Offbeat Ladakh Bike Trip | Zanskar & Aryan Valley Expedition 2026

Zanskar | Kargil | Aryan Valley

Ride into the unexplored side of Ladakh with the Offbeat Ladakh Bike Trip – Zanskar, Aryan Valley & High Pass Expedition, a 14-day motorcycle journey crafted for riders who crave remote landscapes, tribal cultures, and extreme Himalayan routes. Beginning in Leh and venturing through Khaltsi, Photoksar, Padum, Rangdum, Parkachik, Kanji, Gharkhon, Hanle, and Tso Moriri, this expedition brings together the wild beauty of Zanskar, the ancient heritage of the Aryan Valley, and the breathtaking high passes of Changthang.

Experience rugged trails through Photoksar and Padum, the glacier-fed valleys of Parkachik, and the untouched tribal settlements of Gharkhon. Ride to the pristine Shashi Lake, explore the vibrant Aryan culture, and cross some of the world’s highest passes including Umling La on your way to the serene shores of Tso Moriri. From dramatic gorges to starlit skies over Hanle, this journey is not just a ride — it’s the ultimate offbeat Himalayan expedition.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Leh
Day 2: Leh to Khaltsi
Day 3: Khaltsi to Photoksar
Day 4: Photoksar to Padum
Day 5: Padum Local Sightseeing (By Taxi)
Day 6: Padum to Rangdum to Parkachik
Day 7: Parkachik to Kargil to Kanji
Day 8: Kanji to Gharkhon via Chiktan (Shashi Lake)
Day 9: Gharkhon Sightseeing & Return to Leh
Day 10: Leh to Hanle via Chumathang
Day 11: Hanle to Umling La/Migla to Tso Moriri
Day 12: Tso Moriri to Leh via Puga
Day 13: Leisure Day in Leh (Market Explore + River Rafting)
Day 14: Departure from Leh

The Offbeat Ladakh Bike Trip – Zanskar, Aryan Valley & High Pass Expedition is more than an adventure — it’s a cultural and spiritual journey across Ladakh’s most isolated regions. Ride through remote valleys, explore ancient tribal settlements, and conquer iconic high-altitude passes that few travelers ever reach. From the dramatic cliffs of Photoksar to the emerald meadows of Gharkhon, and from the extreme heights of Umling La to the tranquil waters of Tso Moriri, every day reveals a new and breathtaking side of Ladakh.

Whether you’re an experienced rider or stepping into the Himalayas for the first time, this expedition promises unmatched landscapes, thrilling routes, and memories that stay with you forever.

Tour Highlights

Leh
Sirsir La
Photoksar
Sham Valley
Padum
Singee La
Shanti Stupa
Leh Palace
Magnetic Hill
Pathar Sahib
Hall of Fame
Sangam Point
Hanle
Chumathang
Kargil
Aryan Valley
Kanji

Sirsir La (15,700 ft)
Singe La (16,490 ft)
Pensi La (14,436 ft)
Taglang La (17,480 ft)
Umling La (19,024 ft)
Mig La (19,400 ft)

Trip Overview

Area

Ladakh

Kilometer

1980 approx

Duration

13 Nights – 14 Days

Max Altitude

19,024 ft/19,400

Number of Passes

Number of Lakes

Trip Start

Leh

Trip End

Leh

Best Time

May to September

Accommodation Details

Duration and Locations:

Leh (1N) → Khalsi (1N) → Photoksar (1N) → Padum (2N) → Parkachik (1N) → Kanji (1N) → Aryan Valley (1N) → Leh (1N) → Hanle (1N) → Tso Moriri (1N) → Leh (2N)

Accommodation:

Leh: The Rangjung Hotel/Travel Inn or Similar
Khalsi: Samyas or Similar
Photoksar: —
Padum: Marc Guest House or Similar
Parkachik: —
Kanji: —
Aryan Valley: Beta Guest House/ Similar
Hanle: Padma Guesthouse or Similar
Tso Moriri: Tso Moriri Lake View or Similar

Get Early Bird Discount upto ₹4,500 Off.

