you will want on a bike trip to Ladakh. Make sure you do not ride in low gear for a very long time. In case some stretch is very punishing, and the bike needs a low-gear ride only, please take a break every 4-5 km or 25-30 minutes just to let the engine cool down a bit. You will come to know your engine is hot in case the bike is rapidly decelerating or it is not accelerating properly.

Keep in mind that engine heat-up does not necessarily mean the end of your dream trip. You have to make sure when you notice it; you stop by for some break of an hour or so to let it cool down.

4. Maintain or take care of your bike or scooty before and on the trip

You should know about the basic maintenance of your bike. Make sure you keep the air filters or carburetor clean enough else the dusty roads in Ladakh will choke them. This clogging will not help the situation at all, and your bike will crave power to pull making it painstakingly slow.

Keep a tab on the noise coming out of chains or sprockets . The dust/slush stretches over the bike chain can make them noisy and may cause issues. It is better in case you find your bike chain or sprockets are making noise, pull on the side, and lubricate the chain/sprockets with oil or grease. This lubrication will ensure its longevity.

Hence, bike maintenance is a key aspect of making a successful Ladakh trip on a scooter or scooty or 100cc bike.

5. Carry enough spares to keep you out of trouble

You must always carry enough spares for your bike on a trip to Ladakh because you may find the mechanic, but he may not have the spare your bike needs. Having a spare part handy can keep you out of deep trouble easily. At a bare minimum, you should be carrying a clutch cable, accelerator cable, a couple of headlight bulbs, a spark plug, brake cable, adhesives like m-seal, Fevi-quick, Elfy, coolant, puncture repair kit, etc.

For a comprehensive list, you may refer to my List of things to Carry on a bike trip to Ladakh . The same list will be more or less applicable for a trip to Ladakh on scooter or scooty as well.

6. Avoid shortcuts on the mountains as it can mean catastrophic

Shortcuts on mountains can become a shortcut to life. NEVER EVER try to copy someone taking a shortcut just because he/she did it right. I may be sounding pessimistic, but I consider my life to be more precious than a few minutes more spent on beautiful roads of the Himalayas.

This is not applicable just to light bikes but also to any vehicle making Ladakh trip. The shortcuts do not follow the laws of physics and can harm the vehicle badly. It can burn your brake pads, and you can lose your brakes.

Light bike or scooty means you can easily topple over descending a high-degree gradient.

In case you are ascending, you will be putting too much load on your engine and may burn the clutch plates or overheat the engine eventually. So, it is in your best interest to avoid any shortcuts you may find especially on Manali – Leh Highway .

7. Lesser power means lighter bike, an advantage in itself

Ironically, less power means a lighter bike in weight than the REs/Bullets, and hence, it is fairly easy in comparison to navigate or ride them through the slush stretches or water crossings. Lesser weight also helps you carry it or push it with much more ease than a heavier bike 🙂

8. Travel or ride as light as possible

Traveling light means putting less weight on your bike, and hence, the engine needs to pull a lesser load too. It will give the engine breathing space as required, and your bike should perform better as compared to when traveling with heavier luggage.

9. Riding with a pillion on 100cc bike to Ladakh, hmm?

Well, riding with a pillion to Ladakh on a 100cc bike or scooty is again possible, but you need to consider riding more lighter and adjusting your pillion weight over it. There will surely be situations when you will have to ask your friend to get down to either push the bike or walk across a few meters.

If this suits you, you may choose to ride with a pillion on less-powered bikes too in trans-Himalayas.

10. Start early in the day so that water crossings are not swollen when you cross them

This is an important factor because starting early in the day means less water in the gushing water crossings over Manali – Leh Highway . Your bike will struggle to pass through the power of gushing water.

Since you lack power while riding a 100cc bike or scooter, you should face much less power in water streams early in the daytime. There is more to start early in the day as you may read: 5 Reasons to Start Early & Sleep Early on a Ladakh Trip

In case you encounter a very ferocious water crossing and wondering what to do now, well, better wait for some pickup to come or other riders who can help you with a push or carry it over to the other side.

11. Ride solo or maybe in a group of 1-3 good friends who can stop for you when in need

The best is to ride solo or maybe 2-3 friends who can stop for you and maintain pace/rhythm with your speed, which of course will be a bit lower in case they are riding high-power bikes.

Hence, I quoted some friends who can understand it and support you when in need. Otherwise, it may become very frustrating for other bikers for whom you become the bottleneck.

Keep in mind if you try to push yourself or your bike and match their speeds, you may end up causing more hassles or delays due to mechanical issues with the bike. Hence, it is best to either ride solo on a low-power bike or with those who are ready to match you and be with you.

12. Keep the grit and determination high

Last, but not least, your grit and determination will ensure that you make your bike trip to Ladakh on a 100cc bike or scooty, successfully. There will surely be times when you feel the need for high power, but that is where your willpower to do such a challenging ride comes into play.

If you are determined enough, no one can stop you from making a bike trip to Leh Ladakh on a less-powered bike.

FAQs – Ladakh Trip on Scooty, Scooter or 100cc Bikes

Is it possible to travel to leh & ladakh on the tvs jupiter.

Yes, you can make a trip to Ladakh on TVS Jupiter, which is 110cc in power. You may also get TVS Jupiter or similar on rent in Leh bike rental shops too. Please read the tips mentioned in this article for more details.

Can I make a trip to Ladakh on Honda Activa 110cc?

Yes, you can make a trip to Ladakh on Honda Activa which is 110cc in power. You may also get Honda Activa or similar on rent in Leh bike rental shops. Please read the tips mentioned in this article for more details.

Which is the best bike for the Ladakh trip with a pillion?

The best bike for a Ladakh trip is the one with which you are comfortable in controlling and riding. If you cannot control a bike or you are not comfortable with the riding position, then that is not the best bike for the Ladakh trip. You have already read in this article that people have already traveled to Ladakh on a 100cc bike to a scooty to Royal Enfields to the Ninjas sharing a range of horsepower.

Can I cover Nubra/Pangong from Leh on a Scooty?

Yes, you can cover Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso trip from Leh on a Scooty. However, as mentioned in this article, you will struggle a bit at a few places for horsepower and your speed will be slow but nothing stops you from making such a trip.

Can you ride a scooter on the roads of Leh Ladakh?

Yes, you can successfully make a trip to Leh Ladakh on a scooter. I have friends and have known many members of the DwD community who have done Ladakh trips on a scooter. Just follow the tips mentioned in this article, and it should be OK.

Which is the best bike for a Himalayan trip?

As mentioned before, the best bike for a Ladakh trip is the one with which you are comfortable in controlling and riding. If you cannot control a bike or you are not comfortable with the riding position, then that is not the best bike for a Ladakh trip.

Can I do a trip to Ladakh on Yamaha FZ?

Can I make a trip to Ladakh on a gearless scooter or low powered bikes?

The short answer is Yes. You will feel powerless at some passes, the speed will be slow, but with strong will and determination, you should be able to make a Ladakh trip on a low powered bike. But, the long answer I have already discussed in this article.

Can I take TVS Scooty Zest to Ladakh?

Yes, you can make a trip to Ladakh on TVS Scooty Zest which is 110cc in power. You may also get TVS Scooty Zest or similar on rent in Leh bike rental shops too. Please read the tips mentioned in this article for more details.

Well, as you can easily read you can make a Ladakh trip on 100cc Bike or a Scooty. You need to take care of some necessary precautions and bingo !! You will be smiling in the pictures once back from your Ladakh trip, cherishing every memory of the arduous ride to Ladakh after that.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

I hope that the above article helps you make your dream bike ride to Ladakh possible even on a low-powered bike that you may be using a commute in your day-to-day life. In case you know your friend or a family person who is making a bike ride to Ladakh on a 100cc bike or a scooty, please feel free to share this article.

I will be looking forward to your comments and feedback which can help the other fellow riders of Ladakh too in the comments section of the article or in the DwD Community.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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Hi dheeraj! Thanks for this great article. I and 3 of my friends planning to go to leh on 100 cc bikes. 2 passion and 1 xcd. I wanted to ask if Manali leh route is advisible or Srinagar to leh for such low powered bikes. We want to finish circuit to and fro Chandigarh.

As suggested above in the article, you can surely make a trip to Leh – Ladakh on a 100cc bike as well or a scooty but challenges faced are described in the article above. Manali – Leh Highway is definitely more challenging than Srinagar – Leh Highway but you will be doing the sightseeing in Ladakh as well, right? So, if you are OK with what has been suggested in the article above, you can take up the challenge to take your bikes too and get the trip done.

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• Pangong Lake
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Ladakh Bike Trip

Exploring the natural beauty of Ladakh on two wheels provides a wholly immersive and unparalleled experience. A thrilling ride through the breathtaking winding roads on high passes against the snow-capped mountains leaves you speechless for good.

To enjoy this epic ride you need to get armed with the right bike and accessories and that’s exactly what we do in our Leh Ladakh bike trip. So, plan your Ladakh bike trip with a group of good mates and pack your backpack to ride this paradise on two wheels.

Popular Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Packages

• Airport Pickup
• Helmet for rider and pillion ride
• All Taxes and tolls
• Accommodation on twin sharing

Leh Sightseeing 2 Nights

Attractions : Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Hall of fame, Magnetic Hill, Spituk Monastery, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Sangam: Indus-Zansker river Confluence Lamayuru and more.

On this day you will ride towards Lamayuru. On the way you can visit the Hall of Fame , a museum about the brave soldiers who fought for the country. After that you will ride towards the Magnetic Hills famous for its anti-gravity phenomenon. Continuing the journey, the next stop would be Gurudwara Pather Sahib where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Saheb is said to have visited. Going farther, you will be visiting the Spituk Monastery, also known as the Kali Mata Mandir of Ladakh. This is a monastery where Hinduism converges with Buddhism. Moving on, we will visit Sangam , a beautiful sight of the confluence of two rivers: the Indus and the Zanskar River. And Lamayuru where you can visit the moonland of Ladakh.

Day 3. Airport Drop After breakfast, we will see you off from the airport. The tour ends with beautiful memories.

2 Nights Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Manali To Ladakh Bike Trip . 10 Nights

Route : Manali to Leh. Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass. Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake. Pangong Lake to Leh. Leh to Manali

Day 2 Sarchu. • After having your breakfast you will ride towards Sarchu • Then comes the Lahaul valley which used to get isolated from the rest of India in winters as Rohtang pass (before Atal Tunnel) was closed due to heavy snowfall. • You will visit the point of confluence of Bhaga and Chandra rivers. This confluence forms Chenab at Tandi • After that, head towards the Pangi Valley and the Mighty Sach Pass • Night stay at Sarchu Hotel.

Day 3 Leh; Today you will arrive Leh • After breakfast, you will ride towards Leh. • You can see Surajtal on your way. It is the source of river Bhaga which is aTributary of Chenab. • Enjoy the amazing views of Gata loops and Moore plains on the way. • After Nakki La you have to cross Wiskey Nalah (a small water stream). If it is raining it would be a bit difficult to cross this stream. • Enjoy the ride along the river Indus. • Keep riding along Indus to reach Leh. • Night Stay at Leh Hotel.

Day 4 Leh Sightseeing On this day you will ride towards Sangam. On the way you will be visiting places like, the Hall of Fame, a museum about the brave soldiers who fought for the country. After that you will pass through the Magnetic Hills famous for its anti-gravity phenomenon. Continuing the journey, the next stop would be Gurudwara Pather Sahib where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Saheb is said to have visited. Going farther, you will be visiting the Spituk Monastery, also known as the Kali Mata Mandir of Ladakh. This is a monastery where Hinduism converges with Buddhism. After that you will arrive Sangam, a beautiful sight of the confluence of two rivers: the Indus and the Zanskar River.

Day 5 Nubra Valley: After having your breakfast, you will leave for Nubra Valley. On the way you would cross Khardung La Pass, the world’s highest motorable pass. The thrilling ride through these winding road would be memorable. You would be amazed by the great • You would be amazed by the stunning landscapes of Nubra Valley

• Also enjoy the view of sand dunes on a double humped camel during camel safari.

Day 6 Back to Leh

• After riding to the Diskit village and visiting the great Diskit Monastery, Track back the same route to get to Leh

Day 7 Pangong Tso • Today you would be riding to the famous Pangong Lake. The great scenery you witness during this ride would be unforgettable. • The enchanting Pangong lake would impress you with its color changing effects. • You would spend the night camping around Pangong. It would be a lifetime camping experience. • The clear night sky decorated with millions of shinning stars would make you forget about this world.

Day 8 Back to Leh: • Trackback the same route to arrive to Leh • Visit the local traditional Leh Bazaar in the evening.

Day 9 Sarchu; Ride along two altitude passes Tanglang La and Lachung La • After having your breakfast, head back towards Manali road. • On the way you will cross Tanglang La, the second highest motorable pass • Enjoy the great scenery of Moore Plains. • Pass Lachung La to enter the grazing fields of Sarchu • Sarchu is famous for camping among travelers. • Have a memorable night camp at Sarchu

Day 10 Manali; Bike along the water-crossing of Rohtang La • After breakfast, head towards Rohtang-La. • Pass Rohtang to enter the Kullu Valley • Night stay in Manali

Day 11 Manali; Departure • Departure from Manali

10 Nights Manala Ladakh Bike Trip

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 5 Nights

Attractions: Pangong Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Nubra Valley, Sham Valley, Rancho’s School, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame Spituk Monastery, Pather Sahib Gurudwara, Sangam, Indus-Zansker river Confluence, Shanti Stupa and more.

Day 2: Leh Sightseeing: Soon after having breakfast, you will ride towards Sangam(confluence point of Indus and Zanskar River). Today you will be visiting famous tourist attractions like the Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Spituk Monastery, Magnetic Hill, and Sangam. Night stay at Leh hotel and dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3: Nubra Valley via Khardungla (4-5 Hours): After breakfast, you will ride for Nubra Valley via Khardungla road. “The highest motorable road” (at 18k feet) will come in the way during this trip. This long ride can be a little bumpy because of few rough terrains on the way. But the ride on these winding roads with majestic snow-capped mountains in the background will make it well worth the effort. On arrival at Nubra Valley, you would witness an amazing view of nature’s beauty. Camel safari on a double-humped camel of this valley is famous through-out India. Night stay at camp in Nubra.

Day 4: Pangong Lake via Shayok and Back to Leh (6-7 Hours): Today you will be visiting the famous Pangong Lake of 3 idiots climax site. The road trip to the Pangong through Shayok is going to be very thrilling and adventurous. If you are into photography then these winding roads against the stunning backgrounds are going to impress you a lot. The enchanting lake with the sparkling blue water will mesmerize you on arrival. And then, the color transition from azure to mild blue and green to grey would showcase some of Pangong Lake’s most fascinating qualities. After this, you ride back to Leh for a good night’s sleep. Dinner will be served at the hotel in Leh.

Day 5: Sightseeing to Monasteries and Palaces (5-6 Hours): Today you would ride towards the famous monasteries. The great monasteries you will be visiting are Shey, Thiksey, and the Hemis monastery. people from all over the world come here to explore it. Also, you will visit Rancho’s school from the super hit movie ‘Three Idiots’. Night stay at Leh hotel. Dinner will be served at the Leh hotel at your preferred time.

Day 6: Departure: After breakfast, we will drop you at the Leh airport.

The Ultimate Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 6 Nights

Attractions: Nubra Valley, TsoMoriri Lake, Pangong Lake, Tsokar Lake, Khardung-La Pass, Nubra Valley, Sham Valley, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame Spituk Monastery, Pather Sahib Gurudwara, Sangam, Indus-Zansker river Confluence, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, etc.

Day 2: Moonland Lamayuru: Today, right after breakfast you will ride to Sangam which is the confluence point of Indus and Zanskar valley. After that, you will ride towards Lamayuru. Here you will enjoy the stunning views of Lamayuru and Moonland. Moonland is very famous among foreign visitors. After that you will ride back to Leh to have your dinner. Today, you would be completely acclimatized to the Ladakh Altitude and ready for the next day Khardung-La Pass trip. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Night stay at Leh Hotel.

Day 3: Nubra Valley via Khardungla (4-5 Hours): On this day, you will ride towards the amazing Nubra Valley via the highest motorable pass Khardungla. You have to leave right after breakfast. It’s around 5 hours drive to Nubra. On the way, you will cross Khardungla, located at a height of more than 18k feet. This adventurous long would be very thrilling with the great scenery through these winding roads against the snow-capped mountains in the background. On arrival, you would witness how nature has endowed this place with its beauty. This valley must be seen in a lifetime. Here, you can go for a double-humped camel safari. The desert of white sand and you will be able to see small dunes. Today is the first camping night of your Leh Ladakh Bike Trip. Camping in Nubra would be a lifetime experience.

Day 4: Pangong Lake and back to Leh: Wake-up early for today’s long ride. Today you will ride towards the famous Pangong Lake. This amazing bike ride day would be the best of your whole Ladakh bike trip. On arrival at Pangong Lake, you will be amazed by this magnificent blue Lake which might even make you forget about the beaches altogether. Head back to Leh for the Night Stay.

