LADAKH TRIP itinerary

You are in for an extraordinary ride! Ladakh in September offers a fantastic blend of pleasant weather and stunning landscapes as the tourist season winds down.

15-Day Ladakh & Zanskar Ultra Motorcycle Expedition (Sept 6 – Sept 20, 2025)

Route Overview: Delhi – Manali – Jispa – Leh – Nubra – Siachen Base Camp – Pangong – Hanle – Umling La – Tso Moriri – Leh – Manali – Delhi

Day 1: Friday, September 6, 2025: New Delhi to Manali (approx. 550 km)

  • Morning (06:00 AM – 07:00 AM): Assemble in New Delhi. Final group briefing, bike and equipment check. Quick breakfast.
  • Day (07:00 AM – 07:00 PM): Begin the long ride on NH44. This is primarily a highway stretch. Focus on maintaining a steady pace with planned breaks for fuel, refreshments, and lunch.
  • Evening (07:00 PM onwards): Arrive in Manali (2,050m / 6,726 ft). Check into your hotel, unpack, and relax.
  • Night: Group dinner. Briefing for the next day’s acclimatization. Early to bed.
  • Accommodation Suggestion:
    • Hotels: The Himalayan, Hotel Holiday Inn Manali, Snow Valley Resorts Manali, The Orchard Greens Resort.
    • Hostels/Budget: The Hosteller Old Manali, various guest houses in Old Manali.

Day 2: Saturday, September 7, 2025: Manali – Acclimatization & Bike Preparations

  • Morning (09:00 AM – 01:00 PM): Mandatory rest and acclimatization day in Manali. Light activities only. Explore Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, or simply relax.
  • Afternoon (02:00 PM – 05:00 PM): Thorough bike inspection and any last-minute adjustments by support mechanics. Riders should ensure their riding gear is complete and comfortable.
  • Evening (06:00 PM – 07:00 PM): Detailed briefing about the upcoming mountain leg, road conditions, safety protocols, and packing essentials.
  • Night: Group dinner. Continue discussions, answer questions. Ensure everyone is mentally prepared.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 1.

Day 3: Sunday, September 8, 2025: Manali to Jispa (approx. 140 km)

  • Morning (07:00 AM): Early start after breakfast. Ride towards the Atal Tunnel, significantly reducing travel time and difficulty compared to the old Rohtang Pass route.
  • Day: Experience the majestic ascent into the Lahaul Valley. The scenery becomes more rugged and spectacular. Continue towards Jispa.
  • Evening (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM): Arrive in Jispa (3,200m / 10,500 ft), a serene village by the Bhaga River. Check into your accommodation. This is a crucial stop for further acclimatization.
  • Night: Group dinner. Relax by the riverside. Prepare for the journey towards Leh.

Day 4: Monday, September 9, 2025: Jispa to Leh (approx. 250 km)

  • Morning (09:00 AM – 01:00 PM): Gentle acclimatization day in Leh. Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa (for panoramic views), and explore Leh market.
  • Afternoon (02:00 PM – 05:00 PM): Visit Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis Monastery. Ensure bikes are checked and ready for the upcoming Changthang circuit.
  • Evening (06:00 PM – 07:00 PM): Detailed briefing for the high-altitude ride to Nubra, Siachen, Pangong, Hanle, Umling La, and Tso Moriri. Discuss permit requirements for these areas.
  • Night: Group dinner.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 4 (Leh).

Day 6: Wednesday, September 11, 2025: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (approx. 120 km)

  • Morning (08:00 AM): Ride to the iconic Khardung La (17,582 ft / 5,359m). Enjoy the views from the pass.
  • Day: Descend into the picturesque Nubra Valley.
  • Afternoon (01:00 PM – 02:00 PM): Arrive in Hunder/Diskit. Check into your accommodation.
  • Evening: Visit Diskit Monastery with its towering Maitreya Buddha statue. Then head to Hunder to experience the unique double-humped Bactrian camel safari amidst the sand dunes.
  • Night: Dinner and bonfire (if permitted and weather allows).

