Mystical Highlands

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14 Days

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Delhi

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Ladakh

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Delhi

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India

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1732 km

Overview

This 14-day motorcycle tour through Ladakh is a reimagined classic across what is arguably the most spectacular high-altitude region on Earth—now expanded to include some of the highest and most remote motorable roads in the Himalaya.

With recently opened passes and newly accessible routes, we combine dramatic landscapes with cultural depth in the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh. Our journey begins in Leh, the regional capital at 3,500 meters. From there, the route leads us via Alchi and the spectacularly situated Lamayuru Monastery to Kargil and onward into the remote Zanskar Valley—one of the most pristine and untouched regions in the entire Himalaya.

From Padum, we cross the newly developed Shingo La Pass (approx. 5,100 m) into the Lahaul region before pushing further into the high-altitude plains of the Changthang. At the salt lake Tso Kar, we experience the vast openness of the Tibetan Plateau, home to rare wildlife and nomadic cultures.

A central highlight of the journey is the expedition day to Umling La—at over 5,800 meters currently considered the highest motorable road in the world. Near the frontier with the Tibetan Plateau, we ride through stark, almost otherworldly terrain. Subject to permits and road conditions, there may also be the opportunity to extend the route toward the even more remote Mig La—a rarely visited and higher frontier pass in the far southeast of Ladakh.

Via remote border roads, we eventually reach the deep-blue waters of Pangong Lake at 4,225 meters, before continuing into the desert-like Nubra Valley. The journey concludes with the ride back to Leh over the legendary Khardung La Pass, once widely promoted as the “highest motorable pass in the world.”

This motorcycle expedition through Ladakh combines technical riding challenges, cultural encounters, and extreme high-altitude landscapes into a cohesive experience that leaves even seasoned Himalayan riders deeply impressed—and ranks among the most ambitious routes in the region.

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At A Glance

Category	Details
Best Travel Time	June, July, August
Tour Start/End	Delhi / Delhi
Duration	14 travel days, 12 riding days
Total Distance	Approx. 1,732 km
Daily Rides	90 to 230 km
Road Conditions	Mostly paved; some gravel sections, approx. 400 km
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Upon request, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake) are also available.
Riding Skills	Not too difficult overall, but with some quite challenging riding days. Suitable for pillion passengers.
Group Size	Min. 4, max. 10 riders. Pillion passengers always have space in the support vehicle
Accommodation	Mid-range hotels and guesthouses
Included Services	Motorcycle rental, fuel, support vehicle, mechanic, all accommodations, breakfast, lunch snack, dinner, drinking water with meals and on the road, entrance fees, all permits, domestic flights and transfers, full-time tour guide
Highlights	The highest passes in the world: Khardung La (5,604 m), Shingo La (5,100 m), Umling La (5,800 m) & (if local regulations allow) then also Mig La (5,900 m) Some of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes above 4,500 m Picturesque Buddhist monasteries Spectacular new routes and majestic mountain landscapes Sand dunes at 3,600 m Cultural and historical insights in German and English
Tour Guide	From arrival to departure, the entire tour is accompanied and supported by an experienced local, English-speaking guide. Our tour guides ride their own motorcycles and are much more than just road captains — they ensure smooth logistics, share local knowledge, and take care of the group throughout the journey.
Extras	Local mechanic in the support vehicle, also available as a backup rider
Important	Visa for India required, to be applied for online in time before departure. Asia Bike Tours offers a visa service – simply send us a short email with the subject “India Visa Service”

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Arrival in Delhi, followed by a connecting flight to Leh. Acclimatization and rest day at approximately 3,500 m.
Day 2	First ride in Ladakh: We cover our first kilometers on the Royal Enfields, visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and ride along the Indus River. Initial insights into Buddhist culture included. Approx. 90 km.
Day 3	On small mountain roads, we ride deeper into Ladakh’s rugged landscape. We cross the first passes of the journey and spend the night in the green oasis of Alchi. Approx. 130 km.
Day 4	After visiting the monastery in Alchi, we continue toward Kargil. Stop in Lamayuru to explore the spectacularly located monastery in the “Moonland.” Ride over Fotu La (4,108 m). Overnight in Kargil. Approx. 160 km.
Day 5	Early departure for a long and impressive riding day: Into the Zanskar Valley along the dramatic 7,000 m Nun-Kun Massif on a now mostly paved road. Two nights in Padum. Approx. 230 km.
Day 6	Rest day in Zanskar: Time to recover. We are guests of a local family and learn more about life in this remote Himalayan valley at 3,500 m, where winter temperatures can drop below –30 °C.
Day 7	Over Shingo La (approx. 5,100 m) to Keylong: A spectacular riding day on the recently opened route toward Lahaul. Overnight in Keylong. Approx. 140 km.
Day 8	High-altitude riding to Tso Kar: Multiple passes above 5,000 m, vast plateaus, and dramatic mountain scenery. Overnight in an eco lodge at the remote salt lake Tso Kar. Approx. 225 km.
Day 9	From Tso Kar to Hanle: We leave the more frequented routes and ride across wide high-altitude plains into one of Ladakh’s most remote regions. Destination: Hanle, home to one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world. Approx. 200 km.
Day 10	Umling La – Expedition Day: Ride to Umling La, currently regarded as the highest motorable road in the world at over 5,800 m. After spending time at the summit, we return to Hanle. If road and permit conditions allow, there may be the option to extend the ride toward the remote Mig La, an even higher and rarely visited frontier pass (subject to military regulations and accessibility at the time of travel). Approx. 150–200 km depending on route.
Day 11	From Hanle to Pangong Tso (4,225 m): Via remote border roads we reach the famous saltwater lake with its deep blue waters framed by barren mountains. Approx. 180 km.
Day 12	From Pangong to Nubra Valley: Continued riding through high-alpine terrain. Nubra surprises with vast open spaces, sand dunes, and Silk Road camels at around 3,500 m. Approx. 220 km.
Day 13	Over Khardung La back to Leh: We cross the legendary pass (once promoted as the “highest motorable pass in the world”) before returning to Leh for a relaxed final evening. Approx. 115 km.
Day 14	Departure: Early morning flight to Delhi and overnight return flight to Europe. Optional extensions such as a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra or shopping in Delhi are possible.