Leh Ladakh Bike Trip With Umling La

  • Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, India, Leh Pickup Point
  • Duration: 7 Nights 8 Days
  • Group size: 15 to 20 people
This 8-day Ladakh expedition is built for those who crave raw landscapes and real adventure. Starting from Leh, the journey gradually unfolds across high-altitude passes, remote valleys, glacial lakes, and culturally rich Himalayan villages.

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Overview

This is 8 days of riding through Ladakh, the real Ladakh. High passes, empty roads, lakes that change colour, villages where most people never go, and one road that sits so high up you will feel it in your lungs.

You will ride over Khardung La, along the Shyok River to Pangong Tso, through the remote stretch to Hanle, and then up to Umling La, one of the highest motorable roads on Earth. Each day takes you further in and every night feels earned.

This trip is built for riders who want to actually ride Ladakh, not just visit it.

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Leh

  • You arrive at Leh airport, check in and take the day easy. At this altitude, rest is not optional, it is the plan.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid doing too much, and let your body settle in.
  • In the evening, take a slow walk through Leh Market, visit Leh Palace and head up to Shanti Stupa for sunset over the mountains.

First night in Leh. Get a good sleep because tomorrow the riding starts and these roads deserve your full attention.

DAY 2 – Leh to Sham Valley

  • After breakfast we ride out to Sham Valley, a great first day on the road with a mix of history and scenery.
  • We stop at the Zanskar and Indus confluence, where two rivers meet in a striking clash of colours.
  • We visit the Hall of Fame, a museum honouring the Indian Army’s operations in Ladakh. Worth the stop.
  • We check out Magnetic Hill, where your bike appears to roll uphill on its own. Good story for later.
  • We visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a peaceful gurudwara sitting quietly in the mountains.
  • We ride back to Leh for dinner and rest.

Tomorrow we cross Khardung La and ride into Nubra Valley. It is a big one.

DAY 3 – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

  • After breakfast we head up to Khardung La, one of the most famous high-altitude passes in the world. The ride up is tough and the view from the top makes every bit of it worth it.
  • We come down into Nubra Valley, where the landscape shifts from rocky mountain to wide open valley with actual sand dunes..
  • Check into your camp / guesthouse, walk around the dunes, and take the evening easy.

Nubra is the kind of place that surprises you. Step outside tonight and look at the sky, you’ll be amazed!

DAY 4 – Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso

  • We leave early and ride to Pangong Tso along the Shyok River route, winding through small villages and mountain views the whole way.
  • Pangong is a saltwater lake at 4,350M that changes colour through the day, deep blue, turquoise, and almost silver depending on the light. Keep your camera out.
  • Check into your camp by the lake and spend the evening however you like.

Sunset at Pangong is something you will not forget easily. Rest well tonight because tomorrow we ride deeper into the east.

DAY 5 – Pangong Tso to Hanle via Rezang La

  • Wake up early and catch the morning light on Pangong Tso. It looks different at sunrise and you will not want to miss it.
  • We ride to Hanle, one of the most remote villages in Ladakh, known for its clear night skies and almost no light pollution.
  • On the way we stop at Rezang La War Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers who fought here in 1962. A quiet and powerful place.
  • Check into your guesthouse in Hanle and take the evening slow.

Hanle at night is something else. Tonight might be the first time you see the Milky Way clearly.

DAY 6 – Umling La Excursion

  • Today we ride to Umling La at about 5,800M, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The air is thin, the road gets technical near the top, and getting there feels like a proper achievement.
  • Take it all in at the top. Sit for a bit, take photos, and let the moment settle.
  • We ride back to Hanle for dinner and rest.

Not many people get to say they rode to Umling La. You just did.

DAY 7 – Hanle to Leh via Chumathang

  • We start the ride back to Leh and stop at Chumathang Hot Springs on the way. Soak your legs in naturally heated water in the middle of open wilderness. It is as good as it sounds.
  • We also stop at Thiksey Monastery, one of Ladakh’s most beautiful monasteries sitting on a hilltop with views of the whole valley.
  • We arrive back in Leh by evening for a farewell dinner with the group.

Last night in Leh. The whole trip is fresh in your head and there is a lot to talk about over dinner.

DAY 8 – Departure from Leh

  • One last breakfast in Leh before you check out and head to the airport.
  • The trip ends here, but the passes, the lakes, the empty roads and the stars above Hanle, that part stays with you.

High passes. Empty roads. Skies full of stars. And the kind of riding that reminds you why you started.

 

Inclusions

7 Nights accommodation (Leh hotel + Nubra / Pangong / Hanle camps or guesthouses) on triple sharing basis; double occupancy for couples subject to availability. Additional charges will be applicable for single occupancy or double sharing.

Meals as per MAP plan: Day 1 – Dinner; Day 2 to Day 7 – Breakfast & Dinner; Day 8 – Breakfast only.

