Ladakh Bike Expedition | Leh Based Company

More than beautiful scenery and animals, travelling through roads on bike provides you to connect with locals, nomads, and people living on high Himalayas. What makes a place beautiful is the environment but what makes it memorable is meeting people. Riding a motorcycle in Ladakh makes that happen.

Even with growing popularity, Ladakh is still an unfallen place. A Quiet and uncomplex place to unwind and contemplate life’s joy and suffering. Place to forget life’s travails and slow down one’s hectic city life, and reconnect with fellow human beings.

Now Ladakh awaits the Adventure Of A Lifetime For Motorcyclists. Once a small transit town for travellers along the ancient silk routes, Ladakh now has the world’s highest motorcyclist road. With ever expanding metalled roads and recent construction of the Atal tunnel, going to Ladakh is as adventurous as going to Shimla from Delhi, but with twice the scenic beauty, overlooked by towering snow capped Himalaya and accompanied by rivulets and gorgeous gorges along the roads. 

Adventure- When was the last time you had an unforgettable thrilling adventure- a skydive from Burj khalifa, scaling Mt Everest or parachuting from 15,000 ft . Not all of us can afford these and not all of us can brave these. But adventures of a lifetime do not necessarily involve these. Simple motorcycle trip across scenic Himalayan can make it one of your most memorable moments in life. 

Motorcyclists have long avoided snow capped picturesque Himalaya for their ride. A yesteryear  motorcyclist itinerary involves : a quick weekend tour to Jaipur, midnight dhaba visit to murthal from Delhi, summer holiday in the hills to Shimla or Nainital, to escape scorching heat. Most of us have taken these rides or wished for these rides at some point in our life. But ladakh rarely appears on these list. Everyone took the road to Ladakh as an inaccessible place, with falling boulders, frequent avalanches, unmetalled roads and stories of altitude sickness. Gone are those days and unsubstantiated stories.

 

SIGHTSEEING IN LEH

 

Leh Palace

Leh Palace situated above the old town, is truly an awesome building that dominates the skyline for miles around. Constructed using traditional Ladakhi methods: with dried mud-bricks. To reach the palace; start from Jama Masjid and head east through the maze of tiny alleys that eventually come out at the foot of the palace. You will see occasional signs painted on walls and rocks to guide you.

Tsemo Gompa

The main structure at Tsemo Gompa is the red-coloured Maitreya temple, the first building you come to as you walk up from leh Palace. The temple is thought to have been built later than Tashi Namgyal’s gonkhang shrine and Tsemo Fort, and contains images of Chamba and other deities.

Zorawar fort

Zorawar fort is actually still in use today by the Indian military. Situated at the far western end of Fort Road, this unusually shaped low-rise mud-walled fort, was build by Dogra General Zorawar after his initial conquest of Ladakh in 1834. And now is a tourist attraction.

Shanti Stupa

Shanti Stupa is situated outskirt of city on a hill, The perfectly symmetrical Stupa is rather attractive, but its locations is even more so; thus attracting lots of visitors. The favourite time for visitors is a little before sunset. With the sun setting on your right, you have beautiful panoramic views in the golden sunlight of Leh and the valley behind. To reach Shanti Stupa; from where Changspa Road meets Courting Road, there is a steep path that climbs up to the Stupa. There is also a side road that leads to Shanti Stupa from the junction of Yurthung and Sankar Roads.

Gomang Chorten

Gomang Chorten situated in the village of Changspa, is a rarely visited but very interesting spot. If you are staying nearer to the town you could make a pleasant afternoon walk, first to see Gomang Stupa and then on to Shanti Stupa for sunset.

Polo Ground

Leh polo ground is thought to be the highest in the world at 3480 metres. Situated below the old town, the polo ground makes for a picturesque scene with Leh Palace and mountains behind forming a perfect backdrop.

Sabu

Sabu is situated 8 km east of Leh. A visit to Sabu makes for a pleasant short trip away from noisy Leh, It is a model village.

