Aptly known as ‘the Land of High Passes’, Ladakh in J&K 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 best way to experience Ladakh is via a Manali Leh Manali bike tour, passing majestic mountains, clear blue rivers and lakes, hot springs, and much more.

Your 11-day biking trip will start at Manali in Himachal Pradesh, one of the most famous hill stations in India, surrounded by high peaks, rivers, and valleys. Go for a walk in the lap of nature or visit popular attractions like Hadimba Temple or Manu Temple. The real Manali Leh motorcycle tour adventure will begin on the third day when you leave for Jipsa via Rohtang Pass. En route, visit Vashisht Hot Springs, Keylong, and Solang Valley. The route is popular among bikers for the variety of terrain it offers. From Jipsa, head towards Sarchu via Baralacha La Pass in the Zanskar Range. The small villages and rough patches on the route are perfect for off-roading. The lakes in Lahaul and Spiti region (Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal) are unbelievably beautiful.

You will reach Leh on the fifth day, through a daunting path that will cover Nakeela Pass, Whisky Nallah, Lachulung La pass, Pang, More Plains, and Tanglang La pass. Nakeela Pass is considered as one of the most dangerous mountain passes, due to its harsh terrain, numerous hairpin bends, and patches of ice. From Leh, visit Nubra Valley. This high-altitude cold desert experiences very low precipitation. However, the area has very some very rare flora and fauna which includes the double-humped Bactrian camels. From there, head towards the famous Pangong Tso lake. With its crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains, the lake has become a popular shooting location for Bollywood films. You will then proceed to visit other attractions like Druk White Lotus School and if time permits, you can also visit Magnetic Hill, War Memorial, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Magnetic Hill is an interesting phenomenon that creates an optical illusion which makes you think you are going uphill, defying gravity, when the road actually goes downhill.

When you reach Leh, it is time to go head back to Manali. However, the adventure doesn’t end yet! All you need to do is trace the same route back to Sarchu and then to Manali. Once again, you will get to ride your bike amidst mountains and high passes, crossing pristine rivers and rugged paths. This motor bike tour to Leh Ladakh will surely be a memorable one! No wonder, it is one of the most popular motorbike tours in India.

Itinerary:

Day 00: Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali | 560 KMS | 12-13 hours
(Ex Delhi or Chandigarh or Bhuntar) (580 km)
On the first day of your trip, board a Volvo bus to Manali from Delhi or Chandigarh. It will be an overnight journey so make sure that you are well prepared.

Day 01: Kullu Manali
Once you reach Manali, check in at the guest house. Rest for some time and get ready for an orientation process and tour briefing. After that, enjoy a relaxing nature walk to Hadimba Temple and Manu temple around Beas River. Hadimba Temple is truly one-of-a-kind, as it is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, wife of the mighty Bhima from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Manu Temple located near river Beas is dedicated to sage Manu, the creator of the world. When you return, you will get a chance to ride your allotted bike for a trial run.

Day 02: Manali -Rohtang Pass - Jipsa | 140 KMS | 8 hours
Your long-awaited ride to Ladakh finally begins on this day. Pack your bags and get set for a thrilling ride. On the way, you will pass Vashisht Hot Springs. Although Manali is known for its freezing temperatures, these hot springs which are located 6 km from the town, have temperatures ranging from 43-50 °C. You will then visit Solang Valley, known for a variety of winter sports, followed by Rohtang Pass and Keylong. Once you reach Jipsa, an overnight stay will be provided.  

Day 03: Jispa - Sarchu | 90 KMS | 6 hours
On this day, gear up for an adventure as you cross the 16,043-ft-high Bara-lacha la Pass in the Zanskar Range. The rough patches of Darcha and Zingzingbar will give you an adrenaline boost. You will also get to spend some time near Chandrabhaga river (also known as Chenab) so make sure that you have a camera handy and take mesmerizing pictures. En route, you can visit Suraj Taal and Deepak Taal, two breath-taking lakes in the Lahaul and Spiti region. Once you reach Sarchu, relax and retire for the night.

Day 04: Sarchu - Leh | 253 KMS | 10 hours
On day five, start your journey towards Leh, the hub of Ladakh region. The route will take you through Nakeela Pass, Whisky Nallah, Lachulung La Pass, Pang, More Plains, and Tanglang La Pass. When you reach Leh, check in at the accommodation and stay overnight.

Day 05: Leh
Replenish your energies with a healthy breakfast and enjoy your rest day at Leh. The first half of the day is saved for a regular check-up of the bike and gears. Thereafter, spend your day sightseeing.

Stop by the Leh Palace and enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the Stok Kangri and Ladakh mountain ranges from the terrace and explore the museum exhibiting artefacts close to 450 years old. Later head to the Shanti Stupa perched upon the hilltop in the Changspa region. Constructed to endorse world peace and to celebrate 2500 years of Buddhism, this monument is known to hold the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14^th Dalai Lama himself.
The evening is saved for exploring the colourful markets of Leh and getting insights into the lives of the warm, local people here.

Day 06: Leh - Kardung La Pass - Nubra Valley | 120 KMS | 4-5 hours
Wake up to a refreshing morning and travel to Nubra Valley, a cold desert with vast landscapes and mountain ranges. Feel the thrill of crossing one of the highest motorable passes in the world, Khardung La. Once you reach Nubra, enjoy a camel ride in the desert mountains of Hunder (additional cost). Overnight stay will be provided in Nubra.

Day 07: Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake | 150 KMS | 6-7 hours
Prepare for another day of a daring off-roading experience as you traverse through untamed paths in the high mountains. The route leads to the beautiful Pangong Tso (lake) via Shyok river or Wari La Pass. It is quite challenging yet thrilling and is generally used by the army. On arrival, train your sights on the enchanting blue lake. After sightseeing, you will leave for Tangste for overnight stay.

Day 08: Tangste - Leh | 150 KMS | 4-5 hours
In the morning, get set for yet another journey exhilarating ride as you head back to Leh, via Chang La pass (the third highest mountain pass in the world) and Choglamsar. En route, stop at the famous Druk White Lotus School, featured in the blockbuster Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’ and Shanti Stupa, a beautiful white-domed Buddhist stupa surrounded by a stunning scenery of vast mountains. If time permits, you can even visit Magnetic Hill, War Memorial, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Overnight stay will be provided in Leh.

Day 09: Leh - Sarchu
Leave for Sachu, after enjoying the breakfast. Cross the high passes like Nakee La, Lachung La and Tanglang La. Say goodbye to the beauty of Ladakh and ride along the curvy roads to Himachal Pradesh. Reach Sarchu and stay for the night.

Day 10: Sarchu - Manali
Cross the ever mesmerizing Rohtang Pass and reach Manali by evening. Check in to the hotel and stay over the night.

Day 11: Manali- Delhi
Have breakfast and explore the delightful cafes of Manali. Later catch your volvo bus in the evening for your onward journey back to Delhi .