leh ladakh bike trip preparation

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• Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2023: Everything You Need To Know From The Scratch

26 Mar 2023

Every biker, irrespective of gender, dreams of going on a Leh Ladakh bike trip once in their lifetime. While they dream of a flawless journey, the reality does come into contact with a lot of shortcomings. Having understood that bikers are bound to stumble upon a few barriers on a rugged landscape like that of Leh and Ladakh, we’ve put in our best efforts to collate every information in this blog that will help them encounter any such difficulties on the way.

Table Of Content

About leh ladakh bike trip, best time to visit leh ladakh on a bike trip, ideal duration for a bike trip.

• Leh Ladakh Trip Cost

Best Bikes For Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Leh ladakh bike rentals.

Best Leh Ladakh Bike Tour Route

Basic Expenditure On Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

• Places To Visit On Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
• Things To Do On Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
• Must Experiences

What To Pack

Why do a leh ladakh bike ride, eligibility for leh ladakh bike trip, tips for leh ladakh bike trip preparation.

Image Source

The old saying “there’s beauty everywhere, all you have to do is just look around” is true to the core when it comes to the mesmerizing Leh Ladakh travel. Offering scenic vistas of one of the trip to Leh Ladakh India is all about the feel of snow-clad mountains, rugged landscape, soaring peaks, dangerous routes, and roaring bike engines. In short, going on a Ladakh bike tour is all about the good vibes and the undying spirit of a rider.

Must Read: Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh

The best time to visit ladakh by bike  is from the months of June to September. These months enable the bikers to enjoy the tourist circuits of Ladakh , as much as they enjoy their Lahaul & Spiti trip. However, most of the riders love to kick-start their new year with this crazy bike trip as Ladakh offers magical vistas which can be cherished round the year except for monsoon season.

Depending on a lot of factors like the route you’ve taken, your entire schedule, and mainly the weather conditions, an ideal duration for a Leh Ladakh bike trip for couples would span over a period of 15 days or more. Also, this duration is apt when one opts for Manali to Leh bike trip from Delhi.

Suggested Read: Autumn In Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh Bike Trip Cost

First things first, you should figure out your budget. A lot depends on the vehicle you are selecting for your journey and the Leh Ladakh road trip cost would also vary on the accommodation and kind of food you choose to eat. Still, an average budget can be arrived at considering basic factors such as accommodation, meals, and fuel. Hence, under normal circumstances, you will end up spending approximately ₹35,000 for a trip to Leh Ladakh on bike for 15 days. Your cost will also vary according to your Leh Ladakh bike trip route. This also includes the cost of permits and miscellaneous expenses for the Leh Ladakh motorcycle trip.

Talking about the first things first, every biker must give his or her total attention to their first love, which is their bike. One must be very careful and picky when it comes to choosing their Leh Ladakh road trip bike. So whenever you’re choosing a bike for any road trip, make sure you go for suitability more than popularity. Consider it one of the most vital aspects of your Leh Ladakh bike trip plan!

Opting for the kind of bikes that one can easily handle and are easy to maintain, has always proven to be safe, and helpful for the riders for journeys like Leh Ladakh bike trip. Hence, the five best bikes for Leh Ladakh bike trip are:

• Royal Enfield – Considered to be the best bike for Leh Ladakh trip , it is a powerful bike with an engine of either 350 CC or 500 CC that is enough to be a lifesaver on a Leh Ladakh bullet trip .
• Royal Enfield Himalayan – With a strong engine of 400 CC, Royal Enfield Himalayan will make your ride smooth and hassle-free on any rugged trail and offbeat roads.
• Bajaj Pulsar – By far, no bike has been a hit in the Indian market when compared to Bajaj Pulsar. Being the most favored bike after the Bullets, Pulsar offers variants of 150CC, 200CC, and 220CC, either of which can be your trustworthy partner on any of the adventures.
• KTM Duke – Being a featherweight bike can be advantageous on roads like that of Ladakh. With the series of new engine variants of Duke 390, and Duke 250, KTM can be a good choice for a bike trip to Ladakh too.
• CBR 250 – This bike from Honda is indeed a stunner except for its Contigo tyres which can be a little tough to handle on Ladakh’s terrain in case of a change in weather. On the bright side, if the tyres can be replaced, one can put the bike’s torque and fi technology to great use, and a greater purpose.

Other top bikes for Leh Ladakh trip that the association of bike rentals has taken into consideration are Yamaha Fazer, Bajaj Vikrant, Yamaha FZ, and Hero Impulse. Though these bikes are not so heavy on the engine, they can surely pick up some speed (without breaking any rules) on the go.

Suggested Read: Ladakh Lakes

No bike. No worries. The bike rentals at Delhi and Manali are ever willing to offer you a ride on rent provided you submit all the required documents. In Delhi, Karol Bagh is the hub from where you can rent a bike for ₹900 per day. All you have to submit is a valid photo id proof, your driving license, ₹10,000 as the security deposit, and a consent letter from your parents in case you’re still under 25, and you are all set for Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi.

In Manali, the per-day rent charges range from ₹1000 to ₹1800 whereas the security deposit is between ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 along with the original copy of valid ID proofs.

Other than this, you can also hire a mechanic to take on the basis of daily wage for the entire duration of Leh Ladakh bike trip from Manali. Also, don’t forget by mistake also to run the bike through a test ride and test its abilities beyond limits to be on a safer side during the bike trip.

Considering Delhi as a base for Leh Ladakh bike trip route , Srinagar to Leh and Manali to Leh are the two main routes that offer the best road conditions and picturesque views. Srinagar to Leh route doesn’t overlap and forms a complete circle from end to end. Leh Ladakh bike trip route from Manali encircles the rugged mountainous landscapes, offers better views, increases the level of difficulty, and the level of danger.

Route 1: Srinagar To Leh And Back

Route Map: Delhi → Jalandhar → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi Distance Covered: Approximately 2,295 kilometres

Route 2: Manali To Leh And Back

Route Map: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi Distance Covered: Approximately 2,569 kilometres

Route 3: Delhi To Leh And Back

Route Map: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi Distance Covered: Approximately 2,022 kilometres

Suggested Read Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir

Here is a list of expenditures that will guide you through a basic idea of the budget that you may expect from your Leh Ladakh bike trip:

Keeping petrol as the priority for a bike trip, an average, you’ll be covering a distance of 3500 kilometers. Of all the bikes that have been considered, the average mileage is that of 35 kilometers per liter. This means that you’ll be needing somewhere around 100 liters of petrol for which, you will roughly need an amount of ₹7000 to ₹8,000.

Accommodation

There are a lot of budget hotels in Leh Ladakh wherein one can find easy accommodation options within the range of ₹500 to ₹2,500 per person, on a double sharing basis, and including taxes (as per booking.com).

Hence, the rate for an average accommodation with the best amenities, comfort, and ratings, can cost you ₹500 to ₹2,500 per night per person depending on whether you want a budget hotel or luxury. Considering the lower limit, a 15-day trip will cost you a rough figure of ₹7,500 for accommodation. Let’s round it off to ₹8,000 per person.

Suggested Read: Homestays In Ladakh

Similarly, the cost of food depends on the choice of the rider whether he or she prefers to eat at a dhaba or a restaurant. Eating at a dhaba may cost you ₹100 to ₹150 whereas dining at a normal and a bit upbeat restaurant may cost you about ₹400 to ₹500 per person on your tour to Leh Ladakh. Considering the lower limit, you’ll be spending close to ₹2,250 to ₹6,000 on meals. On average, you can keep ₹3,500 aside for meals.

Miscellaneous

It is a must to keep some amount of money aside for emergency purposes, shopping for souvenirs, or for permits. Thus, an amount of ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 is a must for every biker to spread it across the luggage or pockets and save it as a backup.

Average Budget = Petrol + Accommodation + Meals + Miscellaneous = 7000 + 8000 + 3500 + 2500 = ₹21,000/-

Thus, considering all the lower limits, an average budget for a 15-day Leh Ladakh bike trip would be ₹21,000 per person.

Please Note: We’re assuming you have a bike of your own as the budget doesn’t include the cost of bike rental. Hence, in case you plan on renting a bike, the budget would exceed by a minimum of ₹13,500 to ₹15,000 per bike for a minimum of 15 days.

Suggested Read: Secrets Of Ladakh 

3 Places To Visit On Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Wondering what all attractions to cover on your Leh Ladakh bike trip 2023 ? Plan your itinerary around these best places to visit in Ladakh.

1. Pangong Tso

Popularly known as the Pangong Tso Lake , this natural marvel set in the lap of Ladakh is a must-visit tourist attraction on your Leh Ladakh bike trip. Located in the heart of Himalayas, the lake stretches at a distance of about 134 kilometres offering scintillating views in sync with the rustic mountains. The lake is so gigantic that sixty percent of the lake’s length lies in China making it one of the largest lakes in Asia.

Famous for:  Stunning location, beautiful scenery Location:  Stunning location Things to do:  Camping, stargazing, ice hockey/skating, capture amazing pictures

2. Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Much famed to be one of the famous monasteries in Ladakh , Namgyal Tsemo Gompa or Namgyal Tsemo Monastery is located right in the heart of Leh district. It is believed that Ladakh’s King Tashi Namgyal founded the monastery in 1430, that serves as a home to the famous golden statue of Maitreya Buddha. You can even have a glance at it from the top of Leh Royal Palace. If you are staying in the town of Leh, this is one of the best places to visit nearby.

Famous for:  Architectural marvel, ancient paintings & manuscripts, soothing ambiance, serene vistas Location:  Namgyal Tsemo, Leh district, ‎Ladakh‎ Things to do:  Indulge in meditation, attend prayers, explore intriguing history of the place

Suggested Read: New Year In Ladakh

3. Zanskar Valley

Hues of soothing blue and beautiful brown can only be witnessed at the famous Zanskar Valley which is surrounded by the massive snow-clad peaks on all sides. One visit to the bustling Valley is sure to leave you charmed forever. In winters, the river gets frozen giving adventurers a chance to do the famous Chadar Trek where people walk over the frozen ice for days.

Famous for:  Picturesque location, snow-capped mountains, serene rivers Location:  Zanskar, Kargil district, Ladakh Things to do:  Attend monastery festivals, trekking, river rafting, adventurous activities

3 Things To Do On Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

If you want to get high on adrenaline, these are some of the exhilarating things you should consider doing on your Leh Ladakh bike trip.

1. Experience The Magic Of Nubra Valley

Serenity is what strikes one’s mind on reaching the renowned Nubra Valley . The valley is popularly known as “the valley of flowers” referring to the beautiful and colorful blooming flowers that are worth a visit to the Nubra Valley. It is one of the best-found treasures of Ladakh that you must definitely visit on your bike trip to Ladakh .

Famous for:  Mesmerizing beauty, orchards, monasteries, scenic vistas Things to do:  Camel safari, river rafting, cycling, photography

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Katra 

2. Find Solace At The Shanti Stupa

Perched atop a hill, the famous Shanti Stupa is set at an elevation of whooping 4267 meters. Offering panoramic views of Leh, it is a must for the bikers to witness either sunrise or a stunning sunset from the Shanti Stupa. It is one of the best places to find peace and tranquillity. The stupa is blessed to be located amidst wondrous surroundings of nature. You may also find relics of old Buddhism culture inside the shrine.

Famous for:  Tranquil ambiance, cultural richness, fascinating history Things to do:  Enjoy photography, watch alluring views

Suggested Read: Delhi To Jammu Trains 

3. Test Your Riding Abilities At The Khardung La

Any biker who is planning a trip to Leh already has the ride to Khardung La on his list. Set at a heart-wrenching height of 18,379 ft. and located at a distance of about 40 kilometres from Leh, Khardung La Pass is one of the most dangerous motor-able roads in India. Challenging the bikers and the drivers in the face, your Delhi to Leh Ladakh bike trip is incomplete without experiencing a ride through the “Pass of Lower Castle”. This is certainly one of the best places to visit on a bike trip to Ladakh.

Famous for:  Height, enthralling experiences, natural beauty Things to do:  Camping, biking, adventurous activities

3 Must Experiences

Don’t say you have visited Leh Ladakh unless you have had all these experiences on your bike trip. Every person visiting the region must strike these off their lists.

1. Royal Leh Palace

Considered to be a gem in the heart of Ladakh, the 17th-century royal Leh Palace was built by the famous King Sengge Namgyal. Standing tall at a height of about 9 stories, you can soak in the natural beauty of Leh’s whole town, Stok Kangri, Zanskar ranges, and Indus Valley from the roof of this elegant yet rugged palace.

Famous for:  Impressive architecture, huge walls, beautiful views Things to do:  Learn about history, photography

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Ladakh 

2. Magnetic Hill

Feel the pull of nature and adventure at Magnetic Hill in Ladakh , a sorcery of nature. Magic and Magnetic Hill go hand in hand. Encircled by the Sindhu river on all sides, Magnetic Hills rise to a height of about 14,000 ft. and possess a unique kind of magnetic force that pulls the bikes and cars uphill. Sounds magical, isn’t it? Try it for yourself!

Famous for:  Gravity-defying occurrence, optical illusions Things to do:  Experience the phenomenon that defies gravity

3. Drass Valley

Famous for its natural hot springs that are blessed with medicinal benefits, Drass Valley is located in the heart of Kargil district, Jammu & Kashmir. Renowned to be the coldest hill station in India , Drass Valley strikes a perfect balance between the lush greens, soothing blues, and bold browns. The stark contrast of nature in the valley of Drass will make your jaw drop to the floor. Pay your homage to Indian soldiers at Kargil.

Famous for:  High altitude trekking routes, tourist hotspots Things to do:  Trekking, hiking, camping, adventurous activities, sightseeing

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots Near Jammu

Going on a bike trip is like hard-core backpacking through the roughest of mountains. It is an adventure trip to Ladakh which needs packing to be light yet all the basic requirements need to be carried along. Keep in mind the below mentioned Leh Ladakh bike trip preparation while packing your stuff.

• An intelligent head on strong shoulders is a matter of life and death for everyone. Hence, carry a sturdy helmet and put it to use all the time while you’re riding.
• Valid photo identity proofs and not to forget your driving license.
• One or two leather jackets are a must to glide through the wind and beat the breeze.
• Carry sweatshirts, tees, jeans, shorts, shirts, tracks, inner-wear, socks, towels, handkerchiefs, and other clothing items that you may feel necessary.
• Carrying an extra pair of sturdy trekking shoes or leather boots will keep you away from cold feet.
• Match your shoes with an extra pair of gloves.
• Riding goggles to protect your eyes.
• It is a must to carry a first-aid kit for yourself and a tool-kit for your bike.
• You’ll be equipped with GPS for sure but then carry a physical map for better navigation and clear routes.
• Charger, power banks, bluetooth headset, batteries for backup, etc. are a few other necessities to carry.
• Keep a torch with you, even if you think you don’t need it. You never know when a need may arise.
• A good-quality camera would be a necessity too to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
• Carry a Swiss Army Knife for self-defence since traveling on a bike increases the level of danger automatically.
• Camping tents, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, and other camping equipment can be easily rented whereas one can carry them as per their level of comfort.
• Carry basic toiletries of toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo sachets (to save a little space and easy disposability), face wash, liquid soap, moisturizer, cold creams, etc.
• Last but not the least, carry loads of sunscreen with maximum SPF to protect your skin from direct sunlight.

Image Credits: Naveen Sharma for Pixabay

Other than being an enthralling experience, a Leh Ladakh road trip is definitely going to be the most memorable experience. You will get to see Ladakh as it really is in its original flavor. Despite being on a bike trip, you can also choose to go for one of the most exquisite experiences i.e. camping in Leh . You can also choose to stay at luxurious Ladakh resorts , hotels, homestays and cottages. Coupled with the fact that you may also go for safaris, and adventure tours to explore this heavenly land.

Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Jammu

Image Credits: Avinash Patel for Pexels

Planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip plan and not sure about where and how to start? Here are the basic eligibility criteria for your trip. Be advised that it is extremely important to go through each and every criterion:

• You should be above 25 years of age with a valid driving license.
• We recommend that if you want to go on a Leh Ladakh road trip, then you should already have some nice riding experiences, especially long bike tours.
• There should be at least a group of 6 people for your entire Leh Ladakh bike trip plan
• You must carry a valid driving license, government-issued photo ID proof, address proof, and photocopies of these documents. 
• International tourists must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by their home country along with their passport.
• Indian nationals do require an Inner Line Permit or ILP in case you want to visit the protected areas in Ladakh.
• Other special permits are required by foreign nationals in order to visit Pangong lake, Tso Moriri, etc.

It is believed that rules are meant to be broken and some of you may get the feeling of “your life, your rules” but then it is not at all advised to go on a bike trip with a wrong attitude.

• Breaking the rules on one of the most dangerous and highest motorable roads can be dangerous as death itself. Hence, for your own sake and safety, abide by the rules and follow them wisely.
• If you’re taking the route of Manali to Leh, it is recommended to carry extra jars of petrol apart from the full-tanks as there are only two petrol pumps on this route. On the contrary, the route from Srinagar to Leh has plenty of petrol pumps.
• It is advisable that you learn how to change a bike tyre in case your bike suffers any punctures. For the rest of the times, one can find many mechanics along the way on both the routes.
• Carry necessary medicines with you in case you, your partner, or your friends with whom you’re traveling suffer from altitude sickness.
• It is important to note that Leh only has connectivity from the leading operators of Airtel, BSNL, & Aircel. Riders who don’t have these connections do not have any other choice other than standing in the long queues of overcrowded STD booths or getting a connection from one of the above-mentioned operators.
• Though there are several ATMs at Leh, carry enough cash with you as the ATM you’ll find on Manali to Leh route is at Keylong.
• Applying for an Inner Line Permit will only cost you ₹200 and will give you access to remote places like that Tso Moriri, Chushul, Merak, Loma, Mahe, Hanle, and more. One can apply and get this permit from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh from 9 am to 3 pm.

Further Read: Trekking In Ladakh 

And that’s a wrap from us. Also, other than the bike tours, one can also explore this natural marvel by customizing amazing trip to Ladakh with TravelTriangle. As you embark on your journey, we hope you enjoy a safe and sound Leh Ladakh bike trip. Once you are there, do not use your smartphone. Instead, come back and do share a few words from the memorable journey you just took. 

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click  here . 

Frequently Asked Questions About Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

What are the vital documents required during the bike trip to Leh Ladakh?

You must carry a valid driving license, government-issued photo ID proof, address proof, and photocopies of these documents.

What is the age limit for the people who want to travel by bike to Leh Ladakh?

The minimum age of the tourist must be 25 years of age to opt for travelling by bike to Leh Ladakh.

What are some of the essential tips for travelling to Leh Ladakh by bike?

You must carry extra jars of petrol for an emergency, carry essential medication and carry enough cash as it may happen that you don’t find an ATM to withdraw cash. Apart from this, it is recommended to have enough food supplies in case of any emergency.

How far is Ladakh from Leh?

Ladakh is a region in Jammu and Kashmir that has been divided into two districts; Leh and Kargil. Leh is the capital of Ladakh, a land of high mountain passes.

Which is the coldest month of Leh?

The coldest month in Leh is January when the temperature plummets down to lower than -15 degrees Celsius. If you are visiting the destination during this time, make sure to carry enough woollen clothes.

What is famous in Leh Ladakh?

In terms of attractions, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, Zanskar River, Pangong Lake and monasteries are famous in Leh Ladakh. Apart from this, Pashmina Shawl and traditional Tibetan items make for perfect souvenirs.

What should I buy in Leh?

Pashmina shawls, Mandala art &drawings, Tibetan handicrafts and handloom, silver jewellery, etc. are some of the things you should consider buying on your Leh trip.

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Ultimate Guide to Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2024 – An Unforgettable Journey

A Leh Ladakh bike trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every biker must undertake. The places to visit in Ladakh boast snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, stunning landscapes, and an unmatched culture that attracts bikers from across the globe. 

There are numerous Ladakh bike trip itineraries that are specifically designed keeping bikers in mind and offer everything needed for a secure and enjoyable trip. If you’re planning to embark on this journey, this ultimate guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make your bike trip to Leh Ladakh  memorable.

About Leh Ladakh

The famous Magnetic Hill , the turquoise-colored Pangong Lake, the meeting of two mysterious rivers, the oldest and most revered monasteries in Ladakh , and the highest passes are just a few spectacular sights in the Ladakh bike trip route  as a whole. 

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: An Overview 

Part 1: planning the trip, 1.1 finest time to visit leh ladakh, 1.2 choosing the right bike, 1.3 necessary permits, 1.4 accommodation, 1.5 itinerary, one of the most popular route is: , part 2: safety and precautions, 2.1 acclimatization, 2.2 clothing and gear, 2.3 road conditions, part 3: sightseeing and places to visit, 3.2 nubra valley, 3.3 pangong tso, 3.4 khardung la, part 4: budget and expenses, 4.1 bike rental, 4.2 fuel expenses, 4.3 accommodation and food, 4.4 miscellaneous.

Average Budget = Petrol + Accommodation + Meals + Miscellaneous = ₹7000 + ₹8000 + ₹3500 + ₹2500 = ₹21,000/-

Thus, considering all the lower limits, an average budget for a 15-day  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip would be ₹21,000 per person.

Part 5: Safety Tips

5.1 pre-ride inspection, 5.2 safety gear, 5.3 altitude sickness, 5.4 weather conditions.

Always check the weather forecast before starting the ride.

Part 6: Environmental Conservation

6.1 leave no trace, 6.2 respect local culture, part 7: tips for a successful leh ladakh bike trip itinerary, 7.1 plan your route, 7.2 get the right gear, 7.3 rent a reliable motorcycle, 7.4 get in shape, 7.5 stay hydrated, 7.6 acclimatize slowly, part 8: best time for ladakh bike trip, part 9: permits and documentation.

In addition, it is essential to carry all the necessary documents, including a valid driving license, vehicle registration certificate, and insurance papers. It is advisable to keep the records in a waterproof bag or cover to protect them from the rain.

Part 10: Communication and Connectivity

Part 11: best bikes for a road trip to leh ladakh.

When choosing a bike for a trip like the  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip , travellers have always found it safe and beneficial to choose models of bikes that are simple to operate and maintain. The following five bikes are the finest for a trip to Leh Ladakh :

Royal Enfield-  The 350 CC or 500 CC engine on this Bike, regarded as the most fabulous Bike for a trip to Leh Ladakh , is powerful enough to save your life during a Leh Ladakh bullet trip .

Royal Enfield Himalayan-  The 400 CC Royal Enfield Himalayan’s powerful engine will make travelling on any rocky trek or off-the-beaten-path road effortless and hassle-free.

Bajaj Pulsar-  When compared to Bajaj Pulsar, no other bike has, by a long shot, been a success in India. The Pulsar, the second most popular Bike after Bullets, comes in 150CC, 200CC, and 220CC variations. Either one of these models may be your dependable travel companion on any excursion.

KTM Duke-  On roads like those in Ladakh, being a lightweight bike might be helpful. KTM can also be a fantastic option for a  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip  with their new engine variations of Duke 390 and Duke 250 models.

CBR 250-  Except for its Contigo tyres, which can be a little challenging to handle on the terrain in Ladakh in the event of a change in weather, this Honda Bike is a natural beauty. The Bike’s torque and FI technology may be put to great use and used for a larger purpose if the tyres can be replaced, which is a positive factor.

The organization of bike rentals has also taken the Bajaj Vikrant, Yamaha FZ, Yamaha Fazer, and Hero Impulse into account while choosing the best for  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip . Even though the engines on these bikes aren’t as powerful, they may accelerate quickly while moving (without breaking any laws).

Part 12: Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

You are ready to embark on your  Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi  as soon as you provide valid photo identification, your driver’s license, ₹10,000 as the security deposit, and if you are under 25, a letter of permission from your parents.

The cost of renting a room in Manali varies from ₹1,000 to ₹8,000 per day, and the security deposit ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000. Original copies of acceptable identification documents are also required.

In addition, you can pay a mechanic a daily rate to work on your Bike for the duration of your Leh Ladakh Bike Trip . To be on the safe side during the bike trip, remember to run the Bike through a test ride and test its capabilities to the absolute maximum.

Part 13: Best Leh Ladakh Bike Tour Route

The path from Srinagar to Leh is non-overlapping and is a complete circle. 

The  Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary  from Manali circumnavigates the rough hilly terrain, provides better vistas and raises the difficulty and hazard levels.

Route 1: Srinagar to Leh and Back

Route Map:  Delhi → Jalandhar → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi

Distance Covered:  Approximately 2,295 kilometres. 