Stok Village

Famously known for Palace and Stok Kangri (snow mountain). Stok dominates the view south from Leh, its snowcapped peak (6123 m) rising behind Stok village and the Indus Valley. It is the Palace at Stok that mainly attracts visitors. To reach Stok; drive south from Leh to Choglamsar, cross the bridge over the Indus and continue south a short distance to the village.

Spituk Gompa

Before visiting Spituk, you can consider whether or not to incorporate a visit to Stok Palace in your trip, as both places are close to Leh and easy to reach. Spituk Gompa is situated about 8 kilometres below Leh town, built on a rocky outcrop by the banks of the Indus River near to the airport. Some of the most outstanding photos have been captured here.

Markha Valley

The Markha valley is at south of Leh, between the Ladakh and Zanskar mountain ranges. Markha is a beautiful valley populated with quaint villages and well worth visiting, if you have the time. There are high passes and pastures, ruined forts and important trekking route in the valley, as well as some great views of snow-capped peaks, such as Kang Yatse.

 

Touring Eastern Ladakh

 

Shey Citadel

Shey is 15 km southeast of Leh, is one of the ancient capitals of Ladakh. The ruins of the fort seemingly grow out of the jagged ridge they are situated on, a spur of the Ladakh Range. Lower down the ridge is Shey Palace. Opposite the palace is a large man-made lake, thought to have been created when the palace was built.

Thiksey Gompa

As when travelling to Shey, Thikse is easily reachable by Motorcycle or bus from Leh. Without a doubt, Thiksey is one of the most impressive and probably also the largest Gompa in Ladakh, it looks like Potala in Tibet.

Stakna village

Stakna Gompa is situated on the tip of a small hill on the south bank of the Indus River, Between Thiksey and Karu. To get there from Leh to Manali road; pass through Ranbirpura village south of Thiksey, and continue until you come across stakna bridge.

Hemis Museum

To reach Hemis from Thiktsey, continue southeast to Karu (40 km) from leh. Hemis is perhaps the most famous gompa in Ladakh, partly due to the fact that unlike other gompas who hold their festivals in winter, the Hemis annual festival is held in the summer months of June or July, The main tourist season. It has one of the oldest museum of artefact.

Matho Village

To reach Matho, continue northwest along the south-bank road from Hemis and soon after passing Stakna, visible on your left, you come to a junction. Take the left road that heads towards mountains. About a kilometre ahead you comes Matho village.

Matho gompa sits high up on a ridge overlooking the village of Matho far below, and offers wonderful views of the Indus Valley and Thikse Gompa in the distance.

Chemre Valley

To reach Chemre; at the road junction in Karu, take the left turn that heads northeast. Continue for 5 km up chimer valley passing a military camp at the entrance to the valley, until you see chimer village appear on your left after the road rounds a bend. There are regular buses from Leh to Chemre but the recommended mode of transport is by motorcycle when your trip ends.

The Great Lakes of Changthang

Now, after all those Gompa and villages in and around Leh comes the highlight of ladakh and the reason so many tourist visit Leh ladakh, its time for some serious scenery and altitude, so, get out those motorcycle and prepare your eyes for a visual feast. Don’t forget to record some photos and videos. The route to Pangong and Tsomoriri Lake involves crossing Chang La pass and Taklang la pass, altitude over 5300 metres. The higher reaches of the Changthang often experience snow showers even in summer. If you have just arrived in Ladakh and have not yet acclimatised to the high altitude, be aware that you may experience some difficulty regarding altitude sickness whilst touring the changthang. The early symptoms of AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness) include; headaches and dizziness; a loss of appetite and a general feeling of weakness. If you experience these symptoms the only remedy is to descend to a lower altitude.

Pangong Tso

• Best time to visit- may to august

The largest and most spectacular of these lakes is Pangong Too, situated at an altitude of 4246 metres. Although no wider than a few kilometres, it is about 130 kilometres long, and straddles the border with Tibet. The Changthang of Ladakh is classed as a wetland nature reserve that covers an area of 4000 sq km. All over the Changthang are marshy wetlands and lakes that serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds, including rare endangered species, such as the black-necked crane.

