Leh Ladakh Bike Trip (6D/5N)

6 Days 5 Night
Group Size: Minimum 3, Maximum 20
Difficulty : Moderate
Starting/End Location : Leh

Gallery

Overview of Leh Road trip

Hello Bikers!

Few places on Earth don’t need a lot of introduction.

Situated at a height of 11000 feet above sea level in the rugged mountains of the Himalayas, Ladakh offers stunning landscapes and enthralling views for travelers.

It’s tough to explain the beauty of Ladakh. The extreme chill of the place is well complemented by the warmth of the Buddist community here. A Bike Trip to this dreamland will thrill and captivate you to its Monasteries, naked snow-clad Mountains, cold Desert, gravity-defying Hill, pristine Valleys, fast-flowing Rivers, and the best of all: a combination of the highest motorable Pass with insanely stunning Lake.

This road trip takes you to all the important attractions of Ladakh. At the same time, starting your bike ride from Manali will give you time to get acquainted with the high altitude and lack of oxygen.

Land of an ancient civilization and captivating people, Ladakh is both alluring and awe-inspiring. Nicknamed ‘Little Tibet’, this sparsely populated, absolute gem of a destination with it’s incredibly sweet and friendly locals is a treat to backpackers.

It’s time to witness the clear blue skies. It’s time to marvel at countless stars. It’s time to dream. It’s time to live it. All at the same time.

Come join Muddie Trails in this incredible journey to the Roof of the World.

Highlights of the bike tour Leh Ladakh

The Out of The World: Pangong Lake
The dreamy Nubra Valley
Hunder: Desert in the sky
Double humped Camel Ride
Giant Buddha statue of Diskit
The gravity-defying Magnetic Hill illusion
Sangam – Confluence of Indus & Zanskar rivers
Thikse monastery and Shey palace.
The serene Pathar Sahib Gurudwara
One of the highest motorable passes: Khardung La
Warm stays at Guest Houses and Swiss Tents
Inclusive of Bike, Fuel, Tour Captain, Backup vehicle, Oxygen cylinder, Permits etc.

Inclusions

Bike: Himalayan
Fuel & Helmet
Stay for 5 Nights on 3/2 sharing basis
5 Breakfasts
5 Dinners (Veg)
Tour Captain (Educated, experienced, and fully-trained for any kind of emergencies)
Mechanic/Technician with toolkit/spares
Oxygen Cylinder
First-Aid Kit
Bonfire
Permit for the restricted areas
Once in a lifetime experience of Leh Ladakh by Bike.

Exclusions

Lunches
Riding gears like arm/knee bands, jackets etc.
Any misc. expenses that are not in inclusions above
Bike transportation charges if someone leaving bike on the way due to any reason.
Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strike, war), or any other scenario not in control of Tour Captain (to be borne by the clients, who shall pay on the spot).

Itinerary of Leh Ladakh bike trip

Day 1 - Acclimatization

Altitude: 3600 meters (11600 ft)
Once you deboard your flight at Leh airport, we will arrange a taxi to reach our guesthouse.
Spend a relaxing day to get acclimatized to the high altitude of Ladakh.
It is highly advisable not to move around today as travelers may suffer from dizziness, headache, or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Note that acclimatization is an important part of every Ladakh trip.
You can still explore Leh market on foot in the evening if you wish (though its not recommended).
Our operations manager will brief you about the incredible Bike trip of Leh ladakh.
Overnight stay on cozy beds of the Leh guest house.

