Overview
This expedition isn't just about reaching destinations—it's about reaching into your soul and finding what you're truly made of. When others speak of dreams, you'll speak of memories. When they wonder "what if," you'll know "I did." Some journeys take you to places. This one takes you to yourself. Are you ready to touch the sky?
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Leh (loop tour through Ladakh)
- Ride to Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world
- Conquer legendary high-altitude roads: Khardung La, Shyok Valley, Rezang La
- Explore the sand dunes of Nubra and ride alongside the Shyok River
- Witness the surreal beauty of Pangong Lake, where the sky meets the earth
- Visit ancient monasteries like Thiksey, Spituk, and Pathar Sahib
- Support vehicles, mechanics, and an English-speaking professional guide
- 7 nights accommodation with return airport/hotel transfers
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Leh (The Awakening)
Land in Leh, where the thin air makes every breath intentional. Meet on arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Today is a complete day free for acclimatization—an essential step before you take on the high Himalayan passes. Walk the streets that once echoed with the bells of Silk Route caravans, and let the mountains whisper their first secrets to you. In the evening, you're free to explore Leh market at your own pace, visit the historic Leh Palace, or watch the sun dip behind the mountains from Shanti Stupa. Overnight at hotel
Day 2: In Leh (Riding Around)
After breakfast, bond with your Royal Enfield—your trusted companion for the days ahead. Begin your first ride to Nimo, where two mighty rivers—the Indus and Zanskar—embrace like old lovers in a breathtaking confluence. On the return to Leh, visit the Magnetic Hill, the revered Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the ancient Spituk Monastery, where prayers have echoed for centuries. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore Leh market or ride or walk up to Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of the setting sun and Leh town. Overnight at hotel
Day 3: Leh - Nubra via Khardungla (Crossing into Legend) - 130 kilometers / 81 miles / 6 hours
Today after breakfast at your hotel ride to Nubra valley via the famed Khardungla pass (5600 meters \| 18373 feet), which was once the highest motorable pass in the world. Later ride to Nubra valley, take photoshots enroute. The natural home of double hump bacterial camel and famous old silk route, enjoy a small camel ride at the sand dunes. On arrival check in at camp. Evening explore Hunder village. Overnight stay at camp at Hunder
Day 4: Nubra - Shyok - Pangong Lake (The Mirror of Heaven) - 140 kilometers / 87 miles / 5 hours
Today after breakfast, you will leave for yet another mesmerizing ride to follow Shyok river to reach Pangong Lake (4250 meters \|13944 feet). Arrive Pangong, which is the highest salt water lake in the world, shared by two countries India and China. Enjoy the beauty of the lake. Overnight in camp
Day 5: Pangong - Hanle (Into the Forbidden) - 185 kilometers / 114 miles / 5 hours
After breakfast, start the ride on the banks of Pangong Lake, a breath-taking ride with stunning views of the lake. Ride further deeper into Himalayas crossing the famed battle grounds of 1962 Indo China war, crossing villages of Tsaga and Chushul. Enroute also visit the Warm memorial at Rezang La, built in memory of ferocious battle of Indian soldiers who showed exemplary bravery. Major Shaitan Singh was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award of India for this battle in 1962. Ride along the Indus River to Loma from where you enter the Tibetan plains leading you to Hanle. Hanle
Day 6: In Hanle - scale Umling La (The Summit of Dreams)
Today, you touch the sky. In the morning, begin your ride by taking a dirt road for 30 kilometers (19 miles), crossing the vast, windswept Tibetan plateau. The landscape grows increasingly surreal as you scale a remote mountain pass, eventually descending to Chisumle, the gateway to the ultimate ascent. From here, the climb to Umling La begins—an unforgettable journey to 5,798 meters, the highest motorable pass in the world. This ride is more than just a road; it’s a test of spirit, endurance, and willpower. As you reach the summit, you’re not just standing on a record-breaking pass—you’re sta
Day 7: Hanle - Nyoma - Thiksey - Leh (The Descent of Champions) - 280 kilometers / 174 miles / 7 hours
After breakfast, ride back to Loma from where you follow the course of the river Indus down towards Leh town. Enroute, you will also visit Thiksey Monastery to reach Leh. A pleasure and exciting ride with mesmerizing views all around. On arrival in Leh, check in and stay overnight at the hotel
Day 8: Depart Leh
Fly home, but part of you stays forever in those mountains. You return not as the same person who left, but as someone who has touched the sky. Intime transfer to Leh Airport to connect flight to Delhi. End of tour.
Ride Details
- Terrain
- High-altitude mixed terrain
- Bike
- Rental bike (Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc)
- Mileage
- 1,000 kilometers / 621 miles
- Daily rides
- 130 - 280 kilometers / 81 - 174 miles
- Riding gear
- Not included - members would have to get own helmets, knee guard, elbow guards, shoes, biking trousers, and jackets
- Meals
- included breakfast and dinner during the tour
What's included
- Transfers to / from airport and hotel
- 7 nights accommodation on double sharing basis
- Breakfast and dinner during the tour
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc
- All fuel for the ride
- English-speaking road captain
- First aid box and oxygen on high-altitude adventures
- Mechanics with all necessary spare parts
- Support vehicles to carry your luggage, spares, and extra fuel
- Permits and environment fees for restricted areas
- All entrance fees to places of visit
- Welcome kit and departing memorabilia
- Camel ride at Hundur sand dunes
- Presently applicable taxes GST included
Not included
- Any flight international or domestic
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Anything not mentioned in price include column
- Upgrade to Himalayan 450cc (USD 180)
- GST
Accommodation
During the tour, you will stay in comfortable hotels, guest houses, and camps. Including the Hotel Coral in Leh.
Food
The tour includes breakfast and dinners. During the ride, stop en route to local restaurants/dhaba where you may enjoy a meal on a direct payment basis.
Getting There
The route of this tour starts from Leh to Nubra, Pangong, Hanle, Umling La, and then back to Leh. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/motosaga-expeditions/8-day-touch-the-sky-a-guided-motorcycle-expedition-tour-to-umling-la-land-of-high-passes-in-india# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/motosaga-expeditions/8-day-touch-the-sky-a-guided-motorcycle-expedition-tour-to-umling-la-land-of-high-passes-i
