Ladakh is not only famous for its fantastic treks and Buddhist culture, but also for its incredible roads that can be explored by experienced motorcyclists.
What is even better is that the road network of Ladakh having recently developed, there are many routes that will allow you to explore places that were, until now, only accessible to hikers.
All motorcycle trips in Ladakh are done on Royal Enfield Bullet or RE Himalayan. These legendary bikes have proven themselves on the most difficult tracks. We suggest you ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan which has been specially designed for this kind of experience. If you prefer, we will provide you with a classic Royal Enfield designed at the turn of the last century.
For those who really want to ride a modern bike, we can also provide the BMW GS 850 or 1250 models.
Himalayan Ecotourism has almost ten years of experience in organizing motorcycle tours in Ladakh. You can fully trust us with our knowledgable local team which is well equipped to provide you the best best experience
Camping in the Tsarap Valley during a Ladakh Motorcycle Tour
Enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Ladakh while on a motorbike tour
Near Tso Kar Lake, Ladakh by motorbike
Motorcycle tour in Ladakh
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Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Itineraries
Here is the itinerary we offer for group departures in 2023. It offers you a real experience of Ladakh. It's not just a motorcycle tour, it's also an encounter with the Tibetan people and culture. Of course, you can customize your trip. Here are a few tips :
We encourage you to start your motorcycle tour from Manali, Keylong or Jispa. This for two reasons. First of all, Ladakh being located at very high altitude, it is advisable to start at lower altitude to allow you to acclimatize. In addition, the road between Manali and Leh is breathtakingly beautiful!
It would be a shame to miss this spectacular route which allows you to arrive in Ladakh gradually. We will therefore start the Dayney in Delhi. We will take you to the Himalayas by road in a suitable vehicle.
As soon as you arrive in Leh, the possibilities of routes are numerous. You can spend a few days in the Indus Valley to visit Buddhist monasteries accessible by road. You can also travel by motorbike to high altitude lakes like Tso Moriri or Pangong Tso. The Nubra Valley is also a must-see destination. You can easily associate Nubra Valley with Pangong Tso Lake. But above all, you should not miss the great crossing of Zanskar which could only be done on foot before the construction of the new road which connects Lamayuru to Padum and Darcha.
Be aware that some accommodations, especially in Zanskar, are homestays. The houses are sometimes very rustic! Here is an itinerary that we suggest, but which can of course be modified at your request.
Here is the itinerary that we propose to you for 2023
Ladakh Motorbike Route
Although many roads are very good, there are still quite a few sections that are rough and tricky.
An itinerary of 18 days
This route is that of group departures in 2023. |
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Day 1 |
Arrival in DelhiYou arrive by plane at Delhi airport. Your guide welcomes you and takes you to your hotel for your first night in India. |
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Day 2 |
Sightseeing in DelhiLet's start the day as soon as you are well rested. We will decide together the program of the day according to your condition and the weather of the day. If the weather is nice we can walk through and explore old Delhi. Alternatively, we can take a city tour by car or visit the National Museum. |
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Day 3 |
Delhi to ManaliTo start the trip, nothing like an experience of the Indian railway! So we take the train relatively early today. We will have breakfast on the train. This will allow us to advance towards the Himalayas without wasting time, and also, you will have the opportunity of train travel in the plains of North India.We get off the train in Chandigarh, from where we continue by private vehicle. We will have lunch just before starting to climb the first foothills of the Himalayas. This first crossing of the Himalayas will take us the rest of the day. In the evening, we arrive in Manali; the beautiful valley of the Beas. We will be staying at a comfortable and cozy hotel. |
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Day 4 |
Manali to JispaBy spending a night at 2000 m, you have started acclimatizatizing to the altitude without even realizing it. We will continue our ascent today. We will climb 1200 m in just two hours by car. We will be entering the highest parts of the Himalayas. North of Manali is the dividing line between areas under the influence of the monsoon and those which are not. Recently, a tunnel (Atal tunnel) of 9 km was built to cross the chain of mountains which constitutes this line of separation. If it was raining on the Manali side, dry weather awaits you at the exit of the tunnel. Welcome to the high Himalayas!We then go up the Bhaga valley to Jispa at 3200 m. You finally get introduced to the mountain roads and your ride! Short motorcycle ride to master them well. |
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Day 5 |
Jispa to LatoTrue happiness today, even if the road is long. We start with the ascent of the Baralacha pass at 4890 m. Descent to Sarchu which is located in the eastern end of the Zanskar chain. An incredible mineral universe. We arrive in Ladakh and climb the Gata loops, a series of more than twenty magnificent bends. We then arrive at the plains of Moore which give you the impression of driving on the Tibetan plateau. We pass the highest pass (Tanglang La) at 5328 m and descend to Lato in the Hemis National Park.We won't continue to Leh today, it's too beautiful here! We sleep in a cozy guesthouse. |
