10 Day Guided Motorcycle Expedition Tour in Ladakh, India: Ride to the World’s Highest Passes

Overview

Starting from Leh, you’ll cruise past centuries-old trade routes, cross iconic high-altitude passes like Umling La (19,024 ft), and ride alongside some of the world’s most breathtaking lakes - Pangong and Tso Moriri. It won't just be a ride; it’ll be a spiritual, scenic, and soul-stirring expedition through the Land of High Passes. Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the heart of Ladakh. Conquer some of the world’s highest motorable roads as you carve your way through Ladakh’s untamed terrain. Venture off the beaten path to Ulley, a hidden haven deep in the Sham Valley, and ride through rugged canyons and open plateaus where snow leopards roam freely. Explore the mystical landscapes of Lamayuru, famous for its “moon-like” terrain and ancient monastery perched dramatically against the mountains. Visit the remote Brokpa villages of Dah and Hanu, home to one of the world’s old

Highlights

• Conquer the Himalayas - a journey through the soul of Ladakh
• Chang La (17,688 ft) and Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable road on Earth
• Push your limits on legendary high-altitude passes
• Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the heart of Ladakh
• Ride on some of the world’s highest motorable roads as you carve your way through untamed terrain
• Ride to the shimmering blues of Pangong Tso and the tranquil vastness of Tso Moriri
• Starts and ends in Delhi
• 9 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Leh

   Welcome to Leh, the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point of your Leh-Ladakh motorcycle trip. As your flight descends over rugged brown mountains and snow-dusted peaks, you’ll feel the excitement rising. This won’t just be a ride. It’ll be an expedition into one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. The Dream Riders Group's team will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of Leh. This day will be dedicated to acclimatization. Rest, hydrate, and let your body adjust to the altitude. Stroll through Leh’s vibrant bazaars or enjoy a quiet cup of butter

2. Day 2: Leh - Alchi Monastery - Ulley (110 km / 68 mi \| three to four hours)

   The first chapter of your Ladakh Motorcycle tour package will unfold as you mount your machine and trace the Indus River westward. The thrill of the throttle and the crisp Himalayan air will awaken your senses as prayer flags flutter above and endless peaks rise on the horizon. The first stop will be the legendary Alchi Monastery in Ladakh, a thousand-year-old sanctuary filled with intricate murals and spiritual calm. As you ride deeper into the Indus Valley, the road will wind past ancient villages and dramatic rock formations until you reach Ulley, a wildlife hotspot for snow leopard trackin

3. Day 3: Ulley - Lamayuru - Dah Hanu (150 km / 93 mi \| four to five hours)

   This day’s route will be pure Himalayan magic - the kind that makes adventure motorcycle tours in Leh, Ladakh, legendary. You will throttle through winding roads that slice through barren canyons and wide valleys before reaching the mystical Lamayuru Monastery, often called “The Moonland of Ladakh” for its otherworldly terrain. From there, you will continue deeper into the frontier, heading toward Dah and Hanu, home to the Brokpa people - an ancient Aryan tribe with unique traditions and striking features. Riding into these remote villages will feel like crossing a time portal, where centuries

4. Day 4: Dah Hanu - Shanti Stupa - Leh (200 km / 124 mi \| four to five hours)

   Adventure will meet spirituality on this day as you make your way back to Leh. Riding along scenic river valleys, you will pause at Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, a sight that perfectly captures the raw power of nature. This day of your high-altitude motorcycle trip in Ladakh will be all about contrasts: wild, roaring rivers followed by the serene white dome of Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic views over Leh town and the surrounding peaks. As you descend back into the city, prayer wheels will spin gently in the mountain wind, and the energy of the Himalayas will seem t

