Duration 11N/12D
Places Covered:Take on one of the world's great high-altitude rides. Over 15 days this supported expedition follows the legendary Manali–Leh Highway across the giant passes of the Indian Himalaya, then pushes deeper into the remote Changthang Plateau to Hanle's dark skies, the turquoise shores of Pangong Lake, the cold desert of Nubra Valley, and a final crossing of Khardung La. Expect barren mountain grandeur, remote Himalayan camps and roughly 900–1,000 km of unforgettable riding, with a support vehicle alongside the group the whole way so you can take each stage at your own strength.
| Travel Mode | Price |
|---|---|
| Room on twin sharing basis | US$ 2460 |
| Single room supplement | US$ 780 |
On arrival at Delhi International Airport you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to rest and recover after your flight. In the evening you'll meet your expedition leader and fellow riders for a detailed pre-expedition briefing covering the route and terrain, acclimatisation, riding technique, safety, hydration and nutrition, bike fitting, luggage and support-vehicle procedures. Meals: Dinner · Overnight: Delhi
An early transfer takes you to New Delhi Railway Station for the Vande Bharat Express to Chandigarh (05:50–08:35; note the train does not usually run on Tuesdays), with breakfast served on board. At Chandigarh you meet the support team and continue by private vehicle into the lower Himalaya, climbing through green valleys, mountain towns and riverside scenery to Manali, where the evening is at leisure. Drive: approx. 320 km (7–8 hrs) · Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Manali
Today is set aside for acclimatisation and preparation. The team fine-tunes each bike to your height and riding position, and the expedition leader runs through gear shifting, braking, group riding, descending and cycling at altitude. Later, enjoy a gentle spin around Manali, Old Manali and the surrounding apple orchards and cedar woods — a chance to test the bike and take in the mountain views before the expedition proper begins. Cycling: approx. 20–25 km · Altitude: approx. 2,050 m · Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Manali
The expedition begins. After breakfast you transfer through the Atal Tunnel to the far side of the Pir Panjal, where the ride sets off into the scenic Lahaul Valley. Following the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, you pass settlements such as Sissu, Tandi and Keylong on the way to Jispa, the valley opening ever wider with views of bare peaks, waterfalls and snow. Jispa is a tranquil riverside spot, ideal for further acclimatisation. Cycling: up to approx. 95 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 3,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Jispa
To aid acclimatisation, today's stage is kept deliberately short. You climb gradually from Jispa through Darcha — one of the last permanent settlements on this stretch — and follow the upper Bhaga Valley through increasingly rugged country, passing Patseo and Deepak Tal to reach the high ground around Zingzing Bar or Bharatpur. The afternoon is for rest and hydration ahead of tomorrow's crossing of Baralacha La. Cycling: approx. 55–65 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 4,200–4,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: fixed camp
A big day through dramatic canyon country beyond Sarchu. You'll take on the famous Gata Loops — a rapid series of hairpins climbing through bare mountainside — then cross Nakee La and Lachulung La, two high passes with sweeping views over the surrounding valleys. A long descent through narrow gorges and wind-carved rock brings you down to Pang, a remote seasonal settlement hemmed in by towering cliffs. Cycling: approx. 85–90 km · Highest point: approx. 5,060 m · Sleeping altitude: approx. 4,600 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Pang
After a climb out of Pang you emerge onto the More Plains, a vast high plateau ringed by bare mountains — one of the most memorable landscapes of the journey. The open ground makes for steady riding, though the wind can make itself felt. Leaving the main highway, you turn towards Tso Kar, a saltwater lake in the Changthang region whose wetlands draw migratory birds, black-necked cranes and wild kiang, and where you may see the camps of Changpa nomads. Cycling: approx. 70–80 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 4,530 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Tso Kar
Today you cross into the remote Changthang Plateau. Given the distance, altitude and isolation, the day mixes cycling with support-vehicle assistance — you ride the scenic sections that suit your fitness and the conditions. The route runs through wide valleys and high wetlands where yak, sheep and pashmina goats graze, ending at Hanle, one of Ladakh's most far-flung villages, known for its monastery and its astronomical observatory. Recommended cycling: approx. 60–100 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 4,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Hanle
A gentler day to let the body recover. After breakfast, visit Hanle Monastery and cycle the surrounding village roads and open valleys, and — subject to local permissions — take in the area around the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Hanle is famed for its dark skies and near-total absence of light pollution, so on a clear night the stargazing and astro-photography are exceptional. Cycling: approx. 20–35 km · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Hanle
