12 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour in India: From Srinagar to Leh to Manali

Overview

Total tour journey (including transfers by coach and other excursions): 1900 kilometers / 1181 miles

Highlights

• Starts in Srinagar and ends in Manali
• Ride to one of the highest motorable road in the world, Umling La at 5,799 m (19,026 ft)
• Witness the cold desert at Nubra Valley and the rare species Double Humped Camel
• Witness the changing colors of Pangong Lake
• Get mesmerized by the sight of the Milky Way galaxy under the skies of Hanle
• Discover Ladakh's geothermal wonder, Puga Valley
• Explore Tso Kar, a saltwater lake nestled in the remote, rugged beauty of the Himalayas
• 11 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 01: Arrival in Srinagar and transfer to Sonamarg (100 km / 62 mi \| 3-4 hours)

   The moment you touch down in Srinagar, there's a subtle shift in the air—cooler, crisper—almost as if the Himalayas themselves are whispering, “Welcome, rider.” The first breath you take in Srinagar feels different—lighter, fresher. You're not just arriving in Kashmir—you’re stepping into the gateway of one of the world’s most exhilarating adventures: the Ladakh Motorcycle Tour with Dream Riders. Waiting just outside the airport is their crew member, ready with a warm smile and a signboard, and a coach transfer of approximately 100 km (62 mi), which will take 3-4 hours, winding past scenic roa

2. Day 02: Sonamarg - Kargil War Memorial - Dah Hanu (200 km / 124 mi \| 6-7 hours)

   The sun rises gently over Sonamarg, casting golden light across your parked motorcycles. After a quick breakfast, helmets click shut and engines rumble to life. The roads of Sonamarg waste no time reminding you why this isn’t just a ride—it’s a test of grit. You climb swiftly toward the infamous Zoji La Pass, one of the most dramatic and high-altitude passes in India. With every twist, the terrain shifts into raw, barren cliffs. Snow walls cling to the roadside, and at times, it feels like you’re riding through a frozen gorge. Beyond Zoji La, the ride shifts from untamed adventure to a moment

3. Day 03: Dah Hanu - Magnetic Hill - Leh (160 km / 99 mi \| 4-5 hours)

   Morning in Dah Hanu is unlike anywhere else—crisp mountain air, quiet hum of village life, and a sky slowly waking in hues of blue and gold. A peaceful start to what will become one of the most memorable riding days of your Ladakh Motorcycle Tour. After breakfast, you saddle up and you begin your ride toward Leh—the vibrant heart and capital of Ladakh. The ride offers a dramatic contrast of landscapes, shifting from green valleys to stark mountain plateaus. Soon, you reach one of the day’s most awe-inspiring sights: the Zanskar–Indus Confluence. Two rivers, one a deep emerald green of Zanskar

4. Day 04: Leh local exploration and Leh Market (70 km / 43 mi \| 2-3 hours)

   After conquering rugged terrains and high mountain passes, it's time for both you and your motorcycle to take a well-earned rest. Today is all about local sightseeing in Leh via car—a break from riding, but not from the thrill of exploration on this epic Ladakh Motorbike Tour. After breakfast, your journey through Leh’s rich culture begins. You’ll visit Thiksey Monastery—one of the most architecturally stunning monasteries in Ladakh. Built in the 15th century and spread across 12 levels, it resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Inside, you’ll find ancient prayer halls, a vast library, and the

5. Day 05: Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley (130 km / 81 mi \| 4-5 hours)

   The road calls once again, and today, it leads you into the sky. After breakfast, you fire up your machine and ride out of Leh, aiming for the legendary Khardung La Pass—world’s 2nd highest motorable road in the world. As you ascend, the air grows thinner and the terrain more dramatic. The cold bites a little harder, but so does the thrill. When you finally reach Khardung La, at over 5359 m (17,582 ft), the world seems so small below you. The descent from Khardung La opens into a new world: Nubra Valley, Ladakh’s high-altitude desert. You ride through vast, open landscapes framed by snow-cappe

6. Day 06: Nubra Valley - Shyok - Pangong Lake (170 km / 106 mi \| 6-7 hours)

   The morning in Nubra Valley breaks slowly, the rising sun painting soft light over golden dunes and silent peaks. Get ready—because today’s ride is not for the faint-hearted. You begin your ride by following the course of the Shyok River, whose name translates to “The River of Death” in the local language—a chilling hint of the adventure that lies ahead. This route is remote, raw, and known for its ever-changing terrain—a true test of skill and spirit. The off-roading begins gently, with scattered patches of broken tarmac, but quickly escalates into a more demanding terrain. You’ll push throug

7. Day 07: Pangong Tso - Rezang La - Hanle (180 km / 112 mi \| 5-6 hours)

   The morning at Pangong Lake is slow and sacred—its deep blue water lies still beneath the rising sun, almost reluctant to let you go. After breakfast, you gear up for a lesser-known, deeply stirring part of your Ladakh journey—the Rezang La, a remote mountain pass steeped in valor. The road to Rezang La War Memorial is raw, remote, and humbling. When you arrive, the quiet stone memorial stands alone—a tribute to the 114 Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1962 war. The silence here feels heavier, deeper. You dismount, stand still, and let the weight of history settle in.