Many visitors make the trip from Leh to Pangong and back in a single day. As long as you have obtained your permit the day before, and make an early start from Leh, you have just about enough time to take in the surroundings en-route and visit the lake for perhaps one hour before returning to Leh, reaching there after nightfall.

Tsomoriri and Tsokar

• Best time to visit- may to august

Tsomoriri is situated south of the Indus River, in Rupshu Block. The surrounding area is called ‘more plain’, which is part of the great Changthang plateau. From Leh to Tsomoririthe road follows the Indus Valley as far as Mahe Bridge  where the route to the lake leaves the main road, turning south.

To visit the lake on a day-trip from Leh is not possible. From Leh, it is a full day’s drive just to reach the lake, so visitors have to stay at least one night at a camp at Korzok village on the banks of the lake. If you wish to visit Tso Kar salt lake on the way back from Tsomoriri - a route that after Tsokar joins up with the main Manali to Leh road below Taklang La pass - you must allow more time. As the road to Tsokar is unmade, driving is slow. Also, you will want to spent more time at so car itself before returning to Leh.

Touring Western Ladakh

Regarding a suitable itinerary for touring western ladakh, it is possible to visit Phyang, Likir, and Basgo all in one day and return to Leh in the evening.

Ice Stupa

Best time to visit- January to march

Ice stupa is a man-made ice structure with a height of about 80 feet. Constructed at Phyang village,

Phyang village

With a Bike or Cab, you can easily visit Phyang, Phyang monastery is situated up a side valley on the north side of the leh to Srinagar highway, about 12 km from Leh. There is a paved road from the highway that leads right up to the gompa and village.

The Gompa, an impressively large building, is situated on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful village of Phyang. The entrance and best view of the buildings from from the north side, set against a backdrop of the Stok Range. Also, looking to the north from here, you have a beautiful view over the lush fields of the village.

Gurudwara Patthar Sahib

The story behind its construction however, is more interesting. Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion (born in 1469) stopped here to meditate whilst on a tour of the region from 1515 to 1518. Whilst deep in meditation a demon hurled a huge rock down the mountain to kill the guru. Due to the guru’s spiritual powers, he stopped it just as it hit him.

The rock - centrepiece of the Gurudwara - is believed to have an imprint of the guru’s back on it.

Magnetic hill

As this stretch of road appears to be almost flat with just a slight upward incline. As instructed by the sign, park your car in the appropriate spot on the road, switch off the engine and put the car in neutral; now watch as the car slowly starts to roll forward, supposedly upwards. Sometimes it actually does work however whether it is an optical illusion, or caused - as claimed - by some magnetic lodestone nearby, is unclear

Sangam Point

From here, the road, situated high up on the side of a steep slope, follows the Indus through a gorge rounding a bend, until you come to the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers: definitely a photo opportunity, this one. As the road is so high up the side of the gorge, the confluence offers a great view, depending on weather conditions, the two rivers are usually two distinct colours, one blue and the other - usually the Indus - brown. Shortly after the confluence, you are treated to a panaramic view over Nimmu, the next village along the route.

Basgo Citadel

As you exit Nimmu, on the right side of the road, you come to the first flank of the red-brown mountain that the citadel of Basgo is built upon, marked by some ancient small shortens (statue) just around the corner you come upon Basgo itself.

Basgo is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in the Leh area. The village sits at the base of the mountainside overlooking an oval of luxuriant fields surrounded by trees, with the Zanskar mountain at the backdrop. Basgo was more of a fortified town than simply a palace, fort and Gompas. It bore witness to many historical events as well as being the former capital of Lower Ladakh during the 15th century.

Likir Monastery

From Basgo, the road continues west, climbing a ridge before moving away from the Indus for about 10 km, when you come to a fork in the road. The main highway follows the left fork, whilst you take the right fork to reach Likir village, nestling in the floor of a side valley. In Likir there are a few shops and several guesthouses, as well as campsites. From Leh, Likir can easily be accessed by a bike trip.