Day 7: Thursday, September 12, 2025: Nubra Valley to Siachen Base Camp & Back to Nubra (approx. 120-150 km return)

  • Morning (07:00 AM): Early start. Ride towards Siachen Base Camp (SBC) via Sumur and Panamik. This is the starting point for soldiers heading to the Siachen Glacier.
  • Day: Explore the Siachen War Memorial and the museum at SBC. (Note: Be respectful of military presence and strictly adhere to all instructions and photography restrictions. As of April 2025, no prior NOC is required, but an environmental fee is applicable).
  • Afternoon (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM): Ride back to Nubra Valley.
  • Night: Dinner and rest.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 6 (Hunder/Diskit).

Day 8: Friday, September 13, 2025: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok (approx. 150 km) – Camping Option 1

  • Morning (08:00 AM): Take the scenic and adventurous route along the Shyok River towards Pangong Tso. This route offers stunning desolate landscapes but can have challenging sections (water crossings, sandy patches, rocky terrain).
  • Afternoon (02:00 PM – 03:00 PM): Arrive at the mesmerizing Pangong Tso (4,225m / 13,862 ft). Witness the spectacular changing hues of the lake.
  • Night: Set up camping near Pangong Lake (typically in Spangmik or Man village). This is an unparalleled experience, but prepare for very cold temperatures at night (sub-zero). Ensure your tour provides insulated tents and warm sleeping bags.

Day 9: Saturday, September 14, 2025: Pangong Tso to Hanle (approx. 160 km)

  • Morning (07:00 AM): Wake up to the stunning sunrise over Pangong Lake.
  • Ride: Continue from Pangong along the lake, passing through remote villages like Chushul (expect permit checkpoints here). The road to Hanle (4,500m / 14,764 ft) is a mix of good tarmac and rough dirt tracks, especially past Loma.
  • Afternoon (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM): Arrive in Hanle, one of the remotest and most beautiful villages in Ladakh, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Check into your homestay.
  • Evening: Visit the ancient Hanle Monastery perched on a hill. If possible, and with prior permission, visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Hanle boasts some of the clearest night skies for stargazing.
  • Night: Dinner and rest. Homestays offer an authentic local experience.

Day 10: Sunday, September 15, 2025: Hanle – Umling La – Hanle (approx. 100-120 km return)

  • Morning (08:00 AM): The ultimate challenge – ride to Umling La (5,798m / 19,024 ft), officially the highest motorable road in the world. This ride is through incredibly remote, high-altitude terrain.
  • Day: Proceed with extreme caution due to the severe altitude and limited oxygen. Riders must be constantly monitored for AMS symptoms. Spend limited time at the pass for photos (10-15 minutes max). The road is mostly unmetalled but generally wide, offering awe-inspiring views of the vast, desolate landscape.
  • Afternoon (02:00 PM – 03:00 PM): After conquering Umling La, return to Hanle. This day will be physically and mentally demanding.
  • Night: Dinner and much-needed rest in Hanle.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 9 (Hanle Homestay).

Day 11: Monday, September 16, 2025: Hanle to Tso Moriri (approx. 160 km) – Camping Option 2

  • Morning (08:00 AM): Depart Hanle towards Tso Moriri Lake (4,522m / 14,836 ft) in Karzok village. The ride takes you through the stunning, vast plains of Changthang, often dotted with nomadic settlements and wildlife.
  • Afternoon (01:00 PM – 02:00 PM): Arrive at the serene Tso Moriri Lake. Check into your tented camp.
  • Evening: Explore the shores of Tso Moriri. Visit Karzok Monastery.
  • Night: Set up camping near Tso Moriri. This will be another high-altitude camping experience with incredibly cold temperatures (sub-zero). Ensure your tour provides robust, insulated camping gear. Enjoy the pristine starlit sky.

