8 Day Get Leh’d in Ladakh: Guided Motorcycle Tour in North India's Himalayas
Get Leh'd in Ladakh India Motorcycle Tour
The ultimate Ladakh tour that covers the highlights of Ladakh in the shortest possible time, yet taking into account the need for proper acclimatization. This tour has it all – but within a time frame that gives you the best bang for your buck. This is also a couple friendly circuit since most of the route is excellent tarmac. It’s also easily combined with our Zanskar and/or Spiti circuit for those looking for a more extended adventure.
Key information
- Bike: Rental bike with fuel included (Royal Enfield Standard 500 cc / Himalayan)
- Terrain: 90% Tarmac, 10% off roads
- Mileage: 1000 kilometers / 621 miles
- Daily rides: 60-230 kilometers / 37-143 miles
- Meals: all breakfasts, lunches, evening tea, and dinners
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Starts and ends in Leh
- Cross Khardung La at 5348 meters (one of the highest motorable passes in the world)
- Ride on fairly good but narrow mountain roads of Nubra Valley
- Ride on river beds, on high passes, through mountain gorges and open flat plains in Pangong
- Speed across the multi colored valley of Hanle
- 7 nights accommodation
- First aid and medical back-up with oxygen
Skill level
- Beginner
Accommodation
You will stay for 7 nights in various accommodations including hotels and boutique homestays. The start of the trip sets the tone for the rest of the journey and the end of the trip is an intimate moment to reflect, relish, and basically have one big party.
The properties Karma Yatri uses at various locations, that serve as start and endpoints of the itinerary, are unique and carefully selected. The properties combine the best in hospitality that the region has to offer, great food, and the ability for you all to behave like a group.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Arrive at Leh (no riding) Fly in from Delhi to Leh and be received by our team member at the airport. Transfer to Hotel. Unpack, Unwind. We recommend that you relax and take it easy and focus on monitoring your body and the effects of high altitude. Communicate with your team and don’t ignore any signs of discomfort. The usual symptoms of AMS could be headache, lack of appetite, insomnia and difficulty in breathing. Only mild activity is advised as you are in high altitude territory. Based on how you are feeling you can visit the Leh city and market place in the evening.
Day 2: Leh - Local (60-100 kilometers)
Today, you will get on the bikes for the first time and head out on a short 60 kilometers exploratory road trip. You will get accustomed to our bikes, the traffic in the mountains, the dogs, and cows and the ever changing road conditions. Take a break for lunch at one of the popular cafes in or near town.
Based on the level of fatigue and the mood of the group, you can head out for a short evening ride or you could take a car tour of the popular sights and monasteries around Leh town. Alternatively, you could just relax. We have a great deal of riding ahead of you.
Day 3: Leh - Hundar (140 kilometers)
You will be chasing the silk route today, this being the main road connection that took goods (on Yaks, Mules and Camels) from the Indian sub-continent to join with the main silk route at Yarkand in central Asia. You will enter serious high altitude territory, crossing Khardung La at 5348 meters (one of the highest motorable passes in the world).
You will descend more than 2000 meters into Nubra Valley, one of the most dramatic landscapes on the trip. Ride on fairly good but narrow mountain roads with sharp drops and chances of snow near the pass. Only a small patch (about 30 kilometers) is of poor road quality due to the constantly melting and freezing of snow and water.
Day 4: Hundar - Pangong (190 kilometers)
Dramatically changing landscapes are our companions for the day. On a combination of on/off road, you will ride on river beds, on high passes, through mountain gorges and open flat plains. The prize for the day is the lake of Pangong. Partly in India and partly in China, this politically strangled lake is a natural wonder of the world.
Camp close to the shore, relax and take in the changing colours as the sun sets. The night skies are surreal as you are camping at 4300 meters with clear views of the milky way and several constellations. Based on the wind the nights can be cold and chances of AMS (headaches and insomnia) are possible.
Day 5: Pangong - Nyoma (190 kilometers)
Today’s route is a relatively new (open only to the army in the past) that’s only recently opened to tourists. It was a closely guarded secret and its easy to see why. Two high altitude lakes in a setting so surreal, endless twisties, wildflower covered slopes, panoramic views, very little traffic and a single track road with a mind of its own.
Day 6: Nyoma - Umling La - Ha (230 kilometers)
Your will leave some bits to the imagination but it’s a long and high day in the saddle.
*Please note that, due to the politically sensitive nature of this region, the group could be refused permission at the last moment. Karma Yatri will alter their itinerary if this is the case, but they hope that the gods of motorcycling are smiling on you
Day 7: Hanle - Leh (250 kilometers)
The journey back to Leh is fairly straightforward, though a little long. The roads are beautiful tarmac and the valley floor undulates gently following the course of the river towards the town of Upshi.
It’s a play of light and shadows as you speed across this multi colored valley, the increase in oxygen levels as you descend, playing some interesting mind games. Your body fights the fatigue of the past days but the mind is elated with the oxygen surplus.
Day 8: Departure
A taxi will drop you to the airport at the designated time of your flight.
Skill level(s) required for this tour: beginner, intermediate
Beginner:
- can ride for 2-3 hours
- minimal riding experience
- assistance required
- comfortable with curves and leans
- basic experience with unsurfaced roads
- short distance ascents and descents
Included excursions
We have several excursions to choose from, some which are part of our journey and some that are optional activities.
Instructors
Hashim Qayoom
Two decades of motorcycling and the opportunity to live in many parts of India and Europe. A passion that keeps growing with every riding season. New roads to discover, more friends to ride with is his mantra. He speaks Hindi, Kashmiri, Tamil, English, German, French and a smattering of other Indian dialects. A native of Kashmir means that a vast network that can be called upon in case of any emergency or contingencies.
Location
During this tour, you will visit various places in North India such as Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Nyoma, and Umling La.
Food
The package includes breakfast with your hotel accommodation, lunches, and dinners during riding days.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Organic
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
- Hallal
Things to do (optional)
- Visits to local markets
- Attractions in the vicinity of accommodation relevant to the day plan of the itinerary
- Short ride or walk to nearby locations of historical / cultural / natural interest
What's included
- 6 days of riding
- Assistance upon arrival at airport. Welcome by representative and transfer to the hotel
- 7 nights accommodation
- RE Himalayan Motorcycles with fuel
- Guide with his own motorcycle
- Back up support with Mechanic and spares
- Transportation as per the program
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner) during trip
- First aid and medical back-up with oxygen
What's not included
- Airfare
- Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours / extra meals ordered
- Tips, insurance, laundry, phone calls
- Services of vehicle (on leisure days and after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary)
- Any kind of alcoholic drinks
- Camera fee
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head What's Included
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
3 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh, Ladakh via domestic flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (DEL). For transport arrangements, kindly contact Karma Yatri an inquiry for more information.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 10% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.