Route 2: Manali to Leh and Back

Route Map:  Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → KhardungLa → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Distance Covered:  Approximately 2,569 kilometres. 

Route 3: Delhi to Leh and Back

Distance Covered:  Approximately 2,022 kilometres.

Part 14: 3 Locations to See While Biking Through Leh Ladakh

14.1 pangong tso.

Famous for:  Stunning location, beautiful scenery.

Location:  Stunning location.

Things to Do:  Camping, Stargazing, Ice Hockey/Skating, Capturing Amazing Pictures. 

14.2 Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Famous for:  Architectural marvels, ancient paintings & manuscripts, soothing ambiance, and serene vistas. 

Location:  Namgyal Tsemo, Leh district, ‎Ladakh‎. 

Things to Do:  Indulge in Meditation, Attend Prayers, and Explore the Intriguing History of the Place. 

14.3 Zanskar Valley

Famous for:  Picturesque location, snow-capped mountains, serene rivers. 

Location:  Zanskar, Kargil district, Ladakh. 

Things to Do:  Attend Monastery Festivals, Trekking, River Rafting, and Adventurous Activities.

Part 15: How to Prepare

• For everyone, having a sharp mind on sturdy shoulders is essential. Therefore, always wear a reliable helmet while riding, and keep one on hand.
• You should also bring your driver’s license and valid photo ID.
• You need one or two leather coats to combat the wind and savour the breeze.
• Carry sweatshirts, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, shirts, tracks, innerwear, socks, towels, handkerchiefs, and other required clothing items.
• Your feet won’t get cold if you have an extra pair of durable boots or trekking shoes.
• Add a pair of gloves to match your shoes.
• To safeguard your eyes, wear riding goggles.
• A first aid kit and a bike toolkit are essential items to have with you.
• Although you will undoubtedly have a GPS device, bringing a printed map for clearer navigation is still a good idea.
• Some additional items to bring are chargers, power banks, Bluetooth headsets, backup batteries, etc., for a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip to become truly memorable. 
• Always carry a torch even if you believe you won’t need it. Never assume that a need won’t come up.
• A high-quality camera is also required to capture beautiful views adequately.
• The amount of danger increases just by riding a bike. Therefore, always keep a Swiss Army knife on you for self-defense.
• One can easily hire camping gear, such as sleeping bags, cooking utensils, and tents, and then carry it according to their comfort level.
• Carry basic toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo sachets (to save a little space and quick disposable), face wash, liquid soap, moisturizer, cold creams, etc.
• Carry lots of sunscreen with the highest SPF possible to shield your skin from the sun.

Part 16: Qualifications for the Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

• You must ensure having a valid driving license and be older than 25. 
• If you wish to go on a Leh Ladakh road trip , you should have some great riding experiences, especially lengthy bike journeys. 
• Your complete Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary requires a minimum of 6 individuals. 
• You must have a current driver’s license, photo ID provided by the government, proof of address, and photocopies of these documents at all times for your  Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi  to keep the journey completely hassle-free. 
• Along with their passport, foreign visitors must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by their home government. 
• If Indian national wants to visit a protected area in Ladakh, one must have an Inner Line Permit or ILP for  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip . 
• Foreign nationals must have additional special authorizations to visit Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri, etc.

Part 17: Why Ride a Bike in Leh Ladakh?

Part 18: 3 must-have adventures, 18.1 royal leh palace.

Famous for:  Impressive architecture, massive walls, beautiful views. 

Things to Do:  Learn about history and photography.

18.2 Magnetic Hill

Famous for:  Gravity-defying occurrence, optical illusions. 

Things to Do:  Experience the phenomenon that defies gravity.

18.3 Drass Valley

Famous for:  High altitude trekking routes, tourist hotspots. 

Things to Do:  Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Adventurous Activities, Sightseeing. 

Part 19: Trip by Bike to Ladakh Price

The price also depends on the route you take for your bike tour through Leh Ladakh. It also includes the cost of the Leh Ladakh bike trip ‘s permits and other incidentals. Also, check the  Leh Ladakh bike trip route.

A  Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi  is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every biker must undertake. The breathtaking landscapes, challenging terrain, and unique culture make for an unforgettable journey. However, planning such a trip requires careful consideration and preparation. 

This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information and tips to help you plan and execute a successful  Leh Ladakh Bike Trip in 2023 . Remember to take the required safety precautions, respect the local culture, and leave no trace. Happy riding!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: The Most Practical Leh Ladakh Itinerary

Every biker dreams of riding in the mystical lands of Ladakh. The cool mountain air, the calmness of the road, the beautiful Himalayan vistas and the rhythmic sound of your bike make a Leh Ladakh bike trip an absolute must for any motorcycle enthusiast. We have been to Ladakh twice and have created this perfect 14 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary to help you plan your trip.

While there are a number of tour operators who offer tour packages for various durations, often times people don’t know what to expect them to include in their tour. Keep reading to ensure that you know all the details of a exploring Leh-Ladakh on a motorcycle.

If you’re a group with 3 or more motorcycles, you can follow this itinerary word by word and ensure an epic Ladakh road trip ! However, if you’re a solo rider or just two bikers, we recommend you join a group just to ensure that there’s some kind of help while accessing the remote areas of Ladakh. You can either find fellow travelers on Facebook groups or approach these groups at different road stops on Ladakh highways. Bikers are generally a friendly bunch and look out for each other. Hence, they won’t mind if you join them.

Before delving into a detailed itinerary, we have attempted to answer a couple of common questions that people have asked us numerous times while while planning their Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Quick overview

How Long is the Leh Ladakh Bike Trip?

The most popular and endearing Leh Ladakh bike trip is about 15 days long and it covers all the important stops around Leh. This trip generally starts from Jammu/Srinagar and ends in Manali. There also people who choose to fly directly into Leh and just see the important locations around Leh. Such a trip can be completed in 5 to 6 days. We’ve explained how you can easily convert this 14 day itinerary to a 5 Day Leh Ladakh itinerary below.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Best Time

The best time for a Leh Ladakh Bike trip is from May end to September when the temperatures are bearable and the mountain passes have opened . After September, the mountain roads generally close due to extreme temperatures and landslides. Before April, due to harsh winter conditions and unpredictable rainfall, it becomes a little risky to conduct a Ladakh bike trip.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Cost

An average Leh Ladakh bike trip cost for 15 days is somewhere around Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000 per person if you’re taking your own private vehicle. This cost includes food, accommodation in guest houses or camps and fuel.

Camps and homestays generally have options that include breakfast and dinner and the cost is very reasonable. While riding, there are numerous shacks/dhabas where you can have a good meal for as low as Rs. 100. These include breakfast options like parathas, omelets, sandwiches, butter toasts and coffee while lunch options include Tibetan delicacies like thukpas, momos, chowmein and local North Indian delicacies. If you opt for Non-vegetarian food, it’ll cost youa little more.

If you’re renting a bike for the entire trip, this cost will rise to Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 60,000 per person. The bike rent and fuel cost shall be divided into two in case you’re taking this Leh – Ladakh bike trip with a pillion rider.

Your total cost also depends on the type of bike that you’re renting. The following are the latest bike rental rates in Ladakh for the most popular brands:

• Royal Enfield Classic 500 CC – Rs. 2,000/day
• Royal Enfield Himalayan – Rs. 2,500/day
• BMW/GSR 310 CC – Rs. 3,500/day
• Bajaj Avenger 220 CC- Rs. 1,500/day
• Scooty (Activa/Access) – Rs. 1,100/day

An additional Rs. 150/day is charged for Ladakh carrier and saddle bag .

Leh Ladakh Packing List

Despite recent developments, Ladakh is still quite a remote location. Basic utilities might be readily available in the town of Leh, but in more remote areas, they are quite scarce. So, it’s better to pack them in advance to avoid shortage or paying premium prices for the same.

Also, you shall also need to pack weather sensitive clothing like rain covers, thermal wear, safety gear for riding a bike in Ladakh and some common spare parts for your bike . In addition to this, it’s necessary to carry medication for basic ailments as you don’t know when you might need them. Pack a go-to medication kit along with your bike’s first aid kit to take care of this.

To guide you better for your Ladakh trip, we have created this detailed Leh Ladakh Packing List that you absolutely should follow. We recommend referring this list to ensure that you are prepared for all contingencies during your Leh Ladakh Bike Trip .

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Route

The best and the most convenient route for your Leh Ladakh bike trip starts from Jammu/Srinagar and ends in Manali. For a classic Leh Ladakh Itinerary travel in a clockwise direction starting from Jammu and take stops at the following hubs :

• Nubra Valley

For visiting Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, you shall need to come back to Leh to resume your journey as there are no proper roads connecting these locations . There is a new direct route that connects Nubra Valley to Pangong lake via Shyok Village and Wari La. Despite the development of this route, it’s a little riskier to travel by bike . Hence, we recommend that you go back Leh and leave for Pangong Tso the next day.

This Leh Ladakh bike trip route is planned in such a way that it takes care of acclimatization and comfort for beginners as well as advanced riders. The important thing is, that you start from Srinagar or Jammu side .

Why it’s better to start your Ladakh Bike Trip from Jammu?

We have visited Leh twice. Once from Jammu side and once from Manali side and we recommend choosing the former route . The following are the main reasons for starting your Ladakh bike trip from Jammu side:

• If you’re taking your own bike to Ladakh, the best, most convenient and cheapest way to transport it is by train . Indian Railways does a fabulous job of packing and transporting your bike to Jammu (the most well-connected station near Ladakh). A lot of trains from all over India reach Jammu and your Bike will reach there in great condition without any hassle .
• Jammu is a great hub for bikers riding towards Kashmir, Ladakh and the rest of Himalayas. Hence, with an abundance of mechanic shops, it’s easier to get a couple of modifications done to your bike in Jammu before you start your Leh Ladakh bike trip . We’re talking about adding saddle bags or fitting a luggage rack on your bike or evening getting your bike serviced and ready for exploring Ladakh!
• However, the most important reason for starting your Leh Ladakh trip from Jammu/Srinagar, is that the ascend to Ladakh from Jammu is a lot easier compared to the one from Manali. The route from Manali side is a lot steeper and a lot of riders struggle with acclimatization. The steeper the ride, the lesser time the body gets to adjust to the change in climate. Acute mountain sickness or any other disease can absolutely ruin your trip.

Now that we have the answered some common questions about a Ladakh road trip, check out the following Leh Ladakh itinerary. We followed this itinerary and had the best time in Ladakh.

14 Day Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Itinerary

The crux of this Ladakh Bike trip itinerary is that you start your ride early in the morning . Through out the route, there’s a possibility of road blockage due to onrushing water due to the melting ice. The later you start, the higher your chances of encountering flooded roads and long traffic jams. Hence, we recommend waking up at 6 in the morning and starting your ride 7 AM. This also allows you to reach your destination earlier and enjoy it more during day time. Additionally, it allows you to take longer breaks at interesting locations enroute.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Jammu and gearing up

Your first day entails your arrival in Jammu and collecting your bike from the transporter (like the Indian Railways suggested above) in case you’re using your own vehicle for your Ladakh bike trip. If you’re hiring a bike, you’ll have to either hire it from a dealer who can collect the bike from Manali. If you don’t find such a dealer, you can ride back to Jammu (400 kms) instead of Chandigarh (300 kms) as proposed below .

After collecting your bike, get it checked thoroughly by the expert mechanics in the Jammu city center. You can make some modifications like a luggage brace or replace your break liners for better performance.

You can spend the rest of the day exploring Jammu. Popular places include the Amar Mahal Museum, Bagh-E-Bahu, the Bahu fort and Shree Ranbireshwar Temple.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 2: Jammu To Srinagar

Distance: 250 kms

Duration: 8-9 hrs. considering usual conditions

Start early in the morning for Srinagar on NH 44. The road condition is great and you might find usual traffic of goods vehicles. Enjoy the first time joy of riding in the mountains here. NH 44 is the most well developed road in this entire Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Stop for Lunch at near Peerah village. Khajuriah Vaishno Dhaba in Peerah is arguably best place to have Rajma Chawal in the world . The perfectly cooked Rajma, rice, dollops of desi ghee and the lip-smacking anar-dana chutney make this the perfect spot for an early lunch.

Farther on the way, you shall cross Jawahar Tunnel, one of the oldest Himalayan tunnels in India . Moreover, at the time of its construction, it was one of the longest such tunnels in Asia!

You shall reach Srinagar by late afternoon. Check into your hotel/house boat and head over to Dal Lake for an evening walk on its beautiful boulevard. You can also opt for a Shikara ride in the lake.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 3: Srinagar to Kargil via Sonamarg and Draas

Distance: 205 kms

Duration: 7 – 8 hrs. considering usual conditions and traffic on Zoji La

You can start off early in the morning from Srinagar and head to the beautiful valley of Sonamarg. Sonamarg exemplifies why Kashmir is known as heaven on earth.

After a quick breakfast stop at Sonamarg, you shall head towards Kargil via Dras. The route that you shall be taking is the mighty Zoji La . Zoji La is one of the steepest and most under developed mountain passes of the Himalayas. It has been under redevelopment for quite some time. While one side is pretty well developed, the other side is quite a task. Ensure that you are with your group and be extra careful while driving here. The local drivers are quite rash and accidents are quite common.

After descending from Zoji La, you shall see a lot of small yurts selling delicious food cooked by locals. Have a hearty lunch here after an arduous bike ride on Zoji La.

Alternatively, you can take a lunch break in Dras, another quaint little town on the way to Kargil .

Overnight stay in Kargil.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 4: Kargil to Leh

Distance: 220 kms

The mountain pass that you shall be crossing on Day 4 of your Ladakh bike trip is known as Namika La. The road is very well developed by the Border Road Organization, fondly abbreviated BRO 😅.

After scaling Namik La, visit the famous Lamaryu monastery and its lunar landscapes that have earned it the name Lamaryu Moonland. The landscape formations due to lacustrine deposits in this region reminded us about our epic 4 days in Cappadocia, Turkey .

Your next photo stop shall be the popular Magnetic Hill . It’s a good place to take a break as there are a number of small yurts/shacks selling regional food.

You shall reach Leh by late afternoon or evening depending on the number of stops you’ve taken. You can stay in guesthouses or camps that include dinner . Hence, you don’t have to roam around for food after an entire day of riding.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 5: Leh Local Sight Seeing and Permits

Dedicate Day 5 of your Leh Ladakh itinerary to local sight seeing and getting the inner line permits for various mountain passes. You can get these permits online at the official website of Leh District Tourism .

💡 Pro Tip : It’s easier to print the permits at home and get them stamped at the Leh Tourist Information Centre or Leh DC office. You will not be able to find a lot of print shops or reliable internet in the mountains.

Local sight seeing in Leh involves the following must visit places:

• The Khar – A structure that towers over the entire city of Leh. It houses the Leh Palace, the Tsemo Castle and the Namgyal Gompa.
• Shanti Stupa –  A Buddhist white domed shaped Stupa located over the Chanspa hill.
• Hall of Fame – A museum respecting the fallen heroes of the Kargil war and highlighting the hardships of the lives of the soldiers stationed at Siachin Glacier.
• Leh Main Market – The central market of Leh where you can shop for local crafts like shawls, souvenir t shirts and enjoy a lunch at some cute cafes.

💡 Insider tip: We advise you to book your hotel/camp in such a way that you can keep your luggage in the Leh hotel when you make trips to Nubra Valley and Pangong lake. This way, you won’t have to mount, dismount, carry and unload all your heavy luggage at each destination. This way, you will have a room every time you return to Leh but will not be charged for the time you’re staying in Nubra Valley or Pangong Tso. A lot of hotels are accommodating this request.

Call in an early night as the next day, you shall be driving on one of the highest motorable roads on earth – Khardung La.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 6: Leh To Nubra Valley

Distance: 130 km

Duration: 5-6 hrs. considering usual conditions and breaks

On Day 6 of your Ladakh tour, you shall be scaling the mighty Khardung La – one of the highest motorable roads on earth located about 17,582 feet above sea level.

The road is reasonably well-developed. However, there can be traffic congestion due its recent popularity with tourists. Moreover, due to the melting ice in the summers, the pass can be flooded and also lead to breakdowns. Hence, we recommend starting your journey early in the morning. By doing so, you shall reach Khardung La top way before other tourists and might even get the entire place to yourself along with the Indian army personnel stationed there.

💡 Insider tip: The army serves a spiced herbal tea free of cost at the top. It’s a great way to warm yourself up in the cold and also indulge in some great conversation with the army personnel.

At the top, a lot of tourists and bike groups get pictures like the one above with the Khardung La top milestone. This picture is an amazing souvenir to get from your Leh Ladakh bike trip.

After reaching Nubra Valley, head over to the famous sand dunes of Hunder and get a picture with the Himalayan Bactrian Camels. These camels are unlike any that you might have seen. They are furry, sturdy and have two humps instead of a single one like regular camels.

A lot of people opt to ride these camels. We request you not to do so as the it’s cruel and the camels hardly get any rest due to the onslaught of tourists. Instead, get a picture with them for a memorable, cruelty free souvenir from Ladakh.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 7: Relax day at Turtuk Village

Distance: 85 kms

Take a well deserved break from long bike rides in the beautiful Turtuk village in Nubra Valley. The village is located very close to the Line of Control (LOC) and is known as the gateway to the Siachin glacier .

You will have to park your bikes at the designated parking spots at the entrance of the village and continue on foot . The village is constructed like a beautiful maze set between cherry and mulberry orchards. You might even encounter a lot of cherry trees in the streets of Turtuk village.

Turtuk is a photographer’s dream. It is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains. The landscape is green in contrast to the rest of Ladakh as it is irrigated by glacier water distributed in the village through canals constructed 200 years ago.

There are a number of small cute cafes serving piping hot food. Some of our favorite dishes in Turtuk were Spicy Chowmein, buckwheat pancakes with walnut puree, freshly squeezed mulberry or cherry juice and any local dish made from mulberry, cherry, walnut or apricot!

Moreover, you can also ask for a guided tour of the numerous walnut, cherry or apricot orchards and buy some fruits for home as well if you can accommodate them in your luggage.

Return back to Hunder at your camp/guest house. Overnight at Hunder.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 8: Nubra Valley To Leh

Distance: 130 kms

Duration: 7-8 hrs. considering usual conditions and breaks

Start your return towards Leh early in the morning as you shall be taking a pretty long stop at Diskit.

The Diskit Monastery houses the tallest Lord Buddha statue in India, that is visible even from its approach road . The statue stands an impressive 106 feet and is an amazing photo spot. Click some great pictures here and explore this 14 th century Diskit Monastery before heading back to Khardung La for your return leg to Leh.

Upon reaching Leh, rest and recover in the innumerable cafes or shop for souvenirs in Leh Main market. Overnight at Leh.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 9: Leh to Pangong Lake

Distance: 223 kms

Duration: 5-6 hrs. considering usual conditions

On day 10 of your Ladakh bike trip, start at 7 AM towards the Instafamous Pangong Tso via the mountain pass Chang La.

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is the pristine lake that features in the hit Bollywood movie, 3 Idiots . This is very evident as tourism and commercialization have set up many photo spots with “3 Idiots” references.

You shall be reaching the lake rather quickly as the road is quite well developed to boost tourism. Upon reaching the lake, find a spot that’s away from the scores of tourists. The lake is a tranquil paradise and its beauty is in its serenity. Don’t let the crowds take that away from you.

That being said, you still have to get those pictures with this piece of natural beauty. So, sit on some lonesome rock in the middle of the lake and ask one of your rider friends to start clicking. The rush of tourists increases with each passing hour. Hence, visit the lake as early as possible.

Most tourists make a day trip to Pangong lake. However, we highly recommend staying a night in one of the camps along the shores of the lake. This not only gives you private access to the lake without the tourists but also provides you with an opportunity to witness one of the most magical sunrises (picture below) you will ever see.

Overnight in Spangmik.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 10: Pangong Lake to Leh

Duration: 8 – 9 hrs. considering usual conditions and long stay at Thiksey Monastery

Wake up early in the morning to witness a magical sunrise as pictured above. Relax at the camp by the calm waters of the lake.

Day 10 of your Leh-Ladakh trip entails your return to Leh from Pangong Lake and doesn’t involve any major sites or congested mountain passes . Hence, you can afford to start today’s ride a little late. After a hearty breakfast and a fun bonding session with your bike gang by the lake, start your return journey.

On the way back, pay your respects at the majestic Thiksey Monastery . This humongous temple complex houses the Maitreya (Future Buddha) standing tall at 15 meters, inside the temple complex. The monastery is known for its well-planned architecture, spectacular views and calm vibes.

You shall return to Leh by evening. Overnight in Leh.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 11: Leh To Tso Moriri

On Day 11 of your Ladakh bike tour, head to Tso Moriri – one of the highest mountain lakes in the world . The lake stretches out till about 28 kms and provides some of the most beautiful and serene views in the world.

You shall be passing the second highest motorable road in Ladakh, Taglang La. There is another less popular route as well, but if you’re a biker, you’d definitely not want to miss out on scaling Taglang La. It was my favorite mountain pass to cross in the entire duration of my Ladakh bike trip. It is very well developed, provides beautiful views of snow covered mountain peaks and the traffic is considerably manageable as well.

Post Taglang La, the route to Tso Moriri is a rather steep one. The road isn’t that developed, the incline is considerable high and you might have to go off road for longer durations. If you’re not an experienced biker or if you’re driving in the mountains for the first time, I would recommend you to skip Tso Moriri and head straight to Sarchu.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 12: Tso Moriri to Sarchu

Distance: 230 kms

Duration: 9-10 hrs. considering usual conditions

Start early in the morning from Tso Moriri so that you can reach your next stop, Sarchu before dark.

On the way, you shall be crossing More Plains . More plains are a rare flat land in the Himalayas where there are no ascents or descents on the road and you just keep driving on a flat road. The road is adorned with large stone hills on either side along with plain lands that create an ideal photo spot for you and your bike. Ever seen those Ladakhi pictures of a bike parked on the side of a long, never ending road with mountains on either side? Yes, that picture (like the one above) was taken on More plains. No other road in Ladakh provides the luxury of such an amazing picture.

After crossing More plains, you shall be driving on the main highway connecting Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh. So, expect a lot of truck traffic and be careful as a number of accidents have taken place on these roads.

Reach the tent city of Sarchu before nightfall. There is one main bridge that connects Sarchu to the main highway. If the bridge gets flooded, you might not be able to enter Sarchu.

There are a number of budget, mid-range and luxury camps in Sarchu for your night stay which also include dinner and breakfast in the room rate. Sarchu has been developed as a tent city as it falls at a convenient distance for bikers riding from Leh to Manali. So, finding food and accommodation shall not be a problem. However, advance booking is still recommended.

Overnight at Sarchu.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 13: Sarchu To Manali

Distance: 180 kms

Duration: 6 hrs. considering usual conditions and breaks

Start the 13th day of your Himalayan bike ride from Sarchu for Manali. The distance is quite short but traffic and fog can be deterrents to a short ride.

On the way, cover the pristine Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal lakes that are visible from the roadside itself.

Have lunch in Keylong, one of our favorite Himalayan towns that has great options for food with numerous cafes.

When we visited for the first time, we had to take the route through Rohtang Pass that added an additional 3 hours to our ride time due to the risky roads, traffic and the fog. However, after the construction of Atal Tunnel, the travel time and distance have greatly reduced. Take the Atal tunnel to save time or visit Rohtang if that’s on your bucket list.

After reaching Manali, visit the Hidamba temple or roam around on Mall road to explore Manali at your pace.

Overnight in Manali.

Leh Ladakh Itinerary Day 14: Manali To Chandigarh/Jammu/ Delhi

This brings us to the 14 th day of your Leh Ladakh Bike trip. We have kept the option open for you to chose the destination as per your convenience.

You can opt to ride to Chandigarh (300 kms) like we did since it was the nearest, well connected hub for us to transport our bikes back to our home town.

You can head back to Jammu (400 kms), in case you have rented your bike from there and you need to return it back to Jammu.

If you’ve rented your motorcycle from a dealer who doesn’t mind collecting the bike from Manali, you can take an overnight sleeper bus to Delhi and return home.

15 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary: Buffer Day/day exploring any of the locations in detail

You can easily add another day to your 14-day Leh Ladakh bike trip by keeping a buffer day for unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road closures, harsh weather, etc. If there are no such unavoidable situations, you can dedicate an extra day to any of the locations mentioned above to explore them further or relax and take in its beauty.

We suggest that you don’t add any additional location from the ones stated above on your extra day. That will lead to increased fatigue and lesser joy. You are on a holiday after all.

