For bike lovers, nothing could be better than just hitting the roads of Ladakh to experience the serene and heart-warming beauty of nature. The two-week long Ladakh motorbike expedition gives an unprecedented opportunity to explore the majestic charm of this cold desert which is hidden behind the snow-capped mountains at a relaxing and slow pace.
Choose to ride alone or enjoy the company of a riding companion!
You have the freedom to choose whether you prefer to embark on this adventure by yourself or with a companion. Your trip will be filled with beautiful scenery but also physically demanding. The winding and narrow mountain roads, which have sharp turns and deep canyons along the way, will definitely provide an exhilarating experience.
What is the time I should start moving?
You have the flexibility to choose the Ladakh motorbike expedition at any time throughout the year, except during the winter and rainy seasons when the roads may be slippery and pose a risk of accidents. It is recommended to avoid visiting Ladakh by bike between December and February, as well as July and August.
The Most Adventurous Ride of My Life
I have always dreamed of embarking on a journey that would create lasting memories. The Ladakh motorbike expedition, with its tranquil lakes, crystal-clear waters, secluded roads, and rugged terrain, presented itself as the perfect opportunity. Exploring magnificent mountains and unknown valleys always brings me immense joy and a thrilling sense of adventure.
Prior to commencing a lengthy race, I rendezvoused with my tour guide in order to acquire crucial information. The guide furnished me with a map and comprehensive particulars regarding every minute aspect pertaining to the expedition. The voyage initiated from New Delhi.
Along with my four besties, I headed towards Chandigarh. While riding on the smooth highway road, I witnessed lush green farmlands of Haryana and Punjab. Also, the beauty of flowering plants kept us engaged. After completing a long and tiresome bike journey of around 260 km, we rested in the hotel for 4 hours.
Since we didn’t want to waste our valuable time, we started our day anew and made our way to Manali, a picturesque valley located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. During our journey, we encountered breathtaking views of the Beas River, the rugged slopes of the mountains, magnificent hills adorned with pine and deodar forests, and expansive apple orchards. In addition, the challenging twists and turns on the road not only tested our skills but also the durability of our bikes.
The following day, we embarked on our bike journey to Leh Ladakh, heading towards Jispa. Along the way, we encountered one of the most stunning destinations in the Kullu region, Rohtang Pass, which sits at an altitude of 3,978 m. As we approached the Lahaul and Spiti district, we noticed a sudden change in the landscape – trees became scarce and were replaced by barren slopes and brown terrain. After riding for about three hours, we arrived at our overnight stop, Sarchu. The next morning, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring sunrise over the mountains, serving as a reminder that light always follows darkness.
Now, it was time to proceed slowly and cautiously on a relatively challenging road through Baralacha La. The location is notorious for accidents caused by the icy and uneven runway, so it was crucial for us to exercise extra caution as we were expected to travel a distance of 90 km today. As we entered the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, we left behind any worries and delighted in the breathtaking scenery along our route. While traversing passes such as Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La, situated at high altitudes, we realized that nature has no limits. We made a stop at the renowned Thiksey Monastery and marveled at the skill behind the unique paintings like thangkas and ancient stupas. After capturing numerous awe-inspiring views and covering approximately 250 km, we finally arrived in Leh. That day, we were extremely fatigued, so we made the decision to check into a hotel and rest.
The following day, we decided to take our bikes for maintenance to ensure our safety before continuing our exploration of Leh. We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Stok Kangri and the breathtaking mountain ranges of Ladakh.Afterwards, we explored the Shanti Stupa, situated atop a hill in the Changspa area. Following that, we rode towards the Nubra valley, encountering muddy routes and the renowned Khardung La, the highest road pass in the world. We stayed overnight at a campsite in this breathtaking valley.
Remember the lake in Aamir Khan’s 3 idiot movie? It was the day when we were going to visit it. This ride came as the most exciting and adventurous one. Situated at the height of about 4,350 m, Pangong Tso Lake has been much-talked about due to the incredible sights that it offers. It is also a perfect place to set up an overnight camp.
The journey was not yet complete! After checking out of the hotel in Leh, we encountered many surprises along the way. We passed through Zoji La pass and entered the breathtaking Sonamarg valley. Later, we traveled to Srinagar and explored various places of interest, including Shalimar Bagh. We even had the pleasure of taking a relaxing Shikara ride on the scenic Dal Lake. We spent the night in a lovely Kashmiri houseboat. From Kargil to Drass, Tiger Hill Peak to Srinagar and Pathankot, we were treated to an abundance of stunning views during our Ladakh bike tour. The next morning, we began our journey back to Delhi.
Must Carry Essentials
- Riding pants and jacket with thermal liner
- Insulated travel flask
- Riding Boots
- Tool bag
- LED Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Waterproof Ziplock bags
- Jerry Cans for fuel
- Extra pair of woollen socks
- Water Bottles/Hydration pack
- Emergency Medical Kit
Discover the top-notch eateries in Leh that you shouldn’t miss out on!
- Dzomsa
- Open Hand Cafe
- Lala’s Cafe
- Tibetan Kitchen
- German Bakery
The memories of this trek hold a special place in my heart. Whenever I close my eyes or hear the word Ladakh, it brings back memories of the entire journey. It included rugged terrains, beautiful green landscapes, cold winds, snow-covered mountains, floating clouds, lively children, mountain animals, and more. It was a long journey for those seeking adventure and inner peace. The snowy mountains and extreme weather conditions of Ladakh are incredibly attractive to any motorcycle enthusiast looking for a trip. Additionally, the culture of Ladakh has made a lasting impression on me. To truly experience the adventure, one must embark on the journey.
