Conquer the Himalayas Like a Pro Rider
Leh-Ladakh isn’t just a destination — it’s a dream, a test of endurance, and a lifelong memory waiting to be made. Whether you’re planning your first ride or looking to refine your route, this guide covers everything you need to know before and during your Ladakh motorcycle tour.
ROUTE OPTIONS: Choose Your Adventure
1. Manali to Leh (Popular & Scenic)
- Distance: ~470 km
- Best for: Off-road lovers, scenic adventure seekers
- Key Stops: Manali – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Pang – Leh
2. Srinagar to Leh (Easier Acclimatization)
- Distance: ~420 km
- Best for: First-time riders, gradual climb
- Key Stops: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
3. Ladakh Loop (Once you reach Leh)
- Leh → Khardung La → Nubra → Turtuk → Pangong Tso → Tso Moriri → Leh
4. Manali – Shinkula – Padum – Kargil – Leh (Includes Zanskar)
- Best for: Off-road adventure lovers
- Key Stops: Manali – Jispa, Gonbo-Rangjon, Purne, Padum, Kargil-Lamayuru, Leh
🚫 If planning via Rohtang Pass. It requires a permit (from Manali side). Apply in advance.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
- June to September: Roads are open, weather is stable.
- Avoid: Early May (roads partially open), October (cold, risky), or winter (unless snow is your goal).
TYPE OF BIKE YOU NEED
Ideal Choices:
- Royal Enfield Himalayan – Best all-rounder, Heavier, Not good for short riders
- RE Classic / Meteor 350 – Popular, rugged
- Bajaj Dominar / KTM Duke 390 – Highway friendly
- KTM ADV 390, Hero Xpulse 200 – Lightweight & agile
- BMW GS310 / Interceptor – Premium comfort
Always prefer bikes with strong suspension, larger tanks, and off-road capability.
ESSENTIAL GEAR TO CARRY
- Full-face helmet (DOT/ISI certified)
- Riding jacket with thermal liner
- Waterproof gloves & riding pants
- Knee & elbow guards (in case, no riding pant)
- Hydration pack
- Bungee cords & luggage nets
- Tool kit, spare tubes, puncture kit
- Chain lube, engine oil, extra clutch cable, important bike spare parts
- Camping stuff, in case plan to do camping
Pro Tip: Use saddle or tank bags instead of a heavy backpack.
DOCUMENTS & PERMITS
Must Carry:
- Driving license
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- Insurance papers
- Pollution Under Control (PUC)
- Aadhaar or Passport (for ILP)
Permits Needed:
- Rohtang Pass Permit (if entering from Manali)
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) – (Not required for Indian Nationals) for:
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Tso
- Tso Moriri
- Turtuk, Hanle, Chushul
Environment fee and Red cross fee (optional) to be paid online on given website.
Apply Online: Ladakh ePermit Portal
FUEL PLANNING
Fuel up whenever possible, especially at:
- Tandi (last petrol pump before Leh via Manali)
- Karu (after Leh)
- Diskit (Nubra Valley)
- Tangtse (en route Pangong – sometimes unreliable)
Carry extra fuel (5–10L) if doing offbeat routes like Hanle or Tsaga La. Fuel station at Neoma is also open in case, stuck at Hanle.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
- Leh City: Budget guesthouses, backpacker hostels, boutique stays
- Nubra / Pangong / Tso Moriri / Hanle: Tents, campsites, homestays
- Jispa, Sarchu, Keylong: Pre-bookable camps or hotels
- Purne, Padum, Kargil: Mostly Homestays
Prices range from ₹500 (dorms) to ₹3,000+ (luxury camps)
HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS
- Acclimatize for 1–2 days in Leh
- Stay hydrated — drink 4–5L water/day
- Avoid alcohol for first few days
- AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms:
- Headache
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Carry:
- Diamox (with doctor’s advice)
- Portable oxygen can
- First aid kit
- Oximeter
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
- High Passes
- Umlingla: World’s highest motorable road (~19024 ft)
- Khardung La Pass: World’s 2nd highest motorable road (~18,300 ft)
- Baralachla, Tanglangla, Nameekla, Photila, Fotula, Changla, Nurbula, Marsimikla and many more
- Pangong Lake: Iconic blue lake, extends into China
- Nubra Valley: Sand dunes, Bactrian camels, Turtuk village
- Tso Moriri: Peaceful and less crowded than Pangong
- Magnetic Hill: Optical illusion phenomenon
- Zanskar Valley: Rugged terrain, frozen river trek in winter
- Cities / Towns / Villages: Manali, Jispa, Leh, Padum, Kargil, Srinagar, Pakistan and China border villages
NETWORK & CONNECTIVITY
- Only postpaid Airtel, Jio and BSNL work in most areas except distant villages of Zanskar and border areas.
- Prepaid SIMs from outside J&K/Ladakh won’t work.
- Weak network in Pangong, Tso Moriri, Hanle.
- Carry a satellite phone (available on rent in Leh) for emergency zones.
DAILY RIDE TIPS
- Start early, wrap up before dark
- Always refuel before leaving a town
- Don’t rely solely on GPS — ask locals
- Stop every 100–150 km to rest and hydrate
- Keep distance between riders in group
- Ride steady on loose gravel and river crossings
BUDGET ESTIMATE
| Expense Type | Budget Trip (₹) | Premium Trip (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Rent (10–12 days) | 10,000 – 18,000 | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Fuel | 5,000 – 7,000 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Stay (per day) | 500 – 1,000 | 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Food (per day) | 300 – 500 | 800 – 1,500 |
| Misc./Permits/Entry | 2,000 | 3,000 |
Total: ₹20,000–₹45,000 (budget) | ₹50,000+ (premium)
Final Words
Riding to Leh-Ladakh is not just a trip—it’s a life time experience. The rugged landscapes, the thin air, the solitude of the Himalayas… they teach you humility and give you stories you’ll never forget.
Take your time, ride responsibly, and remember: the mountains don’t care about your plans. Respect them, and they’ll reward you beyond your imagination.