8. Day 08: Hanle - Umling La - Hanle (150 km / 93 mi \| 5-6 hours)

   The morning in Hanle starts early and electric—there's a buzz in the air, because today, you're riding to a place where only few dared to go. After breakfast, you gear up for an once-in-a-lifetime experience, a ride to Umling La Pass—world’s highest motorable pass at 5798 m (19,024 ft). This isn’t just a ride, it’s a badge of honor. As you ride beyond Hanle, the terrain shifts quickly into a surreal no man’s land—wide, empty, and wind-swept. Dirt tracks crisscross the plains like veins through a lifeless canvas. It’s easy to get lost here, so follow the Tour Manager's instructions. And then, y

9. Day 09: Hanle - Chumathang - Leh (250 km / 155 mi \| 5-6 hours)

   As the morning sun stretches over Hanle’s lunar landscape, you begin the long but spectacular ride back to Leh. It’s a day of transitions—from remote wilderness to the bustle of Ladakh’s capital. After the high of Umling La, today offers time to reflect, reset, and soak in Ladakh’s ever-changing terrain. Leaving Hanle, the ride flows smoothly across wind-blown valleys and undisturbed silence. En route, you arrive at Chumathang, a hidden gem known for its natural hot springs. Stop here for a break—not just to rest your legs, but to soak in the healing energy of this place. The sulphur-rich spri

10. Day 10: Leh - Tanglang La - Sarchu (250 km / 155 mi \| 7-8 hours)

    Today, the wheels roll southward as you leave behind the familiar streets of Leh and begin your ride toward Manali. But the road has no intention of letting you go easily. After breakfast, you ride into one of the most dramatic landscapes of the tour—the mighty Tanglang La Pass. Standing at an altitude of 5328 m (17,480 ft), Tanglang La is one of the high altitude passes on the Manali-Leh Highway. As you climb, the world begins to shrink below you. It’s a long, winding ascent with crisp air, snow-streaked ridges, and switchbacks that demand total focus. Every rider who conquers Tanglang La ear

11. Day 11: Sarchu - Baralacha La - Manali (180 km / 112 mi \| 6-7 hours)

    By now, your motorcycle feels like an extension of your soul—and today, it takes you through one of the most visually striking and physically demanding stretches of the tour. You begin your descent from Sarchu, cutting through the landscape where mountains rise like fortresses and silence speaks louder than noise. The highlight of the day is the legendary Baralacha La Pass—standing tall at 4889 m (16,040 ft), where three mountain ranges converge: Zanskar, Pir Panjal, and the Great Himalayas. The approach to Baralacha La is anything but ordinary. Glacial streams slice across the road, clouds dr

12. Day 12: Departure From Manali

    And just like that, it’s time to part ways. You wake up in Manali, where oxygen flows freely and the roar of rivers replaces the stillness of Ladakh. But something’s changed—your body may feel the toll of 12 epic days of adventure, but your spirit is stronger, lighter, and forever etched with high-altitude memories. Over breakfast, you’ll share final laughs, exchange photos, social handles, and maybe a few teary hugs with fellow riders who started as strangers but turned into a pack. The motorcycles are parked now, silent but proud. Each carries the dust of Khardung La, the scent of Pangong, a

Ride Details

Terrain

about 70% tarmac roads and 30% off-road sections

Bike

rental bike (Royal Enfield 411 CC Himalayan)

Mileage

1670 kilometers / 1037 miles

Riding gear

included: standard size helmets for rider and pillion; not included: jacket, pants, boots, gloves

Meals

all breakfasts, all dinners

Accommodation

You will stay at hotels and tents that have been associated with The Dream Riders Group for long and relied on for best services. The rooms are quality double sharing (one large bed for two people) rooms.

Food

During this tour, you will be offered a vegetarian breakfast with eggs or omelet and dinner. Food will be typically Indian and Tibetan and, at some places, non-vegetarian (depending upon availability). For special dietary requirements, it is a good idea to communicate it with the organizer before making a reservation.

Getting There

On this tour, you will get to visit Pangong and Majestic Lakes, various attractions in Leh and historical sites and interesting places in Srinagar.

Rider Reviews