Be it a novice or an expert biker, going on a Leh-Ladakh bike trip at least once in your life, is every rider’s dream. While the usual perspective is the flawless landscape and long stretches of road along with rivers, in reality, it requires thorough planning. Be it the duration of the bike trip, the budget you need to keep aside, the unpredictable conditions in the region that you might stumble upon, and so on.
That is why we have curated information to simplify the planning for this bike tour. Here is how you can make your Delhi to Ladakh bike trip safe and memorable.
Leh-Ladakh Bike Trip Route
Ladakh is the topmost region of the country, bordering Jammu Kashmir on the west, Himachal Pradesh on the south and Tibet Autonomous Region on the east. Ultimately, there are 2 routes to reach Leh. The first is direct from Srinagar (NH1-D) connecting Srinagar-Kargil-Leh (442 km), and the other route is the famous Manali-Leh Highway (NH3) which is 428 km.
Leh & Nubra Valley
Once you reach Leh, give yourself a day to get adequate rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. After leaving from Leh, the first stop, Khardung La, arrives in just 39 km (1.5 hr). People usually do an up-down between these two places in just 3-4 hours thanks to the good roads courtesy the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
When heading from Khardung La to Nubra Valley during your bike tour, the tricky part starts when you reach South Pullu; there are some difficult stretches which have slush and water streams created by the melting snow. This stretch requires an inner line permit (ILP) and permission. Usually, for stays, riders can opt for homestays and hotels in Diskit. The serene view throughout makes all the effort worth it!
(Leh - Khardung La Pass – Nubra Valley is usually a 5-6 hours ride)
Nubra Valley – Pangong Tso
It is one of the most demanding stretches in the Ladakh region for two reasons – 1) It is a long stretch, and 2) There are fewer fuel stations and the population density is also low. You are likely to encounter total isolation in a variety of stretches. There are two routes to reach Pangong Tso Lake from Nubra Valley. If a planned trip is what you always consider, you can opt for a Leh tour package.
Both routes offer a great riding experience. However, the first one is tried and tested by many and is considered the easier route as it was rebuilt in 2010-11 by BRO, making the drive/ride on this route easier. The stretch from Diskit to Pangong takes just 5-6 hours, which earlier took 9-10 hours minimum during a Leh-Ladakh bike road trip.
The route has a pitstop for breakfast and lunch at Karu which happens to be 5 km away from Chang La. The roads are newly built and pleasant. In the middle of nowhere, with a couple of houses, you’ll see Chemrey Monastery just before Wari La Pass. At this point, there are two options – the easy one to yield is Chang La with fine roads. However, the more testing route with harsh road conditions leads to the Wari La Pass top.
Manali to Jispa via Rohtang Pass (Alternative Route)
This travel route might not include all the bells and whistles of the bike trip from Delhi to Ladakh; however, it is the easier route that you can consider, especially for riders coming from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Himachal, and Chandigarh to Ladakh.
Starting from Manali with all the luggage and essentials, the first major stop comes around in 1- 1.5 hr named Marhi, which happens to be at a 20 km distance. It is an ideal stop for a tea break or meal, followed by the ascend to Rohtang Valley.
Top Attractions in Leh Ladakh
✓ Leh Palace – Built in the 17th century to serve the royal dynasty in the region, this is among the key highlights of Ladakh. Climbing on top offers a spectacular panoramic view of Leh City.
✓ Chamba temple (Leh) – It was built in the 15th century using gold and copper. This three-story Buddhist temple is dedicated to Maitrya or future Buddha and the temple is said to be a reincarnation of Lord Buddha.
✓ Magnetic Hill – Located at a height of 14,000 feet, this attraction is known for its scenic landscape and a unique phenomenon. The magnetic pull in this place is such that the bike will continue to go uphill even when in neutral, and that too without any acceleration!
✓ Pangong Tso – A landlocked lake shared by both India and China, the lake’s water can visually appear in multiple shades of green, blue and even red, depending on the weather and sunlight throughout the year.
Travel Essentials
Before packing your clothes, riding gear and spare parts, make sure to have a separate folder/case for all your major documents: -
• Carry your driver’s license, Aadhar card or passport.
• Inner Line permit (multiple copies)
• Medical insurance
Here are some of the crucial bike accessories that you must carry: -
• Spark plug, fuse, clutch and brake wire, accelerator cable
• Motorcycle tool kit (especially the Allen key set)
• Puncture repair kit, petrol pipe, bungee cords and petrol fuel cans.
When it comes to clothing, do carry extreme winter clothing for 8-10 days of expedition, thermal inner wear, multiple heavy jackets, winter pants, and footwear. Winter hats and beanies are also a must. Last but not least, make sure that you have water proof outer lining for your luggage.
Trip Cost
Leh Ladakh bike trip is a dream for every rider, offering the thrill of a lifetime. While embarking on such adventure, a very daunting task tends to be the budgeting of the trip. Here is a detailed breakdown of all the costs.
• Fuel Cost - ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 (round trip)
• Accommodation - ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per day.
• Food - ₹800 – ₹1,000 per day.
• Permits - ₹800 – ₹1,500 (may vary)
• Travel insurance - ₹500 – ₹1,500 (depending on the coverage)
• Miscellaneous expense - ₹3,000 – ₹4,000
Total Cost - ₹27,000 – ₹35,000 (8 to 10 day trip)
TVS Zanskar Unbound
Back in 2023, TVS Apache Owners Group, in collaboration with TVS Ronin CULT, embarked on an exhilarating motorcycling expedition to Zanskar Valley. Nestled in the captivating high altitude semi-desert and lying on the northern flank of the Himalayan Range, the professional riders discovered the allure of Zanskar's seven timeless monasteries, each a testament to spirituality, history, and architectural marvels. This 15-day trip had a brilliantly planned route: -
Chandigarh – Narkanda - Kalpa – Kaza – Jispa – Kargill - Leh – Sarchu – Manali
The tough roads led to beautiful destinations and the camaraderie bloomed on the way. Not a single rider was deterred by the tough journey, but inspired by the experience during this 15-day ride to the gateway of the majestic Himalayan high passes.
Get Ready to Conquer Leh Ladakh
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