Day 2 - Around Leh - Shanti Stupa, Sham Valley: Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib

Altitude: 4275 meters
Bike assignment.
Start time around 9 to 10 AM after having Breakfast.
Today we will explore Leh and the surrounding attractions starting with Shanti Stupa – Buddhist White Domed Statue located on a hilltop.
Head towards Sangam, the beautiful confluence of two mighty rivers: Indus and Zanskar. The Indus river originates from the Holi Mansarovar in Tibet, flows into Ladakh.
Give a visit to Hall of Fame – every Indian’s pride.
Head to Magnetic Hill – an optical illusion created by wondrous nature, where a slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope because of the surrounding terrain.
Visit legendary Pathar Sahib where Guru Nanak Dev, founder of the Sikh religion, is believed to have conquered a demon. Spend some time in the warmth of Gurudwara built in the 15th century and sit down for a quiet meditation for few minutes.
Head to the guesthouse by late evening, finish Dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3 - Nubra Valley via Khardungla Pass, Diskit Buddha Statue, Hunder Cold Desert

Max altitude: 5350 meters (17,800 feet)
Start time around 9 AM
Roadtrip to amazingly pretty Nubra Valley, known for its Ldumra (flower garden) via one of the world’s highest motorable passes called Khardung La.
Enjoy hot Kawa tea and Maggy noodles at the top of the pass.
Descend towards Diskit Monastery with 100 feet Future Buddha statue to get a stunning view of the valley.
The road to Nubra valley will continue towards international LOC, till the base camp of great Siachen Glacier (which we cannot go) which is well protected by Indian Army.
Stop by at Hunder which is also called ‘Desert in the sky’ to witness double-humped giant Camels. Want more? Take a Camel joy ride and make those cool reels for your Instagram. Hunder is also famous for its adventurous ATV rides.
Explore sand dunes and reach our campsite of Swiss tents by evening.

Day 4 - Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

Altitude: 4250 meters
Early morning start!
Head out on a road trip to one of the prettiest places on Earth: “Pangong Lake”, driven by the free-flowing river Shayok at one end and giant mountains with amazing landscapes at the other end. You cannot help but keep your eyes out of the windows as we cross many streams and barren mountains special to Ladakh.
Enjoy the stunning view of Pangong Tso with the purest & bluest sky in the background, pose for those photographs you have been longing for.
Pangong is the only lake we share a border with China, with more than half in its control. You would have had a glimpse of it in the Bollywood 3 Idiots movie.
Experiencing a change in colors of the lake during the course of the day by spending time here is so relaxing to the senses.
Have long conversations for evening get together.
Rest in the Swiss tents of Pangong or Homestay at Tangtse, which we would have pre-booked based on availability.
Nights are usually very cold at Pangong/Tangtse because of very high altitude.
Dinner and rest.

Day 5 - Pangong Tso to Leh

Altitude: 3600 mt
Wake up early, go for a walk by the Pangong to witness the breathtaking spectacle of Sunrise at Pangong lake.
Start driving back towards Leh by another route via Chang La Pass which is 17300 feet above Sea level.
En route, we will visit Thikse monastery and Shey
palace.
Get back to Leh guest house and say goodbye to our driver who has been with us past few days taking us through most rugged routes.
Finish Dinner, and gather around for social gathering one last time at our stay.
Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 6 - Return Home

Check out of the guest house as per your flight timing. We will arrange 2 rounds of cab to Airport as written in “Basic Details” section.
Take back memories of a lifetime. You will surely want to return to this magical place once again. But this first trip of yours will be etched in your memories forever.
Till the next time, say JULAY to Ladakh.

What to Expect from Leh Ladakh bike trip

Travel:

Trip start/end point: Leh
Vehicle: Himalayan
Solo & Duel Rider basis.

Stay:

Comfortable Standard Guest Houses / Hotels / Swiss Tents.
2 or 3 sharing rooms based on final combination.
Leh 3 nights
Nubra 1 night
Pangong (based on availability) or Tangste: 1 night
Note: At most places, an extra mattress will be given for 3 sharing rooms. Very rarely do we get 3 beds. So guests are expected to take mattress on a rotational basis.

Food:

Breakfasts & Dinners included (All Veg).
Lunches are self-sponsored as we will be outside at that time.
How much you have to spend for good food?
200 – 250 per meal

Important notes about Ladakh:

Ladakh is a high-altitude destination that may not suit everybody.
Do your research on Acute Mountain Sickness.
Travelers are expected to come with an open heart, respect local culture, care towards the environment & climate change, and help each other.

