The Leh Ladakh Bike Trip: A Complete Guide For Bikers

A biker's haven - Ladakh has always been attracting the spirit of a true biker. A bike trip to Leh Ladakh always gets the adventure seekers energised and excited. The Leh Ladakh is one of the most satisfying one encompassing a magnificent peak in Leh. Ladakh has the highest motorable roads anywhere which is a unique experience in itself. It is either the magical mountain vibe or the sheer experience of the mystical roads that lead you to the destination.

Why a Leh Ladakh bike trip?

Solo bike trips are best experienced on a spectacular road like the one leading to Ladakh. This is a soul searching opportunity to feel with yourself and nature. The bike trip gives a power packed adventure where you can trek, camp, ride and enjoy the rush of the challenging routes. The Leh Ladakh bike trip gives you a spectacular opportunity to go through all the wilderness that is all exotic through the camping sites. All this fills you with a special sense of amazement. The off beaten path has got no particular itinerary. When you are on the road to Ladakh, the road itself is the destination. If you go on the trip with a group of friends, this trip will turn out to be the most satisfying and enjoyable trip ever.

What to carry on your Leh Ladakh bike trip?

1. License and registration, PUC, permits and photo ID proofs

2. Past Manali there are no gas station, so be sure you fill up your tank here

3. Have a printed route map

4. GPS with a charger

5. First Aid Kit

6. Rechargeable torches

7. Bike rider's accessories

8. Thermal inners

Best time to go on the Leh Ladakh bike trip

The different routes are closed for around 6 months during the year due to landslides and heavy snowfall. The highway from Manali to Leh usually opens during mid May and generally closes by the end of September. So, anytime between June to September would be the best time to go on this trip. The other route from Srinagar also opens sometime between mid May and closes in November. If you want to take this route, July to November would be the best time.

Best routes for the Leh Ladakh bike trip

1. Srinagar Leh Route

This route will pass through Srinagar, Sonmarg, Zozi la, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, Lamayuru, Saspol and then you reach Leh. The best camping spots on this route are Kargil and Drass.

2. Manali Leh Route

The route passes through Rohtang, Keylong, Jispa, Baralacha la, Sarchu and Gya. Keylong, Jispa and Sarchu are the best camping sites if you choose this route.

Best places to visit on the Leh Ladakh bike trip

1. Pangong Tso

This is most popularly known as the Pangong Lake. This lake is a marvel set up in the lap of Ladakh. The lake almost stretches for a distance of about 134 kms. Located in the heart of Himalayas, it offers scintillating views with the rustic mountains.

2. Shanti Stupa

It is one of the most recognized landmarks in Leh Ladakh. It was built to commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and also to promote world peace. On full moon nights due to the white surface, it looks a lot more beautiful when it is bathed in the soft glow of the rays of the moon.

3. Leh Palace

It is a 19 stories high building that has improved a hill as well as still looks imposing from the community. The royal residence also has an art gallery which has a rich collection of ornaments, jewellery, ritualistic dresses and crowns. The paintings that are exhibited in the museum are greater than 450 years old Chinese thangka paintings.

4. Namgyal Tesmo Gompa

This is one of the most famous monasteries in Ladakh that lies in the heart of the Leh district. This is a home to the popular golden sculpture of Maitreya Buddha. Make sure you visit this place while you go on the trip.

5. Tso Moriri Lake

The Tso Moriri lake is the largest alpine lake in India located in an isolated area in the greater Himalayan ranges. The lake is located at an altitude of over 15,000 feet above the water level in the rugged landscape.

6. Khardung La Pass

This pass is commonly known as The Gateway to Nubra and Shryock Valleys. It is one of the highest motorable roads on the planet located at an altitude of 5359 feet above the sea level. You will get to enjoy some while you listen to the fluttering noise of the vibrant Tibetan prayers.

7. Hemis Monastery

This is a Tibetan abbey which has the biggest of all thangka paints in Ladakh. The monastery also serves as a host to the popular yearly celebration held in the honor of Lord Padmasambhava. It is also home to the Program Leopard that is found in the neighbouring Hemis National Forest.