Day 5: Leh to Tsomoriri: On this day you will ride towards the great Tsomoriri Lake. it is the largest high-altitude lake in India. The beautiful Blue Lake is around 7 kilometers at its widest point and about 19 kilometers long. Camping or pitching a tent near the Lake is prohibited by the government. Many wildlife and migratory birds can be spotted in this area. Night stay at a hotel nearby and dinner would be served at the hotel.

Day 6: Tsokar Lake and Back to Leh: After breakfast, you will leave for Tsokar Lake, another famous saline body of water with stunning color and ecosystem. This place offers a variety of nature’s beauty in one place. Night Stay at Leh hotel and dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 7: Departure: After breakfast, we will see you off from the Leh airport. End of a great tour with beautiful memories.

Kargil & Ladakh Bike Trip 7 Nights

Attractions: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Khardung-La Pass, Kargil, Drass, Shyok, Nubra Valley, Lamayuru, Sham Valley, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame Spituk Monastery, Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Pather Sahib Gurudwara, Sangam, Indus-Zansker river Confluence, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, etc.

Day 1: Acclimatization and Sightseeing: On arrival at Leh Airport, the driver will pick you up and drop you at your hotel. After checking-in, breakfast will be served at the hotel. Our representative will discuss with you the Itinerary for your Ladakh Bike trip. Today, you need to rest for acclimatization. As you have traveled from a lower-altitude to a very high altitude place, acclimatization is important. After taking a nap, in the evening, you can visit Leh Palace, the abode of ancient Ladakhi kings and the great Shanti Stupa, which was built by the Japanese. And then you can take a stroll at the traditional Leh market. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 2: Sightseeing towards Thicksey and Sangam: Soon after having breakfast, ride towards thicksey monastery. And then you will ride towards Sangam. On the way come several famous tourist attractions like the Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Spituk Monastery, Magnetic Hill, and Sangam (a beautiful view of the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers).

Day 3: Leh-Kargil: On this day, you will be riding towards the beautiful valley of Kargil. You will leave after breakfast. It’s around 5 hours drive to Kargil, so, leaving early is recommended. On the way, you will cross Lamayuru, ‘The Moon land of Ladakh’ Don’t forget to capture the moments of these breathtaking views and great sceneries. On arrival to Kargil immerse in the cultural richness of Kargil. Night stay at Kargil.

Day 4: Drass and back to Leh (7-8 Hours): Today, after breakfast, you will ride to Drass and then head back to Leh via the same route. Night stay at Leh Hotel.

Day 5: Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass; After four days of Ladakh bike trip you would be perfectly acclimitized for a thrilling Khardungl bike ride. Today you will ride towards the land of sand dunes and double humbed camel crossing the the ‘HIghest motorable pass’ Khardungla. Night stay at Nubra Valley.

Day 6: Pangong Lake: After an early breakfast, you will ride towards the famous Pangong Lake. This thrilling road trip would be memorable. The beautiful mountain villages lend an amazing natural beauty to this place which comes in the way of the Pangong trip. Some wildlife can also be sighted if you are lucky, such as Fia, wild yak. Soon as you will reach Pangong, you will be mesmerized by this vast enchanting Lake. This spectacular saline body of water with its color-changing effects might even make you forget about the beaches altogether. After this, you will ride towards Tsomoriri Lake. Night stay at a hotel near Tsomoriri.

Day 7: Tso Moriri and back to Leh: Soon after breakfast, you will visit the enchanting Tso Moriri Lake and stay there for a while. After that ride back to Leh. Dinner and nightstay at Leh hotel

Day 8: Departure: After breakfast, we will see you off from the airport. The tour ends with beautiful heart etching memories.

7 Nights Kargil and Ladakh Bike Trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places in ladakh are best for a bike trip.

There are a lot of places in Ladakh for a road trip. The stunning views of the amazing landscapes and the winding road against the snow-capped mountain would make the Leh Ladakh bike trip memorable. Every ride to a place in Ladakh would be unique and thrilling. The view of enchanting lakes and valleys makes this road trip unforgettable. Also, this place attracts adventure seekers for activities like Rafting, trekking, paragliding, hiking, mountain climbing, and much more.

Some of the favourite tourist places for a Leh Ladakh bike trip.

• Khardung-La Pass
• Zanskar & Indus confluence point
• Magnetic Hill
• Diskit Monastery
• Shanti Stupa
• Lamayuru: Moonland
• Spituk Gompa
• Tsomo Riri Lake
• Thiksey Gompa
• Panamik Village
• Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

What is the best time for a Ladakh bike trip?

June, July and August are the best three months for a Leh Ladakh bike trip. Also, May and September is a good time for a road trip in Ladakh.

How far is Leh from Ladakh?

Leh is a part of Ladakh. In fact, Leh is the capital of Ladakh. A common misunderstanding among people about Ladakh is that Leh and Ladakh are two different places. Ladakh, now UT Ladakh has two districts Leh and Kargil.

What is the best route to Ladakh for a bike trip?

The two main highways to Ladakh are:

Route1 – Manali – Jispa- Leh – Pangong

Route 2 – Jammu – Srinagar – Leh – Pangong

We strongly recommend you start your Ladakh bike trip from Leh. There are a lot of places in Ladakh for a thrilling road trip. And all the roads are favorite among riders for road trips. Renting a bike from Jammu or Manali is an expensive proposition in itself. The round trip from Jammu to Leh or Manali to Leh and back takes a lot of time and it’s very hectic and tiring. Also, renting a 150 cc to 500 cc bike will cost you a lot.

Is any Permit required for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip?

Yes, Permit is required to visit places like Pangong and Turtuk. Those areas fall under the Actual Line of Control, so Indian tourists, as well as foreign tourists, need to obtain a permit to visit the Lake.

How can I get the Permit to visit Pangong Tso Lake?

Inner-Line-Permit for Indian citizen.

Online : You can apply for Inner-Line-Permit online by  visiting the site , but you need to verify it in the Leh DC office. Visit the tourism section of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, TIC Leh, with valid photo IDs for the verification process. You might need to wait in a queue for a long time during peak tourist season. If you have already booked a tour with us from our Ladakh tour packages, then don’t worry we’ll complete the verification process for you free of cost.

Offline:   Visit Tourist Information Center Office in Leh. The opening hours are 10:00 am to 07:00 pm and the working days are Monday to Saturday. The office is closed on Sunday and other national holidays.

Protected-Area-Permit for foreign nationals.

Foreigners are required to apply for Protected-Area-Permit. PAP for individuals would not be issued. Apply for a PAP with a group of three or more. Also, you need to be accompanied by an accredited guide.

Online : You can apply for Protected-Area-Permit online by  visiting the site , and you need to complete the verification process in the Leh DC office.

Offline:   Visit Tourist Information Center Office in Leh with your passport and other required  documents.  The opening hours are 10:00 am to 07:00 pm. It is closed on Sunday and other national holidays .

We recommend you not to apply for these permits yourself for a hassle-free tour. Let us do it for you or engage a local travel agent.

Petrol pump

Fill your bike tank in Leh, before embarking on a bike trip to the remote areas. You will find refueling pumps at many places in Ladakh but don’t give your hopes on it. It would be best if you fill your tank in main Leh and then start your road trip. Also, a few of the local stores at various places sell petrol. Do not buy petrol from these local stores unless it’s an emergency, as they are usually adulterated.

A lot of ATM kiosks can be found in main Leh. But in remote places, ATMs are rarely available. So, it would be best to carry the required cash with you before starting the bike trip to a far place from Leh.

SIM, Mobile Signal and Internet Connectivity

As of now, postpaid SIM operators of BSNL, Airtel, and Jio are working in Ladakh on roaming service. The signal for BSNL is better than Airtel and Jio.

Internet speed is good in the main Leh area, but in remote places, the signals would be very weak or no signal at all. We highly recommend subscribing to a BSNL post-paid SIM before visiting Ladakh.

Can we camp in Pangong Lake in 2022?

Camping is restricted at many places near Pangong Lake. Contact us to know the situation before your visit.

Temperature in Ladakh?

The temperature in Ladakh keeps varying from place to place. Here is an average monthly temperature table of leh

Temperature are in degree celcius

Temperature varies from place to place. The temperature in Pangong in June would be 15 degrees at noon and -1 at night. And the temperature in Leh would be 10 to 15 in summer. The table shows the average temperatures of Leh of the last few years. The actual temperature for a particular month and place in Ladakh may vary.

Plan your visit to Ladakh as per the weather informed by your assigned tour operator. If you haven’t booked a tour with us, then call us to know the weather before your visit. Pack woolen and other warm clothes for the night which would be very chilly as compared to the temperature of the day.

Please read the  World health organisation’s travel advice , before travelling anywhere.

Read Indian Government travel guidelines .

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Leh ladakh bike trip itinerary — how to spend 6 days in ladakh by motorbike.

Traveling to Ladakh in general and traveling to Ladakh in particular by motorbike in terms of routes are almost the same. This article shares my own experience. Especially coming from a guy who has never ridden a clutch and a large displacement. You should only consult and synthesize more people and especially prepare carefully what you can prepare. Only then can we decide through practice in Ladakh: What motorbike to rent, which route to take, and how to get around by bike. Because before leaving, I searched for information and then messaged each person to ask. When I finally come to Ladakh, I went in a direction that had nothing to do with what I initially thought.

• Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide & tips for first-timers
• Ladakh blog — How to plan Leh Ladakh trip & suggested Ladakh itinerary 15 days
• Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does Ladakh trip by bike cost?
• What to buy in Ladakh? — Top 9+ souvenirs & best things to buy in Ladakh
• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh

How much does Leh Ladakh road trip by bike?

Depending on each person’s needs, the cost of traveling to Ladakh by motorbike will vary. This is the cost that I paid. Note that this is a temporary estimate of the cost of traveling to Ladakh because each time you visit, the price and cost are different. If you want to make a Leh Ladakh road trip by bike, you can refer to and check the price at the time you go for the most accurate before you go.

I flew from Vietnam to New Delhi and below is the following costs:

• Round trip air ticket Vietnam – New Delhi is about $235.80
• Round trip air ticket New Delhi – Leh ticket is about 196.50
• Hotel average cost is around $23.58/night, total 5 nights about $117.90
• Eating and drinking is about $15.72 per day, total about $121.90 including additional expense
• Renting a car is about $18.08 per day, total for 5 days is about $90.39
• Gasoline is about $58.95
• Permit for tourists entering and leaving areas $8.65 per person
• The extra cost is about $78.60
• Total airfare of 432.30 + 8.65 license fee to visit + $463.74 gasoline, hotel fees, and food costs.
• If you go alone (Ladakh trip cost per person), it’s about $903.91 – $982.51
• If you go with two people and share expenses, it will be about $589.51 – 707.41

I limit using cash, so almost all the hotels I book on Booking.com and Agoda.com. Just keep a few Indian rupees and dollars for eat and drink. In Ladakh, food and travel costs are very cheap.

How many days for traveling around Ladakh by motorcycle? (#leh ladakh bike trip itinerary)

Traveling to Ladakh on your own mostly requires a number of days longer than 1 week, which is best to get used to the altitude and habits in Ladakh. Especially when riding a motorbike, you need some extra time to rent a motorbike and get used to driving at an altitude of over 3,000m, and running on the left hand side.

The total time I spent traveling to Ladakh by motorbike was about 6 days. I arrived in Ladakh at noon on October 8 and spent half a day getting used to the altitude and buying a SIM card. On October 9, I rented a bike and drove around to get used to it and wait for the permit. Departing on October 10 and ending on the evening of October 13.

Which is the best month to visit Ladakh?

Ladakh is at its most beautiful starting from April then lasting until mid-October, the closer it gets to November, the colder the weather gets. Some roads will be closed to traffic. So my experience of traveling to Ladakh by motorbike is that you should go around August, September or early October is suitable. Going closer to October will have more yellow leaves, but it will also be quite cold, so prepare clothes carefully at home.

Which season is good to travel to Ladakh?

Fall is the most beautiful time to visit Ladakh. As mentioned above, from early August to early October is a beautiful time to travel to Ladakh. Closer to the end of September, the yellow leaves shine the sky, you will have the feeling of running through rows of bright yellow trees. In the distance, the snowy mountains are beginning to be covered in white.

Some things you need to prepared for a Ladakh trip

Medicines for high altitude shock, some basic medicines. If you go in the cold season, bring warm clothes to wear inside. Bring gloves for driving, trekking shoes or specialized driving shoes. I also prepared snacks and dried fish from Vietnam. Because I was not used to eating curry when I was trekking in Nepal, I have been obsessed with curry until now (this is because I personally do not like curry, no criticism). Regarding my driver’s license, I changed it to a Pet license. Basically, police also doesn’t stop to check the driver’s license at all, only a few stations that need to check the license are allowed to enter that area.

Entry and flight routes

To travel to Ladakh in general and motorbike in particular, you need to fly 2 flights. The first route is Saigon to Delhi, Delhi to Leh. Regarding entry in Delhi, just applying for a visa online is quite easy. In addition, you should prepare 2 additional documents as in the comment below, just print out is enough. Especially, you should prepare a ballpoint pen when you arrive at Delhi airport to fill out the immigration information form (take the initiative to look for the form and fill it out immediately, it will save you having to queue for a long time).

On the Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Delhi route, I flew with Vietjet, and on the Delhi to Leh route, I flew with Go Air. After flying to Delhi, after completing the procedures, it will be around 1:00 am. You can stay at the airport early in the morning and take the earliest flight to Leh. If you take a taxi to the hotel to rest, you can go to the taxi counter at the airport for very cheap prices, so you should not book in advance online at high prices, and you won’t be able to take the initiative in the time to get to the airport.

Regarding luggage, if you are bring a flycam, please note one thing: Absolutely do not leave the flycam in your checked luggage. Note, absolutely do not leave your checked luggage. You take out all the batteries and memory cards along with the remote control and put them in your carry-on luggage, and put the flycam body in your checked luggage. All flights do the same, so you no need to worry.

When flying to Leh, you are required to present some documents as noted in my comment below. Please present them if required, because depending on the time you fly, the regulations may change or not.

What to do on the first day in Ladakh?

Resting and get used to the altitude: I landed in Leh around 12am, had already booked a hotel on Booking.com, got off the plane, went out and asked for a taxi to go straight to the hotel, rest and get used to the altitude first. Regarding this, you should not be confident in your health, just rest and prepare some things before departure.

4G SIM card: In the afternoon, start going to Leh market to visit, finding what you need to buy, then visit the Airtel store to get a 4G SIM card. Just bring your passport and they will guide you through it. It’s quite simple but the wait is quite long.

Rent and try driving a motorbike when traveling to Ladakh by motorbike

Renting a bike and permit: you should rent a motorbike on the first day or deposit in advance to ask them to get a permit. Because some areas of Ladakh need a permit to get into, similar to a traffic permit. Any vehicle requires this permit, not just motorbikes. When going on a tour, the tour operator will take care of everything, so I don’t need to worry.

The motorbike I rented was a Royal Enfield 500CC, as shown in the picture, I think choosing this classic model was the right decision. Because when going to Chang La Pass, the snow freezes the road surface. High-clearance bike almost go about 2 meters at a time, but my bike is low so the ride is smooth. When renting, ask someone to prepare a set of backpacks, and a 5 liter can of gasoline. On some long trips, there are no gas stations so you have to have them on hand just in case.

I spent 1 day driving around Leh, a radius of about 20-30km. If you do not have a permit, ask the rental shop owner which areas you can getting to. Drive to get used to the bike, and get used to right-hand drive. I have never ridden a clutch and have never touched a bike over 130cc so that day was also the day I practiced riding. At first, I planned to let my friend go with me as a main driver, but because he was not familiar with this side.

I adapted quite well to the altitude and negative temperatures so I didn’t have any problems so I turned around and ran almost the entire route. I admit that the first time I ran a clutch with a large displacement, it was too heavy on the road. Regarding the feeling of driving in Ladakh, people drive quite civilized and not too dangerous, as long as you drive slowly and remember to keep to the left, it’s ok.

Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary 5 days

Route 1: leh – hunder.

This is a place to ride camels (actually, I ran astray 60km from Hunder, because the information some of you shared was not the right place to take pictures of camels, just say Nubra, but Nubra is very large. If you search, you will probably find Nubra Valley on Google, You will definitely get lost like me, so you have to find Hunder). You will pass through Khardung Pass, the 4th highest pass in the world for motor vehicles to pass through. After running this pass, you will pass through many passes with different routes. It’s only about 130km, just run slowly and arrive at the village around 5pm and it’s ok.

Route 2: Hunder – Pangong (#Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary)

This route goes through many dangerous passes. Personally, I think this is the most difficult route. Because the road is small with one side of the small pass is cliffs, on this part, I kept running close to the cliff, not daring to look down the cliff because looking at it for a while would make me dizzy. Going closer to Pangong Lake, the weather gets colder, the road is also very bad, there are many gravel roads so running is quite tiring. You should start early to avoid running late in the cold weather and losing your strength.

Route 3: Pangong – Leh

This route is basically not too difficult when traveling to Ladakh by motorbike. You will go up Chang La Pass, the 3rd highest pass in the world for motorbikes to pass through. If you go in mid-October, there is a high chance that you will run in snow on this route. This is also the road most likely to be locked if the snow is heavy, so you should be careful. When I went this time, I had to stand below and wait for more than 2 hours before I could go up to Chang La Pass. I thought the road was locked.

