Ladakh Bike Trip Overview

The Ladakh bike trip will fulfill all your dreams about riding a bike on high-altitude passes with solace. The breathtaking views of the mighty mountains and mystical lakes would be on either side of your view as Ladakh is not just a place but a feeling of euphoria. The “Land of High Passes” with forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and cold barren land will greet you with its exceptional geography and rich culture. The initial exploration will start from Leh to the Sham valley on the border of Ladakh. Soon, you will be driving a bike on Khardungla Pass at a whopping altitude of 18,000 ft.

Amidst the mountains, you will take a sneak peek into the local culture with a taste of Ladakhi food. Nubra Valley will reward you with white cold barren deserts and let you sleep on the campsite under celestial glitters. In the later part of the journey, you will wander near Pangong lake and recreate iconic Bollywood scenes with your travel companions. After witnessing the natural beauty and heritage of the supernal land, you will head back to Leh through Chang la Pass at 17,000 ft. The trip will come to an end as you depart from the enchanting land of Ladakh with memories of bliss, thrill, and adventure.

Facts About Ladakh Bike Trip

ladakh bike trip
  • Maximum altitude: 17,000 ft (Changla Pass) and 18,000 ft (Khardungla Pass)
  • Duration: 6 Days and 5 Nights
  • Trail type: Moderate to Difficult
  • Railhead: Railway stations of Pathankot, Chandigarh, and Kalka.
  • Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh.
  • Snow Season: November to Mid March
  • Service from: No ATM service beyond Leh and only postpaid mobile networks work.
  • Base camp/Starting Point: Leh
  • Ending Point: Leh
  • Best season: Summers and Autumn from May to October
  • Region: Leh, Ladakh
  • Who can participate: Bikers

Know Before You Go For Ladakh Bike Trip

Tips for Ladakh Bike Trip
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Ladakh Bike Trip route
ladakh bike trip
  • You must be perfect at driving bikes.

  • Only Postpaid mobile networks are active in the region.

  • You are advised to carry 1 rucksack per member.

  • The hotel of your choice is subject to availability.

  • Breakfast and dinner timings vary from hotel to hotel.

  • Visit a doctor before the Ladakh bike trip to assess your level of fitness and do necessary checkups.

  • You will be riding on high passes with altitudes of 17000-18000 ft. Such high altitudes can cause elevation sickness.

  • Acclimatization to high altitudes is necessary.

  • Practice ventilation techniques as the atmospheric pressure drops at such high altitudes with less inhalation of the oxygen.

  • The sudden drop in oxygen levels could cause a variety of medical conditions such as headaches, hypoxic conditions, vomiting, etc.

  • Carry medicine and first-aid kit all the time.

  • Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep the night to start the bike trip with full energy the next day.

  • The oxygen cylinder and backup bike can be accessed.

  • Follow the instructions of the tour guides and leaders carefully.

  • It is mandatory to carry an Indian driving license and medical certificate.

  • Carry mandatory bike safety equipment like helmets, riding gear, etc.

  • For safety purposes, people with a head injury, chronic illness, broken

  • Entry tickets for monasteries, stupas, monuments, and other places must be borne by the individual.

What To Pack For Ladakh Bike Trip?

ladakh bike trip
  • All India Driving license necessary to drive in Ladakh bike trip

  • Toiletry: Toothpaste, tissues, soaps, cold coral, moisturizer, hand sanitizer, and anti-fungal cream.

  • Eatables: Biscuits, protein bars, glucose-based chocolates, cup noodles, dry fruits, and quick energy bites.

  • Medicine and first-aid kit

  • Comfortable T-shirt/shirt along with a nice pair of trousers

  • Thermal layers are necessary to stay warm because the chilly winds can cause discomfort including inners, sweaters, and jackets.

  • Scarves, hats, and woolen ear cover

  • Pairs of gloves and socks.