Once you reach the gompa itself, the statue is one of the first things you notice. It is a statue of a seated Maitreya Buddha, It is a large open-air statue in Ladakh. The best view of the statue is from its north side looking south to the Zanskar Mountains,

Hemis Shukpachan

From Likir village situated above the main Leh highway there is a motor able road heading west through the mountains to the beautiful village of Hemis shukpachan. Along the way, you pass several quaint villages where guesthouses and camp grounds are available, Should you wish to stay overnight here. This route is also a popular short trekking route.

Saspol

Saspol is a beautiful as well as an interesting village, and makes for a peaceful retreat after rather hectic ladakh bike trip, being an absolute must on every visitors itinerary, becomes extremely crowded during the peak season. During the heydays of Alchi in the early 11th century, it appears that some of Alchi’s monks and artists thought much the same way, as some of them seem to have resided here in Saspol, as evidenced by the cave paintings and cave retreats found on the cliff behind the village.

Alchi Monastary

Alchi is about 70 km from Leh. To reach Alchi village, cross the bridge beyond Saspol and take the left turn. The road then climbs and embankment, switching back and forth until you come to Alchi village. Alchi is hidden from sight from the main road, situated on a small flat area of land up against the mountainside. Although most visitors continue  straight on the gompa half a kilometre ahead, the village itself is worth checking out; it consists of several adjacent hamlets with a large brown mud-brick fort amongst them - a fortified palace, seemingly uninhabited. There is a plenty of accommodation available in Alchi, most of it around the gompa.

Alchi is one of the oldest extant gompas in Ladakh, believed to have been founded int he early 11th century by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo, or at least under his influence,

Mangyu

From Alchi, it is only a short trip farther west along the south bank of the Indus to Mangyu. Mangyu gompa and village are situated up a rarely visited, beautiful side valley. A trip to Mangyu is well worth the effort for a view of the picturesque valley and village,

Mangyu gompa has ben in continuous use as a place of worship since its founding; it is of the same period, influences and artistic style as Alchi:- To the layman however, the old Mangyu gompa seems disappointing due to its small size and plain architecture, when compared to Alchi.

Lamayuru

Not only a nice sounding name, but also and important one in the early history of Ladakh. The journey to Lamayuru includes some spectacular scenery; so get the camera ready. Also, on the way, near to Khaltse, if you look up from the road you will see above you the mule track that formed the Srinagar to Leh Trade route before the modern road was built.

Also known as Moonland of Ladakh.

 

Touring far West Of Ladakh

The area west of Lamayuru as far as Kargil is also very interesting, and if you intend to tour Zanskar from Kargil, you could allow allow an extra day or two to stop at the sites of interest here. One of the particular features of this area is the change in culture that occurs as you approach Kargil.

Starting from Lamayuru, continues west along the Leh to Srinagar highway as it climbs to Fatu La pass. Then continue through the villages of Bodh Karbu and Khangral and on to Namki La pass, before descending to Mulbekh; a journey to about 60km. Stop to admire the corrugated brown slopes of eroded scree on the west side of Namki La (3780 m); part of the Zanskar Range.

Mulbekh

Mulbekh is a fascination place, most famous for its gigantic rock-carved Maitreya figure overlooking the road. Most visitors stop only for a brief look at the rock-carving before moving on. For those who prefer the less frequented tourist spots, this is one of them. If you have the time; spend a couple of days in the area basing yourself at Mulbekh for a night or two. Mulbekh itself has several monuments to look at, and as you will see shortly, several other places of interest nearby.

Wakha

Wakha is the name given to a small settlement to the east of Mulbekh, as well as the river (Wakha Chu) that flows alongside the road from Mulbekh to Kargil. Just to the east of the Tourist Bungalow in Mulbekh, you will see sitting along in a field, a single-shrine building that is Whakha gompa.

