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.

Know more about popular Ladakh Bike Trip Routes & Motor Bike Tours in India.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Leh(3500m)

After arriving in Leh, report at the hotel and meet the Adventure Natio team. Today is going to be an uneventful day as you are not supposed to venture out in the town, and just relax in the hotel. Flying directly to Leh from any city in India means you are going from a city in the plains to a high altitude place in just a span of a couple of hours which poses a risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) . Due to lack of vegetation, the oxygen level in Leh is extremely low and that’s why it is recommended to at least spend one day getting acclimatized. Drinking at least 3-4 litres of water is very important along with taking proper rest. Spend time in getting acquainted with the other travellers. Stay overnight.
 

Day 02: Leh local sightseeing 

After haing breakfast, you will be visiting Magnetic hill, Pathar Sahab Gurudwara, Hall of Fame, Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Sangam Confluence. You can visit leh market in the evening. Overnight at Leh hotel.

Day 03: 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 04: 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 05: Pangong to Hanle    

After breakfast we start our ride towards Hanle, It will be a great fun riding alongside the beautiful Pangong Lake. We cross Merek Village and then Chushul the will ride this route to Loma bridge and take a turn towards Hanle. It is famous for world’s highest astronomical observatory. Hit’s one of the restricted areas in Ladakh open to only domestic tourists with permits Check in to your Guest House.

Check in to your Guest House for the stay here, hotels are not available because of the remoteness. Overnight at Hanle Guest House.

Day 06: Hanle to Umling la Pass Hanle 

Today will be riding to the World’s Highest Motorable pass at 19300ft. Be ready for the most exiting day of the ride. After Breakfast we will start our ride Umling La at the height of 19300ft, which is a newly opened and the Highest pass in world even higher than Khardung La. Overnight in Guest House, hotels are not available because of the remoteness.

Day 07: Hanle to Leh

After breakfast check out and ride to Leh. We will start our day for the last leg of the ride. Arrival at Leh by evening. Overnight stay at Leh.

 Day 08: Departure

Depart from Leh with the beautiful memories of this trip

Trip Ends.