Suggested 5 Day Leh Ladakh Itinerary

If you only wish to spend 5 days in Leh Ladakh, you can easily convert this itinerary to 5 day Leh Ladakh itinerary. Just fly in and out of Leh from Delhi and skip Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 13, 14 of the above itinerary . In addition to that, do a day trip to Turtuk instead of dedicating another entire day to it.

You can easily land in Ladakh, drop your luggage at a base hotel in Leh, hire a bike from Ladakh and visit all the important locations around Ladakh in 5 days.

In a Nuthsell

This brings us to the end of our Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary. We advise you to take a print out of this itinerary for reference as internet connection isn’t very reliable in Ladakh. If you still have any questions, ask us in the comments below and we shall be happy to answer them to the best of our knowledge. You can also reach out to us on Instagram @worldwidewander_org . Check out our other blogs on India travel if you plan to club an epic India trip with your Ladakh trip!

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Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip Guide 2024: Highlights, Best Bikes, Itinerary, Routes & Cost

Table of Contents

Every biker in India has a dream of Leh Ladakh bike trip. I mean who did not? Every biker’s first love is their bike. It is such an adventurous feel that no one can turn their back to. One who has tasted it can never look back. 

A bike trip to Ladakh is on all of our bucket lists. So why not just make it happen?  As I have personally gone to Ladakh on a bike, I can tell you this feeling is truly magical, its beauty is beyond words. 

Leh Ladakh is a very unique place, it is one of its kind. The snow-clad peaks, barren lands, sand dunes, and snowfall mixed, everything about it is just so unique.

To help you get an idea of what you can expect in your Leh Ladakh bike trip, we will share as much information as we can. We will cover everything starting from routes for a bike trip to Ladakh, to the best bikes for Ladakh bike trip. 

About Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip

Ladakh bike trip is all about roaring bike engines, thrilling roads, snow-clad mountains, sand dunes, Pangong Lake, and nothing but mesmerizing landscape all around. We think everyone must experience a bike trip to Ladakh, it’s such a wholesome experience and much more than any other trip. It is more than just a trip.

Ladakh constitutes a large portion of Kashmir and is one of the union territories of India. The geographical location of Ladakh is different than any other part of the world. It is one of the very few cold deserts of the world. The weather is dry most of the year. The temperature during winter can fall as low as -40 degrees celsius. 

As you drive through the roads with acres of land surrounded by the Zanskar mountain range, it feels as if the mountains are talking to you. Witness one of the most gorgeous and toughest lands on earth.

Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip Highlights

• A bike trip to Ladakh can be anywhere between a 6 day to 18-day tour. Depending on the destinations you are going to cover and the route.
• Most of the Ladakh bike trips start from Delhi. The most famous destinations in Leh Ladakh bike trip to be covered are Kargil, Rohtang pass, Khardungla pass, Pangong Lake, and Nubra valley.
• Shopping at the famous Leh market is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. 
• Ride the thrilling Khardungla pass, and experience the wind gushing.
• Visit the heavenly Pangong lake, and enjoy the mesmerizing view of the endlessly flowing Pangong lake.
• Enjoy the fresh air and the meadows as you ride towards Kullu valley.

Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh On A Bike Trip

The expedition of Ladakh bike trip is best during June to September. Although the road to Nubra valley and Khardungla pass been open throughout the year due to army clearance. But these roads are tremendously dangerous to tread during winters and monsoon. 

Also, the Rohtang pass is closed during the winter. It is not open for tourists until after April. So avoid going to Ladakh on a bike trip during winters at any cost.

The best time to visit Leh Ladakh on a bike trip is from June to September. Always prepare yourself for the worst condition, because the weather condition is becoming unpredictable due to global warming, climate changes, etc.

Best Bikes for Bike Trip To Ladakh

Now as we are talking about a bike trip to Ladakh, the bike deserves the limelight here. Your whole experience of this thrilling expedition will depend on your bike. Ladakh bike trip is the dream of many adventure lovers like us, but this can turn into a nightmare if you choose the wrong bike for the Leh Ladakh bike trip. 

First things first, you need a bike that is suitable for the trip and has a powerful engine. Experts recommend bikes that are easy to handle and easy to maintain. 

Here we will list out some of the best bikes for the Leh Ladakh bike trip:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan BS 4 and variants – The Royal Enfield Himalayan features a powerful 411cc torque engine. It was built by the company for the Ladakh trip. Its long-travel suspension setup, dual-purpose tyres, and large spoke wheels make it an outstanding performer off-road. No doubt the Royal Enfield Himalayan BS4 is one of the best bikes for the Ladakh bike trip.
• Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 – The Rcoyal Enfield interceptor 650 is literally a beast off-road. It features a 650cc parallel-twin moton engine. However, for the Ladakh bike trip, consider swapping the tires with dual-purpose tires.
• Bajaj Dominar 400 – This is another amazing tourer for the Ladakh bike trip. It has a 157mm ground clearance, great for off-road performance with a 400cc torque engine.
• Hero Xpulse – This is the best affordable bike for the Ladakh bike trip. But it is as capable as the most expensive ones in the list. It features a 200cc torque engine, with long-travel suspension and spoke wheels with dual-purpose tyres. The tall 220mm ground clearance is amazing for crossing rocky areas, and rivers.
• KTM Duke RC 390 – Lightweight bikes like this one is of great advantage especially for a bike trip to Ladakh. With its brand new RC 390 engine, it is one of the best bikes for the Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Available Petrol Pumps On The Highway To Ladakh Bike Trip

As petrol pumps are pretty scarce in the Leh region and as you ride up to Nubra valley, it is recommended you fill your fuel tank each time and also carry an extra container to refill the tank in case it needs refilling. 

Petrol Pumps on Manali to Leh- Ladakh Bike Trip

There are only two petrol pumps Manali and Leh. And the distance you will cover from Manali to Leh Bike trip is about 1130 km. While on a Ladakh bike trip, the average mileage of your bike would be somewhere near 35km per liter. So, let’s do the maths here, you will require at least 32 liters of petrol from Manali to Leh.

There are two petrol pumps on the Leh-Manali highway:

Petrol Pumps on Srinagar to Leh- Ladakh Bike Trip

Compared to the Leh-Manali route there are more petrol pumps in the Srinagar to Leh route. You will find at least 7 petrol pumps where you can refill your tank.

Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip Routes

There are several possible routes for the Ladakh bike trip. One can start from Delhi, or Manali, or even fly to Leh and start from there. If you are starting from Delhi, the most common route is via Srinagar. Delhi – Srinagar – Leh – Manali – Delhi. 

If you don’t want to take the route via Srinagar, you can directly start from Delhi or Manali and head towards Leh.

Delhi to Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip

Total Distance: 2200 Km (Approximate value)

Best time to Visit : June to October

Route Map : Delhi – Jammu –  Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Hunder – Pangong – Karu – Sarchu – Manali.

You can rent your bikes from Delhi as well as from Srinagar. If you wish the rent your bike from Delhi onwards, you would reach Jammu via Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

Otherwise, you can also fly to Srinagar airport and rent your bike from Srinagar itself.

Day 1: Delhi to Jammu

The journey is of about 10 hours if you ride a bike. The bike trip from Delhi to Jammu distance is about 600 km.

Day 2: Jammu – Srinagar

The road that connects Jammu and Srinagar is mesmerizing, with pine forests on both sides of the road. You will come across several valleys and beautiful spots on the way. The distance from Jammu to Srinagar is about 300km.

Day 3: Srinagar

Now is the time to rent your bike if you haven’t already in Delhi. Then take a tour around Srinagar, visit the famous Dal lake, floating market, gardens, and various other tourists attraction in Srinagar. And get ready for the next day.

Day 4: Srinagar to Kargil

Start off your day with an astounding 203 km drive from Srinagar to Kargil. You should be able to reach there by 2 PM even if you start your journey from Srinagar by 9 AM. Then you have the rest of the day to yourself. Do not forget to visit the Kargil war memorial. 

Kargil is a beautiful place, it does not feel like a city. Taking a tour around the locals will surely give you some insights into their culture.

Day 5: Kargil to Leh

It is the day for the spectacular journey from Kargil to Leh. It is a breathtaking 210 km bike ride through Alchi, Lamayuru, and the magical magnetic hill. It will be a 4-hour drive, so you should be able to reach Leh by 12 pm. Then you can enjoy the day in Leh. Visit the famous Lamayuru monastery, Shanti Stupa, Thiksey Monastery, and many more spectacular locations.

Day 6: Leh – Khardungla – Diskit – Hunder

After enjoying yourself at Leh, prepare yourself for the Khardungla pass. It is the world’s highest motorable road for the general public at an altitude of 18,600 ft above sea level. The oxygen level is very low at this altitude, so if you feel like it, carry a portable oxygen cylinder with you. Relax and spend the night at Hunder.

Day 7: Hunter – Nubra Valley

Spend the next to explore Hunder and Nubra valley. Also, don’t forget to treat yourself to a camel safari and the view of endless sand dunes. Do not miss the famous Nubra valley. It is known for its scenic vistas, camel, monasteries, and orchards. Spend the night camping at Nubra valley under a sky full of stars or maybe some bonfire!

Day 8: Nubra – Pangong Tso

Bid goodbye to Nubra valley early. Nubra valley to Pangong Tso or Pangong lake is about 217 km. Entice yourself with the scenic panoramic view of the Pangong lake. You can get camps near the Pangong Tso, you can also find hotels. Go for whatever is suitable for you.

Day 9: Pangong – Karu

Ride side by side the Pangong lake and enjoy the view of its heavenly colors and crystal clear water to reach Karu via the Chang La pass. It is about 190 km from Pangong Lake, it would take about 5 hours to reach Karu.

Day 10: Karu – Sarchu

Now slowly we are headed towards Manali, and about to bid Adieu to Leh. Sarchu lies on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It is a famous halt on the Leh-Manali highway. The ride is about 6hours. Enjoy this ride to the fullest, the bike trip feels fresh all of a sudden on this highway as you ride through the horizon, alongside the mountains.

A lot of people actually prefer to stay at Jispa (between Karu to Sarchu) over Sarchu. It helps your body to acclimatize better. But there’s a lot of journey left for the next day.

Day 11: Sarchu – Manali

As you embark towards Manali from Sarchu, you will cross the famous Rohtang pass. You will also notice the environment is changing slowly as you move closer to Manali. Enjoy the delightful views of the mountains, fresh air, and the gushing Beas river. The distance between Sarchu to Manali by road is 210 km.

And if you want to stay at Jispa, then the journey would be about 337 km to Manali.

Day 12: Manali – Delhi.

The end to an enticing adventure! Say goodbye till the next time. Reach Delhi airport or your relevant location with lots and lots of memories.

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Manali To Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip 

Total Distance :  2300 Km (approximate value)

Best time to Visit : June to September

Route Map : Delhi – Manali – Sarchu – Leh – Khardungla – Nubra – Pangong lake – Tso moriri – Sarchu – Manali – Delhi.

In the route, you start from Manali and ride all the way to Leh via Rohtang pass, Pangong lake, Kardungla pass, Nubra valley, and Kargil. On this route of Manali to Leh bike trip, you will start your journey from Manali, and return back to Manali without having to visit Srinagar and Jammu.

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

Start your journey from New Delhi and head out on NH1. Enjoy the boulevard amidst the exciting pastures of farmlands. You can reach Manali by Bus, train, or flight, whatever is convenient to you. You can also rent your bike right at Delhi to begin your expedition.

Day 2: Manali – Sarchu

Start your day two with a nice healthy breakfast, and start early for the first chapter of your expedition to Sarchu. It is about 210kms by road. You will cross through the Rohtang pass to reach Sarchu. Ride through lush green valleys, the untouched serene beauty of Keylong and Jispa , and the mesmerizing Baralacha La pass .

Day 3: Sarchu – Leh

Begin your journey towards Leh for an enticing experience through Lachung La, Nakee La pass. Take a short break at Pang, here you will find many tea stalls and Dhabas to serve you hot steaming lunch. Enjoy your meal and get ready to ride to Leh by evening. Overnight stay at Leh. 

Day 4: Leh – Khardungla – Nubra

This is going to be the most enriching ride of the tour. You will ride through the world’s highest motorable road, Khardung La pass at 18,600ft altitude. Enjoy the scenic views of the SHyok river, Shyok valley, and Nubra valley. Enjoy the alluring views of white sand dunes and great panoramic vistas at Nubra valley.

Day 5: Nubra – Pangong lake

Get ready for the most beautiful lake in India, the Pangong lake. It has been featured in Bollywood movies like 3 idiots and Jab Tak hai Jaan. Relish each moment spent at Pangong Lake because this is one of its kind. There are many campsites near the lake, find yourself a comfy camp for the night and some bonfire.

Day 6: Pangong – Tso Moriri

Start early morning and begin your journey to the beautiful, calm, and sacred lake of Tso Moriri. On the way, you can visit Hanle, the world’s highest astronomical observatory. If you are a night sky lover or love exploring astronomy, then you should consider spending the night at any campsite at Hanle.

Day 7: Tso Moriri – Sarchu

This is a day full of adventure and fun. Refreshing wind and scenic vistas accompany you on your bike ride to Sarchu. You will reach Sarchu by evening. Spend the night at any hotel in Sarchu.

Day 8: Sarchu – Manali

Start off your day with lip-smacking breakfast. Visit the Solang valley. You can also indulge in adventure sports at Solang valley. There’s an array of options for adventure lovers at the valley like skiing, paragliding, snow scooter, etc.

And as you start your ride back to Manali, the journey full of memories comes to an end. 

Bike Cost To Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip

There are multiple factors on which the total Ladakh bike trip cost would vary. The most significant factor that decides your Leh Ladakh bike trip cost is the bike you choose. If you are renting a bike from Delhi or Manali, then be very clear about your budget and then choose a suitable bike. The bike rental for Leh Ladakh is approximately Rs. 1000-2500 per day .

The overall cost of the Ladakh trip would also depend on accommodation and food choices. The average Leh Ladakh bike trip cost for 10-15 days is Rs. 35,000 per person . 

Things To Carry During Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip

When you are going on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh, the list of things would be a bit different than when you are flying to Ladakh. In this article, we will try to list down everything a person should carry during a Leh Ladakh bike trip.

List of Essentials

• A good quality helmet
• Driving license
• Documents and permits required in Leh Ladakh region
• Government approved ID card
• Water-proof riding gear
• Hiking or trekking boots
• Nylon ropes to carry and hook things to your bike
• Thermal inner wears
• First-aid medical kit
• A spare pair of flip-flops
• Good quality sunglasses
• Sleeping bag
• Rechargeable torch
• Sunscreen (minimum 50 SPF)
• A lighter 
• Packets of maggi
• Snacks like biscuits, dry fruits, and cakes
• Extra pair of t-shirts, sweatshirts, handkerchiefs, and innerwear
• A detailed physical map of the route and a compass for emergency
• Basic toiletries

Places To Visit During A Bike Trip To Ladakh

Confused about what all destinations you should cover while your Ladakh bike trip? Because this is a one-time thing, and no one wants to miss out on anything. 

So, we have listed down all the places you must visit during your Ladakh bike trip.

Pangong Tso

Pangong tso or Pangong Lake offers a magical view of the endlessly flowing crystal clear water with mountains in the background. It is a must-visit for everyone visiting Ladakh. The lake stretches for about 134 km crossing the Indo-China border.

Shanti Stupa

This is a beautiful huge white structure situated on the hilltop of Chanspa built by Japanese Buddhists in 1991. It offers a great view of the city from the hilltop. The panoramic views under the clear sky are just mesmerizing.

Namgyal Tsemo Monastery 

Also known as Namgyal Tsemo Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh. It was founded by King Tashi Namgyal of Ladakh in 1430. It offers a breathtaking view of the countryside surrounded by the Zanskar range.

Lamayuru Monastery

It is situated at an altitude of 11,520ft. It is the oldest monastery in Ladakh. The monastery is located on the Leh-Kargil highway. The monastery originally consisted of 5 buildings, of which only one is surviving to date. It is now the permanent home to about 150 monks.

The lake is situated at an altitude of 15,000ft above sea level. Decorated by rugged mountains, crystal clear water, and enticing beauty, it is surely one of the must-visit places in Leh Ladakh.

Hemis Monastery

This Tibetan abbey is the greatest in Ladakh. It hosts one of the most captivating festivities in the world, the Chams the mystic masked dance. The festival is held in early June. It was built in the 11th century and was rebuilt in 1672. The monastery consists of several manuscripts and paintings.

The 19 storey high Leh palace is a true gem of the city. It was the home of the royal family of Ladakh till 19th century until the Dogra forces attacked Ladakh. The palace consists of a gallery consisting of real jewelry, crowns, and traditional dresses worn by the royal family. It also consists of real Chinese Thangka paintings over 450 years old. A bike trip to Ladakh would be incomplete if you do not visit the Leh Palace.

Khardung La Pass

Khardungla pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world, situated at an altitude of 18,600 ft. The view from the pass will leave you speechless for sure. The stunning view of the misty mountains covered in snow looks magical from here. 

Zanskar Valley

The Zanskar valley looks like you are living in a dream. It looks like those magical dreamy landscapes with mystical mountains. The hues of soothing greens and blues decorate the Zanskar valley even more. This picturesque valley is a must-visit in Leh.

Nubra Valley

Nubra Valley is known for its scenic vistas, orchards, and camel safari. The spectacular view from the valley is a splendid experience in itself. You will also witness the two-humped camels, in contrast to the single hump camels in Rajasthan. During summers the valley is filled with greenery and flowers, no wonder why it is called the orchard of Ladakh.

Tips For Leh-Ladakh Bike trip 

• When you are going Ladakh on a bike trip, always keep in mind SAFETY FIRST. Do not try to do anything unnecessary that compromises your safety. The roads of Leh Ladakh are very dangerous. Its good for adventure only if you take proper safety measures.
• Carry extra fuel if you are taking the Manali Leh route via the Leh Manali highway. Because there are very few petrol pumps in the Leh to Manali highway.
• Network connectivity is really poor once you enter Leh region. Consider getting a sim of Airtel or BSNL before your trip.
• Always keep the first-aid handy. Accidents don’t come with a warning sign, it’s better to prepare for the worst.
• Consider carrying enough cash, because there are very few ATMs once you leave Leh. The last ATM is in the Leh market, and then the next ATM will be in Manali.
• Apply and carry the inner line permit beforehand to visit places like Tso Morir, Mahe, Chushul, etc

How to reach Leh directly?

If you want to reach Leh directly, the best way is to take a direct flight to the nearest airport to Leh, the Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. The airport is well-connected to the major airports in India like Delhi, Kolkata, etc. From the airport, you can take a cab to reach your desired destination.  Leh is not directly connected via train. So, if you prefer to train, then you must reach Jammu, and then reach Leh via road.

What are the best bikes for ladakh trip?

For best experience up in the hills, a good bike is a must. Here are some of the best bikes for leh ladakh bike trip. – Royal Enfield Himalayan BS 4 and variants – Royal Enfield Interceptor 650  – Bajaj Dominar 400 – Hero Xpulse – KTM Duke RC 390

How long will it take to get acclimatized to Ladakh weather?

The average altitude of Ladakh is around 3,000 meters above sea level. So, if you live in plains, then this is a huge chance for your body to get acclimatized. This is the reason why people are not recommended to fly directly to Leh from the plains. Because you might feel sick. It is recommended to take the highway to Leh Ladakh, to give your body ample time to get acclimatized. Usually, you should be feeling fine after a day or so. If you continue to feel sick even after 2 days, then we would recommend you to consult a doctor.

Is the Ladakh trip safe for kids?

It is not safe for kids if you are traveling to Ladakh by bike. Because this is an adventurous trip, and hence, kids might not be very comfortable with it. Also, at high altitudes, kids might fall sick. If you are not going on a bike trip, kids can go.

What are the documents to carry during the Ladakh bike trip?

As Ladakh is a border region, you must carry all the important documents. You must get permits to visit certain places, for that you would require passport size photos. Here is a list of documents you might need during your Ladakh trip: – Driving license for bike – Passport size photos – Insurance certificate – Pollution under control certificate – Government approved ID card (like Aadhaar card)

What is the best time to visit Ladakh?

You can visit Ladakh all around the year, but if you are taking the Manali Leh road via Rohtang pass, do not travel during the winter months. The tourist season peaks from May till the end of October. The best time to visit Ladakh is May to October.

What is ILP (Inner Line Permit)?

ILP or Inner Line Permit is a permit issued by the Govt. of India that enables international tourists to visit certain protected areas for a limited period of time. Since September 2021, Indian citizens would no longer need any ILP . This is mandatory for everyone who is not a citizen of India. The ILP is valid for 15 days for international tourists.

What are the areas in Ladakh that require an Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

Certain protected areas of Ladakh require ILP. These places are Nubra Valley, Khardung La pass, Pangong lake, Tso Moriri, Hans Towns, Merak, Man, Nyoma, Loma Bend, Tyakshi, Turtuk, Chushul, Hanle, and Miner La.

Which network is available in Leh Ladakh?

Airtel and BSNL both work fine in Leh city. But as you move towards Nubra valley, the networks go weak. BSNL is still active in certain regions, but no other service provider network is available.

What is the oxygen saturation in Leh? Is it difficult to breathe?

As you go higher in altitude, the oxygen saturation falls significantly. You might feel difficulty in breathing at higher altitudes like Khardung La pass. But as you get acclimatized to the high altitude you should be fine. Do not get involved in any kind of strenuous exercise while traveling. Talk to your doctor if you have any breathing problems like asthma. 

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Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2023: A Complete Trip Guide for Bikers

For every motorcyclist in India, a Leh Ladakh bike ride is likely at the top of the wishlist. Leh is one of the highest-ranked places in the world, bordered on all sides by the Himalayas.

However, it’s on the road that makes it even better. The path is full of bleak mountain slopes, snow-covered mountains, monasteries, difficult roads, and other amazing vistas that will force you to take a picture at every turn. The trail leads to snow-covered summits.

In the first place, we help you to prepare for the voyage and to overcome all the important problems and guidance.

Table of Contents

Best Time To Consider Visiting Leh Ladakh

Most of the year, Ladakh is blanketed with snow. Therefore, the summer months are the optimum time to visit Ladakh.

The only time a cycle trip to Ladakh can be made is during the summer months, May to June, and the mountaineering season, July to September.

Therefore, from the end of May to September are the best months to have a Leh Ladakh bike trip . Summer is also the best time to begin your bike tour from Manali, Spiti, and the Ladakh region.

Read more: 11 Best Hill Stations in India in 2023 for a Soothing Mountain Trip.

Number Of Days Required For Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

The duration of a Leh Ladakh bike tour is perfect over a period of 15 days or more, depending on the many elements such as the route you follow, the full itinerary, and especially the weather conditions. This is suitable when you decide to cycle from Delhi to Manali to Leh. Therefore, for a journey to Leh Ladakh which is meaningful, a total of 11-12 days is required.

Ideal Budget For A Ladakh Trip

The cost of your Ladakh trip budget, starting point and ending point, vehicle type of choice, the amount of journey you plan for, the type of accommodation that you chose, and whether you decide to travel in small groups, a big group, or alone are numerous parameters.

There are a great number of options. This would therefore add to your costs and will cost you anything from 45000/- to 60000/- INR for a 12-day tour of Ladakh, which will begin in Delhi and end in Schwarnagar, in ideal scenarios if you want to take a pocket-friendly bike journey from Ladakh.

Best Bike For Ladakh Trip

So the next parameter is to choose the proper vehicle for your journey to Leh Ladakh after considering the number of days and money for your vacation. The ideal way to drive in the Himalayas is to Royal Enfield, if you chose to drive on motorcycles, they are also reliable and robust. The best motors in Royal Enfield are Bullet 500cc and Himalayan 411 cc. Any 4×4 will be good, or any car with higher ground clearance is good enough if you want to choose any car for the Leh Ladakh road trip.

Rental Facilities For Bike

The Delhi and Manali bike rentals are always prepared to rent you a ride on the basis of the documentation you give. Karol Bagh, Delhi, is the hub to rent a bike a day for INR 900.

All you have to do is provide your valid photo identification, driver’s license, INR 10,000 as the security deposit, and your parents’ consent letters should you still be under 25 years old, and all you are scheduled for the Delhi bike ride from Leh Ladakh.

In Manali the rental charge per day is between INR 1000 and INR 1800 and the security deposit, together with the original copy of valid identification documents, is between INR 12000 and INR 18000.

Best Places To Visit On A Ladakh Trip

Wondering what to cover on your Leh Ladakh 2023 bike ride? Plan your plan in Ladakh to visit these amazing places?