Day 12: Tuesday, September 17, 2025: Tso Moriri to Leh (approx. 220 km)

  • Morning (08:00 AM): Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Tso Moriri. Begin your journey back towards Leh.
  • Day: Ride via Sumdo, Mahe, and Chumathang. You’ll pass through picturesque villages and hot springs at Chumathang. The road quality varies from rough patches to good tarmac.
  • Afternoon (03:00 PM – 04:00 PM): Arrive back in Leh. Check into your hotel.
  • Night: Group dinner. Relax and enjoy the comforts of Leh after the remote Changthang circuit.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 4 (Leh).

Day 13: Wednesday, September 18, 2025: Leh to Jispa/Keylong (approx. 250 km)

  • Morning (07:00 AM): Start the long ride back towards Jispa/Keylong on the Leh-Manali Highway.
  • Day: Re-cross the high passes: Tanglang La, Lachulung La, Nakee La, and Baralacha La. Be mindful of traffic and road conditions.
  • Evening (06:00 PM – 07:00 PM): Arrive in Jispa or Keylong. Check into your hotel/guest house.
  • Night: Group dinner. Reflect on the incredible journey through Ladakh.

Day 14: Thursday, September 19, 2025: Jispa/Keylong to Manali (approx. 140 km)

  • Morning (08:00 AM): Enjoy a relatively shorter ride back to Manali.
  • Day: Ride through the beautiful Lahaul Valley and pass through the Atal Tunnel once more.
  • Afternoon (01:00 PM – 02:00 PM): Arrive in Manali. Check into your hotel.
  • Evening: Free time for local exploration, souvenir shopping, or relaxing. Farewell dinner for the group.
  • Night: Celebrate the successful completion of the mountain part of the tour.
  • Accommodation: Same as Day 1 (Manali).

Day 15: Friday, September 20, 2025: Buffer Day / Manali to New Delhi (approx. 550 km)

  • Option A: Buffer Day (Highly Recommended)
    • This day acts as a contingency for any unforeseen delays during the tour (e.g., weather, road closures, bike issues, health concerns).
    • If no delays occurred, you can use this day for a leisurely morning in Manali, maybe a short hike, or depart Manali by late morning and ride a shorter distance to a town on the plains (e.g., Sundernagar/Mandi/Chandigarh) to break up the long journey to Delhi, making the next day’s ride more comfortable.
    • Accommodation: Same as Day 14 (Manali) or a hotel in a mid-way town if you start riding.
  • Option B: Direct Ride to New Delhi (If no buffer is needed and group is keen)
    • Morning (06:00 AM): Early start from Manali. Begin the final long stretch of your journey back to Delhi.
    • Day: A very long highway ride on NH3 and NH44. This will be an exhaustive day requiring strong endurance.
    • Evening (08:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Arrive back in New Delhi, concluding an epic and unforgettable motorcycle tour.
    • Accommodation: Your chosen hotel in Delhi.

This itinerary provides a solid framework for an incredible Ladakh motorcycle tour. Remember that flexibility and a spirit of adventure are your best companions on such a journey!

Note: Mentioned dates, timings and locations are subject to change based on weather conditions, group willingness and availability.

Important Notes:

  • Permits: As a riding group, ensure everyone has their Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Indian nationals or Protected Area Permits (PAP) for foreign nationals. Apply online via the official LAHDC Leh permit portal (https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/) and select all the areas/villages you plan to visit. Carry multiple printouts.
  • Support & Safety: A dedicated support vehicle with a mechanic, medical kit (including oxygen cylinders), and extra fuel is non-negotiable for this itinerary. Acclimatization is key; prioritize hydration and listen to your body.
  • Fuel: Beyond Leh, fuel stations are sparse. Carry extra fuel cans for the remote stretches, especially for the Changthang circuit (Hanle-Umling La-Tso Moriri).
  • Connectivity: Mobile networks are limited. BSNL might work sporadically. Consider a satellite phone for emergencies.
  • Weather: September days are generally pleasant, but nights are very cold, especially at high altitudes. Pack layered, warm, and waterproof clothing. Be prepared for sudden temperature drops and strong winds. Black ice can form on roads in early mornings.
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