Above are the 3 routes, you can drive for as many days as you like. I recommend running for longer days. If you go to any village you like, just stay 2 nights and then continue. When I went, I thought the 120-160km route was quite short and could be drive normally. But no, the road is bad and the road is winding all the way, so driving is extremely slow, combined with the cold weather, it’s very tiring. Every time I set out at around 9am, I reach the destination at around 5pm, so tired, so my experience is that you should keep speed at about 60-80km a day to rest. If I’m on a long trip, I’ll play wherever I like, then I’ll get bored and leave, it’s more fun.

Where to stay in Ladakh?

Almost all of the places I mentioned above can be booked through the Booking or Agoda, so just check the room on these apps first to see if there place to stay when you arrive. If you can, book it right away so it will be easier to have a room when you driving to. Besides, you don’t have to bring too much cash with you.

Some hotels that I stayed at when going to Ladakh, you can refer to. I booked all of these hotels on the app.

Reenam Hotel – Leh

This hotel is located near Leh market, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the market. The mountain view is extremely beautiful, especially in the hotel there is an apple tree that I asked the hotel owner for some fruit. Eating apples in the cold weather is sweet and sour, dipped in good salt, that’s the delectable experience, guys.

TIH Hunder Eco Villa – Hunder

I also like this place very much, hotels in the Hunder area or are extremely small ones or are luxury resorts. I kept finding an affordable hotel around $27.62 per night. There is a spacious space overlooking the snowy mountains, and the food in the hotel is also very diverse. If you travel to Ladakh and go through the Hunder region, this is also one of the places worth staying.

Hotel at Pangong Lake

At Pangong Lake, I didn’t book a hotel in advance, just drove there and went to find a hotel. Basically, the place to stay here is quite simple but inside is complete, especially with hot water as well as blankets and pillows to help you not get cold. So when passing Pangong Lake, just walk along and look for it without needing to book in advance.

Is the food in Ladakh hard to eat?

For someone like me who is not fond of curry, it is difficult to eat this food, but there are still dishes that I can still eat. But the general assessment is that the food in Ladakh will be difficult to eat if anyone does not like the smell of curry, and those who like it, you can eat carefree. Up here, I see a lot of vegetables, so the stir-fried vegetables that I order the most are served with white rice.

In addition, you can also prepare some dry food to bring from Vietnam. It will help make the meal richer and eat more rice. For me, when I go out a lot, especially in cold areas, I try to eat as much rice as possible. To have strength and help the body not get too weak.

Scenery and people in Ladakh

Traveling to Ladakh is truly a paradise for those who love the beautiful scenery and people in the Himalayan mountains like me. Especially when riding a motorbike, you have the opportunity to drift more and stop more, so it also takes a lot of time to admire the scenery and take pictures.

On the routes I mentioned above, there is no specific place where you should stop or not. Because basically wherever you like, stop for a little while and you’ll see many interesting places, and if you have extra time, just stop comfortably, especially in the villages hanging off the cliffs.

CONCLUSION: The thing I regret most about this trip is not having time to travel more, to wander more. But it seems that every land under the Himalayas is a place full of charm, rustic and peaceful. In Nepal, I also have a ‘karmic debt’, which is to return to this place to hike for a long time, staying in the villages around the ABC trek. Ladakh now also has a karmic debt that is returning to long-term motorbike riding, to wander around. I wish I could only run 50km a day so I can stop wherever I want.

Trips with many experiences always have many emotions and many stories to tell. Images only make those stories more vivid, so my pictures may not be outstandingly beautiful, but they are my actual experiences. I hope you have more motivation to set out to wander under the majestic snow mountains.

The post first appeared on Cuong Chan and was translated by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar you can refer to

• 10D9N Discover Ladakh, India from Singapore [All-Inclusive]
• 7D6N Ladakh Private Tour
• 6D5N Ladakh Private Tour
• 9D8N Chadar Frozen River Trekking Experience
• 11D10N Stok Kangri Summit Trek from Leh

Read more Ladakh trip blog: Ladakh trip blog — The journey to the fairyland of India and India guide here .

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2024: Complete Guide For Bikers With Best Routes

Needless to say, the epic Leh Ladakh bike trip is any bikers ultimate dream to fulfill - an adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth all at once.

The thrill of open road, clear blue sky, challenging roads, high altitude motorable passes with towering peaks on either side make this road trip a must to do for any traveler.

Together, let's explore the best routes for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh, detailing the stunning vistas, unique cultural experiences, and essential tips to ensure your journey is as exhilarating and memorable as it can be.

Get ready to rev your engines and set out on an unforgettable adventure to the roof of the world!

Best Routes for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Route 1: srinagar – kargil – leh.

Highlights: Zoji La Pass , one of the highest passes in the region, Drass , the second coldest inhabited place in the world, Kargil War Memorial Ancient Buddhist monasteries in Mulbekh and Lamayuru, Leh , a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage

Srinagar – Kargil – Leh Route

Route Map: Srinagar — Sonamarg — Zoji La — Drass — Kargil — Mulbekh — Lamayuru — Leh

Distance: Approximately 434 km

Time Required: 2 days

The journey from Srinagar to Leh is a breathtaking, must to do experience for any biker on a road trip. Starting from Srinagar , you will first pass through the picturesque town of Sonamarg, known for its lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks.

As you continue your journey, you will ascend to the Zoji La Pass , one of the highest passes in the region where the roads here are challenging, especially during the winter months when it is often covered in snow.

Zoji La Pass

Descending from the pass, you will reach the town of Drass , famously known as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth. Here, you can take a short break to stretch up and again continue on the journey.

Read more about road trip to Drass by a fellow Tripoto traveller

The next stop is Kargil where you can take a quick visit at the Kargil War Memorial on your way. The road then takes you through the scenic countryside, passing by quaint villages and ancient monasteries. Make sure to stop at Mulbekh to see the giant Maitreya Buddha statue carved into the rock.

The final stretch of the journey takes you to Lamayuru , home to one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. The monastery is perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From there the next and the final stop is the beautiful Leh.

The road from Srinagar to Leh is generally in good condition, but it can be challenging in some sections, especially the Zoji La Pass. It is advisable to check the weather and road conditions before embarking on this journey.

Major Pitstops at Srinagar – Kargil – Leh Route

Zoji la pass valley ladakh.

Zoji La Pass - Zoji La Pass, often dubbed the "Gateway to Ladakh," is where your adventure truly kicks into high gear.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 11,575 feet, this mountain pass connects the verdant valleys of Kashmir with the stark, surreal landscapes of Ladakh.

The Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery - Nestled in the small village of Lamayuru, this monastery is one of the oldest and most significant in Ladakh.

Lamayuru Monastery

Often referred to as the "Moonland" due to its unique, moon-like landscape, Lamayuru offers an otherworldly experience.

Best Places to Eat in Srinagar – Kargil – Leh Route

- Srinagar: Mughal Darbar for Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine.

- Kargil: Mulbekh Restaurant for local Ladakhi dishes.

At Gesmo Restaurant

- Leh: Gesmo Restaurant for Tibetan and Indian cuisines.

Pros & Cons of Srinagar to Leh Route for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

- Balanced driving distances allow you to reach bigger cities for night halts comfortably.

- A gradual rise in altitude aids in better acclimatization and helps you avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

- Roads have more amenities like petrol bunks and small towns along the way.

- Srinagar's situation can be volatile at times, although you can choose to bypass it.

- The drive may feel less adventurous compared to the Manali-Leh route.

Get the best Leh Ladakh trip itinerary from Tripoto

Route 2: Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Jispa – Leh

Highlights: Rohtang Pass , a high mountain pass offering stunning views, a quaint town named Keylong , high-altitude desert Sarchu, and Tanglang La, one of the highest mountain passes in the world

Route Map: Delhi - Chandigarh — Manali — Rohtang Pass — Keylong — Jispa — Sarchu — Pang — Tanglang La — Leh

Distance: Approximately 970 km

Time Required: 3 - 4 days

Your journey begins from the bustling roads of Delhi. After crossing roughly 260 kms, you will step in Chandigarh , where you will embark on an epic motorcycle trip to Ladakh through the Himalayas. As you approach Manali, you will be greeted by the stunning landscapes of the hill station. Take some time to explore the local markets and enjoy the cool mountain air.

From Manali, you will ascend to the famous Rohtang Pass , a high mountain pass that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The Rohtang Pass road can be challenging, so drive carefully and responsibly in this route.

As you descend, you will reach the town of Keylong , where you can take a break and enjoy the unique culture of the region. The road from Keylong to Jispa is relatively smooth and scenic.

The next on the list is Sarchu , a high-altitude desert landscape offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This is a great place to stop for some tea and snacks before continuing your journey.

As you approach Pang , you will be greeted by the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This is a popular camping site, so you can choose to spend the night here under the starlit sky of Pang.

You can also read about the Pang to Sarchu Night Ride

The final stretch of the journey takes you through Tanglang La, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The road here is challenging, but worth the view once you reach the final stop, Leh.

Major Pitstops at Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Jispa – Leh Route

Rohtang Pass, Manali - Known as the "Ground of Corpses" due to its challenging conditions, Rohtang Pass is a blend of exhilarating adventure and breathtaking beauty.

Rohtang Pass, Manali

This high-altitude gem at 13,050 feet offers you the best panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glistening glaciers, and serene meadows.

Leh Manali Highway

Keylong, Manali - Descend from the icy heights of Rohtang Pass into the tranquil embrace of Keylong, the administrative center of Lahaul and Spiti. Nestled amidst the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, it is also home to Kardang Monastery, perched on a hilltop.

Sarchu Camp Site For Travellers

Sarchu - Known for its rugged terrain and dramatic landscapes, Sarchu is a high-altitude plateau at 14,070 feet, serving as the gateway to Ladakh.

Sarchu also marks the beginning of the high-altitude passes and plateaus that define the road to Leh, with the Gata Loops, Nakee La, and Lachulung La pass all ahead.

Read more about Sarchu to Leh road from Tripoto traveler

- Manali: Johnson's Cafe for European and Tibetan dishes.

- Jispa: Ibex Restaurant & Bar for local and Indian cuisines.

Ibex Hotel, Restaurant & Bar

- Leh: Tibetan Kitchen for authentic Tibetan food.

Pros & Cons of Manali Leh Route for Leh and Ladakh Bike Trip

- You will have a shorter driving distance, but it's more strenuous due to steeper climbs and longer stretches between night halts.

- The newly constructed Atal Tunnel can save you around 3.5 hours on the journey.

- The steep rise in altitude, especially without using Rohtang Pass, requires careful driving.

- The roads are isolated with limited amenities and few settlements along the way, mainly army camps and small eateries.

Read more about Manali to Leh road trip with Tripoto

Route 3: Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Jispa – Leh

Highlights: Golden Temple in Amritsar, the residence of the Dalai Lama and a center of Tibetan culture - Dharamshala , Rohtang Pass, Jispa , a peaceful village with beautiful surroundings

Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Jispa – Leh

Route Map: Amritsar — Pathankot — Dharamshala — Palampur — Mandi — Kullu — Manali — Rohtang Pass — Keylong — Jispa — Sarchu — Leh

Distance: Approximately 900 km

Time Required: 4 days

Your journey begins in Amritsar , where you can visit the iconic Golden Temple before heading towards the mountains in Dharamshala.

In Dharamshala , take a break and make a visit to the residence of the Dalai Lama and explore the Tibetan culture that thrives in the area. Take some time to stroll through the local markets and try some Tibetan cuisine as well.

From Dharamshala, you will travel to Palampur , known for its tea gardens and colonial architecture. The road from Palampur to Mandi is a key highlight of this journey.

Dharamshala

Next, you will pass through Kullu , a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports. The road from Kullu to Manali is picturesque and in Manali, you can explore the local markets and enjoy the cool mountain air before heading towards Rohtang Pass. The road to Rohtang Pass is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.

Descending from Rohtang Pass, you will reach Keylong just like the previous route and continue your journey towards Sarchu. This is a great place to stop for some tea and snacks before continuing your journey to Leh.

The final stretch of the journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh , with towering mountains and deep valleys.

The road from Amritsar to Leh is generally in good condition, but it can be challenging in some sections, especially Rohtang Pass and Tanglang La . Do not forget to check the weather and road conditions before starting this journey.

Read more about High Altitude Himalayan Passes of Manali-Leh Highway from Tripoto traveler

Major Pitstops at Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Jispa – Leh

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh - Nestled along the banks of the Beas River, Mandi is your first significant pitstop.

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Often referred to as the "Varanasi of the Hills," Mandi is adorned with an array of ancient temples, each boasting intricate carvings and rich history. Do not miss visiting the Bhutnath Temple from 16th centaury.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh - Known as the "Valley of Gods," Kullu offers a blend of adventure and tranquility.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

The Beas River here is a haven for thrill-seekers. Also visit the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, promising breathtaking encounter with diverse flora and fauna.

Palampur Tea Gardens

Palampur Tea Gardens, Palampur - Visit the Palampur Tea Cooperative to learn about the tea-making process and savor some freshly brewed tea.

Palampur Tea Gardens, Palampur

The town's serene environment, coupled with the stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar range, makes it an idyllic stop to relax and rejuvenate.

Best Places to Eat in Amritsar – Dharamshala – Manali – Jispa – Leh Route

- Amritsar: Kesar Da Dhaba for traditional Punjabi food.

- Dharamshala: Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant for Japanese cuisine.

Lung Ta Japanese Restaurant

- Leh: Lamayuru Restaurant for Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Indian dishes.

Pros & Cons of Amristsar Manali Leh Route for Leh and Ladakh Bike Trip

You will experience a variety of landscapes and cultural richness from Amritsar to Leh.

You can enjoy adventure sports in Manali.

The gradual ascent from Dharamshala to Jispa will help you acclimatize better.

The Atal Tunnel will save you significant travel time and provide a safer passage.

You will spend more time on the road, which might lead to fatigue.

You may face traffic congestion in crowded tourist spots like Amritsar and Manali, causing delays.

You will face steep climbs and challenging driving conditions from Manali to Leh.

You will find sparse facilities after Manali, so you need to be self-sufficient.

Best Places to See in Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Now that you have arrived Leh Ladakh, do not miss visiting these wonderful places located all within reachable limits to add a perfect conclusion to your motorcycle trip to Ladakh.

Khardung La

1. khardung la pass.

Distance from Leh: 40 km

Time to reach: 1.5-2 hours

Constructed in 1976 and opened to the public in 1988, Khardung La pass has historical significance. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, standing at an elevation of 5,359 meters. It pass serves as a gateway to the remote Nubra Valley and continues towards the Siachen Glacier. It is a vital link that connects Leh with the Zanskar and Nubra regions, making it an essential element of the entire Ladakh circuit.

Shanti Stupa

2. shanti stupa.

Distance from Leh: 5 km

Time to reach: 15-20 minutes

Shanti Stupa, perched atop a hill in Chanspa, is a white-domed Buddhist stupa. It was built in 1991 by Japanese Buddhists to promote world peace and commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism. The stupa offers panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset views.

3. Leh Palace

Distance from Leh: 2 km

Time to reach: 10 minutes

Leh Palace, a nine-storey high structure built in the 17th century, is a former royal palace. This palace in Leh has stark resemble with the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Namgyal dynasty and houses a museum with a collection of jewelry, ornaments, ceremonial dresses, and crowns. The rooftop provides a breathtaking view of Leh town and the Stok Kangri range.

Magnetic Hill

4. magnetic hill.

Distance from Leh: 30 km

Time to reach: 45 minutes

Magnetic Hill In Ladakh

Have you ever heard of a gravity hill? Well, the Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill located on the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar highway. The hill has a unique optical illusion where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope, making vehicles appear to move uphill against gravity when in neutral. Experience this fascinating phenomenon in Leh is a must

Nubra Valley

5. nubra valley.

Distance from Leh: 150 km

Time to reach: 4-5 hours

Also known as the Valley of Flowers, Nubra Valley is a high-altitude cold desert with stunning landscapes. It's famous for its sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and the picturesque villages of Diskit and Hunder. The Diskit Monastery , the largest and oldest in the Nubra Valley, houses a gigantic Maitreya Buddha statue.

Pangong Tso

6. pangong lake.

Distance from Leh: 160 km

Time to reach: 5-6 hours

Located at an altitude of 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Remember 3 Idiots movie? This stunning lake was featured in the famous Bollywood movie. The lake is renowned for its stunning color-changing hues, ranging from shades of blue to green to red. The backdrop of the rugged mountains and the clear blue skies adds to the lake's ethereal beauty. There are many other secrect lakes in Ladakh as well to enjoy the beauty of Ladakh even more.

7. Tso Moriri Lake

Distance from Leh: 220 km

Time to reach: 6-7 hours

Tso Moriri Lake, also known as "Mountain Lake," is located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. t's a serene and less commercialized lake compared to Pangong. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a breeding ground for various migratory birds, including the black-necked cranes.

Hemis Monastery

8. hemis monastery.

Distance from Leh: 45 km

Time to reach: 1 hour

Hemis Monastery is the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh. It is known for the annual Hemis Festival, which celebrates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery houses a significant collection of ancient relics, thangkas, and statues, a perfect place to have an idea of the Leh history and legacy.