  • Windproof jacket

  • Raincoat

  • Sturdy shoes with a thick sole

  • Protection against the sun: Caps/hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm

  • Trekking pole

  • Flashlight

  • Camera

Short Itinerary of Ladakh Bike Trip

  • Day 1- Arrive in Leh and check in at the hotel.
  • Day 2- Explore Sham Valley and the borders of Leh.
  • Day 3- Drive to Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass at 18000 ft.
  • Day 4- Exploration near Pangong Lake.
  • Day 5- Head back to Leh via Changla pass at 17,000 ft.
  • Day 6- Depart from Leh airport to reach home.

Detailed Itinerary of Ladakh Bike Trip

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Ladakh Bike Trip

Arrive in Leh

  • Arrive in Leh and travel to the hotel.

  • Check-in the hotel and relax

  • Have a scrumptious breakfast and get ready for the trip.

  • Attend a brief tour by the guide.

  • Embark your journey on the bike for the sightseeing of Leh.

  • Visit the 2500-year-old symbol of Buddhism- Shanti Stupa.

  • Witness the Leh Palace and understand Leh’s golden era.

  • Explore the Leh market for buying Tibetian handicrafts and eat authentic Ladakhi food in the cafe.

  • Return to the hotel to eat the tastiest food and sleep for the night.

General Trivia About Ladakh Bike Trip

Ladakh Bike Trip
  • The Spituk Monastery hosts the Spituk Gustor festival, which features Buddhist masked dances known as 'Chaam Dances.'.

  • The Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is said to be the place where Guru Nanak resided and meditated upon his route to Tibet. A demon tried to distract and kill him with a stone, but the stone melted. Soon, the demon realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. Since then, the Tibetian Buddhists respect Guru Nanak and address him as “Nanak Lama”.

  • It is believed that the Magnetic Hill possesses a strange property of Anti-Gravity as the objects go uphill. In reality, just an optical illusion as the structure of land appears to be uphill but in reality, it is downhill.

  • At the Sangram point, you can see emerald waters of Indus from the South-East meet the brown waters of Zanskar at this place. The confluence makes the gray waters rapidly proceed towards the North.

  • The Hall of Fame is a place dedicated to martyred heroes of the Indo-Pak war. It displays weapons, artifacts, photographs, and letters written by soldiers to their loved ones.

  • The statue of ‘Maitreya Buddha’, near Diskit Monastery, is made up of 8 kilograms of gold. It was made to promote world peace and protect the area from wars.

  • Pangong lake is the same water body featured in the 3 idiots climax scene.

  • Changla Baba temple is dedicated to the deity that protects the visitors traveling in Changla pass.

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Why To Go For Ladakh Bike Trip?

You should choose the Ladakh bike trip as it will give you a sense of thrill as you drive on the high-altitude passes of the mountains. The bike trip will give you once in a lifetime chance to drive on an 18,000 ft high Khardungla Pass and 17,000 ft high Changla Pass. Once you start the bike, the view will be surrounded by forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and deserts amidst the mountains of the town. Besides the bliss of driving on beautiful roads, you will witness the popular attractions of the city along the Sham valley, Khardungla Pass, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, and Changla Pass. The beauty of mother nature will amaze you while resting on the enchanting campsite beneath the glittering skies.

FAQs of Ladakh Bike Trip

How Difficult is the Ladakh Bike Trip?

    The Ladakh bike trip is not a tough ride, rather it is suitable for people who can drive bikes effortlessly. It is a simple yet thrilling ride for bikers on moderate to difficult terrain. If you are good at driving the bike or it is your passion, this trip will reward you with a feeling of traveling on high-altitude passes up to 18,000 ft. Besides, during the ride, you will have to halt at the attractions for exploration and start again. As you explore the whole place, you will get enchanted by unique attractions.

Is Ladakh bike trip safe?

Is the Ladakh bike trip worth my time?

What are some good options for the bike trip?

Will I experience altitude sickness at such altitudes? If so, how do I protect myself?

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