Complete Ladakh Motorcycle Tour (10N/11D)
Overview:
The most comprehensive Ladakh motorcycle circuit starting and ending at Leh Airport. This expedition covers western monasteries (Alchi, Lamayuru), Nubra Valley’s remotest village Turtuk, Pangong Lake’s shores, Hanle Observatory’s dark skies, and pristine Tso Moriri. With proper acclimatization, relaxed pacing, and varied terrain from paved highways to challenging off-road sections, this tour delivers the complete Ladakh riding experience.
- Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
- Route: Leh → Alchi/Lamayuru → Nubra → Turtuk → Pangong → Hanle → Tso Moriri → Leh
- Total Distance: Approximately 1,200 km
- Start/End: Leh Airport (fly in/fly out)
- Bike Options: Royal Enfield Himalayan, Classic 350, Bullet 500
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization in Leh
- Arrive Leh Airport, transfer to hotel for mandatory acclimatization rest.
- No riding on Day 1 – complete rest essential for altitude adjustment.
- Bike allocation and documentation: License verification, test ride scheduled for Day 2.
- Expedition briefing: Route overview, safety protocols, daily riding plans.
- Evening walk to Leh Market (optional, if feeling comfortable).
- Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
Day 2: Leh Local Sightseeing and Acclimatization (80 km easy riding)
- First riding day – bike test and acclimatization ride to Thiksey, Shey monasteries.
- Easy paved roads, practice high-altitude bike handling and braking.
- Visit Hall of Fame Museum, Shanti Stupa for gentle altitude exposure.
- Return to Leh for rest, bike familiarization complete.
- Evening: Final preparations, packing panniers, route discussion for Alchi excursion.
- Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
Day 3: Leh to Alchi and Lamayuru – Full Day Excursion (250 km round trip)
- Ride west on Leh-Srinagar highway towards Alchi and Lamayuru.
- Stop at Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Indus-Zanskar confluence viewpoint.
- Visit Alchi Monastery (11th century) with ancient Indo-Himalayan art.
- Continue to Lamayuru Monastery in dramatic moonscape landscape.
- Return ride to Leh via same route, arrive by evening.
- Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (120 km / 5-6 hours)
- Cross legendary Khardung La (5,359m) – 34 hairpin bends to summit.
- Photo session at world’s highest motorable road signboard.
- Thrilling descent into Nubra Valley with landscape transformation.
- Visit Diskit Monastery and 32-meter Maitreya Buddha statue.
- Ride to Hunder sand dunes, explore cold desert on motorcycle.
- Overnight: Camp in Hunder, Nubra Valley.
Day 5: Nubra Valley – Turtuk Excursion (140 km round trip)
- Full day ride to Turtuk – India’s last village near Pakistan border.
- Navigate challenging border roads with military convoys, narrow mountain sections.
- Experience unique Balti culture, apricot orchards, traditional village life.
- Visit Turtuk Monastery and royal house, interact with locals about divided families.
- Return ride to Hunder for overnight rest after adventurous day.
- Overnight: Camp in Hunder.
Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok River Route (160 km / 6-7 hours)
- Ride along scenic but challenging Shyok River route.
- Mix of paved sections and rough gravel roads with river crossings.
- Navigate narrow gorges requiring concentration and bike control.
- Pass through Khalsar, Shyok, Durbuk, permit check at Tangtse.
- Arrive at Pangong Lake, ride along accessible 7 km shoreline.
- Overnight: Camp at Pangong Lake.
Day 7: Pangong Lake to Hanle (150 km / 7-8 hours challenging riding)
- Morning lakeside ride, navigate south via Man and Merak villages.
- Stop at Rezang La War Memorial near Chushul – historic battle site.
- Off-road riding through Changthang Plateau – technical sections with loose gravel.
- Navigate rocky patches, stream crossings, high-altitude challenges.
- Arrive at Hanle (4,500m), visit monastery and astronomical observatory.
- Overnight: Homestay in Hanle.
Day 8: Hanle – Observatory and Astrophotography Day
- Rest day at Hanle with light local riding around village.
- Visit Indian Astronomical Observatory, learn about high-altitude astronomy.
- Explore Hanle Monastery on hilltop with valley panoramas.
- Bike maintenance: Cleaning, lubrication, tire check after off-road sections.
- Evening: Stargazing preparation – Hanle offers world’s clearest dark skies.
- Overnight: Homestay in Hanle.
Day 9: Hanle to Tso Moriri (150 km / 6-7 hours)
- Ride across remote Changthang Plateau via Sumdo and Nyoma.
- Navigate high-altitude terrain with nomadic settlements and wildlife.
- Spot Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), marmots, Tibetan gazelle on plateau.
- Arrive at Tso Moriri Lake (4,522m), visit Korzok village and monastery.