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Day 6 |
From Lato to LehLet's take the time to enjoy the place this morning. We are right in the Hemis National Park, and the landscape is absolutely breathtaking, with arid mountains, whose strata displays green and purple colors. Then we take the bikes back and set off for Leh. Discovery of the Indus Valley. Let's stop at Thiksey Monastery, the largest in Ladakh. You will be amazed by the beauty of this monastery, a center of Tibetan Buddhism so well preserved in Ladakh.After the visit, we go to our hotel in Leh. |
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Day 7 |
Sightseeing and free time in Leh.Let's rest a bit today and explore the town on foot. You can visit the city, its markets, its palace, the Shanti Stupa, or other places that will be recommended to you by your guide. Take the opportunity to taste some Ladakhi specialities! Also, you can visit the many Tibetan markets where you can find a small souvenir or even a piece of clothing or a travel gadget that you have forgotten, you can find almost everything there, and for cheap..Return to the same Hotel for the night. |
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Day 8 |
From Leh to Hunder (Nubra).We take the bikes again today to climb one of the highest passes in Ladakh, Khardungla. Let's stop for a few moments at the pass to admire the landscapes showing some peaks of the Karakoram range in Pakistan. From the pass, we descend to the Nubra Valley. Visit of Diskit and its monastery on the way. Then we will go in the sand dunes of Hunder, for those who wish can enjoy a camel ride :)We will spend the night in a very nice little establishment in the middle of nature in Nubra. |
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Day 9 |
Nubra Valley.Julley !We will spend the day in this magnificent valley which descends from the Karakoram range. We also have the option to visit the village of Turtuk in the western part, or we go north towards Panamik and Warshi. Did you know that the Nubra Valley formed a part of the ancient Silk route? We are truly traveling on a mythical route today! |
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Day 10 |
From Nubra to Pangong Tso.We arrive in another valley in the Nubra region, the valley of Shyok. We go up it to the southeast. Then, through a maze of narrower valleys, we arrive at Pangong Tso Lake located at an altitude of 4250m. This magnificent lake will enchant you with its deep blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains.Nights in tents near the lake. |
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Day 11 |
Pangong Tso to Sakti.This morning, let's enjoy the colors of Pangong Lake at sunrise. Then we leave for another pass; Changla. We descend to a small peaceful village (Sakti) where we will be staying. Possible visit to the monastery of Thaktok; partially built in natural caves, or you can even go to the very photogenic monastery of Chemrey just a little further.Overnight in a small hotel in Sakti. |
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Day 12 |
Sakti to Leh via Hemis.Let's take our bikes back after a delicious breakfast. We are back in the Indus Valley. We make a short detour to the monastery of Hemis which is on the other side of the Indus. Hemis Monastery is built in an absolutely fantastic environment. Let's take the time to soak up the very special atmosphere that emanates from the monastery. The monks are very welcoming there, do not hesitate to engage in conversation in English. Otherwise, your guide can serve as your translator. As soon as the discussion begins, you have a good chance of being invited to drink the chai! The monastery also has a small museum.A stop at Stakna Monastery is also possible. Overnight in Leh. |
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Day 13 |
Leh to Lamayuru via Likir.Today we will drive through the Indus Valley on the western side of Leh. A change in atmosphere as the gentle slopes on the Tibetan side give way to a steeper landscape. The Indus makes its way through the Zanskar massif. Moreover, we pass by the impressive confluence of the two rivers; Indus and Zanskar. We then veer to the right to enter a small valley typical of Ladakh leading to the monastery of Likir. Of course, we visit the monastery of Likir perched on its huge rock block and which sports a magnificent statue of Buddha. We then continue to Lamayuru continuing the descent of the Indus. Then, shortly after Khaltse, we turn left to leave the Indus and enter the real world of Zanskar. Get ready for an almost extraterrestrial journey, the mountainous environment of Lamayuru is reminiscent of a lunar landscape.Night in a small guesthouse in Lamayuru near the village and the monastery which you can visit if you wish. |
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Day 14 |
Lamayuru to Photoksar.Today, we begin our journey of the great crossing of Zanskar. Himalayan Ecotourism works there for the sustainable development of villages through tourism. Prepare your eyes for the big show, and your motorcycles for the track!First we have a patch of rough road, then very quickly, we arrive in wilder terrain. The track goes up a valley to the Sirsir La pass at 4820 m. Stop occasionally during the ascent, the view of Zanskar mountains is absolutely amazing. The geological layers seem to be dancing in all directions. We will stop at Photoksar, the first village after the SirSir pass. We will stay there with the locals. Do not expect any comfort, but the welcome of your hosts will make you forget everything else. In short, a real Ladakh experience! |
