12 Day Ladakh Guided Motorcycle Tour in Indian Himalayas (Manali-Srinagar)

Overview

As you traverse Ladakh, you will encounter landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. With the hum of your motorcycle engine beneath you, the wind rushing against your jacket, and towering Himalayas, tall mountain passes, and vast, unrefined beauty surrounding you, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating. However, if this is what you envision, you're only scratching the surface - Ladakh has so much more to offer. Ladakh is a place that beckons the adventurous, the thrill-seekers, and dreamers eager to connect with the unfiltered essence of nature beneath their wheels. With its high-altitude passes, challenging terrain, and breathtaking views, Ladakh presents riders with the ultimate test of endurance and spirit. This is not just a ride-it's an adventure in Ladakh!

Highlights

• Quench your thirst for adventure in 12 days
• Ride on decent dirt patches and water crossing with lakes, plateaus, mountain passes
• Ride to the highest motorable road in the world—Umling La at 5,799 m
• 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
• Experience the Unique Brokpa (Dard Aryans) culture at Dah Hanu
• 11 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival at Manali

   - Manali alt: 2050 m Welcome aboard, rider! You can get to Manali via bus or taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu. Arrive in Manali, where your thrilling Himalayan adventure begins. Check-in at the hotel starts at 12 p.m. Once you've checked in, you're free to roam the city. Join others back at the hotel in the evening for an orientation session and a chance to meet your fellow riders. The orientation will cover everything you need to know for the ride: the roadmap, riding etiquette, potential pitfalls, and the rules of the road. The Dream Riders Group team will also allocate your motorbikes

2. Day 2: Manali - Atal Tunnel - Keylong (75 km / 47 miles, 2-3 hours)

   - Manali alt: 2050 m - Keylong alt.: 3100 m After a hearty breakfast, you'll gear up and set off towards Keylong, tackling the iconic Rohtang Pass along the way. The road to Keylong will be all paved with hilly terrain, but the breathtaking views will make every twist and turn worth it. Despite the "bum ache," the stunning scenery will leave you speechless and the climb will leave you breathless. Fuel up both your bike and your spirit at Tandi. You'll need both as you navigate through the inspiring landscapes. Don't miss the chance to admire the heart-shaped waterfall at Sissu as you approach

3. Day 3: Keylong - Barachala - Pang (180 km / 112 miles, 7-8 hours)

   - Keylong alt: 3100 m - Pang alt.: 4500 m After a hearty breakfast, gather and double-check that your luggage is securely loaded in the luggage vehicle. As you set off for Pang, remember that this is a remote stretch with no fuel stations, so ensure your tank is full and you have your high-altitude medication handy. Today's ride is a thrilling mix of challenge and beauty - often referred to as one of the toughest yet most breathtaking stretches. The weather and road conditions can change on a dime, with road blockades, landslides, and snowfall being common, alongside numerous water crossings.

4. Day 4: Pang - Tanglang La - Leh (175 km / 109 miles, 6-7 hours)

   - Pang alt.: 4500 m - Leh alt.: 3500 m "Come on, buddy! I know this place is amazing, but what's coming next is even better!" says a fellow rider as you gear up and roll out from Pang, venturing further into the surreal landscapes that feel straight out of John Carter's Mars. Your first stop is the stunning Morey Plains, the most picturesque stretch of road you'll ride. It's easy to lose track of time as you cruise along the endless, flat roads surrounded by towering Himalayan mountains. You'll feel a sense of timelessness as the scenery pulls you deeper into its embrace. Next, you ride to the

5. Day 5: Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley (130 km / 81 miles, 5-6 hours)

   - Leh alt: 3500 m - Nubra Valley alt.: 3160 m Gear up for one of the most thrilling rides of your journey! Today, you ascend to Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world at a staggering altitude of 5359 m. The ride might be short at just 40 km, but the climb is intense. You'll feel the power drop in your engine and the thinning air as you climb to 1859 m. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the breathtaking views as the green valley gives way to rugged, towering peaks. At the summit, with 50% of the oxygen but 100% of the exhilaration, you'll take a well-deserved

6. Day 6: Nubra - Shyok - Pangong Lake (170 km / 106 miles, 6 - 7 hours)

   - Nubra Valley alt.: 3160 m - Pangong Lake alt.: 4225 m Get ready, because today's ride is not for the faint-hearted. You begin your journey following the course of the Shyok River, whose name translates to "The River of Death" in the local language - a hint of the adventure that lies ahead. After a short ride, you hit the narrow mountain road, snaking along rocky cliffs and into the wild heart of Ladakh. The offroading begins once you leave the main Leh road behind. The track starts easy with small patches of broken roads but quickly turns more demanding. You'll ride through long stretches of

