Manali Leh Srinagar Bike Trip

Start early and ride through the Atal Tunnel, a 9.5 km engineering wonder that cuts through the Pir Panjal range. Pass through Sissu, Gondhla and Tandi where the Chandra and Bhaga Rivers meet. Ride along the towering peaks to Baralacha La Pass (16,500 ft) the high altitude pass that connects Lahaul to Ladakh. Stop for tea at Zingzingbar and enjoy the raw beauty of the Himalayas before reaching Sarchu, your campsite surrounded by mountains.

Get ready for a day of riding through breathtaking landscapes. Start with the Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that will test even the most experienced riders. Ride through the More Plains, an otherworldly flat terrain at 15,000 ft. Cross Tanglang La Pass (17,582 ft), the third highest motorable pass in the world. Stop at Rumtse for tea and then ride to Leh where the stark beauty of Ladakh awaits.

Today ride through the Khardung La Pass (18,380 ft) the highest motorable road in the world. The thrill of riding to the top is unmatched. Descend into the peaceful Nubra Valley, a region of sand dunes, double humped Bactrian camels and ancient monasteries. Visit the Diskit Monastery where a 32 meter tall Buddha statue resides and then head to Hunder a village in the middle of desert landscape.

Ride to the remote and culturally rich village of Turtuk near the Indo-Pak border. Turtuk was part of Pakistan before 1971 and became part of India after the war. Experience the unique Balti and Ladakhi culture in this beautiful village surrounded by apricot orchards. Interact with locals, visit traditional Balti homes and enjoy the pristine beauty of this last major settlement before the Line of Control. Back to Nubra Valley by evening.

Get ready for a tough but amazing ride to the beautiful Pangong Lake. The Shyok Valley route has water crossings and changing landscapes. Stop at the Shyok River for some photography and enjoy the ruggedness of the landscape. Reach Pangong Lake, the highest saltwater lake in the world, with its blue waters stretching across the India-China border. Walk along the lake and enjoy the view.

Leave Pangong Lake and head back to Leh via Chang La Pass (17,590 ft), the second highest motorable road in the world. Stop at the famous Thiksey Monastery, an architectural wonder and a spiritual hub of Ladakh. Enjoy the views of Indus Valley as you descend to Leh.

Ride to Kargil, a town of great historical importance in India’s military history. Stop at Magnetic Hill, a natural wonder where vehicles seem to move on their own. Visit Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, a peaceful Sikh shrine. Ride through Fotula and Namik La to reach Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest religious sites of Ladakh and known as “Moonland”. Continue to Kargil, the gateway to Zanskar Valley.

The final leg of your journey takes you through Zoji La Pass (11,649 ft) and the picturesque meadows of Sonamarg. Stop at Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on Earth and visit Kargil War Memorial, a tribute to the soldiers of 1999 Kargil War. The ride ends in Srinagar where you will have a farewell get together. You can find some of the Best Places to see in Srinagar on this trip.

As the trip ends, say goodbye to the Himalayas and depart from Srinagar with a big smile. Think of the Manali Leh Srinagar bike trip, the high passes, and the culture and history.