When it comes to road travels, the 'Land of High Passes' (Leh-Ladakh) is the place to be. The mysterious region of Leh-Ladakh stretches from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himalayas in the south, with jaw-dropping scenery as far as the eye can see. If you have not yet experienced the Delhi-Manali-Leh road trip, you are missing out on an incredibly magical adventure.
So, without a question, a bike trip to the tough mountainscape of Leh-Ladakh is at the top of every avid biker's bucket list. However, conquering the refractory mountainous terrain of Leh-Ladakh is not for every rider! You may encounter severe, unruly roads, particularly on your journey to Leh, but the stunning sights along the way more than compensate for the discomfort. However, to help you navigate the harsh landscape of this Himalayan wonderland, here's your Leh-Ladakh bike tour guide to make your ride exciting and safe.
Travel destinations in Leh-Ladakh
If you enjoy unconventional travel, a bike journey to Leh-Ladakh is something you should try. As you begin your journey from the concrete jungles to the Valley of the Gods, the air becomes chilly and crisp with each kilometer you travel. Ride across high-altitude mountains and endure tremendous twists and turns to reach this Himalayan retreat, which conjures up an ethereal vision of lofty, snow-draped peaks, falling valleys and charming monasteries. Here are the best areas to ride through in Leh-Ladakh:
Pangong Lake: Perched magnificently on the Changthang plateau in eastern Ladakh, this 134-kilometer-long pristine blue beauty will more than revitalize your fatigued body and mind, making the hard trip worthwhile. The world's highest saltwater lake will captivate you from the moment you see it! An idyllic area to stretch your legs after a bike ride, spend some time in tranquility by the Pangong Lake, and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Pangong Lake, adorned with snowy mountains and golden sun rays gleaming on the lake against the backdrop of bright twirls of minerals in a starkly desert terrain, produces a strange spectacle for both the eyes and the soul.
Zanskar Valley: Zanskar Valley's main feature is its remoteness. Conquering the steep slopes of this valley, which is nestled in one corner of Ladakh between two mountain lakes, is no easy task! Ride over impressively mountainous terrain under soothing blue sky, taking in the splendour of the Trans-Himalayan region's vast landscapes, dreamy cave monasteries, and villages.
Magnetic Hill: As they say, 'nature works in mysterious ways'! The mystical section of Magnetic Hill encourages bikers to participate in a mysterious encounter. At 14,000 feet, you wouldn't be able to tell if it's reverse gravity or an optical illusion. Ride on this remarkable stretch that operates curiously, dragging automobiles uphill while defying gravity.
Khardung La Pass: Imagine freewheeling down the world's highest road pass, soaking in the breathtaking view that stretches all the way from the snow-covered mountains to the emerald-green oasis of Upper Leh! Khardung La Pass, located approximately 40 kilometers from Leh, has a vertigo-inducing altitude of 18,379 feet. It is regarded as one of India's most perilous motorable highways, challenging the patience of even the most experienced riders. A ride along the 'Pass of Lower Castle' is a must-do while here.
Nubra Valley: Once you arrive in this lovely hideaway, you will be stunned by its complete tranquillity and natural splendor! An austerely magnificent tuft of land sitting in remote isolation, your heart and soul will leap with ecstasy as you sail through this breathtaking valley. Allow your eyes to behold the tremendous grandeur of this valley, which is adorned with charming monasteries, vibrant orchards, verdant oasis settlements, and the rare sight of Bactrian camels in a thrillingly stark, arid-white background.
Consider using New Delhi as a base for your bike ride to Leh-Ladakh. Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh are the two main routes, with adequate highways and beautiful scenery along the way. Here are the details about the two routes:
Route 1: Delhi - Jalandhar - Jammu - Srinagar - Kargil - Leh - Karu - Sarchu - Manali - Delhi
Approximate Distance: 2,295 kilometers
Route 2: Delhi - Manali - Sarchu - Pangi - Leh - Khardung La - Nubra - Kargil - Srinagar - Delhi
Approximate Distance: 3,649 kilometers
With the seasons playing out at great odds in Ladakh, there is a lot of misconception about when is the best time to visit Leh Ladakh by bike. This is primarily due to the closure of Ladakh's access points, Zoji La and Rohtang Pass, during the winter season. Furthermore, because of the regular landslides, these access places might be difficult to navigate during the monsoon. This creates a little window of opportunity throughout the year to visit Ladakh's moonscapes.The months of June to September are considered the finest time to visit Ladakh. Aside from these months, you can also go on a Ladakh bike tour in the winter, but the weather make riding in Leh-Ladakh quite tough.