5. Day 5: Leh - Chang La - Pangong Lake (170 km / 106 mi \| five to six hours)

   The true adventure of your Ladakh motorcycle tour will begin on this day as you conquer one of the high motorable passes - the mighty Chang La Pass at 5,360m (17,590 ft). The road is steep, the air thin, and every curve is a thrilling reminder of why riding in Ladakh is a bucket-list dream. Beyond the pass, the landscape transforms into a painter’s canvas - glacial streams snake through barren valleys, and soon, the sapphire waters of Pangong Tso emerge on the horizon. This mesmerizing high-altitude lake stretches across two countries and shifts from turquoise to emerald as the sun moves acros

6. Day 6: Pangong Lake - Rezang La - Hanle (170 km / 106 mi \| five to six hours)

   After breakfast, you will gear up and start your adventure as you ride towards Rezang La, a site of historic bravery and breathtaking mountain views. The ride is rugged yet deeply rewarding - a true highlight of any Leh, Ladakh motorcycle trip. By afternoon, you will reach Hanle, one of the most remote settlements in India and home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. There, civilization fades away, replaced by a vast, star-studded sky that seems close enough to touch. On this night, as you sit under the Milky Way in a remote Ladakhi village, you’ll understand why this rid

7. Day 7: Hanle - Umling La - Hanle (150 km / 93 mi \| five to six hours)

   On this day, you will ride where few riders have ever dared: to Umling La Pass at 5,798m (19,024 ft), one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The air is razor-thin, the landscape raw and unrelenting, and every mile is a test of endurance and spirit. This will be the ultimate milestone of your Ladakh motorcycle tour package - a moment where the machine, the rider, and the mountain become one. As you stand at the top of Umling La, with flags fluttering wildly in the wind, you’ll feel a deep sense of achievement that few ever know. Returning to Hanle by evening, every rider will carry a story

8. Day 8: Hanle - Tso Moriri (170 km / 106 mi \| five to six hours)

   The road will call again, this time towards the breathtaking Tso Moriri Lake, hidden deep within the Changthang Plateau. The journey will be remote and rugged - classic terrain for adventure motorcycle tours in Leh, Ladakh - with wild yaks grazing in vast meadows and nomadic Changpa camps dotting the horizon. When the lake finally appears, it will take your breath away. Tso Moriri, with its shimmering shades of blue, is framed by snow-capped peaks and absolute silence - a place where nature reigns supreme. This is Ladakh at its most raw and beautiful - untouched, unspoiled, and unforgettable.

9. Day 9: Tso Moriri - Thiksey Monastery - Leh (220 km / 137 mi \| six to seven hours)

   On your return to Leh, the landscapes will unfold like a farewell gift from the mountains. You will pause at the magnificent Thikshey Monastery, an architectural marvel perched on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of the Indus Valley. This final ride will capture the essence of a high-altitude motorcycle trip in Ladakh - long, winding roads beneath endless skies, the hum of your motorbike echoing through vast empty valleys, and the deep satisfaction of a journey completed. Back in Leh, you will gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating the miles conquered, the friendships forged, and the adve

10. Day 10: Departure from Leh

    With hearts full and memories etched forever, it’ll be time to say goodbye. The Dream Riders Group will escort you to the airport for your onward journey, but part of you will remain there - on those high passes, along those winding roads, and beneath those Himalayan skies. Your Ladakh motorcycle tour may be over, but the spirit of the Himalayas will ride with you long after you leave. - Accommodation: Nil - Meals: Breakfast

Ride Details

Bike

Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc) motorcycle (rental)

Mileage

1,350 kilometers / 839 miles

Daily rides

110 km to 220 km / 68 mi to 137 mi

Riding gear

Not included

Meals

Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included

Accommodation

You will stay at hotels and tents that have been associated with The Dream Riders Group for long and that they have relied on for the best services.

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 lunch and dinner. The meals will primarily feature Indian and Tibetan cuisine, with non-vegetarian options available at certain locations, depending on availability. You can find a variety of food in Ladakh, including vegetarian dishes and local specialties, like spicy thukpa. Water is considered to be the main cause for tummy bugs, so only drink bottled water and avoid eating salads, unless you are eating at a high-end hotel. If you have any special dietary requirements, it is recommended to inform The Dream Riders Group before making your reservation.