Contect our sales team to Customised your trip

Bike Variant	Price
Own Bike Own Fuel	—-
Himalayan 411cc dual	—-
Himalayan 452cc dual	—-
Himalayan 411cc Solo	—-
Himalayan 452cc Solo	—–

Note: GST 5% Extra

Complimentary for the Trip

🦺 Riding Gears for Rider and Pillion Rider
⛑️ Standard Size Helmet
📆 Participation Certificate

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival in Leh and Acclimatization

Land at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh), one of the highest airports in the world.
Meet our team and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Complete rest is advised today to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude of 11,500 ft.
Enjoy a warm herbal welcome tea and settle into your rooms.
Light lunch at the hotel followed by free time to relax or stroll around the hotel courtyard.
In the evening, take a short, easy walk to the nearby Leh Market if you feel comfortable.
Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 2: Leh to Khaltsi (Sham Valley)

After breakfast, begin your scenic ride towards the lower Indus region.
En route, visit Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a revered spiritual site.
Stop at the mysterious Magnetic Hill and experience its optical illusion.
Continue to the breathtaking confluence of the Indus & Zanskar Rivers at Nimmu.
Ride through the picturesque Sham Valley, known for apricot orchards and traditional villages.
Reach Khaltsi, a peaceful base village surrounded by mountain landscapes.
Check-in to the hotel/homestay and relax for the evening.
Overnight stay in Khaltsi.

Day 3: Khaltsi to Photoksar via Sirsir La

Begin your ride from Khaltsi after an early breakfast.
Follow the remote route toward the inner Zanskar region, passing traditional Ladakhi villages.
Ascend gradually towards Sirsir La Pass (4,760 m) – a thrilling high-altitude pass offering panoramic views of rugged cliffs and open valleys.
Experience the raw beauty of untouched landscapes, minimal traffic, and complete wilderness.
Descend from Sirsir La into the dramatic, narrow gorge leading to Photoksar, one of Ladakh’s most scenic and isolated villages.
Explore the peaceful village, ancient mud houses, and barley fields surrounded by towering mountains.
Evening at leisure with stunning sunset views over the valley.
Overnight stay in Photoksar.

Day 4: Photoksar to Padum Via Singe La

Start your day riding out of the quiet village of Photoksar, heading deeper into the isolated valleys of Zanskar.
Begin the long yet beautiful ascent toward Singe La Pass (5,060 m) — one of the highest and most dramatic passes of the old Zanskar route.
Enjoy breathtaking views of steep canyons, wild rock formations, and complete Himalayan silence.
Descend carefully from Singe La, riding through remote hamlets and crossing wooden bridges over glacial streams.
Continue towards the central Zanskar valley, where the terrain opens into wide golden meadows.
Arrive in Padum, the administrative hub of Zanskar, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and ancient monasteries.
Evening free to explore Padum market or relax after a long high-altitude ride.
Overnight stay in Padum.

Day 5: Padum Local Sightseeing (By Taxi)

After breakfast, explore the cultural heart of Zanskar with a relaxed local sightseeing tour by taxi.
Visit the ancient Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar, offering panoramic views over the entire valley.
Head to Zangla Palace, a historic hilltop fort that once served as the royal residence of Zangla kings.
Continue to Stongdey Monastery, known for its stunning location and vibrant murals.
Drive across green fields and traditional Zanskari villages, witnessing local lifestyle and farming practices.
Return to Padum for a peaceful evening walk around the market or riverside.
Overnight stay in Padum.

Day 6: Padum to Rangdum to Parkachik

Start early from Padum and ride through the wide-open Zanskar plains towards Rangdum, one of the most scenic high-altitude valleys in the region.
Enjoy the dramatic shift in landscapes—from rugged brown mountains to vast meadows surrounded by glaciers.
Stop at the iconic Rangdum Monastery, perched on a small hill with 360° sweeping views of the Suru Valley.
Continue the journey through winding mountain roads toward Parkachik, witnessing the majestic Drang Drung Glacier and the surreal beauty of Penzi La Pass along the route.
Arrive in Parkachik, a peaceful village nestled beneath towering peaks and glaciers.
Overnight stay in Parkachik.

Day 7: Parkachik to Kargil to Kanji

Begin your ride from Parkachik with stunning morning views of the Suru Valley and snow-capped Nun–Kun peaks.
Continue towards Kargil, passing through picturesque villages like Sankoo and Panikhar.
Reach Kargil by midday for a short break, refuel, and enjoy lunch.
After the break, ride towards the remote and beautiful Kanji Village, a hidden gem surrounded by dramatic rock formations and silent wilderness.
The road to Kanji offers a mix of smooth tarmac and off-road patches—perfect for adventure riders seeking untouched landscapes.
Arrive in Kanji by evening and settle into a peaceful stay amidst complete tranquility.

Day 8: Kanji to Gharkhon via Chiktan (Shashi Lake)

Start your journey from the quiet village of Kanji, riding through scenic off-road stretches surrounded by dramatic canyon-like landscapes.
Descend towards the main valley and head to Chiktan, a culturally rich village known for its ancient heritage and mountain views.
Visit the serene and lesser-known Shashi Lake, a beautiful high-altitude freshwater lake perfect for peaceful photography and a short break.
Continue your ride through narrow mountain roads and charming Brokpa settlements as you approach Garkhon, one of the prominent villages of the Aryan Valley.
Arrive in Garkhon by evening and explore the unique culture of the Brokpa tribe.
Overnight stay in the beautiful Aryan Valley region.