Do not say that you visited Leh Ladakh if you did not experience all of this on your bike tour.

These are must-visit destinations:

Pangong Tso

This natural wonder in the lap of Ladakh is known as Pangong Tso Lake and must be visited on your Leh Ladakh bike tour. In the middle of the Himalayas, the lake extends over 134 km and offers spectacular views of the rural highlands.

The lake is so huge that 60 percent of China’s lake length is one of Asia’s largest lakes. We will cover Changla Pass, the third highest motoring pass in the world while driving to Pangong Lake. In the Pangong region, there are just a few permanent communities.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa or Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, notable for being one of the famous monasteries in Ladakh, lie in the very heart of the district of Leh. The monastery, which serves as a home for the famous golden statue of Maitreya Buddha, was founded by King Tashi Namgyal of Ladakh in 1430. From the top of Leh Royal Palace, you can even look at it. This is one of the best sites to visit when you stay in Leh city.

Zanskar Valley

Hues of relaxing blue and gorgeous brown can only be seen in Zanskar valley, bordered on every side by huge snow-covered peaks. You’ll surely be captivated by a visit to the busy Valley. In winter the frozen river offers an opportunity for adventurers to travel the famed Trek of Chadar where people spend days walking on the ice.

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa’s magnificent white structure, together with its dome, is the most recognizable attraction in Leh Ladakh. It was erected to celebrate 2500 years of Buddhism and promote world peace by Japanese and Ladakhi Buddhists. The white surface is amazing during the day but on full moon night when it is bathed in the soft glow of the moon rays it looks much more gorgeous.

Related post: How To Become a Digital Nomad and Travel The World

Essential Things For A Ladakh Trip

Taking a bike ride is like packing hard across the hardest mountains. It is an adventurous journey to Ladakh that must be packed lightly yet must comply with all fundamental requirements. Keep in mind the preparation for your bike trip to Leh Ladakh below.

Care for riding, pants (if not good quality knee guards, winter guards, balaclava or façades, thermal baths, socks, economic or trustworthy high-ankle boots or gumboots, winter wearing hoodies, jeans, and T-shirts.

Accessories

SPF 50 and higher, Cap Sunglass, warm gloves, and woolen night socks. The cream, lip ball, petroleum jelly, cold cream, dandelion, dough paste, liquid soap, clothes, shampoos, towels, Deo, and waste bins cover to dispose of useless stuff. Face cream, lip ball (your pocket should always be kept in it).

Other Essential Things

A few short foods, such as dry fruits, chocolates, bars of energy, and water bottles, are required. Custom first aid kits, Diamox and misprints for fever, stomach trouble, vomiting, and so on, and essential drugs. Phone Charger, power bank, battery replacement camera, memory cards, plug points for multipurpose. 

What Does It Take To Do A Ladakh Bike Trip?

Here are the fundamental conditions for your journey. Please note that each and every criterion is incredibly significant. We advise that you should have some bike riding experience, especially long bike journeys if you choose to do a road trip to Leh Ladakh.

You must bring a valid license, photo ID, address evidence, and pictures of these documents supplied by the Government. In case of a visit to the protected areas in Ladakh, Indian nationals require an internal line permit or ILP.

Is a Ladakh Bike Trip Worth It?

A Leh Ladakh road trip is probably the most unforgettable experience, but also a delightful experience. You’re going to see Ladakh in the genuine taste. You can also choose one of the most exquisite experiences, i.e. camping in Leh, although you are on a bike tour.

There are also luxury resorts, hotels, hostels, and cottages that can be selected for you. In addition to being able to visit safaris, you may also go on adventurous tours to explore this paradise.

Risks Involved In A Ladakh Trip

For the better portion of the year, the entire region remains beneath a layer of snow. After the summer the authorities take off the snow and make the roads accessible again. The continual snow melting can nonetheless trigger a landslide and in the region is very common.

Acute mountain sickness or AMS for road travelers is one of the most important issues. When the altitude increases, the oxygen level is reduced, and tourists who are not adapted to this low oxygen level in the air are AMS.

Connectivity In Ladakh Region

You may only obtain prepaid sim cards in Leh after arrival from outside the J&K and the Ladakh regions. However, the purchase of a local sim card is always restricted, as it is situated close to the border areas. In Leh works just BSNL, Airtel, and Idea.

Besides Leh, there is no network in other locations such as Nubra or Pangong. The weather depends on it. Internet access always fluctuates, sometimes for weeks, there is no internet or phone. Be ready to fully disconnect from other parts of the planet!

How Hard Is Altitude Sickness In Ladakh?

Avoiding AMS is very easy if you follow your Leh Ladakh cycle guide’s directions, it’s vital to avoid ascending hastily, take your time and gradually rise in height. Drink 3-5 liters of water each day, keeping you hydrated, At least for the first few days before the body has acclimatized, avoid smoking and alcohol use, avoid having heavy dinners, and non-veg in the night because heavy food will make your metabolism difficult.

Stay Options For Ladakh Trip

The Himalayas and part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir are Leh and Ladakh. The area has a raw beauty and is not only distinctive to its landscape. Some of them may not be found elsewhere in the world.

In addition to several campgrounds and holiday homes in the area, these cottages are preferred for warmth, hygiene, and kindness. These holiday homes are located in Ladakh’s most remote village. They are also created with the most environmentally friendly and economical material collection.

Final Thoughts: Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 202 3 : A Complete Trip Guide for Bikers

If you want to take a journey you will remember for life, you should visit Ladakh. I really must recommend you to have a kind experience.

Ladakh’s like no other place, and there’s something for everyone.

Whether you are a passionate adventure hobby, cyclist, photographer, family member, or just someone wishing to spend time at peace, Ladakh won’t deceive you.

Just put aside all your doubts and start on a voyage that cherishes lifetime memories.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Hey, I hope you enjoyed reading this Leh Ladakh bike trip guide !

So, now I’d like to hear from you:

Would you like to visit Leh Ladakh in 2023?

Let me know in the comments below right now.

Also, share this post with your friends, and travelers to make their Leh Ladakh bike trip easier.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me . I’m always available to help young hustlers like you.

Keep traveling!

About the Author: Inu Etc

I was roaming Around internet and found your website. I have recently Started my Motovlogging Youtube channel and had gone to Ladakh recently. I am amazed with your knowledge and commitment to write this whole guide. Its one of the classic one and should be referred when needed.

Thanks a lot for your sweet and valuable comment. Means a lot.

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How to Prepare for Ladakh Bike Trip -

• World of Adventures

How to Prepare for Ladakh Bike Trip

• May 13, 2019
• Resham Bhatia

When it comes to road trips the ‘Land of High Passes, Leh-Ladakh is the place to be! Extending from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himalayas to the south, the mystical region of Leh-Ladakh features jaw-dropping landscapes as far as your eye can go. The emotion of riding to Ladakh irrespective of your gender is so pure that it can be understood only by bike and mountain fanatics. It is often said that road trips are the best vacation of all, and Ladakh is the mother of all road trips. A riding tour of 13 days to the ‘little Tibet’, where you are free from the cluster of the modern world, free from the traffic rules of riding and free from the extensive crowd, Ladakh Bike tour is just the perfect break you need.

Nature beautifully showcases its magnificence in Ladakh, and it is the only place on Earth that has rivers, mountains, lakes, deserts, and snow, all in one region. So to make your trip hassle-free, we thought to give you a guide for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip preparation prior to your journey.

The first and foremost thing to understand about Ladakh is its magnetizing landscape that lures people from all around the globe. The dynamic landscape comprises of snow-filled mountains, drooling sunsets, barren roads hugging high mountains and the most rewarding route for the ride to Khardungla Pass, the Pangong Lake and the Nubra Valley. So to ride in such a territory, one needs to be loaded with some essential tips and tricks.

Temperature Check

Before heading to Ladakh Bike Trip, make sure you have checked the temperature and weather of the location. The place is hot during the day and freezing chilly during the night. The temperature nature shifts drastically, so to have an experience of your life, make sure you carry warm clothes and don’t freeze. Dress in layers so that you can easily remove clothes in case you want to.

Plan holidays in Advance to avoid price surcharges

Pre-plan your holidays to avoid peak charges of hotels, holiday packages and more. The later you book the more price you will have to pay as a bike tour to Ladakh is one of the most selling packages in May, June, July, and August. Grab early bird offers to make your bookings cheaper, and affordable. Keep up in touch with us on our social media pages for deals and offers.

Safety Gears – For your own betterment

It is essential for you to wear all the gears important for the riding, as the roads are barren and bumpy, while the wind is fierce, making it difficult for the rider to zoom past the environment without gears. Whether its knee-pads, helmet, or gloves, make sure you are properly dressed. The journey and terrain is quite long and grueling respectively.

Get Your Route Mapped

Know your route before you travel as the journey is lengthy, and it is not possible for the entire group to ride together. So for safety, if anyone loses the track, the rider can refer the map to know on which route the group is riding.

Recheck your Motorbike

It is necessary for you to recheck your motorbike before leaving, and also keep checking it throughout the tour before leaving from any destination. This is to make ensure that your vehicle condition is up to date, in case you face any issue. If you are planning to use your own motorbike, it is important for you to evaluate the health of your motorbike. Make sure you have it serviced, and also carry the basic spare parts, in case something happens.

Get Your Medicine Game Strong

Make sure you carry enough medicines, as you never know what trouble you might get into. People often face AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in which symptoms like headache, nausea, burning of eyes, or fever occurs. To combat these, one must drink loads of water, as due to dehydration you face AMS symptoms. Hence, always keep a bottle of water handy!

Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!

Please do exercise before you leave for the major motorbike tour. Since the oxygen level is less at a higher elevation, you must practice some breathing exercises. Also, cycling and swimming increase your stamina. Sitting on the motorbike for a long run reduces your mobility. Hence it is essential to pull your muscles beforehand.

Give alcohol and smoking a miss!

People tend to get dehydrated easily if water consumption is less at higher altitude. And taking alcohol and smoking will dry you twice more from inside. As the oxygen is already less, consuming these will lead you to AMS symptoms.

Want to Book? Yes! But when?

The ideal time for Ladakh bike tour is from mid-May to October. The roads get open in mid-May if you go from Srinagar, whereas the Manali route is opened after May. The autumn and summer season is best for a bike tour, or else, you will have to take a flight.

Smile! Whenever you can

Smile at strangers as it won’t cost you a dime. Travelling is not just about exploring, it is also about connecting. The locals, truck drivers, helpers, cooks, smile at them, you never know, you might make someone happy with your gesture. When things go wrong, these people will come forward to rescue you asap.

Fuel Up to keep your Oil Burning

Always make sure your bike fuel is full, as the petroleum stations are less during this route. So whenever you are about to ride, make sure your fuel tank is always full.

What all things you need to carry

Since Ladakh Bike tour is an ultimate adventure of all time, a road-trip to this land should be well-prepared. Whether it’s your bike, clothes, or other essentials, these few things will make sure you have the best time in the mother of all road-trips, Ladakh.

• Full Face Helmet with clear Visor : Get a good quality full face helmet for the ride to protect you from the cold winds while riding.
• Riding Gloves : Gloves is necessary for the ride, as after a while you might feel cold, and if not it gives a good grip and protect your hands in case you fall down.
• Elbow and Knee Guard : If you are not comfortable wearing a riding jacket and riding pants, the least you can do is wear elbow and knee guards.
• Riding Shoes : Make sure you wear riding shoes, and if not then gumboots with thermal socks will serve the purpose.
• Sunscreen Lotion : UV rays at high altitude keeps getting harsh which is quite damaging to the skin. Carry a plus SPF 30, as you don’t want a bad tan.
• Water Bottle : It is necessary to drink 4-5 litres of water at high altitude to avoid dehydration. As it will later might result to AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache and burning of eyes. So keep your body hydrated at all times.
• Clothing : Always dress like an onion (dress in layers) at high-altitude, it is better than a thick woollen. Carry at least 2-3 spare shirts, with 1 pair of riding pants, and 1 pair of jeans.
• Cap : Carry a cap to keep yourself protected from the harsh winds while riding. It will protect your forehead, ears and even neck.
• Driving license : This goes without saying, carry your DL at all times as it required to show at certain checkpoints.

We have often heard that speed has been the fantasy of many individuals across the globe. But there are very few people who are able to frame it in the boundaries of real life experiences. The azure clear waters, serene picturesque lakes and a ruggedly handsome terrain are the constituents of this trip that lends an experience of one-of-its-kind. So, when you get this opportunity, do not restrict your adventure to the slumber of dreams, instead, get ready to recreate the real-life experience that gives you jitters even when the memories of this ride would become myopic.

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STONEHEADBIKES

Explore india with ease: your trusted motorcycle rental – stoneheadbikes, your ultimate guide to leh ladakh bike trip: answering all your faqs.

Leh Ladakh , situated in the northernmost part of India, is a mesmerizing destination that attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers from around the world. One of the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Leh Ladakh is by taking a bike trip. However, planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. In this article, we aim to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Leh Ladakh bike trips, providing you with a comprehensive guide that will help you plan your trip with ease and confidence. Let’s dive into it:

• What is the best time to go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip? The best time to go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip is between June and September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are relatively clear of snow, making it easier to navigate. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable in the region, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before starting the trip.
• Do I need a special permit to go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip? Yes, you will need a special permit to visit certain areas of Leh Ladakh. These permits can be obtained from the local authorities in Leh and are necessary for both Indian and foreign nationals. It’s important to note that obtaining these permits can take some time, so it’s advisable to apply for them well in advance.
• How difficult is it to ride a bike in Leh Ladakh? Riding a bike in Leh Ladakh can be challenging due to the high altitude, steep terrain, and rough roads. It’s essential to have prior experience riding a motorcycle and to be in good physical shape to undertake this trip. It’s also recommended to take regular breaks to avoid altitude sickness and to carry essential gear like helmets, riding gloves, and knee and elbow pads for safety.
• What is the approximate cost of a Leh Ladakh bike trip? The cost of a Leh Ladakh bike trip can vary depending on various factors, such as the duration of the trip, the type of motorcycle, and the accommodations. On average, the cost of a 10-day bike trip can range from 20,000 to 40,000 INR per person, excluding the cost of permits and other miscellaneous expenses.
• What kind of accommodation options are available in Leh Ladakh? Leh Ladakh offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Most of the accommodations are basic, with limited amenities, but they are clean and comfortable. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
• Can I rent a bike in Leh Ladakh? Yes, you can rent a bike in Leh Ladakh. However, it’s essential to rent from a reputable rental agency and to check the bike thoroughly before starting the trip. It’s also recommended to carry a toolkit, a spare tube, and other essential gear for the bike in case of emergencies.
• Is it safe to go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip? Leh Ladakh is a safe destination for a bike trip, provided you take the necessary precautions and follow the rules of the road. It’s important to wear safety gear, maintain a safe speed, and be mindful of other vehicles on the road. It’s also advisable to carry a first aid kit and to stay hydrated during the trip.
• Can I go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip alone, or do I need a group? You can go on a Leh Ladakh bike trip alone or with a group, depending on your preference. Going alone can give you more flexibility, but it’s important to take necessary precautions, especially when riding through remote areas. Joining a group can provide you with a support system and the opportunity to meet new people, but you’ll need to coordinate with the group for the itinerary and other logistics.
• What kind of food options are available in Leh Ladakh? Leh Ladakh has a variety of food options, including local cuisine and international dishes. The local cuisine is predominantly Tibetan, and you can find momos, thukpa, and other traditional dishes in most restaurants. There are also options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid consuming street food to prevent any health issues.
• What are some of the must-visit places on a Leh Ladakh bike trip? Some of the must-visit places on a Leh Ladakh bike trip include Khardung La Pass, Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Magnetic Hill, and Shanti Stupa. These places offer breathtaking views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys and are a testament to the natural beauty of Leh Ladakh.
• What kind of clothes should I pack for a Leh Ladakh bike trip? You should pack warm clothes, as the temperature can drop significantly, especially during the night. You should also pack rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable, and it can rain at any time. It’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes and carry a backpack with essentials like a water bottle, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
• What are the permit requirements for a Leh Ladakh bike trip? Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain areas in Leh Ladakh, including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. Indian nationals do not require a permit for Leh town and some of the other areas. It’s essential to check the latest permit requirements before starting your journey.
• What are some safety tips to keep in mind while on a Leh Ladakh bike trip? It’s important to ride safely and wear a helmet at all times. It’s also important to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. You should carry a basic first aid kit and know basic first aid techniques. It’s advisable to ride in a group or with a trusted companion, and avoid riding at night or during adverse weather conditions. Lastly, it’s important to respect the local culture and traditions and follow the rules and regulations of the region.

In summary, a Leh Ladakh bike trip is a thrilling adventure that requires careful planning and preparation. By addressing these FAQs, we aim to provide useful information to travelers, increase organic growth for the website, and help make their trip to Leh Ladakh a memorable experience.

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11 Tips Before Planning a Bike Ride to Leh-Ladakh in 2023

• Rahul Arora

For the motorcycling community, Leh and Ladakh are the ultimate destinations for a great motorcycling experience. Ladakh is located in the Northern region of Jammu and Kashmir and it has gained great popularity among tourists. 

You can always buy any one of the popular Leh Ladakh tour packages and see visit all the key destinations. But, the experience of riding a bike through the picturesque background of the mountains and vast landscapes is something that cannot be described in words.

The experience of bike riding in these areas is known to only a handful of people who chose to challenge themselves to take a bike ride to these distant places. You will come across several Buddhist monasteries and high-altitude mountain passes with various camping sites that offer a great experience of solitude in the raw nature.

Taking a Leh Ladakh bike trip through the rugged landscape of Ladakh is not an easy task. But the challenge is worth all the effort and time you put into it. The very journey to Leh and Ladakh on a bike has the potential to give you a totally new perspective on life and even give you an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.  

Taking a bike trip to Leh Ladakh requires a significant amount of mental and physical preparation. This short guide will provide you with the necessary tips on how to make a great Leh Ladakh bike trip plan. Following are some of the major considerations that you will need to understand before your bike ride to Leh and Ladakh.

Tip for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

Choosing a Bike

Biking Gear & Equipment

Acclimatize to avoid (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness

Choose the best route

Permits & Documents

Connectivity

Cost of your Trip

The months from June to September are considered the best time to visit Leh and Ladakh. The motorcyclists can particularly pass through the various passes which are generally open during this time. Although some people have attempted a bike journey during the monsoon and winter season, this has made their journey harder than usual.

It is recommended that you travel during the summer months to avoid the harshness of the weather elements as well as bad road conditions during certain months. If you are planning for a Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi then the best route to take is from the Manali-Leh highway.

Do remember that the roads get blocked for many hours and even days due to bad weather conditions. The ride through certain routes also becomes quite dangerous during certain times. You can consider the time from the middle of May until the middle of October to be a good window to start your journey. 

Also Read: Things to do in Ladakh

2. Choosing a Bike

One thing to understand is that taking a bike trip to Leh Ladakh means that you will be riding on some of the most dangerous roads in India. So, you need to choose the right bike for your journey.

It is not wise to pick an incompatible bike that will create problems for you on your journey and also make your ride dangerous. A bad bike can compromise your safety on your journey. The best bike for the Leh Ladakh trip that is mostly recommended is the Royal Enfield with a 350cc engine. Another choice is the Enfield Bullet bike which is also great. 

The Leh Ladakh bullet trip on Enfield bullet bike can make your ride smooth and will help you conquer some of the most treacherous roads in India. The least popular but still ‘good enough’ is the Bajaj Pulsar (180cc and above) which can also help you finish your journey with the least hassle. If you do not own any of the compatible bikes, you can always rent them from the many dealers available in Manali.

According to the motorcycling community, some of the best bikes for the Leh Ladakh trip are as follows.

•Royal Enfield (350cc and above)

•Royal Enfield Himalayan

•CBR 250 (without the Contigo tires)

Also Read: Famous Lakes of Ladakh

3. Biking Gear & Equipment

There are some key bike components and parts that you need to carry in case of any breakdown. After some research on the online forums, we have found a few essential parts that are very crucial to help you fix your bike in case of any potential emergency. These parts include the following.

•   Extra Bike Key

•   Extra Chain Lock

•   Spare Tyre

•   Spare Bungee Cords

•   Spare Clutch

•   Accelerator Cable

•   Chain Lubricant

•   Extra Engine Oil

•   Extra Headlight Bulb 

•   Extra Tire Tube

Carrying these things will ensure that you will be fully prepared. Apart from these, you will also need some protective gear for your safety. Your safety gear should include the following.

•   Helmets

•   Knee & Elbow Guards

•   Waterproof gloves

•   Good pair of Shoes

•   Riding jacket

•   Sunglasses

Along with carrying the above-mentioned gear and equipment, make sure your bike is serviced well before the journey. Once your Leh Ladakh road trip bike is ready, your journey will be smooth and full of adventure without any hassles. 

Also Read: Cool and Unusual Things to do in India

4. Acclimatize to avoid (AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness

Acclimatization is one of the most important things to consider before making your Leh Ladakh bike trip plan. Please remember Leh and Ladakh are situated at a very high altitude. Rushing your journey and traveling quickly to such a height will result in fatal issues for your health. Low atmospheric pressure and lack of oxygen will make you feel tired and create further health problems for you.

It is advised that you should rest for at least 2 days after you reach Leh. After resting, slowly start your journey as your body adjusts to the height and acclimatize. You should make sure that you drink enough water but don’t overdo it as it can also make your health suffer.

Some of the main symptoms that you may experience are headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If you feel the symptoms are getting worse, you must travel to a lower altitude and rest. If you are someone who is taking a Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi, then you might consider taking a lot of breaks on your way to Ladakh and slowly ride to your destination.

Make sure to carry medications such as ‘Diamox’ to combat mountain sickness. It is good that you avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as the low oxygen levels will make you breathe even harder than it already is. People who avail the Leh Ladakh trip package and travel by air or bus also take their time to acclimatize themselves before reaching the height altitude.

It is one of the most important considerations as it concerns your health and safety. If you have low immunity and have heart-related issues, then it is good that you check with your doctor if you should take this journey. 

Also Read: Must Visit Places to Visit in India

5. Choose the best route

There are 2 main routes that you can take to Leh. The most popular one is through Manali by taking the Manali-Leh highway. This route is filled with difficult road conditions that can make your trip to Ladakh quite challenging. If the weather turns against you, then the journey can be very difficult.

Another route which is through Srinagar to Sarchi and Upshi is less difficult and is preferred by many riders as well. Following are these two main routes in detail especially for the riders taking the Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi.

Route 1 with a total distance of around 2300 kilometers. 

•   Delhi – Jalandhar – Jammu – Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Sarchu – Manali – back to Delhi

Route 2 with a total distance of around 2000 kilometers.

•   Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Also Read: Top Attraction in Leh Ladakh

6. Permits & Documents

Your Leh Ladakh bike tour requires you to be prepared in terms of acquiring all the important permits and documents that you have to show at various checkpoints on your way. The District administration and the Green Tribunal are the 2 authorities that authorize all the required permits you need for your journey.

Many people think that the Rohtang Pass Permit is the only permit you need. But this permit is only for visiting Rohtang pass and it does not allow you to go beyond Rohtang La. if you are planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip, then you need to acquire Inner Line Permit (ILP). This travel document issued by the Government of India allows you to travel to the following areas.

•   Nubra valley

•   Khardung La

•   Pangong Tso

•   Tso Moriri

•   Dah and Hanu Villages

•   Loma Bend

•   Tyakshi

•   Digger La

•   Tangyar (for trekking purposes only)

For non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir, this document is mandatory for traveling. The validity of this document is for 3 weeks for Indians and 1-week validity for the foreign nationals. You can submit your application for this permit online. 

Do remember to check for the latest updates on permit-related news and information as it seems to change according to the political climate near Jammu and Kashmir. 

Also Read: Soul Relaxing Places to Visit in Kullu and Manali

7. Carry Cash

Your Leh Ladakh bike tour will mostly be on your bike riding through the barren vast rugged landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. So, it is important to carry enough cash with you before starting your journey. You will not be able to find many ATMs on your way.

The small food shops and restaurants might not be able to accept your ATM cards or digital payments due to low connectivity. Paying them in cash is mostly the case. To avoid and inconvenience, make sure you have some cash ready to make the necessary payment for your fuel and food. 

There are certain points where you can find an ATM or two. So, do your research and make sure you know where the locations are. This will help you keep your journey hassle-free.

Also Read: Secret Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

A trip to Ladakh on a bike is totally different from taking a vacation offered by the popular Leh-Ladakh tour packages. The tour package includes your food and accommodation in its itinerary and you do not face much of a challenge in finding the right place to eat.

