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Ladakh Bike Trip Overview
Facts About 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
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.
By Air: The easiest way to reach Ladakh is by accessing the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh.
By Road: You can take Manali-Leh road to reach Ladakh. Himachal Pradesh buses operate every day on this route. From Leh and Srinagar, government and private buses run. You can also take a private taxi to travel through Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali roads.
By Train: Kalka is the nearest railway station at 375 kilometers. You can board a private taxi or bus to reach Leh after arriving at these stations.
May to October:
The best time to experience the Ladakh bike trip is from mid May to October as the winter snow melts down to provide clear and dry roads. The clear blue sky with sunlight makes the geographical wonders of the place shine with a scenic view of all the attractions. These months witness autumn and summer seasons that call for festive celebrations across the town.
- On the first day, you will land in Leh and check in to the hotel. After breakfast, you can start your Ladakh bike trip to explore popular sites of Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and Leh market for authentic Ladakh food.
- The next day, you will explore Sham Valley around the borders of Leh. You will visit the Hall of Fame, and Spituk Gompa followed by langar at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
- The anti-gravity Magnetic Hill, SECMOL school, and the confluence of Zanskar and Indus River at Indus Sangam viewpoint will be on your list before heading back to the hotel.
- The exploration will lead you through the Nubra valley via Khardung-La Pass- the World’s Highest Motorable Road at an altitude of 18000 ft.
- You will sleep at the campsite in Nubra Valley to wake up the next day and explore Pangong Tso lake and its surrounding area. This place will let you recreate some iconic Bollywood scenes before you camp near Pangong lake and stay overnight for dinner.
- On the last day of the bike trip, you will head back to Leh via one of the world’s highest mountain ranges across Chang-la pass at 17,000 ft, and visit Changla Baba Temple, Druk Padma School, Thiksey Monastery, and Shey Palace. On your last day in Leh, you will have a scrumptious meal in the hotel and leave for the airport.
What To Pack For 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
Detailed Itinerary of 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.
Exploration of borders of Leh- Sham Valley
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Start the adventurous Ladakh bike trip to Sham Valley around the Srinagar-Leh highway.
Pay homage to the martyred hero of the Indo-Pak war in the Hall of Fame Museum.
Visit Spituk Gompa which houses weapons and Buddhist paintings.
Have fulfilling langar at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.
Experience anti-gravity at the Magnetic Hill.
Watch the confluence of the Zanskar and the Indus River at the Indus Sangam viewpoint.
Visit the school SECMOL featuring 3 idiots.
Return to the hotel for dinner and night stay.
Exploration of Nubra Valley
Witness the rapidly changing barren land on the high passes of Nubra valley.
Stop at the popular cafe of Khardung-La Pass and witness the views from the top.
Enter Nubra dunes to see the white cold barren sand deserts of Leh.
Pay respect to the large Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery.
Enjoy a double-humped Bactrian Camel ride.
Enjoy the campsite at Nubra for the night.
Exploration near Pangong Lake
Enjoy morning breakfast at the Nubra Campsite.
Continue the Ladakh bike trip and visit Pangong lake on the Indo-Chinese border.
Witness Pangong Tso lake changing its Color from blue and green to red.
Explore the surroundings of Pangong lake with the Shyok river on one side and mighty mountains on the other side.
Recreate scenes of 3-idiots and jab tak hai Jaan in these places.
Camp near Pangong lake and stay overnight for dinner.
From Changla Pass to Leh
Eat breakfast besides the heavenly views of Pangong lake.
Head back to Leh via one of the world’s highest mountain ranges, Chang-la pass at 17,000 ft.
Visit the temple of the local deity of Changla Pass- Changla Baba Temple.
Check out the popular school of 3 idiot’s Rancho- Druk Padma School.
Explore Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace.
Have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.
Depart Leh
Wake up and have a scrumptious meal in the hotel.
Check out from the hotel and get transferred to Leh airport.
Say goodbye to the euphoric city of mountains and lakes.
General Trivia About 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?
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?
Yes, the Ladakh bike trip is completely safe, if you are a frequent and intelligent biker. It is a gift for adventurous souls as the ride takes you through high-altitude passes with views of mountains, frozen lakes, cold barren deserts, and forests. Amidst the roads, you can visit and explore dozens of attractions.
Is the Ladakh bike trip worth my time?
Yes, this trip is worth your time as exploring Ladakh- “The land of high passes” is a supernal feeling. The traditional Ladakhi culture is based on Tibetan beliefs with hundreds of monasteries to explore. You will be able to experience a perfect adventure with the bliss of solitude driving on beautiful roads.
What are some good options for the bike trip?
Royal Enfield Himalayan: Heavy-duty bikes suitable for the terrains like Khardung-La Pass.
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Pro-bike for a smooth run in hilly areas.
Duke 200: Single-cylinder 4-stroke bike with an effective brake system.
Avenger Street 200: Cruiser bike suitable for covering long distances with ease.
Will I experience altitude sickness at such altitudes? If so, how do I protect myself?
When you will be traveling to high altitude passes, a huge elevation gain can cause sickness, known as altitude sickness. Regular hydration can help in maintaining the body's balance and you need to get enough sleep and keep the medicine kit handy with yourself.
Treks in Ladakh & Kashmir