7. Day 7: Pangong Lake - Rezang La - Hanle (180 km / 112 miles, 5-6 hours)

   - Pangong Lake alt.: 4225 m - Hanle alt.: 4300 m Get ready for one of the most thrilling and isolated routes of the entire journey! Start your day with a hearty breakfast because the ride today will take you far from civilization - no coffee shops, no distractions, just you and the wild Changthang Plateau. First, you'll hug the pristine coastline of Pangong Lake as you ride towards the Chinese border. Along the way, you'll pass through remote villages before reaching the last stretch of Pangong within Indian territory. But this is where the adventure truly begins! Once you hit Chusul, the road

8. Day 8: Hanle - Umling La - Hanle (150 km / 93 miles, 5-6 hours)

   - Hanle alt.: 4300 m - Umling La alt.: 5799 m Today's ride is the ultimate badge of honor - conquering the highest motorable road in the world: Umling La! The sense of adventure is undeniable as we navigate one of the most remote and rugged landscapes on Earth. There are multiple routes leading to Umling La, but you'll take the one in the best condition or whichever is open. All of them pass through the famed Chisumle Bridge, a spot known for sightings of rare wildlife such as the Himalayan Marmot, Kiang (wild Tibetan donkeys), Blue Sheep, and the majestic Black-necked Crane. Keep your eyes pe

9. Day 9: Hanle - Chumathang - Leh (250 km / 155 miles, 5-6 hours)

   - Hanle alt.: 4300 m - Leh alt.: 3500 m Today marks your ride through the raw and rugged beauty of the Changthang region. It's going to be a long but exhilarating day as you cover 250 km of breathtaking terrain. From the vast barren lands to the curves of the Indus River, every mile will remind you why Ladakh is a rider's paradise. You'll begin by rolling out on some of the most seductive roads you've ever ridden—long, open stretches where the throttle feels like an extension of your soul. Crossing the Indus River at Loma, you'll definitely stop for photos. Keep your camera handy, as it's not

10. Day 10: Leh - Khaltsi - Dah Hanu (160 km / 99 miles, 4-5 hours)

    - Leh alt.: 3500 m - Dah Hanu alt.: 2830 m It's time to say goodbye to Leh, After a hearty breakfast, you'll hit the road on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, cruising along a smooth, two-lane paved highway that will have you savoring the ride. As you make your way, keep your eyes peeled for the Magnetic Hill, where gravity seems to play tricks on you, and the breathtaking confluence of the Zanskar and Indus Rivers - a sight that captures the essence of Ladakh. Once you reach Khaltsi, the scenery will shift dramatically as we take a detour onto a thrilling narrow mountain ledge road along the Indus Ri

11. Day 11: Dah Hanu - Batalik - Sonamarg (190 km / 118 miles, 6-7 hours)

    - Dah Hanu alt.: 2830 m - Sonamarg alt.: 2730 m Get ready to rev your engines for the final ride of this unforgettable adventure! After a hearty breakfast, you'll set out towards Batalik, a region steeped in history and bravery, famously known for the valiant efforts of the Indian Armed Forces and Ladakh Scouts during the Kargil War. This ride isn't just about the terrain; it's about paying homage to the courageous souls who defended this land. As you journey on, you'll make a picturesque stop at Lalung Village, where the serene landscapes will take your breath away. Soon, you'll tackle the re

12. Day 12: Sonamarg - Srinagar Airport drop off (90 km / 56 miles, 3 hours)

    - Sonamarg alt.: 2730 m - Srinagar alt.: 1585 m The time has come to bid farewell to the majestic mountains and the unforgettable experiences you've shared. As you pack up your gear and soak in the last views of Sonamarg, a sense of nostalgia mixes with the thrill of having conquered new horizons together. You'll embark on a journey to Srinagar Airport, where the team will drop you off by car at a fixed time. Keep in mind that security checks at the airport can be quite thorough and time-consuming, so plan your departure with ample buffer time to avoid any last-minute rush. As the landscapes t

Ride Details

Terrain

challenging, 70% paved and 30% unpaved

Bike

rental bike (Royal Enfield 411 cc Himalayan)

Mileage

1750 kilometers / 1056 miles

Riding gear

Not provided, please bring your own gear

Meals

all breakfasts and dinners provided

Accommodation

You will stay at various accommodations (tents, hotels, etc.) arranged by The Dream Riders Group,

Food

%On this tour, you will be provided with a vegetarian breakfast, including ovo-vegetarian options such as eggs or an omelet, as well as dinner. The meals will primarily feature Indian and Tibetan cuisine, with non-vegetarian options available at certain locations, depending on availability. If you have any special dietary requirements, we recommend informing the organizer before making your reservation.