Special disclaimer about Ladakh trip:

Because of the unpredictable nature of rough Himalayan terrain, one should expect road closures or diversions in Ladakh which may alter the order and/or places in the itinerary. The Ride Captain & Team will take a call on the changes in itinerary when such situations occur. No special requests will be entertained.
If you want a 4 wheeler trip, you may book Leh Ladakh 8D/7N trip.

Before booking your trip:

Travelers are expected to carefully read and understand special scenarios presented by Ladakh along with “Terms & Conditions“, “Cancellation Policy” sections of Ladakh bike trip before reserving their spot for the trip.
The complexities involved, and all important details needed for Ladakh bike trip booking and preparation are clearly mentioned in a transparent manner.

Seasonal Variations:

Jan to Mar (Winter): The extreme climatic conditions of Ladakh will make it inhospitable for visitors. Almost every corner of Ladakh gets covered with thick snow layers, which means all the routes to Ladakh are shut down.
April to July (Summer): As the snow starts melting, Ladakh gets prepared for the onset of summer, and along with it the tourists. By mid-May, Srinagar-Leh Highway reopens and acts as the best route to reach Ladakh.
Aug to mid-Oct (Monsoons): Even though it’s the monsoon season, Ladakh receives very less rainfall, with whatever little rainfall it receives being in shorts bursts of heavy downpour.
Mid-Oct to Dec (Winter again): As you can expect, most of the time it’s Winter in Ladakh because of the high altitude and geographic location in the heart of the Himalayas. There will be a sudden drop in temperature this time, as the land starts receiving snowfall.

FAQ

Things to carry

Basic Essentials

Backpack (50-60 liter) with Rain Cover
2 water bottles
Personal Medicines (if any)
Original ID Card

Clothing Essentials

Riding Jacket
2 pairs of Gloves (1 Woolen, 1 Bikers waterproof)
Comfortable shoes / Gumboots
Warm Inner-wears
Woolen socks
Handkerchief/towels,
Track pants, Full sleeve T shirts

Personal Utilities

Cap/Hat
UV sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+)
Tooth Brush & Paste
Lip Balm
Quick Dry Towels
Body Lotion
Sanitizer
Toilet Paper
Camera/Go pro (if you wish)

Medicines

Crocin or Dolo 650 – ( Fever / High Fever )
Combliflam – ( Fever + Reduce Muscle Pain )
Zintac/Aciloc/Rantac/ Omez ( Acidity)
Allegra ( Allergy )
Disprin ( for headache, try not to use at high altitude. instead drink more water and rest. ** Symptom of AMS, DO NOT SUPPRESS)
Antibiotics (Azithromycin) ( For infections. Do not take antibiotics when at high altitude. Descend if the problem persists)

What's next after booking your trip?

Organizers will get in touch with you, or vice versa.
Once minimum number of people book this trip (at least 4 members), Organizing team will give a green signal to book your flights.
A Whatsapp group will be created for all the registered folks 5 days before the event.

Terms & Conditions

The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Travellers are not allowed to advice/instruct the Organizers (Driver or Trip Leader or Operations Manager) to change the itinerary.
Cooperate with the Organizers in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travellers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling and visiting all places in itinerary.
Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Do not indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to self or fellow travelers.
Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
Unexpected situations: In rare scenarios, we might not be able to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest/local authorities, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the Organizers will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip places altogether.
No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the stays for interested people.
Travelers are expected to respect each other and help one another. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/Organizers, and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
Every traveler is expected to digitally fill & submit a liability/waiver form given by the Organizers before the trip. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.

Cancellation Policy

80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 29 to 15 days before the trip start date.
No refund/postponing within 15 days of the event start time whatever is the reason (Health, COVID, Accident, Family crisis, Office issue, or anything else).
No refund/postponing request will be entertained on the partial payment (advance) done to block your seat for the trip.