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 through one of the most spectacular high-altitude landscapes on Earth. With recently opened mountain passes and newly accessible routes, the journey covers all the major scenic and cultural highlights of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh.

The adventure begins in Leh, the regional capital of Ladakh. From here, the route leads via Kargil to Zanskar, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Along the way, the journey includes a visit to the charming oasis of Alchi and the dramatically located Lamayuru Monastery. From Padum in Zanskar, the ride continues to Darcha in Lahaul, crossing the newly opened Shingo La Pass, reaching an altitude of 5,091 meters.

This motorcycle journey through Ladakh continues across the vast high-altitude wetlands to Tso Kar, a salt lake and protected nature reserve on the Changthang Plateau, home to several rare bird species and other wildlife. The route then crosses the 5,340-meter Tanglang La Pass before reaching the strikingly beautiful Pangong Lake, close to the Tibetan border. No motorcycle tour in Ladakh would be complete without the final stage from the desert-like Nubra Valley back to Leh, riding over the legendary Khardung La Pass, at 5,615 meters, one of the highest motorable passes in the world.

This Himalayan motorbike adventure combines rewarding motorcycle riding, deep cultural encounters, and extreme Himalayan landscapes into a truly complete experience that leaves a lasting impression even on seasoned high-altitude riders.

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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. Optional: Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-hand shift, electric starter, front disc brake)
Riding Skill	Not too difficult, but some very challenging riding days
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, domestic flights and transfers, all meals, water with meals and on the road, entrance fees, continuous tour guidance
Highlights	The highest passes in the world: Khardung La (5,604 m), Tanglang La (5,390 m), Shingo La (5,100 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 tour is accompanied and supported by experienced local and international English-speaking guides
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 Leh Arrival in Delhi, followed by a connecting flight to Leh. The rest of the day is reserved for acclimatization and rest.
Day 2	First Ride in Ladakh Today we ride our Royal Enfields in Ladakh for the first time. The route takes us to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and along the banks of the Indus River. Along the way, we gain our first insights into Buddhist culture. Approx. 90 km
Day 3	Into the Mountains A scenic mountain ride on small roads brings us closer to Ladakh’s rugged yet majestic landscapes. We cross the first mountain passes of the journey and spend the night in the lush oasis of Alchi. Approx. 130 km
Day 4	Lamayuru and the Moonland After visiting the famous monastery in Alchi, we leave in the morning toward Kargil. En route, we stop in Lamayuru to explore one of the most spectacularly located monasteries in the so-called “Moonland.” We cross the Fotu La Pass at 4,108 meters before reaching Kargil for the night. Approx. 160 km
Day 5	Ride to Zanskar We set off early for a long and particularly impressive riding day. The journey into the Zanskar Valley follows a now mostly paved road along the 7,000-meter Nun-Kun Massif. Thanks to its extraordinary scenery, this day is often remembered as a highlight of the tour. We stay two nights in Padum. Approx. 230 km
Day 6	Rest Day in Zanskar A relaxed day to recover from the previous ride. We are guests of a local family and gain deeper insight into daily life and survival in Zanskar, a Himalayan valley at 3,500 meters where winter temperatures can drop below –30°C.
Day 7	Shingo La Pass to Lahaul A long and special riding day awaits us. The recently opened road into the Lahaul Valley reconnects us with the Manali–Leh Highway. We cross the Shingo La Pass at nearly 5,100 meters before reaching Jispa, where we spend the night in a comfortable resort. Approx. 140 km
Day 8	High-Altitude Riding Motorcycle travel at the highest level: today we cross two mountain passes above 5,000 meters. A magnificent riding day through dramatic high-mountain scenery leads us to and around Tso Kar Lake, where we stay overnight in an eco lodge. Approx. 225 km
Day 9	Tanglang La and Rhumtse Valley Back on the highway, we descend the Tanglang La Pass and ride through the surreal red rock formations of the Rhumtse Valley. Our destination is the village of Shakti. Approx. 134 km
Day 10	Pangong Lake We ride to what is undoubtedly Ladakh’s most impressive lake: the saltwater lake Pangong Tso, located at an altitude of 4,225 meters. Approx. 180 km
Day 11	Nubra Valley Just when it seems we have experienced every facet of this landscape, the Nubra Valley surprises us once more. We explore this unique Himalayan valley with its vast open spaces, sand dunes, and Silk Road camels at around 3,500 meters altitude. Approx. 228 km
Day 12	Exploring Nubra Today we explore some of the lesser-visited areas of the majestic Nubra Valley. Depending on mood and preference, the ride may take us to the last village before the Pakistani border or to soothing hot springs. Those who prefer a quieter day can simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Day 13	Khardung La Pass The journey concludes with a ride over the legendary and now well-developed Khardung La Pass, until recently promoted as the “highest motorable pass in the world.” Back in familiar Leh, we enjoy a relaxed final evening. Approx. 115 km
Day 14	Departure Early morning flight to Delhi, followed by an overnight return flight to Europe. Optional extensions include a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra or shopping in Delhi.