Motorcycle Tour In The Indian Himalayas: Manali To Ladakh

We start the motorbike trip from Manali. Ride through the lush green Banjar valley into Kinnaur valley and then cross over from Nako into the cold desert land of Spiti Valley also famously known as Little Tibet. Then we cross over Kunzum La to enter Lahaul valley and after crossing five more passes we enter the famous Ladakh.

Also during this motorcycle journey in the high Himalaya you will get to see three of the most beautiful High Altitude Lakes- Chandratal, Tsokar and the popular Pangong Lake. On the last day of this brilliant motorcycle adventure you will ride to the Khardung La Pass, which is one of the highest motorable pass in the World.

This motorbike journey is one of the best ways to see Himachal and Ladakh. One thing that you will see in abundance on this journey is loads and loads of cheerful happy and smiley Himalayan people. This is an Epic Motorbike tour in the Indian Himalayas.

Day 1: Arrive Manali (2050m)
After breakfast you will get to try out your bikes Royal Enfield 500cc. Today we will visit some popular sights in and around Manali. This will help you to get familiar with your bike and also the Himalayan road and its turns. For Lunch we will stop at Naggar Castle, Naggar once used to be the capital of Kullu hence the Castle. The castle is now converted into a Heritage hotel and has a Museum. After lunch we head back to Manali and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 2: Manali to Banjar (1356m) 92kms
After breakfast we will set out towards Banjar. The road condition today is good and we will ride across some beautiful villages. We ride on to good metalled road up to Aut and from there we cross the Parvati River and start riding on the left bank and ride into the Banjar Valley. Here onwards the ride can be a bit bumpy and the road is narrow.

Day 3: Banjar to Sarahan (2313) 139kms
Today sees us crossing the first mountain pass on this Epic motorcycle tour. Just a few kilometres above our campsite is the Jalori Pass, 3,120m. From here we ride down shady and windy Himalayan roads to Ani. We aim to reach Sarahan by the early afternoon so that we have enough time to visit the famous 1500 year old Bhima Kali Temple.

Day 4: Sarahan to Kalpa (2960m) 85kms
Sangla Valley is the most beautiful Valley in Kinnaur. We ride on the main highway up to Karchham Dam and keep riding on the left side of the River. The road is about 90% metalled and some small stretches where the roads are being widened would be dusty and there would be some loose stones on the road. On some occasion you might have to wait for the road workers to signal that you can move ahead. For Kalpa we turn left from the main road and there is steep descent of around 7kms up to Reckong Peo which is the district Headquarters. From here Kalpa is about 15kms further climb. It is a beautiful stretch that is mostly riding through pine forest and lots of tight bends. The air feels much crisper and fresher up here and the cool breeze is a relief after long hours on the hot dusty road.

Day 5: Kalpa to Nako (3662m) 117kms
Enroute we cross a check post at Jhangi where we have to stop for a routine permit and passport check. Nako is the last village of Kinnaur; it is an idealic little Buddhist village. Dotted around the village are tiny shrines and at the very entrance of the village is an old Monastery believed to have been founded by the Great Translator Rinchen Zangpo. The monastery has very interesting and fascinating mural works.

Day 6: Nako to Kaza (3650m) 110kms
Today’s motorbike ride sees us entering the Spiti Valley. We ride through an amazing landscape and glimpses of the cold desert of the Spiti Valley will start from the beginning of the journey today. Initial leg of the journey is up the hill and then we cross the famous Mulling Nala and then start our journey downhill towards the valley floor. Once again today we will cross a military check post at Sumdo; from here the Tibet Border is only a few kilometres away. Enroute we will visit the Tabo Monastery and the Dhankar Monastery.

Day 7: Kaza
A well-deserved break, after all the long motorbike rides and early starts every day. After a leisurely breakfast we will ride to Key Monastery and then Kibber Village, which is one of the highest inhabited villages accessible by road in the world. On the way back we can ride through the village and ride down for a few kilometre from a different route, the gorge that you see while coming down from this route is just amazing and on this gorge is under construction the World’s highest bridge (in term of altitude). Afternoon is free for relaxation, wondering around town for souvenir shopping.

Day 8: Kaza to Chandertal (4250m), 115km
A beautiful ride once again. Today we ride past some magnificent looking villages, the entire ride is very scenic. After crossing the last village of Spiti Valley ‘Losar’, the road would be entirely off roading- dusty and rocky. Once riding down from Kunzum La Pass 4551m, we will take a detour on the right towards Chandertal Lake.

Day 9: Chandertal to Jispa (3200m) 142kms
We will start the day early as today involves tackling a few stream crossing and in the mountains it is best to do that before noon as the water level rises dramatically after noon. Almost half the journey today would be on rough rocking and dusty road. We get some amazing glimpses of glaciers and snow covered mountain and the road is challenging yet inviting. After reaching Gramphu we will get good tarmac covered road all the way to Jispa.

Day 10: Jispa to Tsokar (4530m) 225kms
After a relaxed and easy day yesterday, today will be a long day and we will start early. At Darcha we stop at the police check post and then continue up the winding road to Baralacha La (4890m) and then descend to Bharatpur for a quick chai break. Then we ride on one the most beautiful stretch of road on this journey towards Sarchu. After Sarchu we ride up to cross two more high passes the Lachulung La (5050m) and Nakeela Pass (4740m)

Day 11: Tsokar to Leh, (3500m) 152km
From Tsokar we retrace our route back to the main Manali- Leh Highway. Once on the highway we begin our accent of the Taglang La Pass (5328m). Then begins a wonderful curvy descent. Now onwards you will keep crossing Ladakhi villages and the road is smooth all the way to Leh.

Day 12: Leh (3500m)
After the long days ride yesterday today is a welcome break. After lunch you can go for some local sight- seeing or explore the different markets of Leh.

Day 13: Leh to Pangong (4250m) 170kms
Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake situated at a height of about 4,350m long and extends from India to China. Enroute to Pangong Lake we cross Chang La Pass which is known as the third highest motorable pass in the world. On the way we come across the Changspa people as well, who might have set camp here for the summer to graze their livestock. The road is a mix of good tarmac and some dirt track.

Day 14: Pangong to Khardung La and back to Leh (5359m) 250kms)
Today we retrace our route all the way back to Leh and then we ride 30kms extra towards Khardung La pass, which is one of the highest motorable pass in the World. The ride up this road is beautiful as you get to see the entire Leh city below you and the view keep getting better and better. The ride up to Khardung La is via lots of hairpin bends. We stop at the pass for a hot cup of chai and then make our way back to the city.

Day 15: Departure
Early morning transfer to the Leh Airport.