9. Lamayuru Monastery

Distance from Leh: 125 km

Time to reach: 3-4 hours

The Lamayuru Monastery, Tripoto

Lamayuru Monastery, also known as Yuru Gompa, is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh. Perched atop a steep hill, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding "Moonland" landscape, named so for its moon-like craters and barren terrain. The monastery dates back to the 11th century and is home to around 150 monks. It is renowned for its annual mask dance festivals, intricate wall paintings, and ancient artifacts.

Best Bikes for a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Courtesy - Vargis Khan

1. Royal Enfield Himalayan

Engine: 411 cc, Power: 24.3 bhp, Torque: 32 Nm, Weight: 199 kg

Key Features: Long-travel suspension, upright riding posture, high ground clearance, and a robust build, perfect for off-roading.

2. Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Engine: 346 cc, Power: 19.1 bhp, Torque: 28 Nm, Weight: 186 kg

Key Features: Classic design, reliable performance, and a comfortable riding position.

3. Bajaj Dominar 400

Engine: 373.3 cc, Power: 39.4 bhp, Torque: 35 Nm, Weight: 187 kg

Key Features: Modern design, powerful engine, and features like dual-channel ABS and LED lights.

4. KTM 390 Adventure

Engine: 373 cc, Power: 42.3 bhp, Torque: 37 Nm, Weight: 172 kg

Key Features: Lightweight, advanced electronics, and a high-performance engine suitable for both on and off-road riding.

5. Hero XPulse 200

Engine: 199.6 cc, Power: 17.8 bhp, Torque: 16.45 Nm, Weight: 157 kg

Key Features: Affordable, lightweight, and equipped with long-travel suspension and dual-purpose tires.

6. BMW G 310 GS

Engine: 313 cc, Power: 33.5 bhp, Torque: 28 Nm, Weight: 175 kg

Key Features: Premium build, advanced features, and a comfortable riding position.

7. Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT

Engine: 645 cc, Power: 70 bhp, Torque: 62 Nm, Weight: 216 kg

Key Features: Powerful engine, adventure touring capabilities, and excellent comfort for long rides.

Key Factors to Consider while Choosing Bike for Leh and Ladakh Bike Trip

Engine Power : A bike with sufficient power (200 cc and above) to handle steep climbs and high altitudes.

Suspension : Long-travel suspension to absorb the rough and uneven terrains.

Weight : A manageable weight for better control and handling on challenging roads.

COurtesy - Vargis Khan

Ground Clearance : High ground clearance to avoid underbody damage on rocky paths.

Comfort : Ergonomic design and comfortable seating for long hours of riding.

Durability : A robust build that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough use.

leh ladakh trip itinerary

Leh Ladakh Bike Rental Options

The best places for bike rentals for a motorcycle trip to Ladakh are

Tripmore : They offer a wide range of bikes, including Royal Enfield 350, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and KTM, for rent in Leh.

Leh Bike Rental : This is a popular choice for adventure seekers and travelers looking for a hassle-free experience.

WanderOn : They offer a comprehensive guide to Leh Ladakh bike trips, including information on the best bikes for the trip, bike rentals, and tour routes.

Courtesy - WanderOn

Travel My Kashmir : They offer bike rentals in Srinagar, Kashmir, and Leh Ladakh, with a variety of new models in top condition available for rent.

These bike rental services offer a range of bikes, including Royal Enfield Himalayan, Royal Enfield 350, KTM, Bajaj Pulsar, KTM Duke, and CBR 250, which are suitable for a Leh Ladakh road trip.

Are you a road trip lover? Here is the ultimate road trip to Spiti guide by expert Tripoto traveler.

Accomodation Near Leh Ladakh

By considering these accommodations ear Leh Ladakh along the way, travelers can ensure a comfortable and memorable experience during their Leh Ladakh road trip.

1. Hotel Diamond, Sonamarg : Located in Sonamarg on the Srinagar Leh Highway, this budget-friendly hotel offers basic amenities, comfortable rooms, and a mesmerizing view of the valley. It is a great place to stay while exploring the nearby tourist attractions.

Hotel Diamond, Sonamarg

2. J&K Government Guest House, Drass : Situated in Drass, this budget accommodation on the Srinagar Leh highway provides basic facilities and is surrounded by several restaurants, offering a decent place to stay within budget.

3. Dragon Hotel and Guest House, Lamayuru : Nestled in the village of Lamayuru, this cozy hotel offers a relaxing and comfortable stay with a wonderful view of the valley and a glimpse into Ladakhi rural life. It is an affordable, spacious, and clean accommodation option along the way.

Dragon Hotel and Guest House, Lamayuru

4. The Grand Dragon Ladakh : Centrally located in Leh, this hotel is known for its service, luxury, comfortable rooms, and polite staff. It offers a blend of luxury and hospitality, making it a popular choice among travelers for a comfortable stay.

The Grand Dragon Ladakh

5. Hotel Royal Ladakh : Inspired by regional culture and hospitality, this hotel in Leh offers luxurious stays with fun experiences. It is located near the local market, providing opportunities to immerse in the local culture and tradition.

Hotel Royal Ladakh

6. The Zen Ladakh : Guests praise the serene atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, well-appointed rooms, and exceptional hospitality at The Zen Ladakh. The staff's warmth and helpfulness add to the overall experience of staying here.

The Zen Ladakh

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Expense

Planning a bike trip to Leh Ladakh involves various expenditures, from permits to fuel and accommodation and very stressful too. So here’s a detailed breakdown of the basic expenses you can expect on a bike tour to Ladakh.

1. Bike Rental and Maintenance:

Bike Rental: ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 per day (depends on the bike model and rental duration).

Bike Maintenance: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 (basic servicing, spare parts, and repairs).

2. Fuel Costs:

Total Distance: Approximately 2,500 - 3,000 km round trip.

Fuel Efficiency: Average 30 km/l.

Fuel Cost: ₹100 per liter.

Total Fuel Cost: ₹8,000 - ₹10,000.

3. Accommodation:

Budget Hotels/Guesthouses: ₹500 - ₹1,500 per night.

Mid-range Hotels: ₹2,000 - ₹3,500 per night.

Campsites: ₹1,000 - ₹2,500 per night.

Total Accommodation Cost (10-15 days): ₹7,000 - ₹52,500 (depending on preference).

Daily Meals: ₹500 - ₹1,000 per day.

Total Food Cost (10-15 days): ₹5,000 - ₹15,000.

5. Permits and Entry Fees:

Inner Line Permit (ILP): ₹400 - ₹600.

Environmental Fees and Camping Fees: ₹400 - ₹600.

Monastery and Sightseeing Entry Fees: ₹500 - ₹1,000.

Total Permits and Fees: ₹1,300 - ₹2,200.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses:

Emergency Funds: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000.

Souvenirs and Shopping: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000.

Medical Kit and Supplies: ₹500 - ₹1,000.

Total Miscellaneous Expenses: ₹4,500 - ₹11,000.

Total Basic Expenditure:

Low-End Budget: ₹28,800

Mid-Range Budget: ₹45,700

High-End Budget: ₹95,700

Detailed Breakdown Example:

Bike Rental (15 days): ₹1,500/day * 15 days = ₹22,500.

Fuel (3,000 km, 100 liters): ₹100/liter * 100 liters = ₹10,000.

Accommodation (10 days budget, 5 days mid-range): (₹1,000 * 10 days) + (₹2,500 * 5 days) = ₹10,000 + ₹12,500 = ₹22,500.

Food (15 days): ₹800/day * 15 days = ₹12,000.

Permits and Entry Fees: ₹2,200.

Miscellaneous Expenses: ₹7,500.

Total Estimated Cost: ₹86,700.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh

The best time to visit for a bike trip to Ladakh is from June to September. The temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C during the day, making it comfortable for riding. Nights can be cooler, ranging from 5°C to 15°C.

Most of the high mountain passes, including Rohtang Pass, Zoji La, Khardung La, and Chang La, are clear of snow and are accessible from June to September as well.

Tips for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

- Inner Line Permit (ILP): Tourists are required to carry the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to pass through Khardung La. The ILP can be obtained at the District Commissioner’s office in Leh.

- Peak Season Traffic Regulations : Vehicles from Leh to Khardung La are only allowed between 9 am and 1 pm, and vehicles from Khardung La to Nubra Valley are allowed to pass between 1 pm and 5 pm.

- Road Conditions : The road from Leh to Khardung La can be challenging, especially during winter months when it remains closed due to snowfall and landslides. The best time to visit Khardung La Pass is from June to September , when the weather is fairly affable, and road conditions are generally better.

- Route Planning : Plan your route and itinerary in detail, including daily distances and expected travel times. Have a clear understanding of fuel stops, accommodations, and emergency facilities along the route.

- Packing Essentials : Carry warm clothing and layers (thermal wear, jackets, gloves, and caps). Also carry rain gear and waterproof clothing along with proper riding gear (helmet, knee and elbow guards, riding boots). First aid kit, including medicines for altitude sickness, pain relievers, and basic medical supplies is a must

- Riding Cautions: Ride at a steady pace and avoid sudden accelerations or brakes. Be cautious of landslides, rock falls, and road conditions, especially in passes like Zoji La and Khardung La.

- Emergency Contacts : Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities, medical facilities, and nearest relatives.

Why a Himalayan Bike Trip?

Listen it from Tripoto !

Make sure you delay no longer and plan your next road trip to Leh Ladakh - the land of serenity, pristine beauty and what not! These Ladakh road trips are all what you need right away.

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Further Reads

The Ultimate Leh, Ladakh Motorcycle Itinerary

• Post author By Karl Rock
• Post date May 25, 2017
• 3 Comments on The Ultimate Leh, Ladakh Motorcycle Itinerary

Ladakh is the land before time. It’s the beautiful, rugged, untouched region in the northernmost Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It’s a part of Indian not frequented by foreigners probably due to the road passes to Ladakh only being open in the tourist off-season when they’re not frozen shut (June – September).

The major town and base for travelling around the Ladakh region is Leh. It’s the largest but least populated area of J&K and highly influenced equally by the cultures of Buddhism and Islam. The area is known as Trans-Himalayan, meaning it lays beyond the Himalayas.

For motorcyclists, Ladakh offers breathtaking scenery and sights including huge mountains, sprawling valleys, dry deserts, lakes, vast uninhabited hinterlands and a number of challenging rugged terrains, roads, and passes to ride! It’s an unexplored adventure wonderland for riders.

As you’ll notice on Google Maps, the state of J&K has a dotted line border. This is due to them being high contested. J&K is sandwiched between Pakistan and China. Closest to Ladakh is China. China is trying to push its borders outwards into Ladakh with their aggressive foreign expansion policy. On the other side, Pakistan is trying similarly with Kashmir. Don’t let this put you off though, while there are ongoing issues in Kashmir, Ladakh is unaffected by these.

The most popular route to take on your old-faithful Indian-made Royal Enfield motorcycle is Manali to Leh return. The following 9-day trip is a personal route I have taken. It covers the best of Ladakh.

Manali to Leh Itinerary

Both foreigners and Indians can now get the required permits for the Ladakh area online at J&K’s Leh District Permit Tracking System site.

Foreigners should also check the Frequently Asked Questions on the Protected Area Permit(PAP) and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) regime and the  Permit Guidelines because we are restricted from certain areas in Ladakh.

Day 1 – Manali to Jispa (150 km, 5 hours)

Begin your trip passing through Rohtang Pass (3978 meters above sea level) before riding through the snow capped Lahaul Valley and spending the afternoon in the riverside Himalayan village of Jispa.

Possible Stop Over +1 Day – Sarchu (120 km, 3 hours)

In between Manali and Leh lies Sarchu, the popular stopover point near the border of J&K and Himachal Pradesh. If you want to take the ride to Leh slower, stop overnight at Sarchu and then you’re a more manageable 215 km from Leh.

Day 2 – Jispa to Leh (335 km, 11 hours)

Get back on the highway for a long ride. Today you’ll travel through the Baralachha Pass (5000 MASL), cross the border between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, and finally through the Tanglang-La Pass which is the eleventh highest mountain pass in the world (5300 MASL).

Note: There’s a lot of miss information online claiming the passes in Ladakh are higher in the ‘top list of motorable passes in the world’ than they actually are. I’ve used the correct rankings.

Along the way don’t miss the Thiksey and Shey monasteries positioned stunningly on top of hills.

Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as you climb in elevation to avoid altitude sickness.

Day 3 – Leh Town

You made it! Take a day off resting, getting inner-line-permits for your excursions around Ladakh, and exploring the town of Leh.

Day 4 – Leh to Lamayuru Monastery to Leh (230 km, 6 hours)

Take a day trip to one of the oldest Monasteries in Ladakh that dates back to the 10th century. The Monastery is set atop a hill with a small village scattered below and around it.

Day 5 – Leh to Nubra Valley (159 km, 5 hours)

While travelling to the huge mountains of the Nubra Valley you’ll ride on Khardung La, the world’s tenth highest mountain pass (5350 MASL)!

Day 6 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (Highland lake) (273 km, 1o hours)

Visiting Pangong Tso is one of the highlights of Ladakh. It’s the world’s largest salt water lake. You’re right on the border with China here, so close in fact that 2/3 of the lake is located in China/Tibet.

Day 7 – Pangong Tso to Marsimik La to Pangong Tso (86 km) (5 hours)

Marsimik La is the third highest (5582 MASL) road in the world! If you can call it a road. It’s mainly dirt and a very tough ride. From the top, you’re just 10 km from the China border, and you can see the large six-lane motorway they’ve built all the way up to the border.

Possible Stop Over +1 Day – Leh (150 km, 4 hours)

Rather than riding all the way to Sarchu you can break it up and take a night back in Leh instead.

Day 8 – Pangong Tso to Sarchu (408 km, 12 hours)

In between Manali and Leh lies Sarchu, the popular stopover point near the border of J&K and Himachal Pradesh. After a long day riding, all you’ll want to do is relax at your campsite and watch the stars above.

Day 9 – Sarchu to Manali (230 km, 8 hours)

You’re back where you started! What an adventure!

• Tags Bike , Himalayan , India , Jammu & Kashmir , Ladakh , Lakes , Leh , Monasteries , Motorbike , Royal Enfield , Sights , Undiscovered , Untravelled

By Karl Rock

Karl Rock, is a Hindi speaking Kiwi ex-pat who take viewers behind the scenes of incredible India and its neighbours. He has visited every state and union territory in India, and its culturally similar neighbours – Pakistan and Bangladesh, and aims to make others fall in love with India and the subcontinent.

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Ultimate Guide To Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2021:

Leh Ladakh is one of the most remote places located in the Indian Himalayas. Each motorcycle enthusiast always dream of going to Leh Ladakh bike trip once in their lifetime. But before fulfilling your dream of riding on this mighty Himalayan landscape please read through this blog and make yourself 100% ready before the trip.

• Best time to visit Leh Ladakh on Motorbike
• Time required to Explore Leh Ladakh on Motorcycle
• Leh Ladakh trip budget
• Best Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Trip
• Leh Ladakh Bike trip routes
• Top Places to visit during Leh Ladakh Bike trip
• Essential things to carry for Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Tour
• Is Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Safe
• Banks & Mobile connectivity
• Altitude mountain sickness
• Road condition during Ladakh Bike trip
• Riding difficulties on Mountain Passes
• Hotel options during Leh Ladakh Road Trip
• How to prepare your motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Bike trip
• Book your Leh Ladakh Bike trip with Motorcycle Escapades

Ladakh is one of the most visited places in the Indian Himalayas on Motorcycles because it offers one of the world’s highest motorable roads, most dangerous terrains, and never-ending snow-capped mountains.

Best time for Leh Ladakh road trip:

Ladakh lies at an altitude of about 3300 Mtrs ASL and receives heavy snow during the winters, so the best time to visit Leh Ladakh will be from June to September. This will be the summer season in the Himalayas and the sky will be clear most of the time. So it’s the best time for Leh Ladakh bike trip will be from June every year.

How much time required for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

It completely depends on each individual, you can explore Leh Ladakh either from the Manali side or Srinagar side and both will take at least 10-12 days to complete the circuit, however people with less number of days in hand can take a flight to Leh and do 5 days Leh to Leh bike trip circuit covering major attraction places. But few of the travellers who like leisure experience spend more than 30 days to explore the entire region at their own pace.

Leh ladakh trip budget:

There are a lot of parameters which decide the cost of your Ladakh trip budget, firstly starting point and ending point, type of vehicle you choose, number of days you are planning for Leh Ladakh bike trip, type of accommodation you choose, and whether you opt to travel in a small group, big group or solo. So all this will add up to your cost, in an ideal scenario if you want to do a pocket-friendly Ladakh bike trip then it will cost you around anywhere between INR 45000/- to INR 60000/- per person for a 12 days tour to Ladakh which will start from Delhi and end in Srinagar. (Please note this will include travelling in big groups with standard accommodation or hotels). If you need a leisure and luxury Ladakh motorcycle tour then you may need to spend around INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000/- for 15 days Leh Bike trip with a small group and luxury & boutique properties.