When taking a trip on a bike to Leh-Ladakh, you might face many situations where the street vendors will not have food available for you. It is recommended that you do not expect to find food whenever you are hungry. It is good if are well-prepared in advance and carry some snacks and easy-to-make foods to avoid staying hungry. You must stay well hydrated and well-fed on your bike ride to Leh & Ladakh. Try packing some cookies, easy-to-cook noodles, chips as emergency food items. You can also pack protein bars and energy foods to keep you going. 

Also Read: Best Time to Visit in Leh Ladakh

9. Carry Fuel

You might have the best bike for your Leh-Ladakh trip, but it is useless if it runs out of fuel in the middle of nowhere. So, according to the seasoned adventurers who regularly ride to Leh & Ladakh, advise carrying around 20 liters of extra fuel for your bike.

These experienced riders learned from their mistakes and there are many online forums where they share their experiences of being stranded alone for long hours. To avoid such a scenario, you must be well-prepared for a long ride to your cherished destination. 

You will find many petrol stations on your way but they are quite far from each other. Your Leh Ladakh bullet trip will be a long ride, so make sure that you carry an extra can where you can carry fuel for your favorite bike to keep it hydrated.

Also Read: Must Visit Destinations in India

10. Connectivity

It is very important to inform your loved ones about your location and the status of your journey. Since your bike ride will be quite challenging and full of difficulties, your phone connection needs to work well.

However, only a few service providers work in Ladakh and that too some cellphone plans that charge you monthly. Most ‘Pre-Paid’ plans might not work or have low connectivity. So, be prepared and know when your network is working and update your loved ones on your current location.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

11. Cost of your Trip

The overall cost of your bike trip depends on a lot of factors such as your choice of a bike, food, accommodation, and duration of your stay. You need to plan carefully about the budget you need to finish your journey successfully. Make sure to include the cost of any unforeseen difficulties that may arise. 

The average budget for 2 weeks long ride from Delhi on a bike might cost you around 35,000 – 40,000 India Rupees. This is just an average approximation of the amount you will spend on food, accommodation, and other basic requirements of a bike ride. 

Once you have selected your Leh Ladakh road trip bike, make sure to check the weather conditions, your health condition, equipment and gear, and all the other above-mentioned requirements while planning your journey.

Do remember, that traveling to Leh & Ladakh by road is not an easy feat. It requires a strong spirit of adventure and some mental stamina to withstand any challenges that come your way. Despite all these challenges, the bike ride to Ladakh is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in your life. Many experienced riders swear by the authenticity of the feeling that you experience on your journey. It opens your spirit to an experience that is beyond words. 

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Complete Guide For Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

• Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Leh Ladakh combines a rich Buddhist culture with the warmth of a lovely Ladakhi host, stunning vistas, and mesmerising views. Every biker’s fantasy road vacation is the Leh Ladkah Bike Trip . It’s one of India’s most difficult yet gorgeous road travel routes.

We are the best tour and travel agents and In this article, we’ll go over everything about a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip including which bike to use, bike rentals, route, what to bring, and everything you need to know.

Best Time to Visit for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

The best time to visit Leh Ladakh for a bike ride is between June and August each year. By this time, the roads and routes are fully operational, making travel in this region safer for bikers.

Ideal duration for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

However, there are various options for a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip , including buffer days, rest days, and taking in the scenery and weather of Leh Ladakh . For a Leh Ladakh bike journey , a minimum of 9 days and a maximum of 15 days is perfect.

If you choose to have your road trip planned by professionals like adventurist, you might complete the Leh Ladakh circuit in 7-8 days.

Best Bikes for Road Trip to Leh Ladakh

The terrain is challenging during Leh Ladakh Tours , which is also known as the Land of High Passes. It’s a mix of fantastic paved roads, slushy Zoji-La to Shyok river crossings, and the difficult Chang la pass.

To cover such terrain in the past, one would have needed a bike with a lot of torque. Royal Enfield was the only high torque bike available at the time, therefore it was hefty, but people still favoured Royal Enfield because they had no other option.

Ideal Bikes for Biking Trip to Leh Ladakh

There are several possibilities for bike journeys nowadays that are as excellent as or better than a Royal Enfield.

The KTM Duke is the finest choice for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh because it is light and powerful. It can carry your luggage while yet allowing you to maintain control of the bike.

Hero X-Pulse

The Hero X-Pulse, which is slightly underpowered but light and perfect for novices, may be able to assist you in navigating such terrains with ease. It might not be the best location for securing your luggage.

Royal Enfield Himalayan

By far the most useful and superior bike RE has ever produced. There are numerous quality difficulties, but the Himalayan is the most popular because it is readily available and local mechanics can handle minor breakdowns.

Bajaj Dominar 400

Bajaj has a terrific bike that would be ideal for a Leh Ladakh cycling vacation.

KTM Adventure

The newly released KTM Adventure is the ideal bike for road vacations to places like Leh, Ladakh, and Spiti. Tall and powerful, this vehicle is built for adventure road journeys.

Bike rentals for Leh Ladakh Bike trip

Depending on your route, you may simply rent a bike in Leh City, Manali, or Delhi.

Bike rentals range from 800 to 1500 rupees per day, depending on the location, season, number of days, and make and model.

Rates in Leh and Manali: Rs.1000 – Rs.1800 per day (about)

Delhi: Rs.800 – Rs.1000 per day (approximately). Leh City: Approximately Rs.800 – Rs.1000 per day

3 Ways for Leh Ladakh Road Trip

Route 1: srinagar – leh – manali.

This approach has the advantage of gradually increasing altitude, reducing the risk of AMS and tiredness. This is one of the most popular ways to to get to Leh Ladakh.

This route is now less popular among tourists due to the unrest in the valley.

Route details: Srinagar –  Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh – Sarchu – Manali.

Route 2: Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh

This route is best suited for persons who find it difficult to take more than a week off; nevertheless, if properly planned, this journey can be completed without difficulty. Fly directly to Leh, recover for a day, and then begin your Leh Ladkah local tour package .

Route details: Leh Arrival –  Leh Local Sightseeing –  Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh – Depart.

Route 3: Manali – Leh – Manali

Because tours are the main source of income for villagers in Manali, Leh, and Ladakh, this is the most commercialized and marketed route. Travel guides, bike rental firms, and mechanics are easier to come by.

Route details: Manali –  Sarchu – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Tso – Leh – Sarchu – Manali.

For those with extra vacation time, travelling to Manali via Tso Moriri Lake is another an option.

Important things to know while you go for bike trip to leh ladakh

• Make sure your bags and luggage are securely fastened and that you are comfortable while riding.
• On the journey from Manali to Leh and Leh Nubra Pangong, there are few petrol stations. You can buy petrol at Pang or Sarchu, however it is recommended that you bring some fuel with you.
• Carry cash rather than relying on ATMs.

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A Complete Guide to Your Most Awaited Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip | Itinerary, Hotels, and More

Leh Ladakh - A Dream Ride!

Want to explore more road trips that you can take in 2022? Head to this page to find your next favourite holiday!

If you are reading this very post, I see that Leh-Ladakh has been on your mind since quite some time now. I have compiled a comprehensive itinerary to the dream land Ladakh - The Land of High Passes.

This was originally posted on my blog Little Detours 👇

I am writing this post from a perspective of a rider, who has completed this circuit successfully. The itinerary starts from Manali and ends at Jammu. So, you could probably follow the same itinerary even if you are riding the Delhi - Manali - Leh - Jammu - Delhi circuit. The day's numbers would be according to Manali - Leh - Jammu circuit. Follow along.

Things to know before the trip: If you want to know about how to prepare yourself and your bike for this trip, please visit my another post Preparing for Leh Ladakh trip .

Ladakh trip is a journey in the higher altitudes. Higher altitudes also means rarity of oxygen. The oxygen level is less than compared to the regular sea levels. When you are moving from a lower region to higher altitude region, the body has a difficult time adjusting to this drop in oxygen levels. If you do not take precautions, it can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness aka AMS or some other serious symptoms. One way to keep AMS at bay is to keep yourself hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty.

Day 1: Arrival at Manali

This is day when you arrive in Manali. You are probably driving from Delhi or planning to ride from Manali itself. Since this drive is gonna be long enough it advised to have a rest day at Manali if riding from Delhi. Get your bikes checked for issues if any. Make sure you double check everything about your bike here, unless you have hired a mechanic for your trip, who will come along. Most importantly, get your permits ready!

Day 2: Manali to Keylong via ATAL Tunnel

Image: wikipedia.org

Image Credit: wikipedia.org

With the opening of the Atal tunnel (aka Rohtang Tunnel) along the Leh-Manali highway, the time and distance between Manali and Keylong has been significantly reduced. The road which was once dreaded among bikers and travelers alike has just become a journey of fewer than 2 hours compared to over 6 hours before.

Atal tunnel, at a length of 9.02 km, it is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world and is named after former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The South Portal of the tunnel towards the Manali end is just 24 km away from Manali. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the North Portal of the tunnel and Keylong which just 37 km from this end, can be reached in just 60 minutes.

Although riding through the Atal tunnel at such a height is a feeling in itself, adventure seekers will miss out on the sceneries and the tough riding conditions but will save a lot of time. If you are taking the tunnel, you can even cover Day 3's journey today. If you don't want to take the tunnel, you can skip through to the next section

Should I take the Atal Tunnel?

1. If you are traveling with kids and aged people over 50-60, it's advised to take the tunnel, as the altitude gain will be minimal today.

2. If you are tight on the budget or number of days available, you can take the tunnel and save some time and a lot of fuel.

3. If you are an adventure rider, who wants to see what it takes to ride in the mountains, you shouldn't take the tunnel. Refer to the next section.

Start time: 8 AM. The earlier the better.

Altitude gain: 6,726 ft to 10,100ft

Highest altitude reached: 10,171 ft at Atal Tunnel

Prone to AMS? No. Drink lots of water though.

R oad conditions: At the time of writing, the roads are in pretty good condition. The Atal Tunnel is just amazing!

Fuel points: Fill up your tanks at Manali and make sure you carry at least one empty can of 5 liters minimum. The next fuel point is at Tandi (just before Keylong), which is the last fuel point until next 365 kms. Be sure to fill up your tank to the brim, and fill up the extra cans.

Accommodation at Keylong: There are many tents/ rooms available at Keylong.

(Alternate Route) Manali - Rohtang Pass - Keylong (120 kms - 8 hours)

First view of the snow clad mountains from Manali!

If you are not taking the road via the Atal tunnel, you my friend are up for a challenge!

This is the first day of your ride. You would want to start early and ride rather slow today. This is the day you will sight the snow-capped mountains for the first time, while slowly gaining altitude. You will drive through the dense forests for the first part of your ride.

Highest altitude reached: 13,050 ft

Prone to AMS? Yes! The altitude gain is very rapid. It is advisable to take a doctor advised medicine like Diamox.

Road conditions: At the time of writing, the roads are pretty good till Rohtang La Pass. The road from Rohtang Pass to Koksar (50 kms before Keylong) is worse.

Day 3: Keylong - Jispa - Zing Zing Bar - Baralachla Pass - Sarchu (110 km - 8 hours)

Sunny Morning at Keylong!

This is the most happening day of the trip. You would find everything from simple streams running across the roads to some deadly ones, to the turquoise blue waters of some of the most beautiful lakes like Deepak Tal and Suraj Tal.

Altitude gain: 10,100 ft to 14,070 ft

Highest altitude reached: 16,040 ft

Prone to AMS? Yes, very much. Consider taking a doctor-prescribed tablet (ex Diamox) before starting the journey and you are good to go. You can have another one after a gap of 4-6 hours as advised by your physician. As said before, consult a doctor about the usage of Diamox

Road conditions: Except for a few kms near Keylong, and near the streams, the roads are in good condition. Last few kms to Sarchu are pathetic. It's all mud and gravel.

Fuel points: No fuel points today!

Accommodation at Sarchu: There are many tents/camps available at Sarchu. You may book online or try to find one on the fly.

Day 4: Sarchu - Lachung La - Pang - Taglang La - Leh ( 265 kms - 10 hours)

Starry night at Sarchu!

The Day of High Passes. This is the longest you will ride on a single day during this journey. This ride is difficult. Although there is an overall drop in altitude from Sarchu to Leh, you would pass through some of the highest passes along ranging from 15,500 ft (at Nakeela Pass) to 17,500 ft (Taglangla Pass). The Gata loops and the Moore plains along the highway from Pang to Leh is the highlight for today.

Start time: 7 AM. Anything later than 8 AM is trouble.

Altitude drop: 14,070 ft to 11,480 ft

Highest altitude reached : 17,480 ft at Taglang La Pass

Prone to AMS? Yes! Strongly advised to take a doctor prescribed tablet (ex, Diamox)

Road conditions: The roads are decent till Nakeela Pass just after Gata Loops. From Nakeela Pass to Pang, the roads are pathetic. Do not take shortcuts to avoid the hairpins. You will find the best roads from Pang to Leh.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh.

Accommodation at Leh: Although there are plenty of Guesthouse and hotels in Leh, it's recommended to book early and find a good guest house which is near to the highway.

Day 5: Rest Day at Leh

Today is the rest day. After riding for 3 days non stop and covering close to 500km, both you and your bike needs rest. You would need to acclimatize for at least a day before you continue the onward journey.

You could as well use this day to get your permits ready and get your bike checked for any issues. If you find any issues, now is the time to fix it. You can explore the Market in the evening, and enjoy the lazy strolls around the streets of Leh.

Day 6: Leh - Hall of Fame - Magnetic Hills - Sangam (Confluence of Indus and Zanskar) - Thikse Monastery - Stakna Monastery - Leh

A beautiful confluence of two greatest rivers Indus (left) and Zanskar

Enjoy a lazy ride in the city of Leh and visit some of the nearby monasteries and other places. You would witness some of the calm and serene regions of Ladakh when you visit these monasteries. If you are a shutterbug like me, ask no more! The mesmerizing calmness in the air makes you forget everything for a while.

Start time: 9-10 AM

Distance covered: ~ 60 - 70 kms

Altitude avg: 11,500 ft. Not much change in altitude today.

Fuel points: Easily available in the city. One of them is present at the junction of Srinagar and Manali highway.

Day 7: Leh - Khardung La - Nubra Valley (160 kms - 6 hours)

View of valleys and civilization on the way to Khardugla Pass!

Khardung La was once deemed the Highest Motorable Road at 18,379 ft. There were lot of debates about the incorrect altitude measurement. Many reports proved that the altitude was actually 17,582 ft. However, with the new road to Umling La Pass at 19,300 ft built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in November 2017, has put a rest to all the discussions about whether Khardung La was really the highest motorable road.

Nubra Valley is a beautiful valley along the Nubra river, which offers a picturesque view of the sand dunes at the valley.

Start time: 7 - 8 AM

Altitude drop: 11,480 ft to 10,000 ft

Highest altitude reached: 17,582 ft at Khardung La Pass

Prone to AMS? Yes! Consider taking a tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Most people take diamox.

Road conditions: The roads are decent till South Pullu checkpoint. The last 10 kms on either side of Khardung La pass will put and your bike to a treacherous test! Be sure to maintain balance, and ride at your own pace.

Fuel points: Only one fuel point near Diskit. Don't forget to fill up, and carry extra fuel!

Accommodation at Nubra: You could find tent houses easily at Nubra.

Nubra Valley

Day 8: nubra valley - pangong lake (200 km - 8 hours).

Pristine lake - Pangong Tso! Courtesy : wikipedia.org

Pangong Tso - Tso meaning Lake, has gained a lot of popularity after the ending sequence of the Bollywood movie 3 Idiots. Since then, the place has seen more travelers and tourists than ever. Nonetheless, the place is a must visit if you are in Leh!

The blue turquoise waters of the lake against the mighty mountains in the backdrop is a sight you would cherish forever!

Start time: 7 AM

Altitude gain: 10,00 ft to 13,940 ft

Highest altitude reached: 13,940 ft at Pangong Lake

Prone to AMS? Not really!! But don't take chances. Drink lots of water

Road conditions: The road conditions have improved over the last couple of years. The road which was once a dreaded one has got a tarring now.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh via Pangong. Carry extra fuel. Diskit has the last fuel point.

Accommodation at Pangong Tso: Since this place receives a lot of visitors in any season, its best to book a hotel/tent in advance.

Pangong Lake

Day 9: pangong lake - chang la pass - leh ( 180 kms - 7 hours ).

Towards Changla Pass on a snowy day!

The next day, go out and click some pictures. If you are photography buff, then you better start clicking early. Leaving Pangong lake early is a good idea, especially if you are visiting during the peak time.

Start time: Not later than 9AM

Altitude gain: 13,940 ft to 11,480 ft

Highest altitude reached: 17,590 ft at Chang La Pass

Prone to AMS? By now, you should be acclimatized already. In any case, it's better to take precautions

Road conditions: The road from Pangong is good for about 10-15 kms, after which the condition deteriorates. The road near Chang La pass is pathetic, and there will be streams near Chang La. Again, after Chang La, the roads are better near Sakti village.

Fuel points: No fuel points until Leh

Accommodation at Leh: There are plenty of hotels and homestays at Leh. If you do not want to spend any time looking for a stay, book online.

Day 10: Leh - Kargil - Dras (280 kms - 8 hours)

First views of Kargil

Today you would witness the best views of this entire trip! Be prepared to be blown away by the picturesque landscapes and views! Also, the War Memorial at Dras simply cannot be missed.

Altitude drop: 11,480 ft ft to 10,830 ft

Prone to AMS? No

Road conditions: The road from Leh is in absolutely top condition, except for a couple of rough patches near Kargil

Fuel points: Fuel point are available in Leh city, just the city limits of Leh on the way to Kargil. The fuel points are also available at Kargil.

Accommodation at Kargil/Dras: There are a decent amount of hotels and homestays at Kargil/Dras. If you do not want to spend any time looking for a stay, book online.

Day 11: Dras - Sonamarg - Srinagar (140 kms - 5 hours)

A Jawan stands guard at the Vijay Sthamba at War Memorial, Dras

Get ready to be blown away by the beauty that is called Jannat meaning Heaven, another name for Kashmir! Beautiful fields, valleys, and mountains! Also, today you will cross the dreaded Zojila Pass. Since you reach Srinagar in the afternoon, you can book a boat house and enjoy a beautiful evening on the boats at Dal Lake.

Start time: 8 AM

Altitude drop: 10,830 ft to 5300 ft

Highest altitude reached: 11,650 ft at Zojila Pass

Road conditions: The road from Dras to the start of Zojila Pass is pathetic, (unless its repaired recently). The road condition improves only after descending a bit from the Zojila Pass

Fuel points: Fuel point are available just a few kilometers ride from Sonamarg on the way to Srinagar. Fuel points also available at Srinagar.

Accommodation: Stay at a boathouse near Dal Lake. Enjoy the beautiful sunset vibes at Dal Lake!

12. Srinagar - Jammu (267 kms - 9 hours)

The last day of the trip is here! Based on your further plans, the ride may continue. Today can be a tiring day if you don't start on time. You would witness some winding, seemingly endless roads around the mountains. Also, its time to experience few of the longest tunnels in India!

Start time: 5 AM (To beat traffic, and also to avoid night ride)

Road conditions: The road is excellent, only for a few rough patches.

Fuel points: Apart from Srinagar and Jammu, you can get fuel near Udhampur. Better to have enough fuel filled at Srinagar.

Pro Tip: Skip Patnitop, and take the Chenani Nashri Tunnel towards Jammu, which saves a couple of hours and lot of fuel.

Accommodation: Plenty of hotels available at Jammu. Book on the fly based on your plan.

Follow me on my Instagram handle @little_detours for more stories.

Also witness some amazing travel stories and vlogs on my Youtube Channel Little Detours .

At Rohtang Pass!

An Alpenglow at Sunset near Tandi enroute toKeylong

Triple peaks, towards Keylong

Turquoise lake - Deepak Tal

At Deepak Tal

Aqua blue Suraj Tal at Baralachla Pass

Reflections of time!

Rock tower near Nakeela Pass

Canyons near Pang

The most serene road on the Journey - Moore Plains

Vivid prayer flags at a temple at Taglangla Pass

Tri color flying high in the mountains - Hall of Fame, Leh

A tribute to the heroes - Hall of Fame, Leh

Valleys near the confluence

A monastery (also callled Gompa) down the valleys

Road down the valleys

The beauty that is - NH1 towards Srinagar

Those winding roads in the mountains

Near Kargil

Tricolor and Tololing in the backdrop!

At Sonamarg

ladakh tour packages by road , places in ladakh to visit , things to do in leh ladakh in june , hotels in nubra valley ladakh , ladakh tourism packages cost

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• Dec 23, 2020

Ultimate Guide To Leh Ladakh Bike Trip 2021:

Leh Ladakh is one of the most remote places located in the Indian Himalayas. Each motorcycle enthusiast always dream of going to Leh Ladakh bike trip once in their lifetime. But before fulfilling your dream of riding on this mighty Himalayan landscape please read through this blog and make yourself 100% ready before the trip.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh on Motorbike

Time required to Explore Leh Ladakh on Motorcycle

Leh Ladakh trip budget

Best Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Trip

Leh Ladakh Bike trip routes

Top Places to visit during Leh Ladakh Bike trip

Essential things to carry for Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Tour

Is Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Safe

Banks & Mobile connectivity

Altitude mountain sickness

Road condition during Ladakh Bike trip

Riding difficulties on Mountain Passes

Hotel options during Leh Ladakh Road Trip

How to prepare your motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Bike trip

Book your Leh Ladakh Bike trip with Motorcycle Escapades

About Leh Ladakh Bike trip

Ladakh is one of the most visited places in the Indian Himalayas on Motorcycles because it offers one of the world’s highest motorable roads, most dangerous terrains, and never-ending snow-capped mountains.

Best time for Leh Ladakh road trip :

Ladakh lies at an altitude of about 3300 Mtrs ASL and receives heavy snow during the winters, so the best time to visit Leh Ladakh will be from June to September. This will be the summer season in the Himalayas and the sky will be clear most of the time. So it's the best time for Leh Ladakh bike trip will be from June every year.

How much time required for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

It completely depends on each individual, you can explore Leh Ladakh either from the Manali side or Srinagar side and both will take at least 10-12 days to complete the circuit, however people with less number of days in hand can take a flight to Leh and do 5 days Leh to Leh bike trip circuit covering major attraction places. But few of the travellers who like leisure experience spend more than 30 days to explore the entire region at their own pace.

Leh ladakh trip budget:

There are a lot of parameters which decide the cost of your Ladakh trip budget , firstly starting point and ending point, type of vehicle you choose, number of days you are planning for Leh Ladakh bike trip , type of accommodation you choose, and whether you opt to travel in a small group, big group or solo. So all this will add up to your cost, in an ideal scenario if you want to do a pocket-friendly Ladakh bike trip then it will cost you around anywhere between INR 45000/- to INR 60000/- per person for a 12 days tour to Ladakh which will start from Delhi and end in Srinagar. (Please note this will include travelling in big groups with standard accommodation or hotels). If you need a leisure and luxury Ladakh motorcycle tour then you may need to spend around INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000/- for 15 days Leh Bike trip with a small group and luxury & boutique properties.

Best motorcycle/four-wheel for Leh Ladakh road trip:

So after deciding the number of days and budget for your Leh Ladakh road trip , the next parameter will be on choosing the right vehicle for your Leh trip. If you decide to travel by Motorcycle then Royal Enfield is the best to travel in the Himalayas, they are reliable and sturdy as well. Bullet 500cc and Himalayan 411 cc motorcycles are the best ones in Royal Enfield. If you want to choose any car then any 4x4 would be good or any cars with higher ground clearance will be sufficient for Leh Ladakh road trip .

Leh Ladakh bike trip route:

There are 2 major land routes to Ladakh, one will start from Manali and end in Srinagar and another will start from Srinagar and ends in Manali.