Royal Enfield Himalayan (or equivalent) motorcycle from Day 2 to Day 7 as per itinerary.

Fuel for the entire route as per the planned itinerary only.

Standard helmet and basic protective riding gear (knee & elbow guards).

Experienced Driftmates trip leader and ride captain throughout the expedition.

Dedicated mechanic support for basic on-route repairs.

Backup vehicle for luggage support and emergency assistance.

Inner Line Permits and all required permissions for restricted areas including Nubra, Pangong, Hanle, and Umling La.

Oxygen cylinder and basic first aid support during the trip.

Airport pickup on arrival day and drop on departure day at fixed group timings only.

All sightseeing as mentioned in the detailed itinerary.

 

Exclusions

Airfare / train tickets to and from Leh.

Lunch on all days.

Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, mineral water, snacks, tips, or shopping.

Entry tickets to monuments, monasteries, or attractions (if applicable).

Travel insurance (mandatory but not included in the package cost).

Any additional cost arising due to natural calamities, roadblocks, weather changes, or unforeseen circumstances.

Medical evacuation or hospitalization expenses.

Refundable bike security deposit (if applicable).

Cost of damages caused to the motorcycle during the trip.

Additional accommodation due to early arrival, late departure, or itinerary extension.

GST or applicable taxes if not included in the quoted package price.

Anything not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”.

 

Payment Policy

To confirm your booking, a minimum of 30% of the total trip cost must be paid at the time of booking.

The remaining 70% of the total amount must be cleared at least 30 days prior to the departure date.

In case the booking is made within 30 days of departure, 100% payment is required at the time of booking.

Failure to adhere to the payment schedule may result in automatic cancellation of the booking without prior notice, and applicable cancellation charges will apply.

 

Cancellation Policy

The booking amount (30%) is non-refundable under all circumstances.

Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the departure date will attract a cancellation charge of 20% of the total trip cost.

Cancellations made within 30 days of departure will attract 100% cancellation charges (no refund).

If the remaining balance payment is not cleared within the specified timeline, the booking will stand cancelled automatically and the amount paid will be forfeited without refund.

No refund will be provided for unused services, no-shows, or early exit from the trip.

Map

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Yes. Most inner-Ladakh areas beyond Leh including Nubra, Pangong, Hanle and Umling La approaches require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP) depending on nationality and the exact route. Operators usually obtain these permits in advance, but you must carry original ID and the printed permit while traveling.

  • Domestic travelers need a government ID (Aadhaar/passport/voter ID) and sometimes passport-style photos and personal details. Foreign nationals may need a PAP and additional approvals — always verify based on the passenger’s nationality and current local rules.

  • Recommended bikes are mid-weight ADV machines (e.g., Royal Enfield Himalayan, KTM 390 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS). Riders should be comfortable with long mountain hours, narrow roads, and occasional off-road/gravel. Prior hill-riding experience is strongly advised.

  • Most sealed / smoother roads are until the Leh approaches; sections toward Hanle, Umling La and parts of Changthang include long gravel, broken patches and high-altitude scree. Expect slower progress and technical riding near the high passes. (On-route conditions vary by season and maintenance.)

  • Umling La sits at about 5,800M one of the world’s highest motorable passes. Proper acclimatization (rest day in Leh, gradual ascent), hydration, avoidance of alcohol, and monitoring for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are essential. Operators typically carry oxygen and first-aid kits.

  • Anyone can get AMS, regardless of fitness. Mild symptoms require rest, hydration and descent if worsening. Serious cases need immediate descent and medical evacuation; reputable operators have protocols and oxygen support, and advise emergency evacuation insurance.

  • Fuel pumps are available in Leh and a few larger nodes (e.g., Karu). Beyond Leh, petrol/diesel availability is limited and remote stretches have little or no fuel. Carry extra approved fuel cans or ensure your operator's backup vehicle can carry fuel for remote legs. Plan refuels carefully.

  • Leh: comfortable hotels. Nubra / Pangong / Hanle / Umling La approaches: basic guesthouses or camps; food is simple and local. Don’t expect luxury in remote spots plan for rustic, warm, filling meals. (Operators usually provide meal plan details.)

  • Remote Ladakh requires contingency planning: group support vehicle, mechanic, oxygen, and a plan for helicopter evacuation when necessary. Evacuation requires coordination with authorities and can be costly; travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation is strongly recommended.

  • Snow, landslides, sudden storms and army/security advisories can close routes unexpectedly. Umling La access is weather- and security-dependent; check current road and permit status before departure and be prepared for on-route changes.

  • Will I have mobile network & internet on the route?

  • ATMs exist in Leh and larger towns; after Leh, ATM access is very limited. Carry sufficient cash for remote sections and personal expenses.

From Original price was: ₹35,999.00.Current price is: ₹29,999.00.

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    From Original price was: ₹35,999.00.Current price is: ₹29,999.00.

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