Shergol

Continuing west from Mulbekh for about 12 km, you come to a side valley on the south side of the road. There is a turning here that crosses a bridge over the Wakha river before continuing on to the village of Shergol. From the main road, even before you reach the side valley, you will see along the valley a mountainside with a small white gompa seemingly embedded high up in the cliff face.

 

Touring Dha and Purig District

Once again, we come to a restricted area for which you require a permit. From Khaltse, the main highway leaves the banks of the Indus and heads south to Lamayuru. The right fork at Khaltse continues along the northern bank of the Indus heading towards Dha village. For all destination along the Indus beyond Khaltse, you require a permit that you need to show at the check-post in Khaltse.

Dha has become famous in recent times mainly due to the fact that the villagers are Indo-Aryan Dard people, also known as Drok-pa in Ladakhi, The Dha Hanu People have introduced Ladakh to the clever irrigation systems used in the region. It appears from the DArds own legends, that after their migration into Ladakh, They occupied two main areas; the area around Dras,near Kargil, and the area along the banks of the Indus.

Purig District

Purig is the district between the Indus and the main Leh to Srinagar highway at Khangral, extending some way farther south of the highway into the Zanskar Mountains. In historical times, an area that witnessed many conflicts and power struggle within Ladakh.

From Dha village, to reach purge, you must go back to the junction at sanjak where you then turn right, heading south through Chomothang valley along the banks of the Sengge Chu. This is an attractive fertile, family flat valley, that terminates at Khangral.

Kargil

As the people of Kargil are mostly of Balti descent, the language you hear being spoken in Kargil is Balti, rather than the more usual Hindi or Urdu. Although the town itself is not attractive, it is of some interest from the cultural point of view. Kargil is really a transit town, situated strategically between Srinagar and Leh.

There are few sightseeing that you can do such as the Loc point, and Drass war memorial.

 

Shopping and Eating

The main shopping areas for tourists in Leh are around the town square and along Fort road. You will find many shops here selling suitable souvenirs, as well as expensive Ladakhi antiques. To buy provisions, the town square market (main market) is the best bet. The fruit and vegetable market is also situated here.

As far as eating goes, you are spoilt for choice. Whether it’s Western, Chinese, Indian, Kashmiri or local food you are after, you will find it all in abundance. For those of you who enjoy the usual backpacker fare; you know - German bakery cakes, along with all those pasta and pizza dishes, toasted sandwiches, chocolate pancakes, coffee and such like; you would be well advised to visit Changspa Road where there are numerous such cafes. Here, you can also find plenty of Israeli food too.

Some of the Local cuisine to try

Thukpa - a traditional noodle with option for both Vegetarian and non Vegetarian.

Mo-Mo - it is a dumpling improvised to taste better, option for both vegetarian and non vegetarian

Ting-Mo with Shapta - a rare synergy of dough and meat, that taste awesome.

Skyu - made out of dough and shaped like a pea. Taste good.

Ladakh Festival

From September 1st to the 15th each year, the colourful ladakh festival takes place in and around Leh. The festival originated a few years ago as a means to encourage more visitors to come to Leh during the month of September, traditionally a quite time for visitors despite the weather usually being absolutely glorious. The festival promotes, and is a show case for, the fascinating and colourful ancient culture of Ladakh. The festival features many events spread over the two week period. And for any other festival please refer the link

 

Homestay Experience

Homestay is a relatively old phenomenon in Ladakh and is equally useful whether on a Ladakh Bike Trip or Jeep tour, Particularly for the first time visitor to Ladakh, often without much time to spend there, The homestay option offers a chance to really get a feeling for the local people’s way of life and their environment.

You can have great laugh too, practicing your Ladakhi or sign language whilst they practice their English or Hindi. You maybe offered Chang - locally brewed barley beer- which will doubtless enhance the amusement factor for all. Someone in the household usually speaks some English or Hindi, most likely one of the younger family members, if not, well, there is always the universally understood sign language.