Leh Ladakh route 1: Delhi – Manali – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh – Khardung La pass- Nubra Valley – Pangong lake – Kargil – Srinagar

Leh Ladakh route 2: Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong Lake – Sarchu – Keylong – Manali – Delhi

Leh Ladakh route 3: Arrive at Leh by flight – Nubra valley – Pangong Lake – Local sightseeing – And departure from Leh by flight

Leh Ladakh route via Spiti valley bike trip: Delhi – Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan – Chitkul – Nako – Tabo – Kaza – Chandratal – Keylong – Sarchu – Leh – Nubra – Pangong lake – Kargil – Srinagar – Jammu – Chandigarh – Delhi (Longer route but it’s a once in a lifetime trip)

Top places to visit on Leh Ladakh motorbike trip:

Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake is situated in the Changthang region of Ladakh at the height of 4350 Mtrs. The lake is 134 Km long and extends from India to the Tibet region(Mainland China). 60%of the lake that means 80kms of the lake lies in the Tibet region and rest with India. While riding to Pangong Lake we will cover Changla Pass, which is the 3rd highest motorable pass in the world. There are only a few permanent villages in the Pangong region. Spangmik is the importance of them, where major accommodation in the Pangong lake available there. You can either visit Pangong on a day tour or overnight stay as well. I would suggest staying overnight to enjoy the pristine blue saline lake.

Nubra Valley:

The coldest desert is what we call, Nubra valley is situated next to Shyok and Nubra river. Diskit, Hunder, Panamik, and Turtuk are some of the important villages in Nubra Valley. It is also close to the Siachen base camp. Nubra valley is famous for the Double hump Bactrian camel and Diskit monastery.

Leh Ladakh local sightseeing:

One can visit Thicksey Monastery, Shey Palace, Hemis Monastery, War Museum, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Likir Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Indus-Zanskar Sangam, and river rafting as well.

Essential things to carry for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

After doing a lot of research and years of hands-on experience in travelling to Leh Ladakh on a motorcycle, we have listed down the important things to carry on your Leh Ladakh road trip are as follows:

Clothing – carry riding jacket, riding pants (If not good quality Knee Guard, winter riding gloves, balaclava or face mask, thermals, socks, high ankle boots or gumboots which are economical and reliable, winter wear hoodies, jeans and T-shirts and lastly waterproof or rain gear jackets.

Accessories: Sunscreen lotion SPF 50 and above, Sunglasses, Skull cap, warm gloves & woollen socks during the night

Daily use packs: Face cream, lip balm (always keep in your pocket), petroleum jelly, cold cream(Himalaya or Nivia), Tooth Brush, Toothpaste, liquid soap, toilet paper, shampoo, towel, deo, and waste bin covers to dispose any unwanted things.

Short bites: It's essential to carry a few short eats or eatables like dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars, and water bottles

Medicines: Personalised first aid kits, Diamox, disprins, and basic medicines for fever, stomach upset, vomiting & etc

Electronics: Phone Charger, power bank, spare camera battery, memory cards, multipurpose plug points,

Important documents: Driving license, RC book of the vehicles, valid insurance, Passport, Voter id, VISA copy.

Tips for Leh Ladakh bike trip:

Each rider must be above 21 years old with a valid Driving license

One should have minimum riding experience on any motorcycle

Must be fit and healthy to take such an adventurous trip

Always try to ride in a group instead of riding solo, it does not only give you a sort of confidence also it will help you during uncertainties (However, if you are an experienced solo traveller then it’s not a problem. For the first-timers group ride is the best and safest)

Know the terrain and weather info before you start the journey.

Choose the right motorcycle for the trip which suits your riding style and should be good enough to ride on such harsh terrains.

Keep yourself well hydrated

Read about Acute Mountain Sickness

Understand the culture of Ladakh and its people

And one last thing, respect nature and nature will respect you back

Is Ladakh motorcycle tour safe to do?

Yes, riding in the Himalayas is always once in a lifetime experiences and one cannot deny that, but however you should be very cautious while riding on these terrains, if you are not well prepared or you are not any part of a group rides then it's gonna be very tough in some stretch. Don’t jump into conclusion easily, do your homework well and study enough blogs and get practical exposure about riding the motorcycles and maintaining them. Apart from that Ladakh is one of the safest places in India to travel; people are very humble and helpful. They are the one who comes first when you struck due to landslides or any health issue, remember one thing Never hurt their cultural feelings and don’t insult their terrain, they are very sensitive about Ladakh and its culture.

Money, Banks, ATM’s and Currency conversion:

Leh being the headquarters of Ladakh region, you will get a couple of good banks and ATM’s which work round the year, but however sometime it may interrupt due to bad weather conditions and heavy snowfall. There are at least 5-6 ATMs available in Leh town.

There are plenty of currency exchange centres in Leh, but get in touch with you travel guide or hotel reception for better currency conversion, they can get a good deal.

Mobile connectivity and Internet:

Only postpaid sim cards will work outside J&K and Ladakh regions, you can get prepaid sim card in Leh on arrival. But there is always a restriction on buying a local sim card since it is closely located to border areas. Only BSNL, Airtel and Idea works in Leh. Apart from Leh, no other regions like Nubra or Pangong will get a proper network. It depends on the weather condition.

Internet connectivity is also fluctuating always, have seen sometimes there is no internet and phone connectivity for weeks. So better be prepared for a complete disconnect from other parts of the world!!!

Altitude Mountain Sickness or AMS:

Altitude sickness is one of the most common problems that occur in during Travelling to Ladakh , because of its altitude. Common cause of AMS is due to lack of oxygen and our body won’t get acclimatise to that altitude so easily.

Minor symptoms of AMS are headaches, vomit sensation, fatigue, shortness of breath and giddiness. Severe symptoms will be like shortness of breath even you are sitting or not doing any activity, severe vomiting and inability to walk.

Avoiding AMS is pretty simple if you follow the instructions of your Travel guide in Leh Ladakh bike trip, the primary thing is to avoid climbing the mountains quickly, take time and increase your altitude gradually, Drink at least 3-5 litres of water every day, this will keep your hydrated, Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol at least for first few days till your body gets acclimatise, avoid having heavy dinner and non-veg during the night because having heavy food will trouble you in your metabolism and most of the oxygen in your body gets used to digesting the food inside the body. In case of primary symptoms occurs start taking Diamox tablets one per day after the breakfast and take another after dinner.

Leh Ladakh bike trip road condition:

Every year roads to Ladakh will be completely closed during winters starting from November till May end or early June. Here are some of the important recent updates on the road conditions of 2 major highways which connect Leh ladakh to rest of the world.

Manali – Leh Highway Status 2020:

· Manali to Keylong – Good roads almost till Keylong, since after opening of Atal tunnel the road connectivity to Keylong is much better. Average riding times 4-6 Hrs depending on the number of breaks you takes.

· Keylong to Sarchu – From Keylong till Baralachala pass the roads are average but from Baralachala to Sarchu condition are very bad with full of slush and mud. Average riding time 7-9Hrs.

· Sarchu to pang – Bad roads with dirt tracks and bumpy roads-Average riding time 3-4Hrs.

· Pang to Tanglangla – Good with straight road for 15 odd kms – Average riding time 1hr

· TanglangLa pass to Leh – Very good road till Leh. 2-3hr you can reach Leh from Tanglangla pass.

· Leh to Pangong – 60% of the roads are good and 40% bad stretch, average riding time 6-8Hrs

· Leh to Nubra valley – 70% of good roads and 30% bad stretch – Average riding time 6-7Hrs

· Pangong to Nubra valley via Shyok River – 80% off road and 20% good stretch. Average riding time 6-8Hrs.

· Leh to Tsomoriri – 70% good roads and last stretch of 40-50kms are bad roads with full of dirt tracks and bumpy roads. Average riding time 8-10Hrs

· Leh to Kargil – very good roads. 6-8hrs of riding time.

· Kargil to Srinagar – Very good roads. 6-8Hrs of riding time.

Riding difficulties on Mountain Passes:

There are 10-11 mountain pass you will get if you are riding on leh ladakh bike trip, starting from Manali to Srinagar via Leh and covering Pangong and Nubra. Each mountain pass is different in altitudes and one need to be extra cautious whenever you will be riding through these passes.

· Rohthang Pass – This is the first mountain pass you will get if you are riding from Manali to Leh bike trip, roads are decent to good from Manali till Rohthang , but after Rohthang once you start descending towards Koksar , the roads are horrible, look out for slush and slippery on curves

· Baralacha La pass – Average roads while ascending to Pass from Zing Zing bar, in between few water crossing are there. But while descending from Baralachala pass its tougher, roads are narrow and lot of water streams in between.

· Nakee La : Decent roads while ascending and descending, you will get Gata loops while riding

· LachungLa pass – Decent roads with small stones and dust, becareful during the curves

· Tanglangla Pass – Excellent roads while ascending from Moore plains and after the pass. One of the best roads to ride in Leh Manali highway

· Changla Pass – Trickiest pass on the entire Leh Ladakh Bike trip, very narrow and difficult due to its altitude, Better take break for few mins in Zingral and Tsoltak while riding

· Khardungla pass- It used to be a difficult pass to ride, but now the roads are pretty decent and can be done without much hassle.

· Fotu la pass – Easiest mountain pass to conquer, the roads are amazing

· Namik La pass – Same as Fotu La pass

· Zoji La – It used to be one of the trickiest and toughest mountain pass, but thanks to Border road organisation and the recent roads are pretty much decent, but still the roads are very narrow , slush and slippery.

Stay option during Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Tour:

After decided all other important factors on Leh Ladakh bike trip , you should also understand the stay options available throughout the journey. We have listed down the options available in each place from both the highways which connects to Leh Ladakh by road .

· Manali – All options available from Rs 500 to Rs50000 hotels , homestay, guesthouses and cottages

· Koksar – Road side dhaba with basic sleeping facilities and common toilet available

· Keylong – Decent hotels available with good facilities

· Jispa – Decent hotels with good facilities available , also tented accommodation down the valley also available

· Zing zing Bar – Roadside Dhabas with basic common sleeping facilities available

· Sarchu- One of the major pit stop location with lot of tented accommodation available, starting from Rs 1000 to 10000 options are available

· Pang - Roadside Dhabas with basic common sleeping facilities available, but food is very good in Pang and multiple options available

· Upshi – Basic hotels available

· Leh – Head quarters of Ladakh region and multiple options available from Rs 500 to Rs50000/-

· Lukung(Pangong Lake) – This is the first place you get once you enter Pangong lake region , few options are available with tented accommodation

· Spangmik(Pangong Lake) – One of the best destination to stay in Pangong Lake region with multiple options available, you can get tented accommodations starting from Rs1000 to Rs15000/-

· Hunder (Nubra Valley) – Lot of tented accommodation is available along with Guesthouse and Homestay as well.

· Diskit (Nubra Valley ) Guesthouse are very common in Diskit

· Turtuk (Nubra Valley ) - Only couple of good places to stay and rest all are basic homestay, one should book the accommodation well in advance here

· Lamayuru (Srinagar – Leh Highway) – Homestay are very common in this region, plenty of options available

· Kargil – Second important place in Ladakh region after Leh , so no need to worry about the stay, plenty of options available

· Drass – Few very basic hotels with basic facilities are available.

· Sonamarg – Good hotel options available

· Srinagar – Plenty of good hotels, guest houses, boutique properties and house boats available

How to prepare your Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip:

Condition of your bike is the most important factor during Leh Ladakh bike trip if you have decided to get your own bike for such trips. Basic things will be your bike must be in running condition and not kept in parking lot for a long time.

Which bike is suitable for Leh Bike trip?

This is first question where every biker who decided to do Ladakh bike trip, which bike is suitable. Well nobody can answer for this question since it is completely depends on individual perception. There are people who do on BMW 1200GS or Triumph Tiger 800 or any other adventure motorcycles, but on the other hand there are few people who have done on Honda Activa or 110cc motorcycle. But only difference between each motorcycles are the way you maintain it and the way you ride it. But any bike you ride just make sure it is well serviced and not an very old model, where you will get struck if proper spares not available in such terrains and because of that your trip may hamper.

Understand your Bike:

Every passionate rider will always know there machine very well than there life partners, so before you start your journey to Ladakh, first thing you should do is to understand your bike and its condition very well, try to recall how it used to response when you go on a long rides, during monsoon season and what are the pain point of the bikes and what troubles the machine more. Once you understand this pointer you will know what exactly you need to do for your bike and accordingly will you explain the same thing to your mechanic. Suppose your bike give more problem during monsoon season then understand that it might be a problem with carb and electrical due to water get blocked in few parts of the machine, like wise in long rides it may get overheat , then it may be a problem with overheating of engine and needs at most attention.

Get your bike service done:

After analysing the bike, choose your mechanic wisely who have extensive knowledge about particular models. Some mechanics are good with 150cc to 250cc bikes; few are good with Royal Enfield’s only and few on Super Bikes. Tell your mechanic a complete history of your bike like, its model, periodic service schedule, problems occurs during different season and different riding experience and etc. And importantly tell your mechanic that you are taking your bike to Leh Ladakh.

Gain knowledge about repairs:

After giving your bike for service, try to sit with your mechanic and learn some basic repairs like change of clutch cables, throttle cable replacement, spark plug check and maintenance, basic electrical work, puncture repair and chain cleaning and maintaining techniques, this will help in increase your confidence level and you will be trained enough to handle basic breakdowns during your journey.

Spares to carry for Leh ladakh bike trip:

After your bike is fully serviced , ride your bike for at least 4-5 days before you ship your bike or start the ride, this is will help you in understand that how your machine is behaving after the service. Also buy the following spares and carry with you for Leh ladakh bike trip;

· Puncture repair kit with extra tube for both front and rear tires

· Clutch and throttle cables

· Put new tires with good traction for on & off road

· Spark plugs

· Chain links

· Fuses and fuse box

· Spare engine and break oil

· Clutch plates (If your clutch plates are too old, its better to replace new one)

· Brake pads /disc pads

· Battery charges or a cable for jump start your bike from other battery , incase battery get drain out

· Nuts and bolts of major parts

· Tool kit for wheel removal and other basic things with set of screw drivers & spanners

· Petrol pipes and spare fuel cans

· Ropes to tie your luggage and ladakh carrier

Repairs, Fuel Stations and puncture shops on Leh Ladakh bike trip:

Following places have facilities of repairs, fuel station and etc.

· Manali – Plenty of fuel stations and repair shops are available

· Tandi – Last fuel station on Leh Manali highway , after this there won’t be any fuel station available till Karu which is 345kms odd

· Keylong – Mechanic and puncture shop available, just ask the locals for address

· Sarchu – Fuel available on black, but be ready to pay twice the price of actual

· Pang – There used to be a puncture shop during 2019, but not sure

· Karu – Fuel station and mechanics available

· Leh – Fuel station, Mechanics and Puncture shops are available

· Leh to Pangong route – Karu is the last fuel station, after that no mechanics or puncture shops available

· Pangong to Nubra valley via Shyok River- No Puncture shop or mechanics available

· Diskit – Fuel station available, but again it is depend on supply and weather condition

· Hunder - puncture shop available

· Kargil – Fuel station, mechanics and puncture shop available

· Srinagar - Fuel station, Mechanics and Puncture shops are available

Book your Leh Ladakh bike trips here:

1. Delhi – Manali – Leh – Delhi Bike trip

2. Delhi – Manali – Srinagar Bike trip

3. Srinagar – Leh – Manali –Delhi bike trip

4. Leh to Leh bike trip

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Ladakh Bike Trip Tips – How to Ride a Bike in Leh Ladakh

A bike trip to Leh Ladakh is a dream journey for everyone who owns a motorcycle in India these days. For people who don’t have a bike of their own, the option of reaching either Manali, Srinagar, or Leh by public transport and renting a bike there is always open. Mentioned below are a few Ladakh bike trip tips that you must keep in mind if you also want to ride a bike to and in Leh Ladakh.

Ladakh in the last few years has reached the top of the list of the most desired destinations in India. Riding a motorcycle on the challenging terrain of Ladakh has become the very definition of motorcycling, biking, fun, and adventure.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide

As the number of total tourists went up, the number of careless tourists too increased. What happened next? Well, people started dying in Ladakh. No, I am not kidding. Do a Google search and you will find people who died while on a trip to Ladakh either in a motorcycle accident or as a direct result of acute mountain sickness.

Why did this happen? Because they either were not prepared or took things for granted. No matter how much tourism here increases, the fact that cannot be denied is that the very nature of Ladakh is harsh and unforgiving. A simple mistake here can ruin your trip at the very least or cost you your life at worst.

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Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh

So am I then discouraging you from making a bike trip to Leh Ladakh? No, I am not. All that I am stressing is that you must prepare well and be extremely careful during the ride.

Listed below are some of the most important safety tips that you must be mindful of while planning your dream ride to Ladakh.

Know Yourself

This is the most important tip of all. You got to ask yourself, why are you making this trip, and are you ready for it. Do you have enough riding experience or are you just attempting it because everyone else is going to Ladakh? And be honest about it.

If you are new to biking and adventure then try a few trips to some other places first and then think about riding to Ladakh. You got to have made at least 2 long motorcycle trips and should have some experience of riding in the hills as well.

The second would be to know yourself physically. What are your limitations? Is there any medical condition involved? Are you physically prepared to handle the brutal reality of AMS ?

If there is any kind of respiratory or heart ailment involved then you must give up the idea of visiting Ladakh or at least consult a doctor before you do so.

Can you sit on a motorcycle for 8 hours every day for several days? Do you have a back problem or pain in the shoulders that can become a problem after 2 days of a ride? These are some of the questions you must ask yourself first and if you are unsure about any, better get some surety first.

Know your Motorcycle

The second step would be to know your motorcycle. By know it, I mean you should really be aware of things like –

• Bike’s performance on steep ascents
• How it feels on sharp turns
• How much tilt can it take before it skids
• At what maximum speed will it still be fully under your control
• How much of a load can it take
• How does it react to sudden brakes
• The average fuel efficiency
• Condition of the parts
• Can it take a pillion
• How much weight can you put on one side without losing control
• How long can you sit on it for long hours

If you do not know all this, then take your vehicle for a test ride and find out.

You must also know how to carry out some minor repairs; like taking the wheel out, changing tubes, changing headlamps, etc. You must also carry some necessary spares because finding those is almost impossible on the circuit. You may be able to find a mechanic but if you do not have a spare part, then it is of no use.

For more information on how to get your bike ready and a list of parts to carry, please read How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Leh Ladakh .

Know the Route

The third step would be to know the route that you are planning to ride on. There is plenty of information available on the net these days and thousands of videos that you can watch on YouTube.

Gather as much information as you can and carry an offline map to refer to. Follow a well laid out itinerary and do not just ride blind. Know how much distance you are going to cover on which day and where will you be halting for the night. Stick to the route and follow your itinerary.

Take a look at A Complete Road Map of Leh Ladakh to understand the roads better.

Know the Weather

This will be the next thing to check. You must find out how the weather was trending in Ladakh before you go there. It will apply more if you were traveling either early or late in the season or during the monsoon.

To be on the safer side, plan a trip on Manali Leh Route only between June to September, skip this route in October. If you want to go to Ladakh via Srinagar , then do not plan before May.

If traveling in July or August, check how the weather ahead was. Monsoon can wreak havoc on Manali Leh or Srinagar Leh highway. Landslides can leave tourists in danger and stranded for a long timr. Even in Ladakh these days, monsoon has started to become a problem.

There are several stretches on the circuit where you will have to be really very careful. These are called the areas of the shooting stone.

The good part is that all these posts are marked by BRO. So wherever you see a board that reads shooting stones, pass through very carefully and do not stop.

Follow the Rules

Unlike the city, there aren’t many rules that you need to follow while riding in the hills. Rules here are only a few and are very simple. But all of them are extremely critical and unlike the city where you can break a traffic rule and get away with it every once in a while, breaking a rule in the hills can prove to be a disaster.

Be completely aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes on the road and never lose focus. If you want to enjoy a view, stop and take a break.

Let the climbing vehicle pass first, especially on narrow roads. Never overtake on a curve and always blow the horn at one. Never be in a hurry to overtake. Blow the horn and give other vehicles some time to allow you to pass.

There absolutely cannot be any speeding at all and do your best to avoid riding after dark. And of course, do not drink and drive.

Also Read: How to Travel to Pangong Tso from Leh

I really cannot stress enough the importance of this one factor. As a matter of fact, if you follow this one piece of advice, the rest will automatically fall in place. Ladakh is not a place where you can afford to rush anywhere at all. Take the ride slow and carefully.

Rather than spending time trying to hurry to your next destination, plan your itinerary in a way that you are not covering any more than 150 kilometers in a way, and not riding any more than 5-6 hours at most.

There will be long rides involved on a day or 2 but you should not be riding all day long on all days. If that is the case, then add more days or postpone your ride for another time when you can.

Also Read: How to Obtain Rohtang Pass Permit

Now let us talk a little about how you should be handling your motorcycle during the Bike trip to Leh Ladakh. Braking will definitely be the most important part of it.

In the hills, you will either be going upwards or downwards. Going upwards is actually a little easier than going down. All that you need to do is stop accelerating and the bike will stop. Rear braking is what you should be relying upon when riding up.

But while going down, the entire weight will shift on the front wheel and rear braking will become less efficient. A lot of people tend to overuse the front brake while riding down which can actually prove to be a mistake.

A wise thing to do would be to use engine braking and apply front and rear brakes both at the same time.

Also Read: How to Obtain Inner Line Permit for Ladakh

Sounds easy enough, correct? You will actually have to be very careful in terms of where you park or stop as well. The first rule is to not park at a turn where your bike will be a problem for the passing traffic.

Do not stop at narrow roads either because even then, your bike will be blocking the road. Find a wide enough spot and stop there.

Try not to park with the front of the bike pointing downward. It can first result in your bike falling. Second, it will also become a problem when you have to mount the bike and start riding again.

Try to find a place that is a little plain and not a steep incline. Most important of all, do not stop or park in a shooting stone area.

Also Read: Driving Tips for Ladakh

Stay in your lane

The mountain roads are rarely marked or divided into lanes. There will not be any dividers or markings anywhere. In a situation like this, it will be your responsibility to stay on your side of the road and ride sensibly.

It becomes a problem at turns especially when riders take a wide turn and end up in another lane right in front of an oncoming vehicle.

Ride slowly in a lower gear and stay on our side of the road. And the low gear will apply both whiles going up and down. If you were riding upwards, it will ensure that you have maximum power at your disposal. While going down, it will help you with engine braking.

On areas that were too narrow for two vehicles to pass, keep an eye out for vehicles that were coming from the other direction.

Also Read: Riding to Ladakh with Pillion

Engine Braking

Now let us talk a little about what engine braking is. It is when you are riding downward in a lower gear without pulling the clutch and letting the engine run.

How does this help? Well, first of all, it will prevent you from speeding while going down. Secondly, it will prevent you from relying entirely on the brakes and use them excessively, which in turn will result in the brakes heating up. Third, your entire braking and stopping will be a lot smoother.

The rule of the thumb is to never ride down in neutral. A lot of people do this thinking that they are saving fuel after switching off the bikes. This is not a good practice and can result in you losing control of the bike.

Do not engage clutch if your bike stalled while going uphill. Let it stay in gear and apply the rear brake even if it meant letting the engine stall out. Engaging the clutch will just have you start rolling backward and fall eventually.

Also Read: Kargil to Padum Route Guide

Water Crossings

Yes, water crossings and you will come across a lot of them. They are in fact one of the fun parts about riding to Ladakh, as long as you did not get hurt. How do you ensure that? Well, the first step would be to not just continue riding thinking that you will be OK.

Take a moment, stop and observe the rivulet in front of you. Take an estimate of its depth, the force of the water and look for a spot that seems comparatively safer to cross.

If you weren’t too sure, then wait off another motorcycle or car to arrive and follow their lead. If you were riding with a pillion, then ask them to get off and stand ready as a backup to push the motorcycle in case you got stuck.

Also, take a look at Motorcycle Water Crossing Tips & Technique for a more detailed version of this information.

In terms of shoes, I will recommend bringing rubber sandals like in the picture below apart from your other shoes.

There will be numerous water crossings on the way and you cannot risk getting your shoes at all of them. At the same time, crossing a stream on a bike barefoot will be dangerous.

So a better way would be to carry these sandals as a backup. At a water crossing, put them on, get to the other side and get your shoes back on.

You do not need to buy any other special shoes for Ladakh. I have done all my rides in normal sports shoes and they all worked fine. Save yourself some money and effort there.

About a decade ago, you would have needed to think seriously about carrying spare fuel for Ladakh but these days, it is available everywhere on the route in black.

You will pay a little extra but will save yourself the hassle of carrying spare fuel. Please read Fuel Availability in Leh Ladakh – How to Manage for more details.

Rented Motorcycles

Now let us talk about rented motorcycles. Any bike rented outside of Leh, including the ones from Manali and Srinagar, is not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. You can reach Leh on such bikes but will then have to leave those parked at your hotel.

For local sightseeing in Ladakh , you will have to rent a local motorcycle from Leh city. This is a very serious matter and please do not make the mistake of overlooking it. There have been incidents when non-local rented motorcycles were vandalized and even hijacked in Ladakh.