Best motorcycle/four-wheel for Leh Ladakh road trip:

So after deciding the number of days and budget for your Leh Ladakh road trip, the next parameter will be on choosing the right vehicle for your Leh trip. If you decide to travel by Motorcycle then Royal Enfield is the best to travel in the Himalayas, they are reliable and sturdy as well. Bullet 500cc and Himalayan 411 cc motorcycles are the best ones in Royal Enfield. If you want to choose any car then any 4×4 would be good or any cars with higher ground clearance will be sufficient for Leh Ladakh road trip.

Leh Ladakh bike trip route:

There are 2 major land routes to Ladakh, one will start from Manali and end in Srinagar and another will start from Srinagar and ends in Manali.

Leh Ladakh route 1: Delhi – Manali – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh – Khardung La pass- Nubra Valley – Pangong lake – Kargil – Srinagar Leh Ladakh route 2: Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Lake – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali – Delhi Leh Ladakh route 3: Arrive at Leh by flight – Nubra valley – Pangong Lake – Local sightseeing – And departure from Leh by flight Leh Ladakh route via Spiti valley bike trip: Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan – Chitkul – Nako – Tabo – Kaza – Chandratal – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh – Nubra – Pangong lake – Kargil – Srinagar – Jammu – Chandigarh – Delhi (Longer route but it’s a once in a lifetime trip)

Top places to visit on Leh Ladakh motorbike trip:

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh at the height of 4350 Mtrs. The lake is 134 Km long and extends from India to the Tibet region(Mainland China). 60%of the lake that means 80kms of the lake lies in the Tibet region and rest with India. While riding to Pangong Lake we will cover Changla Pass, which is the 3rd highest motorable pass in the world. There are only a few permanent villages in the Pangong region. Spangmik is the importance of them, where major accommodation in the Pangong lake available there. You can either visit Pangong on a day tour or overnight stay as well. I would suggest staying overnight to enjoy the pristine blue saline lake.

Nubra Valley:

The coldest desert is what we call, Nubra valley is situated next to Shyok and Nubra river. Diskit, Hunder, Panamik, and Turtuk are some of the important villages in Nubra Valley. It is also close to the Siachen base camp. Nubra valley is famous for the Double hump Bactrian camel and Diskit monastery.

Leh Ladakh local sightseeing:

One can visit Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Hemis Monastery, War Museum, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Indus-Zanskar Sangam, and river rafting as well.

Essential things to carry for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

After doing a lot of research and years of hands-on experience in travelling to Leh Ladakh on a motorcycle, we have listed down the important things to carry on your Leh Ladakh road trip are as follows:

Clothing – carry riding jacket, riding pants (If not good quality Knee Guard, winter riding gloves, balaclava or face mask, thermals, socks, high ankle boots or gumboots which are economical and reliable, winter wear hoodies, jeans and T-shirts and lastly waterproof or rain gear jackets. Accessories: Sunscreen lotion SPF 50 and above, Sunglasses, Skull cap, warm gloves & woollen socks during the night Daily use packs: Face cream, lip balm (always keep in your pocket), petroleum jelly, cold cream(Himalaya or Nivia), Tooth Brush, Toothpaste, liquid soap, toilet paper, shampoo, towel, deo, and waste bin covers to dispose any unwanted things. Short bites: It’s essential to carry a few short eats or eatables like dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars, and water bottles Medicines: Personalised first aid kits, Diamox, disprins, and basic medicines for fever, stomach upset, vomiting & etc Electronics: Phone Charger, power bank, spare camera battery, memory cards, multipurpose plug points, Important documents: Driving license, RC book of the vehicles, valid insurance, Passport, Voter id, VISA copy.

Tips for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

Each rider must be above 21 years old with a valid Driving license One should have minimum riding experience on any motorcycle Must be fit and healthy to take such an adventurous trip Always try to ride in a group instead of riding solo, it does not only give you a sort of confidence also it will help you during uncertainties (However, if you are an experienced solo traveller then it’s not a problem. For the first-timers group ride is the best and safest) Know the terrain and weather info before you start the journey. Choose the right motorcycle for the trip which suits your riding style and should be good enough to ride on such harsh terrains. Keep yourself well hydrated Read about Acute Mountain Sickness Understand the culture of Ladakh and its people And one last thing, respect nature and nature will respect you back

Is Ladakh motorcycle tour safe to do?

Yes, riding in the Himalayas is always once in a lifetime experiences and one cannot deny that, but however you should be very cautious while riding on these terrains, if you are not well prepared or you are not any part of a group rides then it’s gonna be very tough in some stretch. Don’t jump into conclusion easily, do your homework well and study enough blogs and get practical exposure about riding the motorcycles and maintaining them. Apart from that Ladakh is one of the safest places in India to travel; people are very humble and helpful. They are the one who comes first when you struck due to landslides or any health issue, remember one thing Never hurt their cultural feelings and don’t insult their terrain, they are very sensitive about Ladakh and its culture.

Money, Banks, ATM’s and Currency conversion:

Leh being the headquarters of Ladakh region, you will get a couple of good banks and ATM’s which work round the year, but however sometime it may interrupt due to bad weather conditions and heavy snowfall. There are at least 5-6 ATMs available in Leh town.

There are plenty of currency exchange centres in Leh, but get in touch with you travel guide or hotel reception for better currency conversion, they can get a good deal.

Mobile connectivity and Internet:

Only postpaid sim cards will work outside J&K and Ladakh regions, you can get prepaid sim card in Leh on arrival. But there is always a restriction on buying a local sim card since it is closely located to border areas. Only BSNL, Airtel and Idea works in Leh. Apart from Leh, no other regions like Nubra or Pangong will get a proper network. It depends on the weather condition.

Internet connectivity is also fluctuating always, have seen sometimes there is no internet and phone connectivity for weeks. So better be prepared for a complete disconnect from other parts of the world!!!

Altitude Mountain Sickness or AMS:

Altitude sickness is one of the most common problems that occur in during Travelling to Ladakh, because of its altitude. Common cause of AMS is due to lack of oxygen and our body won’t get acclimatise to that altitude so easily.

Minor symptoms of AMS are headaches, vomit sensation, fatigue, shortness of breath and giddiness. Severe symptoms will be like shortness of breath even you are sitting or not doing any activity, severe vomiting and inability to walk.

Avoiding AMS is pretty simple if you follow the instructions of your Travel guide in Leh Ladakh bike trip, the primary thing is to avoid climbing the mountains quickly, take time and increase your altitude gradually, Drink at least 3-5 litres of water every day, this will keep your hydrated, Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol at least for first few days till your body gets acclimatise, avoid having heavy dinner and non-veg during the night because having heavy food will trouble you in your metabolism and most of the oxygen in your body gets used to digesting the food inside the body. In case of primary symptoms occurs start taking Diamox tablets one per day after the breakfast and take another after dinner.

Leh Ladakh bike trip road condition:

Every year roads to Ladakh will be completely closed during winters starting from November till May end or early June. Here are some of the important recent updates on the road conditions of 2 major highways which connect Leh ladakh to rest of the world.

Manali – Leh Highway Status 2020:

· Manali to Keylong – Good roads almost till Keylong, since after opening of Atal tunnel the road connectivity to Keylong is much better. Average riding times 4-6 Hrs depending on the number of breaks you takes.

· Keylong to Sarchu – From Keylong till Baralachala pass the roads are average but from Baralachala to Sarchu condition are very bad with full of slush and mud. Average riding time 7-9Hrs.

· Sarchu to pang – Bad roads with dirt tracks and bumpy roads-Average riding time 3-4Hrs.

· Pang to Tanglangla – Good with straight road for 15 odd kms – Average riding time 1hr

· TanglangLa pass to Leh – Very good road till Leh. 2-3hr you can reach Leh from Tanglangla pass.

· Leh to Pangong – 60% of the roads are good and 40% bad stretch, average riding time 6-8Hrs

· Leh to Nubra valley – 70% of good roads and 30% bad stretch – Average riding time 6-7Hrs

· Pangong to Nubra valley via Shyok River – 80% off road and 20% good stretch. Average riding time 6-8Hrs.

· Leh to Tsomoriri – 70% good roads and last stretch of 40-50kms are bad roads with full of dirt tracks and bumpy roads. Average riding time 8-10Hrs

· Leh to Kargil – very good roads. 6-8hrs of riding time.

· Kargil to Srinagar – Very good roads. 6-8Hrs of riding time.

Riding difficulties on Mountain Passes:

There are 10-11 mountain pass you will get if you are riding on leh ladakh bike trip, starting from Manali to Srinagar via Leh and covering Pangong and Nubra. Each mountain pass is different in altitudes and one need to be extra cautious whenever you will be riding through these passes.

· Rohthang Pass – This is the first mountain pass you will get if you are riding from Manali to Leh bike trip, roads are decent to good from Manali till Rohthang , but after Rohthang once you start descending towards Koksar , the roads are horrible, look out for slush and slippery on curves

· Baralacha La pass – Average roads while ascending to Pass from Zing Zing bar, in between few water crossing are there. But while descending from Baralachala pass its tougher, roads are narrow and lot of water streams in between.

· Nakee La : Decent roads while ascending and descending, you will get Gata loops while riding

· LachungLa pass – Decent roads with small stones and dust, becareful during the curves

· Tanglangla Pass – Excellent roads while ascending from Moore plains and after the pass. One of the best roads to ride in Leh Manali highway

· Changla Pass – Trickiest pass on the entire Leh Ladakh Bike trip, very narrow and difficult due to its altitude, Better take break for few mins in Zingral and Tsoltak while riding

· Khardungla pass- It used to be a difficult pass to ride, but now the roads are pretty decent and can be done without much hassle.

· Fotu la pass – Easiest mountain pass to conquer, the roads are amazing

· Namik La pass – Same as Fotu La pass

· Zoji La – It used to be one of the trickiest and toughest mountain pass, but thanks to Border road organisation and the recent roads are pretty much decent, but still the roads are very narrow , slush and slippery.

Stay option during Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Tour:

After decided all other important factors on Leh Ladakh bike trip, you should also understand the stay options available throughout the journey. We have listed down the options available in each place from both the highways which connects to Leh Ladakh by road.

· Manali – All options available from Rs 500 to Rs50000 hotels , homestay, guesthouses and cottages

· Koksar – Road side dhaba with basic sleeping facilities and common toilet available

· Keylong – Decent hotels available with good facilities

· Jispa – Decent hotels with good facilities available , also tented accommodation down the valley also available

· Zing zing Bar – Roadside Dhabas with basic common sleeping facilities available

· Sarchu- One of the major pit stop location with lot of tented accommodation available, starting from Rs 1000 to 10000 options are available

· Pang – Roadside Dhabas with basic common sleeping facilities available, but food is very good in Pang and multiple options available

· Upshi – Basic hotels available

· Leh – Head quarters of Ladakh region and multiple options available from Rs 500 to Rs50000/-

· Lukung(Pangong Lake) – This is the first place you get once you enter Pangong lake region , few options are available with tented accommodation

· Spangmik(Pangong Lake) – One of the best destination to stay in Pangong Lake region with multiple options available, you can get tented accommodations starting from Rs1000 to Rs15000/-

· Hunder (Nubra Valley) – Lot of tented accommodation is available along with Guesthouse and Homestay as well.

· Diskit (Nubra Valley ) Guesthouse are very common in Diskit

· Turtuk (Nubra Valley ) – Only couple of good places to stay and rest all are basic homestay, one should book the accommodation well in advance here

· Lamayuru (Srinagar – Leh Highway) – Homestay are very common in this region, plenty of options available

· Kargil – Second important place in Ladakh region after Leh , so no need to worry about the stay, plenty of options available

· Drass – Few very basic hotels with basic facilities are available.

· Sonamarg – Good hotel options available

· Srinagar – Plenty of good hotels, guest houses, boutique properties and house boats available

How to prepare your Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip:

Condition of your bike is the most important factor during Leh Ladakh bike trip if you have decided to get your own bike for such trips. Basic things will be your bike must be in running condition and not kept in parking lot for a long time.

Which bike is suitable for Leh Bike trip?

This is first question where every biker who decided to do Ladakh bike trip, which bike is suitable. Well nobody can answer for this question since it is completely depends on individual perception. There are people who do on BMW 1200GS or Triumph Tiger 800 or any other adventure motorcycles, but on the other hand there are few people who have done on Honda Activa or 110cc motorcycle. But only difference between each motorcycles are the way you maintain it and the way you ride it. But any bike you ride just make sure it is well serviced and not an very old model, where you will get struck if proper spares not available in such terrains and because of that your trip may hamper.

Understand your Bike:

Every passionate rider will always know there machine very well than there life partners, so before you start your journey to Ladakh, first thing you should do is to understand your bike and its condition very well, try to recall how it used to response when you go on a long rides, during monsoon season and what are the pain point of the bikes and what troubles the machine more. Once you understand this pointer you will know what exactly you need to do for your bike and accordingly will you explain the same thing to your mechanic. Suppose your bike give more problem during monsoon season then understand that it might be a problem with carb and electrical due to water get blocked in few parts of the machine, like wise in long rides it may get overheat , then it may be a problem with overheating of engine and needs at most attention.

Get your bike service done:

After analysing the bike, choose your mechanic wisely who have extensive knowledge about particular models. Some mechanics are good with 150cc to 250cc bikes; few are good with Royal Enfield’s only and few on Super Bikes. Tell your mechanic a complete history of your bike like, its model, periodic service schedule, problems occurs during different season and different riding experience and etc. And importantly tell your mechanic that you are taking your bike to Leh Ladakh.

Gain knowledge about repairs:

After giving your bike for service, try to sit with your mechanic and learn some basic repairs like change of clutch cables, throttle cable replacement, spark plug check and maintenance, basic electrical work, puncture repair and chain cleaning and maintaining techniques, this will help in increase your confidence level and you will be trained enough to handle basic breakdowns during your journey.

Spares to carry for Leh ladakh bike trip:

After your bike is fully serviced , ride your bike for at least 4-5 days before you ship your bike or start the ride, this is will help you in understand that how your machine is behaving after the service. Also buy the following spares and carry with you for Leh ladakh bike trip;

· Puncture repair kit with extra tube for both front and rear tires

· Clutch and throttle cables

· Put new tires with good traction for on & off road

· Spark plugs

· Chain links

· Fuses and fuse box

· Spare engine and break oil

· Clutch plates (If your clutch plates are too old, its better to replace new one)

· Brake pads /disc pads

· Battery charges or a cable for jump start your bike from other battery , incase battery get drain out

· Nuts and bolts of major parts

· Tool kit for wheel removal and other basic things with set of screw drivers & spanners

· Petrol pipes and spare fuel cans

· Ropes to tie your luggage and ladakh carrier

Repairs, Fuel Stations and puncture shops on Leh Ladakh bike trip:

Following places have facilities of repairs, fuel station and etc.

· Manali – Plenty of fuel stations and repair shops are available

· Tandi – Last fuel station on Leh Manali highway , after this there won’t be any fuel station available till Karu which is 345kms odd

· Keylong – Mechanic and puncture shop available, just ask the locals for address

· Sarchu – Fuel available on black, but be ready to pay twice the price of actual

· Pang – There used to be a puncture shop during 2019, but not sure

· Karu – Fuel station and mechanics available

· Leh – Fuel station, Mechanics and Puncture shops are available

· Leh to Pangong route – Karu is the last fuel station, after that no mechanics or puncture shops available

· Pangong to Nubra valley via Shyok River- No Puncture shop or mechanics available

· Diskit – Fuel station available, but again it is depend on supply and weather condition

· Hunder – puncture shop available

· Kargil – Fuel station, mechanics and puncture shop available

· Srinagar – Fuel station, Mechanics and Puncture shops are available

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Aptly known as ‘the Land of high Passes’ Ladakh is one of the most unique and enchanting regions of India. This sparsely populated, vast landscape is a dream destination for adventure lovers worldwide. The Leh Ladakh Bike Trip is an unprecedented chance to experience the charm of the region. As the expedition is two-week long, we will have ample time to explore this vast cold desert at a slow and relaxing pace. We will start our Leh Ladakh Bike Tour Package from Delhi , and those coming from outside the city, are required to reach here 24 hours prior to the departure time.

