Overview
The ultimate Ladakh tour that covers the highlights of Ladakh in the shortest possible time, yet taking into account the need for proper acclimatization. This tour has it all – but within a time frame that gives you the best bang for your buck. This is also a couple friendly circuit since most of the route is excellent tarmac. It’s also easily combined with our Zanskar and/or Spiti circuit for those looking for a more extended adventure.
Highlights
- Starts and ends in Leh
- Cross Khardung La at 5348 meters (one of the highest motorable passes in the world)
- Ride on fairly good but narrow mountain roads of Nubra Valley
- Ride on river beds, on high passes, through mountain gorges and open flat plains in Pangong
- Speed across the multi colored valley of Hanle
- 7 nights accommodation
- First aid and medical back-up with oxygen
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Arrive at Leh (no riding) Fly in from Delhi to Leh and be received by our team member at the airport. Transfer to Hotel. Unpack, Unwind. We recommend that you relax and take it easy and focus on monitoring your body and the effects of high altitude. Communicate with your team and don’t ignore any signs of discomfort. The usual symptoms of AMS could be headache, lack of appetite, insomnia and difficulty in breathing. Only mild activity is advised as you are in high altitude territory. Based on how you are feeling you can visit the Leh city and market place in the evening.
Day 2: Leh - Local (60-100 kilometers)
Today, you will get on the bikes for the first time and head out on a short 60 kilometers exploratory road trip. You will get accustomed to our bikes, the traffic in the mountains, the dogs, and cows and the ever changing road conditions. Take a break for lunch at one of the popular cafes in or near town. Based on the level of fatigue and the mood of the group, you can head out for a short evening ride or you could take a car tour of the popular sights and monasteries around Leh town. Alternatively, you could just relax. We have a great deal of riding ahead of you.
Day 3: Leh - Hundar (140 kilometers)
You will be chasing the silk route today, this being the main road connection that took goods (on Yaks, Mules and Camels) from the Indian sub-continent to join with the main silk route at Yarkand in central Asia. You will enter serious high altitude territory, crossing Khardung La at 5348 meters (one of the highest motorable passes in the world). You will descend more than 2000 meters into Nubra Valley, one of the most dramatic landscapes on the trip. Ride on fairly good but narrow mountain roads with sharp drops and chances of snow near the pass. Only a small patch (about 30 kilometers) is of
Day 4: Hundar - Pangong (190 kilometers)
Dramatically changing landscapes are our companions for the day. On a combination of on/off road, you will ride on river beds, on high passes, through mountain gorges and open flat plains. The prize for the day is the lake of Pangong. Partly in India and partly in China, this politically strangled lake is a natural wonder of the world. Camp close to the shore, relax and take in the changing colours as the sun sets. The night skies are surreal as you are camping at 4300 meters with clear views of the milky way and several constellations. Based on the wind the nights can be cold and chances of A
Day 5: Pangong - Nyoma (190 kilometers)
Today’s route is a relatively new (open only to the army in the past) that’s only recently opened to tourists. It was a closely guarded secret and its easy to see why. Two high altitude lakes in a setting so surreal, endless twisties, wildflower covered slopes, panoramic views, very little traffic and a single track road with a mind of its own.
Day 6: Nyoma - Umling La - Ha (230 kilometers)
Your will leave some bits to the imagination but it’s a long and high day in the saddle. \*Please note that, due to the politically sensitive nature of this region, the group could be refused permission at the last moment. Karma Yatri will alter their itinerary if this is the case, but they hope that the gods of motorcycling are smiling on you
Day 7: Hanle - Leh (250 kilometers)
The journey back to Leh is fairly straightforward, though a little long. The roads are beautiful tarmac and the valley floor undulates gently following the course of the river towards the town of Upshi. It’s a play of light and shadows as you speed across this multi colored valley, the increase in oxygen levels as you descend, playing some interesting mind games. Your body fights the fatigue of the past days but the mind is elated with the oxygen surplus.
Day 8: Departure
A taxi will drop you to the airport at the designated time of your flight.