 

Meal at Homestay

Breakfast: home-made Ladakhi bread or chapattis with butter, egg, and jam, butter tea.

Dinner: Ladakhi momo ( dumpling) or vegetables or, rice dal (lentils) and vegetables.

 

Less Travelled Places In Ladakh For Motorcycle Enthusiast 

Pangong to Hanley via Man merak, Chuchul, and Tsaga-la.

The District administration not issuing permit for this place has kept it out of any Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary, this terrain is for adventure seeker and wonderers as this place is not commercially developed. But there are homestays to stay for the night, after exiting Chuchul you will come across the famous Rizang La war memorial of 1962. There is a lot to wonder on this journey. The barren plateau of Changthang region and no road whatsoever’ will keep you wandering “where am I”. But it will not be long before bikers will find out and it becomes the next big thing in Motorcycle touring in ladakh.

Panamik Hotspring (Nubra Valley)

Motorcycle riders will love to visit this place as the hot spring water is worm enough to take a shower and it is also said to be medicinal. And this will be the soothing rest that your body deserves after riding for hours in the valley of Nubra. Panamik is also skipped from the radar of any biker, but it is a well deserved place to visit once you are in nubra valley

Turtuk Village

Turtuk, a truly hidden heavenly paradise, located at a place where the Indian boundary ends. In Turtuk, You get to witness the perfect blend of greenery embedded among mighty raw mountains of Karakoram range in the summers. A bike ride to Turtuk from Leh would enlighten your soul, it will make you resonate with Mother Nature, an experience that can only be praised when you get on the wheels yourself.
Well known for its buckwheat, Turtuk has many other soulful and awe-inspiring architectural and old-city feels that one can not find anywhere else in Ladakh.
A museum, a monastery atop a small hill, the melodies of a brook and the streets in Turtuk will take you back to a middle age time. Also, The people are so friendly that a tourist might feel like his own hometown.
Your visit to Turtuk will be carved in bold letters in your heart and will forever be adorned in your memories.

 

Responsible Touring Tips

• Always be polite and friendly and respect the local people and their customs and privacy.
• Always respect religious shrines and temples; don not sit on them, smoke or urinate near to them.
• Learn and use at least the Ladakhi word for greeting people, ‘Julley’
• When you photograph people at close quarters ask their permission first.
• Do not lose your temper, it’s considered to be very rude. Situations will prove more productive if you remain calm and try to smile.
• Never, leave litter behind; take it back to Leh with you.
• Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol at high altitudes; better not to drink at all.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water.
• And here’s a good cliche for you; when touring, take only photos and leave only footprints

 

Frequently Asked Question

 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LADAKH FOR BIKE TRIP?

-the best suitable months for riding in leh is from may to october.

HOW DO I REACH LEH WITH MOTORCYCLE?

-well, you can either come from Srinagar or Manali highway, but have to enquire in advance about road conditions of either highways.

CAN I SEND MY BIKE IN TRANSPORT FOR LEH LADAKH BIKE TOUR?

-yes you can. But sometimes it takes a lot more day for the bike to arrive then you have anticipated because of the road conditions. So, its better to rent a bike in Leh.

IS IT HARD TO GET A BIKE RENTED IN LEH LADAKH?

-usually it is not, but if you can book in advance, you can be sure of getting getting it.

WHAT DO I NEED TO RENT A MOTORCYCLE IN LEH LADAKH?

-your DRIVING LICENCE ( both domestic or international will do ), and a proof of identity such as VOTER ID, AADHAR CARD.

IS IT SAFE TO DO MOTORCYCLE TRIP IN LEH LADAKH?

-yes it is, our tour guide will brief you about the terrain and will lead you for the entirety of your tour.

ARE THE BIKES IN LADAKH TRIP INSURED?

-the bikes are only third-party insured, so any damage to the bike is on the rider, and have to pay for damages after the trip.

WHY US? 

-We are locals and we are dedicated, that means no Upselling, no commission to any agents, only value for your money.