We have an array of fixed departure dates for you to pick as an individual. If you are a group of 8 persons or more, we can also arrange for a customized bike tour package. This itinerary has been well-researched and carefully formulated after looking back at several of our trips in the past. We even arrange for pick-ups and transfer of your personal motorcycles from and to wherever they are, respectively. On this motorbike trip to Leh Ladakh, you can choose to ride solo or with a pillion rider. Remember that your road journey will be strenuous, but picturesque. The bumpy, narrow, and winding mountain roads with blind curves, deep gorges, and ravines at numerous points will keep pumping adrenaline through your veins. All this will make you tired, but once you gaze at the amazing views, you will be immediately refreshed. Know more about other popular Motor Bike Tours in India . A must-read:  Beginner’s Guide For A Motorbike Expedition to Ladakh  

Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Motor Bike Expedition:

Day 00: Arrival in Delhi(216m) Arrive in Delhi on your own and meet the Adventure Nation team and your fellow riders in the evening. In order to provide you the information regarding the expedition, it is essential that you participate in an orientation session. After the session, the bikes will be allotted so you may take it for a spin and check if it’s aligned to your riding style. Later, you are to go to your accommodation (arranged by yourself)  and retire early as tomorrow is going to be an early start. Day 01: Delhi to Chandigarh(321m) | 260km  

Grade/Duration - Easy/Approx. 5 Hours Altitude Gain - 105m Highlights - Breakfast at Murthal  

Arrive at the decided location early in the morning and meet our team and your fellow riders. After a quick briefing, we flag off from Delhi and start riding on the National Highway 1. Today’s journey will take you through places like Panipat, Karnal and Kurukshetra. Arrive in the city beautiful and check in to your accommodation. Stay overnight in a hotel. Day 02: Chandigarh to Manali(2050m) | 280km      Grade/Duration - Easy/Approx. 9 Hours Altitude Gain - 1729m Highlights - Entering the Himalayas, Riding along Beas River  

After having an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and hit the road. Initially, we ride through the plains in the State of Punjab and after riding for a few hours, we enter the State of Himachal Pradesh, also known as the ‘Land of the Gods.’ We will pass through the towns of Bilaspur and Mandi. After crossing Bhuntar, the ride gets exciting as we ride along the Beas River until we reach Manali. Later in the evening, go out and explore the colorful lanes of Old Manali, if time permits. Stay overnight in a hotel. Day 03: Manali to Jispa(3200m) | 140km      Grade/Duration - Moderate/Approx. 8 Hours Altitude Gain - 1150m Highlights - Solang Valley, Rohtang La(Pass)  

Today, we are going to ride towards Jispa on the much-celebrated Manali-Leh Highway. Leaving early is pivotal as we need to cross the mighty Rohtang Pass (3978m) early in the day, before it gets too crowded. After crossing Rohtang, the landscape changes drastically as we enter the Lahaul and Spiti District. The lush green grasslands disappear and the barren slopes of the cold dessert take over. We continue the ride towards Jispa crossing the quaint mountain towns of Sissu and Keylong. Arrive at the destination early in the evening and have an adventurous overnight stay in tents. Day 04: Jispa to Sarchu(4290m) | 90km      Grade/Duration - Difficult/Approx. 6 Hours Altitude Gain - 1090m Highlights - Deepak Tal, Baralacha La, Riding along Tsarap River  

Keep yourself completely hydrated by drinking a tonne of water as we are going to spend the night at above 4000mt altitude. Today’s ride is one of the shortest rides of the expedition but the adrenaline level remains high as the terrain is full of adventure. After crossing Darcha, keep riding on the Manali-Leh Highway towards Deepak Tal. The road from here starts to ascend steeply towards the treacherous Baralacha Pass(4890m), negotiating Zing Zing Bar and crossing the stunning emerald lake, known as Suraj Tal. Just after crossing Baralacha, halt for some time and have some well-deserved lunch near Bharatpur. We continue our ride to Sarchu on the same road, although the terrain gets changed quite a bit along the way and Tsarap River is visible on the left side carving and raging through the mountains. Arrive in Sarchu later in the day and be prepared for a rather uncomfortable overnight stay in a tent. Day 05: Sarchu to Leh(3500m) | 250km       

Grade/Duration - Difficult/Approx. 8 Hours Altitude Loss - 1090m Highlights - Gata loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, Morey Plains, Tanglang La, Riding along Indus River  

Start riding after an early breakfast as today’s going to be a long but exciting day of riding. Water-Crossings are a common sight on the road while riding to Leh and the ideal time to cross them is early in the day. Just after leaving Sarchu, we start to ascend towards Nakee La(4769m), crossing the zig-zag Gata Loops which is a series of 21 hairpin bends within a span of just 7km. The descent from Nakee La is barely even finished and the ascent towards another high pass, Lachung La(5059m) begins. The descent from Lachung La brings us to the town of Pang(4600m) where we halt for Lunch. The landscape starts to change after crossing Pang and the plateau of Morey Plains starts and stretches for 45km. Closer to the end of the plains, we start climbing the Tanglang La(5328m), the highest motorable pass on the Manali-Leh Highway. After crossing the 3rd high pass of the day, continue riding towards Leh along the mighty Indus River on the left side. Reach Leh in the evening and relax in the hotel. Day 06: Rest Day in Leh Replenish your energies with a healthy breakfast and enjoy a relaxing day in Leh. The first half of the day is saved for a regular check-up of the bikes and the rest of the day can be spent visiting a few sightseeing places in and around the city. Stop by the Leh Palace and enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the Stok Kangri mountain range from the terrace. You may also choose to visit the Shanti Stupa and the local market to indulge in some shopping and try out the Ladakhi cuisine at the local eateries. Spend the night at the hotel. Day 07: Leh to Nubra (3048m) | 160km      Grade/Duration - Difficult/Approx. 7 Hours Altitude Loss - 452m Highlights - Khardung La, Diskit Monastery  

After a rather relaxed day in Leh, we continue our expedition and start riding towards Nubra Valley through what’s considered the highest motorable road in the world i.e. Khardung La(5359m). The road towards the pass is well paved and tarred till the checkpoint near South Pullu and after crossing the checkpoint, the road starts to get slushy with loose rocks on one side. Get yourself clicked after reaching Khardung La and hit the road quickly as it is not safe to spend much time on top of the pass due to the high altitude and thin air. We stop for a quick lunch after climbing down from the pass and then continue our journey. After riding for another couple of hours, we make a brief stop to visit the 32m high Maitreya Buddha statue in Diskit Monastery. Our arrival in the valley will be welcomed by the white sand dunes and the sightings of the double-hump Bactrian camels grazing. Stay overnight at the hotel/campsite. Day 08: Nubra to Pangong(4250m) | 260km      Grade/Duration - Difficult/Approx. 8 Hours Altitude Gain -1202m Highlights - Riding along Shyok River, Water Crossings   

After having breakfast, we start riding towards the most photographed destination in Ladakh, Pangong Lake. Despite the fact that we are not going to cross any high pass today, the ride should be quite interesting as we ride on the much less traveled road via Shyok. Most of our ride is going to be along the beautiful Shyok River and through the villages like Agham, Shyok, Durbuk, and Tangste. The road remains slushy along with some exciting water crossings and rocky terrain so being cautious is important. After crossing Durbuk, the last stretch of the ride is going to be along the lake. From the very first glimpse, the lake leaves an everlasting impression on the visitors. Get yourself photographed and just admire the wonder that is this shimmering blue lake. Overnight stay in tents.  Day 09: Pangong to Leh(3500m) | 150km      Grade/Duration - Moderate/Approx. 5 Hours Altitude Loss - 750m Highlights - Chang La, Druk White Lotus School  

Wake up to an enchanting sunrise over Pangong Tso and recommence your Ladakh expedition. Today we are going to ride the same route that we rode yesterday and after crossing Durbuk, we will start climbing the third highest motorable pass in the world, Chang La(5360m). After crossing Chang La, we halt for Lunch. After eating, we start our journey to Lah via Karu from where we start riding on the Manali-Leh Highway. Just before reaching Leh, we are going to pass through the Thiksey monastery and the popular Druk White Lotus School. There will be a short halt to explore the monastery and take some pictures. After riding for approximately an hour, we will arrive in Leh for the second time during the expedition. Stay Overnight in a hotel. Day 10: Leh to Kargil(2676m) | 220km      Grade/Duration - Moderate/Approx. 6 Hours Altitude Loss - 824m Highlights - Fotu La, Namika La, Lamayuru Monastery  

The ride from Leh to Kargil takes relatively less time as the roads are in pretty decent condition. We bid adieu to Leh and follow the mighty Indus River towards Kargil on the Leh-Srinagar Highway. The landscape is mesmerizing all along the way as we ride through a spectacular moonscape to reach Lamayuru, which is home to the highest located monastery in the region. Just after Lamayuru, we start the gradual climb towards the Fotu La(4108m) and after climbing down the pass we start the climb towards another high pass which is Namika La(3700m). Both of these passes are in the Zanskar range and take us into the Musbekh Valley. We pass through multiple picturesque villages en route to Kargil. Stay overnight. Day 11: Kargil to Srinagar(1585m) | 202km      Grade/Duration - Difficult/Approx. 7 Hours Altitude Loss - 1091m Highlights - Dras War Memorial, Zoji La  

Wake up the chilly Himalayan air and get ready for what is going to be one of the most incredible riding experiences. We check out of our accommodation and start riding towards the Kashmir Valley via Dras, which is regarded as the second coldest inhabited place on earth. Just before reaching Dras, we take a short break at the Dras War Memorial. After Dras, we start riding uphill towards Zoji La(3528m) and the views from the top are just indescribably beautiful. After crossing the pass we enter the breathtaking valley of Sonamarg which is a major tourist destination. Another couple of hours of riding through the valley take us to Srinagar. Stay overnight in a houseboat/hotel. Day 12: Srinagar to Pathankot (332m) | 330km      Grade/Duration - Easy/Approx. 10 Hours Altitude Loss - 1253m Highlights - Riding down Himalayas, Jawahar Tunnel, Syama Tunnel  

Today’s ride is going to take us through the stunning valleys of Kashmir to the plains of Pathankot in Punjab. Although the distance is rather long, the riding pace should be quite swift as we will be climbing down and the road conditions are pretty decent. On the way to Pathankot, we are going to pass through two of the biggest tunnels in the region i.e. Jawahar Tunnel(2.85km) and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel(9.2km). Arrive at the hotel and have a good night of sleep as tomorrow is also going to be a long day of riding. Day 13: Pathankot to Delhi (216m) | 485km      Grade/Duration - Easy/Approx. 11 Hours Altitude Loss - 116m Highlights - Lush Green landscape throughout   

Today marks the last day of this once in a lifetime adventure. We need to start as early as possible as the distance to be covered today is the longest on this 13-day expedition. The journey should be pretty uneventful as we are going to be riding on wide tarmac roads through the plains of Punjab and Haryana. Arrive in the capital by late evening and reach the very place where it all started from. Get photographed with the entire gang one last time on this epic voyage and bid farewell to your motorcycle and your fellow riders. Trip Ends.

Get some inspiration from our amazing blog stories:

• Exploring Ladakh on a Motor Bike
• Why are Bike Trips to Ladakh so Popular
• Ladakh Motorbike Expedition: Chase Down the Road of Dreams on a Bike
• Motorbike Expedition to Ladakh: A Whiff of Thrill Amidst Beauty
• Check out these Amazing Motorbiking Routes for your Next Adventure

FAQs for Leh Ladakh Bike Tours:

1. What are the different routes to reach Leh?  Leh is accessible by road essentially from two different regions i.e. Kashmir Valley in west and Himachal in south. To get the best Ladakhi experience, one should enter from  Manali and exit in Srinagar or vice versa.   2. What is the ideal duration for a Ladakh bike trip? A bona fide Ladakh bike trip takes a minimum of 11 days if you want to experience all that this remote cold deserted region has to offer. There’s also an option of doing a Ladakh bike trip in 5-6 days if you fly in/out of Leh and cover places such as Nubra and Pangong. Although, flying in/out implies that you miss the adventures that the Manali-Leh Highway and the Srinagar-Leh Highway offer. 3. What is the ideal season to visit Ladakh? The open season for Ladakh is between June to September if you want to ride across all the high altitude passes such as Rohtang La, Baralacha La and Khardung La. 4. What type of clothing/gear is required for a Ladakh bike trip? Carrying the right kind of clothing is extremely important as you encounter all sorts of difficult weather/terrains ranging from humidity to biting cold and water crossings to snow-covered passes. The idea is to keep you warm and dry. Full body thermals along with a jacket are absolute necessities. A rain suit along with high ankle waterproof shoes/gumboots are to be carried. About the riding equipment, elbow guards and knee pads provide much-required safety apart from the helmet. 5. What are the must-see places during a Ladakh bike trip? Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Leh, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Tso, Chang La, Tso Moriri, Kargil, Batalik, Zoji La, Srinagar. 6. What type of motorcycle is suited for Ladakh? The terrain on a Ladakh bike trip changes drastically in different locations. There should be enough power in the engine to manoeuvre through high passes and terrains such as slush, snow and even water crossings. Although Adventure Motorcycles are ideal, any motorcycle having a 200cc engine or above should do the job.  7. How good is the tourist infrastructure in Ladakh? Biking in Ladakh has become one of the most popular road trips in the world and that’s why the tourist infrastructure gets better every year. There are plenty of options available for accommodation/food throughout the entire biking circuit. Mobile reception is available only in the major towns so be prepared to be off the grid for some time.

Package Details

The dream ride motor bike expedition to ladakh, price (per person):   ` 39,999, duration:   13 days, cancellation policy   |   payment policy.

Package Price Details for Year 2023:

Total Distance:  Approx. 2800 KM

Documents to Carry : Passport size photographs  Original Photo ID ( voter card or passport ) Driving Licence If bringing your own bike, all documents related to your bike should be submitted along with insurance papers.  

• The check-in time is 12 noon/early check-in subject to availability of the room.
• We will run the departures subject to having a minimum group strength of 6 to 8 riders in each batch. If the minimum required Batch size is not met then Adventure Nation has full rights to cancel the departure and we will offer you either reschedule option, ANN credit option or full refund option.
•  If there are any additional expenses due to bad weather or any other reason beyond the control of the tour operator on account of a hotel stay, transportation, and meals, etc. extra bill will be raised. Neither Adventure Nation nor the participating partners/hotels will be responsible for the additional expenses.
•  Adventure Nation is not responsible for any change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule, cancellation of flights/trains, political disturbances, natural phenomenon, etc
• If any group member wants to leave group in-between the tour then he/she has to pay the cost for transportation of bike from point of leaving the tour till Manali drop
• Group members would have to get own riding gear. Wearing a helmet, carrying a valid ID proof & Driving license is mandatory.
• All guests will be responsible for the safety and security of their own luggage. We will not be at all responsible for the damage/missing / lost luggage. So carry a small daypack bags to carry all expensive things with you. 
• Compensation for any damage/accident done by you during the tour to other property/person would be directly payable by you.

COVID 19 related Terms & Condition : Adventure Nation shall follow Covid 19 Protocols as per the government guidelines applicable to it. However, it is made clear, that the individual participants are responsible for maintaining all such protocols and guidelines that are applicable at his/her own level towards the prevention and spread of Covid 19. If any participants develop any symptoms around Covid 19, it shall immediately inform the Adventure Nation's team who shall then follow and adopt all such measures as it deems fit under the situation. Adventure Nation's decision shall be final and all participants shall abide by the above conditions to ensure safely of himself/herself and the people around.

Adventure Nation shall not be liable for any loss, cost, expense, damage, delay, missed connections, or any other consequential damages or losses which may be the direct or indirect result  of any actions taken by it as stated above.

Inclusions:

Exclusions:.

Section 01: Package without Motorcycle

• Accommodation in Hotels / Camps / Guest Houses on double/triple sharing from Day 01 to Day 12 (Double Sharing for couples)
• Meals - Breakfast and Dinner starting from Day 1 Dinner to Day 13 Breakfast.
• Services of the experienced trip leader and motorbike Mechanic
• Services of the backup vehicle for a group of more than 10 motorbikes
• First Aid kit and Oxygen cylinder at dispersal with the trip leader
• Inner Line permits worth Rs. 800/-
• Facility to carry luggage in a vehicle restricted to 1 Rucksack / Duffle bag of 60 Litres per motorbike

Section 02: Package with Motorbike

• Everything that is included in section 01
• Royal Enfield 350cc / 500cc motorbike
• Motorbike Fuel for the complete trip as per the itinerary
• Helmet for both rider and pillion
• Riding Gears for rider(Knee pads and Elbow guards are included in the package for the whole trip)
• Extra Fuel for back up

Section 03: Package with MUV

• Everything that is included in Section 01
• Transport in an MUV like Tempo Traveller / Toyota Innova / Mahindra Xylo / Mahindra Scorpio from Day 01 to Day 13 as per the group size
• Insurance; We recommend Adventure Travel Insurance.
• Personal expenses like Telephone, Laundry, Tips and Table Drinks, etc.
• Any Airfare / Rail fare other than what is mentioned in “Inclusions”
• Airport, Railway station or Bus stop pick up or drop
• The cost of any spare part will be used due to the accidental damage incurred when the motorbike is in the rider’s possession.
• The cost incurred to transfer or tow the motorbike in case it is dropped on the way.
• Vehicle servicing or maintenance cost
• Any lunch and other meals not mentioned in package inclusions
• Security deposit per motorbike of Rs. 10,000/-. As per the deposit policy (This is refundable at the end of the trip if there is no damage or spare parts used.)
• Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.
• Any cost incurred due to extension, change of itinerary due to natural calamities, road, blocks, vehicle breakdown, union issues and factors beyond our control
• Additional accommodation/food cost incurred due to any delay
• The cost for single sharing accommodation will be additional which needs to be confirmed prior.
• Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusion section

Reviews for The Dream Ride Motor Bike Expedition to Ladakh

Awesome experience!

Go for it guys! It is the best possible choice if you are looking for bike trip to Ladakh. Had an awesome time with the group.

Value for money, food was delicious, and the team was excellent in handling the member and the bikes. No issues faced at all. Thanks for the adventure folks!

I travelled all the way from Kolkata just to experience the beauty of Ladakh in most adventurous way possible and it proved to be worth all the effort I made. Everything was perfect in terms of service and food.