Ride Details
- Bike
- Rental bike with fuel included (Royal Enfield Standard 500 cc / Himalayan)
- Terrain
- 90% Tarmac, 10% off roads
- Mileage
- 1000 kilometers / 621 miles
- Daily rides
- 60-230 kilometers / 37-143 miles
- Meals
- all breakfasts, lunches, evening tea, and dinners
What's included
- 6 days of riding
- Assistance upon arrival at airport. Welcome by representative and transfer to the hotel
- 7 nights accommodation
- RE Himalayan Motorcycles with fuel
- Guide with his own motorcycle
- Back up support with Mechanic and spares
- Transportation as per the program
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner) during trip
- First aid and medical back-up with oxygen
Not included
- Airfare
- Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours / extra meals ordered
- Tips, insurance, laundry, phone calls
- Services of vehicle (on leisure days and after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary)
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks
- Camera fee
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head What's Included
Accommodation
You will stay for 7 nights in various accommodations including hotels and boutique homestays. The start of the trip sets the tone for the rest of the journey and the end of the trip is an intimate moment to reflect, relish, and basically have one big party. The properties Karma Yatri uses at various locations, that serve as start and endpoints of the itinerary, are unique and carefully selected. The properties combine the best in hospitality that the region has to offer, great food, and the ability for you all to behave like a group.
Food
The package includes breakfast with your hotel accommodation, lunches, and dinners during riding days.
Getting There
During this tour, you will visit various places in North India such as Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Nyoma, and Umling La. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/karma-yatri/8-days-get-leh-d-in-ladakh-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-north-india-s-himalayas# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/karma-yatri/8-days-get-leh-d-in-ladakh-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-north-india-s-himalayas# "Zoom out") [+](https:/
Rider Reviews
What an amazing host and special outfit. Hashim’s experience and understanding of what turns a standard biking tour into an extraordinary biking adventure, and his immense local knowledge about Ladakh, its infrastructure and roads, were seriously impressive and invaluable. To learn so much of the region and its history was an unexpected bonus. Whenever we were thrown a twist (for example 80+ bikers waiting for fuel because the only fuel station’s generator broke down, or a host at our planned overnight stay who had decided without any forewarning to leave and attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings in Leh), Hashim and our committed backup team devised a brilliant plan to overcome it and make us feel like we are VIP clients. I think we were the only bikers who had a swift 10minute roadside refuelling instead of a 3 to 4 hour delay! And his flexibility that allowed an added unplanned 120km sunset ride on the 4th day to get to alternative accommodation was just awesome!! He also very quickly figured out what type of riding Tosh and I liked and he had a surprise in store for us every single day! On the first day we were even treated with the most delicious 5 star picnic for lunch in a serene and breathtaking setting next to a river. The overnight stays were filled with character and the food was always delicious! The last night we were treated with a special gourmet dinner. Definitely the best biking experience of my life and I will be back- with friends!! Thanks Hashim and Karma Yatr!
Good mixture of off and on road; incredible scenery and lovely biking roads at challenging heights! Great company and comradery!
Karma Yatri: Hashim and his crew Sonu & Stan were amazing. Hashim took me to Kargil, Zanskar Valley and Pangong Tso (lake). He knows the area and the roads like the back of his hand. Road closed: detour - no problem! His planning of the whole trip is meticulous! Hotel locations were brilliant! Rooms were great, food was delicious, roads were amazing, views were fantastic! The RE Himalayan performed flawlessly. Hashim is very easy to work with and quite accommodating to your needs. He speaks Hindi, Kashmiri, Tamil, English, German and French. So, communication is never an issue, which makes life so much more easier. I could go on and on: I truly do not have anything negative to say about this whole 10-day trip, or experience. I shall cherish the memories for a very long time... Thank you, Hashim, Sonu and Stan!
Hashim best and high level instructor, kindly help me recover from mountain sickness. Amazing off Road, breathless scenery. Nice and humble people, unique culture. Fantastic bike. Must come, Must Hashim.
Hashim is the man! Loved working with this guy
Hard to single out any one particular thing . Route and scenery magnificent. Guide and back up staff were top drawer. Accommodation was perfect especially considering where we went. Clean and the staff were always very polite helpful and accommodating. Always piping hot water morning and evening and lovely locations and good food. A privilege to enjoy riding with my 3 sons. As for the bikes RE Himalayan 411 the most unassuming, tolerant, indestructible forgiving bikes you can imagine. Perfect for the terrain. I cannot recommend Karma Yatri enough. last word reserved for Hashim who made the trip and ensured everything was spot on.
I’ve been on numerous motorcycle tours all over the world and Hashim is a fantastic guide that put together an unforgettable adrenaline packed trip — but covered all the bases to keep things relatively safe and comfortable. Extremely knowledgeable and speaks exceptional English and can assist with booking all aspects of the trip. Weather was perfect and we covered so much varying terrain that it was always an interesting adventure. The extreme altitudes (up to 18,000’) for some of the passes and towns were no problem for anyone in the group. I highly recommend this trip.
Very well organized trip. The guide was very experienced and always willing to adapt to the needs of the team. Also, the support team was very good and always available.
