This is the route our 5 night / 6 day Leh Ladakh motorcycle expedition follows. It starts and ends in Leh, crosses Khardung La at 5,359 m, and gives you a full rest day at the start so the altitude does not catch up with you later.
Day 1: arrive in Leh and rest
Leh sits at about 3,500 m. We meet you at the airport, take you to the hotel and keep the day empty on purpose. Drink water, take a short walk and attend the evening briefing with your trip captain.
Day 2: Leh sightseeing
A light day to keep acclimatising: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, the Sangam where the Indus meets the Zanskar, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Spituk Monastery. You also collect and test your Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Day 3: Leh to Nubra Valley over Khardung La
The first big ride. You climb to Khardung La at 18,380 ft, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, then drop into the Nubra Valley. In the evening you see Diskit and the Hunder sand dunes and can take a Bactrian camel ride.
Day 4: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Ride the Shyok route towards Pangong and reach the lake in the afternoon. The water changes colour as the light moves, and you sleep in a lakeside camp.
Day 5: Pangong Lake to Leh over Chang La
Watch the sunrise at the lake, then cross Chang La and stop at Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace and the SECMOL school before you reach Leh.
Day 6: departure from Leh
Breakfast, check-out and a transfer to Leh airport.
Questions
How many days do you need for a Leh Ladakh bike trip?
Six days is the shortest plan that covers Khardung La, Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake without rushing, because the first day is for rest at altitude.
Does the itinerary start and end in Leh?
Yes. The tour is Leh to Leh, so you fly into and out of Leh. Flights are not included in the price.
What is the highest point on the route?
Khardung La at 5,359 m (18,380 ft).