- Evening lakeside ride, bird watching at wetland reserve.
- Overnight: Camp at Tso Moriri.
Day 10: Tso Moriri to Leh via Chumathang (220 km / 7-8 hours)
- Morning ride around Tso Moriri, cross Polokongka La (4,930m).
- Stop at Chumathang hot springs for therapeutic break and relaxation.
- Join Leh-Manali highway at Upshi, ride along Indus River.
- Arrive Leh by evening, bike return preparation and final maintenance.
- Bike return, final inspection, security deposit settlement.
- Documentation completion, damage assessment if any.
- Celebration dinner after completing comprehensive Ladakh circuit.
- Overnight: Hotel in Leh.
Day 11: Airport Transfer or Departure
- Transfer to Leh Airport for departure flight based on schedule.
- Tour concludes with complete Ladakh motorcycle exploration memories.
All the itineraries can be customized to suit your own special interests, preferences and abilities. Please contact us for more information.
Pricing Details
Own Bike Own Fuel – ₹ 23,400
Solo Rider with Himalayan Bike – ₹ 45,900
Dual Rider with Himalayan Bike – ₹ 35,800
Seat in Suv/Backup – ₹ 35800
What included and not included:
Tour Inclusions:
- Completion Certificate: Official tour completion certificate upon successfully finishing the expedition
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms in camps/hotels as per itinerary (double-occupancy for couples)
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner provided throughout the journey (excluding breakfast on arrival day)
- Permits: All necessary Inner Line Permits for restricted areas covered in the itinerary
- Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Classic 500cc or Himalayan 410cc (available on request)
- Fuel: Complete fuel coverage for the entire route as per planned itinerary
- Safety Gear: Complimentary riding jacket and knee guards for all participants
- Helmets: Helmets provided for both rider and pillion passenger
- Support Vehicle: Dedicated backup vehicle accompanying the group throughout
- Mechanical Support: Professional mechanic available for technical assistance and repairs
- Tour Guide: Experienced tour marshal/guide leading the expedition
- Bike Maintenance: Motorcycle servicing and spare parts replacement as needed
- Medical Facilities: Fully equipped first-aid kit available in support vehicle
- Emergency Oxygen: Portable oxygen cylinder carried 24/7 in support vehicle for altitude emergencies
- Sightseeing: All mentioned attractions, monasteries, and excursions as per detailed itinerary
Tour Exclusions:
- Any services, meals, or activities not specifically mentioned in the inclusions list above
- Motorcycle damage charges: Costs arising from accidental damage to the bike during the tour
- Force Majeure: Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as landslides, roadblocks, natural disasters, political unrest, or road closures beyond our control
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): 5% GST applicable on total tour cost
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone calls, tips, beverages, shopping, and personal purchases
Packaging List:
Documents (Mandatory)
- Valid motorcycle driving license with appropriate category
- Government-issued photo ID (Aadhar/Passport/Driving License)
- 2 passport-size photographs for permits
Riding Gear & Clothing
- Sturdy riding boots or high-ankle shoes with good grip
- Thermal innerwear (2 sets – top and bottom)
- Comfortable riding pants and T-shirts (4-5 sets)
- Warm fleece or down jacket
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Woolen socks (3-4 pairs)
- Cap/beanie and balaclava for cold/dust protection
- Personal riding gloves (if preferred over provided ones)
- Raincoat or rain suit
Electronics & Communication
- Pre-on-Post Airtel or Jio SIM (best Ladakh connectivity)
- Power bank (10,000+ mAh capacity)
- Camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Phone charger and cables
- Small flashlight or headlamp
Sun & Weather Protection
- UV400 sunglasses (essential at high altitude)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- Moisturizer for dry weather
Personal Care & Medical
- Personal prescription medications (extra supply)
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox – consult doctor)
- Basic pain relievers and anti-diarrheal medicine
- Personal toiletries (basics)
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper
Luggage
- Soft duffel bag or backpack (40-50L) – NO hard suitcases
- Small daypack for daily essentials
- Waterproof cover for electronics
- Reusable water bottle (1L minimum)
Optional Items
- Action camera for riding footage
- Notebook and pen
- Snacks and energy bars
- Multi-tool or Swiss knife
Payment Terms and Cancellation Policy
Payment Schedule:
- Booking deposit: ₹4,000 per person to confirm reservation
- Balance payment: Due 15 days before tour start date
Cancellation Charges:
- 15+ days before departure: 25% of total cost
- 10-14 days before departure: 50% of total cost
- Less than 9 days before departure: 100% (no refund)
- After tour starts: No refund for early exit or unused services
Important Terms:
- Refunds processed within 14 business days
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email
- Company not liable for road blocks, flight cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
- Travel insurance strongly recommended