Privately Owned Motorcycles

If you were coming by a privately owned bike, it must be either in your own name or your parents or your sibling. A bike belonging to your friend or cousin will not be allowed. If you arrived on such a motorcycle, then you will again have to leave it parked at Leh and rent another one.

If you were able to get a luggage carrier installed on the bike, then it will really make things very easy for you. If not, then you can actually make the trip without it as well.

I have never used a luggage carrier in any of my rides. The only thing you got to make sure of is that your bags are securely tied on the bike. Buy a bunch of Bungee cords as well as a few meters of nylon rope. First, mount the bags using the cords and then tie the nylon rope around as a second layer of safety.

Buy one of those large black polythene sheets . I am not sure what they are called so I am just going to call them polythene sheets.

First, wrap your bags in those sheets and then rope them on the bike. It will keep them safe from dirt, slush, mud, and water. Trust me; DO NOT mount your bags without insulating them in a polythene wrap.

Also carry a shoulder bag in which you can keep your wallet, camera, and papers, etc.

Best Bike for Ladakh Trip

There is really no best bike for Ladakh as such. People have done the trip even on scooters and 100 CC bike easily. All that you need to make sure is that your bike is well serviced, well maintained, and ready to take on the tough journey ahead.

A bigger engine bike like RE 350 CC or 500CC will definitely have an added advantage but is not absolutely mandatory. For more details on this topic, please read Which is the Best Bike for Leh Ladakh .

If you were riding on a small engine bike and needed a little motivation, then please take a look at this post, Leh Ladakh on Scooter – An Adventurous Journey .

Best time for Ladakh Bike Trip

Here is a small overview in terms of riding to Ladakh.

• Srinagar Leh Highway – From May to October
• Manali Leh Highway – June to September

For the rest of the time, after October and before May, the roads to Ladakh remain blocked and you cannot make a road trip. If you asked me, I would say that even in these months, June and September are probably the best time for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh.

Ladakh Bike Trip Tips – Conclusion

I hope the information and Ladakh Bike trip tips above were of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below, or at our Community Forum , and I will be glad to answer.

Mohammed Shoaib

Shoaib is what you truly call a mountain lover. He may live in the city but his heart his in the Himalayas. He loves to rush back to the hills whenever he can

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If we are planning a bike trip from Leh to Nubra in mid Sept, and if there is high chances of snowfall at Khardung top – what do you think should we do ? Is it difficult to ride in snowfall ? We want to go to Nubra, explore a bit beyond and come back to Leh. We are planning to rent a bike in Leh. Would you have any specific tips for riding in September where I’m assuming the weather is colder and snow is falling ?

The chances of snowfall will be there after September 15th. But if it did snow, it will be very little and will melt away in a couple of hours. There won’t be so much snow that it would make riding difficult.

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Leh ladakh bike trip itinerary — how to spend 6 days in ladakh by motorbike.

Traveling to Ladakh in general and traveling to Ladakh in particular by motorbike in terms of routes are almost the same. This article shares my own experience. Especially coming from a guy who has never ridden a clutch and a large displacement. You should only consult and synthesize more people and especially prepare carefully what you can prepare. Only then can we decide through practice in Ladakh: What motorbike to rent, which route to take, and how to get around by bike. Because before leaving, I searched for information and then messaged each person to ask. When I finally come to Ladakh, I went in a direction that had nothing to do with what I initially thought.

• Leh Ladakh bike trip blog — Ladakh bike trip guide & tips for first-timers
• Ladakh blog — How to plan Leh Ladakh trip & suggested Ladakh itinerary 15 days
• Ladakh trip cost per person from Delhi — How much does Ladakh trip by bike cost?
• What to buy in Ladakh 2024? — Top 9+ Ladakh souvenirs & must things to buy in Ladakh
• Ladakh travel tips — 11+ Ladakh tips & things to know before going to Ladakh

How much does Leh Ladakh road trip by bike?

Depending on each person’s needs, the cost of traveling to Ladakh by motorbike will vary. This is the cost that I paid. Note that this is a temporary estimate of the cost of traveling to Ladakh because each time you visit, the price and cost are different. If you want to make a Leh Ladakh road trip by bike, you can refer to and check the price at the time you go for the most accurate before you go.

I flew from Vietnam to New Delhi and below is the following costs:

• Round trip air ticket Vietnam – New Delhi is about $235.80
• Round trip air ticket New Delhi – Leh ticket is about 196.50
• Hotel average cost is around $23.58/night, total 5 nights about $117.90
• Eating and drinking is about $15.72 per day, total about $121.90 including additional expense
• Renting a car is about $18.08 per day, total for 5 days is about $90.39
• Gasoline is about $58.95
• Permit for tourists entering and leaving areas $8.65 per person
• The extra cost is about $78.60
• Total airfare of 432.30 + 8.65 license fee to visit + $463.74 gasoline, hotel fees, and food costs.
• If you go alone (Ladakh trip cost per person), it’s about $903.91 – $982.51
• If you go with two people and share expenses, it will be about $589.51 – 707.41

I limit using cash, so almost all the hotels I book on Booking.com and Agoda.com. Just keep a few Indian rupees and dollars for eat and drink. In Ladakh, food and travel costs are very cheap.

How many days for traveling around Ladakh by motorcycle? (#leh ladakh bike trip itinerary)

Traveling to Ladakh on your own mostly requires a number of days longer than 1 week, which is best to get used to the altitude and habits in Ladakh. Especially when riding a motorbike, you need some extra time to rent a motorbike and get used to driving at an altitude of over 3,000m, and running on the left hand side.

The total time I spent traveling to Ladakh by motorbike was about 6 days. I arrived in Ladakh at noon on October 8 and spent half a day getting used to the altitude and buying a SIM card. On October 9, I rented a bike and drove around to get used to it and wait for the permit. Departing on October 10 and ending on the evening of October 13.

Which is the best month to visit Ladakh?

Ladakh is at its most beautiful starting from April then lasting until mid-October, the closer it gets to November, the colder the weather gets. Some roads will be closed to traffic. So my experience of traveling to Ladakh by motorbike is that you should go around August, September or early October is suitable. Going closer to October will have more yellow leaves, but it will also be quite cold, so prepare clothes carefully at home.

Which season is good to travel to Ladakh?

Fall is the most beautiful time to visit Ladakh. As mentioned above, from early August to early October is a beautiful time to travel to Ladakh. Closer to the end of September, the yellow leaves shine the sky, you will have the feeling of running through rows of bright yellow trees. In the distance, the snowy mountains are beginning to be covered in white.

Some things you need to prepared for a Ladakh trip

Medicines for high altitude shock, some basic medicines. If you go in the cold season, bring warm clothes to wear inside. Bring gloves for driving, trekking shoes or specialized driving shoes. I also prepared snacks and dried fish from Vietnam. Because I was not used to eating curry when I was trekking in Nepal, I have been obsessed with curry until now (this is because I personally do not like curry, no criticism). Regarding my driver’s license, I changed it to a Pet license. Basically, police also doesn’t stop to check the driver’s license at all, only a few stations that need to check the license are allowed to enter that area.

Entry and flight routes

To travel to Ladakh in general and motorbike in particular, you need to fly 2 flights. The first route is Saigon to Delhi, Delhi to Leh. Regarding entry in Delhi, just applying for a visa online is quite easy. In addition, you should prepare 2 additional documents as in the comment below, just print out is enough. Especially, you should prepare a ballpoint pen when you arrive at Delhi airport to fill out the immigration information form (take the initiative to look for the form and fill it out immediately, it will save you having to queue for a long time).

On the Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Delhi route, I flew with Vietjet, and on the Delhi to Leh route, I flew with Go Air. After flying to Delhi, after completing the procedures, it will be around 1:00 am. You can stay at the airport early in the morning and take the earliest flight to Leh. If you take a taxi to the hotel to rest, you can go to the taxi counter at the airport for very cheap prices, so you should not book in advance online at high prices, and you won’t be able to take the initiative in the time to get to the airport.

Regarding luggage, if you are bring a flycam, please note one thing: Absolutely do not leave the flycam in your checked luggage. Note, absolutely do not leave your checked luggage. You take out all the batteries and memory cards along with the remote control and put them in your carry-on luggage, and put the flycam body in your checked luggage. All flights do the same, so you no need to worry.

When flying to Leh, you are required to present some documents as noted in my comment below. Please present them if required, because depending on the time you fly, the regulations may change or not.

What to do on the first day in Ladakh?

Resting and get used to the altitude: I landed in Leh around 12am, had already booked a hotel on Booking.com, got off the plane, went out and asked for a taxi to go straight to the hotel, rest and get used to the altitude first. Regarding this, you should not be confident in your health, just rest and prepare some things before departure.

4G SIM card: In the afternoon, start going to Leh market to visit, finding what you need to buy, then visit the Airtel store to get a 4G SIM card. Just bring your passport and they will guide you through it. It’s quite simple but the wait is quite long.

Rent and try driving a motorbike when traveling to Ladakh by motorbike

Renting a bike and permit: you should rent a motorbike on the first day or deposit in advance to ask them to get a permit. Because some areas of Ladakh need a permit to get into, similar to a traffic permit. Any vehicle requires this permit, not just motorbikes. When going on a tour, the tour operator will take care of everything, so I don’t need to worry.

The motorbike I rented was a Royal Enfield 500CC, as shown in the picture, I think choosing this classic model was the right decision. Because when going to Chang La Pass, the snow freezes the road surface. High-clearance bike almost go about 2 meters at a time, but my bike is low so the ride is smooth. When renting, ask someone to prepare a set of backpacks, and a 5 liter can of gasoline. On some long trips, there are no gas stations so you have to have them on hand just in case.

I spent 1 day driving around Leh, a radius of about 20-30km. If you do not have a permit, ask the rental shop owner which areas you can getting to. Drive to get used to the bike, and get used to right-hand drive. I have never ridden a clutch and have never touched a bike over 130cc so that day was also the day I practiced riding. At first, I planned to let my friend go with me as a main driver, but because he was not familiar with this side.

I adapted quite well to the altitude and negative temperatures so I didn’t have any problems so I turned around and ran almost the entire route. I admit that the first time I ran a clutch with a large displacement, it was too heavy on the road. Regarding the feeling of driving in Ladakh, people drive quite civilized and not too dangerous, as long as you drive slowly and remember to keep to the left, it’s ok.

Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary 5 days

Route 1: leh – hunder.

This is a place to ride camels (actually, I ran astray 60km from Hunder, because the information some of you shared was not the right place to take pictures of camels, just say Nubra, but Nubra is very large. If you search, you will probably find Nubra Valley on Google, You will definitely get lost like me, so you have to find Hunder). You will pass through Khardung Pass, the 4th highest pass in the world for motor vehicles to pass through. After running this pass, you will pass through many passes with different routes. It’s only about 130km, just run slowly and arrive at the village around 5pm and it’s ok.

Route 2: Hunder – Pangong (#Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary)

This route goes through many dangerous passes. Personally, I think this is the most difficult route. Because the road is small with one side of the small pass is cliffs, on this part, I kept running close to the cliff, not daring to look down the cliff because looking at it for a while would make me dizzy. Going closer to Pangong Lake, the weather gets colder, the road is also very bad, there are many gravel roads so running is quite tiring. You should start early to avoid running late in the cold weather and losing your strength.

Route 3: Pangong – Leh

This route is basically not too difficult when traveling to Ladakh by motorbike. You will go up Chang La Pass, the 3rd highest pass in the world for motorbikes to pass through. If you go in mid-October, there is a high chance that you will run in snow on this route. This is also the road most likely to be locked if the snow is heavy, so you should be careful. When I went this time, I had to stand below and wait for more than 2 hours before I could go up to Chang La Pass. I thought the road was locked.

Above are the 3 routes, you can drive for as many days as you like. I recommend running for longer days. If you go to any village you like, just stay 2 nights and then continue. When I went, I thought the 120-160km route was quite short and could be drive normally. But no, the road is bad and the road is winding all the way, so driving is extremely slow, combined with the cold weather, it’s very tiring. Every time I set out at around 9am, I reach the destination at around 5pm, so tired, so my experience is that you should keep speed at about 60-80km a day to rest. If I’m on a long trip, I’ll play wherever I like, then I’ll get bored and leave, it’s more fun.

Where to stay in Ladakh?

Almost all of the places I mentioned above can be booked through the Booking or Agoda, so just check the room on these apps first to see if there place to stay when you arrive. If you can, book it right away so it will be easier to have a room when you driving to. Besides, you don’t have to bring too much cash with you.

Some hotels that I stayed at when going to Ladakh, you can refer to. I booked all of these hotels on the app.

Reenam Hotel – Leh

This hotel is located near Leh market, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the market. The mountain view is extremely beautiful, especially in the hotel there is an apple tree that I asked the hotel owner for some fruit. Eating apples in the cold weather is sweet and sour, dipped in good salt, that’s the delectable experience, guys.

TIH Hunder Eco Villa – Hunder

I also like this place very much, hotels in the Hunder area or are extremely small ones or are luxury resorts. I kept finding an affordable hotel around $27.62 per night. There is a spacious space overlooking the snowy mountains, and the food in the hotel is also very diverse. If you travel to Ladakh and go through the Hunder region, this is also one of the places worth staying.

Hotel at Pangong Lake

At Pangong Lake, I didn’t book a hotel in advance, just drove there and went to find a hotel. Basically, the place to stay here is quite simple but inside is complete, especially with hot water as well as blankets and pillows to help you not get cold. So when passing Pangong Lake, just walk along and look for it without needing to book in advance.

Is the food in Ladakh hard to eat?

For someone like me who is not fond of curry, it is difficult to eat this food, but there are still dishes that I can still eat. But the general assessment is that the food in Ladakh will be difficult to eat if anyone does not like the smell of curry, and those who like it, you can eat carefree. Up here, I see a lot of vegetables, so the stir-fried vegetables that I order the most are served with white rice.

In addition, you can also prepare some dry food to bring from Vietnam. It will help make the meal richer and eat more rice. For me, when I go out a lot, especially in cold areas, I try to eat as much rice as possible. To have strength and help the body not get too weak.

Scenery and people in Ladakh

Traveling to Ladakh is truly a paradise for those who love the beautiful scenery and people in the Himalayan mountains like me. Especially when riding a motorbike, you have the opportunity to drift more and stop more, so it also takes a lot of time to admire the scenery and take pictures.

On the routes I mentioned above, there is no specific place where you should stop or not. Because basically wherever you like, stop for a little while and you’ll see many interesting places, and if you have extra time, just stop comfortably, especially in the villages hanging off the cliffs.

CONCLUSION: The thing I regret most about this trip is not having time to travel more, to wander more. But it seems that every land under the Himalayas is a place full of charm, rustic and peaceful. In Nepal, I also have a ‘karmic debt’, which is to return to this place to hike for a long time, staying in the villages around the ABC trek. Ladakh now also has a karmic debt that is returning to long-term motorbike riding, to wander around. I wish I could only run 50km a day so I can stop wherever I want.

Trips with many experiences always have many emotions and many stories to tell. Images only make those stories more vivid, so my pictures may not be outstandingly beautiful, but they are my actual experiences. I hope you have more motivation to set out to wander under the majestic snow mountains.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Leh-Ladakh-Zanskar you can refer to

• 10D9N Discover Ladakh, India from Singapore [All-Inclusive]
• 7D6N Ladakh Private Tour
• 6D5N Ladakh Private Tour
• 9D8N Chadar Frozen River Trekking Experience
• 11D10N Stok Kangri Summit Trek from Leh

Read more Ladakh trip blog: Ladakh trip blog — The journey to the fairyland of India and India guide here .

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Leh Ladakh FAQs – Preparing for Ladakh Trip

Let us look at some of the most common questions asked on my blog about preparing for a Ladakh trip. I am starting this five-article series of Leh Ladakh FAQs to answer all your questions about planning a successful trip to Ladakh.

It will be easy for me to redirect you to the right question and its answer in these articles instead of repeating the same answers again and again in the comments section of various blog articles on this website.

I will also keep updating this Leh Ladakh FAQ series with new questions in case I have missed answering any and also keep my answers fresh with updated information about preparing for a trip to Ladakh.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

This section should answer all your questions about preparing yourself for a trip to Leh Ladakh. Once, you go through these questions you will understand how to prepare for a Leh Ladakh trip.

Q1. What are the tips to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness?

Ladakh is a high altitude place in trans Himalayas, and when you make a trip to Ladakh, Acute Mountain Sickness ( AMS ) is always on the cards. The majority of people suffer from AMS symptoms knowingly or unknowingly, some mild and few sever. It is biology; one cannot defeat or trick it if you are not following the basics of acclimatization, that is to give time and allow your body to adapt to change in altitude.

Generally, people can go up to 8000 feet without much problems with mountain sickness. As you start to increase altitude, the barometric pressure starts to decrease, which reduces the Oxygen intake per breath. Hence, people start to suffer from AMS as the body does not adapt to the change in high altitude.

Some of the tips that you can follow to minimize the chances of getting hit with AMS are outlined below:

• Increase the altitude gradually
• Keep your body properly hydrated
• AVOID overhydration
• Avoid sleeping at high altitudes
• Avoid overexertion
• Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs
• Keep your body warm
• Eat lots of Carbohydrates
• Avoid sleep during the day
• Sleep in an upright position, if possible
• Carry preventive medicines for AMS
• Carry Small Oxygen Kit

The best cure is to acclimatize properly or descend. In case you feel the person is suffering badly, then ask him to walk in a straight line by placing toe to toe. If the person is not able to walk in a straight line, i.e., he is suffering from ataxia. IMMEDIATELY DESCEND!!

Q2. Can a person with asthma visit Ladakh?

People with Asthma issues are in general, OK to travel to Ladakh or other high altitude places because of purity in the air and less pollution. Asthma is mainly related to pollution and dust mites, which are a common allergen. These are not present at high altitude places.

So, it is believed that people with Asthma issues do just fine in Ladakh. You can read about it in the reference article Pre-existing Medical Conditions at High Altitude .

Having said that, I am not a doctor, so please do consult your doctor and do not take my advice as medical advice. It is a question that you MUST consult your doctor before traveling to high altitude region of Leh Ladakh.

Q3. Can a person with hypertension or high blood pressure visit Ladakh?

This one is tricky because a lot of variables go into controlling the blood pressure. In general, people with controlled blood pressure at low altitudes with medication or without it do fine at high altitude. Still, I highly recommend consultation from a doctor, and you should not ignore it.

Usually, there will be an increase in your blood pressure as you reach high altitudes because of the lack of oxygen that infuses stress and adrenaline in the body. The high blood pressure subsides over some time as you stay at high altitude, usually 1-2 weeks, when your body is acclimatized to rarified oxygen. However, by no means, you should alter any dosage of medication that you are already taking within consulting your doctor.

Hence, if you have hypertension or high blood pressure, then you MUST consult your doctor before making a call to travel to Leh Ladakh. You can read about it in the reference article Pre-existing Medical Conditions at High Altitude .

Again, having said all that, I am not a doctor, so please do consult your doctor and do not take my advice as medical advice. It is a question that you MUST consult your doctor before traveling to high altitude region of Leh Ladakh.

Q4. Can I take my 2-3-year-old kid to Leh Ladakh trip?

It depends on person to person to take the children of less than five years of age group because AMS does not matter concerning age or gender or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness, I shall say.

Dheeraj Sharma

Personally speaking, I will not take a child of less than five-year-old to high altitude places like Leh Ladakh, and I will wait for them to get older. You MUST remember that no matter how much they sell, Leh Ladakh is not a family or leisure destination . It is an adventure travel destination and will always remain that way. Adventure comes with risk always, and I will prefer not to take any risk with such a young child or toddler.

The issue with small kids of any age group is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to, and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS.

Secondly, the children in such an age group of fewer than five years are not too expressive about their uneasy feelings. So it is the parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache, or nausea and is behaving properly.

With less than five-year-old child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness they are feeling. You have to be very vigilant, and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling, then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight.

If symptom increase then starts descending immediately. The same principle is applicable to any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated always for everyone!!

PLEASE read the comprehensive topic that covers all the tips on Traveling to Leh Ladakh with Kids or Babies and it will give you a complete understanding of the details of it.

Q5. Can I take my 5-10-year-old kid to Leh Ladakh trip?

Secondly, the children in such an age group of more than five years become expressive about their uneasy feelings and do tell if they are having any issues. It is still the parent’s job to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache, or nausea and is behaving properly.

If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling, then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight.

Q6. Can I take my pet or dog on a trip to Leh Ladakh?

As the travel industry is booming in India, more and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly and welcome pets. Hotels in Ladakh even provide food for pets . You can otherwise choose the carry your frozen food. As you will do to yourself, do keep your pets adequately hydrated.

Do consult your veterinary doctor for any medicine for motion sickness or high altitude that he would like to prescribe. Finally, make sure you always carry your pet’s vaccination records with you on all your trips.

Q7. Can I take my old age parents on a trip to Leh Ladakh?

As we have discussed in the previous questions, acute mountain sickness does not matter concerning age, gender, or physical fitness. It can happen to anyone and of any age. So, yes, as much as you can go yourself to Ladakh, you can surely take your parents provided they are in healthy condition and can endure the fatigue of this long journey.

You should plan a relaxing and comfortable itinerary for your Ladakh trip when taking your elder parents. Travel from Srinagar – Leh Highway with night halts at Kargil and Alchi. Finally, after doing sightseeing in Ladakh, come back from Manali – Leh Highway.

Plan to hire a comfortable vehicle as a lot of distance needs to be covered; they must be comfortable on the journey. Make sure to keep everyone in the group always adequately hydrated.

If they are on medication or have any existing illness, make sure you consult your doctor only after the doctor’s approval travel to the high altitude places carrying proper medication.

Q8. Should I carry oxygen cans or cylinders on my Ladakh trip?

If possible for you, you may carry oxygen cylinders to Leh Ladakh trip which are medium to large size, that is big enough to last for several hours and that’s the whole point for carrying them.

Small oxygen cans do not provide much support as they do not last for a long time. They can mentally psych you up only. Hence, you need to carry medium to large-sized oxygen cylinders, which help to restore your dropped oxygen levels to safety. This trick buys you time only and is not a cure for AMS.

The charges of renting these oxygen cylinders may look a bit high if you are a budget traveler. However, it is somewhat like buying insurance for yourself, and the best return with any insurance is that you do not get to use it.

Some reasons why you should be carrying an oxygen cylinder on a Ladakh trip are:

• Traveling with Kids or Elders to Leh – Ladakh
• Traveling with People having Medical Conditions to Leh – Ladakh
• Traveling with a Large Group to Leh – Ladakh
• Having Rushed Travel Plan for Leh – Ladakh Trip
• Flying Directly to Leh
• Starting Leh Ladakh the trip from Manali – Leh Highway

For your Leh Ladakh trip, you should be able to rent the oxygen cylinders in Leh or from Delhi .

Q9. What are things to carry on my Leh Ladakh trip?

A list of things to carry on a Ladakh trip is one of the first questions that I may have answered in the last decade of running my blog. However, I will be concise here and suggest that you may carry the following essentials on any Ladakh trip:

• At least two copies of PhotoIDs for all members
• Pen and a small diary
• Bag locks (2 or more)
• Backpack or Daypack
• Extra spectacles with cover
• Torchlight or Flashlight
• Small Scissor
• Sunglasses – Recommended
• Multi-Plug – Recommended for remote areas
• Match Boxes or Flint or Cigarette Lighter, Couple of candles
• Plastic Bags / Plastic Zip Lock Bags
• Twist-ties, safety pins. You can find twisties at the link: Twist Tie 20m (Pack of 2)
• Swiss Knife (optional) I have a Victorinox Huntsman Red Swiss Army Knife which I have been using for 6-7 years. It has helped in many situations in the mountains and still works as new. One of the best products I have bought in life.
• Small water bottle, say 500 ml
• Pens, pencils, colors, crayons, chocolates, toffees for distribution among local children
• Hand sanitizer
• Oral Hygiene – Toothbrush and paste
• Bathing essentials – Soaps, Shampoos, Face wash, Hair Oil
• Tissue Papers
• Moisturizing Cream
• Cologne Talc
• Small Mirror
• Feminine Hygiene, if required
• Shaving Kit
• Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50 or greater) or  Sunblock
• Lip Guard with sunscreen
• Hats / Caps
• Clothes as per the schedule
• At least one light jacket
• Heavy woolen clothing including woolen socks (Winters)
• Woolen hand gloves (Winters)
• At least 2 pairs of thermal
• Handkerchiefs
• Camera, charger, spare batteries, cleaning kit, memory cards, tripod
• May carry, remote releases, filters, headlamps for night photography
• Mobile, charger, power banks, AC-DC converter for the car
• Basic First-aid, medical kit & any ongoing medicines

In the end, I have prepared for you this comprehensive list of things to carry on Ladakh trip , which covers all the items listed above in detail.