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Day 15 |
Photoksar to Padum.Second section of the crossing of Zanskar. Say goodbye to the family that hosted you. We take the track that goes up to the Col de Singe La at 4958 m. Then we descend to the Zanskar Valley. After a series of climbs and descents, passing through the famous village of Lingshed, we finally arrive in this wide valley in the heart of the massif. It is by a very pleasant gentle climb that we finally arrive at Padum, capital of Zanskar.Night in a guesthouse. |
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Day 16 |
Padum to Keylong.A longer route for today with the last part in Zanskar. For this last Motorcycle Day, we have the privilege to enjoy very high mountains and landscapes reserved until recently for hardened trekkers! The road is not always easy, especially Shingo La which is often crossed by small torrents of melting snow. After the pass, we descend slowly towards Keylong where we have already passed at the beginning of the trip. We leave our motorbikes there.We stay in the perfect place to celebrate the end of our motorbike journey through India's little Tibet. Who knows ? Tonight, pointing our nose outside, we may see the Yeti between two peaks ;) |
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Day 17 |
Keylong to Manali.Quiet day for this last stage of our Himalayan journey. Crossing the Attal tunnel to arrive at Manali and night in a nice hotel. |
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Day 18 |
Manali to Delhi.From Manali, we descend directly into the plains of the Ganges to Delhi from where you fly back home with memories of your Ladakh adventure. |
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Ladakh by motorbike - Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield
The classic 500cc single cylinder, nicknamed the "Bullet" because of its characteristic exhaust note
All of our motorcycle trips in Ladakh are done with Royal Enfields bikes
These motorcycles have proven themselves on the Himalayan roads since the days of the Hippies who traveled from Europe to Kathmandu in Nepal in the 1960s.
The Royal Enfield consumes little fuel and its single-cylinder engine is well suited to very high altitudes. Keep in mind that some passes exceed 5300m in altitude!
We offer you the Royal Enfield Himalayan, a displacement of 410cc perfectly adapted to the terrain of the Himalayas thanks to its more pleasant suspension. For those who prefer to ride a legendary motorcycle, we can also offer you the classic 500cc Royal Enfield, the "Bullet".
Wanna try something else than the legend ? We can also provide the BMW GS 850 or 1250 models.
Contact-us so that we can organize this!
Ladakh Motorcycle Tour packages
If a trip to Ladakh by motorbike tempts you, do not hesitate to get in touch with Himalayan Ecotourism. Our experience of the Himalayas, our way of working with the locals, our expertise in motorcycling and our responsible way of organizing trips in India makes us your ideal travel partner.
Pick and drop destinations can be modified as per your arrival and departure preferences. We also take care of all hotel reservations and transport (road or train) when necessary. You will be supervised by our local specialists who will ensure your safety throughout the trip.
When you ride a motorcycle, you will be followed by a backup jeep with your guide, a mechanic and all the spare parts to deal with the unexpected circumstances.
Contact-us so that we can curate an itinerary that best suits your travel expectations
Real Camping Experience
At your request, you can be accompanied by our "camping" team who can arrange tent setup wherever you want.
English/Hindi speaking guide for your trip to Ladakh
A precious help
Our guides are not just translators, they are with you in the most difficult times.
All our guides are Indian and are used to leading biker groups. They will be a significant plus during more cultural visits such as visits to monasteries.
They will also facilitate communication when you are staying with the locals.
Interested? Tell us !.
Best time to go for a motorcycle trip in Ladakh
Ladakh cannot be considered a round-the-year tourist destination. Because of the snow cover, the highest passes are closed for a good part of the year.
In addition, outside the good season, the temperatures in Ladakh can drop to minus 30 degrees.
The ideal period is therefore from June to September. June is a very good season, because the monsoon has not yet reached the Himalayas and the sky is clear blue without clouds. Same for the second half of September.
Do not worry, July and August are also good months because the monsoon does not reach Ladakh, but the sky can occasionally be a bit cloudy. Some rain is also possible on the highest sections of the trip.
Ask us, we will do it together!
Choose the right time
Ladakh by motorbike is ideal between June and September. Other times are also possible. Contact us.
Recognition of Himalayan Ecotourism
Our awards
Himalayan Ecotourism is the winner of the To Do award 2022 in the field of "Socially Responsible Tourism".
We are also the Overall Winner of the Indian Responsible Tourism Award 2019 and the Gold winner in the Best Adventure Operator category.
We have been declared winner of the Sustainable Tourism Award 2019 by Skal International and Biosphere.
Our cooperative-based model of social enterprise and our efforts to conserve the Himalayas are the main reasons for winning these awards.
Thank you to all our cooperative members, our customers, our friends and well-wishers !
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