Over the past decade, Ladakh has developed as a major destination for adventure travelers. People from all over the world visit this cold desert to experience the unique landscape that the region has to offer. In fact, Ladakh is the prime example of a place where journey is more important than the destination itself. Traveling to Leh by road from Manali is considered to be the ultimate road trip in India despite the fact that the roads to Ladakh are open only for a short period of time.

A Motorbike Expedition from Manali to Ladakh is not a regular road trip where you travel from one point to another. There are so many factors to be considered before embarking on this epic adventure. This motorbike expedition to Leh Ladakh is filled by so many different kinds of obstacles which is the very reason adventure lovers prefer to go to Leh by road and not by taking a flight. From riding on high altitude passes to crossing rapid water crossings, you encounter so many challenges but the sheer adventure of it is what makes it rare and special. Over a period of nine days, you get a chance to experience pretty much everything that Ladakh has to offer.

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Detailed Itinerary:

Day 00: Delhi(216m) to Manali | 530km
Arrive in Delhi on your own and in the evening to board an overnight bus to Manali. The location/time regarding the bus is going to be provided in advance.

Day 01: Arrival in Manali(2050m) 

Altitude Gain - 1729m
Highlights - Bike Allocation, Manali Exploration

Arrive in Manali in the morning and meet the Adventure Nation team at the pre-booked hotel. After resting for some time, be available to attend the orientation session conducted by our on-ground team. Later in the afternoon, the bikes will be allotted so you may take it for a spin and check if it’s aligned to your riding style. The popular places to explore in Manali are Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Village, Mall road, Old Manali lane etc. You have the liberty to visit places of your own choice. Later, have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.

Day 02: 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 03: 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 night of sleep at the campsite, due to the high altitude.

Day 04: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 travelled 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 08: 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 09: Departure from Leh
Today marks the last day of this legendary 9 day motorcycling adventure. Have a relaxed breakfast with your fellow riders in the hotel and get on with your journey back home.

Trip Ends.