Boasting the utter magnificence of nature, Ladakh is no less than a paradise on the earth. This intriguing place lies in the exquisite North Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This region is also known as the cold desert and it is bequeathed with snow kissed mountains, glinting lakes, and many other examples nature's opulence. The majestic and beautiful monasteries reflect the amalgamation of Indian and Tibetan cultures in Ladakh. Ladakh is certainly one of best destinations when it comes to mountain biking in India. With its innumerable intact areas, Ladakh serves as an empyrean for the adventure aficionados who want to explore the nature's grandeur on bike.
This 11 nights and 12 days itinerary of motor-biking tour to Ladakh is an apt choice to make for the adrenaline junkies. This tour takes the adventurers to the fascinating and tranquil regions like Chumathang, Sumdo, Karzok, Tsokar, Upshi, Leh, etc. Biking through the arresting trails in Ladakh offers a unique sense of thrill and gratification.
Itinerary
Delhi - Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)
On arrival at Leh airport, our executive will greet you and drive to the hotel. Leh is situated at an altitude of 11,500ft/3,500m and therefore it is recommend that the rest of the day be spent acclimatizing.
Leh - Shey - Thiksey – Hemis
In the morning after breakfast, we will go the sightseeing tour to some of the ancient monasteries in this area including Shey, Thiksey and Hemis. After exploring the monasteries, return back to the hotel to enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Leh. Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17'Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa. Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order. Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17'Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls.
Leh - Upshi – Hyamnya
Today after an early breakfast, we will ride 47 Kms south east towards the small post at Upshi on the Manali Leh Highway. From here, we will be leaving the highway and continue towards the small village of Hyamnya, which is about 35 Kms. It is the point where we camp for the night stay.
Hyamnya – Chumathang
After an early breakfast in the morning, we will start our almost 60 kms level ride to the village of Chumathang located at an altitude of about 3965 mts/13005 ft. Chumathang is famous all over Ladakh and Zanskar for its medicinal hot springs that are reputed to heal all kinds of body pain. We will set our camp near this village for an overnight stay.
Chumathang – Sumdo
Today, we will proceed from Chumathang to Sumdo. The ride will goes through a spectacular landscape so called typical Ladakh till the time we reach the Mahe Bridge, which is about 23 Kms away. From here, we will cross over and ride for about 14 kms through a narrow green gorge to reach the village of Sumdo. We will camp near the village. In the evening, we will explore the small Gompa that houses several well preserved paintings and images.
Sumdo – Karzok
In the morning after breakfast, we will leave for the village of Karzok at the northern end of the spectacular Tsomoriri Lake. The 43 kms ride goes through vast shrub land surrounded by rolling hills that acquire fantastic hues and colours ranging from deep purple to crimson and desert brown with the traverse of the sun. We will also pass a small turquoise lake - the Tazang Tso. From here, we will be riding through shrub land populated with colonies of Marmots (Phya in Ladakhi) and thereafter, reach the village of Karzok situated at a height of about 4572m / 14,996ft on the northern lakeshore. We will set our camp near the village on the shores of this fascinating lake for a relaxing overnight stay in the camp.
Karzok
The day is free to rest and relax at the lake. Here, we will get to walk around the beautiful lake, which is about 24 km long lake lies at an altitude of 4242 mts/13786 ft. During this season, we will get to see thousands of migratory birds gliding on the lake which include geese, duck while around the lake you can spot the resident species of white-winged redstart, robin accentor, Asian martin, white-throated dipper and finches. An overnight stay in the camp.
Karzok – Tsokar
After an early breakfast, we will head towards another breathtaking lake that lies at 4485 mts/14711 ft, the Tsokaror salt lake. We will head back to the small village of Puga where we turn west to cross the Pologongka la at 4940 mts/16203 ft emerging into a vast plateau of stunted grass and shrubs. This vast plain sustains an amazing variety of wild life including the Kyang (Tibetan Wild Ass), the Woolly Hare, Tibetan Wolf, Red Fox, colonies of Marmots and Pica and the rarely spotted subtle Snow leopard. The bird life includes a number of resident species like the Himalayan Snow Cock, Common and Fork Tailed Swift, Sand and Eurasian Crag Martin and a host of others. The other very visible birds are the large lammergeyer and the Himalayan Griffon circling in the thermal currents high above.
Tsokar – Debring
Today, we will ride through the vast pasture lands of the More Plainsto reach Debring 4800 mts/15744 ft on the main Manali - Leh highway. The More plains is also the summer home of the nomadic Changpa shepherds whom you can spot with their large herds of sheep and goats in this plateau living out of their black yak skin tents. Debring lies below the Tanglang la. We will camp here for a night stay.
Debring – Upshi
We will begin our ascent to the Tanglang La at 5303 mts/17393 ft, the world's third highest motorable pass. From here, we will follow the switchback road which winds far down into the Indus Valley and 56 kms later, we will reach the small village of Upshi. We will camp in the oases like Gya campsite set amidst a yawning canyon and enjoy an overnight stay.
Upshi – Leh
Today after breakfast, we will begin our 60 km rides through the spread out Indus Valley along the Indus River till we reach Leh by lunchtime. On arrival, check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest up and relax after our 10 day adventure in one of the remotest areas in the Indian Western Himalayas. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Leh – Delhi
In the morning, we will drive to the Leh airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, we will transfer you to the airport to catch the flight for onward destination.