Q10. What clothes should I carry on a Leh Ladakh trip?

Carrying clothes on a Ladakh trip mainly depends upon the season in which you will be traveling. The winters may have altogether different requirements than summers while the shoulder season months of April to May and September to October may prove to be tricky ones.

The peak season months of late June, July, and August are considered to be pleasant where light woolens mostly do the job for you. In the winter months, when both Manali Leh Highway and Srinagar Leh Highway are closed due to heavy snow, then the conditions are extremely cold.

Hence, in such winter months, very heavy woolens are required to survive on a Leh Ladakh trip. The tricky windows of visiting Ladakh are from April to June and September to October.

The basic thing for making your Ladakh trip a successful one is that at any cost, you MUST KEEP yourself warm enough always with proper woolen clothing and always wear shoes all the time with woolens socks.

The second thing on clothing is that you must carry clothes that can be worn in layers as it helps you adjust to the fluctuating temperatures in the sun and shades, up there in Ladakh.

Yes, in the season start and season end months, when the sun is shining, then everything appears good, and suddenly you enter a shaded portion with the wind blowing, which is cold enough to have a jacket. So, take due care around it and avoid letting the cold flow inside the body in such cases as well.

Keeping these factors in mind, I will recommend carrying the following clothes for Ladakh trip:

• 2-3 pairs of Inner thermal suits
• 3-4 sets of heavy woolens
• 1 heavy woolen jacket is always handy throughout the year
• 3-4 pairs of woolen socks
• 1 good insulated boots or trekking shoes in winters. Summers, any sports shoes should be fine.
• Kids especially should wear caps or hats all the time when out there in the sun.

Especially, in the month of September and October, the UV rays are harshest and you must protect your skin using Hats / Caps and good high SPF sunscreen lotions.

• Carry at least 1 Balaclava or monkey cap
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the reflections from snow
• An extra pair of shoes/gumboots in case people are on bikes and are expecting a lot of water crossings,
• Hand gloves must-have in the months of October to June.
• In the end, it is always nice to take some candies, chocolates, books, pens, pencils, crayons, etc. anything that you can distribute among the local children. Nothing but the smile on their face would be too much worth it.

Q11. Are there any ATMs in Ladakh?

There are 4-5 ATMs available in Leh town but you will not find any ATMs anywhere else in Ladakh. Sometimes, especially in offseason or winters , the ATMs may face difficulties and maybe nonoperational due to weather conditions and power issues.

Hence, make sure you carry sufficient cash with yourself to pay your bills and do not rely heavily on these ATMs.

Q12. How much cash should I carry on a Leh Ladakh trip?

There are few ATMs in Leh town, but you should not rely heavily on them and carry enough cash with you on your Ladakh trip. The total amount that you should carry depends upon if you have done your hotel bookings or the taxi bookings or you are planning to book everything after arrival in Leh.

When you travel in a group of 4-5 people, in general, you will end up spending somewhere between Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 for a complete Leh Ladakh trip. Of course, as discussed in this book, there are ways to make a budget Ladakh trip , but here I am giving a ballpark figure on how much cash you need to carry.

You can do the calculations based on the numbers that say a complete circuit of Ladakh trip from Srinagar to Ladakh to Manali covering all major tourist destinations will cost you a taxi of about Rs 60,000. Then you can consider Rs 900 – 1200 per person per day for food, stay, and miscellaneous expenses. Please note I am talking about a moderate budget trip here that has a decent level of comfort, neither too luxurious nor too basic.

Q13. Can I take my laptop to Ladakh?

Yes, you can surely carry your Laptop on the Ladakh trip. However, there are some considerations that you should take into account when taking electronic devices like Laptops to high altitude places in the Himalayas.

The new generation laptops have solid-state drives (SSD) in them, and hence, they will just do fine on a Ladakh trip. However, the laptops with old-style hard drives (HDD) may suffer a crash or data loss on an altitude of 10,000 feet and above.

To understand better, these old hard drives have a head that flies between the rotating disks/platters. When the air pressure is too low, then there is not enough lift for the flying head, so the head gets too close to the disk, and there is a risk of head crashes and data loss. The laptops with Solid State Drives (SSD) does not have this problem.

So, if you are carrying a laptop to Ladakh, try to follow the following tips for carrying a laptop to Leh Ladakh trip :

• Carry Waterproof Bags / Pouches
• Do Not Switch ON at Altitude above 10-11K
• Keep them out in an environment before switching ON
• Always Shutdown or Switch off Laptops
• Protect them from Cold Conditions
• Take care of your own belongings

Other Articles in the Series

• Leh Ladakh FAQs – Planning, Sightseeing & Routes
• Leh Ladakh FAQs – Eat, Stay, Permits, Phone Services & Others
• Leh Ladakh FAQs – Taxis, Self-Drives & Bike Rentals
• Leh Ladakh FAQs – Public Transport & Budget Travel

In the next article of the series, I will answer the frequently asked questions about stays and accommodation in Ladakh, where to eat in Ladakh and inner line permits for Leh Ladakh. I hope this article answers your questions concerning getting prepared for a Ladakh trip. 

Still, have a travel question left?? You can  follow me on Instagram  and ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram too. I also conduct a weekly Q&A session every Saturday evening on Instagram, so see you there.

If you loved this article, DO NOT forget to hit the share button to share it with your friends and family planning a trip to Leh Ladakh.”

So, what are you waiting for? Just plan your vacation to Ladakh in the coming season and I am sure you will never forget about the heavenly experience.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

Related Posts

Leh ladakh faqs – public transport & budget travel, leh ladakh faqs – taxis, self-drives & bike rentals, leh ladakh faqs – stay, eat, permits & others.

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How to Prepare Your Bike and Yourself for A Trip to Ladakh

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The most undiscovered road can only be conquered with your beloved beast. With its barren road and magnificent path Ladakh has been one of the most sought of destination by people all around the world. And if you are the adventure junkie then you might have definitely tick off Ladakh on your bucket list. Be it for your first time or your second Ladakh will be always calling you to explore the place to its core. With the vibrant landscapes and the snow-covered mountains Ladakh passes offer some of the best sights of Leh which will be cherished forever. It is said the best Ladakh road trips can be only remembered if you have taste its soil. The roads of Ladakh can be best tasted through bike trips. Lately we can see that people from around the world are taking bike trips to this magical land. Be it the barren roads or riding through the highest passes you will never had enough of this place. As the name goes Ladakh where “La” means mountain passes and “ Dakh “ means in many, so it literally means the land of many passes . Tour to Ladakh not only gives  you an adventure of a lifetime of riding at a 17582ft but also some incredible pictures which will take your breath away. From best season to accommodation to things to do, there are numerous things one cannot ignore when planning to head out for that thrilling Bike Trip to Ladakh . And if you are in that dilemma then let’s make it easier for you with this detailed Guide on a Bike Trip to Ladakh .

Read the stories of our happy and delighted travellers:  Thrillophilia reviews

How to Prepare Your Bike for A Ladakh Bike Trip

While you are planning for you thrilling bike trip a lot of you might be worried about your bike. Your bike will be your best buddies for all the 2o days while you are on this trip. So it is very important for you to take care of your bike while you are heading out for a Ladakh bike trip. Preparing your bike for this all the coming adventure is in itself a great task. You will be going on a long journey and this journey should be a hassle-free ride. 1- Clutch Plates: Before starting your trip to Ladakh it is very essential for you to check whether everything is in its place or not. Clutch is an important part in your bike so always check whether you clutch is in a good condition or not. As you and your bike will be climbing steep hilly roads you might face difficulty in between if your clutch is not smooth. Make sure you get some new clutch plate before you start with your journey. 2- Suspensions: As your will riding on very harsh rugged terrain of Ladakh and that too with your luggage as well as rider. You should be very careful while your ride on the rocky terrain and be sure that your ride is a perfect one.  Always get your front and rear suspension checked, and if required get them changed or repaired before you start out. 3- Piston Rings: When you are riding on your bike there is always the requirement of oil. And long journeys mean consuming a lot of oil. While you are on your bike trip to Ladakh always check if your bike is consuming engine oil. Get your piston –cylinder kit checked properly. And also the valves ,which will help you for a smooth ride. 4- Timing Chain: There is another thing which is very important for you to pay attention to on your bike. Timing chain is an important part in your bike which can cause mechanical failure if it nit taken care of at its earliest. 5- Sprockets and Drive Chain: You should always check sprockets and drive chain every time if you are planning on a bike trip. You should either get them cleaned or lubricated. 6- Swing arum bush: You should also get you swing arm bush checked for any slackness in your bike. 7- Brake shoes/ pads: Always get your brake pads and shoes checked for wear. If your brake pads last for just 5000kms, then get them changed at once. Also get the brake fluid changed or top it up, if you had changed it recently. 8- Air filter/ Spark plug: If your air filter and/or spark plug is over 10000kms old or approaching that figure, get them changed. And for your safety don’t throw the old ones; you can keep them as spares. 9- Clutch & Accelerator wires: There is another important part in your bike which you should check upon while you are planning for your bike trip.  If your clutch and accelerators were over 10000kms old, get them changed and keep the old ones as spare. If they do not require any change then get it lubricated. 10- Con Set:  Con set is another part which is very important part of your bike for a smooth ride.  Con set is an essential part of the bike which if loosen or worn out may affect the handling of the motorcycle. If it needs any change get it changed at once. 11- Filter/ Engine oil: While going on a bike trip always be aware of your filter or engine oil. If the engine oil is over 500 km old then get it changed at once. Also change the oil filter and in case your bike uses ild strainer then get it cleaned at once. 12- Battery and Electrical: It is important to get all the electrical wiring checked and also all the bulbs if they are functioning properly or not. As you will be riding through the serene night you should always check and clean the headlight seal beam and brake light to ensure better visibility. Also make sure that the battery of your bike is performing well or not especially if your motorcycle does not have a kick start. 13- Check all nuts and bolts: Before you head out on a ride fasten all the nuts and bolts properly and in any case if some of them are missing get it installed at once. 14- Carburetor Tuning: Keep the Carburetor tuning as close to stock as possible. As you will be riding your bike in high altitude in some criss cross running it reach might be a problem. And also running it lean might lead to overheating in the plains. 15- Tyres: Another most important part which is a must check for you for your Ladakh trip are your tyres. These are your legs till the end of your trip. So always get checked for any sign of wearing or signs of cuts and cracks in your tyres. If either of them is nearing the end of their life, get them changed.Also, if you need to get your tyre changed then remember to get dual purpose tyres, since they perform well on and off road. 16- Wheel alignment : Always remember that if you are planning to ride on a bike which has spoke wheel then don’t forget to get them checked.  If they require any alignment don’t forget to get them aligned before you start with your ride. 17- General check: Give everything all once over checked once again, ensure that everything is working properly and all the fluids are topped up, i.e. battery water, engine oil etc. Ensure all fuel lines are intact and there is no leakage anywhere. 18- Helmet: While you are going on your Ladakh trip always see to that you have a properly protected and ventilated helmet which will be your protection throughout your whole Ladakh bike trip.

Planning an International Trip Check Out  Review Of Thrillophilia

Learn Some Self Repairing

Your journey to Ladakh will be one of your most memorable rides. A road trip which you will be cherishing your whole life. And while you are on that most awesome road trip of yours you should learn few repairing tricks which will help you throughout your trip. There are few minor chores like tightening rear brakes, adjusting clutch and chain, fixing puncture, replacing bulbs and changing cables. Learn all these very properly before you hit the roads. Trust me guys you will thank me later for these.

List of Essential Tool Kit and Spares to Carry

1- Tool Kit: As this is about your bike and the harsh road condition which you are going to face your tool kit is the most important thing for you. OEM tool kit comes with motorcycle is an essential part of the tool kit that every biker should carry. 2- Puncture repair kit: Riding on a high altitude and rocky hilly roads increase the chances of your tyres getting puncher. Your puncture repair kit for tyres with tubes should consist of rubber patches, solution for pasting the patches on tube and tyre iron for taking off the tyre from the rim. I n case of tubeless tyres, purchase a tubeless puncture repair kit. 3- Spanners ring size : For tightening of any nuts and bolts on your bike you should carry a ring spanner with size 8 to 10 which will come handy during your trip. 4- Screw Driver set: Carry a screwdriver set which has multiple attachments and a set which also includes set of Allen keys which is finitely a good choice. While purchasing screwdriver set, ensure you get one which is sturdiest of the lot and won’t break while you are tightening or opening something. 5- Steel wire: For your bike trip it is always good to be an extra cautious . For safety carry steel wires which can be later used to tie together bike parts in case of any breakage. 6- Electrical & Scotch tape : If you want to be a bit more careful then don’t forget to carry some electrical and scotch tape with you. This can be used for tying together various parts and insulating damaged wires. 7- Torch light: In case of break down in the evening or early in the morning you will need it to see your bike, even once you are off your bike it can prove quite useful. 8- Foot or Electric air pump: Since motorcyclists don’t have the advantage of conveying an extra tire, an electric or foot pump consolidated with a cut repair unit and extra tube can end up being a lifeline.

All Essential Spares Required for Your Trip

1- Engine oil: For your safety purposes carry at least half a liter of engine oil recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer, daily check engine oil level and top up if necessary. 2- 90w Gear oil: Can be used to lubricate drive chain, in case you prefer to use WD 40 or chain spray, please carry that. 3- Headlight and brake light bulb: Be a bit extra cautious to carry spare headlight and brake light bulb. 4- Chain links: There might be chances that your chain might break in between your trip so carry couple of chain links, in case your drive chain breaks due to something, you can fix it and ride on. 5- Clutch and front brake lever: In case of a fall clutch/front brake lever can break, which might be a great problem while you ride. Hence it is best to carry each of these as spare, to ensure you can ride with ease. 6- Clutch and accelerator wires: Clutch and Accelerator wires have a habit of snapping in the middle of nowhere, so please carry a spare clutch and accelerator wire. 7- Spare tube for front and rear tyre: In case of any puncture always carry spare tube for both the tyres. If you want to save some time on your journey you can simply change the tube instead of repairing it.In case your motorcycle has tubeless tyre, carrying a spare tube is still a good idea, since it can help you ride your motorcycle, even if the rim bends a little, causing air to escape from tubeless tyre. 8- Spark plug: Although spark plugs of modern motorcycles rarely give problem, it is a good idea to carry a spare one. 9- Spare key of your motorcycle: Always carry a spare key of your motorcycle and never put both the keys in the same place! 10- Bungee cords: This will be a great help in tying the luggage, always carry couple of spare ones since they can snap under pressure. 11- Electrical wire: There can be chances of faulty wires during your trip so carry electrical wire which you can easily replace it. 12- Spare Fuse: A blown fuse can leave your motorcycle without headlight and/or horn, so don’t forget to carry one with you. 13- WD40: This can be used to lubricate and dirt free various mechanical and electrical parts of the motorcycle. 14- Nylon Rope: Can be used for tying together various parts of your motorcycle or to help you tow your friend’s motorcycle or help someone else tow yours. 15- Few nuts and bolts of various sizes: Based on your motorcycles make, carry nuts and bolts which hold parts like exhaust, leg guard, foot pegs etc. 16- Petrol pipe: If you run out of petrol and come across someone who is willing to lend some petrol to you, you will need it to take petrol out of their petrol tank. 17- Coolant: If your motorcycle is liquid cooled, make sure to carry little bit of coolant with you. If you own a CI Engine Royal Enfield Bullet, also carry 250ml clutch oil and a decompressor cable.In case any of your motorcycles parts have a history of ditching you in the middle of nowhere, it would be a good idea to carry it as spare.

How to Prepare Yourself for A Ladakh Trip

While you are heading out for the most adventurous trip of your life you would definitely want to take care of your physical fitness. As you will be riding on a very high altitude you should be aware of the weather condition and also take care of your health. You should keep in mind that cardio exercises are your real friends for few days.  The air is very thing at high altitude like Baralach La, and Khardung la so if you keep yourself fit by doing some cardio exercises it will be easier for you there. When you are riding in Ladakh the most common problem faced by the rider are loss of appetite, acute mountain sickness, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, nose bleeding, shortness of breath and drowsiness. If the rider is suffering from such kind of problems it becomes very difficult to continue with the trip. Most of the time while you are riding in a bike in high altitude there can be an attack on your lungs. Dr Amit Girey, Mumbai based physiotherapist and fellowship in sports and science says, “Breathing technique plays an important role for optimizing your riding and increasing your performance on the trail,” he says. It is very important for a person to take care of your health before you start your ride. There are few physical activities which you need to follow to increase your stamina and strength. 1- Blow balloons: Well whether the trip is well planned or not, you can always do this exercise of blowing balloons anywhere and everywhere. This will help your lungs capacity with enough oxygen to meet bodily needs. 2- Mouth and nasal breathing: Individuals suffering from any nasal issues, for example, sinusitis or nasal blockage should take special care before breathing from your mouth. Due to this problem at an increased height they will start breathing from their mouth. While breathing through mouth you will have the capacity to move air quickly and get a more elevated amount of oxygenation. 3- Aerobic exercises: There are a few activities which are a must do for you for aerobic exercise. Cycling and swimming are highly recommended to increase your breathing stamina. 4- Rhythmic breathing: Get your breathing in sync with the pedalling, in the ratio of 1:1. If that proves to be tough for you, you can try 1:2. You can also practice different combos, as riders say, it help a great deal. 5- Exercises: Try to increase anaerobic capacity through exercises like holding your breath for a little amount of time. One can practice this off bike. Let the body get used to being under oxygen deprivation for a period of time. This will help you late through your journey. 6- Clothes & Accessories As you will be riding in a high altitude it will be a totally different climate than the usual. So before heading out for the trip, carry some warm clothes which will help you through your journey.

• Riding gear or Jacket, gloves, knee guards, helmet and balaclava
• Carry some extra thermal liners which will help you keep yourself warm in the biting cold
• Rain covers for all bags and rain clothes.
• Toiletries like Soaps, sunscreen, toothpaste and brush
• Extra pair of shoes
• Spartan Helios Riding Jacket
• Cramster TRG 2 Gloves
• Cramster bionic Knee guards
• Studds Ninja 3G dual visor helmet
• Viaterra Claw Bag
• Cramster Turtle Tank Bag
• Pollution under control certificate

Essential Documents for The Trip

On your Ladakh trip it is very essential for you to carry all the important documents with you so that you do not face any trouble during your trip. On your trip you might come across various places where you will require pass as well as your documents for verification.  So it is always better to be a bit more conscious regarding all your important documents.

• Driving license
• Registration Papers of the bike
• Insurance certificate
• Photographs of yours

Always remember to carry two or three copies of the above-mentioned documents. It is better for you to have photocopies of your Registration certificate and also Insurance certificate while you keep your original documents safe. Always try to produce all the documents required but also remember to keep your originals safe. In case of photocopies, they would have to be attested by a gazetted officer in order to hold any value. You should always have your original license and PUC certificate handy as well. Also it is advisable to keep laminated maps of all the places and highways you will encounter during your trip.

Enquire Now for Ladakh Honeymoon Package From Delhi

Best Time to Go On Bike Trips

Bike Trips are considered the best experience of your life. Nothing could be a better option than exploring the amazing landscapes along with your friends and that too on a bike trip. As you ride through the rocky barren roads of Ladakh you will come across some of the best sites here. But for going on that bike trip it is important for you to know about the weather condition of this region. The best time to head out for your Lakdah bike trip is around June to September when the climate is marvelous and the lovely blue shade of Ladakh Sky is sparkling with no clue of mists. The passes will be open at that time through which you can explore the real beauty of these grounds. So guys get ready for that perfect adventurous trip along with your friends this time and make some good memories while you hit the roads of Ladakh.  And most of all if you are going through a good biking company then you do not have to worry much as they will be providing with all the essentials. There are different tour operators which provide you with the best of tour packages to Ladakh. Whether you are looking for a biking trip or a tour you will have the best of experience if you go through good tour operators. Your traveling will be hassle-free and everything will be well arranged from starting till the end of your trip. If your are planning to visit Ladakh by road from Delhi then you will get emerged to two amazing routes options like Manali- Leh highway route or Srinagar- Leh highway route . Both of them will let you witness the beautiful landscape the place beholds. After reaching Leh take a break in one of the best Leh hotels and start exploring Ladakh’s attractions. You can also check out some of the best trek trails of Ladakh if you are a trekking freak and get some adventure. Click here to book and customize your Manali to Ladakh bike trip

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The best way to explore Moscow! - Moscow Bike Tours

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    
• Moscow - Things to Do    
• Moscow Bike Tours

I was a solo traveler and I just had one day in Moscow. This bike tour was great not only did it... read more

Vado was a fabulous tour guide and he took us to unexpected and delightful places. His ability to... read more

The best way to explore Moscow!

The cycling tour was definitely the highlight of our visit of Moscow. Vado was an excellent guide. His English is very good, he knows a lot about the city and everything's there's to see, not only the most touristy places. He is perfectly able to improvise and customise the tour to whatever you want to see or know about. As we had already seen the Red Square and its surroundings, he showed us some spots that you wouldn't normally get to see on a first visit of the city. Especially the parks were great to cycle through. He is very concerned about your safety and well-being. As we were enjoying it so much, he made the tour even much longer than was indicated on the website. We made some welcome stops for coffee, lunch and icecream. If you want, he also takes pictures of you throughout the tour (free of charge!), which is a very nice plus. I would recommend Moscow Bike Tours to anyone visiting the city, be it for the first time or not!

We had such a great time with Vado on our bike tour. He was super knowledgable of the city and had such interesting facts about things we would never even know to ask about. He took us on a private tour and we were able to customize it to what we liked. He always was conscious of our safety and did not ride too fast or too slow. I especially liked how he took pictures throughout our travel. We would love to do another bike tour with him and explore other gems Moscow has to offer.

This tour was fun, adjusted to our needs and wishes - several times actually on the tour. The guide Vado was very knowledgeable on various subjects, very willing to share it, answer questions and just a very likeable guy. He helped us finding a taxi at a reasonable rate (lot's of different rates for taxi's) and not reading the Cyrillic alphabet and since this is not a big company with a big logo (which is part of their quality) we do recommend taking a taxi to their location. We did find their bikes in the driveway and a very discreet label with their phone number. We can honestly say we thoroughly enjoyed the tour and can recommend it.

From booking this trip through to getting the photos after, Vado, with his perfect English, was a superstar, certainly not letting us down on the day with his insightful, informative and exciting bike tour around Moscow. I really do believe that this is the best (and certainly most healthy) way of seeing the busy city. You not only see the main sites, but all those small places that you would never get to see otherwise, allowing you to interact with the people and places, which would otherwise be impossible on a bus tour. Vado ensured that we went at a pace we were comfortable with and stayed safe on the roads. I was incredibly impressed with the work the local mayor is overseeing to make it a bike friendly city. This is a big thumbs up from my wife and I.

I spent a week in Moscow with a friend and we wanted to get a good overview of the city on the first stay, which we got with the bike tour. The tour was worth every penny we paid for it. We started at midday right on time and the tour ended at about 7 pm with a lunch break. We got to see the main sights of the city and since we booked a private tour we could stop anywhere we wanted, to take pictures, to visit a couple of monasteries... Our guide, Nadia, was very nice, she knew many stories about many things we got to see, recommended more things we could do during our stay, restaurants we could go to, good Russian or Soviet movies we should watch... We had a great time. I would highly recommend this tour.

The tour was everyting and more than what we expected. Vado is a very frienly and knowledgeable person. He speaks fluent english with a lot of humor. We covered the whole city in 6 hours, had a lovely lunch at an old soviet diner. I would definately advice any person who visits Moscow to do the cycling tour on their first or second day. Thanks Vado for a great day well spend!

Moscow Bike TOur

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Description

Highlights:.

• Find adventure at every turn
• Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
• Enjoy the icons in style
• Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
• Expert commentary as you travel around the city
• Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
• Get an Endorphin Rush
• Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

• what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
• names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
• what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
• how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
• what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
• what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
• what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

• where is hidden an island Moscow;
• where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
• why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
• the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
• the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
• why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
• where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
• myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
• story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
• how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
• what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
• why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

• where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
• why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
• why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
• what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

• the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
• pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
• the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
• the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
• English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
• Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
• the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow
• + Private & customized tour
• + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
• + An authentic experience of local life
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

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