Day 9: Gharkhon Sightseeing & Return to Leh

Begin your morning exploring Garkhon, one of the main villages of the Aryan Valley, home to the unique Brokpa tribe known for their distinct culture, traditional attire, and ancient lineage.
Visit local homes, interact with villagers, and understand their rich heritage, folklore, and lifestyle deeply rooted in ancient traditions.
Enjoy a relaxed walk through the lush fields, apricot orchards, and beautifully terraced landscapes of the valley.
After sightseeing, start your return journey along the scenic Indus River, passing through picturesque villages and vast open valleys.
Stop at notable landmarks such as Batalik, Dah, or scenic viewpoints overlooking the Indus Gorge (optional).
Arrive in Leh by late afternoon/evening.
Check in, rest, and enjoy the evening at leisure in Leh market.

Day 10: Leh to Hanle via Chumathang

Depart early from Leh and ride toward the southeast along the beautiful Indus River.
Cross Karu and continue your journey toward Chumathang, a village famous for its natural hot springs nestled along the riverbank.
Take a short break at Chumathang to explore the hot springs and enjoy refreshments.
Continue the drive toward Nyoma and Loma Bridge, completing the inner-line permit checking formalities.
From Loma, proceed toward Hanle, one of the most remote and breathtaking regions of Ladakh.
Arrive in Hanle by afternoon/evening and check in to your homestay.
Later, visit the iconic Hanle Monastery perched on a hill, offering serene panoramas.
At night, enjoy incredible stargazing—Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest in the world.

Day 11: Hanle to Umling La/Migla to Tso Moriri

Start early from Hanle and begin your ascent toward the legendary Umling La Pass (19,024 ft) — one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
Enjoy the surreal high–altitude landscapes, wide open plains, and dramatic mountain formations en route.
Spend time at the pass for photography and breathtaking panoramic views before descending.
If authority permit, Continue your journey toward Mig La, passing through remote high–altitude plateaus with minimal habitation.
Cross Mig La and proceed toward the Kyun Tso twin lakes region.
Ride further toward Tso Moriri, one of Ladakh’s most stunning high–altitude lakes located in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Reach Korzok Village by evening and check in to your campsite/homestay.
Spend the evening relaxing by the lakeside, witnessing the changing colors of the mountains and the serene beauty of Tso Moriri.

Day 13: Leisure Day in Leh (Market Exploration/River Rafting)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Leh, giving yourself time to unwind after days of high-altitude travel.
Spend the first half of the day exploring the vibrant Leh Market — shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, pashmina products, traditional jewelry, dry fruits, and local art.
Visit popular cafés and try local Ladakhi dishes such as Thukpa, Momos, Skyu, or butter tea.
Optional Activity: River Rafting at Sangam (Zanskar & Indus Confluence), Ride to Sangam for an exciting rafting session through scenic gorges.
Enjoy the thrill of navigating rapids while surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
Return to Leh by evening and enjoy a relaxed walk around the city, cafés, or Shanti Stupa for sunset.
Overnight stay in Leh.

Day 14: Departure from Leh

Wake up to the crisp Ladakhi morning and enjoy your final breakfast in Leh.
Depending on your flight timing, you may take a short stroll around the hotel or capture last-minute views of the surrounding mountains.
Check out from the hotel and transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport).
Bid farewell to the mesmerizing landscapes of Ladakh with unforgettable memories of your expedition.
Trip Ends with Beautiful Moments and a Lifetime Experience

What Included

Royal Enfield Himalayan
Fuel as per the itinerary
Accommodation on a Double Sharing basis in comfortable hotels, Campsites, Cottages and Homestay
Meals (breakfast, dinner) throughout the tour
A Backup vehicle for support
An experienced Marshall
An experienced mechanic for assistance
Airport pick-up and drop (Leh to Leh Packages)
Volvo bus tickets from Delhi to Manali and Manali to Delhi (Applied in long trip i.e DMLS/SLMD)
Taxi from Srinagar to Sonamarg/Sonamarg to Srinagar (Applied in long trip i.e DMLS/SLMD)
All necessary permits
Daily maintenance and spare parts
First Aid box in the car
An oxygen cylinder in the car 24/7
All the sightseeing as per the itinerary

What Excluded

Anything not mentioned in the tour inclusion
Cost arising by damage to the bike
Any entrance fee to the monastery and monument
Travel insurance
Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, etc.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) 5%