2500 kms plus in 13 days of this Motorbike Expedition to Ladakh. Oh God, what an experience! I will never forget this ride. But you know what was the best part about this bike trip to Ladakh? The ride operators were so cool! and so approachable! The mechanics were very knowledgeable. The bikes performed well. And we rode them on such diverse kinds of roads so it was amazing that not even one broke down midway. Even while off-roading and river crossing, the whole thing was so much fun!!! I would do it again and again each year. Thanks, Adventure Nation for making this possible!

A bike trip to Ladakh is not the easiest of things to accomplish but all its difficulty fades away in the face of how satisfying it is when you finish the whole thing and not just that...even while you're on it, even while you're riding all the way to Ladakh you're feeling amazing no matter how hard the terrain looks like. And then there are particular moments in the bike trip that make you feel extra spectacular, especially camping in Nubra and looking at Pangong lake. Waking up to a sunrise at Pangong Tso is one of the best visuals to feast your eyes on! Thanks for this experience, Adventure Nation.

The most important part of a bike trip to anywhere is how much you can rely on the bikes. Because I have been on many bike trips before and twice to Ladakh, if your bike is giving you problems even after the test ride and getting it initially checked, then the trip is going to be tiring. That's why I wanted to make sure I go with the best guys. I booked this trek through Adventure Nation for a departure in August. Adventure Nation put us with the best bike trip operators in the game, thanks so much! Whole trip was so tension-free, thanks to that. The operators have been doing it for the longest time so they have an idea of what they are trying to do here! Thanks again!!!

My bike trip to Ladakh was my bachelor's trip as a last trip with the boys right before my wedding. To say the least, it was so good and so refreshing, it was the best thing I could've asked for. I LOVED everything about it. The rental bikes were great and in great shape to be driven down bumpy roads or good roads or river bed roads or off-roading altogether. And I had all these experiences on this trip! This one was such a delight, by the end we were already making plans to revisit. Thanks so much Adventure Nation for making this so special!

Almost a lifelong dream, this biking trip was so long due. Honestly, it will stay fresh in my memories for a long time from now. Loved the people that went with us. Almost ten of us were there. Out of which three were my friends who I had planned this trip with. Man, thanks for the amazing service. The bikes were in great shape and the food and the staying arrangement was also taken care of in the best way possible. This is why I chose you, Adventure Nation.

This is my first time on a biking trip but second time with Adventure Nation. Last time I went to Hampta pass trek. Had amazing fun there as well. This time it was a blast! It was so much fun with all the people including the staff that was with us to look after the bikes and our food and accommodations. I am still so excited. Never had a better experience.

We covered close to 2500 kms on our bike tour to Ladakh. The route we were given was great, because it covered most of the picturesque trails that we were hoping to ride through. We also camped along side Pangong Tso lake, which was definitely the best campsite. Remember to pack light because you will not need as much clothes as you will need biking gear and other necessary stuff. Also, get some experience of long bike rides before you do this because it will tire you a little sometimes. But we always stuck to the plan till the end!

Take the ride of your life but plan adequately before you decide to go. Better to book through an agency like Adventure Nation, because we were given a detailed itinerary and full mechanical support throughout. And you don't have to carry extra stuff like camping materials and all if you go with them. Also if you are going solo it is safer to go with these guys because you will definitely find some rider friends. Amazing trip. Ladakh is a beauty obviously, and the winds that touch you when you ride through it will give you a feeling out of this world.

I have made two trips to Ladakh before this. Once was on a vacation, and the other time was a biking trip. This time I booked through Adventure Nation along with two of my friends. What a fun time. Had amazing time there. The itinerary was great and we did not have to look around for accommodation and meals as it was all taken care of. Amazing! Thanks for the time.

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Cancellation policy.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation charges per person

30 days or more before departure: 25% of total cost 29 - 20 days before departure: 50% of total cost Less than 20 days before departure: 100% of total cost

IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR ADVENTURE HOLIDAY

We do plan the arrangements in advance. It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel arrangements. Occasionally, we may have to make changes due to Force Majeure Events and we reserve the right to do so at any time before or during the trip. If there are any changes, we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date before or during the trip based on the Force Majeure Events. We also reserve the right under Force Majeure Events to cancel your travel arrangements / offer alternative dates / revise the itinerary before or during the trip. Any additional cost incurred due to the above-mentioned reasons will have to be borne by the traveller himself. There shall be no refund to the traveller under Force Majeure Events.

Force Majeure Event shall mean and include any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of Adventure Nation, including without limitation, any act of nature or the public enemy, accident, explosion, fire, storm, earthquake, flood, drought, perils of the sea, casualty, strikes, lock-outs, labour troubles, riots, sabotage, terrorists acts, embargo, war (whether or not declared), governmental actions, delay in issuance or processing of Visa/permit, change of laws and regulations, orders, or decrees, or other causes of like or different character beyond the control of Adventure Nation.

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR ADVENTURE HOLIDAY PLAN

After you make full or partial payment, if you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way (e.g. your chosen departure date or accommodation), we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes must be in writing from the person who made the booking. All cost incurred due to amendment will be borne by the traveller himself.

Payment Policy

46 Days or more before date of departure: 25% of total cost. 31 - 45 Days before date of departure: 50% of total cost. 30 days before date of departure: 100% of total cost.

Important: The booking stands liable to be cancelled if 100% payment is not received less than 30 days before date of departure.

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Discover the Ultimate Adventure with Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

If you’re yearning for an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth, look no further than Leh Ladakh Tour Packages . This stunning region in northern India offers an unparalleled adventure experience with its rugged terrains, high-altitude deserts, and picturesque monasteries. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling Leh Ladakh road trip or a serene getaway with Leh Ladakh vacation packages , this destination has it all. Let’s dive into what you can expect from these tour packages and explore a sample itinerary to inspire your next adventure.

Why Choose Leh Ladakh for Your Next Adventure?

Leh Ladakh, often referred to as the “Land of High Passes,” is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the crystal-clear Pangong Lake to the ancient monasteries perched on rugged cliffs, every corner of Leh Ladakh promises a unique experience. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts and peace seekers alike, Leh Ladakh offers a range of activities including trekking, biking, and exploring traditional Tibetan culture.

Leh Ladakh Tour Packages: What to Expect

1. leh ladakh adventure tours.

For those who crave thrill and excitement, Leh Ladakh Adventure Tours are the perfect choice. These packages are designed to take you through the most adventurous routes, including high-altitude treks and challenging mountain biking trails. Experience the exhilaration of crossing some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including the Khardung La and Chang La.

• Day 1: Arrival in Leh. Acclimatize and explore local markets.
• Day 2: Visit the Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers.
• Day 3: Trek to the beautiful Nubra Valley and visit Diskit Monastery.
• Day 4: Explore Pangong Lake and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
• Day 5: Return to Leh and visit local monasteries such as Thiksey and Hemis.

2. Leh Ladakh Packages for Sightseeing

For those looking to soak in the sights and sounds of Leh Ladakh at a more relaxed pace, Leh Ladakh Packages for sightseeing are ideal. These packages focus on exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region without the intense physical challenges of adventure tours.

• Day 1: Arrive in Leh and explore the Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa.
• Day 2: Visit the serene Pangong Lake and take a leisurely stroll by its shores.
• Day 3: Discover the Nubra Valley, including the sand dunes of Hunder and the ancient Diskit Monastery.
• Day 4: Return to Leh, visiting the local markets and monasteries.
• Day 5: Departure from Leh.

3. Leh Ladakh Group Tours

Traveling with friends or family? Leh Ladakh Group Tours offer a great way to experience the region’s wonders together. These tours often include group discounts and customized itineraries to suit various interests.

• Day 1: Arrival in Leh and orientation meeting with the group.
• Day 2: Group visit to major attractions such as Magnetic Hill and the Indus River.
• Day 3: Group excursion to Nubra Valley with a camel ride in Hunder.
• Day 4: Explore Pangong Lake as a group and enjoy a campfire in the evening.
• Day 5: Farewell dinner and return to Leh for departure.

4. Leh Ladakh Budget Tours

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to experience the best of Leh Ladakh, Leh Ladakh Budget Tours are a great option. These packages offer economical travel solutions while ensuring you don’t miss out on the region’s highlights.

• Day 1: Arrive in Leh and acclimatize with local sightseeing.
• Day 2: Explore the Magnetic Hill and the confluence point.
• Day 3: Visit Nubra Valley and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations.
• Day 4: Trip to Pangong Lake with cost-effective options for meals and activities.
• Day 5: Return to Leh and departure.

Customize Your Leh Ladakh Experience

At Swan Tours, we understand that each traveler has unique preferences. That’s why we offer customizable Leh Ladakh Tour Packages to ensure you get exactly the adventure or relaxation you seek. From luxury stays to budget options, our packages can be tailored to fit your needs and desires.

Plan Your Leh Ladakh Adventure Today!

Ready to explore the high-altitude wonders of Leh Ladakh? With our expertly crafted Leh Ladakh Tour Packages , your dream adventure is just a booking away. Visit Swan Tours Leh Ladakh Tour Packages to discover more and start planning your unforgettable journey.

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You may also like, explore the best leh ladakh tour packages with..., 7 most famous monastery in ladakh, buddhism in ladakh, culture of leh ladakh, food of ladakh, pangong tso lake travel guide, how to reach leh ladakh, shopping places in leh ladakh, packing tips for leh ladakh, nubra valley in ladakh – complete travel guide.

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STONEHEADBIKES – Bike Rental in Delhi

Explore india with ease: your trusted motorcycle rental since 2009, leh ladakh bike trip or spiti valley: which one is better.

When it comes to adventure motorcycle tours in India , two of the most popular destinations are Leh Ladakh bike trip and Spiti Valley. Both offer rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and a unique cultural experience. But which one is the best? Let’s explore both destinations and find out.

A Leh Ladakh bike trip is a thrilling adventure that takes you through some of the most challenging roads in the world. The journey starts from Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and takes you through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and other mountain passes such as Chang La, Tanglang La, and Baralacha La. You will also cross the famous Zanskar and Indus rivers, visit ancient monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey, and Alchi, and witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the Ladakhi people.

A motorcycle tour of Spiti Valley is a challenging adventure that takes you through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the world. The journey starts from Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, and takes you through the famous Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, and other mountain passes such as Malling Nallah and Losar. You will also visit ancient monasteries such as Tabo, Dhankar, and Ki, and witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the Spiti people.

Which is the best?

Both Leh Ladakh bike trip and Spiti Valley offer unique experiences that are sure to thrill any adventure traveler or motorcycle enthusiast. However, the best destination depends on your personal preferences and level of experience.

If you are looking for a more challenging adventure with rugged terrain and remote locations, Spiti bike trip is the best choice. The roads are narrow and winding, with steep drops on the side, and require a high level of skill and experience. The landscape is also more rugged and barren, with fewer settlements and facilities.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more accessible adventure with stunning landscapes and unique culture, Leh Ladakh bike trip is the best choice. The roads are wider and more well-maintained, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient monasteries. The landscape is also more diverse, with a mix of deserts, mountains, and valleys.

In conclusion, both Leh Ladakh bike trip and Spiti bike trip offer unique experiences that are sure to thrill any adventure traveler or motorcycle enthusiast. Whether you choose Leh Ladakh tour or Spiti Valley tour depends on your personal preferences and level of experience. If you are a seasoned adventurer looking for a challenging journey, Spiti Valley is the best choice. But if you are a beginner or looking for a more accessible adventure, Leh Ladakh is the way to go.

Ultimately, both destinations offer breathtaking landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and a thrilling adventure for anyone seeking to explore the beauty of India on a motorcycle. When it comes to adventure motorcycle tours in India , Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley are two of the best options.

To make the most out of your adventure, it is important to prepare and plan accordingly. Make sure to bring appropriate gear, including a high-quality helmet, riding jacket, gloves, and boots. The weather in both destinations can be unpredictable, so it is important to pack for a range of conditions, including warm layers and waterproof gear.

In addition, it is important to acclimate to the altitude before embarking on the journey. Both Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley are located at high altitudes, and altitude sickness can be a serious concern. It is recommended to spend a few days in Leh or Manali before starting your motorcycle tour to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

Lastly, be respectful of the local culture and customs. Both Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley have a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to be mindful of the local traditions and beliefs. Dress appropriately when visiting monasteries and other cultural sites, and be mindful of your behavior and actions.

Overall, the decision between Leh Ladakh bike trip and Spiti Valley bike trip ultimately depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you are seeking a more remote and rugged adventure, Spiti Valley may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in a blend of adventure and cultural experiences, Leh Ladakh bike trip may be the better option.

Regardless of which destination you choose, one thing is certain – an adventure motorcycle tour in India is an experience of a lifetime. The stunning landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and thrilling ride make it an unforgettable journey for any adventure traveler or motorcycle enthusiast. Just make sure to prepare and plan accordingly, acclimate to the altitude, and be respectful of the local culture to make the most out of your journey.

If you are looking for bike on hire in Delhi for your leh ladakh trip from Delhi , do check out our rental sections by clicking HERE . We have largest and newest motorcycle fleet in India at very economical prices with mechanical warranty, road side assistance and Insurance. Also you can visit our Motorcycle Tours section by clicking HERE to checkout the recommended itineraries & how to prepare for such adventurous motorcycle tours.

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip & Tour

If visiting this beautiful region of India has been on your bucket list but you’re short of time, this ride is perfect – experience a life beyond 10,000ft!

• Leh Ladakh Bike Trip & Tour

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip – 7 Days Overview

One of the most unexplored regions of the Tibetan Plateau, this highly sought after trip is completely customised based on your needs. Our short 7-day Ladakh region tour packages are ideal for family holidays or occasions when you don’t have a lot of time up your sleeve. You’ll fly from Delhi to Leh where you’ll pick up the classic Royal Enfield for your journey. Once you embark on your motorcycle Ladakh package, you’ll ride on some of the most rugged roads in the world, cross the world’s highest motorable passes, camp at high altitude lakes, and spend time in valleys that are 12,000ft above sea level!

Our Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Videos

Start - Leh

Finish - Leh

About the region

You’ll find Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh covering most of India’s Northern Himalaya region, bringing with them a landscape (and moonscape) that is unlike anywhere else you’ve travelled. We invite you to journey to one of the most beautiful and rugged parts of the world on our Ladakh motorcycle tour, with the wind in your face and adventure in the air.

As you look closer at the bright green oasis that surrounds the villages in the Ladakh area, you’ll see the drab brown mountains break into a flurry of fantasy colours. Take in the century's old monasteries, where the ancient traditions of mystic Buddhism are cradled, perched over precarious rock cliffs.

Did you know that the road to Ladakh is the same trail that was used by the caravans travelling to the Silk Route many centuries ago? If this isn’t awe-inspiring enough, remember that the roads here are only open four months of the year, as they’re covered in snow at all other times.

For many riders, the highlight of this tour is Khardung La – to pass from Leh into the Nubra Valley, you will ride along a road that sits at an incredible 18,380ft above sea level.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery as you ride to altitudes exceeding 12,000ft above sea level and visit the highest cold desert in the world. Pass deep river gorges on your way to Khardung La – the world’s highest motorable pass. This is surely on the toughest motorcycle rides anywhere in the world, and the Viktorianz team is excited to be with you on such a life-changing journey.

Do I need to be concerned about altitude sickness?

Yes. As the Ladakh region is located so high in the mountains, we recommend arriving a few days early if flying in so that you can acclimatise appropriately. If it’s possible to drive into the area instead, this will allow you to acclimatise as you go.

Is petrol easy to come by?

Not always – petrol pumps tend to be few and far between in the Ladakh region. When travelling between Manali and Leh, for example, the next pump after Keylong is 356km away! For this reason, you must plan Ladakh trips by bike in advance to avoid being caught out with an empty tank.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Itinerary

If you’re on an early flight into Leh from Delhi, make sure that you look out the window to watch the sun rising over the spectacular Himalayan peaks (one of the most beautiful sights in the world, in our opinion). Your Viktorianz guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, where you’ll spend the rest of the day taking it easy – we're at 10,000ft here and you need to get used to the lower oxygen levels. Your bike will also arrive at the hotel, so feel free to take a small trail ride if you’d like to familiarise yourself with it.

If you’re a non-Indian tourist, we’ll take this opportunity to apply for and process mandatory inner line permits that you’ll need to enjoy your Leh tour.

To provide you with another day to acclimatise to the high altitude, we’ll keep it local with a tour of the Leh region (by either car or motorcycle, whatever you prefer). We’ll visit some must-see tourist locations, including Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, the Hall of Fame Museum, Shey, Thikse, Stok Palace, and the Hemis Monastery.

If you’ve opted to ride today, this is a great opportunity to get used to your bike and the Ladakh traffic conditions.

On the first day of the actual ride, we’ll head out to explore some of the region’s most unique landscapes on a scenic ride through some fine rocky faces to visit the Lamayuru Monastery and Moonland. On our way back, we’ll pay a visit to the Alchi and Likir Monasteries, the magical phenomenon of Magnetic Hill, and the scenic Bazgo Plains. The plan is to arrive back at the hotel by the late afternoon.