Leaving Hanle, you travel through one of the emptiest corners of Ladakh, crossing wide Changthang valleys, small military posts and lonely mountain roads. With considerable distance to cover, the day combines cycling with vehicle transfers. You ride selected stretches of the plateau before Pangong Lake reveals itself between the mountains, its shifting blues and turquoise unforgettable. There's time to walk or ride near the shore on arrival. Recommended cycling: approx. 70–110 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 4,225 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Pangong Lake
After breakfast you set off for Nubra, following the spectacular road through the Shyok Valley, hemmed between soaring mountains and the fast Shyok River. The scenery softens from Pangong's bare shores to the greener villages and sandy terrain of Nubra. You ride selected sections while the vehicle stays close by, arriving at Hunder — famous for its cold-desert dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels. Recommended cycling: approx. 70–100 km · Sleeping altitude: approx. 3,100 m · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Nubra Valley
A lighter day of riding and sightseeing. Cycle through Nubra's villages and farmland and visit Diskit Monastery, watched over by a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Continue to the Hunder dunes and the quiet rural roads and streams around them; an optional Bactrian camel ride can be arranged at the dunes. The shorter distance leaves you fresh for tomorrow's crossing to Leh. Cycling: approx. 30–45 km · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight: Nubra Valley
The expedition's grand finale. You begin with a gradual climb from Nubra towards Khardung village and the high mountain road; given the steep ascent and altitude, ride to your own strength and use the vehicle whenever you need it. Cresting Khardung La- one of India’s most renowned passes- the group celebrates before a long, exhilarating descent to Leh, with fine views over the Indus Valley and the Stok Kangri range. The evening brings a farewell dinner and your expedition certificate. Highest cycling altitude: approx. 5,359 m · Recommended cycling: approx. 60–100 km · Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch & Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Leh
A free day in Leh, with optional sightseeing depending on your schedule — Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, the old market, the Hall of Fame, or the monasteries at Thiksey and Hemis. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Leh
At the appropriate time, transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast
This is our most premium tour- nights are spent in 5★ hotels, luxury resorts, heritage properties and boutique stays, on a half-board basis.
| Destination | Hotel Names | Nights | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Hotel Metropolitan | 01 | Breakfast |
| Manali | Allure Grand | 02 | Half Board |
| Jispa | Padma Lodge Jispa | 01 | Full Board |
| Sarchu | Deluxe Fixed Camp, Sarchu | 01 | Full Board |
| Pang | Dome Camp, Pang | 01 | Full Board |
| Tsokar | Kalzang Residency | 01 | Full Board |
| Hanle | Hanle Sarai | 02 | Full Board |
| Pangong Lake | Luxury Camp near Pangong | 01 | Full Board |
| Nubra Valley | Snow Leopard | 02 | Full Board |
| Leh | The Grand Dragon | 02 | Half Board |
| Month | Conditions |
|---|---|
| June | Snow walls and freshly cleared roads |
| July | Best weather and fully open passes |
| August | Stable, settled riding conditions |
| September | Clear skies and fewer travellers |
The Manali–Leh route is only passable from roughly mid-June to September - making it best season to plan Leh Ladakh Tour. This is the window when every departure runs.
It's one of the most demanding cycling tours in India- challenging by any measure. You will ride roughly 900–1,000 km over multiple 4,000–5,000 m passes, topping out at around 5,359 m on Khardung La. A solid base of cycling fitness is essential, but the itinerary is paced for acclimatisation and the support vehicle lets you ride each stage to your own strength.
The route is staged to acclimatise gradually, with rest and shorter days built in at key points. An oxygen cylinder and first-aid support travel with the group, and the expedition leader monitors riders throughout. You can move to the support vehicle at any time.
Only from roughly mid-June to September, when the high passes are clear of snow and the highway is open. July and August offer the most stable riding; September brings clear skies and fewer travellers. This is a perfect window to plan a Motorbike Trip in Ladakh.
Yes. Inner-line permits for the restricted areas of Ladakh, oxygen support and first aid are all included, along with an A/C train from Delhi to Chandigarh at the start.
A mix of hotels in Manali and Leh and fixed camps, guesthouses and homestays at altitude (Sarchu, Pang, Tso Kar, Hanle, Pangong, Nubra). The remote stages are basic by necessity- part of the adventure.
No. On the longest, highest stages such as Tso Kar to Hanle and Hanle to Pangong- you ride selected scenic sections and use the vehicle for the rest, guided by your fitness, the weather and the expedition leader.
A premium hybrid or MTB and helmet are included and fitted in Manali. E-bike support is available as an upgrade for USD 450 per person, subject to availability.
