Ladakh Bike Trip

Leh Ladakh is considered as the best region to make a road trip journey through the mystical land of high passes. A bike trip, riding through the twisting narrow roads with steep inclines alongside the snow capped mountains, is an exhilarating experience for every biker. That’s the reason a bike trip to Ladakh is on the wish list of biker tourists eager to experience the thrill and adventures of their journey through the Leh Ladakh bike trip on their favorite set of wheels. Read on to discover more about how you should prepare and other dos and don’ts for this bike ride.

To help you prepare for the journey, you may also check out our Ladakh tour package that is specially customized to give you an experience of a lifetime. Riding through some of the highest motorable passes like the Rohtang Pass and the Khardung La pass, the rough and challenging terrain offers an adventure like none other. The monasteries reflect the cultural heritage of Ladakh with its beautiful architecture and statues, intricate work, and wall paintings. The Tibetan prayer flags, distinctive cuisine, ethnic artifacts that you encounter through this Leh Ladakh bike trip will add a flavor of diversity and value to this journey.

Best ride for the trip

Considering the roads of Ladakh and the mountainous terrain, the right choice of ride is essential. Make sure the identification of the bike is based on sustainability and durability rather than good luck or popularity. Though your Ladakh tour package may offer few options, be sure to choose a bike that is strong and powerful enough to bear the high–altitude conditions, climb up the steep roads, and in cold weather conditions. A bike that is easy to handle, comfortable, and safe for the rider and pillion (if any) makes the journey successful and enjoyable. Here’s a list of the recommended options identified purely based on the experience of other bikers that have made the Leh Ladakh bike trip.

1. Royal Enfield is the best choice for the Leh Ladakh road trip. Equipped with a powerful engine of 350 CC or 500 CC, it is ideal for carrying the rider and the luggage effortlessly through the steep inclines and surviving the rough terrain. Good suspension and comfortable seating position make this bike most comfortable for long journeys.
2. Royal Enfield Himalayan is an ideal bike for off-road biking and rough terrain in wet weather conditions.
3. Other than the Royal Enfield, the Bajaj Pulsar with a 220CC, 200CC, or a 150CC engine would be the right choice for the Leh Ladakh bike ride. You can comfortably embark on your journey on this bike, which is also one of the most popular in Indian markets.
4. Hero Impulse is another option similar to the Royal Enfield Himalayan to tackle the rough terrain, non-tarmac kind of riding in harsh weather conditions.

It helps to choose a bike that you have some riding experience with, even if it is through a Ladakh tour package. If not, then ride around Leh city for about 15-20kms to familiarize yourself with the bike. Knowing the mechanics of the bike, or at least some first aid tips will be an added advantage that helps service the bike in case of any problems. Your bike will be your soulmate and best buddy on this trip to Ladakh. Even in good condition smaller bikes can make it through the journey.

Things to pack

1. Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, soaps, shampoo, comb, face-wash, etc.
2. 4–5 pairs of socks
3. Protective biking gears such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, gloves, UV sunglasses, and sunscreen lotions, bandana, balaclava.
4. Waterproof winter jacket, woolen gloves, and socks, thermal inners, woolen/fleece upper layer, quick-dry t-shirts and pants, water-resistant shoes
5. General medicines for headache, cold, cough, fever, bandages, ointments. Avoid taking painkillers at high altitude. Lip balm and mustard oil for moisturizing lips and skin.
6. Eatables with high nutritional value. For example, take multiple packets of dried fruits, nuts, energy bars and biscuits, and other items that energize the body instantly. Chocolates are helpful when feeling nauseated on the bike, which is common during high altitude road trips. Quick bites at frequent intervals will help in keeping the body energized. Regular intake of water to stay hydrated is also very essential through the bike trip.
7. To keep your lips and skin safe from dryness due to extreme cold climate, carry lip balm, moisturizer, mustard oil, and cold cream.
8. Warm sleeping bag for camping along the route.
9. Identity proof documents for roads on this route that require specific permits for bikers. Otherwise, also, it’s good to keep personal IDs such as either the PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Driving License, Passport, or Voter ID. Make sure the bike documents are in order and accompanying you at all times during the trip for checking at check-post by military and local authorities.
10. Gadgets – Mobile phone, camera, preferably a BSNL sim card, memory card, needs to be taken care of. If you are a photography enthusiast, then this place will let you capture unbelievable pictures of the abundant beauty of nature. BSNL network has the best coverage in Leh Ladakh. Use a BSNL SIM if available, on your mobile phone.
11. Extra batteries and power bank for the phone.

Best Bike tour route in Ladakh

There are two primary routes to reach Leh –

1. The highway from Srinagar to Leh and,
2. The highway from Manali to Leh

Whichever way the Ladakh tour package follows, just make sure to get properly acclimatized to the high–altitude location before you begin the Ladakh trip on bike.

Most bikers start their Ladakh bike trip either from Manali or from Srinagar. Both routes offer good road conditions and splendid picturesque views. Taking the Srinagar to Leh route lets you get back to Srinagar by completing a circle via Kargil. Whereas the Manali to Leh highway goes through the rugged mountainous landscapes offering better views. This route is challenging with steep inclines and slightly higher levels of danger as compared to the Srinagar – Leh highway.

Here’s a snapshot brief on both these routes for your Ladakh trip on bike.

Route 1: Srinagar – Leh – Manali

Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zodjila Pass – Drass – Kargil – Mulbek – Namik La – Fotu La – Dha Hanu – Leh Ladakh – Hall of Fame – Magnetic Hill – Shanti stupa – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Bactrian Camel – Silk route – Diskit Monastery – Agham Shyok route – Changla La – Thiksey Monastery – Leh Palace – Rancho’s school of 3 Idiots fame – Pangong Tso lake – Leh – Tso– Moriri – Tso Kar – Moore plains – Suraj Tal – Pang Lachungla – Namkila – Gata Lopes – Sarchu – Baralacha La – Zing Zing Bar – Keylong – Sisu – Tandi – Rohtang Pass – Manali

Route 2: Manali – Leh – Srinagar

Manali – Rohtang Pass – Lahaul Valley – Jispa – Baralacha La Pass – Suraj Tal – Sarchu – 21 Gata Loops – Pang – Tanglang La – Leh Ladakh – Shanti Stupa – Leh Palace – Hall of Fame – Magnetic Hill – Gurudwara Pathar Sahib – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Bactrian Camel – Silk route – Diskit Monastery – Agham Shyok route – Changla La – Thiksey Monastery – Rancho’s school of 3 Idiots fame – Pangong Tso lake – Leh – Lamayuru – Basgo Palace – Kargil – Mulbek – Giant Buddha Statue – Drass – Tiger Hill – Zodjila Pass – Srinagar

Whether your Leh Ladakh bike trip is planned using the Srinagar Leh highway route or the Manali Leh highway route, you can be rest assured that this journey through the land of high passes will be one of the most challenging rides you have taken as also an unforgettable one. As much as you may long to reach your destination while on holiday, on this Ladakh road trip, you would wish the journey would never end!

Get your riding gear and hit the road.