Having spent 3 nights at Leh you are now fairly acclimatised and used to your iron horse, and this is a landmark day. Today you would ride on to the World's highest motorable pass - Khardungla ( 18,380 ft) and cross into the beautiful Nubra valley through some deep gorges. What you ride today has been for thousands of years a caravan route that used to feed the Silk route through Karakoram pass.The essential tourist spots we see today are the Hunder sand dunes; double humped Bactrian camels and unique Diskit monastery and its Giant Buddha. The Bactrian camels are a wonderful remnants of the trading days. We stay overnight in a typical high altitude Ladakhi village in Nubra valley - Hunder or Sumur. Witness the rustic lifestyle of people in these most rugged terrains of the World.

After breakfast, we ride to Pangong lake via Shyok and onto Tangtse and Spangmik. It’s a short cut and is a beautiful, rugged route. The road follows Shyok river and climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shyok village. It will take you a couple of hours to reach Shyok. By noon you would arrive at one of the most spectacular vistas of your life - Pangong Tso Lake (alt: 14,500 ft) It is 5-6 km wide and over 130 km long, two-thirds of which lies on the other side of the Indo-China border. It has some of the most beautiful hues of blue, that you would ever see in your life. And a night by the lakeside camp or resort is an experience of lifetime.

Having done Pangong Tso - now its time to return back to Leh for your last evening in Ladakh. You could spend the time collecting some memorablia from Leh town, or just have a easy evening looking back at your time spent in this wonderful part of the world. These memories will surely keep coming back to you. If you wish to extend your trip and see Tso Moriri Lake - please talk to us well in advance ...

You have had one of the most unique experiences in life. It’s time to fly out of Leh. Our representative will transfer you to airport.

While everything essential is covered on this week long tour. It would take 3 more days if you wish to see the regions of Turtuk ( A Balti village on Indo-Pak border) and Tso Moriri (another beautiful high altitude lake). If you are keen and have time - do ask us to plan your customisedtour'.

PS: There may be minor re-routing in case of weather conditions or road conditions at the actual time of travel. Your guide is best qualified to take this call.

Our Leh Ladakh Tour and Trip Gallery

Ladakh Tour Packages – Dates & Cost

NB: We offer special discounts for pillion riders; if you’re planning to bring a passenger along, please fill out the ‘Ask Quick Question’ form below for a quote.

Ladakh Tour – Inclusions & Exclusions

• Accommodation for 6 nights in deluxe hotels and camps (on a twin sharing basis)
• Inner line security permits (where applicable)
• Royal Enfield 500 cc motorcycle rental
• Transfers between airport and hotel
• Tour leader and local guide on motorcycle
• Support vehicle with driver to carry your luggage
• RE mechanic with spare parts to perform minor repairs en route
• Fuel for entire tour
• Foreigners permits for non-Indian riders
• All hotel taxes and entry fees to monasteries, etc
• Flights to and from Leh (book this ASAP – it gets more expensive the closer it gets to March)
• Lunches and dinners
• Laundry, tips, camera fees, camel rides, etc
• Personal expenses and other additional expenses incurred due to bad weather, flight cancellations, road closures, landslides, political disturbances, etc
• Personal riding kit – jacket, helmet, gloves, and shoes
• Anything else not mentioned in the inclusions

"After having my first adventure ride with Viktorianz, I can't recommend them highly enough. The planning, organisation and tour leadership is excellent. Ankit was a great guide and Mike was very responsive with any questions i asked. Communication is clear and they were very flexible with requests and I always felt like i was in very good hands. Not to mention that their prices are very reasonable compared to other companies. Thank you Viktorianz ~ "

" A fantastic setup, great people running this company. I had a memorable time riding in Leh. The information about the trip was spot on and complete, the arrangements all around were top notch. Great memories, safe rides, a very knowledgeable and warm ride lead in Ankit. Will be back. "

" Viktorianz organised my most memorable road trip ever with great concern civility and in no time. In fact within 24 hours from proposing defining to refining the trip. Special thanks to Mr.Ankit. Safely and extremely rewarding in conducted in most professional manner and guided by a thorough gentleman with Vast Himalayan and trans Himalayan experience. Special thanks to Mr.Atul Dalal. Viktorianz know these places like their own backyard steering out of toughest terrain and conditions with great ease. Satisfaction and safety of clients/ guests is paramount. "

" Starting of 2017, me and my wife decided to kick off our bucket list by having bike trip in Ladakh in month of May. Once we decided, we started our online research, two of the most critical requirements we had were safety in such challenging terrain and convenience.

As we looked into may reviews online one name kept popping up continuously was Viktorianz, although it initially sounded bit expensive to do bike trip with them, but we were looking for someone with good track record and I guess there is no match to Viktorianz. During the whole experience of planning the trip, it was really great professionalism from Viktorianz, which helped us build our confidence, even though family and friends were quite worried. I was personally also bit skeptical in terms of how this experience will turn out. Even though I did many long trips on bike during my young age, I had no bike for almost last 5-6 years and without any recent experience, taking on such adventurous trip was bit of stretch for me.

We took bike trip in first week of May (1st May – 8th May, 2017), although the summer starts at same time in Ladakh region, when we arrived in Leh, winter decided to extend its stay and that made our trip extraordinarily memorable. Right from advising us on every small detail about planning the trip, Viktorianz team did excellent job, they patiently handled all our queries and provided all the details. The hotel we stayed during our stay in Leh was really good and one of the best in town., every stay during the bike trip was made extremely comfortable, including the tents at Pangong lake.

One of the key for stay in such high altitude is to get accustomed to low oxygen level and stay away from altitude sickness. And this was precisely in center of everything Viktorianz planned for the bike trip. Viktorianz has great team, and they get best local support team (local guide, 4x4 back vehicle, bike mechanic), bikes were so well refined & oiled machines, that I never realized that these bikes were on rent! Best part of this bike trip was our team leader and coordinator for this bike trip, Ankit, great guy with so much energy and exuberance, but same time extremely humble and caring, I think this trip without him would have not been such great experience!

Final words! I read some where that “buy experiences rather than buying materialistic things!” and it wouldn’t be anymore true than when I bought this experience with Viktorianz, one of the best decision I ever made! "

"Col Mike mixes the adventure, nature and culture so well in his conduct of riding expeditions. We were very impressed with his deep knowledge of the local area and his military type of conduct of rides. His 24 years of experience in Indian Army comes in Handy at all times during the trip. He sure is one very reliable bike trip leader in India. I would go with him anytime and many times. "

Leh Ladakh Tour Itinerary

Your tour will begin when you arrive in Delhi – your Viktorianz guide will meet you at either the airport or the train station and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll provide a detailed briefing of the journey ahead and will give you some time to familiarise yourself with the motorcycle (your best friend for the next 15 days).

Until the briefing, feel free to spend some time exploring Delhi. The capital city of India, it is of immense historical and political importance as a revered power centre. Some popular tourist locations to visit include Qutub Minar, Lutyens Delhi, Humayuns Tomb, the Bollywood Opera at Kingdown of Dreams, and the street food of Chandi Chowk.

Our rides normally commence in the early morning, so that we can take advantage of less traffic and a cooler riding experience. This tour begins on the vintage Grand Trunk Road, which comes all the way from Peshawar and travels through the plains of Haryana and Punjab. Hamlets and rice fields will be visible on either side of the road. In fact, Punjab is known for its distinct cuisine and flavour – don't miss some delicious chicken when you arrive in Jullundhar.

Spend the morning travelling through rural Punjab. It’s all plains until we arrive at the lower Himalayas, where it becomes an endless series of bridges over streams. Once we enter the foothills of the Himalayas, we’ll pass into the Jammu region (in particular, the Hindu settlements of Jammu and Kashmir). Be careful of potholes and unruly traffic at road crossings!

After an early breakfast, we’ll head towards Srinagar. Expect the roads to be busier, as we’ll pass through crowded villages and towns (made even busier by the passing army convoys, which have priority rights). There’s a checkpoint just short of the Jawahar Tunnel where a passport and identity check will be performed, then we’ll cross through the tunnel to the beautiful Kashmir Valley. After a quick photo stop, we’ll continue through the crowded Kashmiri towns towards Srinagar. Expect some traffic snarls as we get closer.

We expect to each Srinagar by afternoon, where we’ll take a Shikara ride to our houseboats on the famous Dal Lake. Feel free to relax for a bit before setting out to explore the lake and its surrounds. A Shikara ride on the lake is a popular pastime for the evening. We’ll be served a Kashmiri dinner back at the houseboats, after which you can do some more exploring or retire early.

Another early morning start, today’s ride will take us along a nice and winding road along a gushing water stream to Sonmarg. This is a beautiful hamlet filled with lush green meadows. Your riding skills will be put to the test when we cross the Zozila Pass (which gets washed away by heavy snowfall each year) - there’s no blacktop and there are long truck convoys to contend with at times. Once we’re through the pass, we’ll head to Dras (which has been rated as the second coldest inhabited place in the world) where you will be able to pay tribute to the real heroes of the Kargil War.

We’ll spend the night at a hotel in the small Himalayan township of Kargil.

After another early breakfast, it will be time to hit the road in the direction of Leh. During our travels, we’ll visit the standing Buddha at Mulbegh and the famous Lamayuru Monastery, both of which are in a unique landscape that closely resembles the moon (aptly named Moonland). Detouring off the main highway, we’ll take a lunchbreak at the ancient Alchi Monastery before riding on to Magnetic Hill and the Pathar Sahib Gurudwara.

We’ll then tackle the Bazgo Plains and reach Leh by the evening. This is the capital of the Ladakh region and will provide you with access to some modern amenities, so feel free to take advantage.

You’ve spent 4 days riding and have travelled beyond 10,000ft above sea level, so we’ve dedicated today to relaxing and acclimatisation. You’ll be able to explore Leh at your own pleasure. We highly recommend the Stok Palace, Leh Palace, Hall of Fame Museum, Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Shanti Stupa, and the Tibetan markets and shops. We also recommend enjoying some local food and purchasing some souvenirs. Just remember to take it easy.

The motorcycles will receive a thorough service to prepare them for the next leg.

Today, we tackle the world’s highest motorable pass at 18,384ft – Khardung La. The highest point that you can ever reach on a motorcycle, be sure to snap a quick picture before heading down the other side of the pass (where the oxygen gets a bit higher). We’ve now crossed over into the beautiful Nubra Valley. We’ll spend the night at an organic farm field camp, with dinner by the fireplace and clear views of the night sky – you're sure to love it.

The Nubra Valley deserves more than just a single day’ there are quite a few things to see and do here. Explore the Diskit Monastery (the monks have some great stories to share) and the famous Hunder sand dunes (where you’ll be amazed at the double hump bactrian camels, remnants of the silk trade that flourished here in the past).

The Balti village of Turtuk or the hot water springs of Panamik are about a day’s ride (there and back), but please note they would require special permits and preparations.

An easier morning than those of days past, feel free to take one last walk around the village and see life as it exists beyond 10,000ft. At around 10am, we’ll return to Leh via the Khardung La pass. The rest of the day is yours to spend how you see fit.

A wonderful ride to see one of the most beautiful vistas you’ll ever see in your life. The journey will take us through some passes, valleys, and even some truly frightening roads – try spotting the mormots or ibex on the slopes and meadows. Pangong Tso Lake truly is a natural wonder – the turquoise blue waters are known to change as the sun and clouds change. We’ll spend the night camped on the lake.

Remember that it’s cold in the passes and on the lake, and the winds are pretty harsh at times, so be sure to rug up.

We’ll need to head out early, as it’s a long day’s ride to Sarchu. We’ll pass by Tanglang La followed by the drying Tso-Kar Lake (popular amongst birdwatching enthusiasts) to the Moreh Plains, where the roads will become a lot nicer. At the end of these plains, we’ll reach a roadside camp called Pang where we’ll stop for lunch before continuing on. By late afternoon, we’ll cross the border into the windy valley of Himachal at Sarchu.

We’ll quickly check into our camp here – Sarchu is normally quite cold and has a wind chill effect plus it’sa good idea to retire early, as there’s another long day of riding ahead.

This is the last of the tough riding days, but it’s a leg that also offers the most rewarding views so it’s completely worth it in our minds. We aim to head off early. Expect a mix of good, bad, and ugly roads – plus, we’ll cross the famous Rohtang La (which means the Heap of Dead). There is a tunnel currently under construction that will make this pass redundant, so enjoy it while you can.

If we only stop when it’s essential (there are a few spots where IDs will be checked), we can expect to reach Manali by evening.

We’ll take it a lot easier today as we head back down through the Himalayas towards Chandigarh. The roads will get busier as you get closer to more modern civilisation – once we hit the plains, we’ll be back to the usual mundane traffic of Indian roads.

Like all good things, your Ladakh motorcycle tour must also come to an end. We’ll arrive back in Delhi by the afternoon and return to your hotel. Your bike will be returned, and you’ll be able to prepare for either your flight or train ride home. We normally have a debriefing session, where we can see all the photos that were taken during the ride and you’ll be able to say goodbye to the friends you’ve made on your Leh group tour. Until next time!

Leh Ladakh Bike Tour – 15 Days Overview

If you have yet to tackle a Leh Ladakh tour package on motorcycle, can you really claim that you’re a passionate adventurer? We don’t think so! Our Ladakh tour packages are a must-add to the bucket list of anyone who loves motorcycling or adventure travel (or both!). Known for being one of the toughest road trips in the world, hundreds of adventure bike riders and 4x4 driving enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Ladakh every year. Are you ready to join them?

Start - Delhi

Finish - Delhi

On this tour, you’ll experience some of the most astounding vistas of your life – think rough and rugged terrain, with mountain faces that change colours as you ride through them, and some of the highest altitudes that it’s possible to drive on in the world (including Khardung La, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the highest motorable pass in the world).

Experience the unmatched beauty of the deep blue high-altitude lakes, which seem to change colour by the hour, and the surprising presence of bactrian camels on the high altitude deserts of the Nubra Valley. You’ll be greeted with views like never before and the road trip of a lifetime. But it doesn’t come for free – there's a tough road of motorcycling ahead.

Are you up to the challenge?

The team at Viktorianz feel that our Leh tour is one of the best-designed adventure experiences that money can buy. You’ll experience it from either a classic Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle or an SUV – either bring your own or let us provide you with a rental. If you have a partner or family who want to come along, they can ride either as a pillion passenger or in the SUV that follows.

We would be more than happy to customise this trip according to your wants and needs. Once you’ve gone through the itinerary, let us know if there's anything missing that would make this Leh Ladakh motorcycle tour perfect.

What makes our Himalayan motorcycle tours different from the rest?

At Viktorianz, we go above and beyond. We have exceptional attention to detail and offer a personalised service for the duration of your Leh tour. We deliberately keep our group sizes small so that we can provide each traveller as much personal attention as possible. Your safety is our number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment.

You don’t have to be an expert rider to participate in one of our motorcycle tours – we can tailor a journey that’s suitable for riders of all experience levels. Ensure that you’re upfront about your abilities and let us handle the rest.

Ladakh Tour – Dates & Cost

Please keep in mind that these are just some of the add-ons that we offer for a Ladakh tour. We are also happy to organise any add-on travel that you would like to do after the ride, such as a yoga and wellness stay or a beach holiday in Goa.

NB: We offer special discounts for pillion riders and also allow partners or family to travel in the SUV following us; if you’re planning to bring a passenger along, please fill out the ‘Ask Quick Question’ form below for a quote. We’re also able to run this tour as a self-drive SUV trip; please fill out the form and let us know of your intentions .

Ladakh Tour Packages – Inclusions & Exclusions

• Accommodation for 15 nights in deluxe hotels and camps (on a twin sharing basis)
• Dinners in camps and some hotels (with late evening arrivals – Srinagar, Kargil, Nubra Valley, Pangong, Sarchu, and the first night at Manali)
• Support vehicle with driver
• All permits and permissions for restricted areas
• Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
• Laundry, tips, camera fees, souvenirs, etc
• Damage to the motorcycle

" I am so happy we picked Viktorianz to plan and execute our Ladakh ride for us. The combination of expertise, professionalism, the personal touch, the attention to detail, the never say die attitude, and just the sheer dedication and commitment to ensure that every aspect of the ride was flawless - it's extremely rare for all of this to come together. I have been on several organized bike trips before, and am aware of the many things that can go wrong, or disappoint while on these trips - especially when you are in tough terrain and unpredictable weather, but these guys just blew us away. I would strongly recommend them and am already planning my next trip with them. "

" My 1st Experience with VICTORIANZ in most awaited Trip To Ladakh. From the day one of booking I was guided properly and it's showing the depth of Professionalism. We expected much but they give much more the expetetion . In each and every moment we got what we want . Even if due to some unavoidable circumstances we canceled one day and happy to say that they arrange the alternative within couple of minutes the alternate. We enjoyed our entire trip without facing any difficulties and focused on enjoying the nature at its best . Starting from Airport Pick up to End of journey we naver face any problem. The property's they provide all are wonderful. Lastly want to say it's truly memorable Trip to Ladakh which was beyond our expectations. Thank you Viktorianz for organising such a hasslefree vacation. Hope to do something next feature ASAP . "

Ask Quick Question

If you have any doubt or would like to have more information about this tour please let us know.